Review

About a week ago, I went to see Wild Party by Andrew Lippa at OhLook! Performing Arts Center. My voice teacher played the lead role, Queenie, and I had been waiting to see this production for about a year. It was a condensed version because it was an hour long version that they took to competition. 
The story consists of exactly what it's titled, a wild party. Queenie is in an abusive relationship with Burrs, and begins to fall for Black during the party. Throughout the story though she comes to wonder if she likes the abuse she suffers from Burrs. All actors remain onstage throughout the entirety of the show. The show is very sexual, but is able to execute that theme is a classy way, but still straightforward rather than alluding. It had the ability of being tastefully crude. 
   This theater is where I am doing Rent at the moment, and also where I did Sound of Music last year. It's a 70 seat, black box type theater.  It always amazes me what great quality the shows are there.  The artistic director and her husband are both successful opera singers, and are able to put together shows in a low stress yet professional environment. 
   The set for this show was simple (as it was the competition set), yet was very reminiscent of a New York studio from the 20's.  It was very realistic and organized which allowed  for a clear set up and progression of the story. The costumes were also very simple, but risqué which furthered the overall theme. 
   The actors in this show all had incredible and consistent voices and acting.   They stayed constant with the 20's setting , but the provocativity of the show implied it's contemporary style. The ensemble was positioned in a way that they were active and kept a story of their own, but was never distracting nor did they detract from the main plot. The numbers were uniquely choreographed so that they were in keeping with the show. However, they also were able to highlight dance talent. 
   Every character, even non principals, had their own character and humor about them. The intimate setting of the theater allowed  the audience to really become engulfed with the party itself.  It was the perfect example of organized chaos. The genius of this piece was in really illustrating the overbearing eccentric nature of the characters and party while also keeping it all clear. Stephanie Hall who played Queenie, did a wonderful job of capturing all the dynamic emotions of the show: the confusion, the passion, the anger, the desperation, and the broken nature of Queenie. 

Lunchtime Performance

1.  It was hard, since I hadn't had any rehearsal time before because I was gone before and after spring break. Cell Block Tango went well. I think that's because all of the girls loved the number, there was better audience feedback, and since it was a small group there was more of a connection between us so we could problem solve better throughout the number. I think it really helped to have a simple number where there wasn't a ton going on because in that venue, lots of movement just muddies the performance, especially to a crowd that isn't extremely interested. 
2. I think next time I would wear sunglasses that fit, so I don't have to keep pushing them up. Also, having more rehearsal time would help. 
3. My friends liked cell block because they knew it. I feel like with a general audience that isn't super into MT, you have to give them numbers that they know and love so it is enjoyable. More obscure songs work great for an MT dedicated audience, but in this kind of setting I think it's important to do more classic numbers. 

Musical Theater Review: Stagger Lee

Stagger Lee  recently premiered at Dallas Theater Center.  The story focuses on an African American family/friends that were trying to find a home among many decades. Billy and his wife Delilah set out to find the balance between quality orf life and community respect and acceptance. Throughout the show, about every scene, the setting would move forward into another decade with a continuation of the same characters. Along with this setting change, the style of music would change as well which helped keep the audience attentive and interested.
The cast was incredible, their talent was astounding and their believability and story telling capabilities carried the show. From where I was seated , I couldn't see the set as a whole very well, as I was looking down on the stage from the side.
The use of dance throughout the show was very interesting as it touched on so many different styles, that all remained true to African American culture.  The concept as a whole provided very unique insight into the treatment of African Americans throughout history and location, and the persistence that was necessary in order for them to keep their livelihood going. The music was beautiful and was worked into the show very naturally. However, sometimes it was hard to understand the lyrics which added a little difficulty to following the show, but not that big of an impact.
The show was very original and was executed beautifully, hopefully it will go on to be a great success.