Posts Tagged ‘Tim Rice’

The Muny Plays a Brilliant Game with Dazzling, Complicated “Chess”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , on July 8, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Chess
Music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Based on an Idea by Tim Rice
Directed and Choreographed by Josh Rhodes
The Muny
July 6, 2023

Jarrod Spector, John Riddle and Cast of Chess
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

The Muny’s lates production has been much anticipated by theatre geeks like me. Chess is one of those shows that’s celebrated for its spectacular score and intriguing concept, but has had trouble over the years assembling all the component parts into a show that works, especially in terms of the book and story details. It’s basically been a “work-in-progress” for roughly 40 years, but it’s such a fun one, and such a great showcase for performers and voices, that its been tinkered with and re-staged–both in concert form and as full productions–in various forms since the 1980s. At the Muny, the cast is stellar and the visuals and staging are spectacular, and even though the book problems are still there, I’m not sure how much that matters since the end result is just so  supremely intriguing and entertaining.

With music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, and lyrics by the celebrated Tim Rice, Chess started as a best-selling concept album in 1984, followed by a stage production in London in 1986 and a revamped Broadway version in 1988. Since then, there have been many productions and recordings, with the Broadway album (on cassette tape) being my real introduction to the show when I was a teenager (aside from the radio hit “One Night in Bangkok” a few years earlier). This is one of those shows that inspires passion in its fans, and while I don’t consider myself an uber-fan of the show, I’ve had a fondness especially for its score since those days listening to that tape and singing along with my brother. I’ve heard various recordings over the years, as well as parts of the filmed concert that aired on PBS a few years ago, but I hadn’t gotten the chance to see it live until now. As I  imagine many other “musical geeks” in the audience feel, I’m grateful to the Muny for staging such a vibrant, full-scale production that features some truly breathtaking visuals and magnificent voices. 

The story is tied to its time, with a setting around 1986, when the show first debuted in London. It parallels the world of international competitive chess with the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. Strategies, gameplans, and manipulations are not just confined to the chess board, as governments’ reputations become involved, as well as the lives and loves of the people involved in the game. The first act focuses on the World Championship matchup between American champion Frederick “Freddie” Trumper (Jarrod Spector) and Soviet challenger Anatoly Sergievsky (John Riddle), and all the political and personal intrigue that surrounds the match, as well as their highly contrasting personalities and complicated personal relationships. The central figure, though, is Florence Vassy (Jessica Vosk), who serves as Freddie’s second as well as being romantically involved with him. The Hungarian-born, mostly American-raised Florence finds herself exasperated with Freddie’s ego and unpredictability while finding herself mutually attracted to Anatoly, who faces pressures from his handlers to put the interests of his government ahead of his own. As the story plays out, the politics and personalities get more complicated, and Anatoly’s loyalties are challenged, with his Soviet handlers bringing his estranged wife Svetlana (Taylor Louderman) into the mix to help keep him in line. The story can get a little muddled at times and hard to follow, especially since much of it is opera-like with large portions of sung dialogue, but wow, that score! With classics like “Nobody’s Side”, “Pity the Child”, “Anthem”, “Someone Else’s Story”, and “I Know Him So Well”, and the dynamic staging by director Josh Rhodes and a top-notch creative team, this show manages to keep interest even when the relationships and complications can occasionally feel rushed or incomplete.

What shines through the most in terms of the story is the love of the pure game of chess, and that theme also provides an excellent basis for the visuals. The spectacular set by Edward E. Haynes, Jr. and dynamic video design by Alex Basco Koch form a stylish backdrop for the action, as well as emphasizing the chess themes and kinetic energy of the staging. Rob Denton’s striking lighting also contributes to the overall flair of the show, as do Emily Rebholz’s detailed, stylish period costumes. The staging is vibrant and energetic, with a fantastic, enthusiastic ensemble that supports the excellent leads and works as a cohesive group in the various production numbers featuring director Josh Rhodes’s precise choreography.

As for the leads, they are truly stellar, led by a magnificent, powerfully sung turn by Vosk as Florence, who makes an ideal focal character for the story. Spector is also memorable as the cocky Freddie, with strong vocals on his songs, especially the searing, emotional “Pity the Child”. Riddle, as Anatoly, is also strong, with lush vocals on his signature song “Anthem” and good chemistry with Vosk’s Florence. Louderman also makes the most of her relatively small role as Svetlana, turning in a strong duet with Vosk on “I Know Him So Well” and delivering an emotional, relatable “Someone Else’s Story”. There are also memorable performances from Rodney Hicks as Walter De Courcey, a member of Freddie’s entourage who is more than he may first seem; Tally Sessions as Alexander Molokov, Anatoly’s manipulative second; and Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Arbiter, who narrates some of the show and referees the chess tournaments, who shows off some impressive dance moves. The cast works well together, with strong vocal harmonies that highlight the iconic score, even though there is some muddled sound mixing that makes the group singing hard to understand at times. The performers are backed by a first-rate band, as well, led by music director Jason DeBord.

