Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s Kiss Me, Kate

Kiss Me, Kate is a five-time Tony award winning musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Sam and Bella Spewack.  It recounts the wild backstage and onstage antics of two feuding couples during a production of The Taming of the Shrew.

 

Rick Hilsabeck as Fred Graham/Petruchio and Sarah

Pfisterer as Lilli Vanessi/Katherine and ensemble

members (Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott)

Directed by Cynthia Thole and wonderfully led by Broadway couple Sarah Pfisterer, as Lilli Vanessi/Katherine, and Rick Hilsabeck as Fred Graham/Petruchio, this production keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout the close to two and a half hour show. The pair brings boldness, flare and charm to their dueling characters. They are supported by Lisa Dempsey (Lois Lane/Bianco), Kevin Patrick Martin (Bill Calhoun/Luciento) and a fantastic ensemble who keep the energy high with fun and exciting dance numbers. The entire company looked as though they were having a terrific time during their opening night performance; which in turn, led the audience to have a wonderful time as well.

 

Lovely Hoffman (center) as Hattie, Lisa Dempsey

(front- left) as Lois Lane/Bianca, and ensemble members

(Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott)

Two stand out performances came at the beginning of each act. First, was Lovely Hoffman’s shining performance of Hattie during the opening number “Another Op’nin’, Another Show”; which she performed along with the ensemble, who seemed more than ready to get this show underway. This number captured the audience’s attention and was a wonderful start to the show. Second, came from Darren Bunch, as Paul, who fantastically led the spirited “Too Darn Hot” at the beginning of act two. If there’s a number that can instantly re-engage and wow the audience “Too Darn Hot” is that number.

Darren Bunch (front-center) as Paul and ensemble members (Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott)

One of my favorite parts of this production comes not from the stage but from the pit. The orchestra of nineteen musicians, led by Conductor Jeffrey P. Leonard, was fantastic from the beginning to end. They played Porter’s score like no other orchestra I’ve heard. They were sometimes upbeat and sometimes hauntingly beautiful, but at all times they were incredible.

Another area of note is the creative scenic design by Richard Schreiber whose colorful and multi-use set brought more life to the production. Speaking of life, the choreography by Susan M. Chebookjian was superbly executed by the cast. It was clear that they worked hard to make their dancing unified and exhilarating to watch.

This show is a fun night at the theatre and I’m sure the other thousand people at last night’s opening would agree. Kiss Me, Kate plays until July 19^th at the Robinson Theatre (617 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA). For information and tickets visit www.reaglemusictheatre.com

Review of South Pacific at Seacoast Repertory Theatre (NH)

Photo Credit: Seacoast Repertory Theatre

South Pacific is a musical classic from composer Richard Rogers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II that first appeared on Broadway in 1949. Set in an island paradise in the South Pacific in 1943 during World War II, it follows the love story between Arkansas native and US Navy nurse Nellie and French planter Emile, who escaped to the island from France many years before and is now a widower raising his two children. Another love story develops between Liat, a local girl living on the island of Bali Ha′i, and Lieutenant Cable, who is conflicted with the duty he owes to his country and the love he feels for Liat.

As the lights come up on stage and the dual pianos begin the overture, a nearly full house waits with baited breath. Suddenly, two adorable children playfully chase each other onto the stage and sing “Dites-Moi”. And in that moment the audience is transported to the South Pacific. As the show continues, the creative staging from Director Danielle Howard, the inventive set design by Szu-Feng Cheng, and the soothing lighting design by Kelly Gibson fully immerses the audience in the show.

While overall the cast of about twenty was good, there were certainly a few standout performances. First, was the fantastically funny Linette Roungchun as Bloody Mary. Her rendition of “Bali Ha′i” was wonderfully performed and had the audience wishing we could all go to the beautiful island. Next was the charismatic and amusing performance given by Kevin Mahaney who played Luther Billis. From the moment he walked onto the stage through his hysterical dance number, “Honey Bun”, with Nellie, played by Allie Wing, his characterization and comedic timing were spot on. His vocals, as he demonstrated in “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame”, were some of the best in the show.

