Roving Pittsburgher Report, Bridges of Madison County Harlequin Romance or Arthur and Guinevere?

Bridges of Madison County 

Harlequin Romance or Arthur and Guinevere?

The Bridges of Madison County that opened at the Benedum in Pittsburgh last night has the steaminess of a Harlequin Romance Novel touched with tragic illusions that date back to stories like Lancelot and Guinevere and serenendipitous lovers trapped by a chance meeting between passion, reality and honor.From a slow background start the musical wends its way through the audience's emotions like a rollercoaster between comedy, lust, broken dreams and soulful duets.  Stripped to their private thoughts, even the men in the audience would have to admit that the show tugged at their hearts and returned them to a chance encounter, a furtive one night stand or a glimpse into "what might have been."

This two time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical by composer Robert James Waller has evolved from a bestselling book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marsha Norman  to a movie starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood to a Broadway musical is the stuff of housewives fantasies and romantic tragedies with local color, historic flashbacks and comic relief episodes.   

The Daily News hails as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.” It's easy to see why.  Although there are no "Oklahoma" catchy tunes that stick in your head they certainly will rap you in their magic while you are there.  There is one show stopper at the end though and both I and my theater partner wished we could have given him a standing ovation for it. With his rendition of "When I'm Gone" Charlie (David Hess) goes from mealy mouthed comic episodes to leading man status and that is one song that you wish was just a bit longer.

The performance of Francesca ( Elizabeth Stanley) was of course stellar even though as a granddaughter of immigrant Italians on both sides of the family I found her Italian accent a bit wanting, but her voice could transport you to the outer limits of heaven.  The real star of the show though is Robert (Andrew Samonsky).  His "The World Inside a Frame" truly creates a picture.  Also the chemistry between he and Francesca did not need shirtless scenes to be steamy and electric even from row P in the orchestra.

Norman also has created a pair of comical neighbors, Marge and Charlie (Mary Callanan and David Hess). Marge spies on Francesca and her “hippie” Photographer guest through binoculars and tries to engage her passive husband Charlie jealous speculation; their banter is humorous and finally the results are homespun and touching.  Marge also has a huge musical moment along with the Radio Singers in "Get Closer."  While part of the stage is "filled" with Francesca and Robert dancing Marge has her own vicarious experience. For the chick flick or chick theater followers Robert with his superior height to Francesca has an enticing way of wrapping his tall body around Francesca.

The great thing about this show is that fantasies and reality both are all part of life and the interjections of all types of music from country to almost operatic and blues with athletic dancing and movement of scenery really made this show come to life in the theater.  From housewife to construction worker, business women, traveler or handyman everyone can relate to that one moment that "might have been."

 Don't let this be a "might have done" in your life but DO SEE  "The Bridges of Madison County playing at the Benedum on 7th St in Pittsburgh through Sunday March 13, 2016.  Tickets start at $26.00.   

Additional Info and Tickets here

Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning internet radio broadcaster, blogger, author and internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based marketing company. Joanne is internationally known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal. But better known as Techno Granny™ to over one million accumulated online listeners worldwide. Joanne has created a revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and other social media participation. JQS is the online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities. 

Roving Pittsburgher Report, Guys & Dolls, A Showcase of Talent at PPT

Guys & Dolls:  A Showcase of Talent at PPT

By Good News Reporter, Megan Grabowski

When Pittsburgh Public Theater (PPT) produces a musical you are sure to be wowed.  This season, the American classic, Guys & Dolls will not disappoint.  An audience pleaser all around, Guys & Dolls is entertaining for both the musical maven as well as any theater novice.  Producing artistic director, the esteemed Ted Pappas, has covered all the bases to assure this performance is nothing less than stellar. Guys & Dolls is a must see.

One of America's most beloved musicals, Guys & Dolls takes place in mid-century bustling New York City.  Small time gambler Nathan Detroit (Joel Hurt Jones) is scrambling  to find a location for the next floating crap game, while dodging Lt. Brannigan (Tony Bingham) and  Miss Adelaide, (Kirsten Wyatt) leading performer at the Hot Box night club and his fiancée of fourteen years.   With help from fellow hoodlums Nicely, Nicely Johnson (Quinn Patrick Shannon), Rusty Charlie (Joe Jackson) and Benny Southstreet (Gavan Pamer), Detroit attempts to arrange the game at the Biltmore Garage.  Owner Joey Biltmore (Daniel Krell) wants a $1000.00 deposit before he agrees and Detroit is broke.   He decides to earn the $1000.00 by making a wager with Sky Masterson (Charlie Brady) a man who will bet on anything. Detroit bets Masterson that he can't convince the beautiful and pious, Sarah Brown, Sergeant of Save- a- Soul Mission, to take a trip with him to Havana, Cuba.  Masterson, accepts the challenge. What follows is a quest for love and redemption depicted through an award winning score and clever choreography.

 

Charlie Brady and Doreen Burns

The four leading roles, Nathan Detroit, Sky Masterson, Sarah Brown and Miss Adelaide boast notable credits ranging from live theater,  film and television, national as well as local theater.  The leading ladies are exactly what you would expect from a PPT production, refined and skilled in their craft.  Burn's operatic vocal range is resounding and at times nearly drowns out her male counterparts.  Kudos to Wyatt whose New York accent is on spot. She manages to maintain it throughout the entire performance, something I have witnessed many talented men and women struggle with on stage.   Masterson, a ladies' man, can schmooze a woman and roll a set of dice, sing and dance too.  His rendition of “Luck Be a Lady” was a highlight of the show but my heart melted listening to Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit sing the duet, “Sue Me”, it was sweet and harmonic.

Although there isn't one single cast member who disappoints, the supporting cast and ensemble are especially brilliant. The beautiful Hot Box girls, as Farmerettes, in “A Bushel and a Peck”, are just the right amount of risqué.  Sarah's grandfather, Arvide Abernathy (Larry John Meyers) sings “More I Cannot Wish You”, a sentimental tune that warms the heart and Nicely, Nicely Johnson and the ensemble receive a roar of applause after “Sit Down, Your Rockin' the Boat”. 

  The O'Reilly Theater has a mid-sized stage and the choreography is tailored to the space.  Personally, when I see a strong male cast I look forward to powerful leaps and turns.  The dancing in Guys and Dolls doesn't lack these attributes but there were moments when I expected  larger.  The dancing was most engaging during “Havana” and “The Crapshooters Dance”. 

Guys & Dolls boasts bright and cheery costumes, an uplifting musical score, energetic dancing and engaging acting.  The show runs through February 28 at The O'Reilly Theater in Pittsburgh's Cultural District. 

  For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/44232/guys-and-dolls

Reviewed by Megan Grabowski
Income Maintance Caseworker at State of Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Positively Pittsburgh Good News Reviewer, Professional writer, Social-Media Junkie, Community Fundraiser and Pittsburgh Enthusiast. 

Roving Pittsburgher Report CATS, Benedum Theater A FOUR STAR MEOW

CATS, Benedum Theater

A FOUR STAR MEOW

JoAnn R. Forrester, Empress of Biz. 

Elizabeth Stanley as Grizabella

Millions of people have seen Cats since 1981 and have just purred over the Jellicle cats and their salute to immortality.  The performance of this weekend at the Benedum Theatre was purrfect.  The audience was immediately in love with the performance from the very talented Broadway quality cast.  They were singing joyfully and dancing exuberantly.  In a nonstop musical acrobatic, twisting, somersaulting, cartwheeling performance that put permanent paw prints of joy into everyone hearts. 

We all know the  favorites Mr. Mistofeles' and 'Memories'., but

Jenna Nicole Schoen as Demeter, Lily Emilia Smith
as Jellylorum and Ashley Chasteen as Bombalurina

wait what about Old Deuteronomy,  Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, once a real looker and now a faded raggedy cat…and MaCavity the bad boy cat.  All amazing performances and a musical wonder to see

Andrew Lloyd Weber musical masterpiece will go on forever just based on the music, memorable songs and outstanding  choreography, with the wonderful them of  presenting  the captivating story of the Jellicle cats

. 

My view of the play was fantastic.  We were seated in the Directors Circle, second floor.  Where we could look down at the

Will Porter as Mungojerrie and
Mara Newbery as Rumpleteazer

performance and just soak up the energy that flew up from the stage. Amidst that incredible view I found myself developing a different perspective.  In the midst of all the joy and exuberance I was reflexing on the tales of the cats and their possible human counterparts.  There are people I know who, I could swear their lives were being portrayed right on stage…for better or worse. 

