Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Review: FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE is the Summer Party You Don't Want to Miss
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| Obba Babatundé (front) with Octavius Womack, Rogelio Douglas, Jr., Eric B. Anthony, Jacques C. Smith and Trevon Davis. All photos by Craig Schwartz |
When I moved back to Los Angeles in the mid-’90s, I was fortunate enough to work for a small company led by a president who was loved by everyone who knew him. A true gentleman, Gordon had been in the radio business a long time and was just entering his seventies. He always had a twinkle in his eye, time to listen, and a ready quip to lighten the mood. One of his favorite responses when asked if anyone was in his office was, “Ain’t nobody here but us chickens.” It always made me laugh.
I asked him about the phrase one day. All he did was smile and say, “Louis Jordan.” That was my introduction to the man known as the King of the Jukebox.
When it came to music, Louis Jordan knew how to make it swing. He was one of the most influential African American musicians of the late thirties and forties, and he had a knack for creating songs that were so infectious you just had to get up and dance. A pioneer in the rhythm and blues genre and forerunner of early rock and roll, he was also one of the first black artists to cross over on the pop charts, and everyone from Chuck Berry to Ray Charles has acknowledged his impact on their music.
Jordan recorded “Ain’t Nobody Here but Us Chickens” in 1946 and it became an instant hit, spending seventeen weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart and reaching number six on the pop chart. It’s been covered by James Brown, B.B. King and Patti LuPone, and it is also featured in a musical revue by Clark Peters built to showcase Jordan’s remarkable collection of songs. That revue - Five Guys Named Moe - is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its successful Broadway run in an out-and-out stellar revival at Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles.
The show is directed and choreographed with stylish precision by Keith Young, a former principal dancer with Twyla Tharp’s company in New York. His impressive resume is packed full of film, television and theatre credits including three prior productions at Ebony Rep. This time around his work is streamlined and character-driven, with generous doses of humor thrown in to amplify the fun. He saves the big glitz for Act II’s Five Moes floor show and a whopper of a reveal, but, back to the beginning.
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| L-R: Trevon Davis, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Eric B. Anthony, Octavius Womack, and Jacques C. Smith |
It starts with Obba Babatundé (as Nomax) stumbling home in the wee small hours of the morning after another late night bender, singing the blues to the plaintive sound of a muted trumpet. His girlfriend of sixteen years has finally left him and he’s in serious need of some solid relationship advice. Like many a lonely soul before him, Nomax turns on the radio for a little comfort and company.
That’s when he’s musically whopped up side the head by the five Moes of the title who materialize, as if by magic. Big Moe (Octavius Womack), Little Moe (Trevon Davis), Eat Moe (Eric B. Anthony), Four-Eyed Moe (Rogelio Douglas, Jr.), and No Moe (Jacques C. Smith) are determined to help him cast off his lush life and get his girl back, whether he likes it or not. It’s a set-up that paves the way for two hours of tell-it-like-it-is fun where the music is the main attraction and you can’t wait to see what tactic they’ll try next.
As a group, the Moes offer up a tasty blend of vocal harmonies that often blooms out of a verse when you least expect it. As soloists, they exude personality and charm by the bucketfuls, whether it is Womack raising the roof on Jordan’s jump blues crowd pleaser “Caldonia” or Davis getting crazy on “Saturday Night Fish Fry” considered by many to be the first true rock and roll song, or Anthony’s sultry version of “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” which is enough to break your heart.
Davis’s “I Like ‘Em Fat Like That” would be considered politically incorrect by today’s standards but it is of the era and he sings it with such zeal that you can’t help but laugh. As for the aforementioned novelty song “Ain’t Nobody Here but Us Chickens,” it is a Douglas, Jr. comedy highlight you’ll not soon forget. He plays both ends of the emotional spectrum with ease showing off a gorgeous voice at its finest in the bluesy ballad “Azure Te.”
The longing in the song is multiplied times ten with the addition of scenic designer Edward E. Haynes Jr’s subtle Paris imagery on an upstage scrim, an effect he uses several times throughout the show to create atmosphere while adding an ethereal quality to the action.
They’re backed by one of the best 6-piece jazz ensembles you’ll hear anywhere, led by original Broadway Five Guys musical director Abdul Hamid Royal, an incredible musical force. By the way, don’t even think about getting up and leaving during the curtain call. Stay for the band’s entire last number after the cast has exited and you’ll see the definition of pure joy as they take over the stage and bring it all home.
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| Obba Babatundé |
So how does an everyman character named Nomax not get lost in a show like this? The key is casting a consummate leading man who can anchor the production and make it look effortless while tapping into a bottomless well. In this case, the soul of the blues and the heart of Five Guys Named Moe belongs to Obba Babatundé. Every note he sings, every ghost of a thought you see flicker across his face is infused with the deep sentiment only time and life can give to an actor. He is a master at his craft and his performance is utterly enthralling.
