“Arcadia” at The Gamm Theater

By Richard Pacheco

           

“Beowulf – A Thousand Years of Baggage” at Trinity Rep

By Richard Pacheco

            Trinity Rep opens its season with the ribald and sassy rock musical based on a classic poem, “Beowulf.” “Beowulf A Thousand Years of Baggage” is rollicking delights with its cheeky take on the classic tale, which it takes on with vigor, irreverence and excellent performances across the boards. There is much to delight here.

            It opens with three academics apparently dryly discussing “Beowulf” which is very funny. They are stilted and awkwardly stuffy. Then almost immediately it all transforms as they begin to examine “Beowulf.”

            So our legendary hero is off to Denmark to slay the dragon Grendel who is wreaking havoc on King Hrothgar” kingdom. Beowulf is not the brightest bulb, but he is not lacking in sheer testosterone and chutzpah. Beowulf does not only slay Grendel, but Grendel’s mother as well. In the midst of their discussion, enter Beowulf, armed and ready to fight to the death. It becomes a rollicking merry ride after that, mixing the story with the commentators with deft skill and wacky humor.

            Charlie Thurston is Beowulf, full of passion and ready for action, but not too smart. He prances about with a black leather kilt wearing an American flag for a cape. Thurston is terrific in the role, full of energy, great comic timing and a solid voice for when he rocks the house. After he kills Grendel, they hold up a Mission Accomplished sign that seems like the perfect touch.

            Stephen Berenson is Academic One and Grendel. He handles the nick picky academic with skill and his Grendel is amusing and imposing as he appears with a towering body puppet that makes him seem at least 12 feet tall. It doesn’t matter whoever since Beowulf rips off his arm which results in Grendel dying in front of his mother.

            Anne Scurria is Academic number Two and Grendel’s mother. She is very funny as the academic, at times comically stilted and stuffy at other times just hilarious as Grendel’s mother.

            The final member of the academic trio is Janice Duclos who is Academic Three and the Dragon.  She too is on the mark as the fussy academic and a delight as the dragon who threatens Beowulf later on in life.

            Of course we cannot forget the delightful performance by Joe Wilson Jr. as Hrothgar, decked out in a silver sequined jacket and singing up a storm.

            This musical is solid and sheer fun and madcap mixture of rocking songs and delightful comedy throughout. The concept is the kind of thing that can either be a totally disaster or terrific. This result is terrific all the way.

            The warriors are played by women with orange hair and add so much to the musical with their flair, dancing and finesse.

            Rachel Warren as one of the warriors nails her singing with style and passion.

            The songs here are not the kind you’ll be humming for days after, but they really rock and fit the story really well.  The book and lyrics by Jason Craig and the music by Dave Malloy are passionate and rock with raw energy.

            Artistic Director Curt Columbus directs with just the right touch, full of energy and driving passion. The musical direction by Michael Price is right on the mark and flawless. The puppet design by Shoshanna Utchenik is imaginative and fun.

"Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage" runs through Oct. 9 at Trinity Rep, 201 Washington St. Tickets are $25-$71. Call (401) 351-4242, or visit trinityrep.com.

           

“The Sunshine Boys” at 2nd Story Theater

By Richard Pacheco

            Neil Simon’s Broadway hit and hit movie “The Sunshine Boys” is brought vividly to life with a terrific cast and direction at 2^nd Story Theatre in Warren. It is packed with typical Neil Simon humor and propelled by the terrific paring of Bob Colonna and F. William Oakes as the former vaudevillians teaming up for a big network television show on CBS as a tribute to legends of comedy like themselves.

            During their 43-year career as a team, Lewis (Oakes) and Clark (Colonna) there was a seething animosity growing until they called it quits as a team about 12 or 13 years prior to the reunion. They have not spoken since. This reunion is not all hearts and flowers as those hidden anger and disappointments surge to the surface. Oakes and Colonna are perfect as the team struggling to get back in step with their old act. It is Willie’s nephew, Ben (Nicholas Thibeault) who is also his agent who brings it all together.

