Tommy - 1972 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 14

The Fred Ebb Foundation (Mitchell Bernard, Trustee) in association with the York Theatre (James Morgan, Artistic Director) is pleased to present an invitation-only showcase presentation entitled Trunk and Disorderly: Songs from the Deep Dark Trunk of Jeff Blumenkrantz, who received the 2011 Fred Ebb Award. The presentation will feature Drew Gehling, Dee Hoty, Dee Roscioli, and Sarah Stiles.

Loretta Lynn, whose multi-decade career has firmly established her as one of Nashville's most legendary performers, introduced Zooey Deschanel (Grammy and Golden Globe nominee and star and producer of Fox's hit sitcom New Girl) to her audience last night during a performance at Opry Country Classics at the "mother church of country music," the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. In much the same way that Lynn revealed that Sissy Spacek would be taking on the challenge of playing her on film-a role that ultimately won her the Academy Award for her critically lauded, transformative performance-she gave her blessing onstage to Deschanel.

In 1976, Coal Miner's Daughter, country star Loretta Lynn's autobiography (written with journalist George Vecsey) became a New York Times Bestseller; in 1980 the book was made into an Academy Award-winning film starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. Now, it's headed for Broadway, with actress Zooey Deschanel playing Loretta Lynn.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning country star Loretta Lynn will perform three concerts from June 22 through 24 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. For over 50 years, Lynn has remained one of the most artistically and commercially successful country singer-songwriters in the world.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning country star Loretta Lynn will perform three concerts from June 22 through 24 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

