Trinity Repertory Company, Providence RI
Seat: House Left, mid-way up
The Fantasticks ran off-Broadway for over 40 years, until the 9/11 aftermath closed the show in January, 2002. The question is: how? How can a show, written in the 1950s, run for so long? The reasons are two-fold: first, it's cheap to run. The show features a cast of 8, orchestra of 3, extremely simple set, and basic costumes. Secondly, the show is timeless. It's the simple story of boy falls in love with girl, boy and girl split up, boy and girl make up. The show has a great message of love, which cannot be dated. This combination is a successful one, obviously.
Going in, I had high hopes for this production - I'd never seen anything bad at Trinity, and this production received good reviews. In short, I was not let down! Upon entering the Chace Theatre, the audience is instantly transported to a fantasy world by the truly wonderful set design by the one and only Eugene Lee, which integrated elements from Rocky Point, the former Rhode Island landmark. As the overture begins, the audience is treated to a very fun magic show by Joe Wilson, Jr (El Gallo) and Nate Dendy (The Mute), which set the stage for a truly magical evening (literally: magic and illusion was used quite prominently throughout the show to great effect).
I have only two qualms with the production: the lighting design (at times) and the singing voice of Stephen Thorne. Overall, John Ambrosone's lighting design was fine; nothing spectacular. That said, there were times where faces were lost, once they left the raised platform used for the stage. This, however, is likely an issue with the actors losing the light as they strayed from the raised portion of the stage. There were a few points, though, where I felt the lighting could have gone farther, most notably during "Round and Round", Luisa's dream sequence. The weak link of the cast, unfortunately, was the singing voice of Stephen Thorne (Matt). While his acting was appropriate for the role, his voice left much to be desired in tone, strength, and, at times, pitch. He could carry a tune, and at times did very well with the harmonies (notably during "I Can See It"), but I certainly wish Trinity had cast more of a singer in the role.
In all, The Fantasticks was a highly enjoyable night at the theater, an evening I highly suggest to those able. The production runs through May 6th (recently extended!) at the Chace Theater, 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI.
4.27.2007
4.05.2007
The Last Five Years, 4/5/07
Blue Spruce Theatre, Watertown, MA
Seat: center-of-the-house
All and all, the show was pretty decent. It was their preview performance, so they still haven't worked 100% of the kinks out (there were a few lighting mishaps, a forgotten prop and one botched lyric), but the performers did a fine job with such difficult material.
The black box theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts holds about 70 seats, so it is uber-intimate. What made it even more intimate was the attendance tonight.... let's just say that the 5-member orchestra outnumbered the audience (and I'm not exaggerating - there were a total of 4 people in the house, plus the director). It was a shame, hopefully as the run progresses, attendance will pick up.
The production runs through April 15, I urge you all to go out and support this all-new theater company, Blue Spruce Theatre!
Seat: center-of-the-house
All and all, the show was pretty decent. It was their preview performance, so they still haven't worked 100% of the kinks out (there were a few lighting mishaps, a forgotten prop and one botched lyric), but the performers did a fine job with such difficult material.
The black box theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts holds about 70 seats, so it is uber-intimate. What made it even more intimate was the attendance tonight.... let's just say that the 5-member orchestra outnumbered the audience (and I'm not exaggerating - there were a total of 4 people in the house, plus the director). It was a shame, hopefully as the run progresses, attendance will pick up.
The production runs through April 15, I urge you all to go out and support this all-new theater company, Blue Spruce Theatre!
Souvenir, 2/17/07
by Stephen Temperley
The Lyric Stage Company, Boston, MA
Seats: Row F Center, center section
I went in knowing very little of this new play, and even less about this production, the Boston premiere, put on by the Lyric Stage Company. I had one ticket remaining on my student subscription, and was in the city, so I figured I'd catch the show. Little did I know that I'd be in store for a funny, painful, touching and moving night at the theater.
The role of Florence Foster Jenkins is a difficult one. The actress must have the ability to sing various operatic pieces throughout the show, all the while singing incredibly bad. Jenkins saw herself has an operatic superstar, capable of anything vocally.... when, in fact, she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Here, Boston-area favorite Leigh Barrett is in fine form, playing the strong-willed heiress to a T, owning the stage in her own way. At the very end of the play, the audience finally gets a chance to hear just what Jenkins heard in her head, being treated to perhaps the most stunning version of "Ave Maria" I have ever heard. I was nearly in tears. A truly splendid performance by an actress I hope to see again real soon.
