‘Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz’ Opens in New Jersey

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
Opening Night, Curtain Call, Oct. 6, 2019 at Paper Mill Playhouse for the NJ Premiere of “Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz.” Photo credit to Lianne Schoenwiesner – Spotlights Photography

Paper Mill Playhouse begins their 2019 – 2020 with a big, new musical. Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz runs through Oct. 27, 2019 on the Millburn stage. This is a New Jersey premiere for this production which features a book by Marc Acito. Musical Adaptation and Additional Music is by David Libby. The show is conceived by Tina Marie Casamento who also does Additonal Lyrics.

It was a packed house on Sunday night, Oct. 6, for the formal Opening Night. Under the Direction of Denis Jones, the musical tells the story of the early years of beloved star Judy Garland when she was Frances Gumm. It begins when she performs with her sisters on vaudeville stages. Known as the Gumm Sisters, the act featured young Frances with the big voice.

Her parents had a difficult marriage. Her mother, Ethel Gumm, was a strict stage mother while her father, Frank Gumm, worked with limited success. However, her father’s love for her was the one constant that was always there for young Frances.

Opening Night Curtain Call – ‘Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz’ at Paper Mil Playhouse. Photo Credit – Lianne Schoenwiesner – Spotlights Photography

She knew from an early age she wanted to be a star and was willing to work hard. Her “big voice” worked well on the radio as the scenes move to Los Angeles. Sadly her father died when she was just starting to get work in the radio media. Her devotion to him is seen very poignantly throughout the show.

The scene shifts into the Hollywood studios of the 1930’s where beauty reigned supreme. She now went by the name Judy Garland when she meets and befriends Mickey Rooney. But she was badgered and told she was different and weighed too much to be in movies. Scenes of her mother supplying amphetamines to help her loose weight are heartbreaking to watch. Barely entering her teens, she has low self esteem but is still eager to do well.

Eventually, the role of her lifetime comes, that being Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” It is not smooth sailing and the final part of the show focuses on how she is finally accepted as the right person for the role.

The audience cheered and applauded as they enjoyed Orchestrations by Larry Blank and David Libby and Music Direction by Lawrence Yurman. The songs are a biographical look at Judy Garland. What works so well is the way they are woven into the story. Classic Judy Garland favorites such as “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” “Dear Mister Gable/You Made Me Love You,” and of course “Over the Rainbow” are included with many other songs from the era.

Opening Night Curtain with the cast saluting the orchestra and conductor Lawrence Yurman
Photo credit to Lianne Schoenwiesner – Spotlights Photography

An exceptionally emotional moment in the show comes after Judy realizes she has won the role of Dorothy and she sings “Over the Rainbow.”The strong connection the lyrics have to her life shines through. If you feel a lump in your throat or some tears gathering in your eyes as you listen, you probably have a lot of company. Ruby Rakos does a phenomenal job all through the show as Judy/Frances but this moment is exceptionally stirring and meaningful.

There are also some very fine dance numbers choreographed by Denis Jones who does double duty on this show as Director/Choreographer. The song in the school, “All Ma’s Children,” is a standout. Sets are well designed and the lighting enhances moods especially in the Hollywood scenes.

The principal cast features Ruby Rakos as Judy Garland/Frances Gumm, Max Von Essen as Frank Gumm, Lesli Margherita as Ethel Gumm, Karen Mason as Ma Lawlor/Kay Koverman, Stephen DeRosa as Louis B. Mayer, Michael Wartella as Mickey Rooney, and Colin Hanlon as Roger Edens.

Rounding out the cast are Tia Altinay, Mackenzie Bell, Kristen Grace Brown, Lamont Brown, and Joe Cassidy. Also in the cast are Clara Cox, Tessa Grady, Sophie Knapp, Molly Lyons, Kimberly Immanuel, Christina Maxwell, and Kevin B. McGlynn. Additional cast includes Allsun O’Malley, Samantha Joy Pearlman, Drew Redington, Joshua J. Schwartz, Parker Slaybaugh, Sean Thompson, Violet Tinnirello and Kathy Voytko

Opening Night Curtain Call – ‘Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz’ at Paper Mil Playhouse as the cast prepares to leave the stage .
. Photo Credit – Lianne Schoenwiesner – Spotlights Photography

Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz is a fabulous show where music, singing, and dancing all work together to tell a story. Fans of Judy Garland’s legacy will especially enjoy seeing this show. This is one of those musicals that wows the crowd but carries with it a true story with a lot of heart.

It runs at the Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week now through Oct. 27, 2109.

To buy tickets, call 973.376.4343, or go to the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org.

Photo Lianne Schoenwiesner – Spotlights Photography
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Caesar & Cleopatra Shows an Idealist Warrior

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
A scene from Caesar & Cleopatra – (l. to r.) Brenda Braxton, Teresa Avia Lim, and Robert Cuccioli – Photo by Carol Rosegg

A Review of Caesar & Cleopatra

A fascinating play is running through Oct. 12, 2019 at New York’s Theatre Row. Caesar & Cleopatra by Bernard Shaw appears for the first time in over 40 years on a New York stage. Presented by the Gingold Theatrical Group, this production was worth the wait. As an audience member, I was enchanted by the entire look of the production, the superb work of the actors, and the words and thoughts in the play so well crafted by Shaw. I would like to believe that a world he imagined could exist. The concepts and hopes he writes into the character Julius Caesar are lofty ideas that give one something to strive for. Press notes state that it is an “almost historical comedy.” But there is a lot to absorb and hope for.

Directed by David Staller, the play opens with a visit from Ftatateeta, Cleopatra’s main servant who visits the set from the Egyptian underworld. Her death is explained later on, but her ability to excite and light up the stage is wonderfully portrayed by Brenda Braxton. A very young Cleopatra is played by Teresa Avia Lim. She is able to make her character initially look like a young school girl eager to learn her lessons and then evolve into a scintillating center of power just starting to explode by the end.

The scene changes as word that the armies of Julius Caesar are making their way into Egypt. While they are waiting for this major event, Caesar quietly walks in and meets Cleopatra for the first time, He hides who is in an attempt to speak with her and learn more about her. Robert Cuccioli is at his regal best as Caesar. His tender yet determined approach to his mission is impressive and interesting to listen to. It is no surprise when he wins the respect and admiration of Cleopatra. Unlike the more popular versions of their relationship, this is one of pupil and teacher or mentor. But what is especially enchanting about this Julius Caesar is that he is shown as a man who wants to work through peaceful and sensible means to solve the problems of society. He enjoys mentoring the incoming leaders and encourages them to follow his idealism.

Caesar’s idea is to groom Cleopatra to ascend the throne over her brother, Ptolemy, who is portrayed as a little puppet. When Caesar’s identity is finally revealed, Cleopatra is relieved as she was fearful of what he would do when he arrived. Caesar continues to dominate as an influential character gathering his share of haters as he continues to work with Cleopatra.

Very interesting to watch are the moments between Cleopatra and Caesar. She is a willing student as she flirts slightly with him. He holds back from that growing attraction as if to applaud the idea that students can fall in love with their teachers, but the teacher must hold back. Mentions are made of the large age difference between them and of course young Cleopatra makes light of it all. This Caesar continues to intrigue the audience as he sticks to his lofty goals of creating a better society and installing a most worthy leader.

As hard as Caesar works with his student, she takes action swiftly and decisively against her enemies when she sees them coming in too close. The scenes show a determined and confident Cleopatra who feels justified in her actions. Caesar eventually sees what was done had to be. He prepares to leave but promises to send Mark Antony to Egypt which pleases Cleopatra.

There is much to enjoy about this production. In addition to the story and the acting, it has a well designed set that allows the actors to move freely about. The lighting is well done to depict different moods and at times an ethereal feel which fits the visit from the underworld and some of the ideas Caesar is trying to develop and gain support for. The creative team includes Brian Prather, scenic design; Tracy Christensen, costumes; Jamie Roderick, lighting; and Frederick Kennedy, sound.

In addition to the actors already mentioned, the production includes Jeff Applegate as Rufio, Jonathan Hadley as Britannus. Rajesh Bose plays Prothinus, Ptoleny, and Sentinel, and Dan Domingues plays Apollodorus.

Caesar and Cleopatra plays at Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd Street through Oct. 12, 2019. The performance runs a little over 2 hours and includes one intermission.