Nomax may defend his actions and appear cavalier at times but all the justification in the world can’t keep him from his poignant realization in “Is You Or Is You Ain’t My Baby.” As Babatundé walks off stage into the dark, he takes a piece of our heart (and understanding) with him.
Summer musicals all strive to get your attention at this time of the year but this bright jukebox musical is the one party you don’t want to miss. For my money, it’s Five Guys Named Moe for the win every single time.
FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
May 18 - June 11, 2017
Ebony Repertory Theatre
Nate Holden Performing Arts Center
4718 West Washington Blvd
Tickets: www.ebonyrep.org
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| L-R: Jacques C. Smith, Trevon Davis, Rogelio Douglas, Jr., Eric B. Anthony, Obba Babatundé, and Octavius Womack |
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Labels: ebony rep
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
MUSICAL NEWS for Tuesday, May 9, 2017
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Labels: a classic broadway, actors co-op, after hours theatre company, ebony rep, hollywood bowl, musical theatre guild, robot teammate
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Musical News for Thursday, March 20, 2014
OPENINGS: Pasadena Playhouse has announced its 2014-15
season, which includes the critically acclaimed Stop
Kiss (Nov. 4-30), by Diana Son, directed by Seema Sueko; Sleeping
Beauty, Panto at the Playhouse (Dec. 10 – Jan 4), by Kris Lythgoe, directed by
Bonnie Lythgoe. This is an updated version of the classic story in the style of
the traditional British family Panto which features
family-friendly magic, a comedic twist and contemporary music.; Two
for the Seesaw (Jan. 27 – Feb. 22), by William
Gibson, directed by Sheldon Epps; Pygmalion
(Mar. 17 – Apr. 12), by George Bernard Shaw. In addition, the Playhouse
hopes to present Where We Belong by BeBe
Winans & Charles Randolph-Wright, directed by Sheldon Epps, dates TBD. This
world premiere musical tells the story of BeBe Winans and his sister CeCe
Winans’ early involvement with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s religious television
show ‘The PTL Club,’ which launched their careers. This pulsating
production also explores what took place after they moved on from Tammy Faye
before the downfall of the evangelical husband-wife duo’s Christian
empire.” www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
Pasadena Playhouse also brings back by popular
demand Gene Kelly: The Legacy, An Evening with Patricia Ward Kelly for
three performances – Friday, April 18 at 8pm and Saturday, April
19 at 2pm and 8pm. During a unique evening, Patricia Ward Kelly - his
widow, biographer and the person who knew him best - presents an intimate
portrait of this dynamic and innovative artist who created some of the most
memorable and iconic scenes in film history. Her compelling presentation
combines rare and familiar film clips, previously unreleased audio recordings,
personal memorabilia, and insights culled from her hours of interviews and
conversations with her husband. Tickets ($15 - $70 plus premium) 626-356-7529
or www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
Out of the Box Theatre Company will present an intimate
black box production of Bonnie &
Clyde the Musical at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara April 3 – 13, bringing
it to Southern California for the first time since its world premiere at La
Jolla Playhouse prior to its Broadway run. The musical features a Tony
Award-nominated score by Frank Wildhorn and Don Block, and a book by Ivan
Menchell. The cast features recent PCPA alum Lafras le Roux as Clyde Barrow and
Santa Barbara actress Katherine Bottoms as Bonnie Parker, with William
Schneiderman (Buck Barrow), Samantha Eve (Blanche Barrow), Deborah Bertling,
Don Margolin, Marc Nicolas, Olivia O’Brien, Shannon Saleh, Craig Scott,
Christopher Lee Short, Dillon Stave, Leslie Story, and Dillon Yuhasz. The
creative team includes music direction by John Douglas, scenic and lighting design
by Theodore Dolas, and technical direction by Brad Spaulding. Tickets: (805)
963-0408 or www.outoftheboxtheatre.org. [Photo of Lafras le Roux and Katherine Bottoms by Sophia Winnikof]
Phillip Hayes Dean’s Paul
Robeson will resume performances at Ebony Repertory Theatre on Friday,
March 21. Two-time Emmy Award-winner Keith David stars in this one-man
play with music, returning to the stage after recovering from a knee injury. Accompaniment
is by pianist/musical director Byron J. Smith and choreography is by Keith
Young. The production will continue through Sunday, March 30, which was
part of the previously announced schedule. Three additional performances are
set for Friday and Saturday, April 18 & 19 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday,
April 20 at 7:00 pm. Paul Robeson plays at the Nate Holden Performing Arts
Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles. A powerful
chronicle of the life of Paul Robeson, Phillip Hayes Dean’s play takes us from
his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life around the world. An All-American
athlete and a lawyer with Columbia Law School credentials, Robeson faces the
racism prevalent in society in the early part of the twentieth century. He
strives to rise above, and it is his triumph in that struggle that turns
Robeson into a modern day hero. Tickets: (323-964-9766)
or www.ebonyrep.org.
