The good news about the pre-Broadway run of HIGH FIDELITY at the Colonial Theatre is that it has been directed by Walter Bobbie (Footloose, Twentieth Centry, Sweet Charity revival). He has managed to create a very fun and entertaining evening.
Much of the credit, of course, also goes to the cast, who are having a lot of fun but are also totally credible as a close-knit group of friends. There is much energy and great talent to be had.
If only the book were a bit stronger. It's your basic boy-tries-to-get-girl-back story without much else going on. There needs to be more urgency and reason to the story we are obeserving.
Music enthusiasts may either delight or cringe as they get the in-jokes and pop culture references. I admit that I chuckled at the sight of the cover of the Beatles' original cover of the Yesterday...and Today album because I understood the social and financial significance.
Most of the rock-pop songs work and work well. Some not so much. It will be very interesting to see the path this show takes as it heads to the Great White Way.
But, for now, it's time to turn up the volume, and enjoy the show. B-.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Speakeasy Opens Season with The Women's Open Season
Strong women. Strong cast. Strong director. Strong director.
Go see Speakeasy's production of The Women. A
Go see Speakeasy's production of The Women. A
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Jesus Saves!
Go see North Shore Music Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar! A
Okay, I'm not complaining, but y'all are starting to bore me. I have nothing bad to say about anything I've seen this month! Not that I enjoy picking shows apart; contrary to popular belief, I don't! But at the risk of having all my reviews sound alike, suffice it say, go see everything in town!!
Okay, I'm not complaining, but y'all are starting to bore me. I have nothing bad to say about anything I've seen this month! Not that I enjoy picking shows apart; contrary to popular belief, I don't! But at the risk of having all my reviews sound alike, suffice it say, go see everything in town!!
Who Knew That Signing the Declaration of Independence Could Be So Much Fun?
Go see the Lyrics Stage's production of 1776! A
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Lindsey Buckingham's Own Way
On October 3, Lindsey Buckingham releases his forth solo album, and soon I will be discussing his previous albums in preparation!
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey had a different approach to songwriting than Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie did, but music enthusiasts applauded him for his unique and orginal style of producing.
LAW AND ORDER (1981)
Lindsey's first outing focuses on his vocal qualities and his guitar riffs. He plays it surprisingly safe here, but that was a wise choise. One might remember the single "Trouble," which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Singles Chart, but one might not remember much else. That doesn't mean the album is not worth listening to; it is. It is probably best recommended for true-blue fans of Fleetwood Mac who do not mind Lindsey's idiosynchratic behavior on his own. He is at his best when he slows down and allows his breathy voice to emote. He is at his quirkiest when he tries too hard to experiment. What he lacks in lyrics, he attempts to make up in production values, which is good or bad depending on your own personal taste. B.
GO INSANE (1984)
Not sure what to say about Lindsey's sophomore album, but Frank Zappa must have been proud! Buckingham flexes his creative muscles in ways that are brand new to most people. Unfortunately, there are not many radio-friendly tunes on this disc, save for "Slow Dancing," "I Want You," and the title track (maybe).
Surprisingly, "Play the Drum" and "Loving Cup" are quite bland considering the other selections, but the aforementioned do make for good listening.
Then there's "Play in the Rain." It is either a throwback to the Beatles' "Revolution 9" or Buckingham has totally lost his mind. To his credit, it is an interesting display of what one can do with sound effects, music, and breathy lyrics. It also acts a prelude to future production techniques that he will utilize.
Another surprise is how dated the percussion on this album sounds, but Lindsey maintains his own personal identity for a collection for down and dirty fans. B.
OUT OF THE CRADLE (1992)
Okay, I'm going to say something about Cradle that I say about very, very few albums.
Out of the Cradle is a Masterpiece.
From start to finish, top to bottom, everything about Cradle is unprecedented, undescribable perfection. Lindsey has put his paranoia on the shelf and focused on blending mature, intelligent lyrics with harmonious, melodius music. He has captured in this release everything that represents adult-orientated acoustic rock on the highest level with the highest standards.
Upon initial release, critics hailed this album as the Album of the Year and the Album of the Decade. And with good reason. It is a pure joy to listen to. It is genuine rapture to be enveloped in the magic. A+.