For tickets and more information, visit the Gingold Theatrical Group’s website – https://gingoldgroup.org/caesar-and-cleopatra/

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‘Yasmina’s Necklace’ Glows with Artistry

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
Cesar J. Rosado as Sam and Layan Elwazani as Yasmina in the Premiere Stages production of Yasmina’s Necklace by Rohina Malik. Photo by Mike Peters

‘Yasmina’s Necklace’ – A Review

Producing new shows is never an easy task, but it is one that Premiere Stages does very well. Continuing in this fine tradition, the Company now presents Yasmina’s Necklace. This new production is truly one of Premiere Stages finest offerings yet. The subject matter is timely and relevant to all as the concerns of parents for the welfare of their children at any age plays out. The writing of the story by Rohina Malik is imaginative and yet realistic. A strong cast brings the show to life, and excellent special effects enhance special moments of the production. The only down side is that it has a short run; the last show runs this coming Sunday, Sept. 22.

The story centers on two families, each of whom are struggling to establish themselves in the United States. Both families are Muslim and both have parents who believe in the traditional arranged marriage for their children. Playwright Rohina Malik has crafted a show that combines some moments of humor but other intensive moments; a few of which catch you by surprise. Malik’s play very gradually unfolds the secrets that immigrant Yasmina brought with her when she and her father, immigrated to the United States from war torn Iraq via Syria.

Yasmina’s Necklace is under the direction of Kareem Fahmy. Mr. Fahmy’s attention to detail in the show is critical to understanding all that is playing out. Some of it is understated but just enough to allow playgoers to capture the essence of the action.

I highly recommend seeing Yasmina’s Necklace as this is a play that will stay with you for a very long time. In this age of concerns for different religions and nationalities, it is important to examine the struggles that people go through in seeking immigration. It also brings out the terrible toll that war has taken on the Middle East and what it has done to its culture and most of all, the people.

A Timely Story About Families and Their Concerns for Their Children

The play opens by introducing Abdul Samee. His father is Iraqi and mother is Puerto Rican who is a convert to the Muslim faith. They are a strong family unit. Abdul has changed his name to Sam to sound more American as he works in a corporation. He also is recently divorced from an American which is very upsetting to his parents. He basically does things to act more American in order to turn away from his heritage. The concept of what Abdul does is serious. However, playwright Malik skillfully brings in some humor as the discussion between parents and son takes place. The universality of some of their concerns and things said allows the audience to be able to relate to their concerns.

As the scene with the Samee family is ending, they announce their plans to introduce Abdul to Yasmina. Abdul is not pleased. However, he does go with his parents to the family apartment. Yasmina’s mother was killed while the family was still in Iraq so only she and her father are together. The character of the father is delightful to watch and listen to some of the ways he tries to be both mother and father. Yasmina is also not pleased about the idea of an arranged marriage and as she and Abdul talk, she discloses plans for starting a not for profit organization to help people immigrating. That plan intrigues Abdul who becomes involved by helping her set it up. As time passes, he also becomes interested in her romantically eventually leading to marriage. However, as he attempts to get closer to her, she puts up roadblocks and remains private about why.

Good Staging Adds Much to the Plot as it Unfolds

There are many things in Yasmina’s past that haunt her. The pieces are very carefully unfolded during the play in the form of flashback sequences. Her flashbacks to her escape from Iraq and time spent in Syria, especially in a prison, are assisted by excellent use of lighting. The lighting casts an eerie effect so that when her longtime friend enters, one can sense that this is a part of her daytime or nighttime dreams. The significance of the necklace is unveiled in one of these dream sessions. And when the Officer approaches, brighter lighting brings a more intense feel to the action critical to understand what has occurred.

As excellent as this play is, I hesitate writing much more about what unfolds and how it ends. This is one production that people need to be open to and allow the facets of live theater to bring the story to life. The group I went with spent awhile in the parking lot talking it out before we headed down the road for our traditional after dinner at the Mark Twain Diner. We heard others discussing it at their cars, too. Yes, it has that much of an impact on the audience.

The Cast

Fine acting is another important part of Yasmina’s Necklace. The cast includes Layan Elwazani as Yasmina and Cesar J. Rosado as Abdul/Sam. Eliud Kauffman plays dual roles as Ali and Man. Robert Manning, Jr.is Iman Kareen and the Officer. Haythem Noor plays Musa, Peter Romano plays Amir, and Socorro Santiago portrays Sara.

Additional Information about Yasmina’s Necklace:

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours with one intermission

Location: Premiere Stages in the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center on the Kean University main campus in Union, N.J.

Performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. The 8:00 pm performance on Thursday, September 12 will now take place at 11 a.m. to accommodate area students. The run for this show is through Sept. 22, 2019.

Contact for Info and Tickets: Call the box office at 908-737-7469 or visit Premiere Stages online at www.premierestagesatkean.com.

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