Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Les Misérables at The Ahmanson

The Fans of MuMo recently went to see the revival of Les Misérables  now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre through July 31. For many people in the audience (as well as a number of my friends), this was either their first encounter with the material or their first encounter in many years. The cheers and the tears around me were heartfelt and loud; it is extremely exciting to see this 25 year-old show enchant and even transform people, many of whom weren’t born when the show first debuted.For me, this was my twelfth time seeing the show: I went 10 times to the original production (dating back to March 1986 when I saw the original London cast through a number of times seeing the Broadway original cast and many subsequent casts and touring casts) and once to the excellent Hollywood Bowl production a number of summers ago. But this was my first time seeing this new production: new sets, some new costumes, totally new staging. Would it still work?

Happily, it very much does. In fact, as much as I loved the old set, with its endlessly spinning turntable, some of the new sets – particularly the café where the students sing “Red and Black” – are breathtaking. The sets are helped immeasurably by new screen projections inspired by paintings by author Victor Hugo himself and that never get too obtrusive. If there’s any quibble with the technical aspects of the new production, I found the lighting dim and indistinct. From my mezzanine seat, it was often hard to know who was singing what in the ensemble.

As for the new direction, there are many wonderful additions that only enhance the material: a moment between Cosette and Eponine towards the end of Act I, and especially a chance for Valjean to acknowledge his debt to the Bishop at the show’s end. About 20 minutes were cut from the score to bring the show’s running time under 3 hours. For someone who has listened to the score hundreds of times, letting go of these 20 minutes is very hard, and the show felt rushed to me as a result. There was almost no chance to sit back and breathe, take in the emotional revelations of the preceding song or dramatic moment. Others around me didn’t feel as I did, so it’s possible I’m just resistant to change.

This touring cast boasts a wealth of very talented people. Particular favorites include J. Mark McVey, an exceptional Jean Valjean, who acted and sang the role beautifully: his song “Bring Him Home” was the night’s highlight. Michael Kostroff and Shawna M. Hamic found even more humor than I thought possible in the roles of M. and Mme. Thenardier (one potential future Fan of MuMo a couple of rows in front of us laughed so hard at the number “Master of the House,” I thought his head would pop off his stem), Justin Scott Brown was a particularly strong Marius, and understudy Sarah Shahinian sang Eponine with a lovely, clear tone that, for once, didn’t try to imitate the inimitable Frances Ruffelle.  
 Of the hundreds of musicals I have seen, Les Misérables  is my favorite. Accepting changes to the original production is not easy: it’s like seeing that guy you like walk into a bar sporting a pink Mohawk. You still love him, but you may just have to get used to the change. The only way I’ll know if I’m being too critical of this new revival… is to see it again. Lucky number thirteen. ~ ANDREW BLAU ~



Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Twist: An American Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse


Twist: An American Musical
June 14 –July 17th
The Pasadena Playhouse



American Idol’s Tamyra Gray stars in the west coast premiere of Twist: An American Musical at The Pasadena Playhouse.
Twist:  An American Musical is a timely adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic with a contemporary score, set in New Orleans on the eve of the Great Depression. Come see the theatrical event of the summer directed by Golden Globe and multi-Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen.

Special MuMo Code for discount tickets:  
TW120 for 20% off your ticket! *

Hear the musical pulse of 1920's New Orleans and see show-stopping numbers that will have you dancing out of your seat! Don’t miss the story that steals everyone's heart!

For tickets call 626-356-7529 or go to www.twistanamericanmusical.com

*Offer good for performances on June 14-June 25, 2011, excluding Saturday, June 25 at 8:00 p.m. All tickets must be purchased by June 25, 2011. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers and not valid on previously purchased tickets and does not apply to Premiere Seats. Subject to availability.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Caught at the Zephyr Theatre


The Fans of Mumo recently attended a world-premiere production of Caught at the Zephyr Theatre, a tale of love, marriage, and family values, written by David L. Ray and directed by Nick Degruccio. We were immediately introduced to the peaceful home of two lovers preparing their upcoming wedding, Troy (Will Beinbrink) and Kenneth (Mackenzie Astin). Upon hearing the news that Kenneth's bible-quoting, Southern bell of a sister, Darlene (Deborah Puette) and her beauty-pageant prodigy, Krystal (Amanda Kaschak), plan to make a surprise visit to their quaint home, we witness the journey of a modern family seeking balance between the values we cherish most, and the family we hold dear. 



While often painfully reminiscent of our own personal experiences, the honesty of the play lies in its ability to maintain a running relationship between drama and comedy. A previous performer at Musical Monday's, Micah McCain delivers a fantastic performance as the ever-loving yet sassy-to-the-bone Splenda, relieving tension and anxiety in a manner only the closest friends know how, while Amanda Kaschak in arguably one of the strongest performances of the night, nails the line between southern sweetheart and California charming.








