Dutch Apple's 'West Side Story' Delivers Love, Tragedy, and Heartfelt Emotion

I have fond memories of playing percussion in the pit of West Side Story during my junior year of high school. I remember as if it were yesterday the feel of the claves in my hands as I started the song "America" and the ring of the chimes as I struck them following "The Rumble." As I sat in Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, watching their production of West Side Story, I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic as every song and line came back to me.

West Side Story brings a version of Romeo and Juliet to the West Side of New York City, where the Jets, an American street gang led by Riff, are trying to defend their home territory from the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo. Riff's best friend Tony falls in love with Bernardo's sister, Maria, and tries to make peace between the two gangs. The result is a delicate balance between tragedy and love, where either could end up winning.

Dutch Apple's West Side Story is an energetic production that is as enjoyable as it is emotional. It alternates between upbeat moments and tender moments, with a few powerful, dark moments that create an intense environment. The quick and seamless transitions from a lighthearted scene where the characters seem like traditional high school students having innocent fun to a darker scene where these same characters draw knives and guns makes the intense moments that much more intense.

The characters are just as opposing as the story itself, with the pure Maria, played by Alexis Semevolos, contrasting with a vibrant Anita, played by Zoe Raphael, and trustworthy Tony, played by Carver Duncan, contrasting with an always-up-for-the-challenge Bernardo, played by Chris Kane.

The entire cast demonstrates consistent vocal and acting talent, especially Raphael who dominates her role and at moments steals the show. But what really stands out in this production is the dancing. With high energy music numbers such as "America," West Side Story is a show that demands considerable dancing talent on top of the usual vocal and acting talent required of other less energetic musicals, and these performers don't disappoint. From the jazzy "Dance at the Gym" to the dreamy "Somewhere," the dancing is both dynamic and heartfelt.

Featuring a talented cast that sing and dance their hearts out, West Side Story at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre promises to be an enjoyable time. Oh, and the asparagus/ricotta ravioli at the buffet was one of the best things I've ever had to eat at Dutch Apple (aside from the desserts, of course!).

West Side Story plays at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre through September 19. For details and tickets, please visit www.dutchapple.com.

PRiMA Theatre to Present 'Children of Eden'

PRiMA Theatre will present Children of Eden on Sundays, September 6, 13, and 20 at 7:00pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster. Tickets to the show start at $22.00 and are available at primatheatre.org or by calling the box-office at (717) 327-5124.

Children of Eden is loosely based on the stories from the Book of Genesis. This heartfelt musical is a tale about the difficulties of parenting, breaking generational patterns, and the power of second chances. Experience this moving musical in concert staging within the magnificent St. James Church in Lancaster City.

Songs from Children of Eden include “Spark of Creation,” “Lost In The Wilderness,” and “Hardest Part of Love.”

The show loosely journeys from the creation story (Act I) to Noah and the flood (Act II). With the same principle actors playing the feature roles in each act, we see the semblance and patterns of each era's family struggles.

From the inspiration and curiosity of Eve, to the dead-fast love of Yonah and Japheth, Children of Eden reflects the heights and perils of humanity. Amidst this tale is a gorgeous score from the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz.

'Once' Kicks off 2015-16 Broadway Season at Hershey Theatre

 

Once, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play Hershey Theatre for a limited engagement from Tuesday, September 15 through Sunday, September 20.

Tickets for this show are $25.00, $35.00, $38.00, $53.00, $68.00, $73.00, $78.00 and $83.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.

Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, Once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

Please note: There is a 25-minute hold for late patrons, during which patrons will not be allowed to enter the house or proceed to their seats. In order to not miss a moment of this Tony Award-winning production, we encourage you to arrive to the Theatre early. In addition, due to some adult language, this show is recommended for ages 10 and above. 

For more information, please visit www.OnceMusical.com.

Dutch Apple Will Present 'West Side Story'

It’s 1957, and summer is ending in the West Side of New York City. A dance at a local gym brings Tony and Maria together, and it's love at first sight! However, their love is threatened by a strong rivalry between two gangs: the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys. Maria is the sister to the leader of the Sharks, and Tony is an ex-member and the best friend of the leader of the Jets. Preparations are being made for one big rumble to settle the rivalry once and for all. Can Tony and Maria bridge the gap between the gangs and bring peace to their love before it’s too late? West Side Story is a modern take on the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet, and you can catch it at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre August 6 – September 19.

