Twelve Angry Jurors: Midvale Arts Council

"...You've listened to a long and complex case, murder in the first degree. Premeditated murder is the most serious charge tried in our criminal courts. You've listened to the testimony, you've had the law read to you and interpreted as it applies in this case, it's now your duty to sit down and try to separate the facts from the fancy. One man is dead, another man's life is at stake, if there's a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused... then you must bring me a verdict of "Not Guilty". If, however, there's no reasonable doubt, then you must, in good conscience, find the accused "Guilty". However you decide, your verdict must be unanimous. In the event that you find the accused "Guilty", the bench will not entertain a recommendation for mercy. The death sentence is mandatory in this case. You're faced with a grave responsibility, thank you, gentlemen."

 And so the audience is introduced to what they will witness in the following hour plus a few minutes of deliberation amongst twelve jurors.  This show is adapted from Twelve Angry Men to accommodate the inclusion of both men and women.  I've seen both versions and it bothers me that angry men are seen as passionate, while angry women are more often seen as wenches.  Throughout this production, you see that in spite of the stubbornness and preconceived notions of the jurors, they are all somewhat open-minded to possibilities that life exists beyond their prejudices.  

To read the remainder of this review, go here. 

Photo Courtesy of www.midvalearts.com

The Marvelous Wonderettes: So Nice I Saw Them Twice

Remember how I wrote a very Pollyanna-esque report on The Marvelous Wonderettes?

I was a little apprehensive that perhaps what I wrote was too generous and glowing.  So I returned to the show.  Was it really everything I thought?  After all, I was distracted by more than a dozen of my friends in attendance, all of my friends involved in the show, documenting for a friend, the fact that it was preview night, and the company of my mother.

I am proud to say that the show was so wonderful I am blogging about it again.  Because it is that enjoyable and because the four-member cast only have so many friends and family - they deserve audiences larger than 30 people.  Go see the show!  Details here.

I have never cried watching a movie, so I'm definitely not that crying over-emotional type of girl.  Yet, Kristen Fox began to sing her solo of Secret Love and about thirty seconds in my arms welled with goose flesh and my eyes began to tear up.  To me, this may be the most tender moment of the show - the only moment where one of the characters looks entirely insecure and stands there baring her soul without any humor or choreography - just raw emotion.  I did not even notice this number the first time I saw the show, which is why I know was distracted.   I cannot imagine this song being sung more perfectly.  Ever.  By Anyone.  This song came from her soul and from the depths of perfection vocally.  Wow.  Then she knocked my socks off with the ending of You Don't Own Me in a way that was definitely not executed in my first viewing.

What about the rest of the girls?  They have found their balance in the group numbers and in their belting solos that was not there my first time.  I have never really experienced seeing a show once and then seeing it again only a week later and having it be exponentially improved...but it was.  Wow.  The little moments were more noticeable in the mannerisms of each character - Cindy Lou's facial expressions of jealousy and brattiness, Betty Jean's awkwardness in every movement, Missy's shyness, Suzy's all-American sweetheartness and gum-chewing.

A special surprise for me was when I was innocently sitting in the back near producer Stephanie Johnson, and she motions for me frantically.   The next thing I know she points to the script, saying, "This is your line!" as a microphone enters my grasp.  Thank heavens it was the easy closing line, "Ladies and Gentlemen!  The Marvelous Wonderettes!"

For a Marvelous time tonight and Saturday, call on the Wonderettes.

The Marvelous Wonderettes - Midvale Arts Council

Anyone who has been exposed to me for any period of time knows of my absurd love of music from the 1950s and 1960s.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, currently showing at Midvale City Park's amphitheater, has no shortage of these gems from days gone by: 

ACT I	ACT II
Mr. Sandman	Heatwave
Lollipop	Mr. Sandman Reprise
Sugartime	It's In His Kiss
Allegheny Moon	Wedding Bell Blues
All I Have To Do Is Dream	You Don't Own Me
Dream Lover	With This Ring
Stupid Cupid	I Only Want To Be With You
Lipstick On Your Collar	That's When The Tears Start
Lucky Lips	It's My Party
Secret Love	Son Of A Preacher Man
Mr. Lee	Leader Of The Pack
Born Too Late	Maybe
Teachers Pet	Maybe I Know
Sincerely	Needle In A Haystack
Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight	Rescue Me
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me	RESPECT
	Thank You and Goodnight/Sincerely

Now that you know the soundtrack, you are probably wondering, "Who are the Marvelous Wonderettes?"  I suppose the more appropriate question would be "What is..." considering this is a musical of the most nostalgic proportions.

