‘A Walk on the Moon’ in the Summer of 1969

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Karen Nowosad
Assembled by K. Nowosad

There continues to be new joys each week as live theater comes back. Such is the situation at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse where a wonderful new show is now playing through May 21, 2022. A Walk on the Moon is a musical based on the 1999 movie of the same name. The story takes you back to the summer of 1969 when two significant events occurred as America’s involvement in the Vietnam War was still taking place.

One of the events was the first moon landing. The second was the Woodstock music festival. Could things ever be the same after these events took place? That’s what the delightful story of A Walk on the Moon asks. This musical has acting from a first rate cast, unique and interesting staging, and some very fine music to help tell the story.

A Summer Tradition for the Kantrowitz Family

Written by Pamela Gray, who also wrote the book for the movie as well as some additional lyrics for this show, A Walk on the Moon tells the story of Pearl and Marty Kantrowitz and their family. Sheryl Kaller provides outstanding direction as the story of Jewish families who come up every year to a bungalow resort unfolds.

(L to R) Dan Rosales; Stephanie Lynne Mason; David R. Gordon; Blair Goldberg; Jill Abramovitz; Cody Braverman; Jonah Platt; Jackie Burns; Megan Kane; & Jonathon Timpanelli in A Walk on the Moon.
Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Most years, everything is the same as usual. But this year, there is anticipation in the air as everyone is eagerly waiting for the Moon Walk to take place. There is a sense that it will change everything. And in some ways, it does.

Routines are pretty well set in stone for these vacationers. The women and children stay up at their camp for the entire week to enjoy summer in the mountains The husbands leave on Sunday night to go back to their jobs. On Friday night, they drive up to rejoin the family for the weekend. In the meantime, the women take care of their children and enjoy each others’ company particularly engaging in Mah-Jong games.

(L to R) Stephanie Lynne Mason; Blair Goldberg; Megan Kane; & Jackie Burns in A Walk on the Moon. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

It seems like a pretty well established life and everyone seems pretty content except for Pearl. She is restless as she tries to resolve the feelings she has about marrying so young and having her first child at 17.

Although she loves her children – Alison, played by Carley Gendell, and Danny, played by Cody Braverman, – she feels she could have done more with her life.

Jackie Burns plays Pearl and she does a superb job with the role. She sings several solo songs so beautifully that these songs are absolute show stoppers. Jonah Platt plays her husband, Marty, with a sensitivity needed to make the character believable especially at the end. Like Pearl, he gave up his dreams of going to college when she became pregnant with Alison. His life as a television repair man is not what he dreamed of but he is not discontent like Pearl. His love for Pearl shines though.

The New Blouse Man Enters the Campgrounds

At various times, vendors arrive at the campgrounds. Announcements over the loud speaker like “the Knish man is now here” alert everyone to their arrivals. One of the vendors over the years was a “Blouse Man.” He was an older gentleman who brings tops, sunglasses, and little pieces of jewelry for sale. However, when the mobile store arrives in the summer of 1969, a much younger, good looking, long haired man now owns it.

The Blouse Man, whose real name is Walker Jerome, has a nice way with the ladies. They are impressed. He takes a fancy to Pearl and as shown in the photo below, he encourages her to take a tie dyed shirt. He gifts it to her but she doesn’t feel it is her style. She does take it and eventually wears it and that starts a special relationship between the two.

John Arthur Green plays the Blouse Man and he is great fit for the part. He gives a good portrayal of a hippy but he is also a man who knows how to work a business and is working to move out to the West Coast. His character brings Pearl out of her shell and start to experience life.

. (L to R) John Arthur Greene and Jackie Burns in A WALK ON THE MOON. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

As Pearl is starting to enjoy a new man in her life, her daughter Alison meets Ross Epstein, played by Wesley Zurich, who plays the guitar. The two enjoy spending time together and Pearl cautions her to be careful but also realizes she is growing up. Their scenes together are filled with energy and enthusiasm for the life coming their way.

The Evening of the Moon Walk

There is great excitement the evening of the scheduled Moon Walk. Families come together in a large room with a television set to view the event. Unfortunately, Marty’s work as a television repair man has hit a fevered pitch so he is unable to come up to join in the fun. With Marty not there, Pearl meets up with the Blouse Man, Walker. The scene for this event is beautifully done with projected visuals of the video seen by the world on the upper part of the stage. But the setting also produces a romantic feeling as other projections allow the audience to get a sense and feel of the romance blossoming between Pearl and Walker.

6. (L to R) John Arthur Greene & Jackie Burns in A Walk on the Moon. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Eventually, Pearl’s mother-in-law, Lillian, played by the marvelous Jill Abromovitz, confronts her as she realizes what is going on. It is not enough to stop Pearl’s romance. So when Walker suggests going to the Woodstock festival, Pearl goes along. The Woodstock scene is also very impressively presented. However, a warning for anyone who has problems with strobe lights as they are present in this scene. There is also a slight bit of nudity as Pearly revels in her new found freedom. Unbeknownst to her, Alison and Ross are also at the Festival and Alison is horrified when she sees what her mother is doing.

Woodstock Marks the Turning Point

A Walk on the Moon requires its characters to make decisions about where to head in their lives. All of that starts to unfold after the visit to Woodstock. It is a challenging time filled with possibilities which for some were not there before. Each person makes a decision and you will need to see for yourself how it all ends up.

The show’s choreography comes from Josh Prince. Music and lyrics are by Paul Scott Goodman and AnnMarie Mizlazzo and musical supervision is by Andy Einhorn.

A Walk on the Moon is a Good Show to See

This is a fun show to see. For those who were around in 1969, you will have a chance to reflect back on that crazy summer from long ago. All of the production aims to do that for you. And if you were not alive yet, you have a chance to see what at least one part of the world was doing then.

For more information about the show especially about buying tickets, go to the George Street Playhouse website especially on this page. Good chance this show will transfer over to Broadway at some point so see it now!

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‘Colorblind’ Examines Racial Perception vs. Reality

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Karen Nowosad
Dana Harris and Wallace Demarria in ‘Colorblind’ now playing at the Actors Temple Theater Photo Credit: Kamal X

In a perfect world. the color of a person’s skin would not matter. All people despite race, creed, or religion should have equal rights and equal access to opportunities. That’s the law. But what about a person’s individual perceptions about color? The play Colorblind addresses this very issue. Playing Off-Broadway at the Actor’s Temple Theater, Colorblind uses a well developed story to address the issue of perception as it delves into a study of long-standing racial inequality in America. A strong cast turns in very fine performances as the story unfolds making this a show to be seen. There are questions that get answered but others that arise from what occurs in the play.

Colorblind comes from the New York based theater company Outside Studios. The show had a world premiere at The Meta Theater in Los Angeles in 2013. The four-week engagement extended to eight weeks due to the run’s sold-out performances. The successful run at The Meta Theater was followed by another successful eight-week run at the Santa Monica Playhouse  Currently, performances are in New York City at the Actors Temple Theater.

Strong Characters are Featured in the Story

Colorblind was written by NAACP Award-Winning Playwright Wallace Demarria who also plays the lead role and co-directs with Amanda Niqole. Demarria spent three and half years developing and writing the script. According to notes in the program handout, “He felt it was imperative to give each and every character a voice without demoralizing or victimizing anyone.” This comes through very well as the story unfolds because strong characters drive the story. The development of each of them is presented in a manner that moves at a quick pace thus enabling more understanding of what is at stake.

The story told in Colorblind centers on the concepts of a group named in the show as the Minority Empowerment Movement (MEM) and its very charismatic but controversial spiritual leader Clinton Muhammad. Wallace Demarria plays the outspoken advocate against “the oppression and discrimination” of minorities. He has his devoted followers who deem him a source of power for all. Mr. Demarria gives an outstanding performance throughout the entire play. His ability to shift from a source of strength to a man who shows internal fears is a tribute to the range of versatility he displays.

A staff member, Janet Smith, works in the MEM offices. Smith, who is played by Dana Harris, takes care of public relations issues as well as keeping the office running smoothly and calming Clinton at times. Because of all she does, Clinton says, “Black women are the closest thing to God we have on this planet.” Although he admires Janet, he is not able to return the affection that she has for him and this is disappointing to her. Ms. Harris’ performance is crucial to the play and she delivers a very memorable performance. In fact, one of the scenes towards the end of the show where she tearfully tells Clinton that she “cannot be #2” is one of the most moving scenes in the show.

Wallace Demarria and Dana Harris in ‘Colorblind’ Photo Credit: Kamal X

Violence Rears its Ugly Head

Appearances on television, at rallies, and press releases all keep Clinton teaching love of self. When asked if he loves America, he replies that he does love it so he doesn’t turn his head away from issues that indicate cries for help.

This notoriety brings a high price. There is discontent brewing with some of the MEM members. A plot hatches to remove Clinton which is done with an explosion to a car and his injuries are severe. He is transported to a facility but the location and name of the place is kept hidden from everyone. His followers continue to question why, especially Janet Smith who holds out hope for months that he is still alive.

At the health care facility, Clinton receives treatment from Dr. Yolanda Evans who is white. Jessica Catalano plays Dr. Evans who shows a very humanistic side of a physician as she allows herself to really get to know her patient. Clinton does not realize she is white because his sight was damaged in the explosion. As they get to know each other, his perception is that she is black because of the neighborhood where she grew up. But he eventually learns the reality.

Jessica Catalano and Wallace Demarria in “Colorblind” – Photo Credit: Kamal X

The two fall in love which leads to the major questions of this show: Can someone who holds such strong beliefs about his own race ever truly love and plan a life with someone who is a different race? How acceptable is the situation to people who are looking on?

The rest of this fine cast includes Joseph Salvatore Knipper, Greg Warren, Hank Dennis, Valence Thomas, and Jeremy Rosenblum. 

What are the Answers to These Questions?

Are there answers to these questions in this show? You need to see Colorblind and decide for yourself.

The play runs approximately 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission.

