“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.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” 2nd Story Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

“Tuesdays with Morrie” currently at 2^nd Story Theatre is a simple at times funny at times moving tale about inescapable death delivered by an excellent cast with great chemistry and impeccable skills. Written for the stage by Mitch Albion (who wrote the book)  and Jeffrey Hatcher  it is rich with laughs and simple yet ingratiating poignancy that moves the entire audience a feast for mind and heart.

                   It tells the tale of Mitch and now well known sport writer, radio and television sports commentator who once wanted to be a musician but gave it up in a dark moment to pursue the writing career which leads to great success. He was Morrie’s student at Brandeis who promised to keep in touch but never did. What altered this was when Mitch sees his former teacher on Nightline with Ted Koppel talking about dying of Lou Gherig’s disease. So despite the 16 year lapse Mitch decides to visit his former teacher. A newspaper strike makes it so that Mitch can visit Morrie more regularly and he does, faithfully. The book and play are based on the 14 Tuesdays they met.

            Jeff DiSisto is Mitch. He starts out as an eager undergraduate at Brandeis with a passion for music and an unfettered desire to be a musician.  Those goals fall aside                                                                                       and he is driven by ambition to be the best in his field as a sport writer. The only thing he can devote time to is his career. His interactions with Morrie change al that, as he goes from a man of relentless ambition to someone who cares. It is a superb performance, full of nuance and finesse. It is a sincere transformation.

            Jay Burke is Morrie a simple man well educated but full of aphorisms about life and not reluctant to share them liberally. He faces his impending death with grace, dignity and humanity, He faces it with a sense of humor that is compelling and natural. Burke is stunning in the role, always natural and on target. He offers a true humanity that is both inviting and engaging.

            Mark Peckham directs with finesse and simplicity. He keeps all on course with an underlying humanity and connection that goes from the funny to the moving, evoking the best from his actors.

            Ax Ponticelli’s set design is stunning evoking the office with a large tree and windows looming overheard and behind with fall foliage which frame the space effectively.

            The play runs for an hour and a quarter and is sheer delight. The sold out audience gave it a well deserved standing ovation for its moving and funny display which was sure to please. It sells out soon so get your tickets ASAP if you want to see it.

At 2^nd Story Theatre DownStage / June 3 to 26, July 14-17

28 Market Street, Warren, RI

1(401)247-4200 or www.2ndstorytheatre.com

“The Buddy Holly Story” at Theatre by the Sea

By Richard Pacheco

            “The Buddy Holly Story” currently at the Theatre by the Sea is a rip roaring good time with a vibrant cast full of energy and musical talent, playing their own instruments with skill and style. It is sheer fun.

            The story is a well known one for anyone who ever loved rock and roll, the rise to prominence of Buddy Holly from unknown to rock legend in a short space of time during the early golden days of rock and roll. It is packed with his songs and captures the exuberance and passion of his music. It follows his very brief career from a teenager from Lubbock Texas who abandons his country roots to become a full fledged rock and roller only to die tragically in a plane crash several years later.

            Michael Siktberg is excellent as Buddy Holly. He is poised, vibrant and talented. He has a strong voice and just the right finesse to deliver the Holly songs. He palys his guitar really well also.

            The rest of the cast is likewise exceptional.

            Jean-Pierre Ferragamo as The Big Bopper is riveting with his stage presence and singing sass. It is an impressive energetic performance. “Chantilly Lace” and “Shut” are sizzling hot and stuning.

            Albert Jennings as Richie Valens is powerhouse of raw sexual energy, full of flair and feisty. He shines when he sings “La Bamba” with relentless energy and vocal power.

            Cody Nable and Greg London as as the radio host who helps propel Buddy to ths top, Highpockets Duncan are energetic and convincing.

            Beatriz Naranjo as Buddy’s wife Maria Elena is poised, sweet and sincere.

            The songs here are rollicking and fun from the first. In fact the second half of the show is pretty much the last concert hat Buddy did before he died in the plane crash. There are songs galore to enjoy, classic Holly hits like “Peggy Sue”, “Oh Boy”, “Maybe Baby” and tons more.

            The entire cast is a delight, a real pleasure to enjoy.

            Director Richard Salbellico keeps things moving swiftly along with and underlying raw power that is exciting and entrancing. It has a rock concert feel that is enthralling and undeniable.

            Musical director Michael Crotier coaxes the best out of his talent both in terms of singing and virtuoso musicianship; it is winning.

Kyle Dixon’s scenic design works well, vividly creating the right mod and atmosphere for each scene.

            “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" runs through June 19 at Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Rd., Matunuck. Tickets are $47-$67. Call (401) 782-8587, or visit theatrebythesea.com.

“Educating Rita” at 2nd Story

By Richard Pacheco

            “Educating Rita” at 2^nd Story Theater is a sheer delight, deftly acted by Ed Shea and Tammy Brown, full of verve, finesse and emotional impact.

