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Reviews
Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller (2002)
The Video's Nice, But It's Better Live
I saw this show live at a regional theatre in my home state of Massachusetts and fell immediately in love with it. It was a strange and pleasant coincidence that this taped version of the show's final Broadway performance was being broadcast on HBO that night. All in all, I have to say it was better live. Deb Lyons (who was in the regional production) and DeLee Lively shine as the best performers in the whole show. With Lyons' power house voice and Lively's constant movement, one would think this were the first performance. Other good good performers are Adrian Bailey, Brenda Braxton and Frederick B. Owens for their vocal talents (and Braxton in particular for her acting). Ken Ard's voice is good, but he gives off such an annoying air of egotism that got under my skin. Victor Trent Cook is a wonderful actor, but not as good a singer. B.J. Crosby tries too hard to belt her songs and too often ends up screaming incoherently. The worst performer in the whole thing is Matt Bogart. He cannot sing at all, faking his way through every song. The only things he has going for him are his looks. Regardless of all the bad, I taped this special. The show is very well put together. Smokey Joe's Cafe is quite possibly the greatest musical revue of all time.
In Search of (2002)
The Tabloid of Paranormal Research
This revival of In Search of exists for only two purposes: to shock and to misinform. It's researchers must be journalists that even the Inquirer was too smart to hire. This show takes their stories and twists them to make them as shocking as possible. My biggest gripe with this show is the goal it seems to have set for itself to ruin the social image of Witchcraft and Wicca. They never tell you what it really is, but they bend and shape it into something evil and murderous. If you want a good paranormal research show, go elsewhere. This is the absolute worst resource for paranormal enthusiasts.
A Great Big Bunch of You (1932)
A Great Big Bunch of Fun!
I first discovered this cartoon on a show called Late Night Black & White on Cartoon Network. As a fan of black and white cartoons, I eagerly stayed up later than usual to watch this show. It turned out to be well worth it because of this adorable little piece stuck right into the middle of the episode. It begins as a wooden doll falls out of a junk truck and into a pit filled with other interesting pieces of furniture, including everything from a clumsy dancing grandfather clock to three dress dummies who serve as back-up singers. What ensues is an upbeat musical barrel of giggles that everyone will love, no matter what age. Whether you saw it when it was new or are just getting into black and white cartoons, A Great Big Bunch of You is sure to capture and delight you.
Great Performances: Jesus Christ Superstar (2000)
Jesus Rocks!
The hit 1970's rock opera which has stunned theatre audiences the world over and spawned a hugely successful motion picture is now on home video from the Really Useful Films Group. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's second musical together is even more entrancing and frightening than before in what will probably come to be considered it's definitive version. The play-on-film follows the last weeks of the life of Christianity's icon, Jesus Christ, as well as the people whose lives he touch profoundly. Seen mostly from Judas' point of view, Lloyd Webber and Rice's version is more human and easier to relate to than other adaptations of this biblical story. It has been updated for modern times, but this does nothing to detract from the quality of such a ground-breaking show. The fact that it is completely sung is quickly forgotten, even by those with the strongest prejudice toward musicals, and the story is easy to follow and enjoy. Helped along by a fantastic cast, this could well be the best JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR of all.
The cast is headed by the talented Glenn Carter. His Jesus is human with emotions which Carter is not afraid to show, unlike other actors who have played Jesus. Showing no fear of playing such a monumental role, he makes the character his own with a flare matched by none. This combined with a powerful voice and whaling falsetto brings Jesus to a whole new level. Jerome Pardon's acting is believable and pitiful as the tortured but wary Judas, although his high singing voice does not fit the role. His inability to effectively carry some of the show's numbers only occasionally gets in the way. Renee Castle conveys just the right blend of saint and sinner in the role of Mary Magdelene. Her soft and sweet voice is ideal, but is often overpowered by her acting, most notably during `I Don't Know How To Love Him'. The drop-dead gorgeous Tony Vincent shines brighter than anyone else, having the best voice in the whole production. His portrayal of the pugnacious Simon is well-studied and well-performed. Michael Shaeffer's Annas is frighteningly evil and a delight to watch. Rik Mayall's Herod is hilariously wicked. The ensemble is the best I have ever seen. Never before has such a terrific cast been assembled.
SUPERSTAR was a first-rate production to begin with. This video has gone beyond that. SUPERSTAR still rocks!
The Gondoliers (1984)
A Show That Proves How Fun Musical Theatre Can Be!
Being one who normally dislikes Gilbert and Sullivan, I was a little skeptical of this musical. I quickly found out that, no matter how much one dislikes their style, he cannot deny having enjoyed this musical masterpiece. There is no other show like it.