Porgy and Bess review at the Ordway

This past week brought another visit to the Ordway Theater in St.Paul for Blogger Night. This time around, I had, along with my theater buddy, Kim, the chance to see Gershwins' Porgy and Bess.

I knew very little about this going in, except for a jazz album I have with Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong of the same name.

Having this jazz idea in my head, I was very surprised with what I saw.

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess is set in Charleston’s fabled Catfish Row, where the beautiful Bess struggles to break free from her scandalous past, and the only one who can rescue her is the courageous Porgy. Threatened by her formidable former lover Crown, and the seductive enticements of the colorful troublemaker Sporting Life, Porgy and Bess’ relationship evolves into a deep romance that triumphs as one of theater’s most exhilarating love stories. (Ordway website)

It was a magnificently dramatic story and performance, one that I enjoyed at times and at others was a bit put off. I will say it again; singing almost every line truly loses the impact of the emotions the performer is trying to get across. Even though the voices of the actors were amazing, it became too operatic at times and too showy for me to appreciate. 

I did feel the love and conflict between Porgy and Bess. I also felt the oppression of the rest of the cast members and the lives they lived. Each and every actor on stage was impressive in singing and dancing. I just couldn't get over the theatrics. Music moves me and when it is sprinkled in a show, I feel it has more impact than having it be there the whole time. 

My guest's review: "None of the music is stuck in my head today, which is my measuring stick for a good musical. The choreography was great and the story line was good but a little slow moving. The cast was incredible but they didn't have enough to work with."

I think theater fans would enjoy it overall. My little hang up is probably just that; mine!

Show runs through March 30 at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul.

Happy Viewing and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

We were off to see the Wizard! The Wizard of Oz at the Ordway

I braved the subzero temperatures to go to the theater last night. Even bundled from head to toe, I was still freezing as I trekked through downtown St. Paul, narrowly missing being hit by a car, blinded by the dazzling lights in the park across from the theater. I was not the only one. The show was sold out and filled to the brim with little girls dressed as Dorothy. Adorable.

I was excited for this Andrew Lloyd Webber adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Admittedly I was not a fan of the classic movie starring Judy Garland. Quite frankly, it terrified me as a child. I hated those damn monkeys. Shudder.

Well, this stage version had plenty of fright! The twister scene was loud and turbulent filled with special effects that made you feel like you really were in a twister. Overall, the special effect additions really brought it to life; the Wizard on a big screen, the Wicked Witch and her monkeys flying around. It was stellar.

The actress who played Dorothy was amazing. She had just enough drama and emotion to make the impact but didn't over do it. She didn't try to be Judy Garland. I appreciated it. All of the side characters were delightful; funny in the all the right spots without being too showy. A few "adult" humored moments were sprinkled in but certainly nothing too inappropriate for the young audience.

Overall, my guest and I absolutely loved it! We thought it was one of the best theater productions we had seen in a long time. We shared plenty of laughter and a little shuddering when those damn monkeys came around! 

I highly recommend this for a holiday outing for the family. I wouldn't recommend it for too little of kids; perhaps 8 and up? The little girl who sat in front of us said confidently "I was not scared!" and she seemed roughly around 9.  That is just my two cents. Every kid is different. 

The show is running now through December 29. Go the the Ordway's website for more info. There you will also find information about the 2014 Flint Hills International Children's Festival.

Happy Viewing and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

New Season of Blogger Night at the Ordway: Miss Saigon

A tragedy of passion and beauty—based on Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly—Miss Saigon is set during the Vietnam War. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg (Les Misérables) created another absolute masterpiece in Miss Saigon. Like Les Mis, Miss Saigon presents an array of inspiring music and lyrics which appeal to all our senses and emotions.

Miss Saigon follows the love story between a young girl, Kim, and an American GI, Chris. Years after leaving Vietnam, Chris discovers his war bride Kim is still alive and is now raising his son. He returns to Saigon to find her, but with the Viet Cong closing in on the city and other ties at home binding him, Chris is forced to make some challenging decisions before leaving Vietnam again.

Purchase tickets here. Runs October 8-13

This show has been on my radar for years. Several of my friends and family members have seen it and have raved about it.

I took my theater buddy, Kim, with me again for the kick off to a new season of Blogger Nights at the Ordway. She is a teacher and has a degree in history so it was fascinating to get her take on the historical side of this show.

I know about Vietnam about as much as a learned in school. I know a bit from my dad who was in the army. That's about it. Overall, the show was intense. Big dramatic songs, lots of chaotic scenes, noisy helicopter sound affects, powerful video of children of war. That was captured well. 

