10. NEXT TO NORMAL
Theatre with a Twist, Inc.
My countdown would not be complete if it did not have an appearance from the Goodman Family. One of the many reasons for this is because the messages are still timely and important, Plus, there are several fresh ways to convey the story while remaining true to the original material.
Such is the case with Theatre with a Twist's quietly powerful production where everything seemed more internal; ready to burst at any moment. Director Rudy Borkowski prevented anyone from bursting; keeping the audiences that much more alert.
Caroline Kurman handled the intense role of Diana with dignity and restraint. There was not one moment when the audience could not be aware of or identify with her constant struggle. Allan Hunter's Dan was consistently sympathetic as the quiet voice that never gave up of his wife. His acting choices brought the character to another level of both suffering yet understanding.
The entire cast and crew made beautiful use of the intimate space, and I can't wait to see what the company does next.
9. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
The Umbrella Community Arts Center
This is another show that could become dated, but director Peyton Pugmire won't have it. His innovative vision made the show as current today as it was when it debuted in the 1980s.
John Alzapiedi could possibly be the first actor to FINALLY portray Georges differently as the emcee and the character off the stage. Thank you, John! His role was full of depth and layers, and he performed naturally and effortlessly with Todd Yard as Albin. As Albin, Todd was full of humanity and pain under his mascara but knew when to soften things up with laughs. His "I Am What I Am" still gives me chills. We believed undoubtedly that these two men were in love with each other.
The choreography and sets were beautiful as were the lighting.
Kudos of course to les Cagelles who almost literally knocked down the house with their outstanding dancing and constant fun.
So much progress has been made since the show's debut thanks to great productions like this one,
n'est pas?
8. INTIMATE APPAREL
Lyric Stage Company
Lynn Nottage's provocate and frank tale of a seamstress and her two relationships -- one via mail and in person -- wove an intimately powerful production by director Summer L. Williams.
Esther's self-destructive relationship with her pen pal was balanced by the beautiful but devastating one with the shopkeeper. One relationship she should not have had; the other she could not have had.
The costumer designer literally had their hands full between the gorgeous lingerie and the piles of fabric required for this production.
Ultimately, the corsets became a metaphor for how restricted women's lives were back in the day. My, how times have changed. Oh, wait.
7. GUYS AND DOLLS
The Longwood Players
Director Kaitlyn Chantry's attention to detail and Choreographer Jason Hair-Winn's crisp, sharp movements drove this theatre classic with a contemporary, relevant flair.
Fran Betlyon's Adelaide was thankfully less ditsy and more innocent -- yet not naive.
Eric Fox's superb lighting design complemented Sandy Chantry's beautiful costumes.
Too many names to mention, but all of the gamblers were superb, and the Hot Box Dancers were gorgeous to watch.
Two elements to note. James Weeden's Nicely led the ensemble to the best "Rockin' The Boat" this pundit has ever seen. Hands down. Frank Walker as Arvide singing "More I Cannot Wish You" was also the most impressive delivery thanks to both his voice and the on-stage guitarist. Brilliant touch.
Those of us in the audience were truly the lucky ones!
6. BILLY ELLIOT, THE MUSICAL
North Shore Music Theatre
Wow! Whoever doubted that large-scale musicals could not be represented well on a small stage and/or in-the-round probably missed this spectacular experience. Brooks Landegger (whom we saw) in the title role clearly has his career laid out for him, and he is all too humble to share his Gift with us.
Not to be overlooked, however, is the young female ensemble who needs to be triple threats from start to finish and must coordinate themselves with the large male ensemble in the exhilarating "Solidarity."
This was a brave, bold choice for the theatre and the payoff is clear.
The professionalism and maturity from the younger members is not to be overlooked, and the adults matched them word for word; step for step.
5. SISTER ACT
North Shore Music Theatre
On par with the recent Broadway Tour, this is proof that one can take a successful movie series and successfully make the transfer to stage. Re-set in the gritty 1970s allowed the story to have more urgency and the subsequent messages stronger.
The show would be nothing, however, if it weren't for the surprisingly beautiful score and amazing harmonies to complement it. By avoiding being overly sweet, this production was joyous and uplifting, and who can't use a bit of that every now and then?
4. DIXIE SWIM CLUB
Majestic Theatre
The only thing better than a script with four strong women (as usually seen on TV) is a script with five strong women played by even stronger actors.
This play by Jones Hope Wooten focuses on a group of swim team friends who experience annual visits "away from" to catch up with each other to see how their lives are unfolding or unraveling.
The thoughtful concept is well executed thanks of course to our fine ensemble who delivered the text with credible wit and acerbic humor.
This heartbreakingly funny slice-of-life production made an impact on it audiences as truly good friends should, because life is not always spent in the shallow part of the pool.
3. KINKY BOOTS
Broadway Across Boston
Beneath the glitz and the glamour is an intelligent, well-told tale of acceptance both with one another and ourselves.
This high-spirited production boasts a Tony- and Grammy-winning score by Cyndi Lauper. She writes economically but says so much.
Kyle Taylor Parker as Lola was unafraid to perform the "club" numbers freely and openly but knew when to showcase the pain and suffering behind his facade.
It is nice to see that this Tony Winner has become a contemporary hit. Not only are these boots made for strutting, but they are made for kicking butt!!
2. CASA VALENTINA
SpeakEasy Stage Company
Harvey Fierstein does not know how to pen a bad script, and SpeakEasy does not know how to do a bad production.
Such is the case with this truth-based production of heterosexual men in the 1960s dressing up and behaving like women for weekends at a time.
Director Scott Edmiston handled the physical transformations with grace and dignity but when the surprising homophobia erupted among the characters, the group of seasoned actors treated that with realness and honesty.
Anchored by the indefatigable Thomas Derrah and Kerry A. Dowling, this all-star cast brought the audiences along for the roller-coaster ride of self-acceptance and self-deprecation; facing one's truths and facing society.
One must be true to oneself in anyone's house.
1. DREAMGIRLS
North Shore Music Theatre
Something happened on the way back to the theatre at the beginning of the NSMT season. Someone realized that in addition to getting top-notch talent, there are other things that one can do with the space.
Enter DREAMGIRLS which hit all of the right marks and moves from the very beginning. NSMT favorite Nick Kenkel raised the dance bar even higher when it came to directing and choreographing for the round. The audience did not just watch the show; they became an active member of it. Special note needs to be addressed to the scenic design and technical elements. There were several moments when the "stage" within the show moved so fluidly around the arena that hardly anyone noticed. Nothing was forced or deliberate.
And of course, there were the meticulously detailed costumes and sick lighting that complemented the triple-threat cast through Act One so that the famous showstopper was less of a destination to wait for but more of an exclamation point at its arrival.
The non-stop momentum propelled Act Two until the final number, and it was a shame that this experience was one night only.
Great performances like this justify that dreams do come true.
Thank you for another great year of theatre!!
Scott
