11.16.07
Cuillo Center
201 Clematis St. West Palm Beach FL
Viagara Falls
With a name like Viagara Falls, ones mind runs rampant with possible and obvious plot twists but don’t be misled. This production, labeled “A Comedy Stage Play”, takes the audience on a 2 hour emotional roller coaster that is hard not to find pleasurable.
This story involves two long time friends who also happen to be widowers. The first scene opens with Charlie in his home; there is a knock in the door and on the other side stands Moe, there to wish Charlie a Happy Birthday just as he has been doing every year since he saved Charlie’s life in the war. These are seriously long term buddies who have been through a great deal together.
Moe, played by Harold Gould, is the straight-laced of the pair, Charlie, played by Lou Cutell, the more impetuous of the duo. Throughout their friendship Moe has been the follower to Charlie’s lead, and boy has Charlie lead him down some crazy paths. This night was to be no different; for this night Charlie has procured some of those little blue pills referenced in the title and now he is on the phone ordering up a couple of hookers for a night the two friends will never forget.
Teresa Ganzel portrays Jaqueline the hooker roll very well, although I’m not certain she would see that as a compliment. With her entrance this play takes even more roller coaster dips and turns but the plot is simple to follow if you can stop laughing long enough to grasp it. There is also a deep-thinking, caring atmosphere within the plot that is almost tangible if one is open to it. Each of the characters knows his/her place and they carry off their parts with the style that we have come to expect (but rarely get these days) from seasoned professional actors.
Viagara Falls is written by Lou Cutell and Joao Machado, an obvious winning team. This play lines the audience up in one direction with expectations of a certain outcome, only to have the rug pulled out from under us (again) with yet another twist. The writers, whose years of experience are evidenced with this script, were savvy enough to have this play run straight through with no intermission, no point taking a break at an integral point and chancing a soft finish.
Include seeing Viagara Falls at the Cuillo Center in your evening plans will ensure a fun night out with lots of laughs, surely a winning pick.
Wayne Filowitz
WRPBradio/RadioPalmBeach
Writers note: Just a quick note. The performers in this play are all long time established actors of record. I am certain you’d be able to recognize the faces but you may not be able to place the names right away so I’ll help you a little bit.
Lou Cutell (Charlie Milhouse) has appeared in many Broadway roles including:
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Young Abe Lincoln. He also has appeared in movies such as: The Wedding Crashers, The Odd Couple II, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and many others. If that doesn’t jog your memory, Lou has been a guest star on over 200 shows some of which are: Without a Trace, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Will and Grace, Spin City, Seinfeld and many many more.
Harold Gould (Moe Crubbs) has received recognition on Broadway for his roles in such plays as: House of Blue Leaves, Fools, Grown Ups and others. His credits also include films such as: The Sting, Silent Movie, Patch Adams and many more. He has also appeared on the small screen in Rhoda and The Golden Girls to add to this wonderful cast of characters.
Last but not least I must mention the unforgettable Teresa Ganzel (Jacqueline Tempest) and her numerous appearances on the Johnny Carson Show, Threes Company, Malcolm in the Middle and other TV performances. She has also starred opposite Jim Carey in The Duck Factory and Transylvania 5000.
Wayne Filowitz
WRPBradio/RadioPalmBeach
11.08.07
Broward Center
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Opening nights are always exciting, there’s just something special in the air, but this night a little extra electricity was flowing through the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This night we were to see the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular; the hustle and bustle began in the lobby, putting us in a holiday mood even before we the curtain rose.
From the opening number till the final curtain the music, dance and scenery kept us smiling, humming and feeling the Christmas spirit. This magnificent show took me back to earlier days when I was a youngster living in New York City, my mother took me to Radio City Music Hall to see this show oh those many years ago. Of course the dancers have changed over the years but the integrity of the show, the essence, remains unblemished. In this day of ‘newer is better’, ‘raw is in’, it’s nice to see something everyone can enjoy without reservation.
This show is suitable and enjoyable for all ages be they young in age or merely young at heart. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular makes a perfect family evening out and is bound to bring smiles to everyone.
To miss the world famous high kicks of the Rockettes or their perfectly coordinated dance moves, which have been entertaining audiences for more than 75 years, would be a shame. This show is a winner and well worth the price of admission.
Wayne Filowitz
WRPBradio/RadioPalmBeach
10.18.07
Rinker Playhouse in the Kravis Centre Complex
West Palm Beach, FL
25 Questions For A Jewish Mother
Jewish, Christian, Catholic…I don’t care to which religion you subscribe most of us will find our mother somewhere in this one woman show.