UNDER THE SKIN (2006)
An acoustic album is an awesome idea, but if only if it is executed properly. When a singer/songwriter is alone with his guitar, there is no need to super-produce everything. Lindsey's overlapping, echoing voice come across as more distracting than innovative. His breathy voice is less mystical and more exhausted, as if trying to prove something.
The disc is not a total disaster, but it made me long the days of "Never Going Back Again" and the acoustic versions of "Go Insane" and "Big Love." Sometimes a song is a song, and it is what it is. C-.
As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey had a different approach to songwriting than Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie did, but music enthusiasts applauded him for his unique and orginal style of producing.
LAW AND ORDER (1981)
Lindsey's first outing focuses on his vocal qualities and his guitar riffs. He plays it surprisingly safe here, but that was a wise choise. One might remember the single "Trouble," which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Singles Chart, but one might not remember much else. That doesn't mean the album is not worth listening to; it is. It is probably best recommended for true-blue fans of Fleetwood Mac who do not mind Lindsey's idiosynchratic behavior on his own. He is at his best when he slows down and allows his breathy voice to emote. He is at his quirkiest when he tries too hard to experiment. What he lacks in lyrics, he attempts to make up in production values, which is good or bad depending on your own personal taste. B.
GO INSANE (1984)
Not sure what to say about Lindsey's sophomore album, but Frank Zappa must have been proud! Buckingham flexes his creative muscles in ways that are brand new to most people. Unfortunately, there are not many radio-friendly tunes on this disc, save for "Slow Dancing," "I Want You," and the title track (maybe).
Surprisingly, "Play the Drum" and "Loving Cup" are quite bland considering the other selections, but the aforementioned do make for good listening.
Then there's "Play in the Rain." It is either a throwback to the Beatles' "Revolution 9" or Buckingham has totally lost his mind. To his credit, it is an interesting display of what one can do with sound effects, music, and breathy lyrics. It also acts a prelude to future production techniques that he will utilize.
Another surprise is how dated the percussion on this album sounds, but Lindsey maintains his own personal identity for a collection for down and dirty fans. B.
OUT OF THE CRADLE (1992)
Okay, I'm going to say something about Cradle that I say about very, very few albums.
Out of the Cradle is a Masterpiece.
From start to finish, top to bottom, everything about Cradle is unprecedented, undescribable perfection. Lindsey has put his paranoia on the shelf and focused on blending mature, intelligent lyrics with harmonious, melodius music. He has captured in this release everything that represents adult-orientated acoustic rock on the highest level with the highest standards.
Upon initial release, critics hailed this album as the Album of the Year and the Album of the Decade. And with good reason. It is a pure joy to listen to. It is genuine rapture to be enveloped in the magic. A+.
UNDER THE SKIN (2006)
An acoustic album is an awesome idea, but if only if it is executed properly. When a singer/songwriter is alone with his guitar, there is no need to super-produce everything. Lindsey's overlapping, echoing voice come across as more distracting than innovative. His breathy voice is less mystical and more exhausted, as if trying to prove something.
The disc is not a total disaster, but it made me long the days of "Never Going Back Again" and the acoustic versions of "Go Insane" and "Big Love." Sometimes a song is a song, and it is what it is. C-.
The Blue Grotto
Under new management, this magnificent restaurant is the place to be! The owners will do what they can to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. The new decor is handsome and relaxing, and the female vocalist is as cute as her voice is crystal-clear.
The menu is Italian, and the portions are just right. My choice was chicken/ziti/broccolli, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Everything was seasoned correctly without being overpowering.
The desserts are tasty without being too sweet as well. I had the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, and it was as delicious as it sounds!
The wine list is impressive as is the size of the restaurant. This is the perfect place for any size party, function, or meeting.
Take advantage of the valet parking, and look forward to going back!!
The menu is Italian, and the portions are just right. My choice was chicken/ziti/broccolli, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Everything was seasoned correctly without being overpowering.
The desserts are tasty without being too sweet as well. I had the chocolate fudge cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, and it was as delicious as it sounds!
The wine list is impressive as is the size of the restaurant. This is the perfect place for any size party, function, or meeting.
Take advantage of the valet parking, and look forward to going back!!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Random Thought 45
I have better things to worry about than people who need something better worry about.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
12
1. 12 items in a dozen.