Ken Prymus as Old Deuteronomy

Hmmm….I wonder if anyone asked the shows originators who were the models for your cats?   

Anyways, as always excellent quality from the Pittsburgh CLO and Kudos to all those who work so hard to bring the best of the musical theater to our part of the world.  We are so fortunate to have you.

And as a human being who is owned by Ginger the Cat…I am instructed to tell you the rating is a four meow rating…the highest praise a cat will give.

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester

Host of Empress of Biz

Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.

For more information visit Empress of Biz on PPLmag.com

"Killer Queen" Comes to Life in Rock Musical, "We Will Rock You!"

"Killer Queen" Comes to Life in Rock Musical, 

"We Will Rock You!"

by Good News Reporter, Joanne Quinn-Smith aka TechnoGranny

From Scaramouch to the Killer Queen, “We Will Rock You” was an amazing, entertaining and unique departure from the “just another tribute band.” The musical truly recaptured the artistry and drama of Queen. The worldwide smash hit ‘rock theatrical’, Queen and Ben Elton’s “We Will Rock You,” built around 24 of Queen’s biggest hits, opened  at the Benedum Center (October 29), and TechnoGranny was there not exactly knowing why. 


My guest and I thought we were going to a tribute concert to Queen; obviously I read the press release on air and was brain dead.  “We Will Rock You” takes place on a futuristic planet once called Earth that is now controlled by a mighty corporation. The ruler of this planet is half human and half pixilated and pardon

Scaramouche & Galileo off to find last guitar.

my expression but a “bad-a_ _ _d b_ _ _h.   Globalization is complete. Individuality is taboo. Everyone watches the same movies, wears the same clothes and thinks the same thoughts, especially the Ga Ga Girls.  Music is generated by the corporation’s computers, rock music is unheard and all musical instruments are banned. But there is hope in a resistance with names like “Buddy Holly and the Crickets” and mangled names of Rockstars like Pelvis instead of Elvis as the King of Rock. This is a band of rebel Bohemians, waiting for a hero to lead the battle to bring the power of rock back to the people. 

We Will Rock You Ensemble

Gotta tell you that my guest was concerned when he saw the first female vocalist Scaramouch (Ruby Lewis) belt out her duet, “I Want to Break Free,” with Galileo (Brian Justin Crumb.  I could hear other saying, “Girl in Queen?” At intermission he said, “I thought “this can’t be right’ and then I decided to sit back and enjoy it.” Enjoy it we did.  It’s easy to see why in its 12th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon is still running.  The show is written by celebrated British comedian Ben Elton and what a killer score.  Speaking of killer, spoiler alert:  The rebel alpha male, named Brittany Spears dies in the movie while saving the hero Galileo Figaro.

If you are not a person with your car radio on all the time then you will be surprised and reminded of fantastic Queen tunes that you just can’t resist singing along to, such as “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and, of course, “We Will Rock You.”

My favorite character is the Killer Queen (Jacqueline B. Arnold)

and her outfits were also “killer.” Music aside I sat wishing I had her outfits in the eighties. Her robust performance was actually reminiscent of a combination of Grace Slick and Tina Turner.  Queen was so dramatic and the show likewise does not lack show-stopping, stellar artistry and a theatrical presence that keeps the audience upbeat and involved from start to end.

Just as you think the show is over and you say to yourself, “Something is missing here!”  A message comes across the stage, “Are you ready for Bohemian Rhapsody?”  Many of us had to rush back to our seats.  What a finale!

We Will Rock You is produced by Queen Theatrical Productions, Tribeca Theatrical Productions, Phil McIntyre Entertainment and Networks Presentations.   We Will Rock You is part of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Broadway Across America and Pittsburgh Symphony.   This show is one more feather in the cap of the Pittsburgh Cultural District.  

(c) Joanne Quinn-Smith 2013

Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning internet radio broadcaster, blogger, author and internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based marketing company. She is a grandmother and great grandmother, an unlikely trendsetter for online journalism and broadcasting. Joanne is internationally known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal. But better known as Techno Granny™ to over one million accumulated online listeners worldwide. Joanne has created a revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and other social media participation that represents the new second generation of World Wide Web interactions, known in technology circles as Web 2.0. JQS is the online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities.