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REVIEW:  Umbrella Stage Company unveils riveting musical, ‘The Color Purple’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

How does one find faith when everything falls apart?

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple is a powerful and thought provoking historical drama that examines life’s true meaning, redemption, transformation, and the search for faith and love when all seems lost.

With stirring direction by BW Gonzalez, Nathanael Wilkerson’s lively music direction, and instinctively choreographed by Najee A. Brown, Umbrella Stage Company continues the Tony award-winning musical, The Color Purple by Marsha Norman through Sunday, June 4 live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA.  The show has two acts with one intermission and contains some mature themes.  Some package shows also offer walking tours.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Shy’Kira Allen as Celie and cast Photo by Jim Sabitus

Umbrella Stage Company could not have chosen a better time to bring this particular musical to the stage this year.  The Color Purple celebrated the 40th anniversary of the acclaimed novel last year and the 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg featured an all star cast including Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey.  It garnered several Oscar nominations including Best Picture. This December, a musical film adaptation of The Color Purple will premiere featuring a multitalented cast including Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, and H.E.R.

Having never read the book or seen the film, The Color Purple was an eye opening experience.  It holds turmoil, peril, and cruelty, but it is also an extraordinary tale of miracles, transformation, humor, and unyielding hope exclaimed by a mesmerizing cast of powerful voices each with their own challenges to overcome.  Walker’s dynamic characters possess a wealth of depth and complexity that deliver some astonishing twists and turns.  The Color Purple features a powerful and Grammy award-winning score that infuses gospel, ragtime, jazz, and blues. The uplifting Our Prayer is gripping right from the start and the tapestry of moving numbers that follow makes the musical all the more enthralling.

‘Our Prayer’ from The Color Purple Photo by Jim Sabitus

SeifAllah Salotto-Crisobal’s impactful lighting design meticulously sets the tone in creative and multicolored pastels transforming Janie E. Howland’s modest wooden set equipped with whips and a silver barrel.  Covering a 40 year range, costume designer Danielle Dominigue Sumi navigates various eras with finesse including culturally appropriate attire from muted to kaleidoscopic colors.

Shy’Kira Allen as Celie and Kayla Leacock as Nettie Photo by Jim Sabitus

In 1909 rural Georgia, Celie at 14 is about to give birth.  She finds solace in her buoyant and discerning sister Nettie in a beautiful depiction by Kayla Leacock.  Their genuine camaraderie is sheer joy to witness as Celie navigates her own unmerited suffering.  Nettie is one of many spiritually strong and often challenged women surrounding inquisitive, naïve, obedient, and shy Celie depicted remarkably by Shy’kira Allen, that teach her about resilience and fortitude.  Kai Clifton is a powerful force as daring Sofia with a trailblazing attitude and demeanor rare of a woman in the early 1900’s as demonstrated in a sage and commanding rendition of Hell No!  Crystin Gilmore holds her own power as captivating and liberated performer Shug Avery who breezes into Georgia on a whim bringing excitement, scandal, and humor to the town as demonstrated in an alluring rendition of Push the Button.  However, Gilmore truly shines in quieter moments with her tender rendition of Too Beautiful for Words as well as the show’s heartfelt title track.

Crystin Gilmore as Shug Avery and cast Photo by Jim Sabitus

Shy’Kira Allen rises to the challenge as complicated Celie and though Allen has many memorable scenes with the cast, her most powerful scenes are the ones she must stand on her own such as in Lily of the Field, Dear God, and a brilliant rendition of I’m Here.  Brian Demar Jones is impressive and deceptively charismatic as short sighted and egocentric Mister while Jordan Aaron Hall is likable as compassionate yet impressionable Harpo.  Rural Georgia is an area not without its gossip and keeping the mood light in the midst of the show’s most difficult moments are the humorous and ever knowing Church Ladies, their clever vocal styling slick for Shug Avery Coming to Town and Uh Oh.