Learn more about the show and how to get tickets at the Actors Temple Theater website.

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“Little Girl Blue” Honors Nina Simone

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Karen Nowosad
Laiona Michelle plays Nina Simone in “Little Girl Blue” now at New World Stages
Photo credit to Julieta Cervantes

Little Girl Blue – A Review

A new musical is now playing at the New World Stages. Little Girl Blue is a retrospective of American singer, songwriter, arranger, pianist, and civil rights activist Nina Simone. The production informs, entertains, and engages the audience. The excellent direction of this show is by Devanand Janki. Before opening in NY, this show premiered at George Street Playhouse, New Brunswick, NJ in February 2019. In summer 2021, it was part of the Goodspeed by the River series.

The multi-talented Laiona Michelle plays the leading role as Nina Simone. She also wrote the book for the show. Her performance embodies the spirit of the artist and makes you feel like you are actually at a Nina Simone concert. She captures her audience with passion and outstanding vocals when she sings. Michelle also plays the piano very well on several songs. She turns in a first rate acting performance portraying Nina Simone. This is a performance you will long remember seeing.

In addition to Laiona Michelle, the show brings the band onstage with her. Mike Fifer plays Keyboard and Conducts. He also serves as the show’s Music Director and Arranger. Kenneth Salters plays Drums and Saadi Zain plays Double Bass/Electric Bass.

Story and Music

The stage is set to be a cabaret club with a piano and musical instruments on stage. But Nina Simone and her band enter from the back of the theater escorted by two police officers. The police stand at either side of the stage. Eventually they leave only to return at a tense point in the performance.

It is 3 days after Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination and concerns about rioting taking place are in the air. Mention is made that Simone has to be careful about what songs she performs and what she says on stage. She’s been told not stir things up. Well written dialog in this Act allows her character to express how she is feeling about losing Dr. King. She has stood by his side and she expresses what a loss his death is.

The show begins with the song “Feeling Good.” This song, a fervent call for freedom, is a perfect way to begin the show that evening with all that is gong on and the obvious despair Simone feels. As the performance continues, she tells stories between songs about significant events in her life. Born Eunice Waymon in North Carolina, she tells of taking piano lessons as a child. Her lifelong desire is to be a classical pianist and she was a staunch admirer of Bach’s music. A devastating life event was when she was turned away from entering the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Instead, she tells of performing “jazz,” writing her own music, and covering the music of others composers always with her own unique interpretation.

Songs accompany the stories the character tells such as her relationship with “My Father.” She meets a man who becomes her controlling husband and we hear “I Put a Spell on You” and “Little Liza Jane.” As the show continues, tension mounts as Simone is reaching a point where she expresses anger. The police return. That leads to the final song of the act, “Angry Black Woman.”

A Scene from Act II of “Little Girl Blue” now at New World Stages
Photo credit to Julieta Cervantes

“Angry Black Woman”

In a recent interview with Playbill.com, Laiona Michelle recounts that Nina Simone was often called an “Angry Black Woman.” She says, “I wanted to give Nina’s anger context. I wanted to remind people why she was angry, why she wrote protest songs like ‘Mississippi Goddamn.’ Here she was, supposedly a citizen of this country, and yet she and her people had to march and demand human rights in a country that hailed itself the ‘Land of the Free.’  She wasn’t free in her own country.”

Michelle then explains that she wrote the song “Angry Black Woman” with Musical Director Mark Fifer. The song opens with a few chords from “Mississippi Goddam” which closed the first act in the New Brunswick run of this show. This new song closes the First Act. It is powerful and it makes a strong impact as she leaves the stage using the same route as she came in on.

Second Act Little Girl Blue

This act takes place in Mintreux, Switzerland also in a cabaret club venue. It opens with the title song of the show “Little Girl Blue.” It is 8 years later and much has happened in Simone’s life. We learn that her husband became violent and she lost a child she was carrying. Her marriage is no more and she experiences mental challenges which plague her throughout the rest of her life. She moved to Europe and travels to many places including a trip to Liberia. Several songs in this Act that really standout are Jacques Brel’s “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” The final song provides a positive ending to the show as Simone, dressed in a beautiful gown adorned with fine accessories, sings “My Way.” Her regal appearance well portrayed by Laiona Michelle solidifies the heights she reached in her lifetime.

Going to See Little Girl Blue

I reviewed this show when it ran at George Street Playhouse and thought it was sensational. It was a thrill to see it again at New World Stages this past week. It was very good in New Brunswick (sorry I missed CT) and now with some changes and additions, it is sure to be a hit.

As a very young girl, I remember some of the music of Nina Simone. I did not understand the deeper levels of her music then. I could sing along to the words and think they sounded good. But what the words actually meant to Nina Simone, well, I’m still learning that. This show is a good step in that direction for me. I hope many will feel the same way because there are a lot of Civil Rights struggles still going on. Can’t help but wonder what Nina would think today.

To read more about Little Girl Blue, or to purchase tickets, go to the official website for the show, littlegirlblue.nyc . Ticketing is through Telecharge.

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