Hi folks! It’s been a busy couple of weeks, and I haven’t had time to write up full reviews of the shows that I’ve seen, but I wanted to highlight a few productions. Last Friday, I saw a completely student-produced version of Jason Robert Brown’s SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. It was definitely the highlight of the last two weekends; more on that in a bit.
CLUE, the movie from the 80s starring Tim Curry and a host of comedic geniuses, has always been one of my favorite movies. We would rent it from the library, and my sister and I could recite almost every line. So I knew my standards would be high for the stage version at CCM, directed by Brant Russell. Comic timing and pacing are required for this kind of farcical script; it seems that the team took this show in a very different direction - perhaps trying to distance itself from the film? Personally, I don’t want to see the stagehands, and when you have the budget for a turntable, I would think you’d make it large enough to handle the size of your set and all the set pieces. Finally, I know CCM has some talented dialect coaches available so I’m unsure what went awry. All of this said, the matinee on Saturday was sold out, so congratulations are in order for drawing a good house that seemed enthusiastic.
I also saw the debut production from “One Off Productions,” Rupert Spraul’s new theatre company, in which they staged a version of Romeo and Juliet, subtitled “A Fool’s Paradise.” As many of my readers know, I’m not a fan of Shakespeare; I appreciate it for what it is, and I think it should be studied, but every time I watch one of Willie’s plays, I just feel dumb for not understanding what they are saying. Spraul and his team had fun with rewrites, adding in Shakespearean-inspired pop culture references, sophomoric humor, and enthusiastic musical numbers. If you are a fan of fart and penis jokes interspersed with some very talented performers (especially Cameron Nalley, Olivia Buss, Jason Pavlovich, Brian Willis, and Angela Nalley), then you should try to catch it this weekend at Gabriel’s Corner. More information is available here.
OK - back to CCM, this time in the musical theatre program: The talented group of 8 performers who staged SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, are outstanding. The production was professional, down to the programs and complimentary stickers (and mints) that were provided to the invited audience. Jordyn Jones (assisted by Jonathan Hobbs) directed, musical directed, and choreographed this wonderful classroom exhibition of what could be - in the wrong hands - a mundane musical just filled with random songs that the composer couldn’t find a use for otherwise. Instead, it was coherent, well-staged, and, of course, sung beautifully. I’m honored that I occasionally get to witness Broadway talent in the making on their way up in intimate settings, and this was a perfect way to spend a Friday night.
NEXT UP: LITTLE WOMEN directed by Vincent DeGeorge by CCM Musical Theatre hosted at Household Books in Walnut Hills (which is reportedly completely sold out already.). I can’t wait!