‘My Very Own British Invasion’ Rocks the House

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Karen Nowosad

The company of ‘My Very Own British Invasion’ at Paper Mill Playhouse – photo by Jerry Dalia

The 60’s reveled in rock and pop music. A major part of the music scene was dominated by groups from Great Britain. First the Beatles arrived in 1964. After a time, one band after another came to the U.S. with major hit records. This phenomenon, affectionately nicknamed “the British Invasion,” is the subject of a new show aptly titled My Very Own British Invasion. The show is in its World Premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse. The show is fast moving, filled with enjoyable music, and a very talented cast who sing many familiar songs and breath new life into them.

Paper Mill Playhouse Promotional Material

A Fable Based on Real Experiences

My Very Own British Invasion is based on the experiences of British rocker Peter Noone, lead singer of the band Herman’s Hermits who was very much a part of the invasion. Using that as a basis for a story, the book for the show, by Rick Elice, skillfully creates its own set of characters and events needed to tell this story. Jerry Mitchell does an outstanding job directing as well as providing the choreography.

Act I opens set in a club in Soho, London, The Bag O’Nails. The rockers of the day go there to hear each other’s songs and pal around together. As the first wave of rockers, the Beatles, arrive in the U.S., their success is celebrated. Others want to follow including Peter. Peter is very young; too young to get into the club. But along comes John Lennon who brings him in and buys him drinks.

There is plenty of good music to hear as lovely Pamela captures Peter’s eye. He is instantly smitten and determined to make her his girl. One problem; hot shot rocker by the name of Trip already has staked his claim on her. Trip is a much older man, all of 19 years old! He looks at young Peter and he doesn’t even see it as a contest. But Pamela sees something in Peter that she likes. Eventually, the very sweet parts of Peter win her over and she is willing to let go of Trip. Thus begins the struggle between Peter and Trip to make Pamela their girl.

Along the pursuit trail, there are a number of incidents that occur eventually bringing them all to the United States where they each have a chance to be on tour. The contest for Pamela continues on and is resolved in a rather surprising manner. Trip finally let his true emotions for Pamela comes out. After listening to Trip, Pamela declares who she needs to be in her own life and the decision about the right man for her gets made.

Who Pamela chooses is not the job of this reviewer to reveal. Bear in mind this is billed as a fable so a moral to the story is in order. My Very Own British Invasion shows what price is paid for our dreams and goals and how far we might go to get them. To end the show, the character Peter sings the Beatles’ song “In My Life.” It takes on a inspired significance as one looks back at their life. Those things and people that were important in a person’s life are held dear.

The Music Alone is Worth the Price of Admission

The music has a score that is chock full of songs from the era of the British Invasion. Lon Hoyt provides Music Supervision and Arrangements. Orchestrations are by Francisco Centeno, Clint De Ganon, John Putman, and Lon Hoyt. Together, they play 25 songs from the 60’s. The music corresponds well to action taking place on stage.

Jonny Amies (Peter) and Erika Olson (Pamela); photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

For example, when Trip sees Peter trying to woo Pamela, he sings “Can’t You See That She’s Mine.” That was a big hit for the Dave Clark 5 back in the day, but it sounds fresh and new again here. The same when Pamela goes to New Orleans and gets heavily into drugs. The Animals’ hit “The House of the Rising Sun” plays to show her now destructive path.

A very special moment occurs as Peter and Pamela first begin getting into their romance as they sing “There’s a Kind of Hush (All Over the World)” made famous by Herman’s Hermits. An especially fun moment is when Peter’s band sings “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am.” The audience is invited to sing along to one of the most famous songs from Mr. Noone’s many hits. And sing along they did with great gusto at the Opening Night performance.

The Cast Brings it all to Life

Jonny Amies does a wonderful job playing Peter. He plays the part as a young, innocent with a lot of dreams. You have to root for him as he bravely makes his way into this new world of music and love. Erika Olson plays Pamela whose presence and talent as a singer graces the stage. Kyle Taylor Parker as Geno adds so much to this show. His talent as a singer and serving as narrator is dynamic to watch. Conor Ryan plays Trip, the bad boy rocker complete with the long hair and cool aura. He shows a character who wants his way no matter what and he pulls it off and makes it all believable.

Jen Perry plays several roles including some memorable scenes as Peter’s mother. Bryan Fenkart plays John Lennon bringing in that famous Liverpool style accent. John Sanders plays several roles including Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein and Fallon. Daniel Stewart Sherman plays mean guy The Hammer. Additional casting includes Travis Artz, Gemma Baird, John Campione, Emma Degerstedt, Trista Dollison, Jay Donnell, Graham Scott Fleming, Douglas Goodhart, Cory Jeacoma, Sage Melcher, Jen Perry, and Daniel Yearwood.

The Creatives

The creative team involved with My Very Own British Invasion have done an outstanding job in their respective areas to bring this time period back to life.

