The Fantastic Four Seasons On A Moonlit Night

The Fantasticks! Anna Slate, Robert A Goderich, Jace Nichols, Michael Anderson, John Jajewski and Trevor Bass

Four Seasons Theatre warmed up a very chilly December night with their production of the coming of age story "The Fantasticks" Friday night at the Overture Center Playhouse. The small ensemble delivered a big bang in their performance of this classic.



The Director - And Narrator - El GUY-OH

The director Jace Nichols also played "The Narrator," AKA "El Gallo." In his letter to the audience in the program, he recalls failing at this role in his 20's, and wanting to redeem himself. I would have thought he toured with this show as El Gallo after this seeing this performance. Nichols owned the role of Narrator, and it is obvious he channeled those years of thinking about that past attempt into a wonderful reading on Friday night.

Anna Slate as "The Girl, Luisa," certainly looks the part. Her small frame was deceiving as her stage presence loomed large. Something that occurred to me is that I know Anna, and when I watched her on stage, I never thought "I am watching Anna"... I was swept up in her performance and was thinking "Luisa." For me, that is a testament to what she brought to that role.

Trevor Bass provided a solid performance as "The Boy, Matt," as were the roles of Hucklebee and Bellomy performed by John Jajewski and Robert Goderich. The actors Henry and Mortimer (Mark Snowden and David Lawver) were hilarious. And Michael Anderson's "Mute" was just plain cool.

The Girl, The Boy, And The Mute

I will admit that I was skeptical when I saw the instrumentation was a piano and harp. Harp? I couldn't imagine that. But when the music started, I was blown away. It matched up perfectly, with the harp providing a fullness to the sound that made for a gorgeous backdrop. I believe this could have gone horribly wrong if not executed perfectly. Pianist Thomas Kasdorf and Harpist Elizabeth Borsodi executed the score spot on.

This was my first experience seeing The Fantasticks. I thought it would be fun to take my mom, the biggest theater fan I know, to get her take. I figured someone who dragged me to shows such as "Chapter Two" and "Pal Joey" while in my teens would be able to give me a fair read on it. In her years and years (and years) of experience in the theater she has seen EVERYTHING. I am happy to report that it passed the Theater Mom seal of approval. She thoroughly enjoyed the Four Seasons production (while she made friends with audience members sitting next to her).

I also have to mention the choreography. It was incredible. With the limited ensemble, there is a lot of action and movement. Brava to Mari Borowski!

An insert in the program contained a cautionary note about a word used in the production. Rape. Startling when you look at it or when you hear it. But in actuality, the archaic intended meaning of the word means to seize - take away by force, kidnap and or abduct. Thankfully, Jace Nichols and Four Seasons chose to present the show as originally written. "It Depends On What You Pay" was a highlight for me, and I don't know how could you possibly work around the word rape in performing that piece. Although it struck me at how strange my enjoyment of a song centered around "a rape" (again, not what you think!) was, while sitting next to my mom. I am sure a shrink would have fun with that little scenario. But when you go, remember, rape is "abduction" and it is a fake one at that - a scheme to get the boy and girl together.

Another highlight is the beautiful classic "Try To Remember"... I would not be surprised at all if this song alone is what has kept The Fantasticks running consistently since 1960.

I can't think of a better diversion in avoiding the cruddy weather than to spend a couple of hours in the Playhouse watching this coming of age story. Remaining shows are Saturday 12/14 @ 7:30, Sunday 12/15 @ 2:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 12/20-12/21 @ 7:30 and Sunday 12/23 @ 2:00pm.



Here Comes The Sun

Jeff Turk
Fresco Opera Theatre


http://fourseasonstheatre.com/

http://overturecenter.com/production/the-fantasticks

Four Season's Les Miserables: Beauty In Misery

Powerful Finale To The First Act

Is it just me, or is it weird to enjoy something titled "Les Miserables" so much?

As I sat through Four Season's production, all that went through my mind was it's beauty. As previously noted, I am one of the only people on the planet who has never seen Les Miserables. Having the privilege to attend opening night, I am saddened I have waited this long to experience this powerful show.

Assuming most of you who read this are familiar with Les Mis, I will cut to the chase. Full disclosure here: I know many involved in this production. I expected it to be good.

But I didn't expect it to be that good...

The first thing that popped out for me was the clarity and precision of the orchestra. Andrew Abrams and crew were on their game. Not being too familiar with the music, that is what I keyed in on first. Throughout Les Mis, there are gorgeous melodies which the musicians pulled off perfectly.

Eric Moore

And near and dear to my heart, there are the singers. Eric Moore as Jean Valjean conveyed his love and heartache not only through his wonderful voice, but also his wonderful acting.

Equally as powerful in my book was Sierra Naomi as Fantine. I fell in love with her voice as she sang "I dreamed a dream," and was sucked in by her performance.

Rachel Holmes knocked it out of the park as Cosette, and I am not saying that just because she is in Fresco's next production (Paranormal Playhouse). She certainly has one of the best vocal instruments I have heard. Period.

