“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 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.

“LOST IN YONKERS” (The Arctic Playhouse, West Warwick, RI)

September 14, 2017September 14, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The Arctic Playhouse’s current show is Neil Simon’s 1991 Pulitzer Prize winning play, “Lost in Yonkers.” The show is set in 1942 and it examines the relationships in the emotionally crippled Kurnitz family. The show is a coming of age tale that focuses on brothers, Artie and Jay, left in the care of their Grandmother Kurnitz and Aunt Bella in Yonkers, NY. Their desperate father, Eddie, works as a traveling salesman to pay off debts incurred following the death of his wife. Grandma is a severe, frightfully intimidating immigrant who terrified her children as they were growing up, damaging them in varying degrees. Bella is a sweet but mentally slow and highly excitable woman who longs to marry the usher at a local movie house so she can escape the oppressive household. Bella’s brother, Louie is a small time, tough-talking hoodlum who is on the run, while sister, Gert suffers from a breathing problem whose cause is more psychological than physical. Neil Simon shows why the five adults in this show have become the way they are and how it affects the two teenage boys left in their midst. Directors Christian O’Brien and Eileen Goretaya blend the comic and dramatic moments together splendidly, leaving the audience laughing and crying at all the appropriate moments. With their direction, Christian and Eileen’s cast wins a thunderous standing ovation at the close of the show.

“A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED” – Renaissance City Theatre Co., Westerly, RI

September 9, 2017September 9, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The Renaissance City Theatre Co., the producing entity of the Granite Theatre’s current show is “A Murder is Announced” by Agatha Christie adapted by Leslie Darbon for the stage. In this show an advertisement appears in the personal column in the local newspaper, announcing a murder will take place at the home of Miss Blacklock’s who is one of Miss Marple’s acquaintances. It turns out to not be a prank, and when two murders take place, Miss Marple and a detective have to work their way through a house full of suspects. Director John Cillino casts these roles beautifully, garnering splendid and well nuanced performances from them. He gives them many comic moments to liven things up as well as cliff hanger music to enhance the melodramatic endings to murderous moments.

‘The Odd Couple” – (Arctic Playhouse West Warwick, RI)

September 1, 2017September 11, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Cindy Killavey

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon, The Arctic Playhouse, 117 Washington Street, West Warwick, RI through September 17

Oscar Madison and his card-playing cronies learn that Felix Unger is missing after his wife ends their 12 year marriage. When Felix arrives on the scene the friends try to cheer him up to no avail.. In the end, Oscar, who isn’t phased by clutter, insists Felix, “Mr. Clean”, stay with him. Oscar learns to regret this decision to the delight of the opening night crowd.

The card players include Tony Annicone as Speed; Anthony Capraro as Vinnie; J.P. McCormick as Murray and Bob Mignarri as Roy. This ensemble seamlessly trades barbs and witty dialogue and their reactions to Felix, crying in the bathroom and the mayhem when they think that he has swallowed a whole bottle of pills, draws hearty laughter from the audience. The stage at this black box theater is intimate and directors John Faiola and Geoff Monti used some creative blocking for the several “chases” in the performance which the cast handled perfectly. Set changes were handled by the card players between the acts, another clever Directorial choice.

Henryce “Hen” Zannini and Denise Izzi are Gwendolyn and Cecily Pigeon These English “birds of a feather” are extremely entertaining. The way they interact with each other would have you believing they really are sisters.

It’s easy to see that Fred Davidson (Oscar) and John Faiola (who wears two hats as Director and as Felix) have performed in these roles before. The chemistry between the two is palpable. Oscar’s eye rolls and bluster are a perfect foil for Felix’s mobile face and gestures. John’s ladle work is priceless. When Felix turns what Oscar had hoped would be a romantic evening with the Pigeon sisters into a group sob fest, it’s the last straw.

Co-Director and first time Stage Manager Geoffrey Monti keeps things running smoothly throughout and the music choices are perfect.

