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What In the World: The NEWSical
John Flynn, Eadie Scott & Kelly Howe as the ghosts of the Kennedy clan commenting on their latest political in-law, the Governor of California
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Kelly Howe as Michael Jackson
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The talented four-member cast is a definite asset. I particularly liked Kelly Howe, the group's Off-Broadway newcomer, whose pixyish charm and throaty song delivery point to a promising career. All the performers are adept, versatile comedians with strong voices that are unnecessarily amplified by overhead miking given this postage-stamp sized theater. In the case of Christopher Regan's big booming voice this overmiking is downright irritating.
| Correction: After posting the above, a representative of the show assured me that there is absolutely no miking. Seems ChristopherRegan just has a voice that's too big for this miniscule venue. Wouldn't it be nice to hear him let loose in a Regan-sized theater?!?! |
The staging is bare bones -- four chairs, a back panel behind which the performers disappear long enough to change into David Kaley's simple but wonderfully varied and apt costumes. As director Collette Black might have worked with Rick Crom to trim the so-so numbers, so she might have helped the show by streamliningg these blackouts. It should be noted that the back panel also hides the very able one-man band, musical director and arranger John McMahon.
Since, according to the program notes, the material in this show changes constantly, no song list is included. I rather doubt that the changes are substantial enough to warrant a repeat $40 ticket expenditure. If the producers really want repeat visitors, they need to offer a substantial discount to returnees.
What in the World isn't Rick Crom's first show of this sort and surely won't be his last. I'd like to see him do a full-fledged book musical -- like the hit Urinetown in which he appeared as an actor.
| What in the World: The NEWSICAL Revue
Written by Rick Crom, Directed by Collette Black Musical Director: John McMahon Cast: Eadie Scott, Christopher Regan, John Flynn, Kelly Howe. Set Design: Costume Design: David Kaley Running time: 90 minutes without intermission John Houseman Studio 212-279-4200 Open ended run from 1/09/04; opening 1/22/04. Mon, Thu - Sat at 8pm; Sat at 2pm; Sun at 3pm --$40. Reviewed by Elyse Sommer based on performance 1/29 performance |
Mendes at the Donmar
Our Review
At This Theater
Leonard Maltin's 2003 Movie and Video Guide
Ridiculous!The Theatrical Life & Times of Charles Ludlam
Somewhere For Me, a Biography of Richard Rodgers
The New York Times Book of Broadway: On the Aisle for the Unforgettable Plays of the Last Century
6, 500 Comparative Phrases including 800 Shakespearean Metaphors by CurtainUp's editor.
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