I remember being excited when the Muny first announced this production, and I’ve seen a good deal of enthusiasm among theatre fans online, especially considering the impressive cast, and the fact that this show isn’t produced as much as fans would like. Overall, I would say this production was well worth the wait. Yes, Chess is a show with a complicated history, and at this point I’m not sure if there will ever be an ideal book, but the concept and especially the music make this a beloved show among its fans, and it’s got plenty to please those who may not have heard of it, as well. It’s also sponsored by the St. Louis Chess Club and World Chess Hall of Fame and Museum, which emphasizes the longtime connection that St. Louis has with the game of chess. It’s a dazzling, must-see triumph for the Muny. 

Jessic Vosk (Center) and Cast of Chess
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

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The Muny Brings Energy and Heart to Crowd-Pleasing “Beauty and the Beast”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2023| 1 Comment »

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by John Tartaglia
Chorographed by Patrick O’Neill
The Muny
June 23, 2023

Cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a modern classic. Whether it’s the original animated film, the stage production, or the more recent live action film version, this story has found a large, enthusiastic audience over the years. Currently in St. Louis, the Muny is staging a huge, heartfelt production that especially showcases its two leads, as well as an energetic ensemble and some impressive production values. 

Considering its adaptations and the enduring popularity of the original movie, the Disney version of the classic tale is perhaps even more well-known than its source story, at least in America. It’s so popular that it has even spawned many memes and jokes, as well as fan theories that, although inaccurate in my opinion, are widely repeated. But  regardless of what you may think of the story, there’s little doubt that it’s popular, and that the iconic image of Belle in her gold dress and the Beast in his blue coat is easily recognizable by many. The stage show takes the familiar story, with all its iconic moments from the film, and fleshes it out a bit, including some darker moments that aren’t included in the original film, as well as some memorable new songs, and a bit more focus on the servants in the Beast’s castle, who have been transformed into household objects by the same spell that turned the selfish young Prince into a Beast, who is hoping to find true love so he and everyone in his household can become human again.

Belle is the focus character, as is usual, and she’s as strong-willed and intelligent as ever, while being seen as odd by her neighbors in a small French village, and as an object of vanity by the good-looking but self-obsessed Gaston. When Belle makes a deal with the Beast to free her father, the heart of the story is set into motion, and we see how she becomes a catalyst for the Beast’s self-reflection and eventual change. The stage show takes a little more time to explore this relationship, as well as the relationship between the Beast and his servants, including Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts; as Gaston continues to plot to get his way, leading to an inevitable confrontation. 

The Muny and director John Tartaglia have assembled an excellent cast for this production, led by Ashley Blanchet in a terrific turn as a particularly strong-willed, relatable Belle. Blanchet also has a powerful voice that shines on solo songs like “Home” as well as production numbers like the opening song. Ben Crawford, as the Beast, is also excellent, with strong vocals, memorable stage presence, and excellent chemistry with Blanchet as well as a believable rapport with his household staff, who are all well-cast. Kelvin Moon Loh as the charming Lumiere and Eric Jordan Young as the fastidious Cogsworth especially stand out, and Ann Harada as Mrs. Potts also has some memorable moments, although her voice isn’t quite as strong as those of others I’ve seen in the role. There are also some fun moments from Debby Lennon as opera singer-turned-wardrobe Madame de la Grande Bouche, Holly Ann Butler as maid-turned-feather duster Babette, and Michael Hobin as Mrs. Potts’s son Chip, who has been transformed into a teacup. Claybourne Elder hams it up impressively as the villainous Gaston, as well, matched by Tommy Bracco in a hilarious performance as sidekick LeFou. There’s also a strong ensemble playing everyone from townspeople to enchanted objects, who lend energy and enthusiasm to the production numbers, memorably choreographed by Patrick O’Neill and occasionally featuring some eye-catching pyrotechnics.

Visually, the show is recognizable as the Disney classic while also featuring its own spin on the classic look. The set by Ann Beyersdorfer is versatile and detailed, aided by memorable video design by Greg Emetaz, which for the most part is excellent, although there is one unintentionally humorous video moment late in the show that detracts from the overall weight of an important scene. The lighting by Jason Lyons and detailed costumes by Robin McGee also add to the entertaining and occasionally thrilling atmosphere of the production, along with some whimsical puppets designed by Andy Manjuck and Dorothy James. There’s also a great Muny Orchestra led by music director Ben Whiteley, playing that lush, melodic score with style.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Muny is, for the most part, a rousing success. It’s a classic tale of love, compassion, and standing out from the crowd, brought to Forest Park again with wit, style, and and occasional touches of whimsy, melancholy, and glamour. Although some moments may be scary for very young children, this is a show that should appeal to all ages, and the crowd certainly loves it. It’s another entertaining entry in the Muny’s 2023 season. 

Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

The Muny is presenting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Forest Park until June 30, 2023

This review was originally posted at kdhx.org

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STAGES Dazzles with Poignant, Powerful “Aida”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Aida
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang
Directed and Choreographed by Luis Salgado
STAGES St. Louis
June 7, 2023

Wonu Ogunfowora (center) and Cast of Aida
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
STAGES St. Louis

STAGES St. Louis is back for another season, and their first production is spectacular. With a stellar cast and truly spellbinding production values, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida has made an indelible impression on audiences. Its a poignant, compelling story, as well as showcase for a great deal of astonishing talent, including some very welcome returning artists and some excellent STAGES newcomers.