Kai Clifton as Sofia and cast Photo by Jim Sabitus

Umbrella Stage Company delivers Alice Walker’s message with such collective fervor, make time to witness this Color Purple. 

Umbrella Stage Company continues the Tony award-winning musical, The Color Purple though Sunday, June 4 live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA.  The show has two acts with one intermission and contains some mature themes.  Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW:  Rejoice in Lyric Stage Company’s ‘Sister Act’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Let the choirs sing!  This Sister Act is one heavenly show stopper.

A lot of films have been cut, shaped and squeezed into the genre of musical, but Sister Act, based on the hit 1992 comedy film starring Whoopi Goldberg, has always been a natural fit.  Featuring a variety of songs re-imagined by a group of amateur nuns, Sister Act is a thriller, musical, and comedy rolled up into one exciting and uproarious package.  

Directed warmly by Leigh Barrett and judiciously choreographed by Dan Sullivan, Lyric Stage Company presents Sister Act live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through May 14.  This show is two and a half hours with one 15 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

The Cast of ‘Sister Act’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

What makes Sister Act an ideal fit for a musical is not only does the musical deliver all the hijinks, danger, and the inherent message of the film, but it also expands on its characters through some welcome additional songs.  The music, by Alan Menken, is well suited with the terrain of this already entertaining tale and numbers like It’s Good to Be a Nun, Lady in the Long Black Dress, and I Could Be that Guy particularly enhance the hilarity of each of its extraordinary characters.  The original film inspired Sister Act 2:  Back in the Habit before becoming a musical and there is even talk of a possible Sister Act 3 coming soon to Disney Plus.

Set in 1978 Philadelphia, Deloris Van Cartier, a sparkling depiction by Yewande Odetoyinbo, thinks it is only a matter of time until she is a star.  However, after she witnesses a murder, the police decide the convent is the only place she will be safe.  With blunt and practical Mother Superior at the helm, Deloris has a long road ahead of her.

Cast of Sister Act Photo by Mark S. Howard

Sister Act does a wonderful job rewinding the clock to that era with choreographer Dan Sullivan and Music Director David F. Coleman’s seamless infusion of classic 60s and 70s inspired dance moves to funky, smooth, and uplifting rhythms.   Sparkling body suits, tiger prints, velvet pants, and knee high purple boots are just some of the era trends captured by Kelly Baker.  Jenna McFarland Lord creatively handled Sister Act’s somewhat tricky staging making the most of the space with a versatile two floor set including glimmering disco ball and stained glass columns, though at times the blocking seemed a bit tight. 

This dynamite cast matches and even excels over the original cast.  It is difficult not to compare if one has seen the original film, but not only does Yewande Odetoyimbo’s bright smile resemble Goldberg’s, but the fun-loving and vibrant Fabulous Baby, Raise Your Voice, and Take Me to Heaven depict Deloris’s surefire attitude and superior vocals in this fish out of water story.  The stunning surprise and angst Deloris endures over the course of the musical is a highlight of the show as Cheryl McMahon as Mother Superior looks on.

Cheryl McMahon and Yewande Odetoyinbo in ‘Sister Act.’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

Stepping into actress Maggie Smith’s role as Mother Superior is Cheryl McMahon.  Smith portrayed Mrs. McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series which is one character among many of her stern and practical roles.  Filling Smith’s shoes is no small feat, but McMahon’s comic wit has been proven in various past roles such as in Admissions, Miss Holmes Returns, Steel Magnolias and Grease, and is fabulous herself as wise and unyielding Mother Superior.

McMahon’s Here Within These Walls is a solemn call for tradition, discipline and sensibility which proves Mother Superior will not be easily swayed, but her stellar comic timing is best in I Haven’t Got a Prayer.  Her dour expressions to Yewande’s carefree and aberrant nature are some of the show’s funniest moments.

