SSO's Sgt. Pepper's/Beatles Tribute

Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, MA

www.citystagesymphonyhall.com

October 13, 2014

by Eric Sutter

An undertaking of such magnitude as the sophisticated rock and pop of "Sgt. Pepper" in combination with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra was completely adaptable on a grand scale. Peter Brennan's "Jeans 'n Classics" groups' concept of this combination proved admirable in Springfield. Along with the group, vocalist Jean Meiller sang superb arrangements with a fun spirit. Meiller possessed a robust timbre that provided many comfortable memories to an appreciative audience. The band began with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with two female backup vocalists in Kathryn Rose and Leah Salomaa. By the time of the orchestral sweep of "She's Leaving Home,” many nice high notes were hit with fine musical accompaniment by keyboardist John Regan. The rhythm section was tight and effective.

At times, some electric guitar passages were not audible enough. As a whole, the carnival ambience sound of "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" and the jaunty "Lovely Rita" were fabulous and provided high entertainment. Group founder Peter Brennan supplied a unique psychedelic vocal sound to "Within You, Without You" with familiar tabla sounding drum parts. Paul McCartney's "When I'm 64" had the audience singing along. The orchestral strings built a crescendo of dramatic musical tension on "A Day in the Life" to its astonishing climax and release for the end of the first half.

The second portion brought the harmonic joy of the Springfield Symphony Chorus, under direction by Nikki Stoia, performing the John Lennon solo classic "(Just Like) Starting Over." A nicely played acoustic guitar intro by Brennan signaled "Across The Universe." Excellent orchestra string work propelled "Eleanor Rigby" to majesty. The George Harrison song "My Sweet Lord" was out shown by a melodic mimic of slide guitar by Dave Dunlop. "Because" featured the lovely dream-like harmonies of the Symphony Chorus. The scope and unimpaired brilliance of their inventive sound was impressive. The group dazzled with the Beatles, classic rock of "The Long and Winding Road" and "Let It Be" for an exhilarated finale. Vocalist Meiller shared an intimate encore with a warm rendition of Ringo's "Goodnight."

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The Bushnell, Hartford, CT

www.bushnell.org

through October 19, 2014

by Mary Ann Dennis

The Bushnell brings in another “must see” musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. The technical aspects of the production captivate from start to finish. The plot is based on the "coat of many colors" story of the trials and triumphs of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis.

The show’s family friendly storyline of hope overflows with universal themes, toe-tapping, finger-snapping music, and spectacular staging. Thanks to Musical Director Wayne Green and the cast’s crisp enunciation, not a beat of the script is missed in this fully sung musical.

Perfect choreography and direction allow this talented ensemble to showcase a bit of tap/clogging, athletics and lifts, stepping and plate slapping percussion leaving the audience quick to respond with applause.

The Narrator, played by Diane DeGarmo, is no stranger to the stage; she has amazing stage presence, vocal perfection, and commanding characterizations. She hits the high notes with tremendous power.

In the lead role, Ace Young is handsome with abs of death and gorgeous teeth, thank goodness, because his nasal vocal quality is a bit distracting to this otherwise stunning cast. What should have been a bone chilling moment for Young, his rendition of “Close Every Door” unfortunately lacked sincere depth. Young hits some powerful notes, however without connecting to his “character” the role lacks guts and luster.

The ensemble of brothers is the true star of the show. “One More Angel in Heaven” sung by Brian Guleb (Rueben) was the show’s first fun moment. “Those Canaan Days” sung by Paul Castree (Simeon) was a true showstopper. No, seriously, it stopped the show and the applause just wouldn’t end. Ryan Williams truly rocked the audience as Pharaoh when he sang about his dream in “Elvis” style.

Let’s get technical: Bravo to lighting designer Howell Binkley who uses every spectrum of color and direction possible. Binkley’s incredible concert/Broadway style design is captivating as it highlights the songs exquisitely.

“Joseph” is musical comedy at its best, supported by a great score, a story of hope, a humorous ensemble, and a brilliant narrator that skillfully takes the audience through this journey.

