Displaying items by tag: Trent Stork

Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has long been one of my favorite musicals, not just for its sweeping romance and unforgettable score, but for the way it tackles big ideas with such touching honesty. Set on a remote island during World War II, the show blends sunlit escapism with the very real tensions shaping its characters’ lives, creating a story that’s as heartfelt as it is enduring.

South Pacific follows two intertwined love stories set against the backdrop of World War II, each colored and strained by the racial prejudices of the era. The musical centers on Nellie Forbush, an American nurse from Arkansas, who falls for Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner living on a South Pacific island. Their romance is warm, hopeful, and immediate, but Nellie falters when she learns that Emile has mixed-race children, forcing her to confront the biases she didn’t realize she carried. Meanwhile, a young Marine lieutenant, Joseph Cable, falls in love with Liat, a Tonkinese woman, only to recoil from the social consequences of marrying her. These parallel stories expose the poignant cost of prejudice, a theme the musical tackles directly and candidly.

The show’s creators - Richard Rodgers (music), Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics and co-book), and Joshua Logan (co-book) - adapted the musical from James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific. Their adaptation blends romance, wartime tension, and social critique, using songs like “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Younger Than Springtime,” and the pointed “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” to deepen the narrative’s resonant and political stakes. The hit 1958 film version, starring Mitzi Gaynor and Rossano Brazzi, helped cement South Pacific as a cultural landmark and carried its most iconic songs to an even wider audience. South Pacific debuted on Broadway in 1949, where it became an immediate hit and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and now the beloved musical has found a temporary home at Paramount Theatre’s massive stage in Aurora's thriving downtown theater district.

Paramount’s production is anchored by a cast that brings both freshness and passionate sharpness to this classic musical.

Strong pecs are de rigueur for a troop of World War II U.S. Navy seabees stationed on a tropical island in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, playing now through June 14 at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. For tickets, visit ParamountAurora.com or call (630) 896-6666.

Allsun O’Malley brings a bright, grounded sincerity to Nellie Forbush, making her Paramount debut with a turn that feels fully lived-in rather than broadly sketched. Her Nellie is warm, funny, and emotionally accessible, and she brings each of her songs to life with bright, expressive vocals - especially “A Wonderful Guy,” which she delivers with pure joy, and a buoyant optimism that never obscures the character’s underlying complexity. O’Malley also reveals Nellie’s internal contradictions with clear, intentional choices, letting the audience see the exact moments when her optimism collides with what she calls an inherited prejudice. Playing opposite, Devin Archer delivers a commanding and deeply felt Emile de Becque. Archer’s rich velvety voice has the kind of effortless power that makes “Some Enchanted Evening” land with full romantic weight. Also, the quiet, wounded dignity he brings to Emile’s past gives the role its human spine. The chemistry of the two is undeniable. Archer and O’Malley form a partnership that feels real, tender, and the kind of connection every couple hopes for.

Cindy Chang’s Bloody Mary is a standout from her first entrance, played with sharp wit and a knowing edge that never slips into stereotype. Chang gives the character agency and intelligence, making her both a shrewd survivor and a mother navigating impossible circumstances. Anthony Maggio, as Lt. Joseph Cable, delivers a performance that balances youthful idealism with the crushing weight of societal expectation. His later scenes - especially his deeply felt rendition of “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,” the song that argues hate is learned, not innate - give Maggio’s work real force and heartfelt depth.

Matthew Michael Janisse is absolutely wonderful as Luther Billis, perfectly cast and firing off some of the evening’s sharpest comedic timing. He brings a mischievous ease to every entrance, shaping the humor with character-driven precision rather than broad antics, and his presence reliably lifts the energy of each scene he touches. Louisa Darr’s Liat offers a gentle, luminous counterbalance, shaping the role with quiet grace. Esteban Ortiz‑Villacorta (Professor) and Chris Khoshaba (Stewpot) add texture and humor to the ensemble, while Joshua L. Green’s Captain George Brackett and David Rossetti’s Commander William Harbison provide crisp, authoritative counterpoints. Young performers Evelyn Dorough and Elle Laroco (Ngana) and Bennet Angsurat and Vin Laroco (Jerome) bring charm and authenticity to their scenes, rounding out a talented cast that feels cohesive, committed, and fully engaged in the world of the production.

The ensemble is exceptional across the board, moving with a unified energy that enriches every scene. Their vocal blend, character detail, and fantastic dancing give this interpretation its heartbeat, making the world of the island feel alive with youthful energy.

