In a theater soaked in history of our relatively young “colonies,” Eric Idle’s insanity and genius come to tell us of the heroes of bygone days in England. The Knights of the Round Table, and their King, Arthur, have never been less dignified or more insane than onstage singing and dancing to songs about plague, torture, fish, and the Holy Grail of Christianity. The touring show Spamalot, based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” has just exploded in DC once again, at the National Theater.

The movie made little sense, and the play doesn’t even try to remedy that, instead opting for mile a minute jokes and silliness. The gags are outrageous, and the accents even crazier. It is a fantastically good time, and the cast seems to enjoy it almost as much as the audience. Arthur Rowan, who played King Arthur amusingly enough, was a strong center of certainty, playing the straight man to most of the show’s jokesters. Rowan makes Arthur look as misguided as possible, without letting the character think there is anything wrong. He is aided by a clever peasant/servant named Patsy, who not only helps him “ride” horses by clacking coconuts, but also helps the king round-up his band of Knights. Glenn Giron plays Patsy with a real warmth and keeps a level head in the show. Lancelot (Adam Grabau) and Sir Robin (Kasidy Devlin) were also devilishly entertaining, and kept the energy up.

Meanwhile, the Lady of the Lake is a diva without a cause. While the character is supposed to “overact like hell” according to the lyrics of her song, the pitchy understudy who played her on Wednesday seemed to lack the necessary glamour to pull the part off completely. While her high notes were strong and sure, the jazzier moments escaped her range somewhat.

Overall, the ensemble was really the star of the show. As the play is based on the schtick of Monty Python, each ensemble character got to shine in various iconic parts such as Tim the Enchanter, or the Knights who say Ni. Only Arthur, The Lady of the Lake and Patsy stayed in the same role, everyone else was heroically charging about and changing costumes in mere seconds.

The beautiful set and quick changes of the actors made for a rollicking good time. Together with a very appreciative audience, Spamalot brought the house down in a send up of history, culture and theater that was as timeless and irreverent as Monty Python could ever be.

Photo Gallery

The Knights of the Round Table	The Cast
The Frenchmen: Ryan Cowles, Joe Beuerlein, Adam Grabau, Jason Elliott Brown	Kasidy Devlin (Sir Robin) and Ensemble
The Cast

Photos by Scot Suchman

Cast

• King Arthur: Arthur Rowan
• Lady of the Lake Understudy (performed on Wednesday): Melissa Chaty
• Lady of the Lake: Abigail Raye
• Patsy: Glenn Giron
• Sir Lancelot, The French Taunter, King Ni, Tim The Enchanter: Adam Grabau
• Sir Robin, Brother Maynard: Kasidy Devlin
• Mayor, Sir Bedevere, Mother, Black Knight, Father, U/S King Arthur: Thomas Demarcus
• Sir Dennis Galahad, Concorde, U/S Black Knight, U/S Father: Joshua Taylor Hamilton
• Historian, Not Dead Fred, French Guard, Minstrel, Prince Herbert, U/S Sir Lancelot: Joe Beuerlein
• Ensemble: Matthew Alexander
• Ensemble: Barbara Jo Bednarczuk
• Ensemble, Dance Captain: Kimber Benedict
• Ensemble, U/S Sir Robin, Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert: Jason Elliott Brown
• Ensemble, U/S Sir Galahad, Patsy: Carl Deforrest Hendin
• Ensemble, U/S Historian, Minstrel, Sir Bedevere, Mother: Andrew Leggieri
• Ensemble: Amy Owens
• Ensemble: Ryan Jacob Wood
• Author, Voice of God : Eric Idle

Designers

• Re-Created Direction: BT McNicholl
• Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw
• Re-Created Choreography: Scott Taylor
• Scenic Design Modifications: James Kronzer
• Lighting Design: Mike Baldassari
• Sound Design: Craig Cassidy
• Musical Supervisor: Steven M. Bishop
• Executive Producer: Stephen B. Kane
• Artistic Producer: Michael McFadden

Disclaimer: ShowBizRadio was provided two complimentary media tickets for this review.

Jersey Boys, ‘Oh What A Night,’ at The National Theatre! Jersey Boys is not only a delightful play; it’s a spectacular journey into the world of a small group of men from New Jersey and the women in their lives. One cannot help but fall in love with them, their music and their warm-hearted story of life in the tough and rugged world of the music industry. Jersey Boys will bring you behind the lights and into the world of each of them, especially their main vocal Frankie Valli. If you want a great night of theatrical fun and excitement, this is a show for you.