I, however, did not feel the love story. It was sudden and intense from the first moment and I just could not get into them as a couple who longed to be together. I think the power of the story was also lost due to it being an opera. Every word was sung and with that, there was no ebb and flow of feelings. It was intense all the time! And that got to be tiring.

The "comic relief" numbers sung by the Engineer were okay but too long and didn't seem to fit with the story. I was not impressed with the actor who played Chris. His voice was a bit too forced and overly dramatic. As the show progressed he got better but the first number was too much.

I really liked the actress who played Kim. She had an amazing voice and had the delivery that conveyed the necessary roller coaster of emotions she was feeling. I appreciated it.

It was really worth seeing and I think the more theater I have the opportunity to see, the more I learn about the differences in how a story is really told.

I recommend Miss Saigon. Don't let some of my negative comments influence you. I was also blowing my nose a lot from a bad cold and coughing up a storm. It demands to be seen. The history was interesting. The idea of it all was worth creating. 

And the ending...well, the ending is a tear jerker. 

Happy Viewing and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Blogger Night at the Ordway: The Buddy Holly Story

It was finally a beautiful evening out this past Wednesday.  No rain. No cloudy skies. Perfect for a night at the theater. This time around it was all about Rock-n-Roll, Buddy Holly style. 

The Buddy Holly Story was a musical romp through the very short life of the pop singer; starting with his earlier days of doing country radio and breaking out with his rock-n-roll sound soon there after. It also included his struggles between him and his record labels, his urgency in doing the music he wanted to do and his whirlwind marriage to a record executive's niece.

The music was lively and I couldn't help but sing along. I am the youngest of five kids with parents that are now in their seventies. This was the music I grew up listening to. The "Day the Music Died" was well known in my household. I was the only kid in my neck of the woods who had a cassette tape of Richtie Valens. So listening to all this music was like going home.

My only issue with it was that there really wasn't a lot of substance to this show. His life, though tragic indeed from having ended so soon, wasn't an overly dramatic tale. I don't think  you need all that drama all the time to make a good story but it seemed that there were quite a few filler moments. The actors were overly hyped and overly expressive in most scenes and that got a little jarring but the musical performances were outstanding. Seriously lively, spot on and very fun to watch.

Overall, it was a fun show. I think for the nostalgic set, this would be a blast. But expect more of a concert rather than a in depth story of his life.

Playing now through June 16 at the Ordway. Click here for details.

Here is one of my favorite Buddy songs. That'll be the day

Happy Listening and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Theater Review: Sound of Music Sing-a-Long

Sound of Music Sing-long
Ordway Theater

I had the amazing fortune to be able to see this last night at the Ordway Theater in downtown St. Paul as part of another Blogger Night. I don't think I've had that much fun in a long, long time.

For those of you not familiar, this event is a showing of the movie Sound of Music in beautiful technicolor. You get a goodie bag of props to use at specific points during the film, subtitles to help you sing your little heart out and witness a pretty fun costume contest. The emcee was a blast as well!

I had not seen this movie in its entirety in years. My friend and +1 however, is an addict. We are talking Twilight level of fandom here, people (and she wasn't the only one). The shouting, the whooping when they kissed. The booing of the Baroness. Oh, how the audience got feisty for their faves.

It was a lot of fun. Unfortunately it was only for one day with two performances but it's something I definitely think all fans should participate. Really, to sing all those songs that most people know and love, it just brought on a whole other level of endearment. 

There are a host of wonderful events coming to the Ordway this summer. Next in line, starting May 28-June 2 is the Flint Hill International Children's Festival. Check out the Ordway website to learn more.

I leave you with one of my favorites from the film, Edelweiss.

Happy Listening and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Theater Review: Anything Goes at the Ordway

Ordway Theater, St.Paul

All aboard for Roundabout Theatre Company’s saucy and splendid production of Anything Goes, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this Cole Porter, first-class comedy are some of musical theater’s most memorable standards including “I Get a Kick out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.”

Doesn't everyone really love Cole Porter? I do, I guess, more than I thought after seeing this delightful romp last night at the Ordway Theater in downtown St.Paul. A losing Wild Hockey game dampen my spirits as I went back in time to the 1930s and a caught a ride on the S.S. American. The set design was bright and simple, the main focus being the deck of the ship. The music was, dare I say, "delovely!" And the dancing! The dancing! I had a hard time sitting in my seat. The lady in front of me was dancing from the waist up about 60% of the time. It was so much fun to be a part of.

