‘The Most Beautiful Room in New York’ Savors Food, Family, and Life Changes

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Karen Nowosad

Restaurants are big business in New York City.  A Business Insider article from 2011 estimated 80% of them close down in the first five years after they open. When one reaches 20 years in business, it seems like they are doing something right. So, why would one that is successful close? This subject provides the basis for a new musical, The Most Beautiful Room in New York, now running at New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre.

Music for The Most Beautiful Room in New York is by the award-winning composer David Shire with lyrics and a book by The New Yorker magazine writer and book author Adam Gopnik. Long Wharf’s Artistic Director Gordon Edelson directs an outstanding cast. This is a new show having a premiere run. It is a bit long, however, the time does not drag. There is a lot of action that is quick moving. The music is beautiful and the actors have a sense of timing that belies the fact that this show is just starting out.

The first setting is the Union Square area of New York City at Table, a restaurant once called the ‘most beautiful room in New York’ in a review. Located right across the street from a green farmer’s market, Table is in business 20 years. Chef David cooks and his wife, Claire, works the front of the house. The couple has two children, Kate and Bix, both of whom help out in the restaurant after school.

We learn about the warm atmosphere that Table provides to its customers right at the start of the show. This family owned business shares its warmth with their customers and that is what makes it special. Such a restaurant would be a joy to go to except for the occasional spats between David and Claire when she tries to update the menu. All in all, things go along pretty well until the new lease arrives with a hefty monthly increase. The increase is more than Table can bring in.

Looking for a solution, David approaches his former business partner, Sergio. Sergio is a hot shot icon of the food world. He no longer cooks preferring to spend his time doing television shows, promoting his books and products, and generally just making a lot of money; a whole lot of money. David tells him of his need for revenue and offers him a chance to buy back his share of the restaurant. Without hesitation, Sergio accepts.

Now to tell why he accepts so readily would ruin the show for anyone coming to see it. But here’s a hint: it has something to do with Claire. And as he and Claire get reacquainted, Sergio manages to throw her life into turmoil as she realizes she is not happy with her life in the restaurant resulting in conflict for many of the characters and situations.

A subplot is set at the Anarchist Pizzeria in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Owner Carlo is set in his ways but his daughter Anna is looking to include new technology in her life. She meets Bix and they fall in love and discover they both share an interest in having their own modern version of a restaurant. The children set a new path for their parents and the restaurants involved. But in the end, the love of family comes back through as the ensemble gathers to share a meal.

Throughout the show is music that is beautiful to listen to. There is a nice range of variety including a few songs that have a jazz sound as well as more traditional melodies. Some of the highlights of the musical numbers include:

  •  “Something’s Growing” – This opening song is subtle in tone as it projects the feeling of early morning. It is an ensemble song that gives insight to what the show is about and changes and growth people go through.
  • “Market Forces” – Phoebe does a wonderful job singing this song to describe aspects of the food business.
  • “Expresso!” –  Carlo sings this song as a solo. The title signifies the purpose of the song where he can express his thoughts on life and how different is it today from his past. It is humorous and gives nice insight into the character.
  • “Doo Wop Motel” –  New Jersey’s seashore town Wildwood is described as Sergio expresses his unrequited love for Claire. This ballad is beautifully sung by Sergio and Claire and the city of Wildwood should consider adopting it this summer!
  • “What’s Not to Love” – This song closes Act I as Sergio and his sidekicks Natasha and Irwin glorify the changes he will bring to Table. It works well as a song that is both funny and a sign of things to come.
  • “And Then I’ll Go” – This is a bittersweet and heart tugging ballad sung by Claire and Sergio. A surprising side of both characters emerges.
  • “I See Claire/I Hear David – This ballad is cleverly staged as the couple sing of their love for each other. Pure emotion pours through from both of them.
  • “Our Table” – Closes the show with a celebration of life and family.