            Bob Colonna is a delight as the feisty, somewhat crank and determined Willie. He harbors years of unexpressed resentments that finally surge to the surface. For a long time he has not worked  and the question is will he let those past hurts get in the way or just go along with it to be back on top again. Colonna is a sheer delight with impeccable comic timing and a wizened humor that is always on target. He handles the one liners with zest and perfection.

            F. William Oakes is his longtime partner and many times nemesis, the man who ends up spitting in his partner’s face with  words that engender spit and is always close up when he does it. He is also the man who pokes Willie when close to him trying to make a point. It drives Willie crazy. He is also the man cares deeply about Willie and what they accomplished and misses it and would love to revive it. Oakes is the perfect foil for Colonna. He is impeccable as the somewhat fussy and proper Al.

            Oakes and Colonna are a sheer delight together. Always right on the mark in this winning comedy. The laser target the jokes and tired routines and bring them vividly to life with comic dexterity and aplomb.

            There is strong support here too like from Nicholas Thibeault as Willie’s nephew Ben, Thibeualt is pitch perfect as Ben who looks up to his uncle and usually gives in to his whims like bringing him forbidden cigars when he brings the copy of Variety. He holds his uncle in high regards even thought the old man drives him crazy with his quirks and demands. Lauren Ustaszewski as the voluptuous nurse in their skit is hilarious, making the most of very opportunity the play it up right.

            Some of the funniest moments occur when Willie and Al meet again after so many years. The rapport between the two is evident as well as flare ups with it the old animosities for even more laughs. He jokes come fast and furious and right on target.

Ed Shea directs with a perfect touch. He has a talented cast and heads them off in the right direction with just the right touches.

The scenic and lighting design by Max Ponticelli is right on the mark.

This is a fun summer caper, sure to please with impeccable performances and laughs galore. Enjoy it and you will.

“The Sunshine Boys" runs through Aug. 28 at 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St., Warren. Tickets are $30, $21 for those 21 and under. Call (401) 247-4200, or visit 2ndstorytheatre.com.

“Avenue Q” at Ocean State Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

            “Avenue Q” at Ocean State Theatre is a real gem, loaded with sass, ribald energy and a terrific cast. Imagine Sesame Street on horny, raunchy steroids and you’ve got it. It is funny and irreverent as it tackles looking for your purpose in life. This is the musical that swiped the Tony from “Wicked” in 2003 and you can see why. It’s all done with puppets and a talented cast of adults in the obscure wilds of New York city.

            It circles around Princeton a recent graduate with a BA in English who finds himself embroiled in too many bills, ending up jobless before he even starts work and his wannabe romance with Kate Monster a real sweetie who want to start a school for monsters. Of course Princeton is trying to escape the clutches of Lucy the Slut and the Bad Idea Bears always ready to lead them into temptation and beyond with no resistance whatsoever.

The songs are outrageous and fun and tackled a variety of issues with a smart and rambunctious attitude that is endearing in the midst of its bawdy verve and full of truth in the middle of it all.

Tommy Labonaris is a delight as Princeton the novice gradate with and English degree and also as Rod, a conservative Republican who finally realizes he is gay. He has a terrific voice and shines in his songs. With the company he is terrific in “What Do You Do with a BA in English.” The same with the insightful and funny “Purpose” His duet with Kate Monster “A Mix Tape” is pure fun as it delves into the mixed feelings of a budding romance. As Rod he is equally impressive with songs like “My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada”

Rochelle Weinrauch is on hand for both of his loves, the sweet, kind Kate Monster and the sultry tramp and vamp Lucy the Slut. She has a wonderful singing voice full of power and sensitivity. Her duet with Princeton is a enchanting, full of conflicting emotions and sincerity. As Lucy she is an equal delight, at once sultry, sexy and sluttish. She shows it  all off to its best with “Special.”

Then there is the wonderful Lovely Hoffman as Gary Coleman, yes, that Gary Coleman who is the superintendent of the building. She is  wining in her duet with Nicky, “Schadenfreunde.”

The rest of the cast is just as winning and fun, the amusing mix of outrageous and very human and down to earth in the mist of their trials and tribulations.

Jason Parrish directs it all with deft energy and ability.

