Mostly Musical Theatre

Why the Apple Watch matters — or doesn’t

So, its the eve of Apple Watch sales being formally announced by Apple tomorrow (it goes on sale in April) and as usual with anything Apple, I have to weigh in.

First — kudos to Apple for the lovely design, and the different versions available right out of the gate: Sporty, more formal, or more fashion-oriented there will be a version for anyone who wants one.

Second — like some other things, Apple is a bit late with this wearable — and what is worrisome is that others, including Pebble and Samsung have had little success with their wearables – be that watches or “glass”. (For the record, Google Glass appears to be DOA – no further sales are planned).

So, the watch promises to give you notifications, calendar events, texts, time, maps, and a few other goodies on your wrist. It sounds great in theory. But outside an initial multi-million users, will it catch on beyond that? It depends, and not on Apple, but on the public demanding more.

As we’ve learned so far with Apple Pay, people like it — but shops are not expanding fast enough to accommodate it. I can name only a handful stores in all of Ann Arbor, for example, that accept it — Walgreens, Office Max, Whole Foods, Meijer, McDonalds, Panera, and Lucky’s Market (where I have yet to get it to work). It did fare better in a recent trip to SF, where it was accepted in other shops as well. Come on, Ann Arbor is a progressive tech-savvy place — and it isn’t catching on. And there doesn’t seem to be any type of public clambering to get it into more stores.

Now comes the Apple Watch — and it sees a bit archaic if you ask me:

1) It does not work if it is not directly paired with your iPhone. Which means for the watch to work (beyond simple timekeeping), you need your iPhone in your pocket or your purse – not more than a few feet away, or it simply won’t do anything. What then does having something on your wrist add to that experience of using your iPhone? Isn’t it just easier (and have a much larger screen?) to just take your iPhone out of your pocket when it rings? Or vibrates? Or plays your favorite tone?

2) People have stopped wearing watches — its going to be hard for Apple to convince people that wearing a watch is desirable — the entire smartphone experience over the years has conditioned people to stop wearing watches and get their time and alarms from their phone. And you know what? Its nice not to wear anything on your wrist. Its nice not to have watchbands scratching up your laptop. Its nice not to have stuff ripping threads from your pockets every time you put your hand in your pocket to get your keys, wallet, or iPhone. I can’t imagine ever wearing a watch again.

3) There’s a big emphasis on fitness — really? I don’t know a single person that uses any of the fitness apps built into the new iPhone 6/6+…I suppose maybe people healthier than us that live on the west coast might use this stuff? Nobody here that I know of in middle America…maybe Apple will find a way to convince people to use this stuff? Though I doubt it. It seems to me the types of folks who love having that fancy tech in their pockets aren’t the ones who are out there running laps and taking their blood pressure very often.

4) How does Apple expect to succeed where others have failed in the wearable market — well, outside of the initial rush of folks getting on the bandwagon, I can’t imagine it will sustain much excitement — the wow factor is there — like people will look at other people’s watches and say “wow, that’s cool” — but what use will it have for themselves? I can’t imagine thinking “wow, I want one” after seeing one. I just can’t imagine what it would buy me as far as usefulness.

5) Size matters — in a world where even Apple conceded that Android’s larger sized phones are a plus and what people wanted, now they are asking us to look at something so small you can’t see it without your reading glasses on? I don’t think so.

I am certain Apple will have a big splash of an announcement tomorrow — I am sure that it will advertise it had “record sales beyond anything they expected” the night they go on sale — and I am relatively certain that without any “killer apps” that Apple’s wearable, just like others before it, is not going to go much beyond that.

Bottom line: This is going to be a great-looking sleek new launch from Apple — but its usefulness seems limited at best, and will the public clamber for something they already have in their (nicer) phones.

Amazing Jeremy Jordan at Dexter’s Encore Musical Theatre Company (Event Review)

The Encore Musical Theatre Company has never looked as spiffed-up as it did last night at the spectacular fundraiser featuring Jeremy Jordan. In all honesty, I can not start this review without stating the deep pride I feel for Encore’s Founders, Board of Directors, Employees, Staff, and Volunteers. What occurred last night was more than just your typical fund-raiser — it was an earthquake shaking the theatre from one phase to the next — and it is well-deserved.

Jeremy performed two concerts, one at 6, and one at 8. I attended the latter. The event started with a welcome from the company’s Board President Jamie Mistry and Development Director Chuck Colby, and then co-founder Dan Cooney performed two wonderful warm-up numbers, featuring a particularly exquisite “The Mason” from Working.

