Author: lazloc1961
It's Not All a Drag
By Lazlo Collins
The reception outside the theater from the eight foot drag queen when I arrived was a great surprising touch to what was a would be a night of many illusions.
She continued to banter with the audience from onstage, warming up the crowd for “La Cage Aux Folles”. This romp of mistaken identity, glitz, glamor, and what families do for families, was about to start.
I had seen “La Cage Aux Folles”, with memorable music by Jerry Herman and snappy book by Harvey Fierstein, in its second Broadway revival a few years ago.
This time around the pared down production has fewer “Le Cagelles” and a more focused satisfying set by Tim Shortall.
As the lights came up and George Hamilton (Georges) began to speak, I knew it may not be the smoothest go round with him at the helm. To be fair, Mr. Hamilton has been in show business for over 50 years. He is well loved for his film work and debonair persona in many of his artistic endeavors. The audience recognized him immediately when he came out on stage. All that said, his performance as Georges was a bit uncomfortable. His mechanical line delivery as well as his singing was no match for the rest of this high energy musical. There were actually times I felt for his safety as he twirled about the stage. He is a gentleman of certain age, and his tan and persona are going strong, but just not in this musical. Even towards the end of the evening you could feel his energy waning as well as the audience’s patience. I realize that star recognition sells tickets, and perhaps there is a whole generation that may have not seen the show if he was not in it. But alas, sometimes the work needs to be a bit better than passable.
In sharp contrast to Mr. Hamilton’s unsure performance, Christopher Sieber as Albin was outstanding. He made the character his own. Mr. Seiber’s enchanting parry with audience was nothing short of thrilling. Even the act one closing number “I Am What I Am”, which can sometimes fall into anthem schmaltz, drew the audience right in the palm of his hand. This was a feat of a well-seasoned Broadway performer. His experience on the stage and with a Tony to his name is no surprise. I give him huge credit infusing the scenes with Mr. Hamilton with energy and delight.
Gay fathers (Georges and Albin) who run the female impersonation nightclub “La Cage Aux Folles”, need to make some changes to suit the son’s (Billy Harrigan Tighe) upcoming nuptials. A visit by the conservative fiancés parents (lovely dual cast Bruce Winant and Cathy Newman) turns their beliefs and decorating choices into question. The question of what makes a family, and what do they believe about themselves and others are a central theme.
The ensemble that makes the nightclubs entertaining core, “Les Cagelles”, were all spot on with their dancing, and wise cracking antics to keep the audience entertained throughout the show. They were fresh and fun and gave the show its bounce.
With energy to spare, Gay Marshall as Jacqueline, keeps us on our toes and sends the plot to its conclusion during the always rousing “The Best of Times”. She made me want to sing out loud.
Even with the last slow reveal of everyone in drag, (although I am a bit tired of many musicals these days ending with the audience clapping mega-mix), the show was overall fun to watch. The cast knows there marks and is ready to entertain. Perhaps it will get better with age, or a few B-12 shots.
“La Cage Aux Folles” runs through 1 Jan 2012 at the Bank of America Theatre
A Christmas Story – The Musical is a major REward
By Lazlo Collins
The Chicago leg of a two week tour, “A Christmas Story” – The Musical opened at the Chicago Theater last night.
Amid a late but appreciative crowd, I was holding my expectations at bay. Having seen the movie that this latest endeavor is based upon, I was not at all sure that the musical would capture the warmth and charm of the original cinematic sequences and characters.
I am happy to report that this production of “A Christmas Story” brings to life the story of Ralphie and Co. to its most full holiday splendor.
The story of one boy’s dreams of a fulfilling fire armed Christmas is brought to life in vivid staging, costumes, and characters that are now classics in the Holiday must see checklist.
The story begins with expert narration by Gene Weygandt, playing “Jean Shephard” who recollects what it was like growing up in the Parker family household. His perfect deliver of observations and sentimentality, lets the audience know they will be well cared for during their journey into the lives of the Parkers and the surrounding neighborhood characters.
The introduction of each of the Parker household is next. We meet “The Old Man” (John Bolton), “Mother” (Rachel Bay Jones), brother “Randy” (Matthew Lewis), and “Ralphie” (Clarke Hallum). To say that each plays their rolls to perfection would be an understatement. Each presents themselves and their points of view through the story with ease.
Mr. Bolton’s gives 110% every minute he is on stage, and nearly brings down the house with his “Major Awards” musings. Every leg is available and makes it into the end of this high kicking musical number. In contrast, Ms. Bay Jones’ sweet number “Just Like That” makes us yearn for our own mother’s perspective just one more time.
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Hallum show the greatest affection as brothers, and are comfortable in their fights and fits of brotherly love; but Mr. Hallum as “Ralphie” soars above the cast as he brings “Ralphie” to life. He takes us along his journey of discovery, scheming, fear, and ultimate satisfaction with a magnificent voice and expert acting chops. The moment he opens his unexpected present near the end of the show, brought a tear to my eye. His crystal clear voice and warm heart will not disappoint those diehard “Ralphie” fans from the movie. (The original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley, was in the house, and who is also one of the producers of the show)
The excellent supporting children in the show were terrific. I have not seen a show in a long time where the children were playing children, and not some idea about how children should act. Little “Grover Dill” played by John Francis Babbo made me laugh more than a few times. All their voices and harmonies were spot on. Much praise for the pint size ensemble that made me want to be a kid again.
Some supporting cast notables were Karen Mason as “Miss Shields”, Nick Gaswirth as “The Foley Artist”, and Adam Pelty as “Santa Claus”.
Ms. Mason’s evil teacher show stopping “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” is bound to be a classic and Mr. Gaswirth’s dependable, if not scene stealing, sound effects were just great; particularly, the dogs and Mrs. Schwartz. And as the motivationally challenged Santa in the number, “Up on Santa’s Lap”, Mr. Pelty delivers it message with satisfaction.
The chorus of neighbors, parents and various service people are brought to life with great vocals and exacting choreography.
The direction by John Rando, kept the show moving with performance areas to discover, and with each scene quickly unfolding for the next one.
The set design (Walt Spangler) was a pleasant and appropriate addition to the story, making sure that some key places were present for the audience. For what would “A Christmas Story” be without Higgbee’s, the flag pole or the Santa Slide, right? The lighting design (Howell Binkly) was a key component to the white snowy stage, but never detracted from the action at hand.
The music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul were sweet and keeping with the tone of the storytelling, and yet bringing us some memorable show stopping numbers, producing a pleasant listening experience.
With the costumes (Elizabeth Hope Clancy) just right, the characters kept us enwrapped during the performance. The show’s energy and joy kept a smile on this face, even for a few hours after the full holiday adrenaline was over.
My only complaint was much of the show was directed toward dead center, leaving some viewers on the sides “left out” of some of the scenes that appeared in the Parker house. The radio desks at stage right and left may not have been a problem in a different house.
With the inundation of holiday choices to see and relive, year after year, put “A Christmas Story” – The Musical on your nice list. I know Santa has…
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