A Jukebox for the Algonquin

Miners Alley Playhouse: March 1 – April 7

 

Unpretentious and unassuming, Miners Alley Performance Arts Center’s production of Paul Strolli’s play charms.

     The playwright focuses on a longterm residence for the aged much like The Argyle in North Denver.

     The scenic design by Jonathan Scott McKean appoints the space with furnishings which are the exact replicas of what one finds in such places. They’re not antiques, but they’re old. 

     Vance McKenzie’s work as lighting designer pairs excellently once again with John Hauser’s sound design in telling the story of these aging individuals.

     The cast is made up of some of Colorado’s brightest and best!  

     Len Matheo’s direction is straight forward and allows each of the cast members to have their moment in the spotlight. 

     Having spent a lot of time with a friend living in such places over the last couple of years, I have come to be acquainted with the issues of people there as well as the falling, the loneliness, and the anguish.

      Although it’s got its moments, “A Jukebox for The Algonquin” is a prettified version of plays that look death in the eye, such as Arthur Miller’s “All Over.”

     The performances are balanced and very well delivered.

     Abby Apple Boes, Edith Weiss, Arlene Hicks, John Hauser and Paul Strolli provide us with amiable representations of residents and employees of such establishments.

     At the heart of the show is the relationship of Chris Kendall (Dennis) a wheelchair bound gay man and Dwayne Carrington (Johnny), a straight black man.

    Both men deliver stellar performances, leaving one with a tear in the eye and a heart full of memories.

   The show has some good comic moments and avoids getting too maudlin.

    If you have a free evening next weekend, take a drive up to Golden and check it out.

 

For tickets call 303-935-3044 or go online at minersalley.com

 

                          RAISIN

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER: MARCH 22 – APRIL 14

                  MARY LOUISE LEE (photo credit RDG Photography)

MAGNIFICENT AND ELECTRIFYING!!! 

            RUN TO GET TICKETS!!!

 

With music by Judd Woldin, Lyrics by Robert Brittan and book by Robert Nemiroff and Charlotte Zaltzbert, “Raisin” is based on the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry.

      “Raisin in the Sun” received the Tony for Best Play in 1960. “Raisin,” the musical, got the Tony for Best Musical in 1974.

       “Raisin” describes the struggle of black Americans seeking a better life in 1951 Chicago.  Three generations of Walter Younger’s family are living in a single cramped apartment. After the death of a patriarch, an insurance payout allows for hope for buying a new home to arise. Familial conflict, errors in judgment and ultimate redemption and forgiveness ensue.

     Any musical directed and choreographed by trail-blazing Christopher Page-Sanders makes the viewer feel as though he is being transported to a dreamscape, in which the dream is one of flying. Transcendent and exhilarating beyond words!  Anyone who saw Page-Sanders’ production of “Sophisticated Ladies” last season at the Vintage Theatre knows what I mean.

     As director, Page-Sanders has cast the show with actors who are triple threats and brought in technical staff of the highest and best.

     The cast is led by Denver favorite Mary Louise Lee. One of our premier actors, Ms. Lee commands the stage as Lena “Mama” Younger. Her powerful acting and singing of “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” and “Measure of the Valleys” will make you feel like you’re at a show on Broadway.

     Micha J. Lawrence portrays Walter Lee Younger, the role that got Sidney Poitier nominated for a Tony.

     New to this reviewer, this actor’s performance singing “Sweet Time” and “You Done Right” will make you search out his name in every program.

     Asha Romeo plays Ruth, Walter Lee’s wife, with an endearing stage presence and a lovely soprano. Her solo, “Whose Little Angry Man,” is a delight.

     Blake Channing Taylor is a complete delight singing “Sidewalk Tree” as Travis Younger.

     Heidi Carann Snider is Walter Lee’s sister, Beneatha Younger. Her duet,"Alaiyo,” with Isaac Rosen as Nigerian boyfriend, Joseph Asagai, enchants.

