“Hair” Still Rocks at Fifty

October 2, 2017October 2, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

“Hair” – Book and Lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni. Music by Galt MacDermont. Directed by Joey C. Pelletier. Presented by Heart and Dagger Productions at Club Café, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, through October 20.

I was a little kid when my parents bought the album of the original Broadway cast of “Hair”, after they’d gone to New York to see it. I thought the music was contagious and would sing along to the soundtrack. My naïve mother didn’t know the meaning of the words in “Sodomy” any more than I did, so the singing worked out nicely. Years later, I found a book in our local library by original cast member Lorrie Davis, called “Letting Down My Hair: Two Years With the Love Rock Tribe–From Dawning to Downing of Aquarius”. Fans of “Hair”, this book is not to be missed! ($30 used on Amazon.) I read and reread it cover to cover until my mother, who had wised up by then, got her hands on it and declared it “filthy”. Years later, as a young theater reviewer in college, I volunteered to see a Brown University production of “Hair”. The show itself was excellent, but I was disappointed to experience it as a piece of history, rather than something relevant to the times.

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“SHREK, THE MUSICAL” (Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI)

October 1, 2017October 13, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Stadium Theatre’s fall show is “Shrek, the Musical”, based on the Oscar winning Dreamworks animation movie with the same name from 2001. It has music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire with the original source material from William Steig’s 1990 book “Shrek.” The story begins when Shrek tells the audience his parents sent him out of the house at the age of 7 and into the world to make a living. They warn him because of his looks, everyone will hate him and he will come to a bad end. The audience joins Shrek and his loyal steed, Donkey on their quest to rescue the beautiful if slightly temperamental Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a love sick fire-breathing dragon. Throw in the diminutive Lord Farquaad who is in love with Fiona, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a gingerbread cookie with attitude to the list of wild and crazy characters that Shrek and the audience meet along the way. Shrek is an outsider who goes on a journey to discover where he belongs in the world. This is something everyone can relate to as well as an important lesson to learn that you should learn to accept everybody no matter how they look. Add splendid singing and dancing by this 41 member cast with excellent direction by Ashley Lopes, terrific choreography by Jennifer Webb and marvelous music direction by Alex Tirrell. This high energy musical is rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation at the curtain call with the whole audience singing “I’m a Believer” with Shrek and his cast mates.

Ashley picks the best performers for these roles and infuses them with keen insight into the comic and dramatic moments that enthrall the crowd. Jennifer’s choreography is breathtaking especially the tap dance, the twist, the Charleston and some Motown dances. The 19 songs and music soar under Alex’s direction with his excellent 12 piece orchestra. Leading this huge cast is Aidan Horrigan as Shrek. He is dynamic in this role, winning over the audience with his sympathetic portrayal. Aidan’s songs include “Big Bright Beautiful World”, when he sings about being alone in the swamp, “When Words Fail” when he tries to explain his feelings to Fiona, “Build a Wall” when he is angry with everyone around him and “Beautiful Ain’t Always Pretty”, when he falls in love at last. His duet with Fiona is “I Think I Got You Beat” which is reminiscent of “Anything You Can Do” from “Annie Get Your Gun” where they compete with each other in an hilarious burping and farting contest. Aidan closes the show with “I’m A Believer” of Monkee fame with the whole cast dancing to it.

Brian Lopes is a hoot as the Donkey. He is a hoot with his wild and crazy antics as well as his delivery of the witty one liners. Brian’s powerful voice is heard in “Don’t Let Me Go” when he first meets Shrek, “Travel Song” where he explains he’s a GPS in fur, “Forever” is when the Donkey discovers the Dragon is holding Fiona captive, “Who I’d Be”, “Make a Move” when he encourages Shrek to pursue Fiona and “This Is Our Story” which brings the Donkey a happy ending. Multitalented beautiful red head, Dalita Getzoyan is superb as the spunky, Fiona. This character isn’t afraid of anyone and speaks her mind freely. Her lovely voice is heard in the very poignant “I Know It’s Today, where she sings about being rescued by a prince ( sung in perfect three part harmony with Jennifer Leamy as Young Fiona and Elizabeth Larabee as Teen Fiona) “This Is How A Dream Comes True”, “Who I’d Be” where she, Shrek and the Donkey sing of the secrets they are hiding, “Morning Person”, a stunning show stopping tap dance that opens Act 2, “I Think I Got You Beat”, the farting song and “This Is Our Story” where she and Shrek get together at last. Marvelous work by the three leading players.