Tyler Perry’s set is a successful mimicry of Sesame Street for adults. Justin P. Cowan’s musical direction is full of spunk and irreverence sparked by some fabulous voices.

Choreographer MK Lawson keeps it all spirited and full of fun.

You really don’t want to miss this one for a rollicking good time at once ribald and impertinent.

“Avenue Q" runs through Aug. 21 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $39-$59. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.org..

“Wizard of Oz” at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            The well loved classic tale of the Wizard of Oz made so famous in the Judy Garland movie is brought vividly to life on stage at Theater by the Sea with a terrific cast full of zest and enthusiasm and some impressive sets and special effects. Yes, no doubt you have seen the movie dozens of times but this little venture onstage live is clever, fun and imaginative.

            There is flying in the show but not too spectacular, but the portion where Dorothy's house heads skyward behind a scrim is vivid, vital and impressive. The effect is repeated again at the end with facial closeups that are more impressive. The entire world seems to tumble upside down on stage, all done very effectively. The entire production is sheer delight, fun for all ages.

            Devon Parry is Dorothy, who must venture far away from home to learn to fully appropriate it as the source of her heart's desire. She is pert and perky in the role, a delightful transformation of girlish charm with a strong voice. She sings “Over the Rainbow” with skill and emotional nuance. She is excellent in the role.

            Of course there are the usual familiars here, those farm folk who follow Dorothy into the land of Oz The Scarecrow (who is Hunk on the farm) played with flair by Stephen Perotvich. He is a perfect mixture of floppy and dedication as the scarecrow, He is a delight when he sings “If I Only Had a Brain” with style and aplomb.

            Then there is Danny Rothman as the Tinman and on the farm known as Hickory. He too is fun in the role full of energy and sincerity. When he sings “If I Only Had a Heart” with Dorothy she shines with gusto and poise.

            The last of the trio who accompanies Dorothy is the Cowardly Lion( known as Zeke on the farm) played with gusto and energy by Richard E. Waits. His duet with Dorothy, “If I Only Had Nerve” is sheer comic fun, thoroughly enjoyable.

            There are more carryovers from Kansas and Dorothy’s life there. There is the cranky and nasty Elmira Gulch who transforms into the truly despicable and devious Wicked Witch of the West. And Tom Gleadow who is both Professor Marvel and the magnificent, all powerful, Wizard of Oz. Of course there is Uncle Henry who becomes the Winkie General in Oz.

            Billy Sprague Jr. directs with vitality and a sense of sheer fun making it all a delight. The musical direction by Esther Zabinski is right on the mark.

            The sets designed by Kyle Dixon are impressive like the wonderful house Dorothy lives in with her aunt and uncle. The show is well put together and a fun filled evening.

            It is a fun filled romp that will intrigue the entire family.

            “The Wizard of Oz" runs through Aug. 13 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck. Tickets are $47-$67. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit theatrebythesea.com.

“Damn Yankees” at Ocean State Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

            “Damn Yankees” currently at Ocean State Theatre is a vintage musical but in this production it is showing its age. There are some rough edges here not just in the musical itself, signs of strain in the performances. There are some fun moments it\n it but there is too much of feeling of something missing throughout.

            The story is the tale of old Joe Boyd a lifelong Washington Senators fan who is distressed by their constantly losing record. He gets the opportunity from Mr. Applegate to transform not only that record but his secret desire to play baseball into reality. The price for all this, Joe’s soul of course. Yet Joe is reluctant to leave his beloved wife on long standing behind to pursue his dreams. Despite that, he does so anyway.       

  At the park the ballplayers are not what you’d’ expect. Older, and somewhat overweight they do not evoke the image of professional baseball players.

            One of the standouts here thought is the young baseball players, Joe Hardy played by Matt Gibson who is a delight. He is charming with his shy boy attitude and modesty as the terrific ballplayers. He sings with sass and style. He is highly convincing.His tenor voice was elegant and tender.

            His nemesis is Mr. Applegate, the conniving, deceptive devil himself, full of double dealing and dirty tricks. Beau Allen is Mr. Applegate. He attempts a kind of suave elegance and indifferent poise that doesn’t really work. There are times when he seems awkward with his lines, uncertain. His voice isn’t strong either. Maybe I was just spoiled by seeing Jerry Lewis in the role in New York many years ago.