With the exception of a framing device at the beginning and end, the story is set in ancient Egypt, during a war between Egypt and the country of Nubia. The Nubian princess Aida (Wonu Ogunfowora) is captured early in the story along with some of her countrywomen, and is brought into slavery in Egypt. The strong-willed Aida stands up to the military leader who captures her, Captain Radames (Ace Young), and both feel drawn to one another, with initial reluctance especially on Aida’s part. As for Radames, he’s engaged–for nine years–to the Pharaoh’s daughter, the initially flighty Princess Amneris (Diana DeGarmo), who loves Radames but increasingly doubts that he feels the same way about her. Meanwhile, Radames’ scheming father, chief minister Zoser (Ryan Williams) schemes to get his son on the throne as soon as possible, and the enslaved Nubians spurred on by the determined Mereb (Albert Jennings) hope to someday return to freedom in their home country. As the attraction between Aida and Radames grows, she keeps her identity as a princess secret, but forces are conspiring against them and threaten their hope of a future together, as well as the hopes of the Nubians and anyone who desires peace and freedom. The memorable score by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice help to drive the story that features timeless themes of striving for love, hope, freedom, and the terrors of greed and injustice. 

The cast here is wonderful, with standout performances from all three main leads, as well as the rest of the cast. The anchors, though, include the stellar Ogunfowara as the strong-minded Aida, with a powerful voice on songs like “Easy as Life” and her memorable duets with the also excellent Young, who has a pleasant tenor voice and brings a sense of warmth to Radames that rises to the surface as his relationship with Aida grows. DeGarmo as Amneris is another significant standout, with her sheer stage presence and remarkable vocals, as well as her ability to portray her character’s progression from flighty and sheltered to more self-aware and determined, as demonstrated remarkably in her two big songs–the energetic “My Strongest Suit” in the first act, and the more emotional, expertly sung “I Know the Truth” in the second. Other notable performances include Jennings, who is thoroughly convincing as the idealistic Mereb; and Williams, who revels in every oily moment as the nefarious, scheming Zoser. There’s a strong supporting cast with no weak links, as well as excellent vocals all around, with memorable group numbers like “The Gods Love Nubia” showcasing their talents, as well as the stunning choreography by director/choreographer Luis Salgado, who makes a triumphant return this year after last year’s excellent In the Heights. 

Technically, this show also dazzles, with all the elements blending together to tell this compelling story. The versatile set, by Kate Rance, features neon pyramids that go along with the bright “glow stick” like rods that are used to great effect in the choreography. Herrick Goldman’s lighting is also superb, contributing to some truly spectacular effects as the story unfolds, and Brad Musgrove’s meticulously detailed costumes are equally impressive, lending a bit of edgy modern twist to the ancient Egyptian setting and motifs. The orchestra, led by music director Erika R. Gamez, sounds great, bringing power to the already excellent score. 

It was great to see Executive Producer Andrew Kuhlman onstage after the curtain call, bringing many of the backstage crew and creatives to the stage for a well-deserved ovation. There’s a lot of talent involved in this production of a timeless story poignantly and memorably told.  Simply speaking, Aida at STAGES is a production that’s not to be missed. 

Diana DeGarmo, Ace Young, and Cast of Aida
Photo by Phillip Hamer Photography
STAGES St. Louis

STAGES St. Louis is presenting Aida at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center until July 2, 2023

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Go, Go, Go, Muny! Joyous “Joseph” Closes the Season in Style

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on August 14, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed and Choreographed by Josh Rhodes
The Muny
August 13, 2022

Jason Gotay, Jessica Vosk
Photo by Julie A. Merkle
The Muny

The Muny is closing out its 2022 summer season with a bright, colorful, truly joyful performance of a crowd-pleasing classic. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been done a few times at the Muny before, and this is the third production I’ve seen there. As with any production of this show, though, each one has had its own unique style and energy. Joseph… is one of those shows that lends especially well to different direction and interpretations, and this latest production is a prime example of a staging that retains the “essence” of the show but also does its own thing, with a superb cast and its own dazzling, colorful style.

The story, based on the biblical tale from the book of Genesis, follows Joseph (Jason Gotay) on his journey from favored son of Jacob (Eric Jordan Young), to being sold into slavery and taken to Egypt, to being sent to jail, to rising to a place of prominence in the court of Pharaoh (Mykal Kilgore). All the while, it’s framed as a story being told by a Narrator (Jessica Vosk), and the Muny Kids and Teens are used especially well in this production, as the children’s chorus who listen to the Narrator’s tale and in various roles throughout the story. The show also features a variety of musical styles, from country to rock, to pop, to calypso, and more. It’s Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first collaboration, first written as a short production for a school choir, and expanded over the years. It’s not a heavy or deep show, but it’s a whole lot of fun, and an excellent showcase for its leading performers as well as some key featured roles. 