Kathy St. George and the cast of ‘Sister Act’ Photo by Mark S. Howard

Led by Joelle Lurie as impressive Sister Mary Patrick who oozes the excitement of gleeful Kathy Najimy, the nuns showcase their immediate solidarity and camaraderie with the welcome and borderline sarcastic (even for nuns) It’s Good to Be a Nun.  It’s a hilarious number that brings to light the dynamic and spirited group including Kathy St. George as scene stealing and sarcastic Sister Mary Lazarus and Kira Troilo as young and introverted Sister Mary Robert.  Troilo particularly shines in the soaring and reflective number, The Life I Never Led.  The group’s collective and sweet chemistry is the heart of the show and they bring it in spades.

Kara Troilo and Carolyn Saxon, Amie Lytle, Kathy St. George, Yewande Odetoyinbo, Beth Gotha, Meghan Rose, Kara Chu Nelson, and Joelle Lurie Photo by Mark S. Howard

 Davron S. Monroe is amazing as Eddie, delivering a suave, charming and incredible rendition including a mix of 70s inspired choreography and a few surprises for I Could Be That Guy. 

Meghan Rose, Carolyn Saxon, Davron S. Monroe and Todd Yard. Photo by Mark S. Howard

Balancing both solemnity and heartwarming charm is Todd Yard as Monsignor O’Hara.  He and the nuns let loose for Sunday Morning Fever.  Yard has handled some serious roles in the past, and it is great to see his wonderful talents as a heartwarming figure.

Beth Gotha, Kathy St. George, Amie Lytle, Meghan Rose, Todd Yard, Kara Chu Nelson, Yewande Odetoyinbo, Carolyn Saxon, Kira Troilo, Joelle Lurie, and Cheryl McMahon Photo by Mark S. Howard

Damon Singletary slays as commanding and menacing Curtis as he stealthily moves across the stage.  With wild hair and mischievous smirk, Jackson Jirard has proven his charm and sleek dance moves in shows like Aint Misbehavin is also a bit of a scene stealer as TJ among the bumbling mobsters which include Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia as Pablo and James Turner as Joey.  Mancinas-Garcia, Turner, and Jirard show off their spot on comic timing, game, and vocals for Lady in the Long Black Dress with each member having their chance in the spotlight.    

Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia,Jackson Jirard, Damon Singletary, and James Turner Photo by Mark S. Howard

Lyric Stage Company presents Sister Act live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through May 14.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company delivers a heartfelt ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Arthur and Dottie had big dreams beyond what 1939 could dream up.  Then Hattie McDaniel arrived.

During Hollywood’s Golden Age, 1939 was deemed one of the greatest years in motion picture history.  Gone with Wind was among a long list of acclaimed classic films that premiered that year including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights, Gunga Din, Ninotchka, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, and Dark Victory.  However, Gone with the Wind also marked an indelible moment in history.  At the 1940 Academy Awards, Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Samantha Jane Williams and Stewart Evan Smith in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Directed warmly by Taavon Gamble, Greater Boston Stage Company delivers a perfectly timed, heartfelt tribute to one of the greats with the east coast premiere of Boulevard of Bold Dreams by LaDarrion Williams live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts and streaming through Sunday, March 19.  The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

This year’s 95th annual Academy Awards marked a revolutionary year as Everything Everywhere All at Once not only dominated the night winning Best Picture, Best Direction, and Best Screenplay but also delivered a historic win for Michelle Yeoh as the first Asian actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role.  One of the actresses that presented Yeoh’s Oscar was none other than Halle Berry who was the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role.  When Berry won in 2002 she declared, “This moment is so much bigger than me.”

Michelle Fenelon, Stewart Evan Smith and Samantha Jane Williams in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Hattie McDaniel’s groundbreaking Oscar win as Mammy in Gone with the Wind garnered acclaim and ongoing recognition for the barriers she broke as well as controversy while she paved the way for Halle and many other actresses including Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Diahann Carroll, Jennifer Hudson, Regina King, Octavia Spencer, Lupita Nyong’o, and Ariana DeBose.  Those actresses were able to write their own acceptance speeches, sit with their cast, and although some aspects of Boulevard of Bold Dreams is fictionalized, the show delivers some eye-opening facts about McDaniel within segregated Hollywood.  Facing a tough road, McDaniel had had the foresight and tenacity to make sure her name was on that Oscar ballot.

