Review: MUSICAL MONDAY Completes Their 2014 Season at the Off Center Theatre

The final Musical Monday of 2014 took to the stage of the Off Center Theatre on Monday November 24. Produced six times a year by Musical Theater Heritage Tim Scott hosts the cabaret style production. In response to sold out seasons since 2009, additional performances on Tuesday night are scheduled beginning in 2015.

Each show is packed with headliners performing a variety of songs, some relating to a particular theme. On Monday, the theme was the production, Hairspray and featured several numbers from the musical. Musical Monday is produced with the performers only having time for one rehearsal before the start of the show.

During the performance, one or more Lottery Singers take the stage for one song. The selected singers are afforded an opportunity to sing in front of a receptive audience. The lottery singers perform one song, with no prior rehearsal, or set up with the band.

Up to 2014 Musical Theater Heritage annually has employed 130 persons to fill spots as performers, stage managers, band members, and production personnel. In 2014, MTH will have employed 289 paid employees through Oliver, their final production of the year. The company has had the benefit of 250 volunteers, aiding in the success of the season. Through 2013 yearly attendance has averaged 8,000 patrons, increasing to an estimated 11,000 tickets sold to date in 2014.

Tim Scott leads a phenomenal cast including six newcomers to the Musical Monday stage. Scott has a fine voice and demonstrates a wonderful sense of humor with his quips to the audience and band. Joined by the cast he wonderfully opens the night with "Nicest Kid in Town."

Joining Scott on stage is Ashley Pankow who was last seen starring for Musical Theater Heritage as Ensign Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Her rendition of "Almost Like Being in Love" and "This Can't Be Love" was marvelous bringing the comment from George Harder, that if they ever decided to produce Brigadoon they knew who their star would be.

Humorous upbeat songs such as "Ladies Choice" magnificently performed by Daniel Beeman and the cast, "Prayer for a Late Bloomer" performed by Jennifer Mays, "I Could Be Jewish For You" sung by Pankow brought roars of humor from the already delighted audience.

Shon Ruffin made her debut with Musical Monday demonstrating vocals that caused the audience to go "Wow." Several humorous quips were made about her short stature, but she proved she is huge with talent. Goose bumps covered my arms as she sang, "Let's Hear it for the Boys."

The second act began with the cast of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, now playing at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center, performing a medley of songs from the show. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical runs through January 4, 2015, check on the Coterie Theatre website for ticket availability.

I overheard one audience member saying, "Just when you think it can't get any better, the next one comes out, and blows you away." Other cast members of the super cast included Joel Morrison, Colleen Grate, Samantha Agron and Josh Atkins. The band led by Angie Fullarton Benson on piano included Brian Wilson on bass, Ryan Wurtz on guitar, and Tod Barnard on drums.

Musical Monday returns to the Off Center Theatre in February of 2015 with extended shows on Tuesday nights. Up next at Musical Theater Heritage is Oliver The Musical running from December 4 through 21 and A Spectacular Christmas Cabaret Show on Mondays December 8, 15, and 22. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 816-545-6000 or visit the Musical Theater Heritage website. Photo courtesy of Musical Theater Heritage.

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