As I’ve mentioned, this show is especially versatile, and I’ve never seen two productions that looked the same, although they all managed to maintain that overall energetic and fun spirit. This production is big, bright, and colorful, as is fitting for the Muny stage, with a whimsical set by  Edward E. Haynes, Jr. that blends elements of the ancient and the modern. Leon Dobkowski’s costumes are also striking, from the Narrator’s pop-star glamour looks to Joseph’s more laid-back (mostly) looks, to more flashy looks for Pharaoh and Potiphar (also played by Young), as well as a variety of looks for the ensemble to suit the various production numbers. There’s also excellent atmospheric lighting by Jason Lyons, dynamic video design by Greg Emetaz, and fun puppet designs by Dorothy James and Andy Manjuck. There’s also a great Muny Orchestra led by music director Charlie Alterman, playing those catchy tunes with great enthusiasm. 

The whole production is  big and lively, as is fitting for the Muny, and in keeping with the overall whimsical tone of the piece. The pacing is just right, as well, with a great deal of energy without being rushed. It’s not a long show, but the excellent cast makes the most of every moment here, along with the top-notch direction and choreography by Josh Rhodes. The whole cast is wonderful, led by the charming and boyish Gotay as Joseph. Gotay’s strong stage presence and great voice are just right for this role, and he works especially well in his scenes with the dynamic Vosk, who is a powerhouse as the Narrator, with equally excellent stage presence and a truly stunning voice. Kilgore is also a standout in a different interpretation of Pharaoh than usual. Usually, Pharaoh is played as an Elvis Presley impersonator, but not here. Here, Kilgore’s acrobatic, rock-styled vocals are showcased in a performance that is more reminiscent of Lenny Kravitz (thanks to my friend and St. Louis Theater Circle colleague, Tina Farmer, for that observation). There’s a strong supporting cast, as well, with memorable performances from all of Joseph’s brothers, especially Harris Milgrim as Reuben leading “One More Angel in Heaven”, Sean Ewing as Simeon leading “Those Canaan Days”, and, especially, Darron Hayes as Judah leading “Benjamin Calypso”. This is a fun show, and the cast here, from the leads to the ensemble to the Muny Kids and Teens, does an excellent job, making this show a joy to watch, and hear, from start to finish. There’s also an especially spirited “Megamix” at the end of the show that showcases the whole cast in ideal fashion.

Overall, this has been a great year for the Muny. From the excellent encore of Chicago a the beginning of the season to the stunning Sweeney Todd and The Color Purple, to this fantastic closing show, the Muny has been at its best, even though this year did include one of the more controversial productions I’ve seen (Camelot, which I enjoyed for the most part, but which many apparently didn’t like). Still, regardless of what you thought about any other productions this season, this Joseph… is a good one to see as an example of the energy, style, excellent casting, and sheer spectacle that the Muny has to offer. As staged on the Muny’s big stage in Forest Park, it’s an Amazing Technicolor Dream show! 

Cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny

The Muny is presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Forest Park until August 18, 2022

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“Aladdin” Entertains in Formulaic Style at the Fox

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , on November 15, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Aladdin
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin
Book by Chad Beguelin
Directed and Choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
The Fox Theatre
November 9, 2018

Cast of Aladdin
Photo by Deen van Meer
Aladdin North American Tour

Aladdin is a crowd-pleaser. There’s no question about that when you attend the touring production at the Fox and hear the enthusiastic audience reactions to this adaptation of the popular Disney animated movie. It’s got a memorable score and some classic songs, as well as big, bright, flashy production values and an excellent cast. There’s a lot to enjoy about this production, although there are also some problems.

The show, as presented at the Fox and based on the Broadway production, is essentially like a Disney theme park attraction on stage. It’s not particularly authentic to the Middle Eastern setting–in fact, the Genie (Michael James Scott) makes a point in his introduction of telling the audience that this is a fictional location, and especially stressing the word “fictional”. The cast is very diverse, but the show is definitely not going for accuracy in terms of setting and tone, either. It’s all extremely stylized and played up for humor. The film was also highly stylized, so this is just following that precedent, although this stage version is even more so, somewhat in the vein of a 1950s-style sketch comedy show. The hit songs from the film are all here, from “Friend Like Me” to “A Whole New World” and more. The story is essentially the same as the film, but with some changes—Aladdin (Clinton Greenspan) now has three sidekick-friends–Babkak (Zach Bencal), Omar (Phillippe Arroyo), and Kassim (Jed Feder) who show up from time to time, and villain Jafar (Jonathan Weir) still has his henchman Iago (Jay Paranada), but Iago is not a parrot and the other animal characters from the film have been written out. Princess Jasmine (Lissa deGuzman) is given a little bit more to do and sing. Also, Aladdin is given a little more backstory and some plot points have been changed and rearranged, and the ending seems somewhat abrupt.

I first saw the stage adaptation of this show a few years ago when the Muny presented it, prior to its Broadway run. It was still in the development stages. Seeing it again at the Fox, I’ve noticed a lot of changes made to the script in the meantime, some of which are improvements and others that are more questionable. For instance, Aladdin’s three friends were the narrators in the Muny version, and seemed more of a presence in the story. Here, the narrator role has been given to the Genie, which seems appropriate in one sense since the Genie is such a memorable character. Still, the three friends now seem more like thrown-in characters and don’t seem to have a lot of purpose in the story. Still, this isn’t trying to be deep or challenging. It’s trying to be a big Disney spectacle, and it succeeds at that, for the most part.  It’s big, it’s flashy, there’s an impressive, ornate, versatile set by Bob Crowley, whimsically stylish costumes by Gregg Barnes, and atmospheric lighting by Natasha Katz. It almost looks like an animated film come to life, and director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw’s choreography is energetic and well-performed.

