BWW Reviews: A ROCKIN' MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is High Energy Fun

Last August, the 12.14 Foundation premiered Michael Unger and Eric Svejcar's A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream at Newtown High School in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. This week, a majority of the dual casts have been reassembled to bring the new musical to New York City at 54 BELOW. With a ton of energy and some serious vocal talent, the kids involved with the 12.14 Foundation and the Broadway vetted adults bring fabulous new life to William Shakespeare's classic tale of love and fairy mischief.

Because of time the constraints at 54 BELOW the cabaret production only presents audiences with the show's high energy, pop-rock score. However, as most audiences know the familiar story by heart, this is not a problem. Also, Unger and Svejcar's lyrics are telling of where the characters are in their individual archs. This indeed helps audiences who didn't see the Newtown performances, like myself, follow along, but most importantly, the lyrics are accessible and work on the poetic level as well. Often they abandon the elevated language of Shakespeare, but they consistently dabble in the art of metaphor to provide descriptions and emotions that are effective.

The score by Svejcar utilizes the aural landscapers of modern pop rock and throwbacks to the sounds of the 50s and 60s. We hear melodies inspired by the work of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis mixed with pieces that are reminiscent of tunes like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the top 40 pop rock tunes that play on radios across the world. Each number is lively and melodious, ensuring that the audience feels the joviality and mirth of the production. As the rude mechanicals would explain, these songs are meant to entertain and induce cheer, so they do.

Last night's audience was treated to the Moon Cast, with the Stars Cast set to perform on Thursday. Unger explained that the show was double cast to allow more children the opportunity to be a part of the presentation. He elaborated that the roles and these songs were built around the pairs of talented youngsters and set for them to perform. Thus, it is no surprise that each of the youthful actors and actresses sound great on their assigned roles.

Standouts from the cast include, Nicole Kolitsas, who opens and closes the show as Puck. Her energetic spirit, charming voice, and winning smile draws audiences in. Her excitement is infectious, and the audience quickly catches on. Kirsten Liniger as Helena reminds me of a young Brooke Shields, but it is her delightful alto instrument and perfectly timed facial expressions that make her performances really pop. With a grandiose amount of sass and spunk, Brianna Bauch reminds me of Amy Spanger as she masters both comedy and buoyant, brassy vocals in the role of Hermia. Charles Romano is hysterical as lovelorn Thisbe. Aidan Petershack croons with smooth dexterity as Demetrius, and Willem Sandercox's bright tenor instrument sparkles as he sings the role of Lysander.

While the young ones change out for the two performances, the three adults attached to the show do not. Saum Eskandani brings the bravado of Jerry Lee Lewis, the dance moves of Elvis, and the pop sensibilities of Buddy Holly into his portrayal of Bottom, ensuring that his characterization is vibrant, magical, and completely unforgettable. Lisa Brescia's Titania is sweet, but unafraid to wield her power. She alternates between soft lullaby vocals and a resplendent belt to bring her character to life. Clarke Thorell vocalizes Oberon as the quintessential sexy rocker. Sliding into pitches and power belting through tenor notes, he reminds listeners of talents like Constantine Maroulis, ensuring that his character is as mysterious as he is alluring.

Even with all the strong performances and the truly entertaining evening of musical theatre, the most impressive aspect of A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream is that the 12.14 Foundation, which is primarily strengthening students by fostering self-expression through the arts, has used this new musical as a vehicle to touch the souls and hearts of children. Each child in the cast possesses great talent and wondrous potential, and that has not been overlooked as each and every member of the cast's individual strengths have been utilized to benefit the child and the production. That is what makes this evening of cabaret so magical.

A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream's Stars Cast will be adding their magic to 54 BELOW, 254 West 54th Street, New York City, New York 10019, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015. For tickets and more information, please visit http://54below.com.

Also, Broadway Records is recording both casts' concerts at 54 BELOW. They'll be releasing a dual-disc album, with one disc featuring each cast. For more information about this upcoming release or to pre-order your own copy, please visit http://www.broadwayrecords.com.

All photos courtesy of Van Dean.

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