So I know you are probably saying to yourself "wow, that is a lot of gushing... you must be shilling for your friends." At least that is what I would be saying if I were reading this.

Eric Moore and Rachel Holmes

Well I do have some inside information. I know how much the cast and crew love this production. Four Season's was truly overwhelmed by people showing up for the auditions back in the spring. This is a show people long to be in. A show the performers love.

And that is what came out last night. When I would see my friends post on Facebook that this was "their dream come true" or "the role of a lifetime," they meant it by performing as such.

The bottom line is that I am being objective. This was a great performance and if you should make time to see it. There are plenty of opportunities this weekend and next. Maybe you've seen Les Mis a dozen times, or maybe it is new to you. Regardless, Four Seasons Theatre's production of "Les Miserables" sets a high mark.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Master Of The House

http://fourseasonstheatre.com/les-mis/

Jeff Turk





Cosette Preps Me For The Big Show

Rachel Eve Holmes Stars As Cosette In Four Seasons Theatre's Production Of Les Miserables

Being involved with a company like Fresco Opera is great because I get to hang with some really talented people. Rachel Holmes will be staring in our next production, Paranormal Playhouse in September, but first she will be playing "Cosette" in Four Seasons Theatre's production of Les Miserables.

The first thing I asked about was what could I expect, having never seen the production.

"You should expect an epic tale, told completely in song. A story that will move you and make you laugh. It is a story about struggle, poverty, redemption, and forgiveness. It is about everyone having a voice, no matter how poor, young, or seemingly insignificant."

I then asked her about her character Cosette.

"Cosette is a girl who is taken care of by a kind, ex convict named Jean Valjean, who is constantly on the run from Inspector Javert, who spends his whole life working on what he believes is the side of justice. Cosette loves her father dearly, but as she grows older she starts to question his past. When his old life starts to affect her future, she is faced with the need to confront him. In the end Valjean redeems himself by revealing all to the person he loves most."

And what drew you to the Four Season's Production of Les Mis?

I was at "She Loves Me" the night that Sarah Marty first announced the change in the season last year. I could hardly concentrate on the amazing production I was watching because I couldn't believe that I might actually have a chance to sing my dream role! I knew I had to be a part of it, and I am so glad that the company believed I was the right fit!

What about this production? What stands out for you?

"The production is absolutely GORGEOUS! Brian Cowing's vision is simply stunning, and from an angle that I don't believe has been taken before (that is all I will say because I don't want to spoil anything)! The cast is truly (and I don't say this lightly) top notch in every way. I tear up at least once every rehearsal, and have at least one belly laugh! It still touches me, night after night. If it does that to me, having seen it a dozen times by now, I can't wait to see how it will move the audience!"

What is your favorite moment?

My favorite moment: geeze, that is a tough one! I guess if I had to pick, it is Marius' song, when he sings "Empty Chairs". It is so haunting and moving, and gets me every time!

And the last question, which is purely self promotional, What are you doing after this production? Who will you be working for and what will be title of the production be? And can we assume it will be at least as awesome as your experience with Four Seasons and Les Mis?

"Right after this production, I will be burning the candle at both ends to be ready for Fresco Opera Theatre's latest creation, Paranormal Playhouse, coming in September! I will be playing quite a different role here, as the Wailing Woman, complete with scary makeup, noose, and lots of high notes! Spooky! :) I have no doubt that the next show with Fresco will be one for the books! :)"

Look for Rachel in Les Miserables starting this weekend, August 9th - 18th at the Mitby Theater in Madison. Then watch for her in Fresco's production of Paranormal Playhouse at the Overture Center September 27 - 29!

http://fourseasonstheatre.com/

http://www.frescooperatheatre.com/paranormal-playhouse.html

Jeff Turk

 

 

Les Miserables - Comedy Gold Leads To Awful Earworm

The only experience I have with Les Miserables is when George Costanza sings a couple of lines from "Master of the House" in the "New Coat" episode of Seinfeld. That was 20 years ago, so all this time whenever I see an ad with the kid for Les Mis, that Costanzian ear worm enters my head.

I have never seen Les Mis. Not even the movie. So when Four Seasons offered me a couple of tickets for opening night I jumped on it. Obviously Les Mis has been everywhere of late, a revival of sorts generated by the movie no doubt. But I was always leery of that movie. I don't know about those actors singing material written for the stage and for "real singers"... is that too mean?

Luckily for me my first Les Mis experience will be with Four Seasons, the Madison group that has been performing high caliber productions for years. I look forward to opening night on August 9th. To finally experience, all joking aside, one of the more powerful works the stage has seen in modern times.

With all the talented folks involved with this production, I hope to rid myself of that 20 year ear worm once and for all.

Next: One of my favorite singers Rachel Holmes (a featured Fresco singer!) will explain to me what to expect from this production of Les Miserables from Four Seasons Theatre.

http://fourseasonstheatre.com/

Jeff Turk