BWW Reviews: Never Met a Rivertown Show I Didn't Like – THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES

Well howdy there, folks! If you don't mind, I'd like to tell you a little ole story about a right good show I saw not too long ago in a tiny little place called Rivertown. What's Rivertown, you ask? Tucked away in a corner of Kenner, LA near the mighty Mississippi River sits a quaint little part of town with one of the best darned theaters I ever did seen! ...Ok, I'm finished attempting to talk like a cowboy, I promise. But, did anyone read that with a twang? Because that's how I heard it in my head. In all seriousness, though, Rivertown Theater puts on some of the best shows I've seen around the Greater New Orleans area. They're big, they're bright, they're funny, and they're full of talent. THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES was no exception.

Will Rogers, "Oklahoma's Favorite Son," was one of those do-it-all celebrities. Cowboy; trick roper; vaudeville performer; comedian; newspaper columnist; film actor; politician; husband to Betty Blake; and father to Bill, Mary, James, and Fred. The man did it all. Because Will's vaudeville trick rope act led him to headline the Ziegfeld Follies, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES tells his life story as if it were being told through one of Mr. Ziegfeld's productions. It's quite clever. It's also the rootinest, tootinest, knee-slapping, wholesome humored, and down right All-American show I've ever seen. And I loved it.

What I loved the very most about this production were the old school musical vibes it was throwing to me. Among some of my other favorite "old school musicals," to give you an example of what I mean, are OKLAHOMA, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE MUSIC MAN, and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Witty humor, elaborate set designs and costumes, and big song and dance numbers. From the very first big song and dance number in the show, "Will-a-Mania," I knew this was going to be good.

I'm going to stop and take a minute, before I go any further, to recognize Karen Hebert for her brilliant choreography. More specifically, The Powder Puff Ballet (complete with a Rockette-style kick line) and "Our Favorite Son." I think "Our Favorite Son" was my favorite piece of choreography in the entire show. I guess it can be described as a "hand dance," and it was very quick and very detailed. Although this clip isn't from Rivertown's production, you can see how elaborate the dance is, and Hebert's choreography was spot on. So cool.

Speaking of dancing, props to Micah Desonier (Ziegfeld's Favorite) for walking on her toes across the stage wearing a rocket ship. I kid you not, this happened. I don't know how it happened without someone falling on her face, but it happened. And it was awesome! Once upon a time I danced in pointe shoes, and let me tell you, it's not easy. So for Ms. Desonier to walk completely from one side of the stage, down some stairs, across a ramp, up some more stairs, and back off stage on her toes whilst wearing a rocket ship leaving her unable to actually see her own feet is quite something!

Brought in from New York City was AJ Silver/Angelo Iodice to be FOLLIES's resident trick roper and whip artist. This is a talent that is both amazing and frightening all at the same time. I mean... just hugely impressive. My jaw about hit the floor at the beginning of Act II when he came out on stage with a... wait for it... glow in the dark rope! Can we be honest for a second? Anything glow in the dark form is way cool, but give a cowboy some glow in the dark rope to swing around and you've got your audience just about as mesmerized as a moth to a flame. It's so beautiful you can't help but to stare.

And of course... last but certainly not least, the star of the show, Rivertown's very own Will Rogers, Marc Fouchi. You can't see me right now, Mr. Fouchi, but I'm on my feet giving you a standing ovation complete with dramatic slow clapping. My goodness! What a feat it is to take on this role! The amount of dialogue this guy had to memorize is incredible, y'all. Then there's having to master playing the guitar, harmonica, and a bit of trick roping on top of that. Not to mention all of the singing and dancing. And he did it all with a big ole smile plastered across his face. Every cast needs a leader, and you sir, did a wonderful job of carrying this show on your shoulders.

I urge you, I beg you, to please support Rivertown Theater and their efforts. I promise you all it takes is seeing one show at Rivertown and you will be hooked. Maybe I seem overly zealous and even a little mushy about this company, but they are very hard working and passionate people who take their time, energy, and talents to give 150% to all of their audiences and it pays off.

Season tickets to Rivertown Theater are now on sale for the 2015-2106 season, and you don't want to miss the opportunity to witness what I think will be one of their best seasons yet. Call Christy in the box office at (504) 461-9475 to reserve your seats, and you can visit their website for more information.

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