Then Dan and Jeremy fought over the mic:

Ha! Just Kidding! There was no fighting involved…

What followed was 70 minutes of exquisite vocal work by one of Broadway’s most charming young actors — and he delivered musically, interpersonally, and professionally. Afterwards The Encore presented him with what I thought was a diamond of a thank-you present: a Detroit-made-and-designed watch from Shinola.

His performance-set highlighted his most well-known work: opening with West Side Story’s “Something’s Coming”, he followed with songs from The Last 5 Years (“Movin’ Too Fast” and “If I Didn’t Believe in You”), Smash (“Broadway Here I Come”), Bonnie & Clyde (“Bonnie”), and Newsies (“Santa Fe”). Interspersed were three of his own songs, for which he accompanied himself on guitar, a fine jazzy interpretation of “Losing My Mind” from Follies, and a lovely mash-up of The Wizard of Oz/The Wiz’s “Over the Rainbow”/’Home”.

Tyler Driskill provided remarkable piano accompaniment. Bravo!

I have seen Jeremy appear onstage in Newsies and Bonnie & Clyde, but nothing prepared me for the vocal finesse and range he displayed in this intimate concert setting — he’s earned accolades from coast to coast, and for his concert at 54 Below in NYC. What the audiences had was the rare opportunity to see one of the hottest rising stars on stage and screen in an intimate 100-seat environment where his charisma simply overwhelmed. I mean, honestly, I sat 11 feet away from him during the concert and the audience got to talk to him after the show — something even New Yorkers will never have the chance to do.

Oh, Fellow Directors: there is nothing like the thrill of hearing Jeremy Jordan announce the next show you are directing from the stage. Thank you for that soft introduction of Bonnie & Clyde to kick off Encore’s new season, Jeremy!

But this is a night where not only Jeremy shined brightly – but so did the entire Encore family — people felt welcomed, a part of something very very special, and something that ranks up there among the once-in-a-lifetime type things you are bound to experience — right here at home in our backyard.

A champagne toast followed the concert (juice for the underage set), and it was a well-deserved toast indeed. Kudos to your work last night. Kudos to this special evening. And Kudos to the coming season for a little theatre that is shining brightly in the world of musical theater.

Anna Kendrick shines in “The Last Five Years” movie

Anna Kendrick shines in the role of Cathy in the movie adaptation of Jason Robert Brown’s musical “The Last Five Years” – a musical theatre staple about a couple who meet, date, marry, and ultimately divorce — although its told from Cathy’s point of view running backwards, while from Jamie’s point of view it runs chronologically. Jeremy Jordan is no slouch either in the role of Jamie, although this is Kendrick’s movie from beginning to end.

The score here is virtually intact (with minor changes that nobody but folks who have actually performed the piece will recognize) and it sounds terrific.

What it doesn’t do is look terrific — and since film is a visual medium first and foremost, that’s a bit of a problem. Basically using “found light” in most of its scenes, some of them are dark and murky, and I literally had to squint to make out what was going on — this is particularly detrimental in Jordan’s “Nobody Needs to Know” where all facial expression is washed out by murky lighting and detracts from the song as a whole, but surprisingly it happens even in outdoor scenes. The movie’s low-budget roots are apparent throughout.

Still, some of the movie works brilliantly — while in the musical, the characters interact only for the marriage sequence in the middle, here they are present and interact in each other’s songs throughout. That allows for more relevant screen interactions, and gives the actors someone to play off of. On the other hand, what works so well in the stage version is the fact that the actors DONT interact – and that it is up to the imagination of the audience to picture what is going on — and that makes the stage version cleaner and easier to follow.

I’m going to be perfectly honest, I know this piece backwards and forwards and inside out and even I had difficulty figuring out some scenes’ time placement — are they sitting in the car NOW or THEN? Is she auditioning NOW or THEN? Is he doing this NOW or THEN? because the presence of the other person throws off the timeframe.

But here’s the thing — every second that Anna Kendrick is onscreen, she absolutely glows — be that singing, making out with Jeremy, or reacting to what’s going on — and she is a wonder to watch perform. I want to see her play the lead in every movie musical that comes out now and forever….okay, that is an over-exaggeration, but she is simply terrific.

I do not expect anybody but musical theater lovers will a) see this movie, or b) enjoy this movie — but I did, and its highly recommended — but that being said, there is absolutely nothing like seeing this piece live on stage, where it becomes a completely different living breathing animal — but this is pretty close.