     Bernie Cardell is Karl Lindner, the man you love to hate. He’s the one who’s trying to buy out the Lee family’s new lease in an all white neighborhood in the name of neighborhood gentrification and housing discrimination.

     Donna Debreceni created the wondrous, instrumentally diverse, and ear-pleasing musical tracks. 

     Music Director Trent Hines’ work on the choral numbers such as “He Come Down This Morning” and “Runnin’ to Meet the Man” is exceptional.

     Kurt Behm’s sound design is top-notch!

     The ever-shifting tapestry of lighting by Vance McKenzie is sensational!

     Mike Haas’ fragmentary set design for the Lees’ home works extremely well . 

     The costume design by Hannah Tripp is eye-popping indeed! 

     Aside from a refrigerator door that refused to stay shut, the show came off without a hitch!

 

For tickets call the box office: 303-794-2787  ext. 5 or go online at townhallartscenter.org

 

 

 

 

 THE GLASS MENAGERIE

VINTAGE THEATRE: MAR 15 – APR 21

Directed by Bernie Cardell

Matthew Murry and Cameron Davis(photo credit: RDG Photography)

 

Emma Messenger is magnificent as Amanda Wingfield!

 

“The Glass Menagerie” is the ‘memory play’ that brought Tennessee Williams to fame.

In the play, the playwright remembers his mother, Amanda, and sister, Laura.

      Amanda is a faded southern belle who, abandoned by her husband, is raising her children in a tenement apartment in 1930s St. Louis. Her son, Tom, the alter ego of the playwright, is working in a shoe factory and dreaming of becoming a poet. Amanda’s daughter, Laura, is developmentally disabled as a result of a childhood disease.

     Whether scolding Laura for dropping out of business school or trying to get Tom to fix his cowlick and eat properly, Messenger gives us a woman whose mothering is almost too much for her children. Her maternal nature is out of control and becomes not only smothering, but suffocating.

     Encountering the gentleman caller in Act Two, Messenger’s Amanda slips into a reverie in which she is the debutante she believes she once was. It’s one of the most astonishing and spellbinding moments in this actor’s compelling performance. 

       As Tom’s sister, Laura, Clara Papula is charming, vulnerable and gossamer delicate all at once.  One hopes to see her again soon upon the Denver stage.

     As Jim, the gentleman caller, Cameron Davis commands the stage with his confident manner and ebullient personality. He builds to an emotional pitch that is crowned with a kiss. His extroverted, athletic approach to life contrasts starkly with that of Tom’s sister, Laura. 

     Recently having portrayed E.M. Forster in Vintage Theatre’s monumental production of “The Inheritance,” Matthew Murry returns as a brilliant Tom Wingfield, the playwright’s cynical alter ego.

      As Tom, Matthew Murry delivers the playwright’s opening speech with authenticity and eloquence. Both narrator and protagonist, Tom escapes the apartment where he lives with his mother and sister by staying out late and going to the movies. Murry’s delivery of the speech at final curtain carries an impact that is nearly unbearable. 

     Director Bernie Cardell has cast the show impeccably. He has also engaged tried and true theatre artists in all technical aspects of the production. Luke Rahmsdorff -Terry’s sound design and Kevin Taylor’s lighting conspire to create an atmosphere that alternates between that of stifling entrapment  and moody nostalgia. Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry has costumed the quartet beautifully.

     Don Fuller uses every inch of the space in the Bond-Trimble theatre for his magnificent scenic design. Behind, and flanking the confines of the Wingfields’ claustrophobic apartment, broods a huge representation of Picasso’s Guernica.

 

(This is Bernie Cardell’s 150^th production since his arrival in Colorado.)

 

                    Not to be missed!

 

 

For tickets call 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org

Eleanor

Vintage Theatre: March 4-27

                                                Deborah Persoff 

                                     (photo credit Margaret Norwood)

Deborah Persoff’s performance in the role of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, is superbly nuanced and revelatory.

