Josh Hoover

Time to dance again: Footlite presents ‘The Prom’

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

It’s not spring; still, any time is good for recognizing we need to let those around us be their authentic selves. In this spirit comes the latest production of “The Prom” at Footlite Musicals.

This Broadway hit – book by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Beguelin, concept by Jack Viertel, inspired by actual 2010 events in Mississippi – is, as I’ve mentioned before, sort of a “Footloose” for our era, with hints of “Cinderella.”

Broadway stars, or at least they used to be, Dee Dee Allen (Karen Frye) and Barry Glickman (Sam Godsey) have their latest show flop so bad, it closes after opening night. Commiserating with their assistant, Sheldon (Isaac Becker-Chamberlin); Angie Dickenson (Abigail Okerson), who has been stuck in the chorus of “Chicago” for years; and unemployed former sitcom star Trent Oliver (Dustin Branum), who constantly mentions attending Julliard; they look for something to improve their public profile.  

In the (fictional) town of Edgewater, Indiana, the High School PTA cancels its Prom after learning student Emma Nolan (Marachey Fowler) plans to bring another girl as her date. While finding herself more bullied than usual, Emma has an ally in the principal, Mr. Hawkins (Shawn Hunt). Together they petition the PTA, led by staunch conservative Mrs. Greene (Katie-Rose Connors), to reconsider. But as they make their case, guess who comes barging in to “save” the day?

The cast also includes Claire Donnelly as Alyssa, Mrs. Greene’s daughter and Emma’s secret girlfriend; Zaylee Jaliwala and Nayima Hall as cheerleaders Kaylee and Shelby; Zaire Gladden-Williams and Conner Becker-Chamberlin as students Nick and Kevin; as well as Kevin Bell, Nate Copleland, Jerry Davis, Nathan DeMyers, Sophie Eastman, Kathleen Fox, Cari Gallagher, Emma Gedig, Josh Hoover, Kerrigan McSweeney, Michael Morrow, Gwendolyn Pickett Kenan, Tinnin, Katie Van Den Heuvel, Jennifer Zotz, and Thomas Zotz.

As events unfold for a teen who just wanted to dance, all characters confront uncomfortable truths, from the New Yorkers’ narcissism to schoolmates’ unquestioned beliefs. The musical was written as taking place in Indiana as a jab at then-Vice President Pence, but having Hoosiers play Hoosiers lends an authentic feel and softens the genuinely funny digs against our state (though the play does make Applebee’s look good).

Frye gloriously goes full diva, reminiscent of Patti LuPone at her most catty, as Dee Dee. Godsey’s Barry is like the sweet hyper child of James Corden and Harvey Fierstein. Donnelly’s dancer, “antelope legs” and all, follows her chorus instincts to help a fellow girl in trouble. Branum makes the most of a unique character with an interesting arc, whose unconventional thinking ends up helping.  Hunt plays Mr. Hawkins steadfast as the fulcrum on which the whole plot turns (I know I said this in a prior review, it still works). Isaac Becker-Chamberlin is charming as the one responsible for wrangling the various celebrity egos.

Connors is daunting as a woman whose mothering instincts have overtaken her compassion. Jerry Beasley, who directed with Claire Slaven, helped guide her actions at the show’s end, which suggest the possibility of healing.

As for the star of the show, Marachey Fowler is amazing! From her first song, she exhibits natural power, control, and stage presence. You can’t help but feel not just for her, but with her, in every scene. We are amazed this is only her second musical, and look forward to seeing whatever she does next.

Donnelly is also excellent, and nails Alyssa’s signature song. Her fellow students also sing well, and wow us with their dancing, choreographed by Thomas Mason.

The orchestra is led by Jeremy Kaylor.

Make a date for “The Prom,” with two more weekends, through Oct 5, at 1847 N. Alabama St., Indianapolis. Get info and tickets at footlite.org.

Footlite ‘In Paris’ in Indy

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden

At a time when the French capital is on our minds with the upcoming Olympics, Footlite Musicals presents “An American in Paris.”

Based on the 1951 Gene Kelly film – a showcase for both his dancing and the celebrated music of George and Ira Gershwin – the musical, with book by Craig Lucas, had its world premiere in Paris (naturally) in 2014 before its acclaimed Broadway run in 2015. The local production, Footlite’s summer show featuring college-age performers, is directed and choreographed by Kevin Bell.

With World War II just ended and the City of Lights finally recovering, we meet Adam (Seth Jacobsen), an American still limping from his war wounds. He makes his living playing piano and writing music while helping local friend Henri (Louis Soria) become a nightclub singer, unbeknownst to his industrialist parents. Meanwhile fellow American soldier Jerry (Alexander Holloway) purposely misses his train out of Paris so he can stay and work on his art.