The one thing I did not get out of this film version was any sense of emotion — Jeremy sings and his songs soar and become pop tunes of their own right — straight out of a music video. Anna sings of sadness and despair, yet you don’t feel it along with her, you’re a bit in awe of her in general, and wondering how she could afford that loft apartment in New York.

Note: if you are waiting for this to hit a movie theatre, dont….it opened in 5 total theaters nationwide today, is opening in 20 more next friday, and a few more the week after that…so chances are great that it will NOT be showing in a theater anywhere near you. You can watch it On Demand on your cable provider, or download from YouTube, GooglePlay and other sites.

“Bus Stop” at the Dio…and some yummy chicken…

Have you met the denizens of Grace’s diner? What? You haven’t? Either on stage or in the movie? Or on television’s HBO a while back? Well, here’s your chance to catch up with a bunch of strangers learning about love in Dio’s production of William Inge’s Bus Stop (1955).

First, there’s spunky and love-starved Grace, played beautifully by Amy Morrisey — and her fellow waitress, high school straight-A student but naive-in-love Elma (Jacklynn Cherry). Andrew Gorney plays a level-headed and superb Sheriff Will Masters.

Then there are the one-night visiting passengers on Carl’s longhaul bus (a charming Jon King), stuck in the diner overnight while roads ahead are plowed out following a snowstorm (sound like any place you know, Michigan?)…Cheri (solid and sublime Elizabeth Jaffe) who may or may not be running away from love…randy rodeo cowboy Bo (Peter Crist) who may or may not be abducting her (okay, he is, but you know, it’s a romantic comedy) and his mentor Virgil (Stephen Dean). Finally, there is alcoholic Dr Lyman (Steve DeBruyne in a last-minute replacement role – great work, Steve!)

What follows is a mix of humor, drama, and who-will-end-up-with-whom storytelling as only William Inge could have written…with a scrumptious chocolate mousse cake that arrives at your table during intermission created by chef Jarod just in time as you have been listening to all that talk about donuts, pies, burgers, and coffee. The pre-show meal is delicious as always, and features his yummy fried chicken, shepherd’s pie, and fruits and vegetables.

Bus Stop runs through March 1st at the Dio — tickets at http://www.diotheatre.com or 517-672-6009 — 177 E Main St, Pinckney

“Guys on Ice” at Encore is funny, quirky, and has heart

If your favorite shows are “Oklahoma” and “Brigadoon” you are probably not the target market for Guys on Ice, the current offering at Encore Musical Theatre Company — but for the rest of us, it is funny, quirky, and sometimes shows heart.

A huge hit throughout Wisconsin theatres, and even with some previous local productions here in Michigan, the show is a series of jokes and songs about ice fishing, living in the frozen north (hey, we can relate to that here in Michigan , right?) and relationships — all loosely tied together when Marvin (Tim Brayman) gets a call from a local tv fishing show host who wants to visit his shack. Quickly calling on his best friend Lloyd (a terrific Peter John Riopelle) the two set off for a day of ice fishing, talking, joking, and story-telling — all while trying to avoid the local pest Ernie the Moocher (hilarious Keith Kalinowski).

The entire show feels a bit like you are watching public access television (remember Garth and Wayne on Wayne’s World on SNL?) and that is part of the fun of the piece. It never takes itself too seriously, and it balances laugh out loud moments and total groaners with aplomb.

There isn’t a single hummable tune except for Lloyd’s ballad “Everything is New”, but the focus here isn’t on the music — its on the lyrics and the jokes contained therein — some of the oddest rhyme schemes you are bound to hear in many a long year…though by the time you get to the “halftime show” and its “Leinie’s is the best beer” number, you have either gone along for the ride or you are sitting dumbfounded by what you are watching. If you are in the latter category, you can win a Leinie by answering some astoundingly easy halftime questions!

There is also a strong familiarity with many of the scenarios…you kind of find yourself thinking things like “I remember my grandfather talking about that”, or “my uncle does this every weekend in Milwaukee”. That commonality will ring true for just about anyone having grown up in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio.

It is hard to define the target market for this musical: it doesn’t really call to your typical musical audience — it is a bit too tame for a guys night out, and it is a bit too odd for a ladies night out…and yet neither group should avoid getting tickets for Guys on Ice — you’ll find yourself laughing, and clapping, and groaning…and you could do far worse on an icy cold winter night in Michigan…then head over to Aubree’s after the show for a pizza and a Leinie!….(note: I have no idea if Aubree’s actually carries Leinenkugel, it just, um, sounded good)…

Recommended. Seen at final preview on 1/29/15.

Guys on Ice continues at the Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad Street, Dexter, MI through February 22nd — theencoretheatre.org or 734-268-6200 for tickets.