It’s the performances, in fact, that are the real highlight of this production, led by Scott in a funny, high-energy, charismatic turn as the Genie. Actually, with this show it’s worth wondering why they don’t just retitle it Aladdin and the Genie or even the other way around because even though Aladdin has the most stage time, the Genie is really the star. Greenspan is an amiable Aladdin as well, with a strong voice and excellent chemistry with the equally strong deGuzman as Jasmine. Their duet on “A Whole New World” is a highlight, as is the staging of that song, which is a major improvement on the version I saw at the Muny. Weir and Paranada are also excellent, hamming it up with enthusiasm as a pair of over-the-top cartoon villains. Bencal, Arroyo, and Feder do well with their underwritten roles, as does Jerald Vincent as the Sultan. The leads are supported by a strong ensemble that does well with the high-energy dancing and production numbers, as well.

There’s more than a little bit of the commercial about this Aladdin, but that’s not a surprise, really.It has a great cast and memorable songs. It’s a bright, tuneful, energetic show that’s sure to attract a large family audience, and if that’s what you are looking for, you should enjoy it.

Michael James Scott
Photo by Deen van Meer
Aladdin North American Tour

The North American tour of Aladdin is being presented at the Fox Theatre until November 25, 2018

 

 

 

 

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Impressive “Evita” is a Strong Season Opener at the Rep

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on September 11, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Evita
Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Rob Ruggiero
Choreographed by Gustavo Zajac
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
September 7, 2018

Sean MacLaughlin, Michelle Aravena
Photo by Eric Woolsey
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

The Rep has opened its newest season with a classic Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, Evita. This is a show that I had heard much of the music to, but had never actually seen. I’m glad the Rep’s production is the first one I’ve been able to see, since it’s stunning, with an especially strong cast and fabulous production values.

Evita is a well-known collaboraton from the celebrated team of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice, and after seeing this production, I think it’s Lloyd Webber’s strongest score. With memorable songs like “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina”, “Buenos Aires” and “Another Suitcase In Another Hall”, this is a vibrant score with elements of tango, rock, and operatic styles, sung through and structured like an opera. It tells the story of the celebrated First Lady of Argentina in the late 1940s and early 50s, Eva Perón (Michelle Aravena), who starts out as Eva Duarte, rising from obscurity in rural Argentina, moving to the big city of Buenos Aires to become an actress, later meeting and marrying influential Colonel Juan Perón (Sean McLaughlin), and using her influence and popularity with the people to help him win the Presidency. The show, is narrated in a critical manner by Ché (Pepe Nufrio), who represents the common people of Argentina as Eva grows in power, influence and affluence and gains many admirers, who adore her as “Evita”. It’s a well-structured show with many strong musical moments, and a prime opportunity for a tour-de-force performance from its lead. Told essentially as flashback starting and ending with Eva’s funeral–accompanied in this production by actual footage projected on a screen above the stag–the story unfolds at a steady pace, examining Eva’s character and influence on her husband’s rise to power, as well as her influence on the general population of Argentina and her eventual inconic status.

I don’t know enough about the real Eva Perón to know exactly how historically accurate it is, but it’s a convincingly told story and a fascinating show, given an impressive staging at the Rep, with those glorious production values that the Rep is known for, including a fabulous unit set and projections by Luke Cantarella, dazzling period costumes by Alejo Vietti, and stunning lighting by John Lasiter. The staging is dynamic, using the turntable to excellent effect, whether it’s comic as in “Goodnight and Thank You” as Eva meets and moves on from a succession of lovers in Buenos Aires, or dramatic as in “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, poignantly sung by Perón’s rejected young Mistress (Shea Gomez) after Eva moves in. There’s also energetic choreography with a strong tango influence by Gustavo Zajac, and a first-rate band led by music director Charlie Alterman.

In terms of the cast, since this is Evita, it’s essential to cast that central character well, and the Rep has done that with the outstanding Aravena, who delivers a strong, powerful, and vulnerable performance as Eva. Vocally she is impressive despite a little bit of straining on the higher notes, and her dancing is particularly strong, as is her portrayal of Eva’s emotional journey from ambitious teenager to complicated national icon. She is well-matched by Nufrio, who displays excellent stage presence and a great voice as the challenging, confrontational Che. Her chemistry with MacLaughlin’s equally strong Perón is convincing, as well. There are also memorable performances from Gomez as Perón’s Mistress, and by the smooth-voiced Nicolas Dávila as singer Augustin Magaldi, who first brings Eva to Buenos Aires. There’s also a versatile and energetic ensemble ably supporting the leads in various roles, bringing spark and power to the production numbers such as the Act 1 closer, “A New Argentina”.

Evita is one of the more famous shows that I hadn’t actually seen before, and when I heard the Rep would be producing it I was looking forward to it. I’m happy to say the production has lived up to its promise. It’s a big, visually and vocally impressive show with a stellar cast that does justice to its celebrated score. It’s a great way to start a new season at the Rep.

