Clem Burke At His Best

 5. X OFFENDER 

     (Blondie, 1976)

    The first single from the band's first album showcases Clem's ability to balance rapid drum riffs with a solid, steady pace. he can effortlessly go back and forth between these periodic riffs and return to keep the solid beat during the verses.

 

4. BOOM BOOM IN THE ZOOM ZOOM ROOM

    (No Exit, 1999) 

    Clem helped to co-write this underrated tune, so it only natural that it is part of this list. He is playing his drums as easily and as steadily as a breeze as if he were performing this in a carefree jazz lounge.

 

3. ATOMIC

   (Eat to the Beat, 1979)

    It is easy to be attracted to this single with Debbie Harry's ethereal vocal and Jimmy Destri's haunting keyboards.  However, it is Clem's consistent, persistent drum/cymbal combination that grounds this standout.

 

2.  HEART OF GLASS

    (Parallel Lines, 1978)

    Even after listening to this #1 hit after so many years, one can still appreciate Clem's precise, clean percussion. His drum roll coupled with Debbie's "OO-OO, OH-OH" is legendary. 

1. DREAMING

    (Eat to the Beat, 1979)

    In the hands of a lesser drummer, the intricate, complicated drumming here would have been all over the place, but Clem handles every transition remarkably.  This is sold justification that he can play better than the best of them.

 

    

 

 

Top Ten Productions of 2024

10. THE ADDAMS FAMILY (School Edition)

Chelsea High School Performing Arts)

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Director/Choreographer Iliana Valentin has assembled a mature, professional ensemble of actors playing such fun homage to the famous television family! It is very clear that these talented performers are doing what they love, and they love what they are doing. Music Director Michael Bednarsky brings Andrew Lippa's Tony-nominated score to life! This is a great reminder to keep Arts alive in the schools!

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9. THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

(Pentucket Players Inc,)

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Melissa Bisso is a gem in the role of Rona. The ensemble accentuates the quirky and emotional roller coaster spellers endure during such competitions. Director Todd Coolidge shows why this big little show still stands the test of time. This comedy-drama is the definition of great theatre.

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8. MAMMA MIA!

(Broadway in Boston/Opera House)

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Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, this show remains both fun and relevant. There are several reasons for its endurance -- an excellent score, a built-in audience, new audience members that realize how good both the the music and show are, a clever Book that avoids the "insert song right here" approach, and a heck of a good time! This current tour shows how inclusive the cast can be - and that only makes the stronger. Here we go again, and we thank you!

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7. MY FAIR LADY

(The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts)

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Another show with staying power gets the modern treatment from director Bartlett Sher. The classic story and songs remain in tact, but a little bit of shifting makes the message a bit more current. The sets are as gorgeous as the choreography. This is another loverly production.

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6. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

(North Shore Music Theatre)

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Nothing rocks live theatre like talented actors who also play their own instruments! Based on a photograph, this brilliant Tony-nominated Book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux tells us what might have happened the night when Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley met at Sun Records in Memphis. Not only do we get to enjoy their great music, we get an insight into how dramatic their personal lives were. This is a golden opportunity not to be missed!

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5. COST OF LIVING

(SpeakEasy Stage Company)

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This Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama receives the royal treatment from Director Alex Lonati. Unapologetic in its text, this Slice of Life examines loneliness and the need for connection. This stellar cast stays away from cliche and sentiment, making the messages that much stronger. We learn that the cost of living is high, but it is worth it.

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4. THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

(Lyric Stage Company)

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Larry Sousa directs one of the most clever musicals to grace the stage. It never ceases to amaze me how intelligently this space can be used, especially for a show that is not exactly small-scale. This production belongs to Paul Melendy whose conversation with the audience is so natural that one would think he is making it up as he goes along. He has the proper balance of self-awareness and inner sadness. Here's looking at you!

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3. PRU PAYNE

(SpeakEasy Stage Company)

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Pulitzer Prize Nominee Steven Drukam examines the heartbreak and frustration that a confident, intelligent woman endures when her memory begins to fade. Director Paul Daigneault examines this piece with humanity and grace. Karen MacDonald excels (when does she not??) in the title role, and we not only see but experience her pain as she tries to learn how to cope. Her performance and this production will stay with us for a long time.

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HONORABLE MENTION. THE NUTCRACKER

(Northeast School of Ballet)

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Every year I am fortunate to see this beautiful production, and every year it appears on my Countdown. The reason is simple. Denise Cecere knows how to tell a story. In addition to the outstanding dancing and the amazing costumes, the tale comes to brilliant life with many hidden gems along the way. It is a pleasure to experience this consistent masterpiece and see the subtle changes. Of course, Jason Allen-Forrest as Mother Ginger never ceases to amaze!

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Per Lee Ann Womack - when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance!

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2. TITANIC THE MUSICAL

(North Shore Music Theatre)

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Known for choreographing and directing upbeat musicals, Kevin P. Hill takes the reign of this epic production. Peter Stone's Tony-winning Book focuses less on the physical elements of the disaster and more on the humans involved. Giving insight to the separate classes, we have an appreciation of who was on board and what was happening socially at the time. We are offered an inside look at those in charge who led to the ultimate demise. His denouement plays a loving tribute to everyone involved.

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Maury Yeston's Tony-winning score is as majestic as it is haunting. When the time is appropriate, the events are sung and performed with humanity and devastation. Hill controls all of the action and takes advantage of the theatre's intimacy, making the audiences truly involved. Not an easy production to witness, modern audiences can take away many lessons learned. Godspeed!

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1. A STRANGE LOOP

(SpeakEasy Stage Company)

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Michael R. Jackson's ultimate show-within-a-show eventually becomes even more than that. Kai Clifton as Usher handles the complexity and aspects of his character with ease and sophistication. On the first level, he is in a musical in which he is writing a musical. He has conversations and disagreements with his own Thoughts, and the actors playing his Thoughts perform with individually and intelligence.

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The show's self-exploration delves into several dark places. However, Jackson's Score provides humor and wit as does his clever, sophisticated Book. Director Maurice Emmanuel Parent navigates the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical effortlessly. For those who feel they are on the road to self-discovery, it is a comfort to know that you are not alone!

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Thank you for a great year of Theatre!!