The 1972 Bob Fosse dance spectacle and play-within-a-play "Pippin" (which produced a legendary Motown Records cast album, no less) opened in Lakeview this past October, courtesy of the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble. And now we have a "Pippin" for the north lakeshore, as The Music Theatre Company of Highland Park has mounted an enjoyable revival of its own, opening last weekend and running through May 6, 2012.Stephen Schwartz, one of the most popular Broadway composer-lyricists of the last 40 years, is riding high these days, with the continued mega-success of "Wicked," a late-career surprise for a guy who made his first big impact when he was just out of college in the very early 1970s. There's a revival of his "Godspell" playing on Broadway right now, directly adjacent to where "Wicked" is still selling out after 8 years, and two rival revivals of "Pippin" have been vying for Main Stem viability in recent months. Here in Chicago, we had a re-working of "Working" last spring, in a major production at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, and a Schwartz career retrospective revue called "Snapshots" premiered at the Northlight Theatre in Skokie last fall. Schwartz himself was in town for both productions, rumored to be in love with our Chicago acting scene. The 1972 Bob Fosse dance spectacle and play-within-a-play "Pippin" (which produced a legendary Motown Records cast album, no less) opened in Lakeview this past October, courtesy of the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble. And now we have a "Pippin" for the north lakeshore, as The Music Theatre Company of Highland Park has mounted an enjoyable revival of its own, opening last weekend and running through May 6, 2012. Directed and choreographed by the company's founder and artistic director, Jessica Redish (how many hats IS that?), and music-directed by her "Merrily We Roll Along" partner, Ian Weinberger (their production of that problematic Stephen Sondheim show was very well received last year), this production utilizes Equity leads and a non-Equity ensemble, to interesting advantage. Many of the dance sequences look great, especially the opening number, "Magic To Do," the "Glory" sequence, the thrilling "Morning Glow" and several opportunities where Fosse trios are utilized (a lead dancer in front, flanked by a supporting dancer on each side). The women of the ensemble (Sasha Kostyrko, Kristin O'Connell, Emily Rogers and Lucy Zukaitis) are especially sexy, and the men (Brian M. Duncan, Tommy Rivera-Vega and Jeremy Sonkin) dance their socks off and carry out their small acting bits with verve. And the leading characters are played by actors with formidable singing chops, made all the more impressive by the fact that the cast is entirely unamplified. Leading Player Joey Stone has an extremely impressive, beautiful and flexible R&B voice, all runs and trills and idiomatic inflections that are very satisfying throughout (he's worked all over town since landing here five years ago, and it's easy to hear why). His stage presence is unmistakable, and you need to hear him sing these songs. You really do. The titular hero of the piece is embodied by the elfin, vaguely quirky-looking Andrew Keltz, who looks to be about 15 until you spy a little chest hair poking its way out of his shirt collar. His is not the most resonant vocal instrument, but he sounds entirely conversation and convincing every time he sings, and he too works all over the place. And he is not a conventional juvenile lead, but he plays them constantly, gifted with the innate ability to convey a searching, restless contemporary spirit, adrift in a society he doesn't understand. James Rank is the Charlemagne here, enacting all the hoary bluster and inner struggle of a man who is admittedly not a brain type of guy. His singing is a combination of exemplary Gilbert and Sullivan patter and baritonal bravado. However, he is saddled with the thankless number, "Welcome Home," which seems to always drag down the action with tons of exposition and not enough flash, so that all "Pippin" productions struggle in the early going. Thankfully, his prayer scene was remarkably nuanced. The veteran Peggy Roeder, playing Berthe until April 13 (she will be replaced by Cindy Gold, faculty member at Northwestern University and recently in "Show Boat" at Lyric Opera of Chicago), is hilarious and sings like the character actress she is, every note and word perfectly produced. And Angie Stemberg (Fastrada) and Jess Godwin (Catherine) are providing a school for contemporary musical theater singing in this production, with personalized stylings couched within perfectly placed belt techiques. If Zach Zube is not the ideal physical type for the character of Lewis, he nonetheless brings energy, focus and excitement to the role. However, young Theo is here portrayed by the pleasant commitment of young Isabelle Roberts, in a fascinating bit of pre-pubescent gender-bent casting. The orchestra of five, conducted by Weinberger and playing his orchestral reduction of the score, plays as softly as one could imagine a pop-rock score could be played, to their credit and the credit of sound designer Christopher Kriz. In addition to the songs I've already mentioned, I loved "On the Right Track," for its perfect blend of choreography, acting moments, use of the playing space and the singing of the two male leads, the lovely and still "Love Song" by Keltz and Godwin, and, especially, Roeder and Company's delivery of "No Time At All," complete with audience sing-along and hitting all the right showbiz mastery this number requires. Can I discuss the ending of the show for a bit? I know this show's coup de theatre ending is supposed to be a secret surprise, but it's over 40 years old, and fairly well known to the readers of BroadwayWorld. So, here I go. When the Leading Player proposed to Pippin that he should end his life in a glorious blazing bonfire and Pippin refuses, prompting the Leading Player to order the removal of all "theatrical" elements (lights, costumes, music) from Pippin and Catherine, I'm never quite sure that it ever truly works. First of all, is Pippin the character rebelling, or is the unnamed actor playing him in the Leading Player's troupe rebelling? And why does the L.P. get so upset? This is not set up very well by bookwriter Roger O. Hirson (was it Fosse's idea?), nor is it really explained--this oversized, childish reaction to an actor (or character) refusing to follow the script. If you don't know it's coming, it's shocking and unique and interesting. But once you think about it, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It makes a point, but it isn't as perfect an ending as I wish it were. Oh, well. Small quibble. That being said, this particular production handles it pretty well. The lights and flashiness of the show do indeed reach their peak just before the unforeseen turn of events, and the final image of Pippin, Catherine and Theo in their underwear does carry the meaning it is intended to convey. Actually, the lighting for this show (by Charles Cooper) is one of its best aspects. The lights change constantly, directing the eye and conveying the mood and creating the time and place. I was extremely impressed. I don't think the workable scenic design (Stephen M. Carmody), properties design (Nick Heggestad) or costume design (Jessica Snyder) of this production would come off near as well, were the lighting not so perfect. So, kudos to Reddish and TMTC for a fun, meaningful and stylistically appropriate "Pippin," with moments of real creativity. The level of vocal excellence here is not always heard in other small, intimate theaters, and speaks to the priorities of this still-young company. If you love that legendary cast album, you'll enjoy this production, even with a small orchestra. And the show's theme of staying true to oneself, while looking for love and finding joy and meaning in the simple things of life, is a timeless one, well worth revisiting. Applause for the company of "Pippin!" The Music Theatre Company's production of "Pippin," by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson, plays March 22-May 6, 2012 at the Karger Center, 1850 Green Bay Road in Highland Park, directed and choreographed by Founding Artistic Director Jessica Reddish. Tickets are available by calling 847.579.4900 or by visiting www.themusictheatrecompany.org. PHOTOS: (top) Andrew Keltz as Pippin with (L to R) Emily Rogers, Lucy Zukaitis and Sasha Kostyrko in "Pippin" at The Music Theatre Company; (bottom) Joey Stone as the Leading Player with cast members of "Pippin" at The Music Theatre Company PHOTO CREDIT: www.jonathansportraits.com