2. 12 dozens in a gross.
3. 12 hours on a clock.
4. 12 grades in primary education.
5. 12 months on a calendar.
6. 12 inches in a foot.
7. 12 signs in the Western Zodiac.
8. 12 Animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
9. 12 ounces in a troy pound.
10. 12 members on an American jury.
11. 12 cranial nerves.
12. 12 Days of Christmas.
2. 12 dozens in a gross.
3. 12 hours on a clock.
4. 12 grades in primary education.
5. 12 months on a calendar.
6. 12 inches in a foot.
7. 12 signs in the Western Zodiac.
8. 12 Animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
9. 12 ounces in a troy pound.
10. 12 members on an American jury.
11. 12 cranial nerves.
12. 12 Days of Christmas.
Cinderella Needs a Bit More Magic
Not being a 10-year girl, I'm not sure how excited I could be about Cinderella, but I nevertheless found both the book & score to be fairly underwhelming.
Fortunately, they had a good director (Charles Repole) who toned down the camp and did his best to "humanize" the characters. It was a joy to watch Prince Christopher being less than thrilled about the ball to begin with. However, he was still forced to recite lines like "Your hair is the color that EVERY girls' should be." I know this is a fairy tale, but someone got paid to make the Prince say "Your name is the most BEAUTIFUL in the world!" Ick. Ryan Silverman (Tony from West Side Story '03) is good-looking and good enough to pull this off, but his lines still received laughs from the audience.
Deborah Lew as Cinderella was good if not too optimistic in some places. Lisa McMillen as The Wicked Stepmother and Joyce Chittick & Natalie Joy Johnson as the stepsisters were solid and provided some much-needed comic edge.
David Coffee was terrific as the King.
The costumes & set design were elaborate and beautiful. The choreography by Karen Azenberg was amazing and offered some excitement in a production that seemed more sleepy than dreamy. C-
Fortunately, they had a good director (Charles Repole) who toned down the camp and did his best to "humanize" the characters. It was a joy to watch Prince Christopher being less than thrilled about the ball to begin with. However, he was still forced to recite lines like "Your hair is the color that EVERY girls' should be." I know this is a fairy tale, but someone got paid to make the Prince say "Your name is the most BEAUTIFUL in the world!" Ick. Ryan Silverman (Tony from West Side Story '03) is good-looking and good enough to pull this off, but his lines still received laughs from the audience.
Deborah Lew as Cinderella was good if not too optimistic in some places. Lisa McMillen as The Wicked Stepmother and Joyce Chittick & Natalie Joy Johnson as the stepsisters were solid and provided some much-needed comic edge.
David Coffee was terrific as the King.
The costumes & set design were elaborate and beautiful. The choreography by Karen Azenberg was amazing and offered some excitement in a production that seemed more sleepy than dreamy. C-
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Random Thought 43
The difference between a work week and a vacation week:
The work week: "It's only Wednesday."
The vacation week: "IT'S ALREADY WEDNESDAY!"
The work week: "It's only Wednesday."
The vacation week: "IT'S ALREADY WEDNESDAY!"
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Singin' in the Rain is a Glorious Feeling - Most of The Time
Singin' in the Rain is playing at the North Shore Music Theatre.
First of all, Matt Loehr as Don Lockwood is nothing shy of phenomenal. He's charming, sexy, has stage presence to spare, and more than masters the challenges of Don. Mark Ledbetter as Cosmo Brown is comfortable in the role and shoots out the one-liners with ease, but "Make 'Em Laugh" needed a bit more energy and spark.
Kathy Selden is played by Kelly D. Felthous, and she has a smooth, clear singing voice with the right amount of perkiness. However, she needed more of an edge and chemistry with Don to fully flush out the character. Beth Beyer as Lina Lamont is spot-on perfect throughout and a genuine joy to watch -- and listen to!!
Director Richard Stafford keeps the pace flowing nicely even though it felt the need to jump-started in some places. The beginning appeared a bit slow and choppy as if no one really knew where this was going. The number "Beautiful Girls" allowed the show to kick into gear.
Stafford's choreography is terrific and consistent, and thank you, thank you for doing the entire "Broadway Melody," which was wonderful. Randall Klein coordinated the outstanding, colorful costumes.
