38 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • JULY 27, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
buzz A VIEW FROM
THE CLIFF
BY CLIFF KASDEN
“Joseph…” at Maggie’s is Sincere Success
Energy and enthusiasm from every creative
RTC’s “The Producers” Do It Right
Prepare yourself for another string
of sold out performances overfl owing
with great talent. Where did “Th e
Producers” go right? Th e entire creative
team onstage and behind the scenes at
Rockaway Th eatre Company have captured
the elusive formula for musical
magic as they deliver another high quality
production.
Th e show’s premise is brilliant in its
simplicity; A Broadway hack and a nervous
accountant hatch a get rich scheme.
Th ey will fi nd the worst play ever written
and produce it. Assured that it will
fl op, they’ll grab the investor’s nest eggs
and fl ee the country. Th ey never expect a
satirical smash!
On opening night, the SRO house is
in stitches as dialogue and dance create
an irreverent wonderland. Th e Mel
Brooks masterpiece and multiple Tony
winner clearly off er a smart presentation
by RTC Director John Gilleece.
Th ere’s crisp delivery by musical director
Richard Louis-Pierre and the orchestra.
Choreographer Nicola DePierro-Nellen’s
dancers are clever and eminently watchable.
As RTC producer Susan Jasper
affi rms “Many newer audience members
from diff erent areas of New York City
and beyond have asked to see slightly
edgier material… (for) individuals of
more varied ages, backgrounds and theatrical
tastes... We have intertwined a
few adult musicals along with our classic
family musical repertoire to appeal to our
gay, millennial and ethnic demographic”.
Stunning Catherine Leib returns as
blond bombshell Ulla Inga. As usual,
she sings, dances and satirizes her way
into our hearts. Jeremy Plyburn as Max
Bialystock and Craig Evans as Leopold
Bloom are a complete comedy duo who
turn every phrase and gesture into priceless
perfection. John Panepinto, armed
with a heavy German accent and matching
World War II helmet plays his decidedly
unconventional role with conviction.
Th e unabashedly gay segments of the
musical are highlighted by Erech Holder-
Hetmeyer, Brian Sadowski and numerous
accompanying performers. Th e irreverent
irony continues with a dozen singing
and dancing “Little Old Ladies”, musical
accountants, chorus girls, singing storm
troopers and more!
As expected, sets (Danielle Rose
Fisher), visuals, lights, sounds and outstanding
costumes (Susan Corning, Kerry
O’Connor) with Jenna Tipaldo (stage
manager) and Casey Stabiner (assistant to
the director) all assure the highest professional
touches. Kudos to the entire cast.
For information on this and future productions,
surf to www.rockawaytheatrecompany.
org, call their hotline at (718)
374-6400, or “like” them on Facebook.
As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
component receive genuine neighborhood
and audience support. Yes,
opening night at Maggie’s Little Th eatre
is in the books as a resounding success.
Th e troupe’s version of “Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” off ers
several standout solos as well as an overall
ensemble that bursts with smiles and
sincerity.
Th e well-known biblical theme revolves
around Joseph, his brothers and that fabulous
coat of many colors. Dynamic
“Narrator” Dena Civello takes the reins
from opening curtain. Her powerful voice
provides a clear, commanding presence
without missing a beat. Th e title role,
played by Gary Ducoing is interpreted
with reassurance and emotion. Oft en
he seems genuinely moved by the lyrics.
Well done!
Lindsay Levy is both director and choreographer.
It is obvious that Levy has
brought out the best in everyone. Th e
performers are energized as they sing,
dance and act. Th e campy humor is very
well done. Th e steps are well executed.
Each character shows feelings that
match the mood of each scene. Musical
Director Sarah Glassman and the orchestra
are competent and classy as they provide
the right pace for the performance.
Th e sets and costumes (Jennifer Fessler,
Greg Wilson, Dolores Voyer) are bright
and colorful with an eye towards clever
contrasts.
Th ere are many great songs including
“Any Dream Will Do”, “Jacob &
Sons”, “Benjamin Calypso” and more.
Producers Joe Annese, Jim Gillespie and
Dolores Voyer have off ered a fi ne blend
of youngsters and experienced talent.
Although all are brimming with enthusiasm,
several are standouts at each level.
Look for ever smiling “Tour Guide”
Mariella Raso who keeps her group in
great form whether upstage or down.
Yes, all twelve brothers are well played.
Check Jonathan Mora, Max Rebhun and
Chris Napolitano for especially notable
deliveries .
Local favorites return including Mark
York, Ellen Armet, Joe Paciullo, Jason
Kell as Elvis the Pharaoh and Beatrice
Miranda Holman. Kudos to Joseph’s
other brothers including Amina
Cunningham, Heather Sheridan, Matt
Adragna, Brianna Sheridan, Angel Vail
and Amanda Gillespie. Applause to the
entire cast too numerous to mention by
name.
For information on this and
future productions, surf to www.
MaggiesLi leTheater.org, call (917) 579-
5389 or “like” them on Facebook. As
always, save me a seat on the aisle.