The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes

BDT STAGE: showing through April 23

 

The cast of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes (Photo credit: Glenn Ross)

Innovative, touching, and VERY funny, BDT Stage’s production of THE NOTEWORTHY LIFE OF HOWARD BARNES, is full of everything you love about the American Musical! 

 

It's truly refreshing to come upon a new musical comedy about which one knows nothing. Full of whimsy and surprise, The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes is exactly that. 

     With a fun concept designed for lovers of the American Musical Theater and their significant others who don’t, this show will WOW you!

     Howard Barnes is a middle-aged American male who hates musicals only to awaken one morning in ‘the musical show of his life’ that’s a relentless explosion of musical theatre moments from which he struggles helplessly to escape. 

      Peeping through the cracks of his new experience you may find your “Memories” of Jellicle “Cats”, “Phantoms” and little red-haired orphans as well as practically perfect nannies that are just “Misérables.” There’s even a pseudo coda in this show that may remind some in attendance of the final ghost light in “Pippin.” 

    One of my favorite musical sendups in this show that’s 'littered' (I know I already mentioned Cats!) with them, is that of the "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago," featuring Howard’s ex girlfriends!

      Chas Lederer is stellar as our leading man, Howard. His great stage presence and dynamic singing voice make one know that this is just the first of many leading roles that he may enact upon the BDT Stage!

     As Howard’s guide through this labyrinth of musical mayhem, McKayla Marso - McDonough is smashing as she teaches Howard the wonders of vulnerability as he learns to "hear the music!" Lovely to look at, and with a soprano to die for, you can’t take your eyes - or ears - off her.

     Wayne Kennedy’s character, the musical producer Steven Von Shwartenheim, is a great deal like the great Wizard of oh, you know. Wayne also creates magic from the director’s chair as well as doing sound design. Kennedy is one of the BDT veterans who has stunned us with brilliant star turns from everything from "My Fair Lady’s" Henry Higgins to the King in "The King and I" to Tateh in "Ragtime" to Amos ("Mr. Cellophane") in "Chicago." 

      Tracy Warren, Alicia Meyers, Ben Hilzer, Brian Cronan, Matt Daley, Patric Case and Melissa Morris fill in the other roles in the ensemble with stellar work.

     Tom Quinn’s projections complement M. Curtis Grittner’s scenic design and Brett Maughan’s lighting design in such a way that the theatregoer is dazzled by the onslaught of reality one moment and a kaleidoscope of fantasy the next. The color palette for the show sometimes makes one feel as though these bright splashes of primary colors were just poured right out of the can.

     Matthew D. Peters choreography enhances the show immeasurably.

     Linda Morken’s costumes are eye-popping! 

     The music direction by Neal Dunfee of the BDT Stage band is ear-pleasing indeed! Mary Daley’s vocal direction is superb.

     The writing of the dialogue may leave one desiring a bit more at the top of the show, but after all it is a musical, and there’s enough spice in the vocals and dancing that come romping through so quickly that you’ll hardly notice. 

     The book and lyrics are by Christopher Dimond with music by Michael Kooman.

     PG13 for language and suggestive themes

 p.s. Don't forget they have a scrum diddly pre-show menu with all things yumma grande!!! On this particular night the chef's special was Short Ribs that were DEELISH!!!

 

BDT Stage is at 5501 Arapahoe, Boulder, CO.

For tickets call the box office at 303-499-6900 or go online at bdtstage.com