Premiere Production Outside of New York City
Thru 11/19
A couple of weeks ago, I was watching my guilty pleasure show, Mysteries at the Museum, on the Travel Channel. Lo and behold, the story was about a barrel showcased in a museum, that was commissioned by a woman that would enable her to go over Niagara Falls. In fact, to be the first woman ever to go over the Falls. Her name was Anna Edson Taylor. So it was a major delight to find out that the revered musical genius and lyricist Michael John LaChiusa, also found this story interesting, and decided to create a musical adaptation of the story, which is now moving into its final weekend of performances at Broadview Heights Spotlights.
Spotlights is an emerging new theatre that is creating quite a buzz on the community theatre circuit. The soul of the theatre comes from the robust and creative energy of Tim Anderson and Ryan Bergeron. Both adept at direction and musical direction. In this case, they have assembled the quintessential quintet to buoy this production to harmonic bliss. This SATBB gang of vocal studs and studesses, produce some of the most tight and simulating harmonies that I have heard of in a long time.
Lydia Hall, Adam Bowers, Justin Schickler, Tim Anderson and Pam Matthews carve up this musical Butterball with fabulous results. Lydia Hall has a beautiful operatic tone, which provides emotional and soaring emotion to playing Anna’s Sister Jane. But, there is so much more insanity that emerges once she opens her Pandora’s Box, which is Martha Frankenfuhrer. There is no doubt that “Martha” could have a residency in Las Vegas when Bette isn’t performing. Although, I doubt there would be much left of the theatre when she was done. The duet with Anna deserves a nod.
Pam Matthews provides one of the funniest numbers of the show as she wields an axe to comedic perfection. Her “Break Down The Door” actually “Brings Down The House”. Justin Schickler’s voice is tremendous. His exquisite control is on full display in the show. Taking charge of melodic moments that will have you stalking him online for years. (In a good way) (Like the shows he is in) I digress. Adam Bowers must have a Sybil complex after the show, taking on 6 characters. He is delight and is a welcome addition to the vocal gold that exudes this production. Tim Anderson also multi-tasks in fine form in the show, but also provides fully fleshed direction which pushes this small performance space with worthy resolve.
Nick Bailey, who is the closest Cleveland has to a Matinee Idol, is warm and connective in his role as Mr. Frank Russell. He cuts a mean figure on stage, and has a vocal styling that is sexy, sharp, cruel and swoonical. (you are correct, that’s not a word) His acting chops are on full display. His voice contains compassion, but also, can be used as a weapon of manipulation. As a result, you want to hug him, and then without hesitation, smack the crap out of him.
But, the evening belongs to Peggy Newton as Anna Edson Taylor. This is a tour-de-force performance that any actress that isn’t vocally cross fit ready, would have to pass on. Newton pours her heart out portraying this tragic heroine. She never gets the luxury of going off stage, and needs to be present at all times, both vocally and emotionally. Newton allows us to sense Anna’s arrogance, her oblivious nature, and understand her broken shell, as she embodies so many of us that want to be something more. She lays it all out of the floor, and turns in a radiant performance, tinged with darkness.
There are some small distractions. I do wish the actors were playing more of the moments directly to the audience, instead of always looking above us. Especially at the end, in Anna’s tormented moments at the end.
Director Tim Anderson has put together a fine production. Ryan Bergeron has kicked some major musical direction butt with this show. Excellent work. Zac Hudak provides movement that definitely fits the space and isn’t overblown and comes in just right. Costume Designer Stephanie Giammarco provides a solid presentation of the era. A shout out to lighting for the show, especially the use of the curtains for dramatic effect.
In a world that yearns for a woman to be first, it is important to look back at Anna’s story and learn that not much has changed about support for woman who dare to try to break the glass ceiling. Attention must be paid.
Take a trip to this theatre. It is worth it. Looking forward to future productions, and a growing presence in our Cleveland Theatre community.
Kevin Kelly
All Photos by Jean Brennan
Tickets:
$14-$15 Reserved Seating
(440) 526-4404