06.11.10
Mary Poppins
Broward Center
Mary Poppins manages to tickle your funny bone, pull on your heart strings and invigorate your fantasies. The talented cast, includes Caroline Sheen as Mary Poppins, and Gavin Lee as Bert from the original UK run, pull theater goers into the fantasy world of 1800’s London, play the rich and poor, well to do with the hoi-polloi.
For his expertly comic effect Gavin Lee in particular was loved by the audience with extremely funny physical comedy, including tap dancing on the ceiling and matching dukes’ with England Constabulary. The sets and costume were perfect in their way as well. With flawless set changes and costumes that manage to reflect characters and draw viewers ever deeper into the hilarious world of Mary Poppins’, the spectacular cast performs over 18 songs. Including new song such as “Cherry Tree Lane”,” Being Mrs. Banks” and adaptations of classics like “A man has a dream”, “Chim Chim Che-ree” and the ever famous “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” a perfect adjective to describe the musical. Of particular note was Miss Andrews, played by Ellen Harvey who sings her new operatic new song of “Brimstone and Treacle” with the ideal vileness needed for the villainous Mary Poppin nanny counterpart. Numerous other memorable characters will have the audience laughing at their antics and mourning with their troubles. Such as the comedy duo of Mrs. Brill and Robertson Ay, played by Rachel Lzen & Dennis Moench, the ever bumbling Robertson Ay, offset by the ever angered Mrs. Brill play off one another as their roles as the servants to Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Mary Poppins is a musical that manages to leave viewers in a spell-bound world where a spoon full of sugar really does help the medicine go down and feeling “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” all the way home.
8.4.09
Mamma Mia is Still a Dancing Queen in West Palm Beach
Kravis Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Reviewed by Jason Fisher
Critics Rating 3.5 out of 5 spotlights
While Mamma Mia is celebrating its’ seventh year on Broadway, the North American touring company made their way to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from August 4th to the 9th. Featuring well-known songs from the famous Swedish group ABBA, Mamma Mia tells the story of a young girl named Sophie who, unbeknownst to her mother, invites her three possible dads to her wedding to find out which one is her real father.
Liana Hunt stars as Sophie and makes her national tour debut with Mamma Mia. She has a great voice and very good characterization throughout the show. Her mother/daughter chemistry with Donna, played by Michelle Dawson is very believable and does get emotional at times.
There were many things that disappointed me in this production. The first major part of this show that upset me was the music. Along with many musicals that I have seen, I am noticing one thing and that is the musicians do not know how to be an accompanist. During the Overture, Entracte and Rich Man’s World, I felt the music was way too loud, especially during Rich where it drowned out Dawson’s voice. Dawson, who last played Tanya at the Broward Center, has taken over the role of Donna and unfortunately, this transformation was not an improvement. Dawson’s swallowed tone did not allow her talent’s to be featured until The Winner Takes It All. Her acting was not flawed in the least, but her overall performance was hurt by the vocal performance that she presented.
A surprising feature of this show was the male actors in this show. This involves Sam, played by John Hemphill, Bill, played by Martin Kildare and Harry, played by Ian Knauer (a stand in). The pleasant difference from the movie was the voices. While the movie had talented and well-known actors, their voices were something that I would like to forget. After seeing the performance in Broward and being very disappointed with the vocal talents of the gentlemen, I was afraid of having a repeat of the same show. Surprisingly, I found myself having a great time at this show and very pleased with the voices that were on stage that night.
Along with the gentlemen, the rest of the supporting actors did a great job including Donna’s friends, Tanya and Rosie, played by Rachel Tyler and Kittra Wynn Coomer respectably. Their duet of Chiquitita was very well done and memorable and each had a knockout solo number with Does Your Mother Know? and Take A Chance On Me.
If you want a good time, make sure to see Mamma Mia, and if you want a secret from me, stay after the bows for a great ABBA concert. Mamma Mia will be at the Kravis Center until August 9th and then is coming to Miami March 30th through April 4th, 2010.
