Being the Stephen Sondheim fan that I am, I freaked out when I saw the poster for A Little Night Music lit up in the window display of the Performance Network the other day. I lept on the opportunity to buy tickets and am so excited to see the show.
After a little researching on Wikipedia, A Little Night Music is a show by Sondheim and the book was written by Hugh Wheeler. The show tells the story of several romantic love lifes, featuring young lovers and their sequential other halves. The song list includes many famous numbers, including “Send in the Clowns.”
I’ve never seen a Performance Network show, so I’m super excited to see how they pull of the classic work. November 15 – December 30 they’ll be showing the performance, so grab your tickets soon!!
Get a load of this. Bat Boy the musical was seriously the highlight of my weekend, no doubt. Granted, I am seeing Hairspray tomorrow, put on by Musket, so stay-tuned to what I say of their performance tomorrow night, but as of right now, Bat Boy is the best thing ever. I know you aren’t going to believe me, but honestly just go see it. Unfortunately for you, you can’t because it’s sold out, but there’s a REASON why it’s sold out! Next time, get on the ball earlier because it was epic and awesome and I want everyone to see it.
So what could Bat Boy possibly be about, if not Batman? Well, it’s based on a true story about a boy found in a cave, raised by bats. Not sure how the true story plays out, but in the musical, he is discovered to be a bloodsucking vampire, conformed to society with the love and support of the family that takes him in. He learns to speak, dress, and apply his knowledge at school with his friend, Shelley. Without giving too much away, he and Shelley fall in love when tragedy strikes. Truth is revealed, and crumbles the world of Shelley and Bat Boy (given the name Edgar). More tragedy and horror conclude the show, and the curtain falls on a resounding message: “Love your Bat Boy.”
So I know you’re thinking, why explain anymore? We are already convinced it is the best show ever! I know, but for those that may still be suspicious, I will continue. First off, the lead playing Bat Boy/Edgar was absolutely the best. A Musical Theatre major I am always eager to see performing, Ryan Vasquez, soared to new heights in his interpretation of the role. Literally climbing along the stage railings as well as flying to notes above and beyond a normal male singer’s range, he was incredible. The anguish and torture within Bat Boy as he lies, shaking in the cage he is imprisoned within for the first several scenes of the play is palpable amongst the audience. I shivered as he did, mesmerized in the view of a world through his eyes; those of a damaged, abandoned child that crawled out of a cave into overzealous West Virginia. Bravo, Vasquez, you were superb.
The songs were phenomenal as well. Taking on a rock opera and at times pop-like synchronization, they were upbeat to leave you stomping with the beat or weeping over the poetic lines. My favorites included the opening number, “Touch me, Bat Boy” and also the song at the conclusion of the first act, “Comfort and Joy.” Those, among many others, were a few that stood out to me as particularly rockin’.
Picture this: you’re looking onto a stage, covered with black, billowy fabric made to replicate rocks at the mouth of a cave. Deeper are metallic railings, creating ladders and arches across the back of the stage. That was the set of the show, and it was so haunting. I felt as if I were in the cave, looking out; or perhaps better yet, that this story took place within its own little cave, set apart from the rest of humanity in a small town in West Virginia.
Bottom line – Bat Boy was epic. I would totally see it again if I had the time. Staging was superb, costumes of course were fantastic, and the vocal talents of the young individuals of our Musical Theatre Department never cease to amaze. Can’t wait for what’s next.
As embarrassing as this is to admit, Thursday night was actually my third time seeing Legally Blonde the musical. I love the show, as goes without saying, but this production was especially special. First off, my friend was playing the character Vivian and she was phenomenal. Second, the girl playing Elle Woods, the lead, was perhaps the best Elle I’ve ever seen. She not only looked the part, but absolutely rocked the vocals.
The songs were wonderfully executed and well backed by the Greek Chorus when Elle needed a little bit of cheering up while away at Harvard. Even the side characters fleshed their parts out with finesse and originality, which is saying something considering I could practically recite the show in my sleep.
The set design was awesome too, especially for a community theater production. They maintained the structure of Delta Nu, Elle’s sorority house at UCLA, but added the Harvard flag once she was transported to law school. It was clever and low-budget, so both functional and well-serving. I thought it worked very well.
The two dogs in the show, as are always a highlight for the audience, were well-behaved and adorable. Everyone oo-ed and awe-ed when they came on stage, and giggled when they looked about ready to make their exit a beat too early. It was precious.
So all and all, a fantastic production. The vocal talent was superb and the choreography was spot on. I give it a hardy two-thumbs up and hope everyone who was curious, got to see it. It was well worth your evening.
This weekend only, come see Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde the Musical! November 15-18 and tickets are only $13 for students!
image from Wikipedia
Based on the movie which was based on a book, Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods and her struggle to find herself and her career within the competitive and rigorous academic environment of Harvard Law School. Spunky and fun, this musical will lift your spirits with such classic hits as “Bend and Snap” and “Ireland.” It’s a show for everyone, so bring your girlfriends, boyfriends, significant others, and family to enjoy this fantastic performance.
Yes, Bat Boy. The School of Music, Theatre, & Dance will be performing the musical at the Arthur Miller Theatre, Nov. 15-18. This American musical was written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe. The plot is based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat, dubbed “Bat Boy”, who grew up living in a cave. It has never made it to Broadway, but succeeded for several years Off Broadway, winning several awards such as the Elliot Norton Award, the Richard Rodgers Development Award, and the Richard Rodgers Production Award. I think it’s going to be good, and it’s by the Musical Theatre school so, needless to say, expectations should be high.
Head over to Arthur Miller Theatre November 8-10 to see Basement Arts’ FREE performance of “[Title of Show]”. Basement Arts is an entirely student-run performance network on campus and their shows are always beyond one’s expectations. The show, [Title of Show], is super clever. It tells the story of four friends who band together to write a musical. The songs are great, the laughs are rich, and its a great time. I can’t wait to see the show and you shouldn’t either! AND IT’S FREE!
Title of Show
Hope to see you there 🙂
more info on their website: www.basementarts.org