Fresh out of the roles of Dream Curly and Cord Elam in Dutch Apple's Oklahoma, Carver Duncan is hitting the stage as Tony, which he refers to as one of his dream roles (thanks to his parents who introduced him to the show when he was eight). Duncan also played Caleb in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, both at Dutch Apple and on the national tour. Maria will be played by Alexis Semevolos, who is reprising this role from a run at Dutch Apple’s sister theatre, Broadway Palm in Florida. Semevolos’ Off-Broadway credits include The Love Note, and regional credits include La Dispute and Macbeth at Hartford Stage, A Proper Place at Goodspeed Opera House, and Blood and Fire at Tru Voices.

Bernardo, leader of the Sharks and Maria’s brother, will be played by Dutch Apple alum, Chris Kane. Kane just performed in Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of Victor/Victoria and was seen at Dutch Apple last season as the heartthrob Link Larkin in Hairspary. He is also a three-time professional ballroom dance regional champion. Bernardo’s girl, Anita, will be played by Zoe Raphael, who is also reprising this role from the Broadway Palm production. Raphael’s favorite credits include the reading of A Proper Place for Goodspeed Opera House, Les Miserables at North Shore Music Theatre, Footloose at Maine State Music, and singing with the Boston Pops.

Dutch Apple’s production of West Side Story will be directed by Dean Sobon, who just finished directing Oklahoma! and also directed the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He has a history with this show, performing in an international tour and two national tours. Sobon has worked for the Dutch Apple for 11 years now and is also an acting teacher for their Broadway Bound summer camps.

Samantha Hewes Cramer will be choreographing the production. She has worked with Dutch Apple since she was young, appearing on stage in Gypsy at the age of nine. Cramer is now excited to be on the other side of the stage with her work most recently being seen on the national tour of Memphis, The Musical as the Assistant to the Director, and she recently choreographed Crazy For You at Dutch Apple.

The score, by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, features songs such as "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," "Maria," "(I Want to Be in) America," "Somewhere" and "One Hand, One Heart."

West Side Story will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre August 6 through September 19, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special rate for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.

'Annie' at Hershey Theatre is a Summer Treat for the Whole Family

It's hard to go through life without some kind of exposure to the classic musical Annie. Many people are familiar with the Tony-winning musical from its original Broadway production back in 1977. Even non-theatre fans have probably heard of the little red-headed orphan who belts out the iconic tune "Tomorrow." And the 2014 movie version starring Jamie Foxx mainstreamed the song "It's the Hard Knock Life," bringing awareness of the musical to a younger generation.

The national tour of Annie opened at the Hershey Theatre on Tuesday, July 21, and plays there through Sunday, July 26. Like a refreshing ice cream cone on a hot day, Annie is a great summer treat that is perfect for the whole family.

The story follows 11-year-old orphan Annie, played by Issie Swickle, who has her hopes set on finding her birth mother and father. The mean head of the orphanage Miss Hannigan, played by Lynn Andrews, strongly dislikes Annie (well, really all kids in general), and is disgusted when wealthy businessman Oliver ("Daddy") Warbucks, played by Gilgamesh Taggett, takes Annie under his wing for the Christmas holiday.

Swickle exudes confidence on the stage, and she brings a nice freshness to the title role while still preserving the classic image. Andrews dominates her character, and plays a convincing antagonist. Taggett is also quick to impress as his character balances authoritative business with fatherly love.

Garrett Deagon and Lucy Werner make up the comic duo of Rooster and Lily, respectively, and are entertaining in their roles, particularly when they team with Andrews for their performance of "Easy Street." Ashley Edler is a breath of fresh air as Warbucks' assistant Grace Farrell, and her voice is as sweet as her character.

The kids who make up the rest of the orphans put on quite the show and are a joy to watch, each bringing their own unique character to life. And of course I can't leave out one of the main stars of the show, Sandy, who brings a smile to everyone's face every time she trots on stage wagging her tail.

