Sunday, September 2, 2012
Glendale Centre Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors
 |
| Karen Volpe and Brenton Schraff. Photo by Nathan Milisavljevich |
I’ll say this about Glendale Centre Theatre….they sure know how to stage a musical in the round. Director Danny Michaels, along with co-director and choreographer Orlando Alexander, beautifully maximizes the assets of GCT’s 400+ seat theatre and gives the audience an upbeat and creative Little Shop of Horrors that makes this sci-fi spoof of Roger Corman’s low-budget black comedy a one-stop shop for fun.
The very sweet production and equally endearing cast use every staircase, landing, and playing area available to create the skid row flower shop and streets of New York in the early 1960s. It is here where lovable loser Seymour Krelborn, whose low self-esteem pales only in comparison to that of his co-worker, Audrey, discovers a most unusual plant following a total eclipse of the sun. He brings the mysterious new breed of fly trap back to the failing shop where he works and soon “Audrey II” takes on a life of its own, exhibiting an appetite for blood that creates trouble for everyone within its reach. Little do they know that Audrey II’s master plan involves nothing less than world domination.
With book & lyrics by Howard Ashman and an Alan Menken score, Little Shop of Horrors’ popularity has made it one of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows ever and a regional favorite across the country. It even appeared as a revival on Broadway starring Kerry Butler, Hunter Foster and Douglas Sills. Glendale Centre Theatre’s commitment to family entertainment makes Little Shop a great choice for its audience base. The songs are catchy and fun, and the enthusiastic cast keeps the energy high.
Teens will love the irreverence of the sassy girl group trio, Chiffon (Sinead De Vries), Crystal (Amanda Knight), and Ronnette (Katherine Washington) who weave in and out of the action like a Greek chorus with their hips twitching and eyebrows cocked with attitude. Plus, they blend beautifully on Menken’s 60’s doo-wop harmonies.
Karen Volpe gives Audrey an endearing vulnerability that makes us root for her from the very beginning and the yearning in her voice in “Somewhere That’s Green” is quite poignant. Brenton Schraff may not bring anything new to his portrayal of Seymour but it’s enough to create a likeable underdog of a hero. Jason Keef has more difficulty, however, with his unfocused turn as Audrey’s abusive boyfriend, Orin Scrivello. Richard Malmos is less the menacing Mushnik than blustery boss but his “Mushnik and Son” tango with Schraff still delivers on the laughs.
One casting choice that paid off is Dedrick Bonner as the voice of Audrey II. Often the villainous role is cast as a very low bass/baritone but Bonner’s resonance sits slightly higher giving him a wider range of flexibility both with his speaking voice and his R&B singing voice that brings a nice freshness to the role. Musical director Steven Applegate makes the most of it.
Lighting designer Jeremy Williams enhances the fluidity of the show by shifting scenes in blue light and directing the audience’s attention across the room with his use of quick cut lighting effects. Costumer Angela Wood provides nice touches with the costumes, and the design of Audrey II in its varying stages is also quite clever (though uncredited).
Little Shop of Horrors is musical comedy at its twisted best and Glendale Centre Theatre’s production is sure to make you smile while you're moving to the music. Take the whole family for the fun…just remember, don’t feed the plants!
Little Shop of Horrors: Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203 through October 6th. Tickets are available at www.glendalecentretheatre.com or by calling (818) 244-8481.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Glendale Center Theatre Announces Little Shop of Horrors
A tuneful, funny musical score meets a giant man-eating plant when Little Shop of Horrors takes root August 23 - October 6 at Glendale Center Theatre, the oldest, continually operating theatre in the United States. In this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies, a down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, mouthy, wisecracking rhythm and blues-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for “feeding” its growing appetite.
The cast features Brent Schraff as Seymour Krelborn, Karen Volpe as Audrey, Richard Malmos as Mr. Mushnik, and Jason Keefe as Orin Scrivello, along with Dedrick Bonner (Audrey II), Carl Garcia (Puppeteer), Amanda Knight (Crystal), Paul Reid (Patrick Martin), Sinead de Vries (Chiffon), and Katherine Washington (Ronnette).