5-Star “Into the Woods” movie surpasses stage version

I can think of only four Broadway musicals since 1960 whose movie adaptations are better than their stage versions — those are The Sound of Music, Oliver!, Funny Girl, and Chicago. Now comes the 5th — Into the Woods. Set aside any qualms you might have as a musical theater lover about the film, and go see it.

Start with the best artistic staff that one could assemble for the production: Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine tweaked their already strong script and score, and it works even better on-screen in a tighter-but-absolutely-nothing-missing screenplay. Rob Marshall takes the material and molds it with directorial verve, and its captivating from start to finish. J0nathan Tunick expands his orchestrations to over 40-pieces here and they sound lush and melodic. Paul Gemignani musical directs and conducts the Broadway material he knows so well. The art direction, set decoration, makeup and wigs, and costume design are first rate. Everything simply looks and sounds superb.

Now, add one of the strongest casts I’ve seen in a musical adaptation — there isn’t a single weak link in this production (some have complained that Johnny Depp was miscast as the Wolf, to them I say nay nay, his performance is delicious.) While the movie is cast with “actors who sing” rather than singers who try to act, this is a cast where they actually can and do sing beautifully.

James Corden (who has hilariously stated elsewhere that he is actually a “dancer who sings” rather than an “actor who sings”) turns in a loving performance as The Baker, and he’s matched step for step by Emily Blunt’s Baker’s Wife. Equally assuring is the dynamic performance by Meryl Streep as The Witch. She’s already known as a versatile actor, but now audiences will also see what those of us who have had the chance to see her sing on stage already know — she is simply a great vocal performer. Anna Kendrick is sublime as Cinderella, and Chris Pine acts, sings, and preens his way across the screen as Cinderella’s Price. His performance of “Agony” with Rapunzel’s Prince Billy Magnussen (also terrific) is the highlight of the movie. Tracey Ullman is spot-on as Jack’s Mother, and Jack himself is played by delightful youngster Daniel Huttlestone. Lila Crawford is a very strong Little Red Riding Hood. Christine Baranski, Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch are very fine Stepmother and Stepsisters. Mackenzie Mouzy is a lovely Rapunzel.

Finally, mix this cast and artistic crew together in a giant soundstage that adds a layer of magic to the entire affair, and you have one of the strongest musical theater adaptations you are likely to see in a long time. Like the other musicals I mentioned above, the world of musical theater is defined not by the stage production, but by the movie — there is nobody that attends any production of The Sound of Music anywhere that doesn’t compare it to the movie, not the original Broadway production. The same will be said of the movie version of Into The Woods — it simply defines the show in a way that very few other musical adaptations have done. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the Original Broadway production of Into The Woods, and saw it three or four times in NYC with its original cast — but that will no longer be my golden standard when thinking about Into The Woods — rather, it will be this remarkable cast in this eye-candy and ear-pleasing production (sorry Chuck Wagner!)…

Anecdotally, two sets of movie-goers will be surprised by this film: the first, all those kids who have done Into the Woods in middle schools all over America when they find out there is an Act II to the piece (the student version of the show includes only Act 1), and the second, all those Disney fans who find out this is a musical comedy — Disney has gone out of its way to hide the fact that this is a musical, much like they hid the fact that Frozen is a princess-movie.

Absolutely Highest Recommendation.

Funniest TV quotes of 2014

As usual, my disclaimer is that I have not seen every single tv show on this year though I manage to catch all the “biggies” — here in no particular order is my annual compilation of the funniest tv quotes of the year for 2014….

“Every girl in New York needs a gay best friend, and apparently so does my husband” — Manhattan Love Story

“If you can’t see it from space it ain’t worth doing” — The Great Christmas Light Fight

“I didn’t go to Vermont…its far and I’m not a lesbian” — 2 Broke Girls

“I’m working on this recommendation for Dr. Lahiri and I wonder if you know any adjectives besides the word Indian” — The Mindy Project

“We have to settle this King Moonracer business” – The Middle

“Don’t act weird…just act normal…only a little bit better” — The Middle

“You’re acting like a crazy spinster and I didn’t expect that from you for another two years” – The Mindy Project

“At a certain age you have to stop being enthused by life” — The Middle

“That’s a magical Christmas coin — I hand them out to people who might otherwise have a crappy Christmas” — Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever

“Baby, I love you, and I’m also somewhat ashamed of you” — Marry Me

“Write that sentence down, and hand it to your therapist” — Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“I’m sweating like Shia LaBeouf at a DUI checkpoint” – 2 Broke Girls