Michelle Fenelon and Stewart Evan Smith in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Boulevard of Bold Dreams also boasts a memorable and tenacious cast.  Bartender Arthur Brooks, an imaginative and aspiring director in a standout performance by Stewart Evan Smith, has big dreams well beyond his current occupation.  Smith’s candor, charisma, and enthusiasm brighten each scene and his unflappable vision for his future makes it easy to root for his success in the face of any obstacle.  Maid Dottie Hudson, a cynical, yet aspiring singer portrayed with wit and humor by Michelle Fenelon, has her feet planted closer to the ground.  Smith and Fenelon strike a delicate balance of resourcefulness, wishful thinking and persistence when they arrived in Hollywood with little money and big ambitions.  However, things are more complicated than they appear.   In a distinctive and glittery blue gown, Samantha Jane Williams gracefully captures Hattie McDaniel’s humble and frank demeanor with an underlying anxiousness as she faces a potentially life changing night.  Fenelon and Williams have quick and complex camaraderie as their strong vocals combine for a playful and impromptu duet.

Boulevard of Bold Dreams Samantha Jane Williams Michelle Fenelon and Stewart Evan Smith in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Boulevard of Bold Dreams Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Kiara Escalera’s meticulous costume design recreates McDaniel’s look with precision as well as the vintage sophistication of the 1940s.  Enhanced by red and gold jacquard curtains and distinguished black and gold doors, scenic designer Rachel Rose Burke elegantly recreates a section of the Ambassador’s Coconut Grove Night Club in Los Angeles.

Boulevard of Bold Dreams not only depicts life’s possibilities through McDaniel, but the extent of the segregation and racism of that time and the struggle to make their dreams come true.   Whether or not a fan of the Academy Awards or Hollywood, Boulevard of Bold Dreams tells an inspiring story for all the dreamers of how one person can create lasting change one step at a time.

Greater Boston Stage Company’s Boulevard of Bold Dreams by LaDarrion Williams live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts and streaming through Sunday, March 19.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Company Theatre proudly presents the uplifting musical comedy, ‘Sister Act the Musical’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

With an incredible lineup of catchy, uplifting songs by Academy award-winning composer Alan Menken, Company Theatre proudly presents the hilarious musical comedy, Sister Act the Musical from Friday, March 17 through Sunday, April 9 at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts.  Based on the 1992 smash hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act the Musical is a humorous, inspiring story about loyalty, friendship, and discovering what is really important.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Set in Philadelphia, lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier finds herself in a terrible predicament and needs protection.  She finds it in a convent with a group of dutiful nuns led by rigid Mother Superior, but she has never felt more out of place until the power of music steps in.  Featuring a cast that will bring audiences joyfully to their feet, see Sister Act the Musical from Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19 then Wednesdays through Sundays through April 9.

Company Theatre Sister Act 2

‘Sister Act the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Michelle McGrath/Company Theatre

Sister Act the Musical is part of Company Theatre’s stellar 2017 season which includes Disney’s The Little Mermaid with an adult cast this summer.  Auditions will be held on May 3.  Click here for audition details.

Company Theatre MermaidAuditions-300x174

Company Theatre presents Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ this summer. Courtesy of the Company Theatre

Other highlights of the season include the psychological thriller, Lizzie Borden in October and the holiday family musical comedy, Company for the Holidays in December.  All performances take place at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts.  Get discount tickets on Family & Friends Fridays. Click here, call the box office at 781-871-2787 for tickets or email sally@companytheatre.com for more information.  Follow the Company Theatre on Facebook.