The show is directed by Danny Michaels with choreography and co-direction by Orlando Alexander and musical direction by Steven Applegate. The creative team includes Broadway costumer Angela Wood (Glendale Costumes), Nathan J. Milisavljevich (sound design), Jeremy Williams (lighting design), and Tim Deitlein (set design).
The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Tickets are available at www.glendalecentretheatre.com or by calling (818) 244-8481.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Monday, May 21, 2012
Glendale Center Theatre Celebrates With ANNIE
 |
| Peter Husmann as Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks and Emma Howard as Annie. Photos by Nathan J. Milisavljevich |
At opening night of Glendale Center Theatre’s production of ANNIE I was reminded just how much an overture prepares the audience for what it’s about to see. It sets the tone, introduces significant songs you’ll hear in the show, and in the case of ANNIE, reminds you why Charles Strouse (music) and Martin Charnin (lyrics) won a Tony Award (one of 7 the musical received in 1977) for their score. ANNIE’s overture includes three of the very best and most recognizable crowd-pleasers, “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and “Tomorrow,” and from the way the kids in the audience bounced and swayed with every note and the adults’ faces lit up as each song was featured, the overture hasn’t lost its touch.
Glendale Center Theatre made a good choice in adding ANNIE to its 65th anniversary season. The musical will celebrate its 35th anniversary as one of America’s best-loved musical comedies with a revival on Broadway later this fall and GCT’s own leading lady, 11-year old Santa Clarita Valley resident Emma Howard was one of the 7 finalists, out of a staggering 5000, in the running to play the title role. It’s not hard to see why. She’s a vibrant singer who can belt out a showtune without pretention and her earnest performance is full of genuine charm.
In truth, this musical belongs to the kids, and no matter what else happens, if you find the right set of orphans and redheaded ringleader, their energetic exuberance will do most of the work for you. In the case of director Michael Sterling’s youthful casting, he’s hit a home run. They are Asia Aragon (Pepper), Bella Briscoe (Duffy), Lucy Taylor (July), Katherine Marie West (Tessie), Brooke Lynn Boyd (Kate), and Leah Schraff as the littlest orphan, Molly. The feisty personalities of the girls combined with their well-tuned bright voices (musical director Steven Applegate shows them off well) will make sure you’re always fully dressed with a smile yourself. “Hard Knock Life” is especially sassy and fun as Jerry Evans puts the girls through his enthusiastic bucket and broom choreography and his staging for the ensemble’s “NYC” is also fast-paced and creative.
 |
| Miss Hannigan (Dynell Leigh), Rooster (Clayton Ferris), and Lily St. Regis (Christa Hamilton) |
Both Evans’ choreography and Sterling’s direction play well in GCT’s theatre in the round. The efficient scene changes are smooth extensions of the action, with Tim Deitlein’s lighting subtly directing your attention to precise locations that disguise the changeovers. Costume choices by Angela Wood & Glendale Costumes are excellent.
Thomas Meehan’s book, which also won a Tony Award, still holds up as an example of great musical theatre writing today as well. GCT’s actors have the benefit of a solidly constructed story, jokes that land no matter what, and characters whose intentions are well-defined, though I was less enamored with some of the adult performances. Peter Husmann, who made an exceptional John Adams in GCT’s 1776 is over-the-top here with an affected vocal mannerism that doesn’t feel authentic, and his two leading ladies, Dynell Leigh as the villainous Miss Hannigan and Heather Dudenbostel as the effusively perky Grace Farrell, play the obvious rather than explore a deeper interpretation of their characters. Conversely, Don Woodruff’s Franklin D. Roosevelt is a comforting presence with his steady grounded portrayal of the Depression-era President.
 |
| Peter Husmann, Emma Howard and Heather Dudenbostel (Grace Farrell) Photo credit: Deborah Dubin |
ANNIE is at its very best when its orphans fearlessly break into their song and dance. Whether they’re wistfully singing “Maybe” from their room at the orphanage or comically imitating the Boylan Sisters on the radio, they are the reason we come back again and again for another dose of that bet-your-bottom-dollar sunshine. Bring the whole family and join in the celebration of this totally G-rated musical comedy classic.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Glendale Center Theatre Celebrates 65th Anniversary with ANNIE
 |
| Emma Howard (Annie), Dynell Leigh (Miss Hannigan), Peter Husmann (Oliver Warbucks). Photo by Nathan Milisavljevich |
The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will come to life at the Glendale Centre Theatre May 17 - June 30. Concurrent with Annie celebrating its 35th anniversary this year as America’s most beloved musical, the Glendale Centre Theatre also celebrates its 65th year as the oldest, continuously operating theatre in the United States.