            Ed Shea who has spent most of his time at 2^nd Story as a director has more recently returned to the stage as an actor with some riveting performances and this is no exception. He is Frank, a failed poet, once the darling of the academic world, now more ad disheveled disaster of a professor on his last legs, one his way out more dedicated to alcohol than to academia. It is a dazzling performance, full of nuance and energy as he plays the bitter professor, disenchanted with his life and too fond of the scotch nips he has hidden throughout his office.

This is all brought vividly to life with his interactions with Rita, played by Tammy Brown as the feisty, sassy hairdresser who wants to plunge headfirst into learning with passion and determination. Rita is trapped in what is for her a dead end job and a bad marriage and she views this chance for education as her way out, her escape to a better life. She plunges with all her energy and determination she can muster. She craves the world of books and theater as her rescue, her way out of the mire she finds herself trapped within. Tammy Brown is terrific and the perfect match for Shea’s Frank. Her transition from the lower class British accent to more cultured is perfect. It also offers another dimension to her performance with is robust and skilled.

It all evolves over a series of very short scenes which almost seems at times too much and too quick. But there is an emotional wave which transforms it all into something rich and resonant. It traces not only Rita’s steps towards liberation and education, but also Frank’s increasing enchantment with her, even dare say following in love with her.

Rita recounts her adventures with other students as she glides from her disenchanted ignorance to feeling she is the intellectual equal of Frank.  As she grows bolder and more self confident, Frank grows a bit angry and irritated, even to the point of being jealous when she mentions the young male students she has come to know along the way.

British playwright Willy Russell sets the play entirely in the office of an open lecturer. It was also turned into a memorable film staring Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

Director Mark Pekham deftly manages all the rapid scenes with assurance and energy. He blends it all smoothly together.

The set by Max Ponticelli is excellent, ably capturing the atmosphere of a professor’s office.

This is an excellent production that you won’t want to miss. It is a sheer delight that satisfies on so many levels.

It will be presented until May 22 at 2^nd Story Theatre, upstairs, 28 Market Street, Warren. www.2ndstorytheratre.com 401-247-4200.

“The Winter’s Tale” at the Gamm

By Richard Pacheco

            The Gamm Theatre wraps up its current season with a splendid production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter Tale” with its many twists of plot and somewhat implausible ending but all a truly enjoyable ride along the way. The large cast is winning and moves along with energy and determination.

            King Leonte is tormented by raging jealousy. The play opens with the meeting of two lifelong friends, Leontes, king of Sicilia and Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. After nine months Polixenes series to return to his own kingdom to tend to his affairs and see his son. Leontes’ efforts to convince him to stay meet with failure so he sends his wife to convince his friend. Hermione agrees and convinces him to stay. Leontes is perplexed how she convinced him to stay so easily. He suspects his pregnant wife has been having an affair with him and that the child is a bastard.  He orders one of his lords to poison his friend but instead he warns him and they both flee to his kingdom.

            Furious Leontes publicly accuses his wife of infidelity and declares her child illegitimate. He throws her in prison over the protests of his nobles. She gives birth to a girl. Despite the fact that the oracle clears his wife, all plummets into disaster with the death of his son and his wife is reported dead. His infant daughter is left on the shores of his friend’s land. Then it rolls further long with more twists and turns pilling up along the way.

            The baby named Perdita is reared by and old shepherd. When she reaches 16 she falls in love with, yes, Polixenes’ son.

            From there it is a mere matter of untwisting the twisted to resolve all well which it does.

            Fred Sullivan directs with a keen eye and supple touch. It moves merrily along with zest and finesse, well acted and energetic. His appearance in the show as the rascal and mutton chopped rogue Autolycus is pure delight, bigger than life and ribald and energetic.

            Tony Estrela, the artistic director of the Gamm is stunning as Leontes. He is a dense mixture of jealousy and remorse, all vividly conveyed with skill and flair. In his able hands the tormented king is convincing and sympathetic despite his baseless jealousy.

            Karen Carpenter is the epitome of the unjustly accused Hermione, all poise and presence. She is sympathetic in her dignity and conviction, her protestations of innocence at being wrongly accused.

            Jesse Hinton is the longtime friend, King Polixenes, an honest man, a loyal friend. Hinson is excellent in the role, poised and elegant, full of confidence and a sense of royalty.

            Mark S. Cartier is wining at the old Shepherd. Nora Eschenheimer is charming as Perdita, easy going and energetic. Florizel, King Polixenes’ son is played by Jeff Church with gusto and finesse.

            The large cast is right on the mark, full of sincerity and liveliness. It is well worth seeing, an outstanding production.

            The set designed by Patrick Lynch is a bit stark and plain with not much to it. IT is not very evocative. The Jessie Darrell Jarbadan costumes are also fairly simple, not very elegant for royalty.

            The first act seems a lot like Othello minus Iago with its severe ever mounting jealousy. The second act seems more comedic in nature.  So it is more upbeat at the end however implausible it might be.

            "The Winter's Tale" runs through May 29 at the Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. Tickets are $41-$49. Call (401) 723-4266, or visit gammtheatre.org.