To give a little history, once upon a time, there was  a small, blackbox theater and a playwright (Roger Bean).  He wanted to write a musical about girl song leaders singing 50s and 60s songs, but in order to accommodate the actresses and the quaint size of the theater, he needed to fashion the show in such a way that the performers could remain on-stage throughout the entire show.   And so The Marvelous Wonderettes was born.  

Straight from Midvale Arts' website:  The Wonderettes is an epic journey down memory lane to Senior Prom 1958 at Springfield High School. At prom we meet the Wonderettes - Betty Jean (Paige Moore), Cindy Lou (Melody Chapman), Missy (Kristen Fox) and Suzy (Megan Smyth), four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts with voices to match. You can vote for the Prom Queen and learn about the lives and loves of these four energetic performers. We are treated to the girls performing beautifully arranged renditions of classic 50s songs. After intermission, we see how their friendships have changed and endured as we follow the girls to their ten-year high school reunion. The Wonderettes perform high-octane and soulful renditions of classic ‘60s tunes. Don’t buy a ticket – Buy two! It’s a show you’ll want to see twice!

The thing is, they aren't joking about buying two tickets - you really will want to see it twice, at least I do.  I'm currently trying to finagle my schedule to get back.

You see, typically I write reviews of shows in as unbiased of a manner as possible - extracting myself from my friendships and trying to point out the positives of a show more than the negatives as long as those negatives didn't remove me from the feel of the show.  But this show?  In addition to the oldies tunes, also in no shortage is my love for these performers and the pro team behind the musical, as I know them all.  These ladies have touched and changed my life both personally and professionally.  I am their biggest fan and their harshest critic.  After all, when you love someone you know everything they are capable of and you are starkly aware of where they believe their flaws are.

Disclaimer given.  My honest opinion?  I loved the show.

I talked through the performances with several friends after attending preview night and we all agreed that the only real downfall, and I feel like I say this a lot, was not the fault of any performer or director.  The plot is a bit frantic for the first act - showing the vibrancy, youth, and pettiness of teenage girls and young love.  As we move into the second act, the plot slows down and it feels like we are being told, "High school is the pinnacle of all things amazing, your life will only get strange from here and it will be all the fault of men."  Even then, the characters are written with room to actually develop instead of being flat like most jukebox musicals.        

The Marvelous Wonderettes is not a show with big production value or a life-changing plot, but you won't care one bit about that as you sit back and enjoy every minute.  It's one of those shows I don't really care to critique or dissect because that might ruin the charm for me - the charm of this throwback to a more innocent time.  Were all the harmonies perfect?  Nope.  Were there squeaks?  Sure.  Do you care?  Not at all, the good far outweighs any flaw.  I've seen these gals perform before and I have never heard them sing like this.  In fact, the friends I was sitting with could not tell, for the most part, which girl was singing which harmonic part - a true sign of musicality.

And lets talk about how much you will laugh.  I am not an out-loud laugher to the extent that I could be heard on stage from the audience.  And you know what?  One of my friends wrote me, "I loved hearing your laugh."  Yes, I laughed that hard.  My hatred of audience participation?  Blown to smithereens at this performance.  The Mr. Lee number where they make an audience member a character and pull him on stage is supreme...and I don't want to spoil that for you so I will leave it at that.

The costumes made me jealous - so bright, colorful, vintage-looking, and fun!  In the second act they change to 1960s costumes and it just gets better from there.

I want so badly to write so much more and give away every fun little morsel about this show, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone.  This may sound strange, and perhaps like a dig, but I truly mean this as a compliment - if you know any folks age 55 or older, you need to take them to this show.  Need a night out with the grandparents?  Perfect.  They will be all smiles.

You can still catch the show at 455 West 7500 South July 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21st - that's tonight through Saturday.  Take blankets, chairs, and picnics if you so desire.  Tickets are $7 general admission, discounts for children, seniors, and family passes.  You can also purchase tickets online here.

They begin the show singing, "Mister Sandman, bring me a dream..."  And that dream is you in the audience.  Go.  Now.  They only want to be with you.