     This one-woman play penned by Mark St. Germain is as compelling as it is informative. Delving into her childhood as well as her marriage to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the playwright illuminates the First Lady’s private torments and triumphs.

     Eleanor worked diligently for women’s rights. Her championing of racial equality was even met with certain members of the KKK putting a price on her head.

      Her marriage to Franklin Delano Roosevelt provided her a platform on which she was able to present new ideas upon the public stage. 

     In her portrayal of Eleanor, Ms. Persoff makes us aware that as the power behind the throne, she (Eleanor) was able to sway presidential opinion as this country recovered from the Great Depression and generated The New Deal.

      At certain moments Ms. Persoff is able to slip seamlessly into such personas as a hilariously puffed-up and self-absorbed Winston Churchill as well as her husband’s difficult mother.   

     The play is directed with great sensitivity by Christine Kahane (Marlowe Award for Best Supporting Actress in “Young Frankenstein”), who directed Vintage’s critically acclaimed production of “Shakespeare in Love” a couple of seasons ago. 

     Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry’s sound design is his usual professional work. His projection design, which delivers historical photos of Eleanor, enhances the proceedings by planting us firmly in the required historical moment.

     Cheryl Faulkner’s costume design is spot on.

    Run to get tickets.

 

For tickets go online at vintagetheatre.org or call the box office at 303-856-7830

 

 

 

 

 125 "NO"s

BUNTPORT THEATER: MARCH 1-24

                                                         Erin Rollman and Erik Edborg

Lightly skimming over an armature of Sartre’s “NO EXIT,” Buntport Theater’s production of ‘125 “No”s’ is, in this reviewer’s interesting point of view, their best in years.  It’s FUNNY and PROVOCATIVE! All four of Buntport’s intrepid actors get lots of superb lines and a plethora of plum moments! A make-up artist (Hannah Duggan), a special effects man (Erik Edborg), an extra who worries if he will be natural enough onscreen in the role that he performs naturally in everyday life (Brian Colonna), and a script consultant insistent on keeping good morals always onscreen (Erin Rollin) are living a just offstage purgatory! All four of these brilliant comics co-write, co-direct and co-design their original work. 

     Inspired by a quote on a poster in the lobby of a movie theatre  that announced that Greer Garson had to do 125 takes of her saying the word “No”in the 1947 film, “Desire Me,” this original production shines!!! 

     Besides the stunning performances of the onstage actors you can also expect to be dazzled by the offstage voices of such Denver favorites as Jim Hunt( Director), Josh Hartwell (assistant) and Diana Dresser (Greer Garson).

   This existential comedy is absurdist theatre at its best!

     Run to get tickets!

 THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

VINTAGE THEATRE: FEB 16- MARCH 24

 

                                                            Stuart Sanks

                            (photo credit RDG PHOTOGRAPHY)

 

     With his direction of The Legend of Georgia McBride, Troy Lakey delivers a glitzy, glitter-filled evening of music and dance that exhilarates. It’s a fast-paced evening that’s cast impeccably.

     Aside from Denver favorite Stuart Sanks, the other cast members were new to this reviewer.

     Sanks, who plays Miss Tracy Mills, is an expansive and dazzling presence onstage. (One still recalls his brilliant performance as Joe in Hunger Artists’ soul-shattering production of Angels in America twenty- seven years ago.) Whether delivering the playwright’s words onstage or ‘workin’ the crowd,” Sanks’ performance sparkles.

   Matthew Combs turns in a smashing performance as Casey, the young husband who, fired from his act impersonating Elvis, shifts from blue suede shoes to high heels in order to keep food on the table for his family. Bringing up memories of Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire and Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie, Combs as Casey shows definitively that embracing one’s feminine side doesn’t mean leaving his masculinity behind. 

     Clark Jones is superb in two roles: the drag queen, Rexy, and Casey’s landlord, Jason.  Jones’s soliloquy about his (Rexy’s) having been bullied and beat up as a kid, is heart-breaking. 

