Review: Amazing Vocals Still Don't Make REUNION an Event You Might Want to Attend

REUNION/music, book & lyrics by Marc Ellis/book & lyrics by Michael Lange & David M. Matthews/directed & choreographed by Kay Cole/NoHo Arts Center/thru December 13, 2015

With the impressive resumes and awards the REUNION team of writers and director/choreographer possesses, one would expect a first-rate show with dazzling choreography, wonderful songs and an involving plot. The world premiere of REUNION greatly benefits from the sensational, though sadly underused, vocal talents of their twelve-member cast.

High school class reunions can be quite traumatic for the majority of students who weren't the most popular, the most athletically gifted, or voted 'Most Likely to Succeed.' The main character of this event, Elliott, once the butt of class ridicule and the target of the class bully, has ended up a successful writer. While in Frogs Neck High, Elliott had a crush on Amelia who always stood in front of him in glee club. The through plotline has the audience wondering if Elliott will finally get the chance (or have the nerve) to express his never verbalized feelings to Amelia; that is, if she even shows up at all.

David Babich instills his portrayal of Elliott with all the vulnerability, self-doubt and hopeless optimism needed to make Elliott most interesting and sympathetic. Plus, Babich has good vocal chops and excellent comedic timing.

The object of Elliott's affections are limned by two actresses, both with strong melodic voices; Ali Axerad as "Young Amelia" and Kim Reed as "Adult Amelia." Both Axerad and Reed handle their individual solos ("Not Me" and "The Beginning" most winningly). Their respective duets with Babich ("Watching Her Breathe" and "Another Chance") highlight the start-and-stop paced proceedings.

Out of all the cast, the one performer receiving the greatest opportunity to showcase her resilient vocal pipes and commanding stage presence has to be - hands down - Sharon Catherine Brown as Janet. Brown nails one of REUNION's best songs "It's Psychology," knocking it straight out of the theatre and to the TV Academy across the street. Pow.er.ful!!!

Others who eventually get their individual deserved spotlights to exhibit their beautiful vocals include: Suzanne Mayes as Patty, Julia Marie Buis as Margot and Janna Cardia as Sharon. The simply gorgeous baritone/bass notes emitting from Marc Cedric Smith as Wayne get disappointedly underused in his solo "This is An Answer."

Christopher Youngsman as Gordon shines in his love-declaration number "Try Love Conquers All."

Others in this game ensemble making their distinct marks include Michael Gabiano as David, Bradley Kuyendall as Tony and Jeffrey Rockwell as Jack.

Effective use of videos (designed by Yee Euen Nam) of the younger high school counterparts. Curious as to why, with all the other videos of students, videos of Gordon does not accompany his coming out song "Nobody Knew."

Joel Daavid designed the basic high school backdrops with adaptable moving set pieces. Director Kay Cole 'stages' more than 'choreographs' her cast, moving them around the stage in synchronized patterns. Although the coordinated leg crossings of Cardia, Mayes and Buis in 'Chardonnay" produces cleverly, pleasing visuals.

Some of the lyrics' crudeness and lewdness, (especially in "Snap It") did illicit comments whispered during the performance by offended audience members.

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