JOHN AND JEN
CHERRY
CREEK THEATRE: THROUGH JUNE 22
Thanks to Pat Payne’s sensitive direction
Cherry Creek Theatre has another winner on its hands with “John and Jen.”
It’s a two-act musical with lyrics by Tom
Greenwald and music by Andrew Lippa.
Lippa’s best known for having composed the music for the Broadway musical, “The Addams Family” as well as for the recent musical,“Big
Fish.”
Director Payne has cast the show with two of
Denver’s finest: Megan Van De Hey and Casey Andree.
Megan Van De Hey and Casey Andree
Ms. Van De Hey recently stunned us as
Little Edie in Vintage Theatre’s funny and heart-breaking musical,“Grey
Gardens.”
You will remember Mr. Andree for his
outstanding portrayal of Claude in Town Hall Arts’ production of “HAIR.”
Both actors turn in studied performances
that allow this slim, intimate musical about the love of siblings for each
other and of parents for their children to become a truly memorable evening of theatre.
The intimacy of the Shaver-Ramsey Showroom
is perfect for the piece. Slide projections take us from the nineteen-fifties
through the eighties reminding us of our own journey as brothers, sisters and
parents. If you have an emotional charge that still comes up around memories of
the time of the war in Viet Nam your heartbeat will be on hyper-drive. Trent
Hines’ piano and Anna Maria Lee Blocker Leavitt’s cello enhance the evening
immeasurably.
The book by Greenwald and Lippa is nearly
non-existent. You won’t notice though. With the spectacular voices of Ms. Van
de Hey and Mr. Andree coupled with their fine acting you can be assured of a
thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre.
Cherry
Creek Theatre presents ""John & Jen"
May
30 through June 22
Fridays
and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Shaver-Ramsey
Showroom, 2414 East 3rd Ave.
Multiple Henry, Ovation, True
West and Marlowe award winner Megan Van De Hey* returns to CCTC as Jen and
Casey Andree makes his CCTC debut as John.
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