Blithe Spirit: The Empress Theatre

My friends have come to observe that if I do not generally enjoy a show, I won't generally write about said show.  The thing is, sometimes I become a little overwhelmed with professional and personal things and my brain simply does not have enough juice to compile my thoughts in a coherent fashion.  The longer I wait, the more I realize - the brain juice may not begin to flow again for quite some time, so I might as well just write. (and you better believe the first time I typed "write," it came out "wrtei"..spell check had no idea what to do with that) 

I apologize in advance if my thoughts seem incoherent.

Blithe Spirit is a British comedy of sorts regarding the playboy Charles Condomine (Stephen Bradford), his current wife Ruth (Kristen Fox), and his deceased wife Elvira (Michealla Greeff).  There is a seyonce where Madame Arcati (Nancy Jensen) brings back the spirit of Elvira, whom only Charles can see and hear.

The script is wordy and very British.  I don't think I've learned to appreciate that kind of humor as much as others.  I'm the queen of taking thirty words to say something that could be said in five, but it looks like author Noel Coward is King.

As far as the performances go, Kristen, Stephen, and Nancy nailed it.

Nancy played the crazy medium no-holds-barred.  She has this adorability factor that wins over every audience I've seen her work. Every character I have seen her play has been entirely different from the last and she loses herself completely - becoming a new person.  I only hope I can have half her talent some day.

Kristen channeled the intricacies of a woman in love with a man she has been fooled into thinking loves her as anything more than a caretaker.  In the first act, her Ruth and Charles had this fantastic flirtatious banter that proved to me that an on-stage relationship can be greatly impacted by the off-stage interactions of the actors.  I can't mention the first act without mentioning how drop-dead gorgeous Kristen looked in her first costume.  Yowzas.  These two are comfortable friends and you can tell.  You can also appreciate Kristen's rage as she lets Stephen have it for being a conniver and a womanizer.

Stephen.  I found his Charles truly likeable for the first half hour or so and then he turned into a slime-ball.  His character didn't necessarily think he was being a jerk, simply acting in his own self-interests - he couldn't see outside of his own little world to realize the impact of his decisions on these women who loved him.  Or did they?  Because of his blatent change in no longer covering for his true feelings, we see the women in his life peel back a few layers themselves and you begin to realize that everyone was involved out of convenience.  Or were they?  Part of Ruth seems to truly love Charles, but truly hate him all at the same time.  Perhaps she caught on to his deplorable acts, but kept pretending to live in the world she so much desired.

I knew all but two of the cast members of this production, which lead to a particularly entertaining evening for me.  I love watching what parts of themselves my friends put into their characters and what parts they totally abandon.  Will they abandon everything and I see a stranger on stage?  Will they pull from all of their own experiences to make them and their character seem one and the same?

Stephen, Nancy, Kristen, Bryan, and Michealla - thanks for a great evening at the theater!  The show has now closed, but I've got these amusing memories* forever.  

*Stephen and Kristen preparing alcoholic beverages...ha.
*Kristen smacking Stephen in the face so hard that he had to run off stage and ice up

Today I Love Damn Yankees

There is no way I can go through this month without giving love to my Damn Yankees crew.
I had quite the experience performing in this show for a good six weeks and I didn't realize at the time the lasting friendships I was building with these people.

Kristen
I've written about Kristen before, and if you couldn't tell, one of the big reasons I love her is because of her spunk.   We have shared the stage not once, not twice, but thrice.  Whenever I have needed a wallop of common sense or an elevator for self-esteem, Kristen has been there for me.  Break-downs about ill-fitted costumes?  She's got my back.  Jumping up and down with squeals of excitement over a job well-done or a show well-closed?  You better believe she's bringin' me in for a hug and off we go to the Village Inn for midnight food:-)  More important than that is that this girl is fiercely loyal and through her sometimes seemingly tough-as-nails persona, she will do anything for those she loves and will always pay attention to the details of your life.  In fact, I was quite blue the other week and, simply through electronic communication, she knew something was up and, in spite of all of her shows and moving and pet dilemmas, she lovingly offered up her hand to help anytime anywhere.
I love you, Kristen!

After a performance of All Shook Up

During rehearsals for Damn Yankees

Girls' night at the Melting Pot - see Amy and Keri there too!  (and Tiff and Megs)  I need me some more of this...