From the beginning there is a mysterious girl (Jaelynn Keating) who we find out is Lise, a second-generation ballerina who, at the request of American heiress Milo Davenport (Remi Shirayanagi), is to star in a new ballet written by Adam, who feels a deeper connection. For Jerry it was love at first sight, as he insists on having more time with Lise to finish his sketch of her. But what neither man knows is that she is a long-time friend of Henri, who is working up the courage to propose to her.

The cast also includes Audrey Beaverson, Ella Bassler, Tajeyon Bohannon, K. Dottery, Emma Gedig, Josh Hoover, Tatum Meadors, Danny Roberds, Katie Van Den Heuvel, and Thomas Zotz as The Maestro of the ballet company.

This production is unusual in being a sort of hybrid of a traditional stage musical and ballet, with graceful dancing in most scenes. This works in part because of the triple-threat talents of Holloway and Keating. Their singing is exceptional in numbers like “I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck” and “The Man I Love” and their dancing is exquisite, especially together in the climactic title ballet. Jacobsen is also strong in stage presence and singing voice, as well as showing he’s quite a dancer in a fantasy scene.

A celebration of love and Gershwin, “An American in Paris” has performances Thursday through Sunday, June 27-30, at Footlite’s Hedback Theater, 1847 N. Alabama St., Indianapolis. Get tickets at footlite.org.

Musical of Dahl novel ‘Matilda’ gets brief Indy premiere

PWJW_Indy Reviews, Stage , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By John Lyle Belden and Wendy Carson

If you want to see the hit musical “Matilda” before the Civic Theatre stages it next year, you have just three chances this weekend.

McDuffee Music Studio bursts onto the theatrical scene with its ambitious all-youth production. Note this London and Broadway hit is by two of the most devious minds to write material safe for children: the late author Roald Dahl and comic songwriter Tim Minchin. While the story is dark at times, the sheer absurdity of all the characters and situations keeps it light.

In this musical, with book by Dennis Kelly, the Wormwoods – a Latin dance-obsessed wife and proudly unethical used-car dealer husband – prefer their children to be like their son, Michael, comically ignorant and male. Surprise-baby Matilda is definitely neither. She insists on reading books, visiting the library and telling stories. And when she’s had enough mistreatment, she tends to be “a little bit naughty.” Perhaps some abuse at the local school, led by wicked Mrs. Trunchbull, will cure her of that.

Having an all-student cast is easy for this show, as most of the roles are children, but some local teens ably step up to fill the “adult” shoes.

William Baartz as the viciously imposing Trunchbull manages to fully embrace the extreme silliness of the role. The teen-boy musculature stuffed into an Olympic women’s hammer-thrower form only adds to the look – equal parts threatening and cartoonish.

On the other end of the scale, Kamdyn Knotts is so very charming as teacher Miss Honey, a mousey woman struggling to find her voice to help Matilda. Her willingness to show weakness and work to overcome it ironically makes her the most (if not only) mature character in the show. Krissy Brzycki as librarian Mrs. Phelps is another ray of sunshine in Matilda’s life, practically starving for the girl’s story that may or may not be fiction.

Josh Hoover impressively shows range in dual roles as a vapid dance partner and an “escapologist” in love.

Ayden Cress and Kennedi Bruner are both a hoot as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, despite their neglectful and somewhat abusive nature. Wesley Olin as Michael shows that rare natural talent at playing an imbecile so entertainingly he can’t help but steal the scene, even just shouting one word.

As for Kate Honaker as Matilda, to us she looks and sounds straight off the Cast Album. Honaker holds focus and makes us believe in this girl with so many brains (yet they “just fit”) and a little bit “extra” that her stressful journey brings out.

The other children are more than just chorus to Matilda’s story, as they learn to deal with a cruel yet silly world. Colton Woods as Bruce Bogtrotter gets to revel in being an unlikely hero. Brilynn Knauss as Nicole gets a quick lesson on improvising one’s way out of trouble. And Izzy Napier’s hyper Lavender declares herself Matilda’s “best friend,” then takes on one of the more notorious pranks on the Headmistress.

We would like to assure you that no newts were harmed in the making of this show, but you can buy (a rubber) one at the concession stand, as well as chocolate cake.

While the production does have its technical flaws, it is energetic and earnest. Remember that one of the main tenets of the story (like most of Dahl’s work) is that not all stories have a happy ending. But it does manage to keep a positive outlook even at the grimmest point.

If you have any children in your care this weekend, especially those of grade-school age, they will be practically falling out of their seat with laughter and delight at the show. Performances of “Matilda: The Musical” are 2 and 7 p.m. Today, 2 p.m. Sunday (May 25-26) at Lutheran High School, 5555 S. Arlington, Indianapolis. Tickets are $10, $12 for premium seats. Visit www.mcduffeemusic.com.