FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com NOVEMBER 7, 2013 • buzz • The Queens Courier 49 The Verdict is in for “Legally Blonde” at FSFCTG Omigod, you guys!! Elle Woods is going to Law School! That’s really a case of blonde ambition!! Elle’s been jilted by her boyfriend Warner (Christian Barnes). He’s found a serious brunette named Vivienne (Dena Cinque) to advance his career. Even so, Elle’s sorority sisters (Elizabeth Bell, Tanya Fiebert, Liv Nicole, Marcella Pogorelis) are confident she can follow Warner and win him back. All she has to do is get into Harvard. How difficult could that be? But don’t let me spoil the story. You can still catch the FSF Community Theatre Group’s current production in downtown Flushing. Anyway, beautiful Brittany Juilfs as the title blonde turns out to be quite a capable attorney. As a performer, she radiates a rare combination of confidence and vulnerability that is unmistakable. Her exuberance, energy and genuine world view are only challenged by the many young singers and dancers. They clearly provide their best efforts onstage throughout the evening. Elle’s mentor and new boyfriend Emmett is portrayed with a warm smile and good common sense by Paul Regan. He’s a great example of nice guys finishing first! Gymnastics millionaire and leggy murder suspect Brooke Wyndham (Britain Gebhardt) is both firm and trusting. That is, when she fires lascivious Professor Callahan (Gene Ferrari) and hires Elle Woods as her legal counsel. By the way, what vindictive secret is Chutney Wyndham (Christine Rivas) guilty of concealing? But the performer most guilty of stealing is Amanda Doria. She steals the show from start to finish with an incredible array of physical humor, total command of the stage, and an outstanding singing voice. Wow!! She certainly earns the affection of her dream guy (Erik Neilssen). A truly outstanding cast of young people, too numerous to name individually, offer unwavering energy, fine singing, outstanding dancing, excellent comedic sensibility and a strong sense of understanding the play’s greater meaning. All of this carries across to the audience for well earned applause. Kudos of course to Director Maryellen Pierce, Musical Director Paul L. Johnson and Choreographer David Arzberger. The troupe is housed at The Free Synagogue of Flushing (enter at 41-60 Kissena Blvd). For information on this show, surf to www.spotlightonstage.org or email them at [email protected]. You can also call (718) 428-8681. What about their spring production? As always, save me a seat on the aisle. “Guys & Dolls” a Good Bet at Theatre by the Bay There are bad guys with hearts of gold and good guys with larcenous souls. Their long suffering “dolls” lovingly confront them while hoping for wedding bells. That’s just part of the story at Theatr by the Bay’s version of “Guys and Dolls.” Though things have changed on Broadway since the show’s 1950s premiere, there’s something about people, places, love and loyalty that still rings true. Director/Producer Lawrence F. Bloom acknowledges that warm feeling, utilizing veteran community performers. Many have worked together onstage for years. The comfort level between actors is unmistakable and very, very effective. Eli Koenig very capably plays confirmed gambler Sky Masterson. He delivers his lines with the shrewdness of a shark about to lure and devour his prey. By the play’s end, though, his noble side emerges. John Canning, who always fills the stage with his powerful voice and reassuring presence, is a great Nathan Detroit. Lila Edelkind as Miss Adelaide clearly savors her role with a twinkle in her eyes, a beaming smile and an excellent singing voice. She also overcomes a dress “malfunction” with elegance. Andrea Amarosa as Sarah Brown is an equally lustrous star with an excellent singing voice. She is musically determined to bring decency to the corrupt denizens of 42nd Street. Mark Solkoff gives a very strong performance as hapless Nicely-Nicely Johnson. He is especially strong in “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and the difficult tri-melody/tri-harmony “Can do, Can do…” with Benny Southstreet (Joe Rand) and Rusty Charlie (Richard Carlan). More colorful characters with loud colors and louder plaids for their double breasted suits and wide brimmed hats are named Harry the Horse (Drew Lubeck), Angie the Ox (Ira Cohen) and Big Jule (Stan Stolar). Others caught in the sometimes poignant, usually comical collision between do-gooders and ne’er-do- wells include Peter Bohlman, Steve Stromberg, David Gordon, Sue Fiebert, Fran Geier, Marleen Rothstein, John Zion, Cathy Cosgrove, Ed Cushman, Sam Kaufman and a talented ensemble. Of course, the troupe owes much of its success to co-producers Barbara Koenig, Martha Stein, Musical Director Alan Kingsley and Choreographer Michele Mazzocco. In fact, there’s still one weekend remaining to enjoy this warm hearted favorite. Call (718) 428-6363 or surf to www.TheatreBytheBayNY.com for information on this production and their spring musical, “Anything Goes.” As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN L & M TOURS PROVIDING RELIABLE SERVICE FOR OVER 14 YEARS! CALL FOR A FREE BROCHURE ONE DAY and MULTI-DAY TOURS! 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