The production values for Jersey Boys are quite remarkable and will not skip a beat. From one musical number to another as the story takes you through their lives, every set and costume change was flawlessly carried out. Flawless! Quite a marvel of technical accomplishment for the Scenic Designer, Klara Zieglerova; the fabulous costumes by Costume Designer, Jess Goldstein; the Lighting Designer, Howell Binkley; the Sound Designer, Steve Canyon Kennedy; The Projection Designer, Michael Clark; Wig and Hair Design by Charles LaPointe; Fighter Director, Steve Rankin and Production Supervisor, Richard Hester. All of this design crew brought together a very special show and you will just love what they’ve created for you.

Very rarely does a show like this capture you, but Jersey Boys grabs you from the start and won’t let you go until the final curtain. By the way, the entire audience leapt to their feet and sang along during the curtain call. All too often touring shows come to town with a truncated version of the original, but Jersey Boys far surpasses any version you may have seen or will see. A truly wonderful night at the theatre is Jersey Boys.

The cast of Jersey Boys is fantasic! The Boys: Bob Gaudio played by Preston Truman Boyd, Frankie Valli played by Joseph Leo Bwarie, Tommy DeVito played by John Gardiner and Nick Massi played by Michael Lomenda. These men have such a wonderful sound, in my opinion as good as the original. The women in this cast are truly some of the most versatile and talented actresses I’ve seen in quite some time. The women are: Denise Payne playing the roles Frankie’s Mother, Nick’s Date, Miss Friankie Nolan, Bob’s Party Girl, Angel, Francine (and others); Lauren Decierdo playing the roles Church Lady, Angel, Lorraine (and others); Kara Tremel playing the roles Mary Delgado, Angel (and others). Yes, these three women play all the women in the Four Season’s lives. Wonderful and diverse performances are given by each female in the cast.

Some other standouts were Joseph Siravo playing Gyp DeCarlo (and others), as well as Jonathan Hadley playing Bob Crew (and others). Just a great performance by the entire cast.

Mr. Joseph Leo Bwarie deserves a truly special note of praise. He captured the voice of Frankie Valli with such apparent ease, such exactitude that it’s uncanny. He will truly become a star in his own right. Don’t forget the name Joseph Leo Bwarie. He’s a talent not to be missed.

The director, Des McAnuff has surrounded himself with a fabulous crew and cast and crew. He’s given each character a true sense of the lives of their characters and taken his production from the realm of a concert to a truly magical theatrical experience. His Choreographer Sergio Trujillo worked the cast to perfection and had all the moves and dances of each time period down to a “T.” Also, Steve Orich’s orchestrations were fantastic.

Don’t miss this show. You will love this show. I guarantee it.

Photo Gallery

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Joseph Leo Bwarie	Walk Like a Man
Finale-Preston Truman Boyd, Joseph Leo Bwarie, John Gardiner, Michael Lomenda, and the Company	Recording Studio-Michael Lomenda, Joseph Leo Bwarie, Preston Truman Boyd, and John Gardiner
Sherry	My Eyes Adored You
The Handshake – Joseph Leo Bwarie and Preston Truman Boyd

Photos by Joan Marcus

Video Preview

Cast

• Bob Gaudio: Preston Truman Boyd
• Frankie Valli: Joseph Leo Bwarie
• Frankie Valli: (Wed Mats, Sun Eves, 11/17, 11/22, 11/23, 11/29)
• Church Lady, Angel, Lorraine (and others): Lauren Decierdo
• Joey, Recording Studi Engineer (and others): Frankie J. Galasso
• Tommy DeVito: John Gardiner
• Bob Crewe (and others): Jonathan Hadley
• Nick DeVito, Stosh, Norman Waxman, Charlie Calello (and others): Buck Hujabre
• Nick Massi: Michael Lomenda
• Frankie’s Mother, Nick’s Date, Miss Frankie Nolan, Bob’s Parrty Girl, Angel, Francine (and others): Denise Payne
• Detective Two, Billy Dixon (and others): Timothy Quinlan
• Gyp DeCarlo (and others): Joseph Siravo
• Mary Delagado, Angel (and others): Kara Tremel
• French Rap Star, Detective One, Hal Miller, Barry Belson, Police Officer, Davis (and others): Donald Webber, Jr.
• Officer Petrillo, Hank Majewski, Crewe’s PA, Accountant, Joe Long (and others): Kevin Worley
• Thugs: Brian Silverman, Mark Verdino
• Understudies
• Understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
• For Frankie Valli: Frankie J. Galasso, Mauricio Perez
• For Tommy DeVito: Timothy Quinlan, Adam Zelasko
• For Bob Gaudio: Buck Hujabre, Kevin Worley
• For Nick Massi: Christopher DeAngelis, Adam Zelasko
• For Gyp DeCarlo: Christopher DeAngelis, Timothy Quinlan
• For Bob Crewe: Christopher DeAngelis, Timothy Quinlan
• Swings: Christopher DeAngelis, Mauricio Perez, Kyli Rae, Adam Zelasko
• Dance Captain: Kara Tremel
• Assistant Dance Captain/Fight Captain: Christopher DeAngelis