With music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, longtime San Fernando Valley resident, internet television and radio personality, live music producer/director and public relations veteran Michael Sterling, who first introduced musicals to the almost 400 seat, theatre-in-the-round over 30 years ago, returns to the GCT to direct Annie. Sterling is joined by GCT resident musical director and Ovation Award nominee Steven Applegate, choreographer/dancer Jerry Evans, assistant choreographer Jackie Evans, Broadway costumer Angela Wood (Glendale Costumes), and GCT Producers Tim Dietlein and Brenda Dietlein. Nathan J. Milisavljevich (sound design), Caitlin Barbieri (stage manager) and Tim Dietlein (set design and lighting design), round out the creative team.
Boasting one of the Great White Way’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the HardKnock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.,” You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile,” and the ever optimistic “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar that Annie will delight audiences of all ages.
Eleven year old Santa Clarita Valley resident Emma Howard will star in the title role of Annie. GCT favorite Peter Husmann stars as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Dynell Leigh co-stars as Miss Hannigan, along with Heather Dudenbostel as Grace Farrell, Clayton Ferris as Rooster Hannigan, Christa Hamilton as Lily St. Regis, Don Woodruff as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Robert Decker as Bert Healy, and Kyle D. Kelley as Drake. Asia Aragon (Pepper), Brooke Boyd (Kate), Bella Briscoe (Duffy), Leah Schraff (Molly), Lucy Taylor (July) and Kate West (Tessie) portray the orphans. Shannon Cooper, Laurie Fedor, Kevin Holmquist, Nick Mizrahi, Bridget Pugliese, Rebecca Thomas, Robert Thomas, Amy Lyn Thompson, and Paul Reid comprise the ensemble...with special guest “Copper” (Thomas) appearing as “Sandy”.
Performances of Annie at the Glendale Centre Theatre will be presented May 17 through June. Ticket purchases may be made online at www.glendalecentretheatre.com, or by calling (818) 244-8481. The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Public parking lots are located in the immediate area of the theatre. Ample street parking is also available.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Glendale Centre Theatre Brings Back Man with the Pointed Toes
A “Pygmalion-in-reverse” story, Man with the Pointed Toes was written by the successful film and Broadway husband and wife team of Lynn and Helen Root. The hilarious comedy centers around a shy, backward cowboy named Tom Coterel who is unschooled in the ways of love. The twist? Tom happens to have more money than a hound dog has fleas. Enter the likes of two beautiful belles: one a gold-digger; the other a tutor in social graces...and you’ve got a Texas size love story with a laugh-a-minute drawl. Tommy Kearney stars in the production with Megan Blakeley, Shawn Cahill, Kelly Hurley, Richard Large, Paul Nieman, Eric Orman, Rosh, and Kelly Smith.
Man With the Pointed Toes will be directed by Allan Dietlein, with musical direction by Steven Applegate, and is produced by Tim Dietlein and Brenda Dietlein. The design team includes Angela Wood (costume design), Tim Dietlein (set design and lighting), Nathan J. Milisavlejevich (sound design), and Caitlin Barbieri (stage manager).
Lynn Root is perhaps best known for his acclaimed 1940 Broadway musical, Cabin in the Sky and its equally successful 1943 Hollywood version, directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters and Duke Ellington.
Lynn and his wife, Helen, met in Los Angeles when she was handling publicity for Warner Brothers studio and Lynn began writing for the movies. Lynn started out as a singer and actor (he was a protégé of Antoinette Perry for whom Broadway’s Tony Awards are named). He then became a playwright. Among his Broadway shows was The Milky Way (1934) starring Brian Donlevy and Gladys George. In 1936, it became a film vehicle for Harold Lloyd and Adolphe Menjou and was remade in 1946 as Danny Kaye’s The Kid from Brooklyn. After moving to Hollywood, Lynn was put under contract with several studios. He wrote scripts for films that starred Cary Grant, Harold Lloyd, Fred Astaire and Bob Hope, among others.
