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Wow! My senses
are reeling. In a show stopping world premiere, this is the spectacular,
awe-inspiring, must see musical of the year so far. Although the running
time is too lengthy, they are working on that, I was mesmerized throughout.
There was so much fantasy and dreamy storyline to take in both visually and
vocally that I plan to go back and see it again.
Written with
magical, mystical, mythical genius by John Stothers who realized the rewards
of his 17-year effort on opening night, this is unlike any musical theatre
I've ever seen. The score is brilliant with great lyrics unfolding the tale.
Can't wait for the cast CD. One of LA's most innovative, creative,
sought-after and award winning directors Nick DeGruccio triumphantly guides
this huge cast in mind-altering and heart-stopping portrayals. Big job well
done. I swear from the lead actors to the minor characters every cast member
offered flawless vocals under the exciting musical direction of Jason
Nyberg.
A romantic
renaissance rock epic with eye-popping choreography and acrobatic aerial
feats, headed by Josie Walsh, think Cirque du Soleil meets rock
music. What a concept. A bit too tricky to summarize, so I'll borrow from
super publicist David Elzer's eloquent words, "In a mythical world, the key
to the fate of an entire city rests in the hands of two unlikely lovers.
Thrust into a world of dungeons, dreams and revolutions, this is a classic
struggle for freedom."
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Now about his
powerful and impressive cast. In the lead roles; Jessica Rush (ANNA) and Tom
Korbee (TINKER) passionately play out our devoted star-crossed lovers with
aching beauty. Their vocal ballad duos are magically moving and the songs
are stunningly touching. International stage star Robert Patteri is
hauntingly eerie as Hieronymus, the defiant and imprisoned lunatic. His
hypnotic and wonderful voice is somehow otherworldly. The always remarkable
Eric Anderson plays the fable's back-stabbing villain (Ten Bosch) with
devilish delicious defiance and an amazing voice. So many in this fine cast,
I can't comment on each one, but truly all were terrific; and the death
defying acrobatic performers were a thrill. Technically awesome vision by a
fine design team rounds out my kudos - Tom Buderwitz (clever and sweeping
set), Sharell Martin (impeccable period costumes), Steven Young (lighting)
and Drew Dalzell (sound). For a rewarding highly entertaining night of
theatre do not miss this adventure of the mind. Running through April 23rd
at the gorgeous Ricardo Montalban Theatre.
Review by
Pat Taylor
for The Tolucan Times
March 28, 2006
Link to the Tolucan Times
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