Cast of Evita
Photo by Eric Woolsey
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

 

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting Evita until September 30, 2018

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Great Cast, Strong Singing, Uneven Theming in Stray Dog Theatre’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on May 3, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Jesus Christ Superstar
Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Justin Been
Stray Dog Theatre
April 26, 2018

Omega Jones (center) and Cast
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar is s show that’s been staged in various different ways over the years.  There are the more straightforward Biblical-style stagings, and there have been some re-imaginings, which seem increasingly popular in recent times. In their latest production, Stray Dog Theatre has gone the “re-imagining” route, resulting in an entertaining, well-cast production that can be somewhat confusing in its theming.

Telling the story of Jesus Christ (Omega Jones) mostly from the point of view of the disciple who betrayed him, Judas Iscariot (Phil Leveling), this rock opera has had its controversies over the years, but while it’s over 40 years old now, the music has held up well over that time. Here, though, the story isn’t told in the traditional Biblical setting. Here, director Justin Been has updated the show to give it something of a futuristic, sci-fi type setting that isn’t entirely consistent. Still, the music is all here, performed extremely well by the excellent Stray Dog band led by music director Jennifer Buchheit. In this production, Jesus and his disciples are presented as some kind of enigmatic rebels to a futuristic regime that has suggestions of various Evil Empires from a variety of science fiction stories, especially Star Wars and Star Trek in terms of costuming.  The drama is in the performances and music, with well-known songs such as the title number, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and the show-stopping “Gesthsemane” represented extremely well, although sometimes the power of the story seems a little muted due to the theming.

There’s a great cast here, especially in terms of voices. Jones has a remarkably versatile vocal range and charismatic presence as Jesus, and Leveling sings better than I’ve ever heard him as a particularly cynical version of Judas. There are also strong performances from Heather Matthews as an enthralled Mary Magdalene, Gerry Love hamming it up with gusto as King Herod, and Lavonne Byers as a conflicted, reflective Pontius Pilate, with the songs particularly suiting her lower vocal range. Riley Dunn as Simon Zealotes, and Kevin Corpuz as Peter also have standout vocal moments, and the main players are backed by a strong, energetic ensemble, who are in excellent voice and also move well as expertly choreographed by Mike Hodges, who also puts in a memorable, oily turn as Annas as a complement to Jon Hey’s deep-voiced, menacing Caiaphas.

Visually, the show is striking and otherwordly. Josh Smith’s set is vividly realized, with an imposing, marble-like staircase as the most prominent feature, surmounted by a pair of ominous doors. The various levels of the set also lend well to the theatricality of the production, with ladders, platforms and various areas of the stage used to great effect. The costumes by Eileen Engel are meticulously crafted but not entirely cohesive in terms of making it seem like all the characters are inhabiting the same world. Still, the show is visually memorable, with exellent lighting by Tyler Duenow adding to the overall effect.

This is definitely an entertaining production. It’s unquestionably Jesus Christ Superstar in terms of the performances and music, but theming-wise, this production doesn’t always seem to know what it wants to be. Still, the cast is wonderful, and the music is driving, powerful and memorable. Overall, I would say this was a worthwhile and truly memorable theatrical experience.

Phil Leveling, Heather Matthews, Omega Jones, Jon Hey, Mike Hodges and ensemble
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre

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“Joseph” at STAGES is a Biblical Show of Human Proportions

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , on June 9, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Book and Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed and Choreographed by Stephen Bourneuf
STAGES St. Louis
June 7, 2017

Jeff Sears (Center), Kirsten Scott (Center Right) and Cast
Photo by Peter Wochniak, ProPhotoSTL.com
STAGES St. Louis

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an intriguing show, simply in terms of how versatile it is. It’s one of those shows that can be done on almost any scale or budget and still work. It’s not the deepest or most profound of shows. It’s really just a lot of fun, but what has become most interesting to me is the range of ways that a theatre company can produce this show. It can be big and flashy or more toned-down. Its look can change drastically depending on the production values and directors’ vision. It’s a show I’ve seen several times now, but I think this latest version from STAGES St. Louis is my favorite yet because of the cohesiveness of design, the sheer personality and energy of the cast, and the emphasis on a more human scale for this story rather than over-the-top flashiness, although it’s certainly a great looking production as well.

The story of this show is fairly straightforward–it’s a retelling of the Bible story of Joseph (Jeff Sears), son of Jacob (Steve Isom), and of Joseph’s journey from shepherd’s son to essentially prime minister of Egypt. It follows Joseph from his early days tending sheep with his eleven brothers, and boasting of his dreams that predict that he will someday rule over the rest of his family.  The story is presented by the Narrator (Kirsten Scott), who interacts with the characters at various times in the process of telling the story. As the story unfolds, a variety of different song styles is employed in whimsical fashion, from the country-western “One More Angel in Heaven” to the 1920’s styled “Potiphar” as Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, serves in the house of Potiphar (Brent Michael DiRoma) and is tempted and accused by Mrs. Potiphar (Molly Tynes), and then sent to jail. Joseph’s skill at interpreting dreams eventually brings him to the attention of Pharoah, who is–as in all productions of this show–presented as an Elvis-like figure (also played by DiRoma). It’s a fun show that blends the Bible story with various modern elements and and the variety of musical styles that also includes pop and rock influences.