Even in the face of Darlene's pontifical Preacher of a husband, J.P., powerfully performed by Richard Jenik, Will Beinbrink and Mackenzie Astin portray the power of an honest love conquering even the most overbearing odds, and Deborah Puette, as the devoutly Christian Darlene, earns the respect and care of the audience as she seeks a new truth in a world quickly dissolving around her. - Amanda Friel


 We highly recommend this new play, running until August 7th 
at the Zephyr Theater 7456 Melrose Ave. 90046


For Discount Tickets use our Special MuMo Promo Code: MUMO 30% off any tickets
www.CaughtthePlay.com
Box Office: 310-945-5786

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Marvelous Wonderettes at La Mirada Theatre for the Peforming Arts

The Fans of MuMo were delighted to take a trip this weekend to the La Miranda Theatre of the Performing Arts to see The Marvelous Wonderettes written and directed by Roger Bean.   Bean brings back the show to Los Angeles from a long run off-broadway and its a treat to get to see all four of the NYC cast members performing on stage.


The entire show is an adorable blast from the past, with enough powerhouse vocals to draw in fans of all ages. The Marvelous Wonderettes are your Springfield High school’s 1958 senior prom entertainment where they are tapped to sing all your favorite hits as they battle for prom queen. Singing in amazing four parts, Misty Cotton, Beth Malone, Leslie Spencer, and Lowe Taylor bring us through the best doo-wop of the 50’s and 60’s, with songs like Mr. Sandman, Lollipop, Dream Lover, and one of my personal favorites The Leader of the Pact.


The Marvelous Wonderettes
The ladies not only shine on stage each time they sing but it is their skills as comedians that keep the audience laughing and clapping along with each song all night long.
Beth Malon plays the loveable Betty “BJ” Reynolds.  Malone is a stand out with her adorably boyish charm and Bean deftly utilizes her physical comedy and pitch perfect timing to the delight of the audience.  She definitely got my vote for prom queen. Oh wait, did I forget to mention the audience gets to vote for their favorite to be crowned Prom Queen?   Keep your eyes on the cast as they collect the ballots because each of these ladies have the comedic chops to be on an episode of Saturday Night Live.   Leslie Spencer as Cindy Lou Huffington gets one of the biggest laughs of the night as she “accidentally” throw out any ballots that are not in her favor.

Taylor, Cotton, Malone and Spencer as The Marvelous Wonderettes
The Wonderettes start their prom off as best friends. Secrets and stories are told through music and song and by the end of prom they are almost strangers.  In the second act the audience can’t wait to watch as the girls reflect on their friendships, their current love lives and where tomorrow may take them.
Act Two is filled with power ballads and honest moments that endear the ladies to the audience even more.  This show is pure candy-coated-bubble gum flavored fun.
J.J. Barnes


THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES runs at the La Mirada Theatre from June 3-June 19th. 
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts 
14900 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada CA 90638r


 For $10 off tickets Use our Special MuMo Promo Code: MUMO

Go to:
https://tix.lamiradatheatre.com/scripts/max/8000/maxweb.exe?ACTION=ORDER

or call the box office  562-994-9801     
  

Monday, June 6, 2011

Gypsy at West Coast Ensemble Theatre


Recently, Fans of MuMo ventured over to the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage to catch West Coast Ensemble Theatre’s production of GYPSY, a perennial Fan favorite.  Directed by Richard Israel, the production has been skillfully stripped down to fit the venue, at times bringing the show almost into the audience members’ laps.

In the title role is one of our very own “gorgeous ladies of MuMoStephanie Wall.  At turns warm and vulnerable, self-assured and forceful, Ms. Wall brings amusing and appealing nuances to her role, easily charming the audience. 



Jan Sheldrick and Stephanie Wall
As the Mama Rose to Ms. Wall’s Gypsy Rose Lee, Jan Sheldrick tackles the part of the driven, occasionally-monstrous-yet-somehow-loving stage mother with gusto.
Additionally, Michael Matthys and Kaylie Swanson, as Herbie and June respectively, offer adept and engaging support, each giving poignant, truthful performances.


Stephanie Wall as Gypsy Rose Lee
Of special note are Sara Stuckey as Tessie Tura, Kelly Jean Clair as Mazeppa and Jessica Schatz as Electra.  Their performance of “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” is deliciously hilarious and so perfectly second-rate, a combination that could only be captured by three very skilled comediennes.  Ms. Stuckey, in particular, can twirl a tassel (or two) with the best of them and is a real gem on stage.

The rest of the cast lends delightful support for the entire show.  The children are adorable and well cast, and many of the other actors adeptly handle at least double-duty in the many roles they play.
Overall, WCE provides an enjoyable evening of entertainment with their production of this classic show.  Katherine Simon

GYPSY is now playing on the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage
in Hollywood (1625 N. Las Palmas Avenue).

For $25 discount tickets use our Special Promo Code: GIMMICK
Reserve your tickets by calling (323) 655-0108 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (323) 655-0108      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by visiting westcoastensemble.org.
For more Promo Codes visit our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter!