Author: Colin Douglas
The Same But Different
Elvis Presley Was a Black Man Named Joe
Jackie Taylor tells her audience that she loves Elvis Presley but not as much as she loves her little brother Joe. The multitalented Ms. Taylor, the founder and CEO of Black Ensemble Theater, looks back at the lives of her family with affection and nostalgia in this new revue. Thinking about her adoration of “Elvis the Pelvis,” Ms. Taylor notes a lot of similarities between her younger brother, Joe Taylor, and the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. During the 1950’s and 60’s both siblings were huge fans of the actor and international singing sensation, while growing up in urban Chicago. They saw all his movies and bought all his records. The two young people recognized that the sexy singer’s music wasn’t just infectious but offered an unusual mix of influences across color lines. And in this pleasant, sometimes touching, musical revue, we’re shown how Elvis Presley and Joe Taylor were, in many ways, the same but different.
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More I Cannot Wish You
Guys and Dolls
The true sign of a great musical classic is how long the show’s been around since it first opened on Broadway. GUYS AND DOLLS, which features a fantastic score by Frank Loesser and an excellent script cowritten by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, is a one-of-a-kind musical. From the very start it was a smash hit, and it ranks among the most frequently revived and produced shows from the Golden Age of Musicals. The story’s set in Manhattan’s sordid and disreputable Times Square area during the mid-twentieth century. It’s populated with colorful characters who are gamblers, gangsters, showgirls and a ministry of Salvation Army soldiers. Based upon a couple of short stories by American journalist and author Damon Runyon, the musical opened on Broadway in 1950. The show proved to be very popular with post WWII audiences who were looking for an entertainment to help them forget the past. It went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. And, honestly, “More I cannot Wish You” for a charming and superbly produced and highly entertaining musical comedy.
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Lost in the Solar System
The Magic School Bus
Ms. Frizzle’s class is in session again and, as everyone knows, she loves teaching science and social studies with a very hands-on approach. Instead of sitting in the classroom and reading textbooks, The Friz, as she’s called, enjoys taking her students out of the school and off on field trips to explore their subjects firsthand. Today’s lesson is about the Solar System, so Ms. Frizzle’s class eagerly boards the Magic School Bus and heads toward the planetarium. However, on the way, this dedicated instructor finds she’s become lost. But never fear: Ms. Frizzle just presses a button to rev up the engine and the bus turns into a rocket ship. Suddenly the class is blasting off into outer space for a real intergalactic experience!
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Any Dream Will Do
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Wow! If you think you know this delicious, delightful, family friendly musical, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. I am continually impressed with Amber Mak’s creative genius. With each show, Amber always surprises theatergoers with her remarkably fresh, new and imaginative interpretation. This gifted Director/Choreographer never fails to find an exciting and novel way to present a familiar musical that we think we already know. Which brings me to Amber Mak’s unique vision for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular, family friendly musical comedy.
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Crazy Town
A Lie of the Mind
In 1985 when Sam Shepard’s drama was first staged Off-Broadway, audiences saw it as part of the American Mythology. It was considered the closing chapter of the playwright’s “Family Saga,” which includes CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, BURIED CHILD, TRUE WEST and FOOL FOR LOVE. These intriguing, shorter and unarguably kinky plays by Sam Shepard are still being produced many years later, because they still have something to say to contemporary audiences. But A LIE OF THE MIND, which runs short of three hours, now feels simply like a lengthy journey to Crazy Town.
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I Sing the Body Electric
I and You
Of all the students in his class, Anthony decided to choose Caroline to be his study partner. Together they’re supposed to work together to create some kind of multimedia project based upon Leaves of Grass, by American poet Walt Whitman. So Anthony unexpectedly arrives at Caroline’s house with his backpack of research and a dogeared copy of the literary classic. The high school student has read up on Whitman’s life and finds his lengthy series of poems inspiring, universal and something that speaks to him. He’s sure that Caroline will also understand poems like “I Sing the Body Electric” and feel the same way about the poet, although Anthony’s never actually met her. You see, Caroline has been out of school for a long time because she’s very ill.
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Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds
One Love, One Heart
Bob Marley was one of Jamaica’s most talented and famous singer/songwriters. Of his many much loved songs, “Three Little Birds” is his most popular hit. It’s a cheery and optimistic reggae tune that’s familiar to almost everyone. The song is about three tiny feathered fowl who sit on the vocalist’s windowsill, singing brightly to lift his spirits. The song is often mistakenly thought to be titled “Don’t worry about a thing” or “Every little thing is gonna be alright,” because that refrain is heard so often.
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As Sweet As Pie
Waitress
One of the jewels of the 2016 Broadway season, this beautifully uplifting and cathartic musical is as sweet as pie. It’s adapted from the popular 2007 film that starred Keri Russell. What makes this show especially enjoyable is the resplendent, often poetic lyrics and music by Sara Bareilles. Her score is unusually beautiful and haunting, sometimes even humorous. The songs frequently touch hidden emotions that have been buried deep inside. The late Adrienne Shelly’s film screenplay has been faithfully adapted for the stage by Jessie Nelson and makes each character especially unique and memorable.
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As Timely As Today
One Party Consent
You know how when you attend a show—any show, these days—it has become obligatory to give the cast a standing ovation? It’s annoying because every theatergoer is forced to rise and applaud when, perhaps, there were aspects of the production that you didn’t feel merited such a stellar response. But I’m here to tell you that every single element of First Floor Theater’s latest production deserves this kind of praise. Omer Abbas Salem’s brilliant ONE PARTY CONSENT is, not only electrifying, but as and timely as today.
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A Drop Dead Comedy
Clue: Live on Stage!
“I tell you, the murder was committed by Miss Scarlet (or Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum or Mr. Green); and it took place in the Ballroom (or the Conservatory, the Kitchen, the Hall, the Billiard Room, the Dining Room, the Library, the Lounge or the Study); and the weapon used was the candlestick (or the lead pipe, the revolver, the rope, the dagger or the wrench).”
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