In full disclosure, Annie has never been a favorite musical of mine; however, I really enjoyed this production. The show is filled with a surprising amount of chuckles, for both adults and kids. I found myself laughing more than I expected, and even my 7-year-old son, who is usually Mr. Serious, was smiling and giggling throughout the show. One word of caution for parents... While the show is mostly very family friendly, there is a bit of mild language used, including several uses of the "D" word and a few "shut up"s.

This production of Annie absolutely does justice to the original, and anyone hoping to relive the familiar tunes and story they remember from years ago should be pleased with the show. Those experiencing the show for the first time can expect to enjoy a classic feel-good musical with catchy tunes and plenty of talent.

Annie plays at the Hershey Theatre through Sunday, July 26, 2015. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.hersheytheatre.com.

Hershey Theatre to Welcome Annie

Hershey Theatre is proud to welcome the new U.S. National Tour of Annie to the stage from Tuesday, July 21 through Sunday, July 26. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time, this production of Annie will be a brand new physical incarnation of the iconic Tony Award®-winning original.

Tickets for this show are $25.00, $30.00, $48.00, $53.00, $63.00, $68.00 and $73.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

The original production of Annie opened April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever.

The beloved score for Annie includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

This brand new production features a 25 member company: in the title role of Annie is Issie Swickle, a 9-year-old actress from Davie, FL, making her tour debut. Gilgamesh Taggett will star as Oliver Warbucks. In the role of Miss Hannigan is Lynn Andrews. Also starring in the tour are Ashley Edler as Grace, Garrett Deagon as Rooster, Lucy Werner as Lily and Allan Ray Baker as FDR. Sunny, a 4-year-old rescue terrier mix, stars as Sandy.

For more information, please visit www.AnnieTheMusical.com.

Little Theater of Mechanicsburg Brings a Board Game to Life in 'Clue: The Musical'

While much of the country is trying to solve the mystery of why there have been so many shark attacks in the Outer Banks this year, Little Theater of Mechanicsburg is busy trying to solve another mystery: Who killed Mr. Boddy?

LTM's production of Clue: The Musical brings the classic Parker Brothers board game to life, adding a unique twist where the audience can help figure out the who, what, and where to solve the mystery. The show is a combination of musical meets game, and the result is 90 minutes of lighthearted suspense, fun music, quality acting, and witty humor.

Upon being seated, audience members are given a clue sheet and pencil to keep track of clues throughout the performance. Early in the show, a pre-selected audience member goes on stage with Mr. Boddy to choose the three cards for that performance. The cards, which contain the solution to the mystery, are put in a large envelope marked confidential that stays on the stage for the duration of the performance, and the game begins.

The Who
Those familiar with the game will quickly recall the six characters: Mrs. Peacock (played by Stephanie Via), Professor Plum (played by Eric Mansilla), Miss Scarlet (played by Amber Zambrana), Mr. Green (played by Ryan Boyles), Mrs. White (played by Danny Sites), and Colonel Mustard (played by Ron Ross).

The What
"Wrench, candlestick, pipe, knife, revolver, rope." This phrase is repeatedly chanted throughout the performance, with the various characters using the weapons in different scenarios.

The Where
The kitchen, the billiard room, the ballroom, the lounge, the study, and the conservatory are depicted by six doors, which individually swing open when a room is in play.

Mr. Boddy (played by Matthew A. Robinson) acts as the host for the evening, presenting clues throughout the show to help solve the mystery. Following Mr. Boddy's murder, a detective (played by Roxanne Hennessy) also joins the scene. At the conclusion of the show, the envelope with the three cards is opened to reveal the murderer, weapon, and room, and audience members can compare their answers to the outcome of the performance. And there might just be a little twist at the end, too.

It's been a few years since I last visited Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg, and I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to get back! As the name implies, the theatre is small, creating a very intimate environment where audience members are just inches away from the action. It's the perfect setting for the interactive nature of Clue: The Musical, really making the audience a part of the game.

With six characters, six weapons, and six rooms in play, there are a total of 216 different ways the game could end, so each performance has a different outcome. I'd love to go back to see the show again and see how it ends at a different performance. However, if the rumors are true, the show is sold out for the remainder of its run through July 5. For more information, visit the LTM website at www.ltmonline.net.