     Matt Hindmarch gets in some good comic licks as the manager/owner of the club.                       

      Atlas Drake is fine as Casey’s wife, Jo. 

      Cole Emarine’s costume design is eye-boggling to say the least. Mr. Emarine must have been up to his armpits in sequins and feathers for weeks to have designed this fantasia of gorgeous gowns.

      Jonathan Underwood’s choreography delights.

      Ryan Walkoviak’s scenic design provides smooth transition between Casey’s and Jo’s apartment and backstage at the club.

     Playwright Matthew Lopez also penned the Tony Award-winning two part play, THE INHERITANCE (MARLOWE AWARD for BEST ENSEMBLE) last season.

     On opening night, there were some sound issues that caused the show to start a little later than scheduled. Once the glitch had been found and remedied, Jessica Jewell’s sound design stunned!

 

 

For tickets call 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org

 

 

 

 

 PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

STAGEDOOR THEATRE: FEB 2 – 25

 

 

                          Clint Heyn as Gaston 

In my interesting point of view “PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE” is the best play ever written by Steve Martin. I’ve heard great things about “Bright Star,” his musical,  and haven’t had the good fortune of seeing it yet.

    Jill Manser has put together an enjoyable production of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” up at Stagedoor Theater in Conifer. The tech end of this production is superb, and there are many happy-making suprises! 

     It’s 1904 and this imaginary meeting of these two geniuses at The Lapin Agile in Paris is one year before they revolutionized Art and Science. 

One with his mind-blowing cubist painting of “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and the other with his publishing of “The Special Theory of Relativity.”

     The lighting and projection design by Tom Junker are outstanding! Kimberly Colisch(Germaine) and Anakay Hanold(Suzanne/Countess/Admirer) are ravishing decked out in the exquisite costumes created by Cheryl Faulkner and Jennifer Middleton.

     My guest for the evening thought the very well-executed set design by Biz Schaugaard and Dean Aniotes, reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting.

     It was great to see Denver favorite Clint Heyn ( a very funny Gaston) among the actors, most of whom were new to this reviewer.

     Director Manser has a good eye for casting, and visually Brian Dowling is perfect (the haircut is Awesome!) for Picasso.   As Einstein, Alex Hunter gets in some good comic licks, mussing up his hair, bugging out his eyes and sticking his tongue out. 

    There are lots of absorbing ideas about the comparison and contrast of Art and Science as well as how ideas emerge from the past…or was that the future? 

    If playwright Martin could always be this provocative intellectually, and as amusing as he is with this play and “The Underpants: a play,” one might be more encouraged to see his other works for the stage. Unfortunately, unfunny plays like “Meteor Shower” put a damper on that.

     You could have an evening of light-hearted fun taking a drive up the mountain for this amusing fantasy at The Stagedoor Theater in Conifer.

 

For tickets call 303-838-0809 or go online at Stagedoortheater.org

Veritas Productions

PACE CENTER, PARKER:Jan 9 – Feb 10

 

THIS SHOW IS REQUIRED VIEWING FOR CASTING DIRECTORS! (If you’re a casting director, drop what’s on your calendar for Saturday night, and go check out this show!)

 

Congratulations to Nancy Evans Begley(Executive Producer) and Amy Condon for their newly formed company, VERITAS.

Their first production now onstage at PACE CENTER in Parker, is bristling with bright, coltish energy that is palpable!

     There is so much youthful talent on that stage that I hope every casting director in town gets to see it.

These children all have talent and have been given such a shot of confidence by Director Katie Reid Milazzo, that they truly become rock stars in their enthusiastic embrace of their various roles.

    The just offstage band is stellar. The dynamite lighting of Alex Hanna brings back memories of his fine work two seasons ago for “FOOTLOOSE.” Matthew S. Crane’s stylish set design, which the cast moves around with enviable grace and ease, is just right for this stage. Alex Hanna’s lighting design rocks! Kurt Behm’s audio design is the outstanding work Colorado audiences have come to expect of him.  