“We have children, flying, a dog, and Christopher Walken….what could go wrong? — Christian Borle, The Making of NBC’s Peter Pan

“It is so confusing and yet so you!” — Sue to Brad, The Middle

“Ugh, I don’t believe that horoscope stuff…you’re going to be rich, you’re going to be famous…not one says you’re going to be a 75 year old cashier” — 2 Broke Girls

“And you wonder why I have no ladies maid, and no butler” — Downton Abbey

“I know how much you loved it when I had a full head of hair”

“When we got married you had 4 more hairs than you do now, this is not a surprise to me” — Modern Family

“I heard your truck pull up, but I’m not sure I want to accept your package anymore” — 2 Broke Girls

“I found success because of my boundless talent” — Castle

“I want to thank your boyfriend Andrew for encouraging me to grieve in my own way so I did a bunch of shrooms…so now you’re going to have to deliver the eulogy” — A to Z

“I thought this was the key to his heart…but apparently he made duplicates” – The Middle

“This is Chicago not…wait…I can’t think of anything colder than Chicago” — Marry Me

“He needs to know Sup” — Selfie

“I mean, come on, I blame my dads…hey, they named me after a musical” — Annie, Marry Me

Penny: “Nobody says they hate you to your face”

Amy: “You and I have led such different lives!” — The Big Bang Theory

“I can not go back to England, I’ve forgotten all the words” — The Mindy Project

“She doesn’t like me because I have a perfectly symmetrical face and hair like Ariel” — Selfie

“Principles are like prayers; noble of course, but awkward at a party” – Downton Abbey

“Sue, we know how calendars work”

“Apparently we don’t” — The Middle

“Why are we bothering with this? Just move her to a bell tower in Paris and call it a day” – The Middle

“They’re pornographers…but they’re also a family” — The New GIrl

“I’m wearing my Google glasses…I am looking at you but I am also ordering Tapioca Pudding on Amazon” — 2 Broke Girls

“Yeah, that’s why he’s a billionaire, because he knows when and how to be an asshole…if you’re not an asshole, it creates this kind of asshole vacuum and that void is filled by other assholes” — Silicon Valley

“You are like a parfait of dysfunction” –Bad Teacher

“Sometimes its hard to tell the difference between depression and being Swedish” — Welcome to Sweden

“Emma, I’d like to show you my backstage area sometime” — Gene Simmons, Welcome to Sweden

“there’s a lot of sharks up there, still” — Sharknado 2: The Second One

“We’re looking at sharks falling at up to 2 feet an hour until they swim off northeast” — Sharknado II

“just keep walking if you don’t give a crap” (girl keeps walking)…Undateable

“I’m a rollerblade dancer…I used to be a hair dresser and I just didn’t like it” —Juan Carlos, America’s Got Talent

“We’re going to be fine…we have a great name, a great team, and a great logo” –Silicon Valley

“Well, that’s new” — Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“You missed a wild party last night — there must have been 12 girls there, it was crazy!” – Silicon Valley

Justin: “Friends are not someone who are supposed to lie for each other, they are supposed to help make each other better people”

Danny: “I am going to ask you something and I want you to be 100% honest with me — are you a Care Bear?” — Undateable

“There’s no way I can beat you and your incredible tap legs” — The Middle

“It stirs such complex emotions I can’t put it into words…so I made up my own word to describe it…”awwww-Blech!!” — Cougar Town

“We need to do what any animal in nature does when it’s cornered; act erratically and blindly lash out at everything around us” — Silicon Valley

“Rides are more fun than I thought! It turns out they are filled with signs, and they are all in different fonts!” — Brick, The Middle at WDW

“You two exhaust me” – Lily referring to Cam and Mitchell, Modern Family

“Marriages fail because of poor communication, and poorness, and sexy assistants, and diminished returns, and letting yourself go, and GMO’s and HBO, and Catherine Zeta-Jones” — Dalia on Suburgatory

“Do you think Zuckerberg had any real-life experience when he was running Facebook at the age of 19? No, none…but he was such a tough negotiator that now all of his friends are suing him” — Silicon Valley

“Sadly, red leather jackets don’t come into vogue here until, well, ever” — Once Upon a Time

Tessa: “Why did you agree to let Dahlia be your Queen of Honor?”

Lisa: “Because she graciously volunteered to donate all the china, silverware, glassware and spirits”

Dahlia: “And also to perform “Suddenly Seymour…it’s in my range” — Suburgatory

“I will not be manipalated” — The Middle

“I once staged A Chorus Line on a subway platform when our company lost its space — I can make any space work” — Castle

“This is not a date, I’m inviting you over for dinner to thank you for helping me…do you like baloney sandwiches?”