Designers/Crew

• Scenic Design: Klara Ziegelerova
• Costume Design: Jess Goldstein
• Lighting Design: Howell Binkley
• Sound Design: Steve Canyon Kennedy
• Projection Design: Michael Clark
• Wig and Hair Design: Charles LaPointe
• Fight Director: Steve Rankin
• Production Supervisor: Richard Hester
• Orchestrations: Steve Orich
• Music Coordinator: John Miller
• Conductor: John Samorian
• Technical Supervisor: Peter Fulbright
• Casting: Tara Rubin Casting
• Company Manager: R. Doug Rodgers
• Production Stage Manager: Larry Baker
• Associate Producer: Lauren Mitchell
• Executive Producer: Sally Campbell Morse
• Tour Booking & Marketing: Broadway Booking Office NYC
• Music Direction, Vocal Arrangements & Incidental Music: Ron Melrose
• Choreography: Sergio Trujillo
• Directed by: Des McAnuff

Jersey Boys Orchestra

• Conductor: John Samorian
• Associate Conductor: Ben Hartman
• Keyboards: Caren Cole, Ben Hartman, John Samorian
• Guitar: Brian Silverman
• Bass: Mark Verdino
• Drums: Mark papazian
• Reeds: Terry Cook, Christopher Miele
• Trumpet: Michael Robb
• Musician Standby: Nick Dickerson
• Music Coordinator: John Miller

Disclaimer: ShowBizRadio was provided two complimentary media tickets for this review.

Fiddler on the Roof is a musical with book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. It is the story of a Jewish town at the turn of the century and the trials and triumphs they encounter in a changing world.

This Fiddler was a delightful evening, spent with traditional singing and dancing, sincere acting, an efficient set, and an audience that seemed to love every minute of it, which made it more enjoyable.

Tony Award winning actor Harvey Fierstein as head of the family Tevye played the role with a light heartedness which at times made his character appear almost too silly. Fierstein’s grand gestures brought laughs from the audience which caused the silliness to go on. All that being said, when it was time for some serious moments he took total command of the stage and his raw emotion when he turned his back on his daughter and her new husband was heart wrenching.

Although Tevye was “The Papa,” Golde, played by Susan Cella was definitely “The Mama.” Her character was just as strong as Tevye’s with the added dimension of raising five daughters, keeping a kosher home and putting up with Tevye’s dreams of wealth and prosperity.

The ensemble cast danced joyfully, despite apparently having to adapt some of the dances to the crowded stage. Scenic Designer Steve Gilliam’s traditional set design made good use of the space, accented by Ken Billington and Jason Kantrowitz’s excellent lighting design.

Overall, this production was quite enjoyable, and is a superb introduction to Fiddler to a new generation of theatre fans.

