42 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • MARCH 23, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM buzz ‘Something’s Afoot’ at Maggie’s Little Theater Th ere’s mystery, music and murder at Lord Dudley’s mansion. But the butler defi nitely did not do it! Welcome to opening night of “Something’s Afoot” at Maggie’s Little Th eater in Middle Village. Th is very funny parody of the “whodunit” genre features 10 possible suspects as they sing and dance to a riotous climax. Lampooning many mystery writing icons, the troupe’s irreverent interpretation is an absolute delight. Clever choreography and tongue-in-cheek stage direction by Whitney Stone is accompanied by sharp musical direction (Sarah Glassman and the band) and very capable producers Joe Annese, Jim Gillespie, Miriam Denu and Dolores Voyer. Before opening curtain, the audience must raise their right hands and vow to protect the mystery’s fi nal solution. Nevertheless, many familiar community faces are possible suspects. Th ere’s energetic Shana Aborn as an astute “amateur detective.” Popular Mark York returns as an “old army man” with a “ginger moustache.” Th e object of his unexpected aff ection is “the grande-dame” Beatrice Miranda Holman. A heartwarming romance develops between young Geoff rey (Ryan Hiers) and the young “ingenue” (Kaitlyn Abdul). Do they have motives for murder? What about “the caretaker/gripper” (Jason Kell), and the “saucy maid” (Amelia Johnston)? Do they have ample means for mayhem? Th e butler (Jim Gillespie) is ever-present when the musical begins. But, no, he is undeniably innocent. Th at leaves “the family doctor” (Rich Feldman) or “the dissolute nephew” (Navin Das). Th e stately mansion is also fi lled with unconventional weapons and bizarre booby traps. Th e plot thickens indeed! Kudos to the very talented creative staff including Ed Voyer, Alan Perkins, Michael Tierney, Alex Jamison, Ellen Armet, AnnMarie Gillespie and the entire house staff . For information on this and future productions, call 917- 579-5389 or visit www.maggiesli�� letheater. org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Mexican Wedding’ at Queens Theatre Bright, beautiful costumes with joyous music create the perfect setting for “Boda Mexicana,” or “Mexican Wedding” at Queens Th eatre (in the park). Th is latest off ering by the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is another example of the troupe’s highly professional and consistently appreciated presentations. Th eir latest performance earns shouts of approval and applause from the audience. Th e story of two soulmates Abril Anchondo Reynaga and Roberto Lara who are threatened but not conquered by an evil sorceress (Grisel Pren Monje) is rhythmically uplift ing. Th eir meeting, courtship, introductions to family and friends and their wedding ceremony is jeopardized. Of course, there’s a happy ending with dozens of dancers and musicians providing energy and optimism. Artistic director/co-founder/costume designer Alberto C. Lopez Herrera meshes perfectly with choreographer Roberto Lara and his clever storyline. Th e audience has no diffi culty following the characters as their unmistakable aff ection grows, is brazenly challenged, and then fi nally triumphs. Music director George Saenz provides high-quality guitarists, violinists, a tuba player, a drummer and singers whose music resonates with Mexican pride and power. Bravo! Th roughout the performance, huge beautiful, scenes and designs are projected against the rear wall (designs by Ariel Rodriguez Flores). Supporting dancers Yuritzy Govea, Stefanie Roper, Juan Castano and Christopher Cortez perform with disarming skill. Th e unmistakable warmth and aff ection provided by another dozen performers helps bring the audience to a fi nal standing ovation. Queens Th eatre’s Executive Director Taryn Sacramone has returned from maternity leave with energy and enthusiasm. She greets the audience before opening curtain while house manager Willy Mosquera, at her side, off ers his welcome in Spanish. Th ere’s much more onstage this spring. Call 718-760-0064 or visi t www. queenstheatre.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN ‘Wine, Women & Song’ at Theatre by the Bay It’s a cold winter evening. Coats are slung casually across chairs and tables. Th e performers are measuring their costumes and discussing their scenes. It’s the fi nal week of rehearsal for “Wine, Women & Song” at Th eatre by the Bay. Th is original musical revue features love songs from the American Song Book. One lucky guy and eight lovely ladies off er melodies from three diff erent decades. Th e theme for the show is love and its diff erent incarnations. Popular community theater veteran Cathy Chimenti opens the show with Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady.” Th e ensemble continues with “Lady is a Tramp” by Rodgers and Hart. Th e program continues with tunes that highlight falling in love, confl ict, break-ups, longing, empowerment, falling in love (again) and the big fi nale. Director Ovi Vargas and musical director Alan Baboff allow every entertainer to let loose with solos or harmonies at least once throughout the performance. Look for Dian Wroblewski in Gershwin’s “Th e Man that Got Away.” Also outstanding is Angie Herna in a torch song entitled “Down in the Depths.” Cathy Chimenti really demonstrates her vocal prowess in “I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues.” Rebecca Stein Cushman and Michael Beaury are caught up in a musical squabble as they sing Gershwin’s “Let’s Call the Whole Th ing Off .” Fern Nash and Veronica Picone sing another Gershwin favorite: “You Can’t Take that Away from Me.” Th ere’s some good harmony while Anna Maria Charalambous and the ensemble sing “Somebody Loves Me.” Karen Kessler feels the loneliness in “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” Th e Finale off ers Queens oriented lyrics to the reprised “Lady is a Tramp.” Their revue is currently onstage! For information on this and future shows, call 718-428- 6363 or visit www.theatrebythebay. com. As always save me a seat on the aisle.
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