Top Ten Production of 2023

10. SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

(Pentucket Players Inc)

Director John Buzzell breathes inspiring life into this Pulitzer-Prize winning musical. It is always so moving to witness the famous painting come to life, and this production is not an exception. The sets are fresh, and the music is gorgeous. Anchored by a stellar ensemble who understands the piece, this is a refreshing afternoon.

9. THE PROM
(SpeakEasy Stage Company)

The timing could not be more perfect for this uplifting show inspired by true events. Paul Daigneault grounds this production in reality, allowing the humor to come through and be more joyous. Jared Troilo's comedic timing is always something to behold. The time is now to go out celebrate!

8. DANIEL SLOSS - CAN'T
(Wilbur Theatre - Boston)

Okay, so comedian Daniel Sloss isn't exactly a play or a musical, but he is a theatrical event nonetheless. His humor recalls the days of yore when comedians were less concerned with watching their language. Yet, his humor is quite sophisticated, and it is nearly impossible to disagree with his comments and observations of life. This current tour is not any exception. Mr. Sloss still can do it!

7. THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
(North Shore Music Theatre)

Both director and ensemble revive this classic and make it feel like a brand-new production. Even the children are finally provided the opportunity to do more than stand and sing. The costumes are stunning, and the songs are as glorious as ever. This is a gentle reminder to climb and to keep climbing.

6. THE FULL MONTY.
(North Shore Music Theatre)

Just as relevant as it was when it first premiered, this is the perfect example of how a great movie can be turned into a great musical. Grounded with such harsh reality it hurts, the humor comes from within, and the audience goes along for the trip. The ensemble is credible, and the costumes are ironically spot on. Such a vivid display of how important it is for men to express their emotions and allow themselves to admit vulnerability. When the clothes come on, the inner strength comes out!

5. MJ THE MUSICAL.
(Neil Simon Theatre)

It is easy to see why this musical has become such a fan favorite. Elijah Rhea Johnson perfectly encaptures the entertainer's innocence, dancing, artistry, and frustration. Rather than focusing on the controversy, the Tony-nominated Book focuses on the launch of the DANGEROUS Tour. The Choreography well deserves the Tony. It is refreshing to see an artist at his best, but it is concerning to see how quickly things can change. Time to celebrate and focus on the music.

4. FAIRVIEW
(SpeakEasy Stage Company)

Such a brilliant piece of theatre by Jackie Sibblies Drury that is a challenge to describe. A. It is unlike anything I have seen before. B. I don't wish to give away anything. Suffice it to say, we begin by observing an African-American Family, and soon things start to divert. Opinions are questioned, and perspectives are altered. Part observation and part active listening, this drama will remain in full view for a long, long time.

3. THE NUTCRACKER
(Northeast School of Ballet)

Denise Cecere never ceases to amaze! Every production is as unique as it is consistent. Every production showcases the best dance has to offer with familiar and new talent! The handmade costumes are stunning, and the direction of the story is at its best. A special shout-out to Jason Allen-Forrest as he celebrates his 25th year as Mother Ginger!

2.THE BAND'S VISIT
(SpeakEasy Stage Company/The Huntington)

When a band of musicians arrives in the wrong town, we witness one Masterpiece of a Musical. David Yasbek's Tony- and Grammy- Winning Score is both eloquent and mesmerizing. We learn what kind of an impact we can have on each other. Everyone comes into each other's lives, and we might not know that reason right away. And that is okay. Director Paul Daigneault perfectly captures the intimate moments within the larger moment. He and the ensemble teach us that strangers can become friends, but friends do not have to become strangers.

1. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME STAGED IN CONCERT
(Firebird Pops Orchestra)

Maestro Brendan Kenney has done it again! One of the reasons why he succeeds is because he knows how to take a traditional concert but bring it to the next level. Or in this case to the next levels. He begins by conducting a complex score with some beautiful arrangements. Then we have the choir. Then we have the talented cast portraying the characters in the story. Then we have the choreography. All of this is combined to create one remarkably entertaining evening. Please note Peter Mill as the title character. His performance is heartbreaking and riveting. Thank you, Brendan, for performing this piece on my birthday, and thank you, Jason, for taking me to this concert!

Top Ten Production of 2022

 

10. A Beautiful Noise Musical (Emerson Colonial Theatre) This exciting pre-Broadway run has previews right here in Boston! Playing homage to one of the greatest entertainers of our time, audiences will have a joyous experience. The show comes to life as Will Swenson shows us just how much he is enjoying playing Neil Diamond, and Will shows us just how much Neil Diamond enjoys performing!

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9. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (North Shore Music Theatre) The plant is back, and you had better hide the plant food! So much dark, delicious fun is to be had in this raucous revival. However, Ryan Knowles runs away with the production is his multiple roles including but certainly not limited to the dentist. This production proves that it is not easy being green!