Photo Gallery

Photos by Joan Marcus

Cast

• Tevye: Harvey Fierstein
• Golde: Susan Cella
• Tzeitel: Kaitlin stilwell
• Hodel: Jamie Davis
• Hava: Deborah Grausman
• Shprintze: Kerry Alexander
• Bielke: Hannah Delmonte
• Yente, The Matchmaker: Mary Stout
• Motel, The Tailor: Zal Owen
• Perchik, The Student: Colby Foytik
• Lazar Wolf, The Butcher: David Brummel
• Mordcha, The Innkeeper: Larry Block
• Rabbi: Joel Bernstein
• Mendel, The Rabbi’s Son: Gary Brintz
• Avram, The Bookseller: Michael J. Farina
• Nachum, The Beggar: Rick Pessagno
• Grandma Tzeitel: Hannah Delmonte
• Fruma-Sarah: Scott Leiendecker
• Constable: Stephen Lee Anderson
• Fyedka: Matthew Marks
• Sasha: Mark Donaldson
• Boris: David Gilleo
• Vladmir: Scott Leiendecker
• Misha: Trevor Illingworth
• The Fiddler: Arthur A. Atkinson
• Cymbal Player: Matthew Rossoff
• Clarinet Player: Mark Donaldson
• Tevye Standby: John Preece
• Bottle Dancers: Richard Gatta, Scott Leiendecker, Rick Pessagno, Matthew Rossoff
• Ensemble: Leslie Alexander, Katie Babb, Joanne Borts, Mark Donaldson, David Enriquez, Richard Gatta, David W. Gilleo, Rebecca Hoodwin, Trevor Illingworth, Scott Leiendecker, T. Doyle Leverett, Rusty Mowery, Matthew Rossoff, Jessica Scholl, Emily Shoolin, Juliana Stefanov
• Understudies: Leslie Alexander, Katie Babb, Joanne Borts, Gary Brintz, David Brummel, Mark Donaldson, David Enriquez, Michael J. Farina, Rebecca Hoodwin, Trevor Illingworth, T. Doyle Leverett, Rusty Mowery, Rick Pessagno, Matthew Rossoff, Jessica Scholl, Emily Shoolin, Juliana Stefanov
• Swings: David Enriquez, Juliana Stefanov
• Dance Captain: David Enriquez

Musicians

• Music Director, Conductor: David Andrew Rogers
• Associate Music Director: Nathan Thomas
• Accordian: Sasha Luminsky
• Violin: Victor Costanzi
• Cello: Nick Donatelle
• Flute/Alto Flute/Piccolo: Mark Allen Renfrow
• Clarinet: Igor Shakhman
• Trumpet I: Matt Mead
• Trumpet II: Sam Oatts
• Trombone: Jeff Merriman
• Guitar/Mandolin: Tom Goslin
• Bass: Michael Epperhart
• Drums/Percussion: Christian Dionne
• Music Coordinator: Sam Lutfiyya (Music Services International)

National Theatre Musicians

• Flute: David Lonkevich
• Cello: Gita Ladd
• Trumpet II: Fred Irby
• Trombone: Mark Mauldin/Victor Barranco
• Keyboard (alternate): Ronnie Chiles
• Bass (Alternate): Jeff Cooper
• Orchestra Contractor: Ed Walters

Crew

• Producers: Nicholas Howey, Randall A. Buck,
• Don Kindl, Jennifer Howey
• Director: Sammy Dallas Bayes
• Assistant Director/Choreographer: Ken Daigle
• Production Stage Manager: John Galo
• Assistant Company Manager: Tammi Ward
• Stage Manager: Heather Chockley
• Assistant Stage Manager: Betsy J. Conner
• Lighting Design: Ken Billington, Jason Kantrowitz
• Assistant Lighting Designer: Travis McHale
• Production Electrician/Programmer: Michael Brown
• Sound Design: Duncan Robert Edwards
• Production Sound: Mark Norfolk, SAVI USA
• Sound Programmer: Matt Bell SAVI USA
• On-line Producer: Randall A. Buck
• Costume Design: Tony Ray Hicks
• Head of Wardrobe: Jocelyn Little
• Assistant Wardrobe: Jay R. Cole
• Star Dresser: Suzayn MacKenzie
• Hair/Wigs: Wendy Samlnd
• Orchestrations: Larry Blank
• Scenic Design: Steve Gilliam
• Associate Scenic Designer: Sam Gilliam
• Assistant Scenic Designer: Michael Riha
• Music Director: David Andrews Rogers
• Casting By: Dave Clemmons, C.S.A.
• Master Electrician: Jeffrey “Swing” Holtz
• Assistant Electrician: Forrest Hinman
• Head Carpenter: Chris Osborn
• Assistant Carpenter: Chris “Clem” Zajac, Michael Critchlow, Sean S. Hulbert
• Head of Sound: Deniz G. Akyurek
• Assistant Sound Engineer: Rhys Dawson
• Head of properties: Paige J. Zaloudek
• Assistanr Properties: Dan R. Boesch

Disclaimer: ShowBizRadio was provided two complimentary media tickets for this review.