Judy Gould delivers a confident performance using her personal experiences, family and friends to put together this night of comedy. Most of the show is based around a project Judy started which involved interviewing Jewish women to find out the answers to the ’25 Questions’ as is stated in the title. In these scenes Judy reenacts the interviews with the Jewish mothers with which she spoke. I was impressed with her ability to change her voice, facial expressions and demeanor to make me feel as if she was indeed the other woman.
Judy makes no bones about being a 6’3” lesbian and never holds back in her reenactment of some of the trials and tribulations she has endured personally.
I brought my own mother to this performance and caught her looking at me each time Judy brought up something that mom knew she would have and probably did say, at some point in time.
I find it interesting at the number of shows that really do hit home with topics we all can relate to; this performance was no different. I believe that whether you are Jewish, Catholic, Christian etc., you will be able to relate to the things that Judy brought to the stage with reference to her mother.
Most things in life change but mothers will always be mothers and though we laugh about it I believe we would not want it any other way. This show not only explores the vexing issues all children ‘suffer’ through with their mothers but also gives us a glimpse into the ‘mom’ mind that makes them act so crazy, in the eyes of their children; all the while exposing our own foibles, you know, the ones we are imposing on our own children.
Don’t miss this performance at the Rinker Playhouse in the Kravis Center complex, for you’re sure to recognize at least some of the characters on stage in this one-woman show.
Wayne Filowitz
WRPBradio/radiopalmbeach
10.19.07
Dramaworks
West Palm Beach, FL
The Subject Was Roses
Opening night for The Subject Was Roses was a success, but I have come to expect nothing less from Dramaworks.
This play depicts a dysfunctional family from a bygone wartime era; add to that the arrival of the only child, a son, finally home from his three year stint in the military. He left a boy, he returned a man. His parents, Nettie and John Cleary, have to learn to adjust to their son, Tommy, as a man and he in turn must come to the realize that his parents are not infallible.
Cary Barker (Nettie Cleary) brought the overbearing yet nervous, agitated and overwrought mother character to life. She and James Rutledge (John Cleary) played the dysfunctional parents alarmingly well. I hope this was superb acting and not natural personality peaking through. I must say that the son Tommy, played by Zolan Henderson, was the scene stealer though. His every body movement, every word uttered, every facial expression was choreographed to such an extent that I believe he was channeling ‘Tommy’ for the duration of the performance. My hat goes off to him.
I would like to take a moment to thank William Hayes: producing artistic director, Sue Ellen Beryl: managing director, Nanique Gheridian: company manager, Lara Kinzel, resident stage manager/executive assistant and Michael Amico: production manager/scenic design for all the hard work they put forth to keep Dramaworks running and entertaining audiences for the past 10 years. As we all know without such dedication no business could ever survive let alone thrive. I wish also to thank the entire cast and crew for a wonderful evening. This performance is surely worth the price of a ticket.
Wayne Filowitz
WRPBradio/RadioPalmBeach
10.11.07
Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Jupiter FL
Food Fight
I find it interesting that the marketing of shows such as Menopause and Food Fight seem to be directed mainly toward women, yet at each of the performances it seems the men in the audience are having just as good a time, and just as many laughs as the women.
Food Fight uses the same formula as the hit play Menopause, and was an overwhelming success in my opinion. I smiled and I laughed, I sang under my breath and I tapped my toes to familiar tunes. These are probably the four biggest compliments I can give to this or any show.
The chemistry displayed by those onstage this night was impeccable, the characters interacted perfectly together, and although each role had a specific part, I must highlight the one who stood out the most to me. Connie Pizzarelli, playing Missy McArdel stole the show in my eyes. With excellent timing and well choreographed moves McArdel kept the audiences eyes focused directly on her.
Although McArdel stole the show, I would be remiss not to mention that there would be no show if not for her three extremely talented co-stars. *Vicki White, who plays Cindy Burger was perfectly cast in her part. With an angelic voice she makes her character stand out and be heard.
*Maribeth Graham plays Carla Cook the trainer. Her role in this venture is to help this group of women deal with their ‘food and body’ issues. But alas, no life is perfect, even if you are a size 2. (Go see the show and this statement will make sense.)
*Last but not least is Patti Gardner who plays Cheryl Corn. Patti is a talented singer and excellent performer. Her portrayal of this character rounded off this troupe of actresses and brought to the stage one excellent performance!