World's Greatest Tribute Band Concert

The Hippodrome, Springfield, MA

October 18, 2014

It's been a long time since we've Rocked n' Rolled. . .let's get it back!

On Saturday, Oct. 18, the Hippodrome, aka Paramount Theater (cinematreasures.org/theaters/1261), in Springfield, MA will rock the region with a triple bill of Classic Rock. Over the past 15 years, the theater underwent a 1.3 million dollar makeover and has been reinvigorated over the past 5 years with live rock shows.

That beat begins, led by the radiant torch of Indie-Rock sounds from songstress Shanta Paloma. Possessing a pure rock voice and a gift for guitar magic, she will perform originals, new music, and select covers.

“Crazy On You” will feature music from 70's female stalwarts “Heart,” with Cassandra Demers on lead vocals and Meredith Robinson on vocals and guitar. Lead guitarist Kevin Prefontaine will kick “Heart” classics into high gear for a passionate tribute.

“Back in Black,” led since 1990 by solid rocker Miguel Goncalves, is an “AC/DC” tribute band, providing a full throttle “AC/DC” experience. With Halloween around the corner, expect surprise musical happenings.

American Zeppelin

The rock engine will tear down the main runway in full roar with the crescendo of “American Zeppelin” featuring charismatic lead vocalist Livio Gravini. Livio goes back to the 80's in the local and regional music scene. Bandmates Paul Lusky, Ned Sikes, and John Myslinskilook provide a visual and sonic experience that reverberates in sympathetic rhapsody to “Led Zeppelin.”

The revelry begins at 7:30 at the Hippodrome, 1700 Main St., Springfield, MA. The cost is $25 for advance tickets and $30 at the door. You can get tickets at the Stonewall Tavern next door at 1716 Main St. or enclose a self-addressed envelope with check or money order sent to American Zeppelin, P.O. Box 1032, Granby, MA 01033.

Angels in America

Part One: Millennium Approaches

Playhouse On Park, West Hartford, CT

www.PlayhouseOnPark.org

through October 19, 2014

by Walt Haggerty

Playhouse On Park has created an extraordinary production of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize winning play “Angels in America," and to borrow a line from Arthur Miller, “Attention must be paid!”

“Angels in America” was written some 20 years ago, approximately ten years after the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic, and, yes, it is about AIDS, and oh so much more. The play is about caring, compassion, and love. It is about human needs -- physical as well as emotional. It is about concern for one another and mutual support. It is about attempting to live up to expectations, facing and accepting who we are and what we are, and finally, about survival.

Photo by Rich Wagner

The Playhouse On Park production is directed by Sean Harris with great sensitivity and flawlessly cast with an exceptionally talented ensemble, every one of whom delivers an award-deserving performance. In most cases, cast members perform multiple roles, always with distinctly drawn characterizations.

It is impossible to identify any single player for special praise, as this is a true ensemble production with every participant contributing brilliantly. These are not simply actors playing a part; they truly become the character they are portraying. Notable contributions are made by all, starting with Jim Shankman as Roy Cohn, Time Hackney as Joe Pitt, Kristen Harlow as Joe’s wife Harper, James Parenti as Prior Walter, Marty Scanlon as his partner Louis, Clark Beasley Jr. as Mr. Lies and Belize, and Olivia as four different characters as well as an off-stage voice. Bravos to all!

The venue is an intimate, comfortable theatre with the audience seated on three sides facing a large performance space. The producers are to be commended for their courage in bringing a very difficult production to local audiences. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the most challenging works of the past two decades in a magnificent production. The cast and presentation deserve full houses at every performance. Attendees will be richly rewarded.

Poe

Berkshire Theatre Group, Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge, MA

www.berkshiretheatregroup.org

through October 26, 2014

by Shera Cohen

The set is numerous shades of brown with a smattering of black. The rustic interior of a tavern sits in the center of ceiling-to-floor paper panels, each with faded handwriting. This is not a friendly place which audience members step into, not only in the shroud of dark scenery but in the company of its inhabitants. Add macabre music and thunder claps and “Poe” is off to a powerful start.