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7.13.09
BENT: Has a Heart-Pounding Story That Will Leave You at the Edge of Your Seat
Rising Action Theatre
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Reviewed by Jason Fisher
Critics Rating 4 out of 5 Spotlights
When people think of the Holocaust, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the persecution of the Jewish people. What people don’t think about are other minorities that were included in the hatred of the Nazi German’s of the late 1930’s, such as the Gypsies, people with disabilities as well as the homosexual population. The later population was not thought about until Martin Sherman, a Jewish Homosexual wrote a play called BENT in the late 1970’s, which was also made into a movie in 1992.
BENT portrays a man named Max, a rich socialite who is also open about his sexuality, much to the dismay of his family. After a night of “living it up”, Max brings home a SA guard; the true plot of the play begins the morning after. Here we meet Rudy, Max’s significant other and Wolf, the SA guard. At a time when homosexuality was looked down on, even in the Nazi regime itself, the three characters soon find out what is in store for them, especially one character that I won’t name here, in order not to ruin the surprise.
After escaping the arresting German officers the other two characters remain on the run until they are eventually captured and taken to Dachau. At the end of Act one and throughout Act two, the audience is shown the horrifying events that these victims had to endure.
Leading the cast is Larry Buzzeo, who portrays Max, in addition to directing the show and designing the costumes. These three things alone allow the audiences the opportunity to see the talent that this gentleman possess and after all his hard work preparing this show for stage, he is still able to come out every night and put on a performance that, as the title suggests, keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Supporting Buzzeo’s character, newcomer John McGlothlin (Horst) brings along an innocent feeling of being a victim to the stage. Horst is a victim of the Holocaust who is arrested for signing a petition that would bring about gay rights. He is introduced to Max on a train bound for Dachau and eventually the two begin a friendship that erupts in an ending that is both expected and breathtaking at the same time. The connection that these two have on stage is expertly shown from their introduction and intensifies during their sexual exploits (which is more poetry then the now popular “phone sex”)
Other notable cast members include Larry Brooks who provides unforgettable musical transitions in between scenes and plays the role of Greta (played by Mick Jagger in the movie) and also Terry Cuzzort who plays the German Officer.
Overall, the play was one that won’t soon be forgotten. The fact-based characters that are mentioned and real-life events bring an emotional additive to an already intense story. In addition, the set, designed by Leah Brown, is a beautiful (hard to describe a concentration labor area beautiful) piece that allows the actors to bring out the feelings of being a victim and living through the harsh circumstances that these unfortunate minorities went through. Although the final act is a little drawn out, it does allow the audience to go as crazy as Horst and Max carry stones from one end of the stage to the other.
Do not expect to laugh a lot during this performance, but do expect an amazing, thought-provoking show that will leave you breathless as you walk out of the theatre.
BENT is currently showing through July 19th at the Rising Action Theatre in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
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5.21.09
Chicago Was Not All “Razzle-Dazzle” In My Eyes
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
Reviewed by Jason Fisher
Critics Rating: 3 out of 5 Spotlights
Chicago, currently playing at the Arsht Center through May 31st has been the highlight for the 2008-2009 Season for Miami for this critic. After seeing the movie plenty of times, this was a show that I had been waiting for a long time to see.
Chicago tells the story of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, two women who are in jail for murdering their husband and love affair respectively. Through the tabloid media, the two murderesses discover that fame can have its ups and downs and all it may take is a “funny-hubby” to bail you out, along with a spotlight-loving lawyer who only cares about love.
Terra C. Macleod and Bryn Dowling who played Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart did a brilliant job as the two leads and had great stage chemistry throughout the performance. I was pleasantly surprised at how much Macleod reminded me of Chita Rivera during the “Hot Honey Rag” and sounded like Zeta-Jones during “Class.” Dowling was absolutely stunning throughout the show and displayed her dancing ability during “Roxie” and her non-vocal acting talents during “We Both Reached For The Gun.”