Alan Jacobson wrote and produced this play. He has a knack when it come to comedic lines and timing and that knack is displayed well with this show. His collaboration with Vic Glazer, musical director and arranger, could not have been a more perfect pairing.
All in all, it takes more than a talented cast to make a performance work. Everyone on stage and backstage deserves credit for making this show a hit.
Wayne Filowitz
10.3.07
Broward Center
Fort Lauderdale FL
The Wedding Singer
Who says true love can never be found? Actually, if you were lucky enough to be at the opening of The Wedding Singer, you would know it was Robby Hart, played by Merritt David James who uttered those sad words. This play loosely mirrors the 1998 movie of the same name which starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
The sets were rudimentary but managed to set the scene perfectly. With seemingly effortless scene changes taking place in near darkness I found myself marveling that each performer appeared at the right place, apparently right out of thin air! Having seen this movie I am familiar with the story line, but I honestly believe the show was put together in such a way that a first-timer would be able to easily follow the events being played out on stage.
Both the music and dance are of a high energy caliber and rather infectious. I witnessed other audience members feet tapping in time to the music, although I won’t admit that mine were (I am not saying they weren’t, I’m just saying I won’t admit it). Take a massive measure fabulous music , mix in a double dose of lively dance and add a couple cups of comedy and what you end up with is a couple of thoroughly enjoyable hours that seem to fly by in the blink of an eye.
Two main characters Robby and Julia Sullivan, played by Erin Elizabeth Coors exuded perfect chemistry while onstage. I must add that I got a kick out of the performance of Penny Larson who plays Rosie, Robby’s grandmother. She carried off the part with ease and delivered her comedic lines with precision timing that resulted in actual guffaws from the audience.
On Friday September 28, 2007 at 10:30 am I interviewed Susan Leilani Gearou of this cast, live on the air. She turned out to be an entertaining interview, so I was quite interested to see her performance. When you go to this show keep an eye peeled for the Imelda Marcos impersonator, that’s Susan strutting around with that regal bearing.
Sometimes I forget to give credit where it is due, and I believe this kudos is overdue. The Broward Center is one of my favorite venues to watch musicals such as this one. The seating is comfortable, the setting is lovely and the staff is gracious. I would hope that you won’t pass up the opportunity to see The Wedding Singer and be entertained as I was on this night.
Wayne Filowitz
9.27.07
Maltz Jupiter Theater
Jupiter, FL
NUNSENSATIONS!
The nuns take it to the road as media night of Nunsensations! entertains the audience with music, comedy and dance. This show takes the nuns to Las Vegas to do a review to benefit their catholic school back in Hoboken, New Jersey. Divided into segments as most reviews are, this show picks up steam with the third song ‘T. and A.’, which is performed by Mother Superior and Sister Robert Anne. Lets pause a moment to picture street smart, Sister Robert Anne explaining to oh-so-innocent Mother Superior what T&A means… Now that the pace has been set the momentum carries through to the end of the show.
As everyone who has every seen a performance knows, there is usually one performer who just really shines. One who makes you look forward to their every stage entrance. This performance had 2 such performers:
Sister Robert Anne, played by Carolyn Droscoski delivers an extremely high energy performance. Her body and highly expressive facial movements add to her comedic timing enabling her to take the audience to exactly where she wants them to go.
Sister Amnesia played by Jenne Tinker also shines as she takes on the part that has been centrifugal in most of the past Nunsense shows. Her levity coupled with her ability to make us believe she IS that ditzy character stands out in this performance. One final comment that needs to be said is that Ms Tinker showed the utmost professionalism when her mic went down and she didn’t miss a beat. This is an admirable quality, and one that separates the amateurs from the professionals. In spite of that technical flaw Ms Tinkers’ performance flowed perfectly.
I must admit that I have not seen any of the other Nunsense performances and was not sure of what to expect. The play was running technically smoothly (other than the little mic issue) but it was evident to me that there was lack of chemistry between Reverend Mother Mary Regina played by Susan Goeppinger and Sister Mary Herbert played by Bambi Jones. I must assume this was just stage jitters or perhaps someone was just off their game, we all have days like that.
Sister Mary Leo played by Carrie Keskinen lovely voice was showcased well her number of ‘I Left Him There’
With all this said, I found this to be an enjoyable evening with laughter and smiles, even a snicker or two, which made the evening well worth the price of admission.
Oops we must not forget to mention the other performer…Sister Mary Annette. Frankly, her performance was felt a little rubber but while she actually rarely appeared onstage, she is an integral member of the cast. Go see the show and then you’ll know why.