Other notable moments include Connor McGrath’s (Lt. Cable) rendition of “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” which was poignant and yet a sad reminder of prejudices that still exist today. Paul Soper’s (Emile De Becque) well-trained opera voice was wonderfully showcased in “Some Enchanted Evening” and “This Nearly Was Mine”. Allie Wing (Ensign Nellie Forbush) was delightful throughout; though her voice was sometimes drowned out if others were also singing. However, her charming portrayal of Nellie and the joy she expressed during numbers such as “A Cockeyed Optimist”, “Wonderful Guy” and “Hunny Bun” had the audience hoping her love story would end happily.  

South Pacific at Seacoast Repertory Theatre is a well done version of a musical classic and plays Thursdays- Sundays until August 2^nd. For more information and tickets visit www.seacoastrep.org

Red at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse (NH)

Red is a Tony Award-winning play by John Logan. This intellectually stimulating drama, directed by Timothy L’Ecuyer, follows a two year period in the creative process of abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, played by Peter Josephson, and his assistant Ken, played by John-Michael Breen. It begins in 1958 when Mark Rothko, at the height of his career, is commissioned to create a series of paintings for the new and very high-class Four Seasons restaurant in New York City.

From start to finish this 90 minute play grabs the audience’s attention and never lets it go. It is captivating and offers a realistic glimpse into the world of an artist. The play shows the struggle, the sorrow, and the pain that an artist goes through to create. Red is an intimate look into the heart and soul of its two characters and their relationship with art, each other, and the world around them.

The creative team involved with this production did an incredible job designing a realistic, functioning art studio. The detailed set, designed by Melissa Shakun, was filled with everything a real painter would need. The simple, yet complimentary, lighting, designed by Shawn Kaufman, gave the audience the feeling that we were not watching a play, but an artist in his studio creating his next masterpiece. My favorite element, however, was the background music (sound design by Neil Pankhurst) usually playing off a record player, it added realism and even more depth to the play.   

Peter Josephson, who portrayed Mark Rothko, and John-Michael Breen, who portrayed Ken, were dynamic, compelling and brought incredible life to the smart and witty script. Josephson gave a strong and passionate portrayal of the complex painter at work. Breen’s portrayal of Ken displayed expressive versatility and youthful exuberance while also showing Ken’s emotional depth and desire to learn and create beautiful and memorable art. Their contrasting yet complimenting characters were realistic and wonderfully portrayed.   

Red, playing at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse until July 11^th, is a terrific piece of theatre. Though it is best appreciated by a mature audience, I highly suggest if you are in New Hampshire this week to go check it out. It invites the audience to think, to feel, and to embark along with its characters on a journey of discovery and creation.

For additional information and tickets visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org

West Side Story at Interlakes Theatre (Meredith,NH)

West Side Story is a tragic love story based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. Taking place in the Upper West Side neighborhood of New York City in the 1950’s, this musical gives us two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, whose rivalry focuses around their ethnic backgrounds. When a young couple falls in love and tries to break down the walls of hatred between the opposing gangs tragedy strikes multiple times.  It is then that the fists slowly come down as they realize what they’ve become and what their actions have caused.

Interlakes Theatre proudly brings this classic to the stage under the direction and choreography of Brian Feehan. The large cast showed off their dancing chops during the many dance breaks. The gentlemen appeared to lack confidence in their steps at times especially during the “Prologue” which made for a shaky start to the opening night performance. However, things improved when the ladies kicked the dancing up a notch during “The Dance at the Gym” and “America”.

Nonetheless, this show was carried by its leads Tony (Justin Luciano), Maria (Julia Suriano), Bernardo (Taylor Warren) and Anita (Cassidy Stoner). Luciano’s voice and connection with Suriano were wonderful and the two of them made the audience wish for a happy ending. Warren was dashingly authoritative as Bernardo and the dancing between him and Stoner during “The Dance at the Gym” was fierce (in the best way). Stoner brought strength, sass and of course incredible dancing to her portrayal of Anita.

