Review: Broadway Finds New Legends at CDG's BROADWAY THRU THE DECADES

Certain shows people go to see for a multitude of reasons: they may wish to see a favorite actor or personal acquaintance involved, or perhaps they wish to listen to the beautiful score associated with that show; the plot might be a favorite, or, like many do, might opt to go because the concept of being entertained whilst escaping reality for a few hours seems like a wonderfully appealing idea. Well, last night's performance of the Chatham Drama Guild's production of Broadway Thru the Decades (III) brought an intimate group of people together to celebrate the beauty that is the Drama Guild - people who can fortunately attribute their attendance to nearly all of the above reasons.

The Drama Guild consists of a wonderful group of theater-lovers that, as a group, stresses its familial ties with both each other and the community, all the while presenting true, quality theater to the people of Chatham; this has been proven this summer with such shows as Guys and Dolls, CDG's most recent production. Everyone on this stage has worked together at some point, and before I say anything about the performance itself, it is just so miraculous to watch people before and automatically sense what it means to be "family." As Director Pam Banas is always stressing, this is unique to community theater, and in my opinion brings out the best performance a person is bound to see anywhere.

So saying, the Drama Guild consists of a wonderful and genuine group of people, and watching last night's performance of Broadway Thru the Decades III, although set before a rather small audience, proved what talent is to be found on its stage. This show in particular gave me the opportunity to have quite a lot of fun, to the degree that I already feel nostalgic about not only the show itself, but also due to the special feeling the night held: from the very amiable people in the audience to the intimacy of the theater that makes the audience feel directly involved with whatever is happening, and down to the fact that the show was just great, I am saddened by the prospect of not being able to see this show through unacquainted eyes again.

Being a member of the audience this time around, I not only thoroughly enjoyed watching Banas' original idea come to life in the form of a party gone wrong (only in the general sense of the plot of course!), but I was also incredibly impressed by how each actor, whom I thought I knew well from past performances, really come out and shine in a way I have not seen before. Each actor brought his or her respective talents to this stage and made a simple gathering for a mutual friend's birthday party into a wildly entertaining and rather bittersweet bunch of moments...bittersweet because the audience cannot help but smile when watching everyone perform, and to have this party conclude at the show's end is actually an emotional thing.

So, what truly makes Broadway Thru the Decades III so wonderful that Banas brought it back to the stage for a third time? What makes it a more than sufficient reason for theater-goers to venture over to the Drama Guild to fall in love with what's on stage?

The show begins at Rebecca Banas' house, as she and the newly arrived Chris Morris (who makes his way with alacrity to the piano) await party guests to arrive to celebrate the birthday of Cheryl: a mutual friend of all those invited. Rebecca, who was chosen to host this year's festivities, is soon joined by her party guests: there is Don Howell, Eric and Dawn Spitz, Jeff Dexter, Pam Banas, and Thom Dutton, who have arrived with various instruments but more importantly, themselves and their gift of song. The rule in place is that guests are not allowed to bring presents, but must instead use their musical abilities to entertain the birthday girl...although where is she?

As it becomes known, Cheryl is late for everything, and even though she is not yet physically present, she creates quite a stir amongst her anxious friends who decide to use their otherwise idle time to practice what they will perform for her when she finally arrives. Cheryl's friends are apparently all musical theater aficionados, so what ensues in her absence consists of a wonderful array of songs performed by people we have all come to know and love, through song or instrument do they perform songs from classics everyone will acknowledge as great, all the while keeping with the great mystery behind this show: will Cheryl ever show up?

Although everyone is given an equal number of chances to show off what he or she has prepared for the party, it wouldn't be fair not to comment on how beautiful a job each individual actor did.

To start, Rebecca Banas has a beautiful voice that is accompanied by a witty and animated stage presence that captivates her audience. As the party's host, she seems a little confused as to why her mom hasn't yet heard from Cheryl, and she turns this anticipation into her energy and reason for both singing on her own and leading those in the room in song for certain numbers. My favorites among her performances have to be her beautiful rendition of "All I Ask Of You" from The Phantom of the Opera (how often do you get to see that performed on a community theater stage??) and "Here I Am" from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - a show which I am now very interested in seeing, especially since Rebecca informed everyone that there are hoop skirts involved by waltzing on stage in one. Jeff Dexter has rich, deep voice that also has this domineering quality to it, making him give both an audibly and visually appealing performance. He was the second half of Banas' Phantom performance, and he was impeccable as Raoul; he also turned a bit maniacal later on when playing the role of Orin, D.D.S. , which was one of the most entertaining numbers to watch because of how he really got into the role (poor Don...).

Eric and Dawn Spitz have to be my favorite performing duo, as they are one of the world's sweetest stage (and actual) couples. A smile escapes me each time I see them perform together, not only because of how they complement each other but also because their voices (either solo or when combined) are beautiful. They have been performing for many, many years, and much credit must be given to them for not only going on stage and sounding great, but also for having that lovable quality about them. Pam Banas, who not only thought up the concept of and directed the show, takes part in the production as Rebecca's mom (of course!) and serves as the lifeline between Cheryl and her fellow party guests; if her phone doesn't ring, Cheryl has yet to even come close to showing up. Pam, like Rebecca, is a great performer who has great stage presence and also a very nice tone to her voice; I was very impressed with her sweet and simple performance of "They Were You" from The Fantasticks.

Thom Dutton, as many of you know, has a great, strong voice, and it doesn't surprise anyone that he can yet again prove that here...but did you know that he plays the harp? I sure didn't, and this is honestly the first harp performance I've ever witnessed; he plays as beautifully as he sings, treating us to such favorites as Gershwin's "S'Wonderful" and "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin. Don Howell is the snarky quiet guy who would rather watch than perform, but we all know that when he gets up to sing, this is all merely a façade. Although he gives a rather unique performance of "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music and other favorites, let's just say one of my favorite parts of this show involves him in a coconut bra.

Finally, kudos to Christ Morris on the piano (honestly, how many times can you tell someone he plays beautifully...I think he knows at this point) and Jeff Spencer on lights. Good job guys!

So, if you're looking for a great show to see this month, please make Broadway Thru the Decades III one you be sure to check out. Performances began on August 30th and will continue thru September 13th. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the theater's box office, located at 134 Crowell Road in Chatham, MA or by calling (508) 945.0510. All tickets are $22, and seating is first come, first served. There is also a cash bar available.

Enjoy the show!

Photo Credit: Jeff Spencer

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