Set in Paris in 1923 on an exquisite set (designed by Keith Pitts), we enter the bohemian life of international star Isadora Duncan (Jennifer Engstrom in a emotional wrenching performance). We see her lavish lifestyle complete with extensive sexual activity with her drunken Russian poet husband, Sergei Esenin
After one year doing a show, the cast either gets better or it gets stale. In Million Dollar Quartet, the cast got better, especially Lance Guest as Johnny Cash and Eddie Clendening as Elvis. Both grew confidently in their portrayal of the legendary performers. Tim Decker, the newest cast member, as Sam Phillips, is a more intense, commanding and emotional persona of the man behind Sun Records.
Brooks’ structured Young Frankenstein in the best Broadway traditions leaning heavily on vaudevillian Borscht-Belt elements. Brooks proves that he is a terrific song writer mixing tune-full melodies, many parodies of other Broadway shows, with witty, often satirical show specific lyrics.
This kitchen sink comedy skillfully blends pokes at religious fanaticism as it shows that when in personal crisis, we tend to escape into blindly following extremist beliefs. Sylvia’s personal faith is thrust upon her husband and her unwilling daughter.
However, I truly applaud Rae Gray for straying from stereotype and giving a compelling performance as a teenager battling adolescence and her mother. If Ms. Gray sticks with acting, she is going places.
This is Irish storytelling rich in little details and zany personae distinctly told from the memories of kids struggling to make sense of their world during the bombings and killing in Belfast.
Thoroughly Modern Millie boasts a fine score by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan that echoes the sounds of the 1920’s Jazz Era. Based on the 1967 Oscar-winning film of the same name, Millie takes audiences back to the height of the Jazz Age, when “moderns,” including a flapper named Millie Dillmount
The action is furious as Dinny’s tight control over his sons is compressed into their ritual play-within-a play as we slowly learn by Dinny left Ireland and why his son’s won’t dare leave him as they are confined to their flat.
Those who enjoy unique, even quirky theatre, will embrace Frankenstein and the labors of promenade staging. The younger audience members were thrilled with concept and the story—that is always a good sign.
Heimann cast the fabulous Danielle Brothers as Don Quixote. Brothers has the intense acting chops necessary to play the eccentric ‘knight.’ She also has the lower register to effective land her powerful songs. Excellent decision. Heimann filled the show with outstanding character actors equally adept as actors and singers.