BARNUM at Westchester Broadway Theatre, 2006
By Gary Chattman
You can search the jungle
for TARZAN; you can try to find a good WEDDING SINGER, and you can have
a bloody good time as does LESTAT, but you won’t find a more
entertaining show on Broadway, than Barnum at the Westchester Broadway Theatre through July 8. Why travel into Manhattan to a show that took millions of dollars to produce to a show that the critics said was horrible‚Why travel
into Manhattan and pay $110 for an orchestra ticket; $50-per-dinner and
another fortune for gas and parking, when all you have to do is take a
short drive to Elmsford to see a fantastic, stylish musical?‚And
you get a fabulous dinner to boot!
Come Follow the Band to see a highly talented, high-rope walker, Robert
Preston-clone named Tony Lawson portray P.T. Barnum, inveterate showman
and purveyor of hokum, tell you that There Is A Sucker Born
Every Minute. You will also find Ann Van Cleave, as wife
Chairy Barnum, who plays a clever, song-full counterpoint to her
husband.‚You can also see the world’s oldest
woman ”Thank God I’m Old”Terri White (from the original Broadway cast) sing up a storm! Watch carefully, for the miming talents of Matt Baker are dazzling!‚
Courter Simmons plays Tom Thumb and he finds that “Bigger Isn’t Better!”Allison Spratt, as Swedish nightingale Jenny Lind (who has an affair
with the aforementioned P.T. Barnum) has a sweet voice, and the
ensemble led by Robert Hedglin-Taylor of the MoscowCircusSchool ,
makes this show a special treat.
The qualities of production at Westchester Broadway Theatre continue to dwarf current Broadway offerings.This three-ring circus blends the circus with
Broadway. he music by Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart are very melodic (how many tunes from current Broadway “hits” can you hum during intermission)‚And did I mention the food?
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By Gary Chattman
You can search the jungle
for TARZAN; you can try to find a good WEDDING SINGER, and you can have
a bloody good time as does LESTAT, but you won’t find a more
entertaining show on Broadway, than Barnum at the Westchester Broadway Theatre through July 8. Why travel into Manhattan to a show that took millions of dollars to produce to a show that the critics said was horrible‚Why travel
into Manhattan and pay $110 for an orchestra ticket; $50-per-dinner and
another fortune for gas and parking, when all you have to do is take a
short drive to Elmsford to see a fantastic, stylish musical?‚And
you get a fabulous dinner to boot!
Come Follow the Band to see a highly talented, high-rope walker, Robert
Preston-clone named Tony Lawson portray P.T. Barnum, inveterate showman
and purveyor of hokum, tell you that There Is A Sucker Born
Every Minute. You will also find Ann Van Cleave, as wife
Chairy Barnum, who plays a clever, song-full counterpoint to her
husband.‚You can also see the world’s oldest
woman ”Thank God I’m Old”Terri White (from the original Broadway cast) sing up a storm! Watch carefully, for the miming talents of Matt Baker are dazzling!‚
Courter Simmons plays Tom Thumb and he finds that “Bigger Isn’t Better!”Allison Spratt, as Swedish nightingale Jenny Lind (who has an affair
with the aforementioned P.T. Barnum) has a sweet voice, and the
ensemble led by Robert Hedglin-Taylor of the MoscowCircusSchool ,
makes this show a special treat.
The qualities of production at Westchester Broadway Theatre continue to dwarf current Broadway offerings.This three-ring circus blends the circus with
Broadway. he music by Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart are very melodic (how many tunes from current Broadway “hits” can you hum during intermission)‚And did I mention the food?
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ALL SHOOK UP – Theater Review
By Gary David
Elvis lives!All Shook Up keeps the King’s spirit (and pelvis) alive. The new musical, which opened at the Palace Theatre on Broadway two weeks
ago, is a sparkplug in a rather dismal show season.
When Elvis visited a town, in those you knew that there would be a “whole lot of shakin’” goin on, as well as a lot of “cryin’” in the chapel. Elvis is back in town, but it’s the spirit of his music that lives, not the man!
The show brings us back to the time of 1955, in the Middle of a Square
State in the Middle of a Square Decade, where love has long
simmered beneath the surface.‚One day, a Roustabout named Chad (Cheyenne Jackson in a star-making performance) rolls into town, and these unrequited loves boil to the surface. His foil, the “grease-monkey” Natalie Haller,played by Jenn Gambatese who sings and acts with commanding spirit, and, who envies the freedom
of the road, and the freedom she finds while portraying a man (shades
of Twelfth Night of a man named Shakespeare).
Secondary leads, particularly Mark Price, as Dennis, who loves Natalie (but, of course, in musical comedy, she doesn’ t love him)and who steals every scene
he is in, and the vocal powerhouse Sharon Wilkins, who stops the show
whenever she belts a song, add to the verve and merriment of this show.