You are not going to get an in depth story line here. It is simple cat and mouse game, peppered with quite a bit of miscommunication, comedic mishaps and disguises and a love triangle or square, perhaps? What you are going to get is amazing music and singing and dancing. Seriously, where are my tap shoes? By far, the star of the show is Reno Sweeney, played by Broadway actress, Rachel York. Her throaty voice and sex appeal were riveting to listen and watch. 

Anything Goes is playing now through May 12. Click on the link above to secure your tickets. It's not one you want to miss.

Happy Theater going and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Elf: The Musical at the Ordway

Last night, as part of Blogger Night at the Ordway, I saw the wonderful new musical, Elf. It was the perfect night to see it because we finally got some decent snow!

It was truly a wonderful, magical holiday outing. Downtown St.Paul was lit up. It was snowing and cold. Festive music was playing. The theater was, as always, gorgeous and full of cheer. Folks were dressed up in pretty dresses and suits.

This was a fabulous beginning to a night at the theater.

The musical itself was an absolute riot. So much fun! Most people are probably aware of the movie version with Will Farrell but this stands on its own. Not once was I making any comparison.  Buddy the Elf was played by an actor with so much pep and energy, my +1 made a comment wondering if he had any joints! We were amazed at his ability to move around stage!

(photo from Ordway website)

The music numbers fit perfectly with the story and even though some adult humor was sprinkled throughout, it really would be a lovely holiday outing for the family. The stage settings were colorful, moving from the North Pole, to Macy's Holiday Display, to the Empire State Building to Central Park.

(photo from Ordway website)

This is a relatively new musical but definitely worth making it a new holiday tradition for your family.

Elf: The Broadway Musical
Ordway Music Theater
Playing now through December 30.

Thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Band

For more than three decades, conguero Poncho Sanchez has stirred up a fiery stew of jazz, gritty soul music, and infectious melodies and rhythms from a variety of Latin American and South American sources. His influences include two of the primary architects of Latin jazz – conga drummer and composer Chano Pozo and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. (Ordway website. picture from Poncho Sanchez website)


Poncho Sanchez: Click to Listen

Over the summer, I started an opportunity with the Ordway Theater in St. Paul, MN. This wonderful opportunity is called Blogger Night at the Ordway. Like reviewing books, I now get to see shows and review them. I've had the opportunity to see Fela! and Chicago. I was unfortunately away on vacation when Billy Elliot was in town.

I'm a huge fan of all things theater so when this continued I became even more excited with it all. Thinking it would be mostly for theatrical shows, Broadway, etc. , I was incredibly excited when I was offered a different chance to pick from three acts, all part of the Mascaras y Milagros: Mexican Arts in Minnesota program.

World music is one of my family's largest collections, next to Jazz and Pop/Rock. I owe this to my husband who has been a fan of this music since he was a teenager. He has opened my eyes to Cuban, African, and Latin music. I now consider it a favorite genre of mine. We have many favorite artists, some known, others not. Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Band were not on our list of musicians we were familiar with. We were shocked considering his success in the music business over the past few decades.

We jumped at this opportunity and had a wonderful date night.

The music was vibrant and passionate. My husband, being a drummer as well, critiqued and analyzed every beat, every style of which Poncho played his congas. The band had a camaraderie and sync that you could tell not only was the professionalism there but the also the immense talent. 

The songs were lengthy but weren't repetitive. I watched each member carefully and was so intrigued. Unfortunately, my husband is not a dancer so the wide open space of dance floor in front of the stage was filled with everyone else. Dancers, old and young, professional and amateur, confidently strutted their stuff. This intrigued me even more; the moves, the passion. Oh , the salsa!  Let's just say I danced in my seat.

What a different experience this was to try to review. I found myself paying attention to so many different aspects of the show; the musicianship, the banter, the lighting, the dancing. It was a perfect night to spend with the one you love.

My only issue would be the amount of people playing with their phones during the beautiful performances. Luckily the staff at the Ordway was all over that.

Happy listening and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Review: Chicago, the Musical

CHICAGO

Once again, I had the pleasure of being a part of Blogger Night at the Ordway Theater in St.Paul. What this means is that, along with a guest, I was able to see the musical Chicago on opening night. Write a review? No prob! My pleasure. Are you kidding?
 I am a huge theater fan! 

This opportunity began in June when I saw the musical, Fela. I was ecstatic to learn that it would be a continued opportunity.

I have never seen Chicago live. The many times I've been to New York this is one show my friends didn't really want to see. Chalk it up to seeing the movie already...yada yada...I don't know why but it never happened. I, on the other hand, HAVE been interested in it.

Yes, I loved the movie version with Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones. You bet I have sung All that Jazz and Roxie Hart with fierce gusto in my car on the way to work. And, yep, I have slumped around in my slippers to Mr. Cellophane. Please, google these songs for the awesome music and begin your own dance party. 