“I do not”

“Then what the hell DO you like?” — The Mindy Project

“You seem so quiet…are you upset? Or are you just rebooting?” – The Big Bang Theory

“Oh my God…it’s like a cognac ad in here” – The Mindy Project

Brick: “Dad, you just don’t get it because you don’t have a creative job”

Mike: “You don’t either!” — The Middle

“Another time, another place…another guy, another girl”…2 Broke Girls

“With her grades, Dalia is better qualified for junior college…or the Bling Ring” — Suburgatory

“With the Xbox One I can control my entire entertainment system using voice commands…up until now, I’ve had to use Leonard” — The Big Bang Theory

“You can’t die — you have too much to live for. My birthday’s coming up. We haven’t even talked about what you’re going to get me” — The Mindy Project

“Poor thing, he’s always getting knocked out, isn’t he?” — Agents of SHIELD

“No good can come from examining your life” — The Middle

“Oh, wow, I would love to see that, but I am going to stay at home and not see that” — About a Boy

“Yup, it wouldn’t be prom if some poor Hecht didn’t end up going with Weird Ashley” — The Middle

“Ugh, I am such a slob…oh, I have been robbed!” — The Mindy Project

“Oh, Fred, can you believe how moist and drippy these cookies are?” — Suburgatory

“I heard you twice, the first time” — Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“If I come out, will you shoot me? Because then I won’t come out” — Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

“Mom, you were watching me make out? Ew, what are you, my Science teacher?” – Surviving Jack

“They’re the only thing worse than family…they’re other people’s family” — The Crazy Ones

“Why is this flask always empty? What do I have to do to get some melon liqueur in here?” — Josh Groban, The Crazy Ones

“Danny, why are your lips so scrumptious?”

“I don’t know, they just are…” — The Mindy Project

“So my girlfriend gave me this painting I don’t understand and said it explains everything”

“Ooh, I once broke up with a boyfriend with a sculpture”

“Did he understand it?”

“Well, I threw it at him, so I think he got the point.” — The Middle

“Who in the hell stuck a quarter in you?…Can you please stop talking??” — Surviving Jack

Snow White: “They are being turned into flying monkeys?”

Captain Hook: “They took on simian form with the added bonus of wings” — Once Upon a Time

“A ninja stole the murder weapon…oh yeah!” — Castle

“I don’t know what to say…”

“Nothing is a good option” — Cougar Town

“I guarantee to find you true love….but read your contracts because true love is not guaranteed” — Suburgatory

“How does my suit fit you better than me?

“Scissors” — Cougar Town

“We are going to Brady this situation right now” — The Middle

“I can’t go there because it doesn’t have wifi so I can’t check how many “likes” I am getting, and I don’t like not knowing how many “Likes” I’m getting.” — Suburgatory

“New York? How does she like it? Based on the t-shirts I’ve seen people really seem to love it” — Cougar Town

“Andy is either never around, which sucks, or he completely bails, which blows….so as a friend Andy either sucks or blows” — About a Boy

“Do you ever wonder who these people are? Where they are going? What their story is?”

“No”

“Good, me either.” — Cougar Town

“I just got back from Sundance…I saw ten Mark Ruffalo movies” — Two Broke Girls

“He’s got his father’s eyes and his father’s boyfriend’s love of dance” — The Crazy Ones

“That’s just a story you use to pick up chicks…like “I’m a Russian Prince” or “That was a good story” — Two Broke Girls

“I’ve been lonely in my room, a mirror will make me feel like I have a friend”

“Argh, your daughter is a Parakeet” — Modern Family

“This is the crappiest intervention anyone has thrown me…and I’ve had a few.” — Mom

“Alright…this is now officially…outstanding” — Castle

“The mascara is part of the mystique of Ice Dancing”

“They’re really bringing it…with the costumes…in this event”

“they were a bit off in synchronicity, and they were a bit slow in the transitions, but they were entertaining and that has to count for something” — Johnny Weir, Olympic commentary

“I think someone in the building died, because one day in the dumpster there were just clothes that fit me” – The New GIrl

“We learned a lot…I learned that if you’re really bad at doing something they will finally stop asking you to do it” — The Middle

“Can someone, who is not me, please go deal with that?” — The Mindy Project

“Nick, I never thought I’d say this, but, I need to be alone with Prince” — The New GIrl

“Embrace denial it will make you feel better…and when you turn 21 embrace beer” –The Middle

“How did she ever get you to do Yoga?”