The rest of the cast lives up to the high standards of the leading players. Dillon Tognacci plays the part of Lord Farquaad excellently. He is the villain of the show as he wants Shrek killed so he can have Fiona for his own. Dillon is a hoot as this Snidley Whiplash character as he oozes evilness from every pore of his being. He plays the part on his knees with fake legs and his dancing has to be seen to be believed. His strong voice soars in his two big song and dance numbers “What’s Up Duloc?” and “The Ballad of Farquaad.” Dillon is hilarious while stealing many a scene with his strong comic timing. Farquaad’s even smaller father, Grumpy of Snow White fame is played by tiny Jake Smolan who also plays Young Shrek. He is a hoot as Grumpy who finally puts Farquaad in his place. Michaelyn St. Pierre plays the comical Dragon marvelously. She displays her powerful voice in “Forever” with Brian as she falls in love with Donkey. Leading the fairytale characters is Pinocchio played splendidly by Connor Buonaccorsi and he is hilarious as his nose keeps growing longer every time he tells a lie. Connor speaks in a high pitched voice and leads the chorus in “Story of My Life”, “The Goodbye Song” and “The Freak Flag” which is where the fairytale characters do a Motown dance that captivates the audience. He also plays the Pied Piper and he and the rats do a terrific tap dance. Bryn Martin who is a gorgeous blonde is a hoot as Gingy, the gingerbread cookie who is tortured by Farquaad so he can find his princess and become king. Her fabulous singing voice is heard in “The Freak Flag.” Madison LaPlante has a fabulous voice which soars in “Freak Flag” song where she plays Humpty Dumpty. There are many twists and turns leading up to its heartwarming ending. So for a wonderful musical treat that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, be sure to catch “Shrek, the Musical” at the Stadium Theatre.

SHREK, THE MUSICAL (12 to 14 October)

Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket, RI

1(401)762-4545 or www.stadiumtheatre.com

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

October 1, 2017October 21, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Stadium Theatre’s current musical extravaganza is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a new musical which debuted at the La Jolla Playhouse in California in October, 2014. Then in March, 2015 it played at Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey. Both theatres have had shows transferred to Broadway. Unfortunately this musical did not make it and why is a complete mystery to me. This version is based on the Victor Hugo 1831 novel which was transformed by Disney into an animated film in 1996. This version has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell. However this is not the usual happy musical from Disney where everyone lives happily ever after. The songs from the Disney film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” are powerful and potent and the tale dark and Gothic but still it is an entrancing and enticing musical to see and savor. Director Becca Donald and musical director Mark Colozzi pick the best performers for these roles and infuse them with high energy all night long. Mark plays lead keyboards and conducts a fabulous 9 piece orchestra and obtains awesome harmonies from the cast. Choreographer Matt Parello supplies some upbeat dances to lighten up the show in some of the gypsy sequences. Their expertise wins a very well deserved spontaneous standing ovation at the close of the performance.

The storyline is a deformed man, Quasimodo is hidden from the world by his devious caretaker and longingly observes all of Paris from atop a bell tower. However during the Feast of the Fools, he escapes for the day to join the crowd, discovering both the cruelty and compassion of strangers and new friends he must defend from a familiar evil. Becca blocks this huge epic musical splendidly on a fantastic two story cathedral style set by Wayne Boucher. She brings every ounce of pathos pouring out to the very appreciative audience. The multitude of gorgeous costumes are by Eve Lajoie, Gina Giuliano, Linda McDermott, Dean Hernandez and Caroline Tillinghast . Jack Cappadona does a magnificent job as Quasimodo, the poor tormented creature whose only friends are the gargoyles of Notre Dame. He captures the pathos of this character perfectly and acts his heart out in this role. Jack’s voice is so powerful as he renders the hopeful “Out There” where he yearns to be like other people, “Heaven’s Light” and the 11th hour show stopping song “Made of Stone” which is despairing but all are fabulously sung by this young man who should be a professional performer after seeing him in this performance. Hannah Duhamel also shines as Esmeralda, the gypsy who captures Quasimodo’s heart. She is a gorgeous brunette with a beautiful voice which is heard with the chorus in “God Help the Outcasts” and in “Someday”, a duet with Phoebus where people should learn to live with each other peacefully after facing prejudice against the gypsies. Hannah also sings the poignant “Top of the World” song with Jack when he brings her to the bell tower.