Rounding out the two-actor cast is Will McGarrahan, playing Jenkins' accompanist, Cosme McMoon. McGarrahan here pulls a John Doyle-esque double-duty: acting and playing an instrument, actually accompanying Barrett throughout the show. In all honesty, I don't know which aspect of McGarrahan's performance was better - his acting, his playing, or his singing. This was the second performance of this play, and it showed at times in McGarrahan's lines, as he stumbled a bit from time to time, but, had I not have been paying close attention, I probably wouldn't have noticed.
In all, a truly magic night of theater at the Lyric, following everything I've seen of the Lyric Stage company. As I write this in April, this production has since completed its run, so I cannot recommend you go see the show, but had I written this in time, I most certainly would have!
The Lyric Stage Company, Boston, MA
Seats: Row F Center, center section
I went in knowing very little of this new play, and even less about this production, the Boston premiere, put on by the Lyric Stage Company. I had one ticket remaining on my student subscription, and was in the city, so I figured I'd catch the show. Little did I know that I'd be in store for a funny, painful, touching and moving night at the theater.
The role of Florence Foster Jenkins is a difficult one. The actress must have the ability to sing various operatic pieces throughout the show, all the while singing incredibly bad. Jenkins saw herself has an operatic superstar, capable of anything vocally.... when, in fact, she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Here, Boston-area favorite Leigh Barrett is in fine form, playing the strong-willed heiress to a T, owning the stage in her own way. At the very end of the play, the audience finally gets a chance to hear just what Jenkins heard in her head, being treated to perhaps the most stunning version of "Ave Maria" I have ever heard. I was nearly in tears. A truly splendid performance by an actress I hope to see again real soon.
Rounding out the two-actor cast is Will McGarrahan, playing Jenkins' accompanist, Cosme McMoon. McGarrahan here pulls a John Doyle-esque double-duty: acting and playing an instrument, actually accompanying Barrett throughout the show. In all honesty, I don't know which aspect of McGarrahan's performance was better - his acting, his playing, or his singing. This was the second performance of this play, and it showed at times in McGarrahan's lines, as he stumbled a bit from time to time, but, had I not have been paying close attention, I probably wouldn't have noticed.
In all, a truly magic night of theater at the Lyric, following everything I've seen of the Lyric Stage company. As I write this in April, this production has since completed its run, so I cannot recommend you go see the show, but had I written this in time, I most certainly would have!
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 3/15/07
The Opera House, Boston, MA
Seats: Row E, Center Orchestra on the house right aisle
I won't write a whole new review, as, honestly, I have many of the same thoughts as last time, except the following.
Paige Pardy, from the mezzanine, was just average. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad, either. When sitting in a spot where you can see facial expressions and her dancing prowess, she is truly a scene-stealer, which is absolutely necessary in the role of Jolene, given her amount of stage time. From the second she first opened her mouth (which was immediately, as she chewed her gum quite loudly and with a wide open mouth), she was hilarious. She has this part down, and looks to be having a great time.
Again, I must also mention Laura Marie Duncan. Her performance is even more special up close. Her final riff, while gorgeous last week, was even more stunning this week, as her family was in the audience.
If this tour comes your way, make a point to go and catch it! It's a tremendous show, sidesplittingly funny in every way possible.
Seats: Row E, Center Orchestra on the house right aisle
I won't write a whole new review, as, honestly, I have many of the same thoughts as last time, except the following.
Paige Pardy, from the mezzanine, was just average. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad, either. When sitting in a spot where you can see facial expressions and her dancing prowess, she is truly a scene-stealer, which is absolutely necessary in the role of Jolene, given her amount of stage time. From the second she first opened her mouth (which was immediately, as she chewed her gum quite loudly and with a wide open mouth), she was hilarious. She has this part down, and looks to be having a great time.
Again, I must also mention Laura Marie Duncan. Her performance is even more special up close. Her final riff, while gorgeous last week, was even more stunning this week, as her family was in the audience.
