Not So Thoroughly Modern

This past weekend, Thoroughly Modern Millie closed at The North Shore Theatre of Wilmette (now in their 60th year!) This up beat, fast moving, colorful show was missing just that.

Let's start with the positives of the show. Overall the show was sung well. Jimmy, played by Jameson Wentworth App, and Muzzy, played by Anita Silvert, were stand out singing performances. The choreography (Kirsten Markham) of the show was fun and executed well.

What the show lacked was direction! Jokes were missed, character connections were lost, and many songs/scenes involved the actors just sitting or standing facing the audience. Tempo was a huge factor in lack of direction. Time between lines allotted semi trucks to pass through. Musical numbers were slow and under tempo. Maybe this was to allow the cast to dance/sing at a comfortable pace, but did not work for the audience.

Costumes lack color and style. Millie starts the show singing about how amazing and modern New York City is and the ensemble emerges all in brown. How is brown a modern color?

Most actors were on the edge of getting their characters right. If they just had a little more push, a little more direction to get them were they needed to be, they would have got their. Unfortunately for Millie and Jimmy (played by Annie Jo Fisher & Jameson Wentworth App respectably), they needed a little more than a push. Their love/hate relationship was never seen. Millie had no facial expressions and lacked emotion in her voice as well. Jimmy sang beautifully, but had awkward pauses throughout the show and unusual eye contact with other actors on stage.

The house was lively, but small and most likely were friends or family members who had all ready seen the show a few times.

Overall, the show was a modest take on the material which lacked in enthusiasm and direction.

http://www.wilmettepark.org/node/559

Where did April go?

Hello Y'all,

Just wanted to post and apologize for not reviewing/posting any shows in April. The first half of the month I was working on my own show of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and the second half of the month I was out of town.

There will be a few new posts in the next few days and plenty more in the month of May!

It’s All About RAGTIME!

Stunning, moving, and beautiful. Go see it! I could just stop there, but I think that would be a boring post. But truth be told, it was simply stunning, moving, and beautiful and if you can, you should go see it.

I don’t really even want to name cast members and talk about how wonderful they were because the entire cast is just wonderful. The sound that is created as a group and as soloists is like sitting in heaven. They all can really sing! Man can they sing! I love great vocals in shows. I have seen many shows that I have liked and enjoyed but when a show has a cast with amazing vocals, it changes everything. You get caught up not in there words but in their emotions. Maybe it is similar to Opera in a foreign language, listening with your heart instead of your brain. Just superb!

Rachel Rockwell’s vision for this show is told through tight intentional staging, multi levels and pools of light, gliding set changes and actors crossing the stage. Projections of landscapes, buildings, and factors fill the back wall. Elevator lifts from the center stage bring cast members in and out (first preview the lift malfunctioned and the show stopped, but got moving shortly after).

What I loved was the conversation that started with the audience members around me before, at intermission, and at the end. People were excited to be there, to see, watch, and listen. People who have seen the show and some who have never. I think there will be a lot of return audience members to this show. I know that I will be one of them.

Ragtime plays at The Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook now through May 23^rd, 2010.

www.drurylaneoakbrook.com

Anything Goes? Not Always.

Deerfield High School recently closed their winter musical, Anything Goes, which is one of Cole Porter’s finest shows. A ramp comedy with classics songs such as “You’re The Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.” And of course “Anything Goes.” But even with a great show, sometimes things just don’t work out.

For the most part, the cast sang the show very well. Reno Sweeney, played by Kellie Goddard, acted and sang the show very well. What surprised me was the fact she sang down “Anything Goes.” Due to this, the Act I finally was flat and dull. He did come back in Act II to sing with power ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” which ended up being her best vocal or the night. Stand –out performance go to Elias Wygodny (Billy) and Moonface Martin (Rahm Sivergate). Their comic timing was sharp and witty when together, but lacked with other cast members. The jokes in the show seemed slow and forgotten. Was this a case of lacking energy from the cast or did the director push the show this direction?

Speaking of the director, I was very impressed to learn that she also choreographed the show. A lot of work to direct and choreography a musical, especially at the high school level. Unfortunately, ever dance seemed the same. Most numbers had the entire cast on stage, doing simple routines all facing out in lines. The biggest movement on stage was during the tap sequence in “Anything Goes” and even then everything stayed in a line.

Costumes seemed mix-matched and out of place. Many did not fit the cast and others were fantastic. The set was large and ship like. Worked well for the show.

Not the greatest rendition of Anything Goes, but for the most part at least the music was sung well. One of my theatre guests said, “It’s sorta like a radio show, you just can sit back and listen, and the you don’t have to think much.”

Northwestern ROCKS with Tommy!