Powerful vocalist Cooper Ceruolo plays the Captain of the guard, Phoebus who falls in love with Esmeralda. His voice is heard in “Rest and Recreation” and “The Court of Miracles.” I last reviewed him as Chris in “Miss Saigon” at the Stadium. John McElroy Morgan as Frollo, the pious archdeacon who lusts after Esmeralda and becomes more depraved. He is terrific as this pious but bigoted man whose hate for the gypsies overpowers his religious nature and he also treats his nephew, Quasimodo with disdain due to his father’s assignation with a gypsy girl. When Frollo meets Esmeralda, his dark side comes out. John is onstage almost the whole musical. His powerful voice is heard in “Hellfire” with the choir. He sends chills up your spine with this bloodthirsty song and his malevolent character. The chorus and congregation vocalists are incredible and their voices soar in the group numbers especially in “The Bells of Notre Dame”, the Latin songs, “Justice in Paris” and “While the City Slumbered.” Mark does a magnificent job with the soaring, beautiful harmonies of these numbers. So for a splendid new epic musical, be sure to catch “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the Stadium Theatre before time runs out. Tell them Tony sent you.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (20 to 22 October)

Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket, RI

THE CRAZY TIME , Newport Playhouse

October 1, 2017October 15, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Welcome back to the 1970’s and the battle of the sexes in the current show at Newport Playhouse, “The Crazy Time” by Sam Bobrick. Miles Gladstone finds himself making some drastic midlife changes after leaving his wife of thirty years and marrying a gorgeous woman half his age. Just six months into his new marriage, his new wife is nowhere to be found, his daughter Susan fears that her marriage is headed down the same road as her parents. Miles, business partner Jerry is plotting a hostile takeover and surprisingly ex-wife Kate is back in his life but now involved with a much younger boyfriend. The crazy time occurs in your lives when outside distractions lead you astray from your path of life. Director Rick Bagley infuses his cast with keen insight into these comic roles and they lead the audience on a merry romp after the audience enjoys an all you can eat buffet before the show and a delightful, fun filled cabaret afterwards.

ANNIE, (Pawtucket Community Players)

October 1, 2017November 12, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The first show of The Community Players 97th season is “Annie” which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. This show is based on Harold Gray’s comic strip Little Orphan Annie, it won 7 Tony Awards and ran for 2,377 performances. With a combination of street smarts and optimism, Annie rises from next to nothing in 1930’s New York. She is determined to find her parents, who left her in the orphanage years ago in the clutches of the evil Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other orphans, Annie manages to foil Hannigan’s greedy plans and find a family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary, Grace and Annie’s lovable dog, Sandy. It has insightful direction by Brian Mulvey, topnotch music direction by Ron Procopio who plays lead keyboards and conducts a 7 piece orchestra and some energetic dance numbers by Leslie Racine Vazquez. Their combined expertise wins the cast a resounding standing ovation at the close of the show.

LEADING LADIES (Rhode Island College)

October 1, 2017November 12, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

“Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig takes place one month in the spring of 1958 in York, Pennsylvania. Written by the author of “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo”, this hilarious comedy is Rhode Island College Theatre Department’s current show. In this play two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find themselves so down on their luck that they are performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Shrewsbury, PA. When they hear that Florence, an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her relatives and get the cash.

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (2nd Story Theatre, Warren, RI)

October 1, 2017October 9, 2017 michaelhoban2 Comments

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

2nd Story Theatre’s opening show of their season is “The Boys Next Door” by Rhode Island native, Tom Griffin. It is a funny and touching play about four mentally handicapped men living in a communal residence under the guidance and watchful eye of a caring but burnt out social worker. The story is told by a series of vignettes and scenes, with some of the performers speaking directly to the audience. Director Ed Shea picks splendid and talented performers to fill these well written roles. He mixes the comic and dramatic moments together marvelously to a very appreciative audience who gives them a resounding ovation at the curtain call.

“SWEENEY TODD” – RISE Playhouse, Woonsocket, RI

October 1, 2017October 15, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Review by Tony Annicone

Rhode Island Stage Ensemble’s fall musical is Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” which opened on Broadway on March 1, 1979 and won 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. This musical is a macabre tragicomedy based on the legend of a half mad 19th Century English barber who is driven to crime when his wife and his daughter are taken from him by an evil judge.