If this tour comes your way, make a point to go and catch it! It's a tremendous show, sidesplittingly funny in every way possible.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 3/8/07
The Opera House, Boston, MA
Seats: Mezzanine-level, halfway up, house left
I found this show to be an absolute delight, contrary to many reviews I've read. I've read that the music was weak, the book corny, and the performances of a majority of this cast are lacking; honestly, I couldn't disagree more. While the score may not be the best in the world, it fits the show, which makes it work. And, yes, portions of the book are corny.... but I think that's the point. I had no issues with the book; in fact, I enjoyed it immensely.
Tom Hewitt was a treat as Lawrence. This role is a difficult one - the actor must find a balance between high class and low class, over-the-top humor and bland boringness. Hewitt has achieved that balance, truly owning the stage. His voice is in fine form, and his various accents used throughout the show were distinct, yet easy to follow. A wonderful performance.
D.B. Bonds as Freddie was a mixed bag. I'd say that he was too cartoony, but any less cartoony would make the character boring. That said, he created an endearing character, one you certainly pulled for. One thing that struck me about him, however, was his voice, which was fantastic.
Laura Marie Duncan as Christine.... wow. From the first time she opened her mouth, I was in awe. Honestly, she was perfection. Her acting was spot-on, her voice was stunning, and she is gorgeous. This girl is going to be a star.
Honestly, I'm indifferent on Paige Pardy, Kim Shriver and Drew McVety as Jolene, Muriel and Andre, respectively. They weren't bad by any stretch, but nothing by the way of show stealing.
Overall, I enjoyed the show. I don't think the show itself is the strongest of shows, but it was enjoyable. I'll definitely be seeing this again before it leaves town, hopefully closer to the stage!
Seats: Mezzanine-level, halfway up, house left
I found this show to be an absolute delight, contrary to many reviews I've read. I've read that the music was weak, the book corny, and the performances of a majority of this cast are lacking; honestly, I couldn't disagree more. While the score may not be the best in the world, it fits the show, which makes it work. And, yes, portions of the book are corny.... but I think that's the point. I had no issues with the book; in fact, I enjoyed it immensely.
Tom Hewitt was a treat as Lawrence. This role is a difficult one - the actor must find a balance between high class and low class, over-the-top humor and bland boringness. Hewitt has achieved that balance, truly owning the stage. His voice is in fine form, and his various accents used throughout the show were distinct, yet easy to follow. A wonderful performance.
D.B. Bonds as Freddie was a mixed bag. I'd say that he was too cartoony, but any less cartoony would make the character boring. That said, he created an endearing character, one you certainly pulled for. One thing that struck me about him, however, was his voice, which was fantastic.
Laura Marie Duncan as Christine.... wow. From the first time she opened her mouth, I was in awe. Honestly, she was perfection. Her acting was spot-on, her voice was stunning, and she is gorgeous. This girl is going to be a star.
Honestly, I'm indifferent on Paige Pardy, Kim Shriver and Drew McVety as Jolene, Muriel and Andre, respectively. They weren't bad by any stretch, but nothing by the way of show stealing.
Overall, I enjoyed the show. I don't think the show itself is the strongest of shows, but it was enjoyable. I'll definitely be seeing this again before it leaves town, hopefully closer to the stage!
Introduction
Hello, and welcome to The Glow of the Footlights, my new theatre blog. Normally, I go on and on to my friends about various aspects of theatre - my thoughts on performers, shows, productions, etc. Frankly, I know they don't care most of the time. So, I'll put my thoughts here.
I'll be building a new template for this page, because this is boring. But, it'll do for now, until I get some free time.
I must be going now, but I'll wrap this up by saying that I'll be posting some reviews of shows I've seen in the past in the coming days, as I get this blog going. Tonight I'm seeing a production of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years outside of Boston, so I look for a review of that soon.
'Til next time!
I'll be building a new template for this page, because this is boring. But, it'll do for now, until I get some free time.
I must be going now, but I'll wrap this up by saying that I'll be posting some reviews of shows I've seen in the past in the coming days, as I get this blog going. Tonight I'm seeing a production of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years outside of Boston, so I look for a review of that soon.
'Til next time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)