As with most opening nights, this performance had its share of glitches. The most noticeable issue was the sound, or in some cases, the lack there of: from the mics being turned “on” backstage before the show to mics dying while leads were singing;  to the orchestra being louder than the singers even when their mics worked properly. It is my hope that it all gets sorted out and soon, because it was a shame to barely hear half the songs in the show and listening to the audience around me, many felt the same way.

Thankfully, the shining light of this production (who I could always hear) is the incomparable Julia Suriano who, as mentioned earlier, portrays Maria. From the moment she came on stage she was delightful to watch and when she started singing her well trained, Soprano voice was chillingly beautiful. Her performance of “I feel pretty” put a smile on the face of everyone in the audience. The strength and emotion she brought to “A Boy Like That/ I Have a Love” was perfection. And not long after that, we watched with tear filled eyes, her devastating heartbreak in the “Finale” as she reprimanded both gangs for what their hatred had destroyed. Julia Suriano’s portrayal of Maria is not to be missed as she is hands down one of the best vocalists Interlakes Theatre has ever had.   

West Side Story plays until July 12^th, 2015 at Interlakes Theatre in Meredith, NH. Tickets and additional information can be found at www.interlakestheatre.com 

Henry V @ Shakespeare and Company (Lenox, MA)

 

Ryan Winkles as Henry V. Photo by John Dolan.

Many questions floated around my head as I walked into Shakespeare and Company’s Bernstein Theatre for the opening night performance of William Shakespeare’s Henry V (one of his more popular history plays). What direction is the play going to go? Will it be a period piece or more modern? Will it be long? And probably the question that was on almost everyone’s mind: will I understand it? I perused the program looking for answers and saw that the show only had eight actors: four men and four women. I was instantly curious as to how that was going to be pulled off and as the lights dimmed I hoped for the best.

If you are unfamiliar with Henry V, it is the story of a prince turned king and his journey to repair his country, England, while also battling France. This intimate production puts an emphasis on the incredible language Shakespeare penned. From the moment the lights go up and the chorus begins the famous prologue: “O! for a Muse of fire…” the audience is drawn in and encouraged to use their imaginations throughout the coming journey.  

This production was masterfully and creatively directed by Jenna Ware. I can’t recall the last time I saw a ‘bare Bard’ production that was so excellently executed. A ‘bare Bard’ production is one that mimics how companies in Shakespeare’s day would have performed it: with minimal costumes and prop pieces in a bare space. This allows for the production to be performed in any space available because the actors bring everything with them.  The troupe certainly worked hard to create a play that flowed so easily from one scene to the next. The incredible cast includes Caroline Calkins, Jonathan Croy, Kelly Galvin, Jennie M. Jadow, Tom Jaegar, David Joseph, Sarah Jeanette Taylor and Ryan Winkles. All, but Ryan Winkles who played Henry, portrayed multiple characters each with their own mannerisms and way of speaking. By using various costumes pieces they would transform into different characters for each scene. Altogether, they were wonderful, however one stood out a little extra: David Joseph. This talented actor brought life, laughter and charisma to his characters and though each was different all were intriguing. He was certainly an audience favorite.

L-R: Sarah Jeanette Taylor, Jonathan Croy and Kelly Galvin. Photo by John Dolan

Wrapping up in two hours plus the 15 minute intermission, this play was undoubtedly one of the best I have seen of late. Yet, I was left wondering why the swords, though sometimes drawn, were never used.  The battle scene was done in a slow motion mime-like way with each character fighting their invisible opponent. It was really interesting to watch, but I felt let down at the same time because I had been looking forward to some kind of sword play.

If you find yourself in the Berkshires this summer I recommend heading over to Shakespeare and Company to enjoy the beauty of language mixed with a little bit of history and certainly some laughs. Henry V plays through August 23^rd, 2015. Tickets and more information on the play (which I highly recommend reading before attending) can be found at www.shakespeare.org