The supporting cast had its highs and lows with Mr. Brent Barrett doing an amazing job as Billy Flynn, the money (and women) loving lawyer who makes every courtroom trial a three-ring circus. Barrett did a beautiful job performing this role and showed his vocal talents during “All I Care About” and his lung capacity with the last note of “Gun”.
Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the main bill of the show, Sofia Vergara. Sofia, currently on break from Broadway playing Matron Mama Morton, left the Great White Way to come to Miami for this one week. Known to the Latin community for her work on screen and on television, Vergara was a name that would draw the community to see this show. What drew me away from her performance was the way that Sofia played the role. As far as I know, Matron Mama Morton did not know Spanish, but magically a Spanish phrase was inserted into “When You’re Good to Mama” that I had never heard in any recording before. Also, in “Class”, Mama Morton says “holy chit.” I am pretty sure that that is not the word that is supposed to be said. In summary, the Spanish accent completely threw me from enjoying her performance.
The Chicago Orchestra was great, but once again too loud. I enjoyed the placement, as they were the centerpiece of the show, being put on stage and also the interaction between the performers, the conductor, and the musicians themselves.
Choreography by Ann Reinking who was the original choreographer for this show really allowed the performers to move freely and showcased Bob Fosse’s famous steps.
For a nice night, visit the Arsht theatre, before Sunday and see Chicago.
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10.7.09
Fiddler on the Roof is Still a Family “Tradition”
Broward Center
Fort Lauderdale FL
Reviewed by Jason Fisher
Critics Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Spotlights
If you have not seen Fiddler on the Roof, the first question you will be asked is, “Where have you been?” Hopefully, you will then be suggested to see the 2009/2010 national tour, otherwise known as The Farewell Tour, currently playing at the Broward Center for the next two weeks.
Spearheading this cast is the unforgettable Topol, who is known to theatre and movie fans as the character, Tevye the Milkman. Since 1967, Topol has been performing this role and when he came on stage in Ft Lauderdale, he smiled and showed the love he had for this show.
Fiddler tells the story of a milkman named Tevye who lives the small village of Anatevka, Russia during the Czarist invasions. Along with his wife, Golde, and their five daughters, Tevye deals with the changing times and tribulations as his traditions crumble around him. The biggest change being when his daughters begin to decide who they will marry for themselves.
With so many different versions of this show that currently are or have been produced, it is very hard to find a version of Fiddler that you cannot fall in love with and this is no exception. The movement of the scenery and the fluidity of the show was something that left me spellbound throughout both acts. The storybook opening of the home and village points of interest made it seem like the show was coming directly out of a Sholom Aleichem story.
Special kudos belongs to the actors who played the Russian troupe during L’Chaim. As always, they fulfilled the expectation that I have for this number. Every time I see this show, it is the one part that I look forward to the most and as always, these fine dancers had my feet taping throughout this long and difficult display of the original Jerome Robbins choreography. Retaining this dance number intact was a great decision by the shows director; a nod to what has become a “tradition” in this production.
Be sure to see Fiddler when it visits a city near you.
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7.22.09
Still Untitled: An Up and Coming Show That Does Have Some Potential
Rising Action Theatre
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Reviewed by: Jason Fisher
Critics Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Spotlights
Those of you who listened to my radio show (Curtain Call) on July 19th, heard me speaking with three young men who were promoting a show called Still Untitled. Still Untitled is being presented, for its’ World Premiere by Verve Central Productions at the Rising Action Theatre until the 26th of July. (If you missed the July 19th edition of Curtain Call, you can catch it by hitting the archives page; to do this click the ‘menu’ button below the TV screen on the home page, then select ‘View Movies’ from there you pick what you wish to see by show name and date.)
This show is about a young man named Tristan who is making his Broadway debut on Halloween, which happens to be his birthday and his recently deceased brother’s favorite holiday. Throughout this 90 minute performance, Tristan goes back in time and recalls memories about his family and the love and loss that he has encountered during his childhood and more.