     Madeline Shaffer’s choreography of this huge cast is amazing! Music Directors Michael and Amy Pickering do a grand job…especially in the choral numbers!

     Caleb Reed does a superb job as Dewey Finn, that guy dreaming of becoming a rock star legend, who finds life moving him into a position of inspiring others. 

     Rosalie Mullins is a lovely Sara Metz, the principal who falls for Dewey. Ms. Mullins’ vocals are Outstanding!  Erik Thurston (Ned Schneebly) and Miranda Byers (Patty di Marco) do a great job as the couple who have let Dewey live (freeload) in the basement of their home.

     Standouts in this incredible cast of children are: Christopher Gawlikowski (Zack), Owen Lester (Billy), Liam Dodge (Freddie), Sariah Smith (Tomika), and Gabrielle Gueck (Summer). If I missed anyone, please forgive me. You were all great! 

     Go and see and hear them work their magic. It’s only here for one more weekend.

 

This show is based upon the Paramount movie by Mike White. With book by Julian Fellowes and Lyrics by Glenn Slater, SCHOOL OF ROCK has new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

 

For tickets call 303-805-6800 or go online at parkerarts.org 

  FUN HOME

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: 

JAN 12 – Extended through FEB 25

By popular demand!

Maya Ferrario and Lars Preece (photo credit RDG Photography)

 

With book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori, “Fun Home” is an adaptation of a graphic novel with the same title. 

     The show won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2015. 

     Bechdel’s work tells the story of her discovery of her sexual orientation as a lesbian, and her relationship with her gay father who was ‘in the closet.’ 

      The non-linear presentation allows us to see Alison through her memories (“It All Comes Back”) of her childhood growing up in the family funeral home (hence the title: “FUN HOME”) run by her father.   

     Director Emma Rebecca Maxfield has wisely chosen to stage “Fun Home” in the Bond-Trimble Theatre. The intimacy of this space lets us as audience experience this taut, tense and emotionally charged production up close and personal.

     The young actors Maxwell has cast do a fine job with the acting. Maya Ferrario, River Hetzel and Adaleia Odekirk all give fine portrayals of Alison, Medium Alison and Small Alison respectively. 

     Ms. Odekirk is at her best singing “Ring of Keys.”

        River Hetzel’s singing “I’m Changing My Major… to Joan” begins with intentionally awkward tension and segues quickly into exhilarating triumph singing about the first night with their new paramour, Joan.

     Elise Brianne Todd portrays Joan with a breezy naturalness that’s a joy to watch. Ms. Todd is a graduate of UNC’s musical theatre and dance program. One hopes to see her on the Denver stage again soon.

     Lars Preece delivers a riveting portrayal of Bruce Bechdel, Alison’s father. Whether teaching Medium Alison to assist him in the mortuary or attempting to explain secrets to adult Alison, this performance stuns. This actor’s duets with Ms. Ferrario leading up to final curtain are especially moving. Mr. Preece is one of Denver’s premier actors. This actor has stunned audiences with his acting and singing prowess in recent productions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” and “A Grand Night for Singing” both at Performance Now Theatre. 

     As Bruce’s wife, Helen, Adrienne Asterita breaks our hearts with her singing of her loneliness and depression with “Days and Days.”

    Marlene Hall does superb work in numerous roles.

     The live theatre band delivers the award-winning score with warmth and sensitivity.

 

Fun Home contains Adult Language, Domestic Violence, Mature themes, LGBTQIA+ trauma and discussions of suicide.

For tickets call: 303-856-7830      Vintagetheatre.org

 

 

       

                                              URINETOWN

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER: JAN 26 – FEB 25

 

Damon Guerrasio and Lexi Lubotsky (photo credit: RDG Photography)

YOU’RE GONNA BE SO PISSED AT YOURSELF IF YOU MISS “URINETOWN!”

