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Pat Launer, Center Stage on KSDS JAZZ88
May 17, 2013
A couple of musical classics – and something outside the theater box. It’s a good month for revivals that will revive your spirits.
First, “The Sound of Music,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s final, unforgettable 1959 collaboration. The enormously popular 1965 movie guaranteed that generations would list the musical among their “Favorite Things.”
San Diego Musical Theatre boldly goes where others fear to tread, giving fresh mountain air to an excellent production that features 35 performers and a grandly impressive 23 musicians in the pit, under the assured baton of Don LeMaster .
Director/choreographer Todd Nielsen keeps the pace lively, but he doesn’t shy away from the show’s serious themes. The Nazis are an ominous presence in the second act, even coming through the audience, flashlights in hand, to search for the fleeing von Trapp family, they of the seven singing children and high-spirited governess.
Joyously inhabiting the role of the obstreperous postulant, Maria, is ebullient and irresistible Allison Spratt Pearce, an alum of the Old Globe/USD MFA program. With the marvelous support of Randall Dodge, Victoria Strong, David McBean , Jill Van Velzer and those adorable kids, the show is vocally superb throughout. Just don’t try to sing along; you’d miss this production’s marvelous sounds of music.
Speaking of wonderful singing and a delicious score, try crossing over to the dark side for a trip to “Chicago,” courtesy of the Welk Resort Theatre. Kander and Ebb’s outstanding creation, paired with Bob Fosse’s signature, angular choreography, made for a terrific 1975 Broadway show – and a knockout 2002 film. This richly satiric tale, told in jazzy 1920s vaudeville style, focuses on the denizens of Murderess Row who, thanks to systemic corruption, become celebrity criminals.
Director/choreographer Ray Limon nimbly captures the grit – and the humor – of the killer musical. Natalie Nucci is terrific as indomitable Velma Kelly. Also noteworthy are Adrienne Storrs, Valerie Geason , Casey Marshall, RC Sands and comical Sarah Errington , who single-handedly – and hilariously – portrays the entire 12-member jury during the trial scene. With just fifteen performers and five onstage musicians, this production captures all the sass and brass the beloved show demands.
And now, for something completely different — a unique, site-specific presentation from the La Jolla Playhouse – “Accomplice: San Diego,” equal parts mystery, scavenger hunt, walking tour and interactive theater experience. In a group of ten, you’ll spend 2½ hours solving clues that take you all around Little Italy, aiding and abetting a clique of conmen. Versions of this imaginative invention by siblings Tom Salamon and Betsy Salamon-Sufott have been a hit in New York, Hollywood and London. Don’t miss your big chance to get into the act.
Whether watching or participating, San Diego theater is as easy as “Do Re Mi.”
The San Diego Musical Theatre production of “The Sound of Music” runs through May 26 at the Birch North Park Theatre.
“Chicago” continues through June 2 at the Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido.
The La Jolla Playhouse has extended “Accomplice: San Diego” through June 2.
©2013 PAT LAUNER
MUSIC SELECTIONS
FOR THEATER REVIEW
Center Stage with Pat Launer on KSDS JAZZ88
THEATER REVIEWS
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” – San Diego Musical Theatre
“CHICAGO” – Welk Resort Theatre
ACCOMPLICE: SAN DIEGO” – La Jolla Playhouse
May 17, 2013
IN: “Nowadays” (The Hit Crew, London Theatre Orchestra, Stage Stars Records)
OUT: “Do Re Mi ” ( Petula Clark; The Trapp Family Singers; Fisher Price; VOICE MALE)
THEATER PROMO
Center Stage with Pat Launer on KSDS JAZZ88
THEATER REVIEWS
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” – San Diego Musical Theatre
“CHICAGO” – Welk Resort Theatre
ACCOMPLICE: SAN DIEGO” – La Jolla Playhouse
May 17, 2013
Hi, I’m Pat Launer… Join me Center Stage, on Jazz 88.3, for my regular theater review. This week, killer musicals – and much more. Catch my reviews of “Chicago,” “The Sound of Music” and “Accomplice: San Diego,” coming up tomorrow (this) morning at 9, on San Diego’s Jazz 88.3.
I’m Pat Launer, Center Stage on San Diego’s Jazz88.3.
Center Stage with Pat Launer
THEATER REVIEWS
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” – San Diego Musical Theatre
“CHICAGO” – Welk Resort Theatre
ACCOMPLICE: SAN DIEGO” – La Jolla Playhouse
May 17, 2013
INTRO:
SAVOR THE MUSIC AND HELP MAKE THE MAYHEM… KSDS THEATER CRITIC PAT LAUNER REVIEWS “CHICAGO,” “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” AND “ACCOMPLICE: SAN DIEGO.”
OUTRO :
THE SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION OF “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” RUNS THROUGH MAY 26, AT THE BIRCH NORTH PARK THEATRE.
“CHICAGO” CONTINUES THROUGH JUNE 2, AT THE WELK RESORT THEATRE IN ESCONDIDO.
THE LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE HAS EXTENDED “ACCOMPLICE: SAN DIEGO” THROUGH JUNE 2.
PAT WILL BE BACK WITH A THEATER REVIEW NEXT FRIDAY AT 9AM, WITH AN ENCORE PRESENTATION EVERY SATURDAY MORNING AT 9.
YOU CAN READ AND LISTEN TO HER REVIEWS ONLINE, ANY TIME, AT JAZZ88.ORG.
