Displaying items by tag: Katherine Thomas

‘Darling Grenadine’ is a completely original musical with music, lyrics and book all written by the extremely gifted Daniel Zaitchick. I'm often talking about how many musicals are derived from other sources and about how I long for a wholly original play to come out that can stand up to some of the great musicals of the past - and this production really delivers. Marriott Theatre’s stage in the round is the perfect setting for this unique and inspiring new production.

The lead character, Harry, is a songwriter who made a lot of money on one of his commercial jingles. But he often downplays his successful TV ad melody, contributing it to luck and four simple notes. The talented musician now struggles with high functioning alcoholism while trying to come up with his first real play. Harry is played by the amazing Heath Saunders who recently wowed Chicago audiences as Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at The Lyric.

This part could have been written for Saunders and he deftly pulls the audience into his blossoming love affair with an up and coming Broadway actress, Louise, with all of the smooth Jazz romancing of a young Gregory Hines. Harry has secretly seen Louise appearing in her own show, the aptly titled ‘Paradise,’ more times than he can remember and at first comes off as a little bit obsessive compulsive but is rewarded when Louise played by the lovely and vocally expressive Katherine Thomas returns his affections and they fall deeply in love. 

The opening song “Swell" is really fantastic, a standard classic in the making,  as Harry tells his friends and all the world that he has finally met someone "Swell"  - someone SO swell, they go together like "peanut butter and jelly, like Tanqueray and tonic..".  Harry gently sways and dances around the stage like a lover in love with a grace and pure joy that is infectious to all around him.  

                                                                                                                                                   Heath Saunders and Katherine Thomas in 'Darling Grenadine'. Photo by Liz Lauren.

But alas, like many great artists who make enough money to live on before having their major breakthrough success, Harry has "too much time on his hands" and alcohol addiction causes him to run his relationship with Louise into the ground by being overly controlling even as he is trying earnestly to help her succeed in her own career which is also on the rise without his assistance.  

Nick Cosgrove (who has played the Frankie Valli role in ‘Jersey Boys’ on Broadway) plays his best friend and kind of adopted brother, Paul. Cosgrove is wonderful in this role as the show's anchor in relation to Harry's freewheeling, almost manic, enthusiasm for musical theater and his love for Louise but eventually their relationship becomes his inspiration for the show he has always been destined to write. 

Two dogs appear in the show, one being a marionette handled with full emotional expression by Phillip Huber with a voice created ingeniously by a trumpet played by musician Mike Nappi. Dog lovers be prepared, these two canines, one live and one animated are not played for comic relief but for reality and are a very crucial part of the story - some of the darker scenes in the play will move you to tears. 

I loved the sets and how many of my favorite New York scenes are romantically recreated including the skyline, city streets, the swank Jazzy Standards Bar. 

This show is already set for a New York production and I'm so glad. I agree with other audience members who felt that the fact that only two ensemble members were juggling so many supporting roles just by changing costumes got a bit confusing’ but that's my only note. 
I thoroughly enjoyed this show from beginning to end and although I wasn't at all expecting or prepared for the emotional roller coaster it took me on, felt that it tackled how addiction to alcohol or drugs can fan the flames of an important love affair and then extinguish those flames if not conquered successfully with help of your friends and especially your furry, canine friend's love and unconditional support. 

‘Darling Grenadine’ is being performed at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through August 18th. For more information on this heartfelt production, visit www.marriottheatre.com.

Marriott Theatre’s Ragtime might just be one of the best adaptations to make its way through the Greater Chicago Area - ever. E.L. Dotorow wrote the novel in 1975, which has stormed theatre stages since 1996, snagging thirteen Tony Awards in 1996.

With lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty and a book by Terrence McNally, the highly-acclaimed musical follows three very dissimilar families beginning in 1906 New York. One family is a white, advantaged and wealthy, one consists of an immigrant Jewish father and his young daughter while the other is a young African-American couple following the birth of their new child. Throughout the story, the families become intertwined with each other as the story paints a vivid picture of privilege versus the struggles of those less fortunate. Ragtime is a moving story of hard times, prejudices and the will to survive by those who have been dealt a much tougher hand in life and also the understanding – and lack of understanding – that is had by those more prosperous. It is also the ultimate story of determination.

Beautifully directed by Nick Bowling, the story includes several colorful characters that really make a strong impact such as Tateh, the Jewish immigrant from Latvia, played impeccably with much intensity by Benjamin Magnusun. Tateh, a portrait artist, is inspired to succeed in America after watching the great Harry Houdini (Alexander Aguilar), another immigrant, make his rise to fame. Marriott Theatre veteran and actor/singer extraordinaire Nathanial Stampley once again rises to the challenge this time as Colehouse Walker Jr. the show’s champion and pioneer of “ragtime” piano-driven music. Katherine Thomas compliments Stampley well as Walker’s fiancé, Sarah, her role as powerful as any in the story that holds such a political relevance in today’s current state.

Ragtime was a long time coming for Marriott and this staging is well-worth the wait. Bowling decides to change the play’s ending, a decision for audience members to take home and ponder.

Chicago favorites Larry Adams and James Earl Jones II this time find themselves leading a highly gifted ensemble, adding even more punch to this influential musical. Brilliant performances run rampant in this production with riveting work from Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as Booker T. Washington and Kirsten Hodgens, known only as “Sarah’s Friend” in the program. Hodgens has show-stopping vocals that are certainly highlighted in this production.

