44 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • MARCH 10, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com ‘25th Annual Spelling Bee’ at Marathon L.T.G. “Life is like a spelling bee. Sometimes you just have one chance to win…” -Anonymous The charming musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” opened this past weekend to the delight of children and grown-ups alike. Director Barbara Auriemma, producer Sandi Plotkin and musical director Rhea Arkin share decades of experience with consistent success. In addition to the six contestants on stage, several VIEW FROM THE CLIFF // BY CLIFF KASDEN audience members are “randomly” selected to test their spelling skills. The story’s appeal grows from the backstories accompanying the seemingly simple school situations. Yes, they are quirky scholars with a passion for spelling. But they are very vulnerable to painful parental and peer confl icts. Sweet, fragile Olive (Michelle Meditz) is ignored by her distant mother (Deborah Litwak) and workaholic father. Kevin Singh plays a good speller who is sabotaged by his own teenaged proclivities. Logainne (Annice Auriemma) is a fi erce competitor who participates with warrior-like intensity. Unfortunately, her two dads (Scott Marshall, Sam Zuckerman) are more hindrance than help. A particularly hilarious portrayal by Joey Hellmann as William Barfee involves spelling with his feet. Parolee Mitch Mahoney is a riotous role in the hands of popular theater veteran Frank Auriemma. Leaf Coneybear (Jennifer Silverman) wears a tie-dyed T-shirt, helmet and a ferocious demeanor. Jessica Helton is both choreographer and deadly serious contestant Marcy Park. Lovely Rona Lisa Perretti (Elizabeth Shapiro) is a very likable judge. Vice Principal Panch (Mark York) is delightfully obnoxious with a heart of gold. Thanks as well to Sharon Levine (stage manager), Linda Cashman (scenic designer) and everyone backstage. For info on this and future productions, call 917-647-7526 or surf to www.marathonjcc.org/ theater. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Hairspray’ at Theatre by the Bay It’s Baltimore, 1962.You’re a free-spirited teenager with plenty of energy. You intend to sing, dance and change the world. It’s “Hairspray” at Theatre by the Bay. On opening night, the crowd enjoyed an exuberant performance with seasoned veterans and gifted youngsters. While competing for coveted spots on the coolest dance show in town, they are unwitting social revolutionaries. The Turnblad family leads the charge with their skillfully musical and comical commentary. Theater veteran Jean Ann Kump as Edna Turnblad and her loving husband Wilbur (Robert Gold) are strong support for talented Morgan Misk as Tracy Turnblad. Yes, she’s a likable idealist who is an excellent singer and dancer. Well done! The show’s pace is swift and smart, thanks to director/ choreographer Ovi Vargas, musical director Alan Baboff, costumer Chery Maniello, set designer Barry Stein and others. As they address several intense social issues there’s still romance. Meet heartthrob Link Larkin (Niko Touros). He’s torn between Amber (Jennifer Sanchez) and Tracy. What does Prudy (Lila Edelkind) really think about Penny (Rebecca Stein Cushman) and Seaweed (Phoenix Gray)? What’s going on with Velma (Christine Hull) and the governor? With songs including “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “You’re Timeless to Me” and “I Know Where I’ve Been” (sung by Pamela Merrill) the audience takes a musical ride from youthful determination to romantic love to strength of will. Kudos to the rock and roll council members and their friends and foes (Jason Wieder, Anna Charalambous, Kyriakos Stoupakis, Allya Shon, Adam Mahieddine, Karen Kessler, Hugo Rojas, Shermeen Saaed, Noah Morris, Martha Williams, Patrice Williams, Matt Rosen, Roger Leonardis, Fern Nash). Well-deserved kudos to producers Barbara and Eli Koenig and Martha Stein and everyone behind the scenes. For info call 718-428-6363 or surf to www. theatrebythebayny.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ at Maggie’s Little Theater Without the slightest apologies to William Shakespeare, the outstanding cast at Maggie’s Little Theater offers their hilarious version of playwright Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor.” Unfolding in 1930s Cleveland, this door-slamming bedroom farce focuses on the absolutely implausible hotel room high jinks before, during and after an operatic version of “Othello.” At Friday night’s performance, Director Erik Neilssen delivers a genuinely funny evening with likable and experienced actors. Monica Barczak provides a wealth of mischievous facial expressions and physical exaggerations as the spoiled, love-struck boss’s daughter. Donald Gormanly is wonderfully disarming as the humble and harried assistant. His eyes dart in every direction as he acts and reacts to countless absurd and hysterical situations. Ultimately, his good heart and great tenor voice save the day. Joe Paciullo is convincing as Saunders, the blustering opera house manager. Dolores Voyer as the opera’s chairwoman Julia is a clever caricature of clueless high society. Multitalented Alan D. Perkins hits the right notes as the pushy bellhop. Stunning Lisa N. Bondi as Diana earns our undivided attention as she swaggers and sways across the stage. Bernard Bosio as Tito aka Il Stupendo, the most magnifi cent tenor of our time, gives another exceptional performance. His pratfalls, double takes, comical accent and compulsive womanizing are hilarious. Bravo! His long-suffering wife is played by Shana Aborn. Her shrieks, threats and gestures are genuinely terrifying. And very, very funny! The sets, lighting and everyone behind the scenes maintain the expected highest quality. For information on this and future shows, call 917-579-5389 or surf to www.maggieslittletheater. org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
QC03102016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above