Dennis
Gosh, where do I even start?  I love this man.  You may recall reading about our adventures in Salsa classes.  Well, the fun never stops.  Dennis was so quiet and reserved when I first met him, but one night we ended rehearsal early and he and I stood in the hallway chatting about his most life-changing event for over an hour.  Those conversations never stopped.  Dennis is pretty much inside my head and can tell me what I'm thinking or going to do before I even know.  I can always count on him to be my "date" for a show, cheer me up when I'm feeling down, or make me through-the-roof happy when I'm already buzzed.  If ever there were a tender-hearted man, this is him.  If ever there were a man to completely appreciate me just as I am, this is him.  Sometimes I think he feels my pains and joys as deeply as I do.  I can also always count on seeing his smiling face in support of whatever it is I'm doing, be it a show or a party or pancakes or a love for Jurassic Park:-) 

Dennis, I love you!

Fake ignoring me as my fake husband watching baseball

Keri's Halloween Party

Keri
I don't think I've ever told Keri this, but she reminds me quite a bit of my older sister in all of her passions and desires and protectiveness over me...and sass.   What do I admire about Keri?  Almost everything!  She is an amazing mother of two who finds time to balance her family and profession and friends and even moonlights as a singer in an 80s cover band.  Radical!  She shares my passion for Bon Jovi, traveling, performing, food, exercise, and really juicy stories:-)  She is one of those people that can't do anything half-way, she is always giving 190%.   I love how she is always up for any adventure she can squeeze in and will sacrifice her personal life entirely to be there for those she loves.  She is so on top of her game, that I remember initially being rather intimidated by her stunning presence, intelligence, dedication, and talent.  I'm immensely grateful I didn't let that get in the way of getting to know her more because dang I would be missing out.  In fact, as I was going through photos trying to find some of me with each of my Damn Yankees I came across dozens more of Keri than of anyone else from this crew.
Keri, I am so glad you are part of my life - I love you!

New York City Subway

Bon Jovi Concert

One of Keri's gigs for her 80s cover band

Keri's Halloween party in her amazing home (Amy too)

Central Park where I made her walk 16 miles whilst 7 months pregnant...oops

Amy
When I think of Amy, I can immediately hear her laugh, see her dimples and smile, and think of sunshine.  She may just be the happiest person I know.  In fact, I've wondered what kind of chemical assistance she has because there is no way on earth someone can be so full of energy naturally:-)  I mean, c'mon, what mother of five do you know who can perform in musicals, attend all the social activities of her friends, rock it out with an 80s band (same as Keri), take care of her family, and still have enough energy left to be bouncing off the walls?  She inspires me to not give in to the exhaustion's of life, to keep moving, and to see the joy in every little thing.  And let's talk about her rockin' bod - five kids?  Seriously?  Not fair.  She's also always up for a juicy conversation;-)
I love you, Amy!

Keri's Gig at a bar in Magna

The Melting Pot for a girls' night out with Keri too

Must have been a tech rehearsal for Damn Yankees cause we both look a little...out of it...

Justina
Ah, my little breath of fresh air youngin'.  She is so full of youth and so ready to just jump at life, snatching up any opportunity she can and trying to create opportunities where none have been presented.  She's such an innocent, classy young lady.  What strikes me most of Justina is her growth.  I don't think she's ever satisfied to accept "that's just the way things are."  She has worked her butt off since I first met her a year and a half ago and I am so proud watching her really try to make something for herself. 
Justina, much lovies to you!

We randomly ended up being at the same improv show together

Keri's birthday dinner (notice Amy and Dennis as well)

Jeremy
Ah, sweet Jeremy.  He, too, is full of youth and vigor.  What a ride it has been watching him grow and try to learn his place in life as he discovers new things each day.  I make it a point to see all of his shows to support him and I'm pleasantly surprised how he steps-up the level of his performance with each new character.  The thing I take from Jeremy is unconditional love.  He does not see age, gender, social status, color...nothing.  He sees the person standing in front of him.  Although you better be just as dedicated and hard-working, otherwise he forms some pretty strong opinions:-)  He's never one to shy away from letting you know just how much you mean to him, even if he hasn't seen you in months.
Jeremy, I love you!   

Another fake husband I am fake mad at whilst he fake watches baseball

I believe I am insulting his manhood right about here...

