Friday, May 22, 2015
Review: American Idiot Blows the Roof off The Vortex
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| Matt Magnusson (Will), Casey Hayden, Jordan Booker, James Byous (Johnny) and Payson Lewis (Tunny). All photos by Ian Momii |
A sexy cast of beautiful misfits inhabits Green Day’s punk rock opera American Idiot in a ferocious glory|struck production that opened last weekend at The Vortex. Directors Topher Rhys and Jen Oundjian (who also adds some powerful choreography) take full advantage of the artsy concert venue and go for a panoramic experience, moving the action offstage whenever possible. The concept enhances the surround sound feel of the show while emphasizing the isolation of its characters as they search for meaning in a sea of excess. By chopping up the visual space to include playing areas all around the warehouse, it accentuates their disconnectedness. Plus, there is a certain kind of bond an audience feels with an actor when he is dripping with sweat and singing his guts out only inches away.
It’s up to you how close you want that connection to be. When you choose your seat you’ll also choose your experience. Sitting in the center, or up close to the stage, brings you right into the action where it is easy to get caught up in the full-throttle energy the cast expends nonstop throughout the show, but it means you'll need to do some adjusting to see what happens in other areas of the warehouse.
Further back, or in the side sections, you’ll benefit from being able to see the whole picture with greater ease but you may lose some of the immediacy of being close to the performers. Either way, it will be an experience you won’t likely forget. Theatre isn’t often done in a warehouse setting like this and the grunge factor works exceptionally well to frame the show.
American Idiot is based on Green Day’s concept album of the same name with music by the band, book by Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer, and lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong, so the experience is meant to come with a fair amount of grittiness. It’s a story of lost souls - a trio of friends who attempt to escape their suburban dead end lives only to find a different world than they expected.
Songs explode with a fury as the singers pour all their angst and frustration into Green Day’s trenchant odes to the unrest of a generation disillusioned by a post 9/11 world. The cast is provocative as all get-out which creates a passionate exchange between the music and the audience. Music director Elmo Zapp (who also plays bass & cello for the show) and his band (Ben Stanton/key board & accordion, Alex Seller/lead guitar, Max Wagner/ guitar, and Austin Farmer/drums), create a hard-driving intensity that pushes this tug of war between rage and love to the brink.
J
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| Lindsay Pearce |
In this guys’ journey, the women are relegated to mostly secondary status, but by the time a rejected Pearce (in her best role to date) and her girls bring the girl power in “Letterbomb,” the audience is more than ready to ride the emotional wave with them. Caitlin Ary’s sultry turn as drug dealer, St. Jimmy, (originally written for a man) adds an extra level of sexual tension and Cuoco’s hard rockin’ wail is a vocal standout.
As vivid as the production is, there are times when the staging doesn’t always make the important plot points clear. If you’ve seen a production before you’ll be able to follow the mashup of stories as they intersect without a problem but novices would benefit from the staging more clearly directing the audience’s attention. And I did miss the intoxicating flying sequence between a post-war bed-ridden Tunny and the exotic Extraordinary girl (Bianca Gisselle) of his dreams.
Regardless, this is stunning musical accomplishment that is as bold as it is affecting and deserves to be seen.
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| Caitlyn Ary and James Byous |
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| Matt Magnusson and Zach Zagoria |
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| The cast of American Idiot |
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| The cast of American Idiot |
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| Lindsay Pearce (center) and the girls |
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| The cast of American Idiot |
AMERICAN IDIOT
May 15 – June 7, 2015
glory|struck productions @ The Vortex
2341 E Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Click Here for Tickets or call (323) 960-4429
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Labels: glory|struck productions
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
Monday, September 2, 2013
Glory|struck Productions' Revival of BARE: An Inside Look
Thirteen years after bare, the pop opera, began its journey, bare, the rock musical, returns to Los Angeles. The glory|struck production is set to open at the Hayworth Theatre September 6 (with a preview performance on September 5). Written by Jon Hartmere (book & lyrics) and Damon Intrabartolo (book & music), it is the coming-of-age story of a group of high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school, each struggling with his or her sexuality, religion, and relationships. In this article, producers Topher Rhys and Jamie Lee Barnard, music director Elmo Zapp, and director Calvin Remsberg take a look at the process of putting the revival together and what it means in the face of today’s continuing social issues.
DIRECTOR’S VISION: Director Calvin Remsberg has loved bare since he first heard bits and pieces of its score in 1999 and saw the original production. “I couldn’t get over the powerful story of love, Peter’s battle for self-acceptance, Jason’s troubled self-image and uncertain decisions, all against the backdrop of a Catholic boarding school. It was way ahead of its time, and if it sounds or seems a bit like Spring Awakening, it is because it came first, predating Spring Awakening by several years.
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Labels: glory|struck productions