Melodrama and Music

Zorro: The Musical – Music Theater Works

The legend of Zorro tells about a vigilante nobleman who returns from Spain to his California hometown to rescue his countrymen and bring about law and order. It’s a story filled with fiery passions, daring rescues and flaming swordplay. The tale is a familiar trope in literature, film and on stage. From the 1919 novella by Johnston McCulley, to Isabel Allende’s 2005 novel, Zorro (the Fox) became a Walt Disney televised serial in the late 1950s, as well as the 1998 film, “The Mask of Zorro.” The character is now familiar to most of us, and those who know this folk hero have certain expectations when anticipating a stage version of the story. Despite there already being several theatrical incarnations that feature the titular hero, a new musical version was created several years ago.

In 2008 Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson developed the book for their new stage version of the Zorro legend. The musical featured a score composed by John Cameron, with lyrics by Stephen Clark, and with additional songs by the famous musical group, the Gipsy Kings. The production ran at London’s Garrick Theatre for nine months.

Music Theater Works’ regional premiere production, in association with Ensemble Espanol, isn’t as flamboyant as one might expect. It’s often flat, unimaginative and slow-moving, particularly when linking scenes together. The script, filled with music and melodrama, is the primary problem. It’s trite and somewhat amateurish, making the story less than exciting. Adrian Abel Azevedo’s direction doesn’t help very much. It disappoints, offering anything new, very little creativity or a particularly unique point of view. 

The real strength and highlight of this production is its music, beautifully sung and danced with fire and forcefulness by an excellent cast, as well as some vibrant swordplay and fight choreography, created by Nick Sandys. Kudos to Musical Director Justin Kono and his nine-member pit orchestra (and especially onstage Flamenco Guitarist, Diego Salcedo) for providing the fervor and flair, and the rhythms and rapture, of this show. And a huge round of applause must be heaped upon Laura Savage, for her expressive choreography, and Luis Beltran Urena, for his fervent and festive Spanish dance movement. These are the artists who made this production special.

The standouts in this large cast are headed by Cisco Lopez, in the dual role of Don Diego de la Vega and Zorro. He’s goofy and  yet endearing as Diego, and then the actor comes through at just the right moments as a proper, swashbuckling hero, clad in Zorro’s signature black mask and cape. While Emmanuel Ramirez creates a truly vile, perfectly despicable villain in his portrayal of Ramon, he’s sometimes a little bit difficult to understand.

 The two leading ladies of this production are stellar. They both have the most beautiful, expressive voices in this production and handle their choreographic challenges with grace and fire. Alix Rhode, who recently dazzled audiences at Theo Ubique in “Godspell,” is terrific as the Gypsy Queen, Inez. Her rendition of the Gipsy Kings’ “Bamboleo” almost stops the show. Lovely Laura Quinones makes the role of Luisa her own. She vocally caresses songs, such as “The Man Behind the Mask,” “Falling” and her spirited duet with Ms Rhode and the women’s ensemble, “Djobi, Djoba,” with skill and authority. Both women will hopefully be seen again soon in more leading roles.

But the highest praise must go to the hardworking ensemble of this production, particularly the dancers. While each performer brings sound skill and praiseworthy passion to this musical, ensemble member Isabel Ramirez stands out with her clear, rapturous vocals. And Flamenco Dancers Lina Bulovaite, Jocelyn Leving and Karla Tennies Koziura bring a truly authentic Spanish look and sound to this musical, with their posturing, spirited stomping rhythms and clicking castanets. It’s too bad there wasn’t more of this excitement throughout this production.           

Somewhat Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 11-21 by Music Theater Works, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-673-6300, or by going to https://www.musictheaterwork.com/zorro-the-musical.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by going to www.theatreinchicago.com