While I’ve seen bigger and flashier productions of this show, I’m especially impressed by this production’s emphasis more on character and a stylish but not cartoonish look to the production. It’s a very human Joseph, with a strong cast led by the excellent Sears as a Joseph whose emotional journey is given more resonance here than in some other productions I’ve seen, bringing depth to songs like “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do”. Scott is also superb as the Narrator–a role I’ve generally considered to be the best part in the show–and her vocal range is impressive on numbers like the “Prologue”, “Poor, Poor Joseph”, and “Pharaoh Story”.  Scott brings a good deal of humor to the role of the Narrator as well, and her rapport with Sears as Joseph is a highlight. In fact, this is the first production I’ve seen in which there seems to be a hint of attraction between Joseph and the Narrator. There are also memorable performances from Isom as the proud and then sad patriarch, Jacob, by Tynes as the would-be seductress Mrs. Potiphar, and by all of the actors playing the brothers, and particularly Brad Frenette as Levi, Jeremiah Ginn as Reuben, Jason Eno as Judah, and Kyle Ivey as Benjamin. DiRoma is also a stand-out in two roles, as the rich but lonely Potiphar and especially as Pharaoh, where he exudes a lot of charm and comes across as more of the “young Elvis” as opposed to the older “Las Vegas Elvis”, even though he does get to wear the glittery, sequined jumpsuit. There’s also a strong ensemble to back up the leading performers, displaying a lot of vocal and physical energy on various production numbers that have been dynamically choreographed by director/choreographer Stephen Bourneuf.

Visually, the show is colorful and whimsical without being overly flashy or cartoonish. It’s a great look for this show, in keeping with the overall tone of this production. James Wolk’s versatile set frames the action well, and Brad Musgrove’s costumes are vivid, detailed, and fun. The excellent lighting effects by Sean M. Savoie also adjusts well to the various scene and tone changes throughout the production.

This is a fun show, and the cast and creative team obviously enjoy presenting it. From the starry opening to the bright, energetic “Megamix” conclusion, this is a Joseph with heart and humanity. It’s an excellent, highly entertaining production, and a great start to STAGES’ 2017 season.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat presented by STAGES St. Louis at Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood, Missouri on June 1, 2017.

STAGES St. Louis is presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in Kirkwood until July 2, 2017

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“The Lion King” Roars to Life at the Fox

Posted in St Louis Theatre, USA Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 22, 2017| Leave a Comment »

The Lion King
Music and Lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice
Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, Hans Zimmer
Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi
Directed by Julie Taymor
Choreographed by Garth Fagan
The Fox Theatre
April 20, 2017

Mukelisiwe Goba
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The Lion King North American Tour

The Lion King has become a massive hit on stage since first opening on Broadway in 1998. An adaptation of the popular Disney film, the stage version caused something of a sensation with its innovating staging and use of puppetry. Believe it or not, I had never actually seen the stage show before. I had only seen the film, and that was a long time ago. Now on stage at the Fox, the latest national tour of this grand, stunningly staged musical is an impressive spectacle for all ages, whether you are familiar with the story or not.

The story, at least partially inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is one of parent-child bonds, difficult family ties, personal responsibility and more, with a cast of characters who are wild animals living in the African savanna. It centers around Simba, played as a child in the performance I saw by Jordan Williams and as an adult by Dashaun Young. Simba is the son and heir of the current king of the lions and various other animals, the wise and brave Mufasa (Gerald Ramsey). Mufasa’s scheming brother Scar (Mark Campbell) wants to be king instead, and orchestrates events so that  he can take over the kingdom.  The story then leads to young Simba’s growing up under the tutelage of fellow “outcast” animals, meerkat Timon (Nick Cordileone) and warthog Pumbaa (Ben Lipitz), and eventually being reunited with childhood friend Nala the lioness (Nia Holloway as an adult, Meilani Cisneros as a child), and encouraged to return to Pride Rock and reclaim his rightful place as king. Presiding over all the action is Rafiki (Mukelisiwe Goba), a wise, mystical mandrill who also encourages Simba on his quest to challenge Scar and his hyena cronies for leadership.

The staging is famously innovative with its use of puppetry and stylized costumes in the portrayal of its animal characters, and also for its stunning production numbers such as the spectacular “Circle of Life” opening number, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. The production values here are excellent, especially for a production that’s been touring for so long. Richard Hudson’s set design, Julie Taymor’s costumes, Donald Holder’s lighting design, and Taymor and Michael Curry’s mask and puppet design are all dazzlingly memorable. The choreography by Garth Fagan is energetic and well-executed by the strong ensemble here.