This comedy-of-errors (with a nod to Footloose and a wink to My Fair Lady) eventually makes loving couples out of sleepy people whose
love needs shaking up! Even veteran actor Jonathan Hadary (of Gypsy fame) finds love with the aforementioned Sharon Wilkins, as do the interracial couple of Nikki James and Curtis Holbrook. For 2005, love of any shade seems to be accepted, and we wink at what would be taboo in 1955.‚Eventually even the iron
maiden mayor, played by Alix Korey (with a knock-out voice to match)
ends up with true love!
Even a child of the past decade-or-two can identify with love that
needs music to become airborne.‚And though Elvis has left the building, his spirit and his music is on stage daily at the Palace!
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By Gary David
Elvis lives!All Shook Up keeps the King’s spirit (and pelvis) alive. The new musical, which opened at the Palace Theatre on Broadway two weeks
ago, is a sparkplug in a rather dismal show season.
When Elvis visited a town, in those you knew that there would be a “whole lot of shakin’” goin on, as well as a lot of “cryin’” in the chapel. Elvis is back in town, but it’s the spirit of his music that lives, not the man!
The show brings us back to the time of 1955, in the Middle of a Square
State in the Middle of a Square Decade, where love has long
simmered beneath the surface.‚One day, a Roustabout named Chad (Cheyenne Jackson in a star-making performance) rolls into town, and these unrequited loves boil to the surface. His foil, the “grease-monkey” Natalie Haller,played by Jenn Gambatese who sings and acts with commanding spirit, and, who envies the freedom
of the road, and the freedom she finds while portraying a man (shades
of Twelfth Night of a man named Shakespeare).
Secondary leads, particularly Mark Price, as Dennis, who loves Natalie (but, of course, in musical comedy, she doesn’ t love him)and who steals every scene
he is in, and the vocal powerhouse Sharon Wilkins, who stops the show
whenever she belts a song, add to the verve and merriment of this show.
This comedy-of-errors (with a nod to Footloose and a wink to My Fair Lady) eventually makes loving couples out of sleepy people whose
love needs shaking up! Even veteran actor Jonathan Hadary (of Gypsy fame) finds love with the aforementioned Sharon Wilkins, as do the interracial couple of Nikki James and Curtis Holbrook. For 2005, love of any shade seems to be accepted, and we wink at what would be taboo in 1955.‚Eventually even the iron
maiden mayor, played by Alix Korey (with a knock-out voice to match)
ends up with true love!
Even a child of the past decade-or-two can identify with love that
needs music to become airborne.‚And though Elvis has left the building, his spirit and his music is on stage daily at the Palace!
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A "Full" Plate at WBT
A review of the Westchester Broadway Theatre's performance of The Full Monty
By Gary Chattman, for thecheappop.com - Fall 2006
The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, NY, has existed since July 9, 1974. They have produced 148 productions in that time. It is the longest running, 52-week-a-year Equity theatre in the state. Professional Broadway Equity performers have starred this past year in such superlative shows as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Aida; Barnum, and The Hot Mikado.Now, with The Full Monty, they have even surpassed the Broadway production of same!
I could rave about the sets by Steven Loftus, and the costumes by Matthew Hemesath, or the Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, but I must single out Ken Lundie, famous for his 4-piano musical direction of Blondes for accolades. This genius returns to WBT as accompanist for a cast led by Peter James Zielinski, as Jerry Lukowski, and Tad Wilson, as Dave Bukatinsky.
Zielinski is the heart-and-soul of this production, portraying Jerry Lukowski, an out-of-work Buffalo steel worker, who is unable to find work. Jerry organizes a male stripper program to earn money(especially for child support of the son he dotes on). His overweight compatriot, Dave, is suckered into the scheme. In time, Jerry auditions others to join this women's night out.
Joel Briel, as Harold Nichols, the nasty cost-cutting boss who also lost his job, lies to his wife (who is used to the "finer" things) and comes aboard to choreograph the male striptease. Then add Nick Gaswirth, as Malcolm McGregor, who adds great poignancy to the part of a lost soul who first tries suicide and eventually finds true love through the male bonding. Horse is played by David A. White, who played the role on Broadway, and he adds humor and empathy to this excellent production.
Let's not forget the ladies! Patti Mariano (as accompanist Jeanette Burmeister) has a Broadway voice and talent, as does Laurie-Beth Mraz (Pam Lukowski) and the enthusiastic, bubbly Caroline B. Younger (Georgie Bukatinsky) and Dorina DiLullo (Estelle Genovese). You won't forget these ladies!