Good casting and fine performances are an important part of The Most Beautiful Room in New York. The leads include Matt Bogart (David), Anastaastia Barzee (Claire), and Constantine Maroulis (Sergio). Also cast are Sawyer Niehaus (Kate), Tyler Jones (Bix), Krystina Alabado (Anna) and Mark Nelson (Carlo). From the green market are Darlesia Cearcy (Phoebe), Danielle Ferland (Gloria), and Ryan Duncan (Gio). Playing dual roles are Anna Horak (Natasha/Franca) and Allan Washington (Irwin/Gabe) who also is the Dance Captain.

Musical Staging is by John Carrafa with Orchestration by Jonathan Tunick.  Serving as Music Director is John McDaniel.

It will be interesting to see where this show goes from here. But for now, The Most Beautiful Room in New York is good, light hearten entertainment. It is a family oriented show (teenagers and up). That along with good music, an enjoyable story line, and a talented cast makes it a good show to see.

About the Show:

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes plus an intermission

Location: Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT

Performances: Now through May 28, 2017, Tuesdays – Sundays

Contact for Info and Tickets: Call the Long Wharf Theatre Box Office: (203) 787-4282 or online https://www.longwharf.org

P.S.

As I did last year, I’ll be out on the road to see a few shows. This was the first and for me, well worth the drive up to New Haven.

Next stop is the Bucks County Playhouse to see Clue. Stay tuned!

 

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‘Curvy Widow’ Brings Bright and Funny Moments to the Stage

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Karen Nowosad

Nancy Opel talent shines through as she portrays Bobbi Goldman. (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)

New musicals can be hard to launch. But there is a certain sound and sense of story that the good ones have. Curvy Widow is one of those good ones. It is only playing at the George Street Playhouse through May 21, 2017, so don’t loose time; go see it!

Based on a autobiographical book by Bobby Goldman, the story concentrates on the changes the main character, Bobby, goes through when her husband of many years dies suddenly while both are in their 50’s. At first, Bobby seems to be settling into her new life just fine until her therapist points out that her out of control eating might be hiding the need for sex and love.

Photo by T. Charles Erickson

To solve the problem, she decides to enter the dating world again but realizes it has all changed. Bravely, she establishes her online profile where her handle name becomes Curvy Widow. Her experiences with dating as a woman in her 50’s are presented in a very funny manner allowing the audience to laugh with her and not feel sorry for her. The newness of it all and the sense of being alone after many years of being married all enter into her thoughts and actions.

The show is directed by Peter Flynn with choreography by Marcos Santana. Flynn capitalizes on the characters Bobby meets in this dating process with all their eccentricities. Her women friends provide support especially when it appears she has hit the jackpot with a great man in her life. The end might surprise some but it is satisfying in many ways.

Music and lyrics for this show is by Drew Brody. His melodies provide easy listening for the lyrics which tell the story. The opening song “Under Control” tells the story of Bobby and her husband’s life. But next, we hear “Turn the Page” which explains the thoughts Bobby has about entering this new phase of her life. One of the funniest songs is “Gynecologist Tango” where she has to deal with menopausal effects on her sex life. The finale titled “Why Stop Here?” has the show ending on a positive note.

Nancy Opel plays Bobby. Her comedic acting and very fine singing voice bring the character to life. Her struggles and successes are easy to accept because of the way Opel portrays them.  The inclusion of strong character performances from the ensemble cast give the show a nice pace that includes many funny moments and a few reflective ones too. In addition to Ms. Opel, the cast includes Andrea Bianchi (Caroline and others), Aisha de Haas (Joan and others, Elizabeth Ward Land (Heidi and others), Ken Land (Jim and others), Alan Muraoka (The Shrink and others), Chris Shyer (Per Se and others).

This show is one that an adult audience especially older women will enjoy seeing. There are not a lot of things being said about how that age group has to adapt to technology when it comes to dating and how the rules have changed.  This show gives a good humored look at the subject.

About the Show:

Run Time: 90 minutes – no intermission

Location: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ

Performances: Runs May 2-21, 2017

Contact for Info and Tickets: Contact the Box Office directly at 732-246-7717 or purchase online at GSPonline.org.