The lead performances are also strong, led by Goba (the understudy) as the wise, sometimes mischievous Rafiki, who in the stage production is essentially the star of the show, as far as I’m concerned. Goba brings a great deal of energy and personality to the role, spurring on Young’s earnest adult Simba. Young and the equally strong Holloway have good chemistry as Simba and Nala, and young Williams and Cisneros give fine performances as their younger counterparts as well. There are some fun comic performances from Codileone and Lipitz as Timon and Pumbaa, and also by Tony Freeman as Mufasa’s bird advisor Zazu. Ramsey carries a strong sense of authority and general goodness as Mufasa as well. Campbell is also memorable as the scheming Scar, with a leering tone and strong voice, and he’s ably supported by Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Keith Bennett, and Robbie Swift as the opportunistic hyenas Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed.  The dance ensemble is especially strong, as well, bringing a sense of fluidity and grace to the stage in the various dance numbers.

This is a good adaptation of the film, but with a few changes that actually make it work better on stage. It’s still The Lion King, though, and its memorable story and characters are on clear display here at the Fox. It’s an excellent show for audiences of all ages, and the audience I saw it with was definitely appreciative. It’s a story with humor, drama, and a strong message of redemption, responsibility, and hope. It’s well worth checking out.

Nia Holloway (Right) and Ensemble
Photo by Joan Marcus
The Lion King North America Tour

The North American Tour of Disney’s The Lion King runs at the Fox Theatre until May 7, 2017.

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The Muny Closes Its 98th Season with Excellent “Aida”

Posted in St Louis Theatre, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on August 13, 2016| 1 Comment »

Aida
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton and Robert Falls & David Henry Hwang
Directed by Matt Lenz
Choreographed by Jon Rua
August 8, 2016

Cast of Aida Photo: The Muny

Cast of Aida
Photo: The Muny

It’s a musical based on the story from a well-known opera, with music by one of pop music’s most recognizable names. It’s set in ancient Egypt, but with a host of modern musical styles from pop to rock to gospel and more. The show is Aida, and it’s the last–and best–production of the Muny’s 98th season in Forest Park.

Aida is named after its central character, a Nubian princess (Michelle Williams) who has been captured along with others from her country as a result of a recent battle with Egypt. The Nubian captives are taken as slaves by the Egyptians, and Aida keeps her identity as a princess secret. The Egyptian captain, Radames (Zak Resnick), decides to present Aida as a “gift” to be a handmaiden for his betrothed, Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris (Taylor Louderman), although he and Aida are obviously attracted to one another. As their attraction grows, political intrigue also grows, as Radames’s unscrupulous father Zoser (Patrick Cassidy) schemes to get his son into power, against Radames’s own wishes. As the story continues, Aida and Radames are increasingly drawn to one another as Aida also develops something of a friendship with Amneris and also confides her secret to her countryman, Mereb (Wonza Johnson), another captured palace servant who wants to reveal her secret to his people. The warlike nature of society, the injustice of slavery and imperialism, roles and expectations of women, social pressures of marriage for political gain vs. love, and other issues are key elements in this story. It’s a love story ultimately, but not only about romantic love. It’s also about love for family, friends, country, and the desire for freedom to live and love as one chooses. The excellent songs by Elton John and Tim Rice portrays these themes with style and a variety of musical styles, ranging from pop to rock to gospel.

The cast here features several performers who have been involved in productions of Aida on Broadway, on tour, and in the last Muny production in 2006, including the excellent Michelle Williams, who previously played the title role on Broadway. She’s in excellent voice here and displays great stage presence and chemistry with Resnick’s conflicted Radames. Their duets are a highlight of the production. Taylor Louderman is also impressive as the initially superficial-seeming Amneris, whose ode to fashion “My Strongest Suit” is a musical and comedic tour de force. Louderman also does a great job portraying her character’s conflict and growth as a character. Also excellent is Johnson as Mereb, with a strong voice and a strong sense of conviction and loyalty to Aida and his people. There’s also a great performance by the Muny’s veteran Ken Page, reprising his 2006 role as Aida’s father, Nubian king Amonasro. Patrick Cassidy, who has previously played Radames on Broadway and on tour, does a fine job here in the somewhat cartoonish role of Zoser, although the vocals seem to be challenging for his range at times. The show also boasts a top notch ensemble, shining vocally and physically in stunning production numbers such as the Act 1 finale, “The Gods Love Nubia”. It’s a wonderful cast all around, telling the story with energy, emotion, and superb skill.

Technically, this production is also a stunner. The expansive, versatile set by Tim Mackabee evokes the Egyptian setting well, with pyramids, desert backdrops, and regal palace settings. Robin L. McGee’s costumes are superbly detailed, as well, suiting the characters well and evoking the time and place. There’s also fantastic lighting by Nathan W. Scheuer and video design by Matthew Young, transporting the audience to a somewhat stylized version of ancient Egypt.

Overall, this has been a good year for the Muny.  Unfortunately I didn’t get to see all of the shows this year, missing Fiddler On the Roof because I was out of town that week. Still, the Muny is in excellent hands with Executive Producer and Artistic Director Mike Isaacson, and this production of Aida closes out the season in spectacular fashion. It’s a poignant, musically impressive, visually stunning, superbly acted production. I hadn’t seen this musical, or the opera on which it is based, before, and I’m glad this first-rate production was my introduction to this story.

Taylor Louderman, Michelle Williams, Zak Resnick Photo: The Muny

Taylor Louderman, Michelle Williams, Zak Resnick
Photo: The Muny

The Muny is presenting Aida in Forest Park until August 14, 2016.

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