In short, go to see this production. By the way, the term "Full Monty" means complete male nudity at the end of the show. It explains why the character ladies help sell out this Buffalo performance- they want to see the "end" product. As do many in the audience. I won't spoil it for you, however. See it for the special cast members!
And while you are there, make reservations for the 2006-2007 season. See the Christmas Inn show, then Nunsensations, and so on. I dare you, Nederlander Organization, Shubert Organization, et.al.: Can you provide such professional, inexpensive, delightful shows on Broadway? Can you provide a delicious meal with that entertainment? The Full Monty runs through November 19, and December 28, 2006-January 20, 2007
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A review of the Westchester Broadway Theatre's performance of The Full Monty
By Gary Chattman, for thecheappop.com - Fall 2006
The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, NY, has existed since July 9, 1974. They have produced 148 productions in that time. It is the longest running, 52-week-a-year Equity theatre in the state. Professional Broadway Equity performers have starred this past year in such superlative shows as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Aida; Barnum, and The Hot Mikado.Now, with The Full Monty, they have even surpassed the Broadway production of same!
I could rave about the sets by Steven Loftus, and the costumes by Matthew Hemesath, or the Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, but I must single out Ken Lundie, famous for his 4-piano musical direction of Blondes for accolades. This genius returns to WBT as accompanist for a cast led by Peter James Zielinski, as Jerry Lukowski, and Tad Wilson, as Dave Bukatinsky.
Zielinski is the heart-and-soul of this production, portraying Jerry Lukowski, an out-of-work Buffalo steel worker, who is unable to find work. Jerry organizes a male stripper program to earn money(especially for child support of the son he dotes on). His overweight compatriot, Dave, is suckered into the scheme. In time, Jerry auditions others to join this women's night out.
Joel Briel, as Harold Nichols, the nasty cost-cutting boss who also lost his job, lies to his wife (who is used to the "finer" things) and comes aboard to choreograph the male striptease. Then add Nick Gaswirth, as Malcolm McGregor, who adds great poignancy to the part of a lost soul who first tries suicide and eventually finds true love through the male bonding. Horse is played by David A. White, who played the role on Broadway, and he adds humor and empathy to this excellent production.
Let's not forget the ladies! Patti Mariano (as accompanist Jeanette Burmeister) has a Broadway voice and talent, as does Laurie-Beth Mraz (Pam Lukowski) and the enthusiastic, bubbly Caroline B. Younger (Georgie Bukatinsky) and Dorina DiLullo (Estelle Genovese). You won't forget these ladies!
In short, go to see this production. By the way, the term "Full Monty" means complete male nudity at the end of the show. It explains why the character ladies help sell out this Buffalo performance- they want to see the "end" product. As do many in the audience. I won't spoil it for you, however. See it for the special cast members!
And while you are there, make reservations for the 2006-2007 season. See the Christmas Inn show, then Nunsensations, and so on. I dare you, Nederlander Organization, Shubert Organization, et.al.: Can you provide such professional, inexpensive, delightful shows on Broadway? Can you provide a delicious meal with that entertainment? The Full Monty runs through November 19, and December 28, 2006-January 20, 2007
-30-
“THE COLOR PURPLE’”
At the Broadway Theater, New York
“Dear God, I am fourteen years old. I have always been a good girl. Maybe you can give me a sign letting me know what is happening to me.” Thus begins the 1982 Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, as does the award-winning movie directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985, and as does this musical version starring LaChanze.
The story of this child, Celie, begins as she is a “po chile” of 14 years old, who is pregnant with her second child. (The father of her child is her father). She is given as a wife to Mister, who abuses her, even as she raises his children. When he first sees her, he says, Boy, is she UGLY!” That sets the theme for her life, before her spiritual redemption. Through the course of her life’s journey, she loses her sister, Nettie, finds a friend, Sofia, befriends her husband’s mistress, Shug Avery, who is a star on the Jook Joint circuit. The “Mysterious Ways” of God and of love and of belief are mirrored in Celie’s odyssey, until she realizes “I’m Here.”
One might think that translating what is, in essence, a diary, into a Broadway musical might be a daunting task, but with the adapted book by Marsha Norman, the music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and the masterful direction of Gary Griffin (not to forget to mention the delightful and spirited choreography of Donald Byrd) this adaptation succeeds in moving its audience with a rousing, heartfelt, empathetic spirit.
One of the main reasons this show is such a rousing success is LaChanze, who, as Celie, is the center and focal point of “A Color Purple.” Ms. Rhonda LaChanze Sapp is a resident of Mount Vernon, married to Derek Fordjour, an Atlanta-based artist. She is the mother of two girls, and stepmom of a seven-year-old boy. Her first husband perished on 9/11. He was a bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald. She wished to commission a painting two years later, in his honor, and her lawyer put her in touch with Derek Fordjour.