With a running time of two hours and forty minutes, the production’s high engagement level from beginning to end without lull is testament to its quality. For those who have seen the musical before, just seeing it from another perspective, that of its in-the-round staging, is entertaining in itself. With spot on costume and set design, moving musical numbers and tremendous acting and vocal efforts, Marriott’s Ragtime should be in line for a Jeff Award nomination.

Highly recommended - a perfect piece of musical theatre.

Ragtime is being performed at Marriott Theatre through March 18th. For tickets and/or more show information visit www.marriotttheatre.com.

In 1996 Ragtime made its stage debut in Toronto and a year later it found itself making waves on Broadway. Based on the 1975 novel by E.L. Dotorow, the musical, with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, kept gaining momentum winning thirteen Tony Awards in 1998. Now, to close out its 2016-2017 season, Griffin Theatre Company reimagines the modern classic, thanks to the creative minds of director Scott Weinstein and Matt Deitchman, who adds new music orchestrations to the mix.

Taking place in New York City, Ragtime takes us back to the turn of the century, beginning in 1906, where three families who couldn’t be more different are followed – a young African American couple, a recently immigrated Jewish father and daughter and a privileged white family. As the story unfolds, the families come across one another, but in doing so, and along the way, we see the vast difference in treatment each receives as Ragtime touches on social justice, race relations and immigration. With plenty of parallels in today’s America, Ragtime serves as not just an entertaining musical, but also as a lesson to which we can all learn from.

Throughout the story we also meet a handful of influential historic figures including Henry Ford, Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan and Booker T. Washington and are reminded of the impact each had made in a rapidly changing America.

Filled with many lively characters such as Coalhouse Walker JR (admirably played by Denzel Tsopnang) who brings "ragtime music" alive with his jazzy Harlem-styled piano playing and Tateh (played with great zest and sentiment by Jason Richards), the colorful Jewish immigrant who just wants to build a life for his daughter, this is a musical that constantly keeps one engaged.

Katherine Thomas makes quite an impression in her debut for Griffin Theatre as Coalhouse Walker’s love interest Sarah particularly shining in numbers “Your Daddy’s Son” and “President”. Laura McClain as Mother also impresses and moves the house during her rendition of “Back to Before”. Other standouts performances include Joe Capstick who undertakes a handful of roles including Houdini, Frederick Harris as Booker T. Washington, a very funny Caitlin Collins as Eveyln Nesbit and an ensemble that truly delivers in every way.

Imaginatively staged at Den Theatre’s Main Theatre, the venue holds a new look as it is transformed into a theatre in the round, the audience surrounding the action. A ragtime band is present throughout the show, two pianos, a clarinet (Dan Hickey) and an occasional flute to giving us a newly-orchestrated chamber version behind the music direction of Jermaine Hill and Ellen Morris, each of whom mans a piano throughout.

There is a reason that Ragtime has won so many awards and has been revived so often by numerous theatre companies. Simply put, the music is outstanding, it’s story is educational as it is entertaining and its message is timeless. Griffin Theatre does justice to this definitive production putting forth a commendable cast, an inviting set, polished music production and lighting and spot on costumes that throw the audience back in time to 1906.

Recommended.

Ragtime is being performed at Den Theatre’s Main Stage and has been extended through July 22nd. For this quality production tickets are a bargain at just $39. For tickets and/or more show information visit www.griffintheatre.com.

While not explicitly a biography about The Supremes, "Dreamgirls" is awfully close. It's a Quincy Jones-flavored musical about the road to fame, and the pitfalls of show business. Porchlight Theatre concludes its season with a rarely produced modern classic. Choreographed and directed by Brenda Didier, with musical direction by Doug Peck, "Dreamgirls" is a delight. 

"Dreamgirls" is really one of the first musicals about the early days of rock 'n roll. Though it's about more than just the rise of the "girl group" in popular music. The book by Tom Eyen uses a familiar story to illustrate how mainstream music helped open minds about race in America. The original Broadway production opened in 1981 and ran for four years. It has since been adapted into an Oscar-nominated film. 

Porchlight has assembled an all-star cast for this production. Particularly Donica Lynn as Effy. The three Dreams fill the rafters with soaring vocals. While Lynn may be the voice, Candace C. Edwards and Katherine Thomas as co-Dreams, turn in strong performances as well. Eric Lewis is electrifying in the role of fictional soul legend Jimmy Early. His numbers are thrilling.  

Didier's vision for this show is vivid. Her choreography is high-energy and visually pleasing throughout. Peck's musical direction proves a high point as well. It's not often you find yourself thinking about the band in a theatrical performance - but the wall of sound coming from this pit is a funky good time. Rounding out aesthetics are Bill Morey's costumes, which are well conceived and provide an extra layer of authenticity. 

Porchlight Music Theatre turns out another gem at Stage 773. "Dreamgirls" is a feast for the eyes and ears. Shows like "The Wiz" and "Dreamgirls" aren't produced nearly as often as they should be, which makes this impressive production all the more rare. The vocals are so good you'll wish you could take the soundtrack home with you. 

Through May 22nd at Stage 773. 1225 W Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252