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Monday, September 15, 2008
“Music Man” doesn’t quite ring up the sale
The object here isn’t to propose that Jason Collins lacks musical theater ability. He’s a talented song and dance man in the style of a George M. Cohan.
But Harold Hill? Spellbinder, smooth-talking operator and leading man? He’s not quite right for that part, just as his stage wardrobe seemed distractingly ill fitting Saturday night, Sept. 13, during opening weekend of the Dayton Playhouse’s production of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.”
It’s a good show. It’s a big show. Director Amy Brown’s cast of well over 50 is well coached and many of the musical numbers are very well done.
But even though it takes place in River City, Iowa, in 1912, the show isn’t called “River City.”
Nor is it called “Marian the Librarian.” If it was, it would need to be pointed out that Kelly Pekar, who plays the leading female role, is a bit young for the part, especially opposite Collins. She is gifted vocally and dramatically, even proving her mettle submitting to a kiss from sleazy anvil peddler Charlie Cowell (John Bukowsky). Her delivery of “Will I Ever Tell You?” and “Till There Was You” were lovely.
It’s called “The Music Man.” Hill, and therefore Collins, is the focus from the opening scene on the railroad car where his notoriety has preceded him among other salesmen.
One critic’s critiques about casting aside, there were no complaints from the sold-out audience. It’s also accurate to report that members of the barbershop quartet that croons “Ice Cream,” “Sincere” and “Lida Rose” got the most enthusiastic applause.
Others featured included: Renee Franck-Reed as Mrs. Paroo, Philip Smyth as Marcellus (who meshed nicely with Collins on “The Sadder But Wiser Girl”), Roger Watson as Mayor Shinn and Becki Norgaard as Eulalie.
The onstage orchestra conducted by Nancy Perrin blended amicably with the singers. The set is by Chris Harmon. Annette Looper’s choreography was simple and effective.
“Music Man” will continue through Sept. 28 at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12 to $16. Call (937) 424-8477.
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Rockettes kick off ticket sales for Nutter show
A contingent of Rockettes who flew into Dayton on Sunday, Sept. 14, to publicize the local premiere of their famed “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” felt like they were flying in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
The legendary and leggy dancers were in a small prop-engine plane that landed during the height of the windstorm.
“It was a little bumpy after we came through the clouds,” said dancer and self-described nervous flyer Anna Richardson, who grew up in Westerville, Ohio.
During one scene in the show, which will be presented twice on Nov. 26 at Wright State University’s Nutter Center, the Rockettes make like reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh.
“Our antlers light up,” Richardson said during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 15. She was resplendent in red velvet jacket with white faux fur trim, glittery earrings, necklace and a headpiece topped with a red bow.
Presented for 75 years at Radio City Music Hall, the extravaganza is taking to the road in a new arena-sized version for the the first time. Dayton is one of 18 cities on the schedule that begins in Minneapolis and ends in Houston. There will also be performances in Cincinnati.
Single tickets tickets went on sale Monday, Sept. 15.
HOW TO GO What: “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” When: 4 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26. Where: Wright State University’s Nutter Center. Tickets: $47-$67. Call: (937) 775-4789 or Ticketmaster.
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Beavercreek’s “Rocky Horror” no fright
It’s just a jump to the left and then a step to the right.
Beginning the “Time Warp” is just that simple.
Staging the musical which contains that dance is a lot more challenging. If also fun and outrageous, “The Rocky Horror Show” is comic-book ridiculous and full of dramatic holes.
Fun and outrageous won out convincingly in the Beavercreek Community Theatre’s “Edge of the Creek” production, which opened Friday, Sept. 12, for a full house of ordinary-looking folks, in contrast to the gartered, fishnet-hosed, garishly made up, scantily clad and gender-bending characters paraded before them in the musical by Richard O’Brien that became a better known film.
In front, L to R: Lindsay Sherman, Ian K. Manuel, Emily L. Fultz and Mark Diffenderfer in “Rocky Horror”.
Director Doug Lloyd deserves much credit for that, though he got to stay in street clothes all night.
Master of ceremonies in heels, tights, skimpy corset, the briefest of briefs and dark curly wig was Chris Harmon, easily and vocally within his comfort zone as diabolical alien and equal opportunity seducer Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter.
Shown in silhouette during simultaneous Act 2 scenes that left little to the imagination, he lit a fire under nice Jane Weiss, played with screams and innocence lost by Megan Grabiel, and her intended, Brad Majors, portrayed in classic white Jockey shorts by Matthew Curry.
Others in a cast costumed by Stephanie Dickey and Karen Dickey included Mark Diffenderfer as Riff-Raff, Emily L. Fultz as Magenta, Lindsay Sherman as Columbia, sleek A.J. Kessler as a perfect physical creation (Rocky) who still needs a voice lesson or two, William “Kip” Moore as Eddie and Dean Swann as a fabulous, free-wheeling Dr. Scott.
Choreographed by Stacy Gear, the ensemble included Stephanie Bullard, Kelly Graham, Dana Kragick, Mark Reuter, Megan Vander Kolk and Titus Wolverton. Members of the perhaps too-civilized band were Katie Bakes, Patrick Berry, Dan Hall, John Hey, Charles Roth and Jason Smith.
“Rocky Horror” isn’t for the kids, or for those used to throwing liquids and objects during showings of the film. There’s adult language and innuendo.
Dressing up or down is just fine, though. Remaining performances are at at 8 p.m. and midnight Friday, Sept. 19; 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road. Tickets are $11 and $12. Call (937) 429-4737.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or tmorris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Emily Fultz (L) as Magenta, A. J. Kessler as Rocky and Lindsay Sherman (R) as Columbia.
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