Urinetown

OK, this is an off-putting title for a musical, and when I was first aware of it a number of years ago, I resolved that I would pass on this show whenever it came around. But this past Thursday, I decided to honor the risk that Folsom High School took in staging it. After all, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won 3 in 2002 so, I reasoned, the show must clearly have merit. And now, having seen it, I recognize this musical as a valid social satire, with a lot of excellent comic moments. Sure, there is a fair bit of toilet humor (such as the song, “It’s a Privilege to Pee”). But the music is good (and some of it is truly outstanding), and there’s a quality live band for this show. As for the overall production, it is far beyond what you might expect from a high school – even Folsom High School. The large, energetic cast is topped by two genuinely talented performers in the key roles of Bobby Strong and Hope Caldwell, and Tristan Bonds and Melissa Brausch deliver excellent acting and vocals that, for me, are the highlights of the show. I still smile when I think of Tristan and “The Poor” singing “Run, Freedom, Run”: it was a show-stopper. But the whole cast was strong, and Brianna Asmus as Pennywise and Julia Hoshino as Little Sally were two more standouts. The set itself was impressive, and the several brief choreographic interludes were very entertaining.

I noticed some problems with lighting on opening night, and it seemed that there were audio problems, as well, though maybe it was just me. I had trouble picking up key words in the dialog and in the song lyrics, so it was hard for me to get into the show because I missed a lot of the plot set-up. If you haven’t seen this show, I’d advise reading a plot synopsis, such as the one in the Placer Performance Calendar (see the link below) so you’ll go in knowing what to expect. But do go. It’s a quality show in both the book and the score, and all those people rising in a standing ovation at the end of the performance I saw are testament to the fact that Folsom High School did this show justice.

Suite Surrender

I was tired and in a sour mood when I entered the State Theatre for opening night of the Placer Community Theater’s “Suite Surrender.” I’ve seen this company put on some outstanding shows in the past, but I had a bad feeling about this one. I guess I didn’t like the way it started or I questioned some of the casting – whatever. And I decided quickly that it wouldn’t be worth writing a review. But they began to win me over, and soon I found myself laughing along with the rest of the audience. The bottom line is that this is a truly funny show – with escalating conflicts, confusion, and surprises. Guided by director Ely Wilbur, the whole cast played the comic situations beautifully. But the highlight for me was the brilliant acting of veteran performer, Fred Burks, as the hotel manager. I left the theater refreshed and energized from a good dose of laughter therapy.

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

If you were a child watching TV on Saturday morning between 1973 and 1985 – or looking over your children’s shoulders – you remember those wonderful educational songs with cute animation called “Schoolhouse Rock.” They’ve been revived and expanded in many ways since then, and one of the best send-ups is the stage show, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” which has now come to Roseville courtesy of the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy. It’s a high-energy, hour-long show that features 13 of the iconic songs, in a loosely woven plot – and it’s a total delight.

The 6 performers sing and dance and clown through the numbers, with constant movement that goes beyond the organized choreography. The songs are accompanied by piano and drum, and the singing – even with some harmony – is quite good. And to spice things up even further, there is a constant flow of props and sight gags. Hearing the very young children in the audience laughing at the broad comedy, I could tell that they were engaged throughout, even though a lot of what was presented could appeal only to adults and older children. But appeal it did: I don’t think I stopped smiling –or tapping my foot – throughout the whole hour-long performance. Clearly this wonderfully creative show works with all age groups, and I understand that 4,000 schoolchildren have been booked to see it during its 3-week run. The weekend matinees present a special opportunity, not to be missed. In fact, with all the other shows I want to take in, I’m thinking about seeing this again – just because it is so much fun.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

After their great success with an adult-oriented, PG-13 musical last January, “Next to Normal,” Stand Out Talent is presenting another outstanding effort with an adult-oriented, PG-13 drama in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” This 50-year-old adaptation of Ken Kesey’s 1962 book by the same title is not as well known as the 1975 movie with Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. But if you’ve seen the movie and you think you’ve seen the best dramatization of this story – think again. Nothing matches the intensity that can be generated by live theater, and this production is certainly loaded with delicious dramatic intensity.