“To be honest, I thought she said Yoda” — The Big Bang Theory

“It’s Science Academy…look no signs of athleticism or muscle definition”

“No marching in place, no IQ’s in double-digits”– The Agents of SHIELD

“I used to have an advice column in Poland. It was called “Don’t do that!” — Two Broke Girl

“As long as you’re a Pistons fan, the tap is off” — The New Girl

“I’m afraid your your mother is being even more of herself” — Suburgatory

Tuneful, delightful “Christmas Caroled!” at Encore (Review)

There is a lot to like about the new musical, Christmas Caroled at the Encore Musical Theatre Company, not the least of which is a superb ensemble cast that makes some really terrific music together.

A framing mechanism that finds a grumpy down-on-his-luck Abner Z Scruggs (get it?) falling asleep and dreaming about his work as a tv-variety entertainer in 1964, gives way to the majority of the 75 minute show, which takes place on that very same Christmas tv “special” – remember those? Songs are sung, jokes are told, and lessons are learned. While the book itself is a work-in-progress for writer/Director Dan Cooney and co-writer Dayle Ann Hunt, there is no doubt what the star of this show is — and that is the music and dance that comprise the tv special itself. Its great to see something new and original, and I’m looking forward to seeing the inevitable changes to the book down the road.

There are warm performances here from Pete Podalski and William Stutts Jr as the show’s co-hosts, and lovely vocal work by Jess Alexander and Mahalia Greenway. Sebastian Gerstner and Callen Snyder comprise the male “show” ensemble, while Bryana Hall, Erika Jost, Colleen Kartheiser, and Teola Lutsker are the female show ensemble. Mike Szymanski and Tim Brayman play smaller parts in the “studio”. Music director Chris Rayis (keyboard) does excellent work with the vocals arranged by R. MacKenzie Lewis of 27 seasonal holiday songs, supplemented by Billy Harrington (percussion), and Andrew Ewing (reeds).

There’s a lovely set that converts from rundown apartment to shiny TV studio set by Dan Walker, though the lighting seems murky and underlit in some sequences. Sharon Larkey Urick has designed nifty costumes for the studio cast, though the fit is not great on a couple of the men. Kristi Davis has created choreography that fits the period well, and is very clean in its lines and execution. Frosty makes an appearance! Overall, the imagery created by Cooney and Davis captures everything that you remember from those tv shows from the 60’s and 70’s. Jess Alexander looks eerily like Bing Crosby in one of the sequences, with his knit cap and scarf, though I am pretty sure that the goatee on Mr Stutts is not period-correct.

None-the-less none of that really matters here — what matters is that this is a fun and tuneful holiday musical that is sure to keep a smile on your face and even get you feeling a bit verklempt from time to time. And that’s not bad for a Christmas musical at all.

Christmas Caroled continues through December 21st at the Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter, MI Tickets at theencoretheatre.org, or 734-268-6200

Come “Home For the Holidays” – The Dio – review

Its Baaa-ck!……

Home for the Holidays, the original Christmas musical written by Steve DeBruyne and Matthew Tomich and featuring a solid cast of 13 returns for its third holiday season at the Dio, the second in its permanent home in Pinckney.

I’ve reviewed the show before, so you can check that out with a quick search here. This year’s incarnation has a few minor touchups, yet retains the loving goofiness of a theatre troup performing a holiday-eve show while it’s diva leading lady decides not to perform because her soldier husband can’t get home for Christmas (with strong singing performances by Thalia Schramm and Peter Crist); it’s leading male is grumpy and grouchy for reasons explained later in the proceedings (Steve DeBruyne, winning as always), and it’s supporting male lead has visible nerves and shakes (a terrific Jared Schneider). Draaaama unfolds, and magic takes place thanks to Santa, and well, that’s enough.

Forget the story — its the framing device for a delightful holiday-music filled show with singing, dancing, humor, and a Santa-approved ending. Even the hilarious “Christmas Star” would agree — right, Elizabeth Jaffe? Filled with songs ranging the gamut from The Polar Express’s “Believe” to more traditional fare (“I’ll be Home for Christmas”), the pop-rock-country flavor keeps everything moving along under the musical direction of Beth Wondolowski and her three-piece combo, which also includes Leer Sobie and Mary Elizabeth Dee.