The Grove Theatre announces The Kingdom, A Rock Musical,
for 6 performances only running on weekends April 25 – May 4. Starring
Richard Bermudez as Jesus, The Kingdom is a high energy, Rock, Hip-Hop, Gospel
& Pop version of the Passion of Jesus Christ (think Jesus Christ
Superstar), that focuses on the life, trial, execution & resurrection of
Jesus of Nazareth. Through dramatic storytelling, dynamic modern music,
authentic costumes and realistic sets, this gritty retelling of the greatest
story ever told brings to musical life the last week of Jesus of Nazareth.
Although The Kingdom chronicles the story of Christ’s trial and
crucifixion, it’s an ultimately uplifting tale that focuses on love, hope and
human compassion. Tickets: (909) 920-4343
or www.grovetheatre.com. The
Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street, Upland, CA 91786.
Volume One of the series will launch on March 30th as The Album Project:+, showcasing songs
from Ed Sheeran’s debut studio album, which was certified quintuple platinum in
the United Kingdom and was the highest-grossing US debut of a British artist
since 2009. The concert will feature performances of Sheeran’s hits such as “The
A Team,” “Lego House,” “Give Me Love,” “Drunk,” “Small Bump,” “You Need Me, I
Don’t Need You,” and “Grade 8” by Lindsay Pearce, Anthony Starble, Nicci
Claspell, Ben Caron, Topher Rhys and Jamie Lee Barnard. The Album Project: + is
developed and helmed by director Kate Sullivan Gibbens (Spring Awakening in
Concert) with musical direction by Elmo Zapp (bare) and feature new orchestrations and vocal arrangements by
Elmo Zapp, Alex Seller, Patrick Burns, and Anthony Starble. Reservations: 818-754-8700 or www.inticketing.com/events/403715.
Additional performances, venues, and volumes will be announced at a later date.
http://facebook.com/TheAlbumProject
Kritzerland presents These April Foolish Things Sunday April 6 at 7:00 pm at
Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal in North Hollywood. Performers include Sandy
Bainum, Zachary Ford, Madison Claire Parks, Jenna Lee Rosen, Sami Staitman,
Shannon Warne and Robert Yacko, with special guests Andrea Marcovicci and
Richard Sherman. Music direction is by Lloyd Cooper. For reservations call (818)
754-8700.
The show is aglow with dynamic renditions of your favorite Broadway musical numbers featuring Julie Garnyé, Damon Kirsche, Dennis Kyle, Kelly Lester, Matt Musgrove, Kate Pazakis, and Patty Reid, with musical director John Boswell. Songs across Broadway history, by such iconic composers as Berlin, Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Schwartz and Styne, make this an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City $15 cover + 2-item minimum. Valet and street parking available. Click Here for tickets and information or call (818) 769-0905.
Fraser Entertainment Group presents An Evening of Classic Broadway on Monday, March 24, 8:00 pm.
The show is aglow with dynamic renditions of your favorite Broadway musical numbers featuring Julie Garnyé, Damon Kirsche, Dennis Kyle, Kelly Lester, Matt Musgrove, Kate Pazakis, and Patty Reid, with musical director John Boswell. Songs across Broadway history, by such iconic composers as Berlin, Kander & Ebb, Lloyd Webber, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Schwartz and Styne, make this an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Upstairs at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City $15 cover + 2-item minimum. Valet and street parking available. Click Here for tickets and information or call (818) 769-0905.
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Labels: ebony rep, glory|struck productions, kritzerland, out of the box, pasadena playhouse, the grove theatre
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Musical News for Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Outstanding New Musical – A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Outstanding Direction of a Musical – Darko Tresnjak, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical, Male – Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Outstanding Orchestrations – Jonathan Tunick, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Outstanding Scenic Design – Alexander Dodge, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, Male – Miles Anderson, The Merchant of Venice
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play, Male – Don Sparks, Pygmalion
Outstanding Lighting Design – York Kennedy, Other Desert Cities
In addition, Randall Dodge received an award for Actor of the Year for his body of work in 2013, which included his role in the Globe’s 16th annual production of the holiday musical Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! www.theoldglobe.org
Next up in Chromolume’s Cabaret Series is The Princess & the Cowboy, starring Amanda Leigh Pickard and Keith Kraft. The special Valentine’s Cabaret will be a night of Broadway and Country Love Songs on February 15 at 8:00 pm. Tickets: $12 Pre-sale, $15 At the door. (2 tickets for $20 if you purchase by Feb. 12). Tickets: www.crtheatre.com/cabaret.html
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Labels: ebony rep, old globe, santa monica playhouse, the broad stage