Wayne Filowitz
WRPB Radio
07.13.07
Kravis Center
West Palm Beach
"Shout!
The Mod Musical"
Following a proven formula Shout! The Mod Musical once again takes music and builds the play around it. As in "Movin Out", "Mama Mia" and "Jersey Boys", we follow the storyline through music. From a year prior this preformance does not lose a thing. The music is from a generation, not a group, making this play very original. It was performed to a packed house where it appeared age was not a factor. There were patron’s whose ages ranged from teens to us old folks who grew up in that musical era.
Over the years of viewing performances and seeing this one a year ago, I have found that there are usually one or two performers that deliver an outstanding performance... again as it was last year, I can't single one preformer out, It would be a mind boogling task to single out any one of these five talented women. Having said that, I would be remiss not to tip my hat to the behind the stage talent that makes this show come to life. As I see it, this is a truly joint effort.
With take offs on "Laugh In", "James Bond", "To Sir With Love" and many others we are taken back in time and shown how silly we really were. Retro is in and so is this play. A must see, if you are fortunate enough to be able to find tickets. I enjoyed the music and the comedy as well as the well created set. Once again, if you are lucky enough to get a hold of tickets, don't miss "SHOUT! The Mod Musical"...
Wayne Filowitz
RadioPalmBeach
6.30.07
Florida Stage
Manalipan, FL
Marvelous Party
There are times in life when invitations arrive that we wish would have been lost in the mail, but when an email arrived saying I was invited to “A Marvelous Party: The Noel Coward Celebration”, I was excited.
Although some of the music predates me by quite a stretch I found it enjoyable and interesting. We were treated to a bawdy view of yesteryear through the eyes of Noel Coward.
We all know that it takes more than just a great story and music to make a play a success. In this case it is Mark Anders, Stefanie Morse and Jeffrey Rockwell who bring this to life. Now don’t think I have forgotten the backstage talent, I will get to them in a minute. Mark Anders and Jeffrey Rockwell performed flawlessly this evening, but it was Stefanie Morse who stole the spotlight with her amazing voice. But as in all things it is the sum of all parts that make this performance work so well.
We would be negligent not to mention Patricia Wilcox the co-devisor/choreographer; under her tutelage each of the actors moved with an easy fluidity. The music was brought to us by Christopher McGovern the musical director/pianist. And the glue that pulled all the parts of this marvelous party together was the director David Ira Goldstein.
Wayne Filowitz
RadioPalmBeach
5.21.07
he Cuello Center
West Palm Beach, FL
Menopause the Musical
If you are a woman or know a woman, this play will elicit at least a giggle if not a darn good guffaw. This play addresses that oh so taboo topic…the change of life aka menopause.
This play features 4 women from vastly different walks of life. First we have the Power Woman who handles every difficult situation at work seemingly with ease. Then we have the Earth Mother type who lives her life holistically and tries to avoid the little pills which so many turn to, to achieve comfort. Third we have the aging ingénue who is clinging to youth with white a knuckled grasp and lastly we have the Iowa housewife who wears her Midwest innocence like a badge.
These ladies encounter each other and bond while doing something that all women do, whether because we want to or because we have to. What is this thing that all woman share and can bond over? Why shopping of course.
With songs such as “Change, Change, Change” which refers to those pesky physical effects that women of ‘a certain age’ go through and “Looking For Food” which deals with changing body shapes, as if hot flashes, failing eyesight and mood swings aren’t enough, if you aren’t rolling in the aisle with laughter you better get your ears checked because you’re not hearing properly. These ladies display their fantastic voices and exquisite timing over and over again.
My only regret is that this show closes in this area on June 17 2007, and I won’t have the opportunity to take my mother and sister to see it when they come to visit me in July.
Victoria Mason
RadioPalmBeach
5.11.07
Florida Stage
According to Goldman
WOW! This review comes from somebody in the entertainment business who got to view from the seats the real goings on in the business. So…you may be asking yourself what I mean. This play brings to the forefront the foibles of the entertainment industry as we get to watch perfectly performed characters such as, Jeremiah Collins, played by Andrew Rassmussen, grow from the naïve, novice playwright into the cutthroat greedy Hollywood future hotshot.
Andrew, without fault, made this part real and believable but as you know it takes the whole cast to make a story work.