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8. FOOTLOOSE (Theatre By The Sea) Anchored by JP Qualters as Ren McCormack and directed Bob Richard, this multi-talented cast tells us that it is okay to dance and celebrate again! More timely than ever, this message is expressed further by Diane Laurensen's impressive choreography.

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7. THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (North Shore Music Theatre) Matt McClure is outstanding in the titular role, and he is accompanied by some of the best in the business. One of the many aspects of this show that makes it stand out is that the actors play their own instruments and have the talent to pull it off. Hats off to the cast and director Marcos Santana for providing a thrilling Second Act that provides permission to the audience to enjoy the music knowing what is ahead for Buddy Holly. Again, there is a time to have fun, and that time is now.

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6. THE INHERITANCE (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Matthew Lopez has much to say and is not afraid to say it all in his two-part six-and-one-half-hour epic. Director Paul Daigneault finds the moments within the entire moment and invites his audiences into the conversations. Much credit is due to the actors for their memorization and creating relationships that are relatable. It is exciting at the conclusion of Part One to know there is more to come, and Part Two does not disappoint.

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5. RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (North Shore Music Theatre) The recent Revival is brought to elegant life! The beautiful costumes are here to behold including Cinderella's transforming dress inspired by Tony-winning William Ivey Long's inspiration. Director Kevin P. Hill re-creates the magical moments including the humor, and fun is had by all ages. It is a perfect example of how to make the impossible possible.

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4. ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (SpeakEasy Stage Company) One of the many interesting aspects of this musical is that nothing really happy happens. Yet, the point is to find the joy in every moment. This stellar cast, gorgeous costumes, expert musical direction, and brilliant directing remind us all why this musical is so beloved. Everyone has a story to be told, and now is the time to be heard.

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3. ENGLISH (SpeakEasy Stage Company) Billed as a "comedy," this exquisite piece by Sanaz Toossi finds the humor in everyday life. Four students in Iran are learning English; each for their own reasons. We as the audience members realize just important their journeys are and how much we can take certain things in life for granted. Every character is relatable because we all speak the same language.

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2. THE NUTCRACKER (Northeast Youth Ballet) The Ballet is back and is more beautiful than ever! This is the best way to celebrate the season. What a joy it is to see performers and dancers doing what they love and love what they are are doing. The direction is still spot-on, and the costumes are gorgeous! Welcome back!

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1 Firebird Christmas: Holiday Pops 2022 Firebird Pops Orchestra) Talent like this must be congratulated. The talent in question is one Maestro Brendan Kenney! During the pandemic, Mr. Kenney formed an orchestra, and his revolutionary video caught both local and national attention. Now he is sharing his passion and knowledge of music in sold-out concerts. Combing both traditional and his own interpretations of our favorite songs, he is not afraid to include tunes that might be new to us. Include the Choir Firebird Vox and Tenor Fred C. Vanness Jr., and the stage is complete! To quote Shakespeare,

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"If music be the food of love, play on!"

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Thank you for a great year of Theatre!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

 

 

 

PEOPLE, PLACES, & THINGS AT SPEAKEASY STAGE

PEOPLE, PLACES, & THINGS AT SpeakEasy Stage Company is one of the most challenging and one of the most important productions one can experience.

 

The incomparable Marianna Bassham is at her most vulnerable, demonstrating all sides and angles of a woman struggling with both addiction and her determined desire to feel better.

Director David R. Gammons is unafraid to showcase his talented cast and brilliant set design to invite the audience into the mind of a person suffering. 

 

It does not matter who we are; we can all relate to the main character on some level. 

 

This is because everything out of her mouth is the truth. 

 

Let us hope that Duncan Macmillan's outstanding script reminds us that people facing this healing process deserve patience and understanding and that they should never be reduced to a "noun." 

 

speakeasystage.com

 

 

REMEMBERING MICHAEL NESMITH

Michael Nesmith was taken away from us too soon, and here is a small sampling of his unique and creative music we can still enjoy.

 

       “Papa Gene’s Blues”

       (from The Monkees, 1966)

 

From the very beginning, Michael is proud of his musical background and is pleased to share songwriting credits among Gerry Goffin/Carole King, Tommy Boyce/Bobby Hart, and Neil Diamond. This contribution blends in well with the other soft pop/rock tunes for their debut, but his country influence stands out. His catchy lyrics are perfectly captured by his easy-going vocals and guitar licks.

 

I have no more than I did before
But now I've got all that I need
For I love you, and I know you love me

 

Words to live by, indeed! The song is so much fun, one wants to pick up a washboard and play along! Also from the start, Michael lets us know he will have fun naming songs whose titles are not anywhere to be found! Such is the case here. 