This past weekend Northwestern University closed their Rock opera production of The Who’s Tommy. If you did not get a chance to see this mostly sold-out show, I am sorry. This was a truly fantastic evening of theatre at it best!

What made it so good? The band and cast created a great night. Set on stage with the actors, the band acted as an actual concert, with the actors performing in front of them and sometimes interacting with the group. Nice balance of sound and voice once the sound mixer got through the first few minutes of the show. Once the microphone issue was fixed, the blend was great.

The show worked perfectly with a group of mirrors acting as portals and also transformed into a pinball machine. Just beautiful! Some of the choreography was a little over choreographed but for the most part, everything worked. A great scene in the opening of Act 2 reveals the daily routine of mom and dad with chairs. Each time the day ended to start the next they moved their chairs further part from each other. What a great way to show distance grown over time!

The energy exerted from the cast was what made it so fun. Kudos have to go to Reed Wilson (Tommy) whose voice is heavenly and acting is superb and to Andi Alhadeff (Acid Queen) who blew it out of the water! Sexy, strong, perfect! The final song was performed in a line at the front of the stage, very Rent like, and sang to the audience. Wonderfully done, but a few cast members were more "in to it" than others and made for a funny affect. Not sure if this was the directors choice or if it came from emotion of the run.

I forget that Northwestern is right in the backyard and that there work is exceptional! It a great inexpensive, enjoy night out!

No Buddy Blues at LuPone and Patinkin!

Eager fans packed the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago on Tuesday night for the opening of An Evening With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. I would have written about this event early this week, but I got caught up with work. If you have read any of the reviews, many are saying what a team they are and how wonderful the concert was. I agree they are an amazing team of performers and the show was just wonderful. The reviews also mention that the program stated the Act One closer would be ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’, and in fact, Patti did not sing this. I got over that fact very quickly.

What wowed me the most was the music they choice from South Pacific, Carousel, and Merrily We Roll Along, beautiful song and staged. All songs blending into the next, creating the transition for the love story they created on stage. Some shocking and odd choices/transitions were ‘Getting Married Today’ which followed ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and a well sung ‘Somewhere That’s Green’ by Patinkin. Act Two showstoppers of ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’ sung by LuPone and ‘The-God-Why-Don’t-You-Love-Me Blues’ by Patinkin showcasing each performer’s strength. From LuPone’s power house voice and control to Patinkin’s tone and vaudevillian style acting.

The stage consisted of standing lights spread through out creating an intimate mood. As much as I loved this show in the theatre, I kept thinking how magical this night would be under the Pavilion at The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. Even after the show while walking to the parking garage, I pictured driving home along Sheridan with the sunroof open and windows down. I guess I will have to wait for the summer to have this image a reality.

Ann Reinking did a fine job choreographing cutesy and corny routines for the performing pair. The best was set to ‘April In Paris’ and “April in Fairbanks’ where the pair spun around on 2 rolling office chairs.

People will get over not hearing anything from Evita and Sunday in The Park with George. The show is delightful and a must see! An Evening With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin plays through March 7^th at The Cadillac Palace in Chicago.

www.broadwayinchicago.com

Spring is almost here!

What a great lyric to be singing with all this snow. It sure felt like spring at Standing Ovation Theatre’s production of A Year with Frog and Toad Kids this past Saturday at The Village Church of Gurnee. Standing Ovation is a new children’s theatre company to Lake County and Frog and Toad marked one of their first productions. They have a few more shows this spring and summer lined up as well as a choral group.

Frog and Toad Kids is a simple short version of the show, keeping the favorite songs and scenes. The cast ranged from 5 years old to 12 years old. The best part of children’s theatre is when the cast is super excited to perform their show! And this cast sure was! So excited, that the opening number may have been a little rushed, but slowed down to tempo eventually. The set and costumes were very cute and simple, but worked just fine for this simple show. The choreography was a perfect fit for the show and the cast really did a fine job with it.

Stand out performance has to go to Sadie LaBelle who played the snail. Her slow motion run across the stage was fantastic and her vocals matched. Parents in the audience (a very good sized house turn-out) laughed and smiled all the way through the show. A Great sign for children’s theatre!

I look forward to what Erin Ormond, Director and Owner, does next. Gurnee is very fortunate to have an up and coming children’s theatre in their town. Check out what’s next for Standing Ovation at www.standingotheatre.com

A Round of APAW-AUSE!

Highland Park Players this past weekend closed their theatre for young audiences production of Snoopy! I went this past Saturday to the 1pm show with one of my child actors from my upcoming production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Thus the reason to go see Snoopy!