Gavin Miller, played by Stephen Schnetzer melded beautifully into the part of Jeremiah’s teacher and Melinda Miller’s, somewhat jaded husband. Gavin Miller takes Jeremiah under his wing in hopes of utilizing Jeremiah’s creativity as a stepping stone back into Hollywood.
The shows balance comes from Gavin’s wife Melinda who tries gently to bring Gavin out of that fantasy world and into harsh reality, where all but Gavin can see that Hollywood has not only turned their back on him, but have made him something of a joke.
The cast interacts with a smooth combination of words and actions. I believe it is the ability to make the audience think that makes this play work as well as it does.
Louis Tyrrell directs the performance with perfect accuracy and I am certain playwright Bruce Graham was as pleased with the performance as I was.
I have in the past espoused the comfort and warmth of Florida Stage. It serves only to add to the enjoyment of this theater experience. This is a top notch performance.
Wayne Filowitz
RadioPalmBeach
7.6.07
Palm Beach Dramaworks
West Palm Beach, FL
Side by Side
Once again the music of the past makes a splash in the future. Stephen Sondheim’s Side by Side opened to a toe tapping audience July 6th, 2007 at Palm Beach County’s Dramaworks. We were taken on a step by step tour of Sondheim’s music which included Comedy Tonight, Can That Boy Foxtrot, Send in the Clowns to name a few.
At this point in my career I have seen quite a few shows, therefore when I am invited to review something that I have not yet seen I am very interested to attend. Side by Side is one of these performances and although the music is familiar, these performers turn these ‘oh I’ve heard that on the radio’ kind of song into a three dimensional memory that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
I believe, as most of you know, that plays are a puzzle and without all the parts fitting properly and in their right places, they make no sense. Side by side is no exception. When you mix together such talents as Cecilia Isis Torres, Terrell Hardcastle and Anna McNeely, and toss in Craig D Ames on piano you can’t help but have a winning team. With each performer displaying their amazing vocal talent, I don’t think any range was left untouched.
In every performance I have ever witnessed one actor seems stands out to me; this time Craig D. Ames was that performer. I do not mean to take away from the rest of the cast, their performance was wonderful but Craig shone with his multitasking talents; playing piano, singing, narrating and dancing. My hat goes off to Craig.
Being in Palm Beach County for some time now I think it’s important to mention someone whose name crops up occasionally in other venues. This is Kathi Kretzer. Kathi is Executive Producer of this show and CEO of Kretzer Piano. This is not the only venue that Kretzer Piano supports and I am proud to say that we are lucky enough in Palm Beach County to have such a wonderful partner. Ms Kretzer has also assisted with charities including Make a Wish Foundation and Children’s Place at Home Safe (Children’s Place at Home Safe is one of our chosen charities also).
Although I got off on a bit of a tangent talking about Ms Kretzer I need to say this, an evening at Dramaworks is like enjoying a wonderful dessert with Sondheim’s music being the cherry topper.
Wayne Filowitz
5.13.07
Palm Beach Dramaworks
Palm Beach, FL
Voices of the Prairie
For my listeners and readers, Radio Palm Beach has now added Palm Beach Dramaworks as a new venue that we review. Though the theater is not a grandiose as the Kravis Center or Florida Stage, you will be amazed with the quality of talent of the three performers from “Voices of the Prairie.”
This review has to be handled far differently from many of my past reviews as three extremely talented performers play in excess of 10 different onstage characters as well as a multitude of offstage rolls.
With a mere change of a hat, vest, hairstyle, facial expression and/or accent each performer was transformed into a new character, and from the audience I believed a new character stood before me.
Gordon McConnel, a farmer-type drifter, recounts the story of his childhood and meeting the love of his life ‘Frankie the blind girl’, played by Nanique Gheridian. Nanique pretty well runs the stage keeping the characters in place. Both actors gave excellent performances.
As in most plays one performer seems to stand out and shine. For me, in ‘Voices of the Prairie’ that artist is Todd Allen Durkin. Todd plays the young innocent vagabond, and then in the blink of an eye he is back onstage playing a grown con man. The switches are flawless with one believing they are now looking at a totally different character.
I have to believe, after seeing numerous plays and watching the faces of innumerable audience members, that this play will stick in my mind as outstanding due to the unique way it is presented by this talented cast.
It takes about 20 minutes to put the border of this puzzle in place. From that point on the balance of the pieces seem to fall into place and the story takes shape to finally culminate with a delightful ending.
The afternoon of this beautiful Mother’s Day was made even better for having spent it at Dramaworks.
Wayne Filowitz
RadioPalmBeach