Producer and Director, Matt May, presents this story that has been an overall 14 years in the making, beginning with a paper that he wrote about his good friend and classmate Terrance Olear (also playing the role of Tristan). Terrance lost his brother, Timmy, after a five year battle with full blown AIDS, to then lose his mother six months later from Brain Cancer. Years later, after May found the story again, he called Olear and asked if he had written any of his stories down. He suggested writing a show about his life and past events. This is how Still Untitled came to be.
The show takes place in one act and one scene. Audiences are brought into the dressing room of a young man who is about to go onto a Broadway stage for the first time and is getting the jitters. The intercom (played by the voice of Javier Ortega) comes on and the interaction between the two characters begins. Triggered by songs and events, Tristan goes back and talks about different moments in his life that helped shape him into the person that he is today.
I will once again point out that last night was the first performance of a World Premiere before I talk about the acting. Terrance, on whom the stories were based, made mulitple errors during the monologues and stopped to correct himself. I must admit that it did add to the vision of him really speaking and not reciting lines from a script, but unfortunately it also upset the flow of the story. I commend May for choosing Olear to play this role as it allowed the audience to see the true raw emotion that Olear displayed while discussing events such as helping his mother change his brother’s diapers and the different funerals that he attended.
The other character in this play is the intercom. Audiences really don’t know who this character is supposed to be, but gets hints that it is possibly the Stage Manager with the “places” call towards the end of the play. I feel that this part was not really necessary, as May could have made this show into a one-man performance and changed his transitions. The intercom comes on and asks simple questions and side comments that did add a little bit of flow to the show but also disrupted the flow of the stories at some points.
The only reason I give this show a 2.5 is because it needs work and May would be the first one to admit this fact. The story is great; the characters are presented in a way that is completely believable, the stage, set and lights were beautifully set and May, along with the rest of his staff should be proud of the work that they have brought to the Rising Action Theatre.
If you are interested in seeing a new show that has been brought to life, please contact Verve Central Productions at www.vervecentralproductions.com
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4.28.09
Jersey Boys: A Hidden Gem Discovered By South Florida
Broward Center
Fort Lauderdale FL
Reviewed by Jason Fisher
Critics Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Spotlights
Last year, while working with the merchandise company for Wicked, I couldn’t help but overhear some excitement coming from the ushers at the Broward Center over a rumor of an upcoming show for next year. The name of the show was Jersey Boys. The only thought that came to mind was, “What is this show and what could cause such excitement?”
Earlier this month, I got the chance to answer these questions when I saw Jersey Boys for the first time. I am still unable to stop talking about how great this show was. A mixture of unforgettable hits and a unique story brought audiences a night and a show that they will never forget.
Jersey Boys is the story of the creation of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It tells the tale of a group of four young guys who got together and created some of the most memorable chart-topping hits to ever be recorded. Hits included “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Beggin” and many others that were magically intertwined in a never before told story of love, friendship and being there for each other.
Leading the cast was an angelic voice sung by Joseph Leo Bwarie. Audience members claimed that they closed their eyes and could not tell the difference between Valli and Bwarie. Never before had I seen an audience dance in their seats and then give a standing ovation after a single number.
Not growing up with this music, I was surprised to find myself fully enjoying this show and wanting to see it again. I would have absolutely no problem recommending this show to anyone who wants to have a nice night out with a great show included.
If you are unable to catch Jersey Boys in Ft. Lauderdale, before May 3rd, make sure to see it at the Kravis Center, March of 2010.
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Editors Note: WRPBradio welcomes Jason Fisher to our family of reviewers. Jason brings a fresh perspective as he has theater background; he sees the show from both the audience and production side and brings that experience to his reviews.
Tune in to Jason’s show ‘Curtain Call’ on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm to catch up on all the latest theater happenings and so much more.
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