The cast also includes Cara Manor, Jim Moll, Mary Jo Del Vero, Anne Bauman, Kristin Reeves, Sarah Brown, Ayla Eichenhofer, and at alternating performances Dominc Ignagni and Gavin Burwell. And for the price of admission, you also get a delicious hearty dinner, prepared by Chef Jarod. You can’t go wrong with an evening at the Dio during the holidays — but book early — this has become an annual holiday treat for families and companies alike during the season.

Directed by Steve DeBruyne, Choreographed by Michelle Marzejon, Lighting, Sound, and Set Design by Matthew Tomich, Costume Design by Norma Polk, Props by Eileen Obradovich.

Home for the Holidays continues through December 31st at the Dio – 177 E Main St, Pinckney, MI Tickets at diotheatre.com or 517-672-6009

Hilarious and Tuneful “Honeymoon in Vegas” (Broadway – Preview review)

A sublime Brynn O’Malley, an excellent Rob McClure, and a top-form Tony Danza play the lead roles in the Jason Robert Brown scored stage adaptation of Andrew Bergman’s “Honeymoon in Vegas”. In a show that is one of the most all-around entertaining musicals I’ve seen in ages the score is tuneful, the jokes hilarious, and the actors firing on all cylinders.

Point of disclosure right up front — this is a review of a preview performance of Honeymoon in Vegas, seen before it’s opening later this winter. In all honesty, the show feels near-ready to go, and I’m not sure how much the extended preview period will change much of it between now and then. It already feels frozen, there is already a cast album out, and the production runs like clockwork. Still, this was a preview.

It is rare that a screenplay makes for a great musical, but this is one of those shows. Numbers land perfectly, lines are funnier in context here, and Jason Robert Brown’s lyrics are hilarious. He has also created a bubbly score that is perfectly suited to the material. The entire production feels like a throwback to musicals of a bygone era — and what a welcome addition this is to the current Broadway scene.

The musical barrels along at lighting speed, aided by the multiple drop/projection/and lift scenery created by Anna Louizos. Gary Griffin’s direction is fluid and clean. Stage movement is purposeful and focused. And funny. Very funny.

Rob McClure is perfect in the part created by Nicholas Cage in the movie. He is able to play putz and hero – a bundle of nervous energy, he matches beautifully with Brynn O’Malley as his girlfriend. She has a delicious voice, and perfect comedic timing, and a body that is cut. You can easily see why the guys are fighting over her. Their ability to display an everyman human-ness makes for an even funnier stage device once the ultimate plotline comes into play — and they both individually and together play well against Tony Danza. He plays a mobster who sets up a fake poker game to contrive a loss so that he can ask for a weekend with O’Malley (who resembles his ex-wife) in order to erase McClure’s debts. Its the setup for a screwball comedy that comes to life at the Nederlander Theatre. Danza has a brat-pack type crooning voice, and its lovely here.

If you are not familiar with the movie, perhaps you are aware of its iconic signature scene — “the Flying Elvises” and they are here in full force as well. Creative stagecraft and a great musical rift assure that moment lives on stage as well as it did on screen. And I dare you to try to get the “jump-jump, jumpity-jump” out of your head afterwards.

Jason Roberts Brown has created one of the most tuneful scores in a long time, and his lyrics are clever, acerbic, and oh, yeah, funny. You’ll find creative rhyme schemes that incorporate such ditties as rhyming “Beyonce” with “fiancé”…and so many throw aways you can’t even begin to keep up (“I love opera…that’s not true”). The score is different from anything he has ever written — incorporating pop tunes, a bit of Elvis, and lots of light-hearted musical numbers. There are some pretty love-songs, and you will want to get the cast recording to listen to them over and over — this has already been released on CD and for digital download. This has been a stupendous year for JRB — opening with The Bridges of Madison County this past winter, and now Honeymoon in Vegas this fall.

The entire ensemble is terrific, including Nancy Opel, she who has cursed McClure on her deathbed to never get married. David Josefsberg is hilarious as a lounge singer (among other roles). Matthew Saldivar makes for a hunky henchman to Danza, and his pitch-perfect dry delivery of his throwaway lines makes them anything but. Expect award nominations this spring for O’Malley, McClure, Danza, and Saldivar.

You are in for a delightful night of musical comedy theater, with an emphasis on the comedy, and you should put Honeymoon in Vegas on your must-see list. You will laugh throughout. And while I normally do not disclose spoilers, I must give one away right now — my favorite moment was Danza singing about his wife (who died of skin cancer) in the cleverly written kind-of ballad, “Out of the Sun” — as in, his wish to have gotten her out of it. The number is simply brilliant — mixing pathos with the biggest laugh-out-loud moment I can recall in a musical since The Book of Mormon.