Even though the production seemed a bit cloudy, there is enough sunshine to put a smile on your face. B+
First of all, Matt Loehr as Don Lockwood is nothing shy of phenomenal. He's charming, sexy, has stage presence to spare, and more than masters the challenges of Don. Mark Ledbetter as Cosmo Brown is comfortable in the role and shoots out the one-liners with ease, but "Make 'Em Laugh" needed a bit more energy and spark.
Kathy Selden is played by Kelly D. Felthous, and she has a smooth, clear singing voice with the right amount of perkiness. However, she needed more of an edge and chemistry with Don to fully flush out the character. Beth Beyer as Lina Lamont is spot-on perfect throughout and a genuine joy to watch -- and listen to!!
Director Richard Stafford keeps the pace flowing nicely even though it felt the need to jump-started in some places. The beginning appeared a bit slow and choppy as if no one really knew where this was going. The number "Beautiful Girls" allowed the show to kick into gear.
Stafford's choreography is terrific and consistent, and thank you, thank you for doing the entire "Broadway Melody," which was wonderful. Randall Klein coordinated the outstanding, colorful costumes.
Even though the production seemed a bit cloudy, there is enough sunshine to put a smile on your face. B+
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Psych
TV-PG on USA
Using his acute attention to detail, sexy Shawn Spencer fakes being a psychic to help the police solve crimes. It's a cute premise, and the title role is portrayed very well by James Roday. His best friend from childhood, Gus, is paranoid that they will get caught, and that's part of the fun.
The program is more character study than mystery, but that's okay. One can look forward to see what types of mischief these boys will get into and how they will get out of it. B
Using his acute attention to detail, sexy Shawn Spencer fakes being a psychic to help the police solve crimes. It's a cute premise, and the title role is portrayed very well by James Roday. His best friend from childhood, Gus, is paranoid that they will get caught, and that's part of the fun.
The program is more character study than mystery, but that's okay. One can look forward to see what types of mischief these boys will get into and how they will get out of it. B
Random Thought 41
It's amazing that bags of popcorn, boxes of candy, and cups of soda become so heavy once they are empty: no one has the strength to pick them and throw them away.
Broadway On CD 3
TARZAN
Well, the songs from the movie are good, even if they appear to be lacking significant percussion one might expect from songs penned by Phil Collins. The rest of the soundtrack is not bad, and Josh Strickland has a wonderful voice, but there a sense that these tunes were rushed. It's almost as if the producers contacted Collins at the last minute crying for help to creat a finished score.
Given more time and attention, this could have been a more enjoyable soundtrack. While it won't make anyone want to swing from vines, it still might be worth a listen or two. C+
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
How sad is it that we are excited by "original" musicals? Anyway, it is easily understood why critics' darling Sutton Foster received her nomination and why Beth Leavey won for portraying the title role. The songs are fresh and funny, and the orchestrations are authentic and adorable.
This must be another show that relies on its visuals, because some listeners might feel like they are missing something or that the show could have been taken to another level. The angle here is that we are watching a show from the 1920's via Man in Chair's re-telling of the story while he plays the soundtrack. It might have been interesting to hear/see what would have happened had the two worlds met, but this musical is straightforward and enjoyable enough to play. B+
Well, the songs from the movie are good, even if they appear to be lacking significant percussion one might expect from songs penned by Phil Collins. The rest of the soundtrack is not bad, and Josh Strickland has a wonderful voice, but there a sense that these tunes were rushed. It's almost as if the producers contacted Collins at the last minute crying for help to creat a finished score.
Given more time and attention, this could have been a more enjoyable soundtrack. While it won't make anyone want to swing from vines, it still might be worth a listen or two. C+
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
How sad is it that we are excited by "original" musicals? Anyway, it is easily understood why critics' darling Sutton Foster received her nomination and why Beth Leavey won for portraying the title role. The songs are fresh and funny, and the orchestrations are authentic and adorable.
This must be another show that relies on its visuals, because some listeners might feel like they are missing something or that the show could have been taken to another level. The angle here is that we are watching a show from the 1920's via Man in Chair's re-telling of the story while he plays the soundtrack. It might have been interesting to hear/see what would have happened had the two worlds met, but this musical is straightforward and enjoyable enough to play. B+
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