82 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • APRIL 6, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM buzz ‘A Chorus Line’ is Singular Sensation at RTC “Won’t forget. Can’t regret. What I did for love…” Arguably one of the greatest musicals of all time, “A Chorus Line” is currently dazzling audiences with inspired interpretations. The troupe that consistently commands large, enthusiastic crowds is the Rockaway Theatre Company. “I hope I get it. I hope I get it…” The sacrifice, disappointments, hopes and victories of modern life are encapsulated in this multi-Tony-winning production. Originally presented in the 1970s, some desperate Broadway hopefuls audition for a handful of positions. Not as leads. But in the chorus line! Directors Susan Warren Corning and David Risley along with producer Susan Jasper continue cultivating their best talent for this amazing production. Demanding “Zach” is played by Frank Caiati. He is certainly at the top of his game in another of his leading roles. The charismatic Catherine Leib returns as world weary but determined “Cassie.” A frequent show-stopper, her dancing, singing and acting are emotional high points. At this bare stage “audition,” the chorus line hopefuls are prodded to reveal intimate details of their private lives. This becomes one of the keys to the show’s unstoppable success. After all, they are seeking a job in the faceless chorus yet the audience cannot help but empathize with their individual struggles. Bravo! Musical director Jeffrey Arzberger leads a well-tuned, 10-piece orchestra. Choreographer Nicola DePierro-Nellen and stage manager Suzanne Riggs deliver a well-coordinated evening filled with a great deal of music and movement. The performers themselves portray a cross section and sometimes a caricature of society. Each leaves an unmistakable mark on our senses. Avital Asuleen, Leigh Dillon and Chloe Carlston harmonize with “At the Ballet.” Nic Anthony Calabro sings “I Can Do That.” Gabrielle Mangano and Antonio Oliveri play wide-eyed newlyweds. Erech Holder- Hetmeyer, Maria Schirripa and Ashley Ann Jones sing “And.” Nicole Mangano sings powerfully in both Act I and Act II. The monologues are sometimes intense sometimes lighthearted. They are delivered by Mai Odaira, John Panepinto, Brian Sadowski, James Dalid and Anthony Melendez. The glitzy, unforgettable finale brings all the dancers downstage for a singing, strutting chorus line. The lights are bright, the costumes are gold. It’s a stirring end to a fantastic evening. For information on this and future projects check their website at www.rockawaytheatrecompany. org or call 718-374-6400. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Latin History for Morons’ serves up big laughs and lots to learn BY VICTORIA SCHNEPS Actor and comedian John Leguizamo has been entertaining the masses for more than three decades with his brash and honest humor, incredible impersonations, charming characters and joyful animated voice overs. “Latin History for Morons,” his impassioned one man show at the Public Theatre, displays Leguizamo’s passion for learning about his own heritage and, in effect, himself. For an hour and a half, Leguizamo entertains, moves and makes his audience think. It couldn’t be a more perfect combination for today’s world. Leguizamo shares the incredible history of Latinos around the world and in North America as a teacher looking to enlighten his own self while providing his son with a sense of self as he tries to overcome the harsh realities of bullying at school. He does this in classic Leguizamo style—filled with laughs. I was moved to learn about the many times that Latin tribes and communities were mistreated and annihilated. However, as Leguizamo drives home, regardless of what they went through, they are still here and still an important fabric to America: standing strong, making huge contributions to society and infusing a passion that is admirable. I was even surprised to learn that the Latin people were some of the first settlers in the Americas. It’s an important message to hear at a time when the U.S. government is turning their backs on many Latin people who have an undeniable right to continue to live in their homeland. Leguizamo leads the audience as a mad professor impassioned with knowledge that can and should change the world. It made me wonder how we can still teach such a biased view of history—one that is focused on white men only. It’s a reminder that as we continue to deny the existence of varied colors, genders and backgrounds of those who built our great country, we continue to deny people the ability to fully honor themselves. It is in the revelation of the truth, that one can see and honor the hero within themselves. Latin History for Morons playing now through April 23 at the Public Theater, located at 425 Lafayette St. in NYC. Visit http://www.publictheater. org/en/Tickets/ for tickets or call 212- 967-7555. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN
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