Capturing the aura of The Bag O’Nails club and other venues is scenic design by David Rockwell with Kenneth Posner’s lighting design. A salute to fashion of the era comes from Gregg Barnes with costume design. The important sound design is by Andrew Keister. The unique projection design is by Andrew Lazarow, and the period hair and wig design is by Josh Marquette. The production stage manager for this show is Tripp Phillips.

Additional Information about My Very Own British Invasion

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes with one intermission

Location: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ

Performances: Now through March 3, 2019

Contact for Info and Tickets: Call 973.376.4343, visit the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org.

Suggested Audience: Teens on up. People who lived through that time period will be especially thrilled to hear those songs again by a whole new generation of performers. If you are looking to see a show that is fun and light hearted, this is for you.

Additional Information: Groups of 10 or more may receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Season subscriptions are on sale now and are available by calling 973.379.3717. Students may order $23-$28 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

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“Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical” A Superb Production

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical Written and Performed by Laiona Michelle at George Street Playhouse Photo Credit: T Charles Erickson © T Charles Erickson Photography

The World Premiere of Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical runs through Feb. 24, 2019 at New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse. On Opening Night, the sold-out audience showed their appreciation and enthusiasm for the show. And why not? It has everything a show needs to be a big hit: The multi-talented Laiona Michelle playing the title role, an outstanding band performing an eclectic set list, and a true story that needs to be told.

This production is a one woman show about the life of the dynamic and controversial musician, singer, and composer Nina Simone. Directed by Devanand Janki, Laiona Michelle plays the role of Nina Simone. She plays it so well that at times you will think that you are seeing Nina Simone somehow returning to the stage through her. Not only does Ms. Michelle play the role, but she also wrote the book for the show. She has a well trained singing voice that she uses in a variety of ways to show the many different styles and parts of Ms. Simone’s repertoire. Her interpretations of the songs show great depth and understanding of the trials that would have been a part of Ms. Simone’s world. Her ability to build up a song and bring in strong emotions is extremely effective. Perhaps George Street’s Artistic Director David Saint summed it up best when he said this about her in his introduction on Opening Night: “This woman has no bounds on her talent.” Ms. Michelle is a strong singer and an artist who presents her character with absolute clarity and distinction.

Photo Credit: T Charles Erickson © T Charles Erickson Photography

The Story and the Music

To tell a story about an artist like Nina Simone who had so many accomplishments in her artistic life is not an easy task. Wisely, the show is divided into two time periods. The first is 1968, a few days after the assassination of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Simone enters the theater with her band to the sounds of a riot taking place outside, escorted by police. Two police officers go up to the stage as the group prepares for the show and they remain there through the first Act. The show begins with “Feeling Good” and the mood is fairly comfortable through a few songs. But as the show progresses, songs that are related to her life become more prominent especially “My Father” then two songs written by Ms. Simone, “Four Women” and “Be My Husband.” The air becomes more tense as “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to be Free” ignites. Although Nina Simone was considered controversial at points in her life, the reasons for why she was angry make sense hearing and seeing this part of the show.

But the highlight of Act One comes as Ms. Michelle performs one of the most important songs written by Ms. Simone, “Mississippi Goddam.” She sings faster and faster and builds a tempo that catches fire as she exits the room. As the door opens to the street, the sounds of rioting ring out to match the dynamics of the song. It is truly an exciting theatrical moment.

Photo Credit: T Charles Erickson © T Charles Erickson Photography

Act Two takes place a decade later. We learn that Ms. Simone left the United States and lived in Europe. She also delves deep into the tragic parts of her life such as when she lost her chance to have a scholarship to Curtis Institute of Music contending that racism was behind the denial of her chance. Songs and dialog show her life with its highs and lows from emotional lows to attaining her nickname “The High Priestess of Soul.” The concerns with the status of civil rights continue to be important to her. Ms. Simone’s music added to the soundtrack of the civil rights movement and her own life shows much about that time period. The final song is a testament to the way she lived her life as “My Way” is proclaimed.

Fabulous Music from an Outstanding Band

Central to the show is the variety of music provided by an outstanding band. Mark Fifer provides musical direction, arrangements, original materials and plays keyboards during the show. Saadi Zain plays bass. Kenneth Salters is on drums and percussion. The band is with Laiona Michelle right on stage through the show and in a sense, they become actors as well. Without a doubt, the musicality and versatility of this band is remarkable to hear and see.

Credit for Sound Design goes to Karin Graybash. And of course, strains of Johann Sebastian Bach are heard throughout the show because of the love Ms. Simone had for his music.

An Inspired Set Design and Mural as a Backdrop

Upon entering the theater, one feels that they are going to a concert. George Street Playhouse extends the staging to the audience area by adding wood panels, lights, and designs from the set. A gorgeous mural was specially designed and painted for this show. The images on the mural reflect musical items important to Simone’s career. Vivid colors and sizes are used to produce a backdrop that gives an artistic feel to the set. Scenic Design credit goes to Shoko Kambara with Lighting Design by Xavier Pierce.