 

 

 "Tapioca Tundra"

(from The Birds, The Bees, & The Monkees, 1968)

 

Released as the B-side to the #3 hit "Vallerie," this song peaked on its own at #34. When Michael wasn't sharing his love of Country Rock, he was sharing his esoteric and thoughtful lyrics, as heard here.

 

Midnight looks right standing more at ease
Silhouettes and figures stay
Close to what he had to say
And one more time the faded dream
Is saddened by the news
It cannot be a part of me
For not it's a part of you

 

According to Micheal, "the song itself is about the moment when the performer realizes that the songs he/she sings belong to the people — the fans and the crowds — that love the song, and the performer is only there in service to that relationship. " (monkeeslivealmanac.com)

 

 

 

       “Circle Sky”

(from the HEAD Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1968)

 

At this point in his career, Michael is getting more comfortable with delivering darker, more experimental music and lyrics. The strength of this song ironically lies in the fact that his vocals are deliberately in the background with the aggressive guitar riffs almost overpowering him. Making it more an effort for the listener to grab the lyrics makes them more effective.

 

It’s a very extraordinary scene
To those who don't understand
But what you have seen you must believe
If you can
If you can

 

In the movie, scenes of the band are edited among shots of the war and fans screaming, and the viewer never quite knows if the fans are screaming in hysteria at the Monkees performing or screaming in horror at the images of the war. Both, perhaps? 

 

 

 

 

  

“Listen to the Band”

(from The Monkees Present Micky, Davy, Michael, 1969)

 

At this point for the Monkees, they have full control over their songs, both musically and lyrically, Michael is only too happy to bring country rock to the mainstream.  Michael’s easy-flowing voice is interspersed with “the band” – an equally enjoyable brass section.

 

Hey, hey, mercy woman plays a song, and no one listens,
I need help I'm falling again.

 

Regretfully, they were not many people listening to this song at the time, which was a shame. It was the first Monkees single penned by Michael, but the diversion from their previous material might have been a reason why it stalled it at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100. The boys would eventually include it in their live set pieces to, yes, introduce their back-up musicians. In the hands of lesser rock bands, this would have been obvious and trite, but the Monkees made it sincere and professional.

 

  

“Good Clean Fun”

(from The Monkees Present Micky, Davy, Michael, 1969)

 

Michael wants to write about good clean fun, and so he does, but he just doesn’t find it necessary to mention the title anywhere in the song! Listeners are treated to full-blown country enjoyment here, complete with banjo and his signature effortless voice. 

 

But now my path heads home
And your patient time alone
Has brought me even closer to you, dear

 

Abandoning any musical reference to pop music, Michel lets it be known he is now a country artist. Unfortunately, the song would peak at # 82 but would later be released in “Best Of” compilations.

 

 

Thank you, Michael, for sharing your multiple gifts with us and for letting it be an honor to

listen to the band.

When Did It Become Okay?

When did it become okay

To move out and move away?

When did “I remember you when”

Get replaced by “I haven’t seen you since”?

 

I saw you both smiling

And it broke my heart in half

It will be last time I see you together

The last time you both laugh

 

Birthdays and Graduations

First Houses and Apartments

Weddings and Divorces

First Jobs and Retirement

 

Those who move on are seldom sad

That is for those who are left behind

Trying to keep up and stay in touch

Desperately wishing for ways to rewind

 

The clock on the wall waits for nobody

Everyone feels like they are on their own

When they wake up and realize one day

That the life they’re living is unknown

 

Relationships can be difficult

Relationships can be hard

High School becomes Reunions

With our names reduced to a card

 

When did it become okay?

 

 

Copyright 2021 Scott C. Forrest-Allen

 

Before

When I was young and all-too wise

I knew exactly what I would do

"I will grow up quickly and become a success

Like my parents have always wanted me to"

  

During middle school I threw away

All the toys from my childhood

I had no need for them anymore

They would never do me any good

 

I knew it was my time

My time “before”

Before graduation and college

I couldn’t wait anymore

 

So I ignored my friends and took every job

And every internship as well

So I could hit the ground running before everyone

And made money and worked like hell

 

And I loved every second of it

As I welcomed the “Daily Grind”

I worked and was the head of my class

As I left my friends behind

 

It was my time

My time “before”

Before spouses and settling down

I would never be poor

 

As I look at these Diplomas they make me proud

Of all of my success

And my self-determination and self-worth

And never settling for less

 

Now I look at these papers, and they make me sad

But I have no one to blame but myself

Because I look back at my childhood days

And all I see are empty shelves

 

This is my reward

My reward “before”

Before growing up and moving on

Loneliness and more

 

This is my success

My success “before”

But I have nothing

Before the “before.”

 

 

Copyright 2019 Scott C. Forrest-Allen

Random Thought 111

 Heal thy self = healthy self.