BWW Reviews: Kritzerland's Second Birthday Show a Smash at Sterling's

On Saturday September 8, Kritzerland live performance concerts turned two years old and Bruce Kimmel celebrated the event with a potpourri of  The Songs That Got Away at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal, Kritzerland's newest monthly home base. Assisting Kimmel were regulars Dennis Kyle, Juliana Hansen, Jane Noseworthy, Lisa Livesay, joined this time by Kevin Symons, 13 year-old Jenna Rosen and sisters Sami and Sarah Staitman. There was not one guest star, not two, not three... but five, yes five and all exceptional talents: Back to the Future's favorite mom and TV's favorite Caroline in the City Lea Thompson, showboy Jason Graae and representing Ruthless, LA's 1993 runaway musical hit: Joan Ryan, Rita McKenzie and Lindsay Ridgeway.

The 105 minute show had 22 numbers, but it all seemed to fly by with one amazing performer after another. This time around more of the tunes were familiar, and several composers were honored instead of the usual one. Highlights: Kevin Symons and Dennis Kyle opened joyfully with Rodgers' and Hart's "Dear Old Syracuse" from The Boys from Syracuse;  Lisa Livesay sent Stephen Schwartz's "West End Avenue" soaring as well as sizzling with "Too Darn Hot" from Kiss Me Kate. Juliana Hansen did a terrific rendition of the dynamic "Disneyland"; Dennis Kyle performed a vibrant "Born to Late"("At the Disco"), giving him ample time to frolic about and have a ball; Jane Noseworthy's lovely soprano was perfect for Sondheim's "I Remember Sky"; Jenna Rosen did a jaw-dropping job with Sondheim's fast-paced "The Glamorous Life" cut from A Little Night Music; and the Staitman sisters stopped the show with favorites "Sisters" from White Christmas and "If Momma Was Married" from Gypsy.

Guest star Lea Thompson (pictured) more than proved her worth as a singer with Bells Are Ringing's "It's a Perfect Relationship" coupled with the melancholy "The Party's Over"; Jason Graae lovingly 'picked on' Michael Sterling with one hilarious plea for a makeover "You've Got Possibilities" in combo with "Popular" from Wicked. Sterling is oh so charming and such a good sport! The piece de resistance of the evening came with Ruthless and original cast members Joan Ryan essaying the comical "Tina's Mother" and "It Will Never" in her inimitable way, Rita McKenzie, drop-dead funny with "I Hate Musicals" and Lindsay Ridgeway, now 27 performing "Born to Entertain". She was a mere 8 when she did it originally in 1993 and stopped the show nightly. Funnyman Kimmel also stepped in with the tuneful "If I Had My Druthers" from L'il Abner.

What a great show, what a bevy of talent on one stage! Next month on Sunday, October 7: a salute to the one and only Marvin Hamlisch. Don't miss it! This show sold out early, so reserve now! call: 818-754-8700!



left to right: Jason Graae, Lindsay Ridgeway, Joan Ryan, Rita McKenzie, Lea Thompson, Michael Orland, Bruce Kimmel


Jason Graae and Lea Thompson


Lindsay Ridgeway, Rita McKenzie, Joan Ryan


Lindsay Ridgeway, Rita McKenzie, Joan Ryan, Michael Orland, Jason Graae


Lindsay Ridgeway, Rita McKenzie, Joan Ryan, Michael Orland



RELATED STORIES - Los Angeles

1
Review: A TRANSPARENT MUSICAL at Mark Taper Forum Photo
Review: A TRANSPARENT MUSICAL at Mark Taper Forum

Soloway and their cast and crew have created a new classic that should reverberate with people of all stripes

2
Towne Street Theatre Now Accepting Submissions For 10-Minute Play and Film Festival Photo
Towne Street Theatre Now Accepting Submissions For 10-Minute Play and Film Festival

Towne Street Theatre (TST), Los Angeles's premier African American Theatre Company, is now accepting submissions for its well-known 10-minute play festival. For the first time, Towne Street is including a short film festival to complement its theatre production. Submissions for both festivals are due by June 21 at 11:59 pm PST.

3
QUEEN MABS ALARMINGLY MANDATORY BRIDAL SHOWER to Premiere at The 2023 Hollywood Fringe Fes Photo
QUEEN MAB'S ALARMINGLY MANDATORY BRIDAL SHOWER to Premiere at The 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival

This summer's Hollywood Fringe Festival will see the world premiere fundraiser event of a one-hour one-woman musical comedy featuring the Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc, Elise Dewsberry; with book and lyrics by New Musicals Inc. Executive Director Scott Guy and music by Jacques Offenbach. Additional music by Max Bruch, Michele Esposito, and Ken Neufeld.

4
Banda Las Angelinas and Los Rock Angels Will Perform At Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles Photo
Banda Las Angelinas and Los Rock Angels Will Perform At Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles will present Banda Las Angelinas and Los Rock Angels on June 25, 2023.

From This Author - Don Grigware

  Don Grigware was a writer for BroadwayWorld through December 2019.                                    &... (read more about this author)

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# For the Love of a Glove: An Unauthorized Musical Fable About Michael Jackson As Told By His Glove
Carl Sagan And Ann Druyan Theater (5/05-6/17)Tracker PHOTOS VIDEOS
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Gunhild Carling Big Band
Catalina Jazz Supper Club (6/14-6/14)Tracker VIDEOS
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Celebration Theatre presents A New Brain
Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center (4/29-6/24)Tracker
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Search for Chocolate
Studio/Stage (6/13-6/25)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree
Santa Monica Playhouse (6/10-6/10)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The King & I, and Paul
Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre (6/03-6/23)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# On This Side of the World
East West Players (5/11-6/04)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Odyssey: Race and Racism
The Broadwater (6/11-6/18)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Frequency Vol. 2 SIRENS
Athletic Garage Dance Center (6/02-6/04)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Lady's Not for Burning
Worldstage Theatre & Co (6/02-6/24)PHOTOS CAST
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You