Last night I went to the Peri Playhouse Community Theater for the auditions for Tony and Ann Peri's new musical. They had posters hung everywhere. It was amusing to see that Ben Damon was cast in all their shows. Hm! The 12 hopefuls were milling around outside, in the lobby, and in the theater. Even John Doe, the resident set guy, was auditioning. The undercurrent was tense. Cattle calls (an affectionate term for auditions) are a combination of intense competition, meeting old friends, and trying desperately to do your very best. As usual, Ann was well organized while Tony seemed, at times, to be confused by the large turnout. Having directed for many years, I still don't know what is harder, auditioning or having to make the final selections. With Tony and Ann, though, it was really quite simple.
Cast Me, Tony, Patio Playhouse's current production, is their second revue of top Broadway tunes. Deborah Ann Zimmer's directing credit also includes design and conception.The setting is a draped stage with a multi-level riser in the corner, Ann's area, Tony's area and, of course, the ubiquitous stage door.
George Colson, as Tony, expresses many of the frustrations of a director casting a new show. Fortunately, he also sings, "Welcome to the Theatre," from Applause. His rendition of "Dressing Them Up," from Kiss of the Spider Woman, could have used a touch more power. Lori Tinkle, as Ann, is excellent in her solo "My Big Mistake" from Will Rogers Follies. In "My Strongest Suit" from Aida, accompanied by Steve Rowe, Mike Ellison and Toni Billante (as Ben, Dick, & Harry) she could even belt out a bit stronger.
There are three excellent duets here: "Lovely" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The first duet is sung by Shannon Ifergan (as Ariel) and Billante is followed by Alexandra Weaverling (as Debby) and Rowe. Both duets are charming. The final duet is a show-stopper by Colson and Tinkle.
Ifergan wows the audience with "When You Got It, Flaunt It" from The Producers. Gene Klein (as Jack) is fantastic in "Luck be a Lady Tonight" from Guys and Dolls. Earl Adams (as John) proves outstanding in his rendition of "Mr. Cellophane" from Chicago. Klein accompanies him on violin, giving even more heart to the song.
Jennefer Gillette's (as Mildred Crawford) "They Don't Know" from Thoroughly Modern Millie is another winner. Maguire Nolte (as Bambi) is pure delight with her interpretation of "Zip" from Pal Joey. David Farlow (as David) opens the show with "You Gotta Have Heart" from Damn Yankees. He also acts as an off-stage cynical commentator and plays the guitar. Alexandra Weaverling (as Debby) is ever so cute in "How Lovely To Be A Woman" from Bye, Bye Birdie.
Dreamgirls is represented by "I Am Changing" as very nicely styled by Shauna Ostrom (as Desdemona). Brooke Schroeder (as Alotta) gives a delightful interpretation of "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" from Hairspray. Zak Toper (as Leslie) brings back memories with his amusing "A Little More Mascara" from La Cage Aux Folles.
Cast Me, Tony, however, is much more than solos and duets; it is very much an ensemble piece. There are over 25 memorable songs, many with dance. The dialogue bridges the songs nicely, moving the show at a good pace, creating a storyline, and developing relationships between the auditionees.
Music director Ann Savage and vocal director Robert Boughner, as well as Music Arranger /bandleader Emily Awkerman, along with choreographers Romeo Pasquariello and Cornell Ellison, shine under Ms. Zimmer's direction. Add to this roster of talent Bobbye Wilson as co-costume designer. David Farlow designed the sound and Kat Perhach is co-lighting designer, which is quite moody at times. Kudos to the band: keyboard, Emily Awkerman; guitar, David Farlow; bass, Tim Knorr; percussion, Dan Townsend; and Cornet, Ray Sacco.
Cast Me, Tony is a well-spent evening, bringing back memories of Broadway favorites nicely presented. This is sure to be an audience-pleaser.