A Show Well Worth Seeing

Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical provides excellent entertainment for audiences of all ages. It has music to please a variety of tastes in genres with a fine performer, Laiona Michelle, turning in a fabulous performance. The historic value of the show shines through as well. The turbulence of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960’s provides the background but it also examines before and after that time period as well. It moves at a good pace and keeps interest high throughout the show.

Additional Information

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours plus one 15 minute intermission

Location: George Street Playhouse, 103 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ

Performances: Now through February 24, 2019

Contact for Info and Tickets: Visit the George Street Playhouse website at www.GeorgeStreetPlayhouse.org or call the Box Office at 732-246-7717.

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‘Maestro’ is a Work of Art

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Karen Nowosad
John Noble as Arturo Toscanini in ‘Maestro’ playing now at the Duke on 42nd Street. Photo credit Shirin Tinati

Maestro is a powerful and moving show playing on a limited run at The Duke on W. 42nd Street. Written by Eve Wolf as a part of the Ensemble for the Romantic Century theater company, Maestro examines a portion of the life of famed conductor Arturo Toscanini. This story is presented through monologues from the Toscanini character, the inclusion of professional musicians who play classical music, and photos and videos of moments that develop the story line in a most unique and stirring manner. A good description comes from press notes included in this statement from ERC Director of Theatrical Productions, David T. Sanders: “In Maestro by Eve Wolf, our new production about the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini, audiences can see, hear and feel thru the power of his real words and beautiful music how this passionately defiant man worked to defeat Fascism.”

Mr. Sanders is the Director for this production of Maestro. He directs John Noble in the title role of Arturo Toscanini.  Mr.Noble is an esteemed voice, television, film, and stage actor best recognized for his work as Dr. Walter Bishop on JJ Abrams’ cult favorite, “Fringe.” His portrayal of the legendary conductor is one of a man of great conviction and dedication to the cause of freedom. In the Prologue, the character breaks the fourth wall as he turns towards the audience and makes them feel that they are a part of the orchestra he is rehearsing. It provides an opportunity to get a sense of Toscanini’s impeccable sense of pitch and devotion to the highest standards of musical performance. Mr. Noble shows Toscanini’s sensitivity to the suffering his country and others endure resulting from the spread of Fascism and the evils of World War II. His intense relationship with music remains his strength throughout terrible times keeping hope alive for a better future.

The Story

Maestro begins in 1938 with a rehearsal at 30 Rockefeller Center with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Recorded excerpts from rehearsals and live performances of the opera Aida play to help set a mood. From there, flashbacks to experiences and events that led Toscanini to that point begin to play out. His refusal to accept Adolph Hitler’s invitation to play in Berlin is shown. The rise of Mussolini in his own native country, Italy, is shown through visuals projected in a series of videos and still pictures. He discusses his trips to Palestine to conduct an orchestra made up of Jewish refugees.

Toscanini’s love affair with his lover, the young Italian pianist Ada Mainardi also provides points of interest about the events of the time and his personal ideas. However, the lovely moments are blown apart as the continued invasion of the Nazi regime takes over Europe forcing him to flee to the United States. We watch as scenes of death camps are shown just enough so that the audience recognizes the horror unfolding each day. Finally, moments of peace arrive. But always, the conductor’s concern for freedom and love of music are always evident.

Exquisite Classical Music

An integral part of the show is exquisite music played live on stage. The ensemble for the music features Mari Lee and Henry Wang on violins, Matthew Cohen on viola, Ari Evan on cello, Zhenni Li on piano, and Maximilian Morel on trumpet. The music is stirring and beautiful to listen to. Classical selections such as Verdi’s String Quartet in E minor, Wagner’s Liebestodl, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue are played on stage with visuals depicting events of the time running at the same time behind the musicians. The coordination of the two elements makes for strong emphasis on important moments in the show. The performance of Rhapsody in Blue with Mr. Morel on trumpet is a highlight of the show.

Use of Visuals

A variety of visuals are used throughout Maestro. Projections on stage of historic moments such as scenes of Hitler and the death camps are powerful to show what was happening in the world. Also, visuals are used in more esoteric moments in the show. One scene shows scenes of Paris as Toscanini enjoys life and love. Another scene begins with pictures of beautiful, fresh oranges symbolic of the world before things go bad. As new scenes are shown, the oranges begin to spoil and have bugs all over them showing them as decayed and ruined correlating to the war and what it is doing to the world.

The use of the visuals and music with them continue to develop the story in a most artistic manner. The variety of these mediums show careful planning from the production staff and add much to the show.

Additional Information

Maestro is a beautiful and unique show to see. Theater goers who enjoy classical music will especially like this show as will those who like to see shows with a historic base.

Maestro runs through February 9, 2019 at The Duke, 229 W. 42nd Street. Tickets can be purchased online at Dukeon42.org; by phone at 646-223-3010; or in person at The Duke on 42nd Street at 229 West 42nd Street (Tuesdays-Fridays 4-7 and Saturdays 12-6).

For more information, visit romanticcentury.org.

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