A few days shy of the holiest week of the year for Christians - aptly named Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter (with Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the most sacred events on the calendar coming between) - Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's seminal rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was resurrected on Broadway by TOMMY and JERSEY BOYS director Des McAnuff - modeled after the hit Stratford Shakespeare Festival production last year and comprised of many of the same cast members, including all three leads - to hails of praise and hosannas, mostly. While JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR itself will always divide audiences and critics alike - and not merely because of its controversial content and its button-pushing treatment of the hallowed tale it tells - the magnetism and sheer power that Lloyd Webber's propulsive, throbbing rock score imbues gives the show an energy, vitality and life rare to find in even the most earnestly effervescent and energetic of comparable entities - the recently revived and similarly-themed GODSPELL in a revival a few blocks away included. Then, there are Tim Rice's lyrics - oh-so-spot-on in 1970, but still biting and edgy today in McAnuff's hi-tech and elaborately presented new Broadway production. Using the book of John as the jumping off point, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus Christ (Paul Nolan) and his subsequent betrayal by Judas (Josh Young) and sentencing to death at the hands of King Herod and Pontius Pilate (Tom Hewitt). The twelve apostles, Mary Magdalene and her female companions, lepers, Pharisees, priests and others populate the grand story told almost entirely through song - the show is 90% music - and Webber and Rice's score never, ever lets up. While this may not be the most faithful rendering as far as the Bible is concerned, nor the most historically accurate, SUPERSTAR is now available to experience for a whole new generation thanks to this new revival and the timing could not be more ideal. The time is ripe for a revival of SUPERSTAR, and, as Andrew Lloyd Webber himself has recently related, this new production of the show is the best ever as far as he is concerned. High praise indeed - coming from no less than the Lord.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning country star Loretta Lynn will perform three concerts from June 22 through 24 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

The Fred Ebb Foundation (Mitchell Bernard, Trustee) has just announced that its 2011 donation to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will total $1.2 million dollars, marking the largest single contribution in BC/EFA history. The foundation, which is funded by royalties from the late award-winning lyricist Fred Ebb's vast catalogue of work, makes an annual donation to BC/EFA. This contribution tops last year's donation of $1 million dollars which was, at the time, the largest single contribution in BC/EFA history.

Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings proudly announce the release of The Very Best of Neil Diamond - The Original Studio Recordings on Tuesday, December 6.

Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series presented the premiere of Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris in 'Schmoolie & Minnooli' on Sunday November 20 at 6pm and Broadway Beat was there to capture the show's zippy opening number with musical direction by Billy Stritch!

Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series will present Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris in 'Schmoolie & Minnooli,' Sunday November 20 at 6pm and Monday, November 21 at 7pm. Billy Stritch musical directs.

Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings proudly announce the release of The Very Best of Neil Diamond - The Original Studio Recordings on Tuesday, December 6.

New York's jazz heart wasn't always located downtown. Once it was found on 52nd Street and before that on 125th, and for many decades its most powerful radio voice has been WKCR-FM on the campus of Columbia University. Just a few yards away, jazz finds an uptown home at Columbia's Miller Theatre. This season, Melissa Smey has programmed groups from the top of her wish list in a Jazz series that begins with the inventive Lionel Loueke Trio and the Renee Rosnes Quartet.

Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland concert series will present Liza Minnelli and Sam Harris in 'Schmoolie & Minnooli,' Sunday November 20 at 6pm and Monday, November 21 at 7pm. Billy Stritch musical directs.

According to published reports, stage veterans Chita Rivera, Tommy Tune, Elaine Paige, Janie Dee, Maria Friedman and Marvin Hamlisch will perform in a Kander & Ebb gala tribute on April 24. The event, which will take place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, will feature songs from some of their best-know shows, including Chicago, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Cabaret.

New York's jazz heart wasn't always located downtown. Once it was found on 52nd Street and before that on 125th, and for many decades its most powerful radio voice has been WKCR-FM on the campus of Columbia University. Just a few yards away, jazz finds an uptown home at Columbia's Miller Theatre. This season, Melissa Smey has programmed groups from the top of her wish list in a Jazz series that begins with the inventive Lionel Loueke Trio and the Renee Rosnes Quartet.

KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Celebrates 20th Anniversary Season A Sizzling Line Up of Smash Broadway Hits, Comedy Giants and Rock, Pop & Classical Music Superstars Joshua Bell, Chris Botti, Cleveland Orchestra, Larry King, Kings of Salsa, Patti LaBelle, Larry the Cable Guy, Huey Lewis & The News, Matisyahu, Dennis Miller, Bernadette Peters, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, Diana Krall, Martin Short, Wanda Sykes, & THE ADDAMS FAMILY, DAMN YANKEES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FOREVER TANGO, HAIR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LES MISÉRABLES, MAMMA MIA!, MY FAIR LADY, SOUTH PACIFIC And So Much More!

Labyrinth Theater Company has announced final casting for the World Premiere Production of The Atmosphere of Memory by David Bar Katz. Performances begin Saturday, October 15th with Opening Night scheduled for October 30th at Labyrinth's new home, the Bank Street Theater for a limited engagement through Sunday, November 13th.

KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Celebrates 20th Anniversary Season A Sizzling Line Up of Smash Broadway Hits, Comedy Giants and Rock, Pop & Classical Music Superstars Joshua Bell, Chris Botti, Cleveland Orchestra, Larry King, Kings of Salsa, Patti LaBelle, Larry the Cable Guy, Huey Lewis & The News, Matisyahu, Dennis Miller, Bernadette Peters, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, Diana Krall, Martin Short, Wanda Sykes, & THE ADDAMS FAMILY, DAMN YANKEES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FOREVER TANGO, HAIR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LES MISÉRABLES, MAMMA MIA!, MY FAIR LADY, SOUTH PACIFIC And So Much More!

KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Celebrates 20th Anniversary Season A Sizzling Line Up of Smash Broadway Hits, Comedy Giants and Rock, Pop & Classical Music Superstars Joshua Bell, Chris Botti, Cleveland Orchestra, Larry King, Kings of Salsa, Patti LaBelle, Larry the Cable Guy, Huey Lewis & The News, Matisyahu, Dennis Miller, Bernadette Peters, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, Diana Krall, Martin Short, Wanda Sykes, & THE ADDAMS FAMILY, DAMN YANKEES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FOREVER TANGO, HAIR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LES MISÉRABLES, MAMMA MIA!, MY FAIR LADY, SOUTH PACIFIC And So Much More!

Audiences will be captivated by Pittsburgh CLO's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, August 2-14 at the Benedum Center! This powerful rock opera takes viewers on an emotional journey through the final days of Jesus of Nazareth.

KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Celebrates 20th Anniversary Season A Sizzling Line Up of Smash Broadway Hits, Comedy Giants and Rock, Pop & Classical Music Superstars Joshua Bell, Chris Botti, Cleveland Orchestra, Larry King, Kings of Salsa, Patti LaBelle, Larry the Cable Guy, Huey Lewis & The News, Matisyahu, Dennis Miller, Bernadette Peters, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, Diana Krall, Martin Short, Wanda Sykes, & THE ADDAMS FAMILY, DAMN YANKEES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FOREVER TANGO, HAIR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LES MISÉRABLES, MAMMA MIA!, MY FAIR LADY, SOUTH PACIFIC And So Much More!

Audiences will be captivated by Pittsburgh CLO's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, August 2-14 at the Benedum Center! This powerful rock opera takes viewers on an emotional journey through the final days of Jesus of Nazareth.

KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Celebrates 20th Anniversary Season A Sizzling Line Up of Smash Broadway Hits, Comedy Giants and Rock, Pop & Classical Music Superstars Joshua Bell, Chris Botti, Cleveland Orchestra, Larry King, Kings of Salsa, Patti LaBelle, Larry the Cable Guy, Huey Lewis & The News, Matisyahu, Dennis Miller, Bernadette Peters, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman, Diana Krall, Martin Short, Wanda Sykes, & THE ADDAMS FAMILY, DAMN YANKEES, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FOREVER TANGO, HAIR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LES MISÉRABLES, MAMMA MIA!, MY FAIR LADY, SOUTH PACIFIC And So Much More!