Nellie Forbush (Allsun O'Malley) admits to her fellow nurses she’s in love with a wonderful guy in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, the 2025-26 Broadway Series finale at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. 

One of my favorite South Pacific moments comes when Cindy Chang steps into “Bali Ha’i,” singing with a hypnotic calm and quiet urgency that makes the number seem both inviting and faintly mysterious, as if she’s revealing a world only she can fully see. That spell is followed by the sailors’ showstopping “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” a riot of comic bravado and tight choreography that electrifies the stage. And just when the energy peaks, the nurses answer with a gleeful, splashy rendition of “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” led by Allsun O’Malley and complete with real water cascading from onstage showers - a burst of theatrical fun the audience clearly loved.

Co-directors Devon Hayakawa and Trent Stork guide this Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece with a confident, contemporary touch, shaping a presentation that honors the show’s sweeping romance while sharpening its sincere and thematic edges. Their staging is purposeful and fluid, allowing humor, heart, and tension to coexist without competing. Choreographer Morgan DiFonzo adds another vital layer, crafting movement that feels organically rooted in character while giving the staging its rhythmic pulse. Together, the trio delivers a revival that respects the classic while infusing it with fresh perspective and simplicity.

The set and costumes are nothing short of breathtaking, with projections that expand the already majestic environment into a fully realized island in the South Pacific. Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s scenic design features towering, densely layered trees that rise beyond the height of the stage, using every inch of space with intention and beauty. Izumi Inaba’s costumes enrich the world with texture and authenticity, while Greg Hofmann’s magical lighting bathes the stage in shifting moods that deepen the sense of place. Adam Rosenthal’s sound design adds precision and atmosphere, and Mike Tutaj’s projections provide some of the production’s most magical touches - most memorably a stunning firefly-filled night scene that seems to shimmer in the air. As a unit, the design team created a world that feels immersive, transportive, and alive with the beauty of island nature. 

Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Kory Danielson, the orchestra sounds vibrant, balanced, and enthusiastically attuned to the storytelling. Danielson shapes the score with clarity and warmth, giving the big ensemble numbers buoyant lift while letting the more intimate moments breathe. His leadership keeps the musical pulse steady and expressive, ensuring the show’s soulful arcs land with full impact.

This South Pacific is a richly imagined, beautifully performed revival that captures the sweep, humor, and emotional punch of the Rodgers and Hammerstein defining musical while giving it a revitalized, contemporary pulse. From the stunning design work to the standout performances and thoughtfully shaped direction, every element comes together with definition and heart. It’s a staging that invites you in, holds you close, and stays with you long after the final notes fade. Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific runs through June 14th, and it’s absolutely worth catching before it sails away.

I highly recommend this breathtaking and deeply romantic beloved musical. 

For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

This review is proudly shared with our friends at www.TheatreInChicago.com. 

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular production elevates the famous musical to magnificent new heights—both figuratively and literally. While Cats has always been an extravagant, surreal whirlwind of theatrical magic, this version cranks up the spectacle with breathtaking Cirque-inspired gymnastics and aerial acrobatics. Part fever dream, part feline fantasy, and entirely unforgettable, this is Cats like you’ve never seen before.

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show transports audiences into the world of the Jellicle cats, a mysterious tribe that gathers once a year for their sacred Jellicle Ball. During this mystical night, their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, perfectly played by Lorenzo Rush Jr., selects the worthiest feline to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—a realm of renewal and rebirth, where a cat is granted a magical, new life. It’s a premise unlike any other in musical theater.

Anakin Jace White plays Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, riding astride his Railway Car in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Cats is an indulgence in music, movement, and character-driven storytelling. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the musical is more of a series of dazzling introductions featuring larger-than-life feline personas like the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer), the cunning Macavity (Matthew Weidenbener), and the forlorn Grizabella (Emily Rohm). Each cat has its moment in the spotlight, showcasing spectacular choreography and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infectious melodies. The pinnacle of the show’s emotional depth, of course, is “Memory,” an achingly nostalgic ballad incredibly performed by Rohm as Grizabella, the once glamour cat now outcast, who longs for her lost youth, beauty and forever home. Sung with heart-wrenching intensity it’s no wonder that it has become one of musical theater’s most iconic songs—soaring with raw emotion. This hauntingly nostalgic ballad doesn’t just tug at heartstrings—it resonates far beyond the stage and has cemented itself as an anthem of longing and transformation.

