I saw Cats at Clowes for NUVO. Check out my review here. Or read below.
4 stars
Broadway Across America, Clowes Memorial Hall, Nov. 26-28. With an eighteen-year run on Broadway, Cats is one of those shows that nearly everyone does or should see in their lifetime. Based on T.S. Elliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the play's longevity is undoubtedly due to its modernist source material. Coupled with a score from legendary EGOT winner Andrew Lloyd Webber, a world of pure imagination is born. Choreographic storytelling allows audiences to delight in Elliot's interpretations of the ever-curious feline world. Though believable physicality allows us to fully enter into the fantasy of a Jellicle Ball, it is the clearly defined hierarchies and etiquette between cat-like performers that makes this story so timeless. With both short-story songs that relate to all ages and an over-arching allegorical examination of humanity and the possibility for rebirth, Cats is, simply put, a classic.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A Beef and Boards Christmas
Beef and Boards presents their annual Christmas spectacular, A Beef and Boards Christmas, through December 23. This variety show features classic holiday tunes, dancing, extremely coordinated outfits and, of course, the man in red himself: Santa. For an entertaining evening of Christmas cheer without agenda or message, head to Beef and Boards for their annual holiday pageant.Eddie Curry acts as master of ceremonies for this variety show that clocks in at just under two hours. Laying the cheese on thick, Curry makes no apologizes for the groans that echo throughout the theatre after his corny comedy. His ownership over this shtick tickles the funny bone in an unexpected way, as the audience unites in expectation of the next bad joke.
The incomparable Christine Mild returns to the Beef and Boards stage delighting eardrums with the soothing tones of her voice. Christopher Dickerson reprises his rendition of "O Holy Night," and once again takes the prize as the sexiest baritone in Indianapolis this holiday season. Rounding out the singing ensemble this year are Traci Blair and John Vessels. While Vessels provides his own brand of comic relief, Blair is largely unmemorable in her performance. However, when the four take on some of our favorite holiday tunes together, cheer seems to ooze from every corner of the room.Kenny Shepherd and Deb Wims don the roles of pseduo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, providing numerous dance solos and a bit of vocal prowess. The two friends are undoubtedly adorable together, as they reunite on stage for their annual tradition. It is impossible to keep your toes from tapping as they showcase a variety of dance styles including a very skilled tap dance. When backed by the chorus of six rockette-like dancers, Shephard and Wims lead some of the best dance numbers on stage at Beef and Boards all year.
For an easy night of celebration and a trip through classic Christmas carols, don't miss A Beef and Boards Christmas on stage now through December 23.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