LaChanze is a dynamo of energy, with a dynamic voice and dramatic talent to match. Since the show must encompass years of Celie’s life in one theatrical experience of only a few hours, the actress portraying Celie must command the stage and gain our sympathy and empathy. LaChanze does. Did anyone say “Tony” in June?
One of the novel parts of this show is the “Greek chorus” of Kimberly Ann Harris, Virginia Ann Woodruff, and Maia Nkenge Wilson, who comment in song throughout this experience. Their voices are powerful and expressive.
The part of Sofia, who is Harpo’s wife (son of Mister), was played in the movie by Oprah Winfrey; here her shoes are ably filled by Felicia Fields, who has, in the past, played Effie White in “Dreamgirls”. Her voice is superb, her acting moving. Shug Avery, played by Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, stops the show with the song “Push Da Button”, and she does—she does. Kingsley Leggs as Mister, Brandon Victor Dixon, as Harpo, and Darlesia Clearcy, as Celie’s sister Nettie, all are to be commended.
The best summation for this musical can be summed up by the author of the book, Alice Walker, who said, “Love. That’s what this story is really about. You know how big love is? Love is big; love can hold anger, love can even hold hatred…it’s about what you’re trying to give. And often when you’re trying to give something, it has a lot of pain in it. But the pain too is part of the love.” Shug Avery, in the musical says, “I think it piss God off if anybody even walked passed the color purple in a field and not notice it. He’d say, ‘Look what I made for you!’” If we pass the show “The Color Purple” and not see it, God might also be pissed off. “The Color Purple” is a masterpiece!
At the Broadway Theater, New York
“Dear God, I am fourteen years old. I have always been a good girl. Maybe you can give me a sign letting me know what is happening to me.” Thus begins the 1982 Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, as does the award-winning movie directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985, and as does this musical version starring LaChanze.
The story of this child, Celie, begins as she is a “po chile” of 14 years old, who is pregnant with her second child. (The father of her child is her father). She is given as a wife to Mister, who abuses her, even as she raises his children. When he first sees her, he says, Boy, is she UGLY!” That sets the theme for her life, before her spiritual redemption. Through the course of her life’s journey, she loses her sister, Nettie, finds a friend, Sofia, befriends her husband’s mistress, Shug Avery, who is a star on the Jook Joint circuit. The “Mysterious Ways” of God and of love and of belief are mirrored in Celie’s odyssey, until she realizes “I’m Here.”
One might think that translating what is, in essence, a diary, into a Broadway musical might be a daunting task, but with the adapted book by Marsha Norman, the music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and the masterful direction of Gary Griffin (not to forget to mention the delightful and spirited choreography of Donald Byrd) this adaptation succeeds in moving its audience with a rousing, heartfelt, empathetic spirit.
One of the main reasons this show is such a rousing success is LaChanze, who, as Celie, is the center and focal point of “A Color Purple.” Ms. Rhonda LaChanze Sapp is a resident of Mount Vernon, married to Derek Fordjour, an Atlanta-based artist. She is the mother of two girls, and stepmom of a seven-year-old boy. Her first husband perished on 9/11. He was a bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald. She wished to commission a painting two years later, in his honor, and her lawyer put her in touch with Derek Fordjour.
LaChanze is a dynamo of energy, with a dynamic voice and dramatic talent to match. Since the show must encompass years of Celie’s life in one theatrical experience of only a few hours, the actress portraying Celie must command the stage and gain our sympathy and empathy. LaChanze does. Did anyone say “Tony” in June?
One of the novel parts of this show is the “Greek chorus” of Kimberly Ann Harris, Virginia Ann Woodruff, and Maia Nkenge Wilson, who comment in song throughout this experience. Their voices are powerful and expressive.
The part of Sofia, who is Harpo’s wife (son of Mister), was played in the movie by Oprah Winfrey; here her shoes are ably filled by Felicia Fields, who has, in the past, played Effie White in “Dreamgirls”. Her voice is superb, her acting moving. Shug Avery, played by Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, stops the show with the song “Push Da Button”, and she does—she does. Kingsley Leggs as Mister, Brandon Victor Dixon, as Harpo, and Darlesia Clearcy, as Celie’s sister Nettie, all are to be commended.
The best summation for this musical can be summed up by the author of the book, Alice Walker, who said, “Love. That’s what this story is really about. You know how big love is? Love is big; love can hold anger, love can even hold hatred…it’s about what you’re trying to give. And often when you’re trying to give something, it has a lot of pain in it. But the pain too is part of the love.” Shug Avery, in the musical says, “I think it piss God off if anybody even walked passed the color purple in a field and not notice it. He’d say, ‘Look what I made for you!’” If we pass the show “The Color Purple” and not see it, God might also be pissed off. “The Color Purple” is a masterpiece!
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