But Cats isn’t just about one song—it’s an entire universe, brimming with movement, mystery, and spectacle. Traditionally, the stage morphs into a sprawling junkyard, but in this production, it transforms into an abandoned circus tent—a hauntingly whimsical playground where feline characters leap, twirl, prowl and perform aerial stunts through mesmerizing choreography. The environment is immersive and fantastic, pulling audiences into a world where the ordinary rules of storytelling dissolve, leaving only the magic of dance, music, and theatrical wonder. What sets Cats apart is its fearless originality—an entirely sung-through musical without a conventional storyline, instead relying on a kaleidoscope of feline personalities brought to life through magnetic direction and expressive movement. It’s a high-energy spectacle packed with soaring melodies, iconic characters, and a trancelike atmosphere that keeps audiences spellbound. Whether you find yourself hypnotized by the haunting strains of “Memory” or captivated by the playful antics of Rum Tum Tugger, one thing is certain: Cats isn’t just a musical, it’s an experience—one that has pounced its way into the hearts of millions for good reason.

Alexandra Palkovic plays Demeter in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Luminously directed by Trent Stork with wild imagination, Paramount’s hypnotic choreography, shimmering feline costumes, and a stunning atmosphere that teeters between enchanting and dreamlike, Cats is less of a conventional production and more of a theatrical experience that defies expectations. This show is sure to leave audiences awe-struck; it remains a singular, extraordinary phenomenon in the world of musical theater.

But this isn’t just Cats—it’s Cats 2.0, a turbo-charged, high-octane reinvention of the classic musical. Paramount Theatre goes all out, delivering a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping spectacle that takes the experience to exhilarating new heights. From the moment the curtain rises, Cats launches into a dazzling display of jaw-dropping acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts that never let up. Theatergoers are instantly swept into the whirlwind of movement, perching on the edge of their seats as the enchanting performance unfolds. But beyond the sheer athleticism, it’s the clever feline nuances—the subtle catisms—woven seamlessly into each performance that add an extra layer of charm, making this production both thrilling and delightfully amusing.

This production doesn’t just purr—it roars.

Guided by the expertise of Circus Captain Hayley Larson, Dance Captain Christopher Kelley, and Flight Captain Matthew Weidenbener, the performance unfolds as a mesmerizing visual masterpiece, leaving audiences breathless with wonder. Yet, it’s the extraordinary cast that truly ignites this enthralling production, seamlessly weaving every awe-inspiring moment into an unforgettable event. The breathtaking vocal performances perfectly complement the hypnotic dance sequences, high-flying maneuvers, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics, creating a spectacle that is as beautiful to hear as it is to watch.

In addition to the aforementioned ensemble actors, Chicago stage veterans like Gene Weygandt and Allison Sill add their brilliance to this exceptional, multi-talented cast. Alongside them, standout performers such as Tiffany Topol, Alexandra Palkovic, Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Selena Robinson, Christopher Kelley, Sophie Liu David and a host of other gifted artists help bring this production to life with energy, skill, and undeniable stage presence. Unforgettable musical moments like “Magical Mister Mistoffelees,” “Gus: The Theatre Cat,” and “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” are just a few of the amazing numbers that will stay with you long after the final bow. With their infectious melodies and gripping performances, these songs make Cats an experience that lingers far beyond the theater doors.

Circus artist Ryan Huemmer (Coricopat) flies through the air with the greatest of ease in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Long before Cats made its grand entrance onto the Paramount stage, this legendary musical had already clawed its way into theater history, leaving a trail of wide-eyed audiences and notable performances in its wake. Since its West End debut in 1981, Cats has dazzled, bewildered, and utterly enchanted theatergoers with its boundary-pushing theatrical appeal.

Despite early skepticism, Cats scratched its way to legendary status, running for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running musicals in history. It helped usher in the era of the "megamusical," paving the way for grand theatrical productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, which would go on to define modern musical theater.

Beyond its record-breaking success, Cats sprang onto pop culture, leaving an impressive legacy. Its intricate choreography inspired generations of performers, its distinctive aesthetic became the subject of countless parodies, and its impact spread into film, television, and even internet culture. Whether adored or furiously debated, Cats remains one of the most influential—and delightfully eccentric—productions in musical theater history.

That being said, it’s truly exhilarating to see Cats return to the Chicagoland area—especially in such a grand, spectacular fashion. This production doesn’t just bring the beloved musical back; it elevates it to dazzling new heights.

Paramount’s production of Cats is an excellent homage to the legendary stage musical, staying true to its spirit while adding its own unique flair. This rendition not only honors the show’s original magic but elevates it with fresh creative choices, making it an even more extraordinary experience.

Cats is being performed at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL through June 15th. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

Highly recommended for audiences of all ages!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!