Performances run April 5 - May 5 at Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Reservations and/or ticket purchases may be made by calling (818) 244-8481, or online at www.glendalecentretheatre.com.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Monday, February 6, 2012
GCT Continues its 65th Season with Fiddler on the Roof
 |
| Richard Malmos as Tevya Photos by Nathan J. Milisavljevich |
This year Glendale Centre Theatre officially celebrates its 65th season as the longest, continually operating theatre in the United States. As their first musical of the season, they will present the universally loved, 9-time Tony Award winning musical Fiddler on the Roof February 9 through March 24.
One of the great works of the American musical theatre, Fiddler on the Roof features a book by Joseph Stein, and a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Based on the stories of Sholom Alecheim and set in a small Ukrainian village during the early 1900’s, the book embraces the importance of tradition and the struggle of maintaining tradition in a rapidly changing world through its central character Tevye, a poor milkman and father of five daughters, whose life gets complicated as he seeks to find suitable husbands for them amidst the turmoil and political upheaval all around him.
 |
| Heather Dudenbostel, Nicole Ligerman, and Daron O'Donnell |
Musical theatre stars Richard Malmos as Tevye and Lisa Dyson as Golde have been set to lead a cast composed of Osa Danam (Yente), Lindsay Day (Fruma Sarah), Mario Digregorio (Lazar Wolf), Heather Dudenbostel (Hodel), Laurie Fedor (A Mama), Christa Hamilton (GranmaTzeitel), Paul Hovannes (Perchik), Aaron Jacobs(Mendel), Nicole Ligerman (Tzeitel), Danny Michael (Rabbi), Art Miller (Avram), Tyler Milliron (Fyedka), Nick Mizrahi (the Fiddler), Michael Montiel (Motel), Daron O’Donnell (Chava), Paul Reid (Second Boy from the left), Chelsea Rifkin (Bielke), Michael Shaughnessy (Constable), David Michael Trevino (Mordka), and Cedric Wright (Nachum).
Martin Lang returns to direct his 8th production for GCT, having previously directed the critically acclaimed productions of Beau Jest, Bye Bye Birdie and Oklahoma. Steven Applegate is the musical director and Brenda & Tim Dietlein are executive producers. The production team includes Orlando Alexander (choreography), Angela Wood (costume design), Tim Deitlein (set and lighting design), Nathan J. Milisavljevich (sound design) and Caitlin Barbieri (stage manager),
 |
| Lisa Dyson and Richard Malmos |
Fiddler on the Roof runs February 9 - March 24. Tickets range between $22.00 and $28.00. Discount rates are available for seniors (62+) and children (under 14), and for groups of 15 or more. All shows feature open seating except on Reserved Seating Fridays. The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Click Here for tickets or call 818-244-8481.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Sunday, November 27, 2011
47th Annual A Christmas Carol opens at Glendale Center Theatre
Glendale Center Theatre has opened its annual production of A Christmas Carol directed by GCT artistic director Tim Dietlein, now in its 47th year. Adapted by co-producer Brenda Dietlein, text from the 1843 story is woven into the script and narration in which ghosts remind stingy mercenary Ebenezer Scrooge (portrayed by longtime GCT star Mario DiGregorio) that ‘mankind should be his business’...a haunting reminder to everyone. Dickens’ carol of redemption seeks to reclaim Scrooge’s heart and, in its song, elevates us all.