Each of the players has created – and maintains – a credible character, each off-balance in some way. Scott Divine drives most of the action as Randall P. McMurphy, and he delivers an over-the-top, high-energy, award-worthy performance that is fascinating to watch. Then there is the placid intimidation of Tressa Ohler as Nurse Ratched that is perfect in heightening the tension of each scene in which she appears. And the pervasive conflict makes each bit of humor that funnier.

The set is highlighted by an elevated nurse’s station that really contributes to the realism of the production, as do the sound and lighting effects. But it is the consistent quality of the acting that makes this show eminently worth seeing. The intimacy of the Tower Theatre brings one very close to the actors. On opening night, I carefully watched the actors’ faces and body language when they were away from the action, and I saw them living their parts. And it must be said that this production reflects not only the talents of the actors but the professionalism of director, Jason Bortz, who inspired and guided all this well-organized madness. Watching the performance, I found myself thinking the best praise one can offer a dramatic production: “This feels real.”

Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr.

This is a reprise of a show that Rocklin Community Theatre ran last spring to sold-out audiences, and I know why. It’s a delightful send-up of one of Disney’s best, with a lot of good music and an engaging fairy-tale plot. My first thought was that the amazing costumes must have been rented, but I see from the program that an army of people are devoted to costuming, so they must be original and if that’s the case, their efforts should garner awards: the costumes were just stunning. That’s not to demean the skills of the young performers. I saw the Seashell cast, and I was struck with the strong, clear voices of all the principals. The acting was uneven, but Marlize Dizon sparkled as Ariel, Jake Young had leading-man charisma as Prince Eric, Angie Reed was wickedly good as Ursula the Sea Witch, and Emily Masnica played Sebastian brilliantly, especially in his two big numbers, “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” It was also great fun to watch the Mersisters have fun in their appearances: they rocked every time they were on stage. And not only theirs, but all the choreography was entertaining. I took special note of the audio, which made the songs and dialog crystal clear, something you can’t say for many local productions. This whole ensemble performed beautifully in a show that any family should love.

High Voltage - Holiday Celebration

Although I haven't seen any of their past holiday shows, I have seen several other performances of High Voltage (part of the El Dorado Musical Theatre organization). These young people are all-around entertainers, with professional standards, although no one in the group is over 20 years of age. I have no doubt that this will be another outstanding show. For more background, check my reviews in the Sacramento Choral Calendar at this link: www.sacchoralcalendar.com/Reviews.htm.

Let's Dance - Holiday Spectacular

I wish I could visit more performing arts events in our area, especially dance programs, including high school productions. Last night, I attended Woodcreek High School’s “Let’s Dance – Holiday Spectacular,” and it was indeed pretty spectacular, involving over 100 dance students (including 14 boys) in 30 dance numbers – most choreographed by students. It was a high-energy event with a lot of creativity and grace, and with some outstanding individual performances.

The highlight for me, though, was something completely unexpected. Four of the numbers were choreographed by Jacob Montoya who, I learned afterwards, is beginning to gain a professional reputation as a choreographer 10 years after graduating from Woodcreek High. Two of the dances he choreographed (“In This Shirt” and “Ave Maria”) had amazing power, complexity and creativity. It would have been worth attending just to see those two pieces, but there was much more to this show that made it enjoyable holiday fare.

There is one more thing worth noting. The success of this show rests on the professionalism of Lydia Ajay, the faculty member behind the dance program at Woodcreek High School. I bet that you, as I did, would find it fascinating to read her thoughts about the value of dance instruction in high school, and what it takes to make a program successful. She has put those thoughts into an article in the Oct-Nov-Dec 2012 issue of Perspectives, published by PlacerArts. Copies are available at art galleries and other locations throughout Placer County.

For more information about Woodcreek High School’s “Let’s Dance – Holiday Spectacular,” check their listing in the Placer Performance Calendar at this link: http://perfcal.com/orgs/WoodcreekHS.htm.