A...My Name is Alice with the Wellesley Players

Director Celia Couture has created a wonderful evening with A...MY NAME IS ALICE, an empowering look at women.

The evening is off to a great start with the clever, colorful set that is as youthful as it is mature. The incredible ensemble of eight takes us through every step of a woman's life with vignettes both serious and hilarious and musical numbers that segue in and out of each other with ease and grace.

All of the songs are important statements of self-awareness, and musical director Art Finstein allows the talented chanteuses to deliver their messages with subtle charm. The band of musicians is rock solid.

Dance Captain Kelly Murphy has established fun, innovative movements that are impressively liberating in a black box.

The lone source of testosterone, David Kimmelman, blends in with this female counterparts. He provides perfect male images for them to work with.

This revue will make you laugh, and it will make you think. It might make you cry, and it might make you reflect.

It should also make you realize that "A" is for "appreciation."


http://www.wellesleyplayers.org

Random Thought 89

There is a difference between putting up with something and tolerating it.

Les Miserables @ NSMT

There are many reasons why Les Miserables has been resonating with its audiences since 1987, and Marc Robin's brilliantly intense direction reminds us why. He brings to life all of the guts and turmoils these characters endure, and we travel the journey with them and appreciate their resistance to give up. Never allowing the drama to overtake the story, Robin keeps the momentum going at a breathless pace.

All of the personalities are fully realized and richly developed; almost too many to mention. Will Ray's Jean Valjean is deep and complex, and his "Bring Him Home" is quietly devastating. Danny Rothman as Javert and his powerhouse of a voice light up "Stars" as never heard before. The vocal talents of Siri Howard (Cosette) and Daniella Dalla (Fantine) are as beautiful as the actresses are. Gary Troy and Tregoney Shephard as Monsieur Thenardier and Madam Thenardier do not play "Master of the House" for laughs, but this works as it further accents the tragedy of their situation. Fortunately, Gavin Swartz creates the perfect blend of spunk and childlike innocence to the role of Gavroche. Handsome Blak Stadnik anchors this world's confusion with his own self-conflicts, and his rendition of "Empty Chairs" along with some clever staging can break anyone.

The lighting design by Dan Efros is just about as spectacular as it gets. His complex patterns of spotlights and shadows create dramatic, emotional texture, and his somber moods are consistently thrilling.

Music Director Andrew Bryan knows how to bring forth some dazzling harmonies. His understanding of the score is evident from the very first note, and the vocals we hear are a gift.

The costumes (Kurt Alger) and scenic design (Bert Scott) complete this epic piece.

Les Miz has never been known for being a feel-good musical, but we can feel great after experiencing this masterpiece of a production.


www.nsmt.org  (978) 232-7200