Stephen
Stephen.
If you know him, you know that about sums it up!  There is not a creature in the world like unto Stephen, the ice cream-eating, poem/book-writing, comic book-loving, art-drawing, theater/improv-performing, healthcare-working, opinionated, loud guy that he is.  When I first met him, he was an egg I could not crack, which is a bit frustrating for me because I swear I've got "everyone needs to like me" syndrome.  One day, he chipped away his shell a little bit, did this, and the electronic harassment that ensued became the beginning of a beautiful friendship.  In fact, if I am ever feeling a little too inflated about myself, I can even count of Stephen for a good break-up conversation!  All kidding aside, this man is a good man.  He stretches himself if for no other reason than he sees that if he stretches to become more, he will better be able to be a man his friends and family can depend on.  And I do.  They do.  This past year, I've seen the results of his actions and how much more he has come to rely on himself as well - funny how when you serve others you ultimately end up serving yourself.  Our conversations range from philosophically enlightening to embarrassingly juvenile...all in one breath.  You'd be surprised if you found out how many of my blog posts or his were inspired by some conversation we'd shared. 
Stephen, I love you man!

Must have been early on in a tech rehearsal - mic's and coherent faces and tongues?  Ew.

Stephen's bestie Darian and me at my A Christmas Story Party in '10

Stephen came over and was trying to help me make oreos.  Instead he exploded my mixer. Smoke and everything.  Hilarious.

Leatherby's this past Saturday night.  There is something strangely attractive and simultaneously repulsive about a man who can consume so much ice cream in one sitting.  For the record, I made him do it.  Next on my agenda is making him get a hair cut...

The Spitfire Grill: Empress Theatre

Time for another Empress show!  Seems like I always end up at the Empress, doesn't it?  I have to tell you, I love the tight-knit community feel of the place.  Every time I go, I am surprisingly greeted by name and escorted to my seat - after only having done one show there two years ago.  Oh that all theaters gave such VIP treatment.  I also always end up having friends in their productions and you all know how I mostly go see shows to support my amazingly talented comrades.

Enter Kristen Fox.  She's the most spitfire character at The Spitfire Grill.

But back it up.  You are probably wondering what this show is even about, right?  I consider myself a Broadway aficionado and had never seen this one.  Basically, an ex-con starts life anew in the town of Gillead, which is so small there is only one place to eat - The Spitfire Grill.  Eventually, the townsfolk decide to sell off the Grill to the winner of an essay contest with an entrance fee of $100. Not the most exciting plot or the most exciting music, but such a sweet, backwoods, folksy feel.

Back to Kristen.  And all the other actors and actresses.  Of course, I love Kristen's character, Effy, because of the sassy, town-gossip, outspoken zaniness of her.  My favorite scene was probably when she demanded to know some information, the other characters teased her, and she let out this high-pitched squeal/scream before stomping her foot and dramatically exiting the stage.  Love.

And can I tell you how much I adored the live accompaniment?  Especially the fiddle?  Hats off, Eric Barney.  Wow.  The entire show, he just kept playing and playing.  Dare I say it, but I think that fiddle sets the atmosphere for the entire show over and over again. 

You know what else I loved?  Every. Single. Person.  There was not a weak link among them. Not a missed note.  Not a squeak.  Harmonies bound so tightly even Chuck Norris would be jealous.  If there is anything you don't like about the show, it will not be the fault of these performers, trust me, but rather the fault of the actual, somewhat-slow script or the repetitive composition. I cannot say enough about the musical skills of these performers - they deserve to be seen.

Lest I forget someone, your talented cast is:
Percy Talbott: Brittany Boynton
Hannah Ferguson: Mia Detton
Shelby Thorpe: Lindsay Boucher
Caleb Thorpe: Shawn Maxfield
Sheriff Joe Sutter: Jacob Clark
Effy Krayneck: Kristen Fox
The Visitor: Mason Heywood

I cannot write this without giving huge accolades to Shawn Maxfield for blowing the roof off the place in a show-stopping ballad.  I've seen him perform several times.  Heck, I performed with him for over six weeks.  And this performance is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of which I have seen him.  W.O.W.  One more mention - Brittany Boynton's change-of-heart ballad towards the show's end will also widen your eyes and have you thinking, "Daaaang.  Girl can sing."

You can catch the show at The Empress Theatre on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays now through February 11.  The weather outside is frightful, but The Spitfire Grill's delightful - so as long as the winter snows, see a show, see a show, see a show (like this one)!

Buy tickets here.