Dietlein’s version of A Christmas Carol is not a musical but incorporates original songs and carol arrangements and features a cast of twenty-seven. So come one and all and experience the joy of the holiday season with Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol… replete with a post-show snowfall outside the theatre! A Christmas Carol runs through December 24. Click Here for tickets and more information.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Monday, October 3, 2011
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers Leaps into Glendale Centre Theatre
 |
| Jennifer J. Webb as Milly, Don Woodruff as the Preacher, and Jason Webb as Adam |
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers opened on Broadway in 1982 at a time when the musical theatre world was ruled by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s grand, sweeping scores and Stephen Sondheim’s exploration into the grittier side of life. With its wholesome, optimistic charm and exuberant song and dance numbers, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is as far from Webber and Sondheim as you can get, which may have contributed to why it only played five performances before closing. The glorious music & lyrics of Gene de Paul and Johnny Mercer, along with new music by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn sound more like those of Rodgers & Hammerstein in their heyday.
Glendale Centre Theatre is having a rollicking good time remounting the classic and director Robert Marra keeps it light and fresh as he skillfully moves his cast of 23 around the stage. Lee Martino choreographs dance numbers that are one bright, energetic triumph after another full of classic musical theatre partnering, progressive arm-wrestling, ax jumping, lifts, carries, and acrobatics - and her dancers manage it all without missing a beat.
It’s Oregon in the 1850s when Adam Pontipee (Jason W. Webb) comes to town looking for a wife who’s not afraid to work, and finds his match in a young woman named Milly (Jennifer J. Webb). Taking her home as his new bride she discovers that he conveniently forgot to mention his six boisterous, backwoods brothers who live with him. Never one to shy away from hard work, she decides to make the best of the situation, schooling the rough-and-tumble boys in the ways of courting so they can find wives of their own. It’s a set-up that lends itself to many comical moments and a whole lot of fun.
Milly is the heart and soul of the show and Ms. Webb has a natural warmth and down-to-earth grace that provides a maternal anchor for the rest of the high-spirited shenanigans. Her real life husband plays Adam with a swagger and confidence that is necessary to the role though it’s a fine line between stubborn, chauvinistic trapper and dangerous brute. Both have beautiful voices and an on-stage ease that lets you know you are in good hands. Musical director Steven Applegate brings out the best in them.
The remaining six brides are pretty and sweet and dance up a storm with Adam’s six unruly brothers. They are Holly Childers, Emily Coddington, Ashley Mackel, Caroline Montes, Lindsey Rei, Libby Snyder, and Andrew Allen, Andrew Blake Ames, Fernando Duran, Brandon Heitkamp, Grant Jordan, and Paul Reid, along with dancing suitors John Paul Batista, Genaro Gutierrez, Robert Hartson, Kevin Holmquist, Raymond Matsumara and Steven Weber.
Seamless transitions between scenes are also choreographed and timed to coincide with music and light changes keeping the action moving forward and making set pieces appear as if by magic.
Like all classic musicals, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is best enjoyed for its beautiful melodies, dynamite dancing and knockabout laughs. You’ll find all that and more on Glendale Centre Theatre’s stage now through November 19. Click Here for tickets and more information.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers up next for Glendale Centre Theatre
Glendale Centre Theatre continues its 2011 season with Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, playing September 29 - November 19. Robert Marra helms the production, which is produced by Tim and Brenda Dietlein, and features choreography by Lee Martino and musical direction by Steven Applegate.The highly entertaining musical is written by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay (book), Johnny Mercer (lyrics), and Gene de Paul (music), with additional songs and lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.
Set in Oregon's mountain territory, circa. 1850, and based upon the 1954 Academy Award nominated film musical of the same name, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the story of Adam Pontipee (Jason Webb), the eldest of seven brothers, who goes to town to get a wife and convinces a young woman named Milly (Jennifer Johnson Webb) to marry him the same day. They return to Adam's backwoods home, only for Milly to discover that the remaining six brothers also live in the log cabin. Milly sets out to reform the ill-mannered siblings, who are anxious to find wives of their own; while Adam develops an inspired solution to appease his brothers' loneliness...kidnap the women they want!
The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Click Here for ticket reservations and information or call 818-244-8481.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Sunday, July 10, 2011
1776 Rings True at Glendale Centre Theatre
 |
| L to R: Jeff Drushal (Thomas Jefferson), John Butz (Benjamin Franklin) and Peter Husmann (John Adams) Photo credit: Tim Dietlein |
It has been 235 years since the members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence and established the United States of America, and 42 since a musical based on the historical event opened on Broadway. 1776 by Sherman Edwards (music & lyrics) and Peter Stone (book) would eventually win three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and capture the hearts of many a musical theatre-loving patriot.