 

With Music by Mark Hollman and lyrics by Hollman and Greg Kotis, URINETOWN’s book is also by Kotis. This wonderfully quirky musical was nominated for nine Tonys and won three, including Best Book for a Musical and Best Score.

    Urinetown: the Musical is a satirical work that sends up everything from local politics to corporate greed. It also parodies the American musical itself, poking fun at such musicals as Les Miserables and The Three Penny Opera.

     Greg Kotis’ inspiration for the project was his discovery that a poor student (himself) traveling in Europe had to pay to use “les toilettes payants,” which the students call “les pissoirs.”

     As directed by Robert Michael Sanders, the show is cast beautifully and paced like a galloping racehorse! (Act One just flies by!)

     The incredible cast is chock-full of wonderful musical theatre actors.

     Damon Guerrasio (Marlowe Award for his performance in “Bullets Over Broadway,”) is Officer Lockstock, the narrator. His singing/recitatif of “Too Much Exposition” at the top of the show, is sensationally funny.

     As the amusingly annoying brat, Little Sally, Lexi Lubotsky shines! 

     Jake Bell is our hero, Bobby Strong.  This actor’s singing of “Look at the Sky” and “Run, Freedom, Run,” exhilarate.

     Anne Terze-Schwerze proves to be a musical theatre Star as Hope Cladwell.  Her gorgeous soprano gives us renditions of “Follow Your Heart” and “I See a River” that are ribbons of auditory bliss.

     Liz Brooks is appropriately over the top abrasive as Penelope Pennywise singing “It’s a Privilege to Pee.”

 Ms. Brooks is one of the most formidable musical theatre performers in town. Recent examples are her performances in “Nice Work if You Can Get it” and “Carousel” at Performance Now.

     Jim Hitzke as the greedy Caldwell B. Cladwell shows us just how effective the ‘trickle down’ theory is in Urinetown.    His singing and dancing of “Don’t be the Bunny” are most memorable.

     Mark Shonsey (Marlowe Award for his portrayal of Igor in Young Frankenstein.) is hilarious as Lockstock’s side-kick, Officer Barrel. His mugging and chortling were golden.

     Sam Barrosso, Isabella Duran, Carter Edward Smith, Eliot Clough and Ryan Buehler enhance the proceedings.

    It’s a treat having Ronni Stark doing choreography. Her delicious send-ups of Les Mis and Fiddler on the Roof are the genuine article!

     Jesse Page’s costume design and Dustin Hartley’s and Mike Haas's ramshackle scenic design were both spot on.  The very fine lighting design is courtesy of Mandy Heath.

     Maestro Curt Behm created the awesome sound design.

     The band was uniformly great, too! However, one must make mention of Michael Rosen on reeds. Whether on clarinet or saxophone, Mr. Rosen spiked the show to a level of musical excellence that was awe-inspiring.

     Music director Dan Graeber did a great job!  The choral work was spectacular!

 

For tickets call: 303-794-2787

Townhallartscenter.org

 

 

 

 

 MISERY

MINERS ALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 11

Emma Messenger and Torsten Hillhouse

 

     William Goldman’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, Misery, explodes across the stage of the new Miners Alley Performing Arts Center with Glorious performances, Hitchcockian suspense and a Dazzling display of technical fireworks! 

      Emma Messenger triumphs with a powerhouse performance in the role of Annie Wilkes. Reprising her portrayal from a few seasons ago at The Edge Theatre, Messenger digs deep into the troubled psyche of this lady who is a suitable case for treatment!

     The new space allows her more space to expand upon her physical movement and pacing, as well as to unleash the howling of Annie’s inner demons. The congruity of her facial expressions, stage movement and vocal choices is astounding. The range of her expressiveness is seemingly infinite.      

     Whenever she opens her mouth to speak one doesn’t know what to expect. One time it’s a raging psychopathic tiger and the next a pouting, wounded little girl comes out.