This performance, though different from the movie, was electric and right on. John O' Hurley (from Seinfeld, Family Feud and Dancing with the Stars) was indeed the big star and got a round of applause when arriving on stage for the first time. He was certainly charming and wonderful as Billy. For me, however, it was the actress who played Roxie and the actor who played Amos that I liked the most.

Here's my quick recap of the story:

Setting: 1920s, Chicago. Roxie kills her lover Fred. Her husband Amos takes the fall until he  finds out she was fooling around. Roxie goes to jail, where women are stars for killing their men. She takes the spotlight away from Velma, another inmate, after hooking up with razzle dazzle lawyer, Billy.

Here's the blurb from the Ordway website:

The funniest songs, the hottest dancing, the sexiest cast and the greatest story on Broadway—no wonder Chicagohas been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.

Starring John O’Hurley, Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Come on, babe! Don’t you deserve a sure thing?

All in the all, the music was amazing, and the performers, most straight from the Broadway production, were beyond talented. I enjoyed every moment of it. 

The only bad thing? The next day I woke up with tonsilitis. Boo.

Thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Fela! on Broadway

Fela! 

For those of you who know me in real life and maybe even a few of you who have followed me long enough on this site, it is no surprise that I am a lover of all things theater.

Before I had a child, it was a regular yearly trip to New York with my best friend, Trever, to see the city and to see as many shows as possible. Some of my favorites have been Sweeney Todd, Grey Gardens and The Glass Menegarie.

I also grew up being a part of theater, having spent seven summers attending the Children's Theater Company at the college in my hometown.  I also participated in my small town's theater and even did my senior year highschool play. I played the accordion. I was awesome.

Since I've been an adult however, I have not participated myself but have tried to go to as many shows as I can afford.

Just recently I came across an opportunity to review the show Fela! at one of the theaters in the Twin Cities, the Ordway. I sent in my information and the very next day, was sent the information for two free tickets to the show. 

I was amazed and thrilled and a little too excited! 

Fela! was one of the shows I had on my list to see the last time I was in New York but I could not fit it in. I am so glad this opportunity came up because it was, quite, simply one of the best shows I have ever seen. Definitely in the Top 5.

Here is a little about Fela! if you are not familiar. (from the Fela! Wiki website)

Fela! is a musical with a book by Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis, based on music and lyrics by the late Nigerian singer Fela Kuti, with additional music by Aaron Johnson and Jordan Mclean and additional lyrics by Jim Lewis. It is based on events in the life of groundbreaking Nigerian composer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. It portrays Kuti in the days when he was the target of 1,000 government soldiers assigned to end his public performances at the legendary Lagos nightclub The Shrine.

The musical ran Off-Broadway for one month in 2008 and premiered on Broadway on November 23, 2009. The Off-Broadway production won the Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Musical, Outstanding Choreographer for Bill T. Jones, and Outstanding Costume Design for Marina Draghici. The Broadway production received eleven 2010 Tony Awardnominations and won Best Choreography, Best Costume Design of a Musical, and Best Sound Design of a Musical.^[1]

I went in knowing his music and his politics. My husband, who is a drummer, has been a fan for many years. We own many recordings of his music and have seen documentaries of his life. We even, just a few months ago, saw one of Fela's sons, Seun Kuti perform in town. Amazing. I was curious as to how Fela's life would translate to a Broadway musical stage.

I found it to be a perfect blend of his music, his politics, his vibrant personality and masterful musicianship. His music is loud, vibrant, full of passion and his stage performances come with many dancers and musicians. I sat in awe as the dancers gave such a passionate, athletic performance. Wow! How they can stand after a 2 show day, I don't know! The crowd even was instructed to get up and move. All inhibitions aside, I was impressed with the way the crowd responded to the actor who portrayed Fela. I could get a sense of how Fela, in real life, could easily draw in his many followers. We were swept up and didn't hesitate to shake our you-know-whats. It was so much fun!!

Theater, to me, gives me such an immediate sensation. I'm drawn in. Like reading, it's a way to lose yourself in a story but it's there, front and center, in your face. I love it. This show is a testament of how theater can transform you to a different place and open your eyes to a world not really know to many. 

I highly recommend this to any fans of theater but also of dance and vibrant music. Afro-beat has a pulse that can not be summed up too easily with words. It's an experience you have to see live. Fela's power as a human, a politician, a humanitarian and a musician comes out in this. I can see why there were a million people at his funeral.

Thanks again to the Ordway for this wonderful Blogger Night opportunity.

Site of interest:
Fela! on Broadway

Must watch video:
Fela!

Happy Viewing and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child