Review: JEWEL IN THE CROWN CITY at Lamb's Theatre

Truly, the Crown City (Coronado is Spanish for "crowned one") it has an abundance of riches. Its beach has been repeatedly names one of the best in the country, it has a world famous hotel, adorable shops line it's streets, and it has the Lamb's Players Theatre as their home theatre for the past 25 years. A JEWEL IN THE CROWN CITY, now playing through February 24th at the Lamb's Players Theatre celebrates those 25 years with a musical revue from some of their most popular and impactful shows.

The shows cast is stacked with talent, performing songs from GUYS AND DOLLS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Y FAIR LADY, LES MISÉRABLES, some original shows written for the theatre and more this is a show packed full of favorites the audience comes in with high expectations. Luckily, this top notch and versatile cast delivers rousing performances that meet every audience expectation.

Some standouts include Brian Barbarin delivers a soulful rendition of "hollow" from Lab's original musical OZ. Cashae Monya takes everyone to church as the lead vocal on "Bless the Lord" from GODSPELL. Michael Louis Cusimano and Caitie Grady revisit their wonderful and wistful performances in ONCE from last summer. Brian Mackey brings "Trouble" from THE MUSIC MAN so winningly to life can we just consider this his successful audition and can someone cast him as Harold Hill already please?

I could go on naming cast members but honestly, I'd have to list everyone.

They are all supported by an excellent band led by the multi-talented Cris O'Bryan who plays the piano and sings in the show as well.

The set designed by Mike Buckley has an elegant cabaret feel, accented by Nathan airson's lighting, and Jeanna Reith's costumes. Projections by Michael McKeon display pictures from the past shows, as well as showcasing some of the past uses of the space and how Lamb's Players came to make it their own.

This performance is so full of sparkling performances that it only emphasizes that Lamb's Players is a jewel worthy of being in Coronado's crown. A JEWEL IN THE CROWN CITY is playing through February 24th, for tickets and showtime information please go to www.labsplayers.org

Photo Credit: The company of Lamb's Players Theatre's "A Jewel in the Crown City." (Ken Jacques)