            Sally Ann Swarm is Joe’s Boyd’s wife Meg. Meg is loyal and devoted, a woman who loves her husband deeply despite his addiction to baseball.  She is the epitome of simplicity and dedication. At once unfaltering and yet saddened by her husband’s unexplained absence off on some obscure business trip. The duets she sings with Gibson are sweet and sincere such as “Near to You” and “A Man Doesn’t Know.”

            Then there is Lola, Mr. Applegate’s temptress, played by Lauren Gemilli. Lola is the epitome of sensuality and undaunted sexuality. For someone who is well over 100 years old, she slinks about cavorting with reckless abandon. She doesn’t seem sultry enough in the role. The kind of mind boggling sensuality the role demands seems missing here, stopping short. The proof is in the song, “Whatever Lola Wants” which seems to lack sass and sizzle.

            Director Aimee Turner tries to keep it all on course, but it doesn’t quite make it. It never seems to gel to make it the kind of fun fantasy it should be.

            Musical director Justin P. Cowan doesn’t quite pull off all the musical numbers and songs to best effect.

            The M.K. Lawson choreography however is mostly spirited and energetic. The conducting by Justin P. Cowan is precise and on the mark.

            While this Tony Award winning show has potential it is showing its age quite a bit. The cast doesn’t seem mange to pull it off or somehow enhance it and revivify it.    

            "Damn Yankees" runs through July 24 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $39-$59. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.com.

“West Side Story” at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            “West Side Story” is a beloved Americana musical classic. The current production at Theatre by the Sea is vibrant with some stunning dancing and exceptional singers in the lead of Tony and Maria. It is long though, that first act gets really long, 90 minutes.

            The story is the modernization retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in downtown NYC. It started when choreographer Jerome Robbins approached Arthur Laurents and Leonard Bernstein about the musical idea. Sondheim later came on board with his debut as a lyricist. It was set in the 1950’s and focused on the rivalry of two gangs, and a war in culture clash.

            Bronson Norris Murphy is Tony, who helped found the Jets but ahs somewhat left it behind to work at Doc’s store. He is a young man just going through his life until meeting up with Maria at a dance. Then, his whole life and attitude change. He leaps into this ill considered and doomed affair with all his heart and the consequences are tragic. Murphy is poised and energetic, and his voice is outstanding. He shines in songs like “Maria” or his duet with Maria, “Tonight”

            Maria is played by Evy Ortiz who is perky, energetic and engaging. As the young Puerto Rican woman who is recently arrived in the city from Puerto Rico and is a seamstress and somewhat innocent of the conflicts in the big city. Her voice is superb, full of richness and emotion. She shines in her duet with Tony, “Tonight” or later in “One Hand, One Heart” another duet.

            Tyler John Logan is Riff who co-founded the Jets with Tony. He is cocky and self assured while always trying to be cool. He is outstanding in the “Jets song which opens the musical and in “The Rumble” song under the highway.

            Alexander Gil Cruz is Maria’s brother Bernardo, who is proud of his heritage and totally distrust the Americans. He is energetic and convincing in the role,

            Another fine addition to the cast is Dana Hunter as Anita, Bernardo’s girl. She too has a strong voice and shines in “America” which she sings with the Sharks girls and the wining duet with Maria, “A Boy Like That/I Have A Love.”

            The supporting cast is top notch with some fabulous dancing and robust energy.

Director Bob Richard makes good use of his talented cast. It is unfortunate that the musical runs so long and because of the long dance numbers slows down in the first act. But the dancing is simply remarkable.

Musical Director by Samuel Thorne Baglia and his conducting is on target.

            The dancing dominates this production it is simply dazzling dancing. It is energetic and vibrant full of energy and audacity. The Diane Laurenson choreography is impeccable.

            Kyle Dixon’s scenic design is vivid and impressionistic, very evocative and effective how it hints at an inner city tangle of places from the stoop outside a building to under the highway and more.

            "West Side Story" runs through July 16 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd. in Wakefield. Tickets are $47-$67. Call (401) 782-8587 or visit theatrebythesea.com.