For a wonderful evening of terrific theater, laugh-out-loud humor and delicious popcorn & cookies, don’t miss this show. Call for reservations as several performances are already sold out!!

www.TheArcticPlayhouse.com

401-573-3443

MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS Roger Williams Summer Playhouse @ The Wilbury Theatre Group, Providence, RI

August 20, 2017August 20, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Roger Williams University’s Barn Summer Playhouse in association with Wilbury Theatre Group’s summer show is “Moonlight and Magnolias” by Ron Hutchinson which is the mostly true story of the creation of “Gone With The Wind” movie. This production is dedicated to the memory of Donald J. Farish, President of Roger Williams University. “Moonlight and Magnolias” was the original working title for this historic movie. It is a wild romp in the style of the 1930’s movie comedies.

‘TARZAN” Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI

August 12, 2017August 12, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Stadium Theatre’s current musical is “Tarzan” which is based on the 1999 Disney film and the classic story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It features music and lyrics by Phil Collins and book by David Henry Hwang. The classic tale unfolds in the early 1900’s as a shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a Gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. The helpless baby is adopted by the mate of the leader of this tribe who is mourning the loss of her own baby gorilla. As he grows and matures, the boy yearns for acceptance from his ape father and the reason for his uniqueness. When he eventually encounters his first human, Jane Porter, their worlds collide and transform forever. Director Rebecca Donald casts topnotch performers for these roles while music director Alex Tirrell taught the cast Phil Collins’ music and choreographer Jennifer Webb creates some athletic choreography. This heart warming musical also teaches us to accept others even thought their appearance is different from us. This high energy musical receives a well deserved resounding and thunderous standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE (Renaissance City Theatre, Westerly, RI)

August 5, 2017August 5, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The Renaissance City Theatre the producing entity at the Granite Theatre’s current show is “The Prisoner of Second Avenue” by Neil Simon. This dark comedy tells the story of Mel, a New York-based advertising executive, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he loses his job. As he attempts to cope with his new unemployment status, he becomes particularly depressed over the fact he must now depend on the income of his wife, Edna, who, out of necessity, has now taken on a job. When his apartment is burglarized and his psychiatrist dies with $23,000 of his money, Mel has a nervous breakdown. As the couple recovers together, the audience witnesses their resilience, and determination to survive. A Jewish family meeting with his brother, Harry and sisters, Pauline, Pearl and Jessie add lightness to the show. Although having a nervous break down is a serious matter, Neil Simon reminds us even in the face of desperation and despair, there can be laughter. Director Jude Pescatello chooses the best cast for this show and blocks it splendidly on the beautiful set built and designed by David Jepson. He keeps the pace of the show in constant motion.

A COMEDY OF TENORS (Renaissance City Theatre, Westerly, RI)

June 30, 2017June 30, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Renaissance City Theatre, the producing entity of the Granite Theatre’s current show is “A Comedy of Tenors” by Ken Ludwig. The characters that he has in this one are a trio of temperamental tenors, one wife, one lover and a few significant others have been assembled to cause mayhem. This show takes place two years after the events in “Lend Me a Tenor.” The events in this show concern the frustrations that beset world class tenor, Tito Merelli as he arrives in Paris once again with his tempestuous wife, Maria to sing at a gala concert. He is contracted to sing with two other tenors, Max and Carlo for what has been billed as the biggest concert in the history of Paris by high-anxiety producer, Saunders. Unknown to Tito is that his daughter, Mimi is having an affair with Carlo of whom Tito not only disapproves but mistakenly believes is having an affair with Maria. Add a singing hotel porter, Beppo who is the spitting image of Tito and a sexy Russian soprano, who unbeknownst to Maria, once had a torrid affair with Tito. Max who was Saunders assistant is now his son-in-law who is waiting for his wife to give birth to their baby. Director Lee Rush guides her talented cast to steal many scenes along the way in this naughty and bawdy farce.