Director/playwright Eric Hill’s imagination has chronicled the final days in the life of Edgar Allan Poe. Indeed, Poe’s demise is as mysterious as was his life and writings. Hill has seamlessly meshed history with fiction and poetry with dialogue for his main character. Poe’s language is full of near-operatic arias, most taken from his own writing, held together by meaningful recitative.

While “Poe” is not a one-man play, it very well could be for several reasons, most importantly beginning with actor David Adkins’ portrayal of the tortured poet. Adkins, who has acted quite nicely, primarily in contemporary plays over the years at Berkshire Theatre, entrenches his mannerisms and psyche into the body and soul of the wreck of a man Poe has become. It is hard to imagine another actor donning the mantle of agony, hopelessness, and mystery balanced with beauty, love, and brilliance. Assuredly, bringing Poe to life and ultimately to death is far from an easy task. At times, Adkins superbly plays the friendly drunk. Yet, humor often shades hard truth, and in Poe’s case, the truth is too harsh to live with. Adkins personifies his Poe with feigned levity awash with harsh reality, so that “Poe’s” audience is decidedly uncomfortable to laugh or even smile. Hill achieves that dichotomy.

Yes, other actors appear onstage, but their actions and words do little to flesh out Poe’s character and/or link theirs with his in important ways. The play’s start serves as repartee solely as a prelude to Poe’s entrance. While Kate Maguire’s character’s recitation of “The Tale Heart” is effectively chilling, it might have served better as a preamble to the play or after-show reading.

“Poe” has a short run at Berkshire Theatre, so make a date with this master poet soon.

Happy Birthday Paradise City Arts Festival

Three County Fairgrounds, Northampton, MA

paradisecityarts.com

October 10 – 13, 2014

October 2014 marks 20 years of bringing arts from all across America to Northampton, often considered the creative hub of New England.

William Stock Rahbun

Columbus Day Weekend, which happens to fall during American Craft Week, is chock full with the works of 275 exhibitors, dining tent, music, art demonstrations, and silent auction. Arts is drawn, painted, weaved, sculpted, sawed, strung, and/or welded together to create the best in paper, jewelry, glass, metal, and woven art.

All artists will be at the festival to converse with them about their works. Many of these 

talented individuals reside in Massachusetts as well as throughout New England.

Spend Paradise City's 20th Birthday in Northampton.

Berkshire Bach Society

St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA

www.mahaiwe.org

September 27, 2014

by Barbara Stroup

To kick-off their impressive 2014-2015 season, Berkshire Bach Society welcomed Fall with a fine group of musicians who are the artistic core of Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York City.

In a concert called “Bridging the Baroque," the program began with Mozart and ended with Vivaldi. Featuring violinist Krista Feeney, Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons" was fiery, fierce, and passionate without being frenetic. Feeney had total command of her instrument, which freed her to play with sincerity and respect for the many changes in tempo and virtuosity that the music required. Ms. Mann had a wonderful flute technique for the Bach Orchestral Suite as well. She chose dance-like tempi that seemed entirely appropriate, and it was a relief not to hear this music rushed. Both soloists' ability to apply vibrato with conservative restraint was wonderful to the ears.

The ensemble behind these two players shone just as brightly as the soloists did, anchored by an amazing bass section that gave distinction to that pivotal department. John Feeney, on bass, was as virtuosic as it is possible to be on that slow-responding instrument, never allowing the sound to be anything but clear and supportive, both to the soloists and to his cello and keyboard companions.

Accustomed to hearing these pieces played by a much larger ensemble, the music gained in St. Luke’s presentation by letting the middle lines through, and listeners could hear both the support and complexity of Louise Schulman’s viola.

The concert was a gem in the acoustically rich space that the Mahaiwe has become, and the appreciation for the venue - as well as for Berkshire Bach - was reflected in a nearly sold-out house.

Berkshire Bach Society is dedicated to sharing the vast and wonderful repertoire of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, his contemporaries, the composers who influenced his work and those he inspired to achieve musical timelessness. Berkshire Bach seeks to reach the broadest possible audience for the works of J.S. Bach and his musical peers, mentors and followers. Performances range from solo instrumental recitals to large choral works with full orchestra.