     Messenger is one of Colorado’s premiere actors. Run to get a ticket whenever her name is in the program!

    This roller-coaster of a thriller is directed by Denver favorite, Warren Sherrill. From casting to pacing this nail-biter, Sherrill’s directorial prowess shines. 

     Torsten Hillhouse is a thoroughly credible Paul. Being either bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound throughout, the injured writer, can be a difficult role.  Nevertheless, Hillhouse manages to make us feel every twinge of pain and see his desperate thinking process.

      Mark Collins is superb in the role of Buster, the local cop.

     Jonathan Scott McKean’s brilliant scenic design is the professional work for which he has become renowned.

     Amy Arpan’s fight choreography is outstanding. (You’ll see!)

      John Hauser’s sound design leads us flawlessly into the labyrinth of Annie’s devious world, punctuating it with thunder!  Vance McKenzie’s lighting design heightens the mood, pairing flawlessly with Hauser’s sound.

     The new space is a stunner!

 

     Run to get tickets!

 

 

 For tickets call the box office at 303-935-3044 or go online at minersalley.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney’s NEWSIES

PERFORMANCE NOW THEATRE COMPANY, LAKEWOOD, CO.

JANUARY 5 – 21

 

L-R: Eli Schroeder, Sarah Atkinson and Levi Randolph

(RDG Photography)

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, “NEWSIES” is based on the 1992 Disney film.  It recounts the story of stalwart Jack Kelly, who rises to leadership of the newspaper delivery boys in New York City when publishing giants raise the prices on newspapers and put a dent in the carriers’ income. Kelly unifies them and leads them to strike for better pay. (The show is based on the real-life Newsboys Strike in New York City in 1899.)

     Nominated for eight Tony awards, it received two: Best Choreography and Best Original Score.

     In this production, Rebecca Scott Dean’s choreography Astounds! The dancing thereof by the large cast, exhilarates!

      Heather Iris Holt, last season’s Marlowe Award-winner for best Music Director, creates magic from the pit with the rousing, pulse-pounding score. The chorus work is outstanding! “Carrying the Banner,” “The World Will Know” and “King of New York” are all powerfully sung!

     Award-winning scenic designer Andrew Bates has created a strikingly efficient minimal set for the proceedings.

     Director Bernie Cardell has cast the show impeccably and paced it at a gallop.

     Levi Randolph delivers a Jack Kelly that is praise-worthy indeed. Besides nailing the acting, the vocals and the dancing, this actor has the exact right accent for the part. Randolph’s singing of “Santa Fe,” as well as “Something to Believe In”, his duet with Ms. Atkinson, are two glorious examples of his excellent work throughout the proceedings. 

     Sarah Atkinson is stunning in the role of Katherine Plumber, Kelly’s love interest. Ms. Atkinson’s soprano soars brightly through, “Watch What Happens.”  (One must diverge momentarily to thank both producer Ken Goodwin and director Bernie Cardell for bringing young talent of the caliber of Mr. Randolph and Ms. Atkinson to the stage. Their foresight and vision give us great hope for the future of the theatre community here in Colorado.)

     Decked out in Susan Rahmsdorff Terry’s glorious costumes, Michaela Murray belts “That’s Rich” to ear-pleasing perfection as Medda Larkin.

     David Kincannon delivers a Joseph Pulitzer we love to hate as the greedy publishing magnate. His singing of “The Bottom Line” is most memorable.

     Eli Schroeder delivers a heartbreaking version of “Letter From the Refuge” in the role of Kelly's buddy, Crutchie. Schroeder, who is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of Creative and Performing Arts, was born with cerebral palsy, and states in the program that he “was born to play the part.” 

 

Performance Now’s production of Disney’s NEWSIES is an exhilarating evening of musical theatre.

 

Run to get tickets!

 

 

 For tickets go online at performancenow.org or call 303-987-7845.