Review Roundup: TICKLING THE IVORIES at Stage Door Theatre
TICKLING THE IVORIES runs through November 19 at Stage Door Theatre. It celebrates those amazing artists who share our love for this timeless instrument, the piano. Featuring the songs of Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Adele, Diana Krall, Carole King to the flamboyant and dynamic styles of Liberace, Mozart and so much more.
TICKLING THE IVORIES features pianists Michael Friedman and Sarah Statler accompanied by percussionist Roy Fantel and bassist Rupert Ziawinski. Vocalists Sandra Marante, Devon Norris, Candice Shedd-Thompson, and Ryan Stutz complete the ensemble.
The show was conceived and is directed by Kevin Black. It has musical arrangements by Ben Bagby, Kevin Statler, and Michael Friedman, with vocal arrangements by Ben Bagby and Kevin Black. Ben Bagby musical directs with Michael Friedman as assistant musical director. Set design is by Michael McClain, lighting design is by Ardean Lanhuis, and costume design is by Jerry Sturdefant.
Let's see what the critics had to say!
Helena Sorcic, Splash Magazine: From the moment pianists Sarah Statler and Michael Friedman play the opening notes of the Stage Door Theatre's world premiere of Tickling the Ivories, their talent and charm set the tone for this captivating musical revue. These highly gifted musicians play snippets from classical music to contemporary pop, swiftly moving from one genre to the other, as sounds of Mozart artfully blend into those of Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Carole King and many others. The show provides an immersion into the beauty and scope of the instrument while joyfully highlighting its prominence in the soundtrack of our lives.
Christine Dolen, SouthFlorida.com: Each of The Four Singers has powerhouse pipes just made for killer solos, but Bagby also helps the quartet (or sextet, when the pianists join in) achieve an appealing blend... The highlights for Marante include King's "Natural Woman" and a mashup of Alicia Keys' "Fallin'" and "Feeling Good," as well as her beautiful operatic start to "Ode to Joy." Shedd-Thompson performs vintage King-Gerry Goffin with "One Fine Day" and rocks out on Heart's "Alone."
Photo: George Wentzler
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