The show it self is not the greatest. It does not even compare to the fun and good tunes of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, but it does have its spirit! The show has a similar style to that of its counter musical, snippets of a day in the life of Charlie Brown. There wasn’t much from the view point of Snoopy to give the title of the show his name. The songs are short and easy and no song sticks out.

The set was very minimal, a few clouds, some grass, and the doghouse. The props were exceptionally fun and creative. Cutout foam board with a cartoon stylized drawing from lunch bags and cloud shapes, to note books and Woodstock signs. The costumes were cartoon stylized as well. T-shirts with black fabric marker to outline collars and dots. Lucy and Sally wore t-shirts as well. It worked but I wish they had been more true to the comic and wore dresses.

The show was well sung and acted. Even the dancing Woodstock added a great bit of fun to the show. Over all the show was cute, fun, and good for children. There were a few vocal problems and dark spots center stage. The choreography was simple, but executed well. My play date (age 12) enjoyed the show as well. She made mention that the show was short and so were the songs. She thought Lucy was perfectly cast.

I think Highland Park has a great group in their city. I am excited to see an ‘adult’ show done by this group. For more info, check out www.highlandparkplayers.com

To Life!

Simplicity truly can be the best way to do things. Marriott Theatre always can find a way to make shows work and Fiddler on The Roof works! Let's jump right in with the cast. Paula Scrfonio as Golde is wonderful. The three daughters, Dara Cameron as Hodel, Jessie Mueller as Tzeitel, and Laura Scheinbaum as Chava, are perfect together on stage as they are apart. Motel, played by Andrew Keltz is a joy to watch on stage. Even with this great cast on stage, Fiddler requires a great Tevye and Ross Lehman is just that. Mr. Lehman's witty charm, command of the stage, and emotion poured into every scene makes the audience fall in love with him.

Okay, okay, enough! Here is why it works. The set is simple, beautiful, and practical. The multi-levels, beams, and fences set the mood of a time where possessions matter little and family mattered everything. The vocals are great. The staging is great. The dancing is great! The cast is having fun!

Opening night audience is always something special. The mood in the theatre is different, more alive maybe. Over-all, this is a great show to see. A true re-thought musical by Marriott. This posting is short and sweet as I don't have much to say. My biggest complaint is that there where a few line mess ups. I suggest seeing this show. I know I will be going again very soon!

Fiddler on The Roof plays at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire though April 25th, 2010. www.marriotttheatre.com

The 101 Dalmatians Musical

Actors on stilts! I never really got over this fact. It was a good idea, but the illusion just made all the "people" look like they could not walk! The 101 Dalmatians Musical must likely is not the greatest choice for a musical. If I were 7, I think I would have gotten wrapped up in the world they created on stage. All the actors on stage, did a fine job. There were a few vocal problems, maybe just this performance, but they all did great with what they had (which was not much). The kids in the show really did the best job. At least they had dance numbers. Choreographers beware, adults on 12 inch stilts creates limited mobility! Most numbers consisted of standing in place with limited arm movement. My play date, Penny, left the theatre singing "Be a Little Bit Braver," not to my liking. Mainly due to the fact that this song showed up in the show 3 times, creating the only possible choice for an audience member to remember.

Sara Gettelfinger did a fine job with Cruella De Vil, but Cruella is such a one-dimension character it would be hard to screw up. She likes fur, she steals puppies, wants to kill puppies, losses puppies, and then dies, THE END. Part of me wishes that I would have been able to see Rachel York play the role, as I have seen her on stage before, but she recently dropped the show. Wonder why?

The parts of Jasper and Jinx (played by Michael Thomas Holmes and Robert Anthony Jones) had the show stopping number in the second act, "Having the Crime of Our Lives." Well, it would have been a show stopper if the average age of the audience was not 12. This number may have had the most "choreography" for anyone in the stilts.

I not going to bad mouth this show, other reviews have all ready done that. I think this is a great show for the family, but dont expect anything out of it. The live dogs are way too cute, the songs are so-so, and the jokes are bad.

The 101 Dalmatian Musical plays though February 28th at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago.www.broadwayinchicago.com

First one!

It seems that all my friends have blogs these days and I guess I felt a little left out. Since, I work in the luxurious world of theatre, I thought it best to write about theatre.

I truly do enjoy going to the theatre. It is always a fun event, from what to wear, who to go with, where to eat, finding parking, and then the actually show. In any given week, I see tours, regional, college/high school, community, children's, and other types of theater. The thing that has bothered me for awhile is that no one reviews short-running 'community shows." Now, I understand that a one-weekend run may not be worth reviewing if your paper is weekly or if you happen to catch the last performance. But, I do think it is important for people to know what their community produces.

So, I am going to write about the shows I see in hopes that the Chicago-land area gets a better idea of the quality and quantity of theatrical houses in and around their communities.