Glendale Centre Theatre’s production of 1776 is a summer delight, from the opening picture of the Congress engaged in heated debate to the final chilling portrait with the Liberty Bell tolling in the distance. In between, director Todd Nielsen and company provide a fascinating look at the humanity of the men who were part of this most important moment in history.
There are many strong performances among GCT’s cast of twenty-six. Peter Husmann is thoroughly enjoyable as John Adams, never letting up on the man’s single-minded focus on independence. He is the center of this world, anchoring the other characters and events as they revolve around him and I couldn’t help but notice how effective the parallel was in this production staged in the round.
Jason W. Webb as John Dickinson is quite the silver-tongued adversary for Adams and Jeff Drushal plays Thomas Jefferson with the quiet intensity of a man who knows the gravity of his appointed task – that of writing the actual document. He may be a man of few words, but he also plays the violin, as sung by his young wife, Martha (charming Michaelia Leigh), a dichotomy that makes way for some humorous moments when she comes for a visit.
John Butz’s Ben Franklin is more low-key than I’ve seen before but Stone’s writing is so full of situational humor and frank one-liners that he holds his own among some of the other more outspoken characters. Other favorites include George Champion as John Hancock, Danny Michaels as Charles Thomson, Mario DiGregorio as Thomas McKean, and a beautifully grounded Victoria Strong as Abigail Adams. Her series of letter duets with Husmann are high points of the show as she pits her request for pins against his urgent demands for saltpeter. By the time they sing "Compliments," their final exchange, your heart will swell with abject pride. If you are at all prone to sentiment, you may even find yourself blinking back the tears.
The remaining members of the large cast each have their own featured moments and musical director Steven Applegate capitalizes on the ensemble’s rich sound to set the tone of the show in the powerful opening number, “Sit Down John.” Lavish costumes and wigs by Angela Wood and Glendale Costumes make the period complete.
Though the signing of the Declaration of Independence may seem the unlikely subject of a musical comedy, this more-than-worthy Tony Award-winning musical makes for a thoroughly enjoyable night out at the theatre. (Note to patrons: Act I is longer than your normal first act of a musical so plan accordingly.)
1776 runs through August 13th at Glendale Centre Theatre. For tickets and more information go to www.glendalecentretheatre.com or call 818-244-8481.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
1776 Opens at Glendale Centre Theatre
1776 is based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams, disliked by many in Congress, joins Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to bring forward a resolution for independence that will eventually set America free from England's tyranny. Powerful performances and an impeccably crafted script make 1776 as relevant today as it was when first written.
Regional musical theatre favorites Peter Husmann (as John Adams), John Butz (as Benjamin Franklin), Jeff Drushal (as Thomas Jefferson), and Victoria Strong (as Abigail Adams) lead a stellar cast which also includes:
Nathan Armstrong (Robert Livingston), Aldo Benalcazar (Leather Apron), George Champion (John Hancock), Mario DiGregorio (Col. Thomas as McKean), Clay Dzygun (James Wilson), Christopher Gomez (Dr. Lyman Hall), Kyle Kelley (George Read), Michaelia Leigh (Martha Jefferson), Jason Lewis (Dr. Josiah Bartlett), Hisato Masuyama-Ball (Dr. Samuel Chase), Patrick McMahon (Roger Sherman), Danny Michaels (Charles Thomson), Peter Miller (Andrew McNair), Jim Molinaro (Joseph Hewes), Michael Shaughnessy (Rev. John Witherspoon), Scott Strauss (Caesar Rodney), Adam Trent (Lewis Morris), Bryan Vickery (Richard Henry Lee), Andrew Wade (Courier), Jason Webb (John Dickinson), Don Woodruff (Stephen Hopkins), and Joey Zangardi (Edward Rutledge).
Glendale Centre Theatre is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203. Tickets are available by calling 818-244-8481 or online at www.glendalecentretheatre.com.
For more Musicals in LA news:
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Musicals in LA on Twitter
Click Here to return to home page
Labels: glendale centre theatre