50 The QUEE NS Courier • BUZZ • NOVEMBER 6, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Strong performances and timeless music make the beloved musical “South Pacific” a popular choice at Theatre by the Bay. The story unfolds during World War II, but its emotional conflicts are still relevant today. On opening night, director/producer Lawrence F. Bloom, along with producers Barbara Koenig and Martha Stein enhanced their usually minimal sets (by Lila Edelkind, Barry Stein, Bert Padovan) to maintain a warm but not overpowering feeling of mystery and camaraderie. They provided extremely capable musical direction and accompaniment by Alan Kingsley. His orchestra (Monica Martin, Michael Pitocchi, Tom Puleo) is well-tuned to the actors’ sentiments. Choreographer/costumer Chery Manniello makes the most of her resources. The plot involves a lovely but naïve Navy nurse who falls for a charming, older Frenchman with a violent past. They meet on a tropical island where an enterprising sergeant competes for dollars with the natives. A clean-cut ensign is captivated by the mesmerizing power of the mystical island called Bali Ha’i. Deep prejudices that still haunt modern society threaten to derail the generally noble motives behind the character’s actions. Once again, some of TBTB’s favorite performers return in leading roles. Lovely Michele Mazzocco plays sweet, sensitive nurse Nellie Forbush. She is wonderfully mischievous singing “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and poignantly vulnerable in her reprise of “Some Enchanted Evening.” Nellie’s true love, Emile DeBecque, is played with operatic power and strength by David Yudell. His character’s anguish and determination earn him well-deserved applause, especially in his solo “This Nearly Was Mine.” The tragedies of narrow-minded discrimination are embodied by the song “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught.” The lyrics are well sung by doomed ensign Lt. Cable (tenor Eli Koenig). Comic relief with a dose of harsh reality is provided by Pamela Merrill as Bloody Mary and John Canning as Luther Billis. Their big personalities are an absolute joy to watch. Merrill is at her best singing “Happy Talk.” Canning steals the show in his “dancing coconuts” scene in Act II. Kudos as well to almost fifty singers, dancers, actors and backstage support too numerous to acknowledge by name. “South Pacific” is on stage at 13-00 209 St. in Bayside (Bay Terrace Garden Jewish Center). For information on this and future productions call 718-428-6363 or visit www. TheatreByTheNY.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ is thoroughly likable The Roaring Twenties are remembered as an outlandishly uninhibited era in American history. Whatever your point of view, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is an eminently likable and extremely fictional version of that decade. The songs are clever and the characterizations are charming caricatures. At Sunday afternoon’s opening performance, director Maryellen Pierce introduces three young faces to the FSF Community Theatre. Mary Kate Carter in the title role brings energy, honesty and good old talent to her character. Carter is a triple threat as she sings, dances and acts with a comic flair. Well done! Beautiful Lisa Bondi as Miss Dorothy Brown tap dances her way into our hearts. Her lines are delivered with a strong sense of the story’s irony and its good-natured satire. Clearly, she never takes the preposterous plotline too seriously. Brava! Glamorous Muzzy Van Hossmere is played by Anne Wisan. She shimmies and sings with true 1920s oomph. Wow! Carefree Jimmy (played by Andrew Murano) has a mischievous smile and boyish charisma. His affection for Millie is no surprise but wonderful to watch. Efficient businessman Trevor Graydon has a great dictation scene called The Speed Test. Erik Neilssen plays the part with great comedic timing. He should genuinely add “stand-up” or sketch humor to his theatrical portfolio. Supporting cast members add extra magic to the story. Angel Vail as Mrs. Meers is a vindictive, venomous villain. But is she really all that bad? Her henchmen Ching Ho (Clarence Ilanan) and Bun Foo (Edwin A. Palacio) are just too bumbling and kind-hearted to be despicable. Amanda Montoni is a tap dancing whirlwind, with a smile that just won’t quit. Several dozen ensemble performers along with behind-the-scenes support deserve our applause as well. Musical direction is by Paul L. Johnson with choreography by Pierce and Montoni. Popular Amanda Doria is stage manager with tech and scenic design by John Baratta. The troupe’s leadership, including Cookie Knisbaum, Charlene Greenberg and Pauline Baratta, has continued to seek excellence since the 1970s. The show is on a short run at the Free Synagogue of Flushing, which is located at 136-23 Sanford Ave. in downtown Flushing. For information on this and future productions call 718-428-8681 or visit www.spotlightonstage.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘South Pacific’ at Theatre by the Bay A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN
QC11062014
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