Additional Information:

This is the final show for the George Street Playhouse at their current location before construction begins on their new home. For the next two years, performances will be at 103 College Farm Road in New Brunswick for its 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

 

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‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Recalls Early Days of Rock’n’Roll

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Karen Nowosad

Scene from “Million Dollar Quartet” at Paper Mill Playhouse; Photo by Jerry Dalia

Review of Million Dollar Quartet

If 50’s rock and roll is your passion, then you will want to go to see Million Dollar Quartet playing through April 23, 2017 at Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse. The show is filled with classic rock music with a story that shows a kinder, gentler time in the music industry.   It was a time when a musician with a song to sing could be heard by a top record executive and signed to a label. Once on the label they got help getting their  career off the ground. No youtube or social media to publicize a new talent. Instead the goal was getting their record heard on the radio.

The production Million Dollar Quartet at the Paper Mill is outright fun to see. It features an outstanding cast and musicians who bring the story to life. The book is by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, with the original concept by Mr. Mutrux, inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. The show is directed by Hunter Foster, a member of the Broadway cast who originated the role of Sam Phillips. Mr. Hunter has mounted several productions of Million Dollar Quartet around the country in addition to this one. The music direction by James Barry.

 The story is set in the Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee on a Tuesday night in December, 1956 shortly before Christmas. It is based on a actual situation that occurred when four of the early rock’n’rollers affliated with Sun all returned on the same day. These four stars are Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. Each launched their careers at Sun Records. Now, they are all in different stages of their careers but feel a debt of gratitude towards owner Sam Phillips for his work on their behalf.  This get together occurs the year after Phillips sold Elvis Presley’s contract to RCA records for a mere $40,000. Big money at the time though needed so that he could keep Sun Records open. Throughout the musical, Phillips attempts to make decisions as to whether or not he should continue to keep his company open or fold it and go with a larger record label.

When a jam session with all four of these men begins, Phillips decides to tape what was happening.  That scene occurs towards the end of the show when an photo of the real life Presley, Cash, Lewis, and Perkins displays on the stage. It is pretty exciting to be an audience member who sits and watches this take place.  A sense of tribute for the glory of the rock of that era comes through thanks to the performances of a very fine cast.  That cast includes  James Barry as Carl Perkins, James Loughlin as Sam Phillips, Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash, Jake Rowley as Elvis Presley, David Sonneborn as Fluke, Bligh Voth as Dyanne, Sam Weber as Brother Jay, and Nat Zegree as Jerry Lee Lewis.

In addition to the jam session, songs made famous by each member of the “quartet” are presented.  You will rock out to classics like Johnny Cash’s “Walk the Line,” Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” Carl Perkin’s “Blue Suede Shoes,” and Jerry Lee Lewis’ “All Shook Up.” There is also a fabulous performance of “Fever” sung by the character Dyanne who is Elvis’ current love interest.

Original scenic design is by Derek McLane with additional design by Kelly James Tighe, original costume design by Molly Walz with additional design by China Lee, lighting design by Ryan O’Gara, sound design by Randy Hansen and hair & wig design by Leah Loukas. The production stage manager is Frank Lombardi.

 

About the show:

Running Time:

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

Performances: Limited run through Sunday, April 23, 2017. The show is performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Performance schedule: Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm.

Contact for Info and Tickets: Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office or online at www.PaperMill.org. Students may order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse box office on the day of the performance.

Free Audience Enrichment Activities:

  • The Conversation Club: Thursday evenings, April 6, 13, or 20, one hour before curtain for an informal, informative gathering. You’ll learn more about the performance you’re about to see and perhaps catch a glimpse of the stage being set.
  • Q&A with the Cast: After the matinee on Saturday, April 22, stick around for a lively Q&A with cast members directly following the performance.
Special Accessibility Performances:
  • Audio-described performances are on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:30pm and Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 1:30pm. Prior to these performances at noon, the theater will offer free sensory seminars. Sensory seminars offer an opportunity for patrons with vision loss to hear a live, in-depth description of the production elements of the show and hands-on interaction with key sets, props, and costumes. 
  • A sign-interpreted and open-captioned performance will be on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 7:00 pm.  

 

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