Journey Theater Arts Group Presents Disney's "Aladdin, Jr." at Ft. Vancouver High School

"Disney's Aladdin Jr" is presented by the Journey Theater Arts Group at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. 7 p.m. March 7,8 and 14-15; 2 p.m. March 9 and 16, and 3 p.m. March 15.

Tickets are $12 and $15; $10 and $13 for seniors and youth; $10 and $13 for the March 8 "family day" show. 360-750-8550, www.journeytheater.org

Journey Offers a Journey "Under da Sea" in Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr."

The Journey Theater Arts Group Youth Theater Production of THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. runs two weekends – February 21-22 and February 28 - March 2 at the Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium. The production features a large youth cast.

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR., adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

Performances are February 21st - March 2, 2014 at the Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now at JourneyTheater.org or by calling360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $12. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The Saturday, February 22nd 7 p.m. showing is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance. Tickets for all performances will be $3 more at the door.

School Day Performances are scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Journey is the most dynamic theater arts community in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18, and their families, can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA. Contact us at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

REVIEW: NHCC's Production of Disney's TARZAN Swings

For the first time in the Pacific Northwest, Disney's stage musical of TARZAN, with music by Phil Collins, comes to Eugene, Ore. at New Hope Christian College.

This classic tale unfolds in early 1900s as a shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. When he eventually encounters his first human, Jane Porter, both of their worlds transform forever.​ The musical is based on the popular 1999 Disney film and beloved story by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

​​The show's Grammy Award-winning musical score was written by singer/songwriter/percussionist Phil Collins. TARZAN features the songs from Disney's film like the Grammy Award-winning You'll Be In My Heart, plus Two Worlds [One Family], Strangers Like Me, Trashin' the Camp, Son of Man, I Need to Know and many others as well as new songs written specifically for the Broadway production.

The cast of NHCC's production of Disney's TARZAN.

The Set-Up

Now, understand that, as a Disneyphile, I come into reviewing this play with high expectations. I have seen several professional and amateur productions of Disney stage presentations. (I have seen "The Lion King" several times including at the Pantages in Hollywood; I have seen "Beauty and the Beast" a number of times; and I have seen their world premier of "Aladdin," as well as the mini-musical at Disneyland and other park productions.) Disney wields a controlling hand when it comes to their material with some leeway in consideration of their Disney Jr. adaptions.

That said, I have seen Evergreen High School almost murder "Beauty and the Beast." However, based on the publicity material for this presentation of "TARZAN" I came expecting (hoping for) great things. I was NOT disappointed!

Christina Brown (Jane) and Isaac Frank (Tarzan). Photo provided.

The Cast

Isaac Frank (Stephen in last year's Godspell) fills the demanding physical role of Tarzan. He also plays his own father early on while Tarzan is still a baby. Director Cindy Kenny says, “Isaac is an amazing performer who is extremely versatile. He’s an acrobat, dancer, actor and a strong vocalist. Tarzan is an extremely physically demanding role, and there’s not very many leading men that can scale a rope hand-over-hand while singing, and then fly across the stage, fight … an intense choreographed leopard fight and then sing high G.” [as quoted in Eugene Weekly] I couldn't agree more, he was phenomenal in every way.

Christina Brown, who appeared on ABC television’s High School Musical: Get in the Picture, plays the role of Jane, and does well. As an actor she is strong and energetic, she carries her melodies and harmonies well, though at times she has an annoying squeak, and often talks way too fast. Her physicality and emotions all play well in the space.

Tarzan fights the leopard that killed is parents.

The show is superbly directed by Cindy Kenny (as is the orchestra by Stephen Kenny). There's always a lot going on, never a dull moment, and the show is full of eye candy. Simon Arnold, who plays Snipes, serves as the Assistant Director​. The cast consists of the school's Creative Arts majors with the exception of Young Tarzan and Porter, who are not students.

The primary cast of NHCC's production of Disney's TARZAN. Photo provided.

All performers sing and act well. Simon Arnold's role as Snipes is a small one, but he plays it nicely and with a good accent. He is, perhaps, the only character not required to sing. Christopher Kiriakos does quite well as Terk​, the comic relief of the show. Lauren Taylor as Tarzan’s Mother does nicely in her small role.

Standouts are Natalie Pruett as Kala​. She has an absolutely lovely voice and acts well. Jacob Thiessen as Kerchak​ is nearly her equal as a vocalist and actor. Larry Kenton, who plays Porter, is the show's best performer. An absolutely stunning actor and singer! I have not enjoyed a character so much in a very long time.


Larry Kenton gets made-up.

Isaac Sutherland plays Young Tarzan​ and does well. (Yes, both Tarzans are named Isaac.) While not a really strong actor (he is young) he has a good singing voice and good physicality in a demanding role. Zachary Ropp playing Clayton​ is a strong actor, which is good, because physically he does not suggest the Clayton we know from the film. ​He carries the character well, playing with all the right touches; He's just too skinny and not chiseled enough.

The Show

Isaac Frank as Tarzan in the NHCC production.

The production is absolutely stunning and of highest professional quality. You'd be hard pressed to find a better production--anywhere. Anywhere. The lighting and set are great and the effects are good. The orchestra is outstanding and does not overpower performances on stage. There were up to thirteen open wireless mics in use and not a one was problematic (yes, folks, it can be done). Set changes could have been a tad tighter, but they were not lengthy by any means. Video is used to enhance the onstage action at times, which is a nice touch, but I felt it should have been used (and could have been to great affect) during Strangers Like Me as is the 'magic lantern' in the film. Costumes and make-up are good with the exception of Clayton's blue eye shadow (go with a dark brown). All the dances were a delight.

The set for NHCC's production of Disney's TARZAN.

However, there were a couple problems, one being the entirely unnecessary dance sequence opening act two. While nicely performed by special guests, the Hosanna Dance Studio Dancers, it does nothing to move the story along. I also felt that Trashin' the Camp should have been more visually percussive. The score requires a lot of percussion (being written by Phil Collins) and it delivers, but that number should be performed on stage (like STOMP).

The show debuts new audio and music technology. Moving lights were used effectively as well, but a little haze in the air would have made it nicer and added to the jungle feel.

Factoids:

• The auditorium, once a church and now a church again when not a performing arts center, is perfect and seats 500. Interestingly, the church forms it's themed sermon series around the shows themes that are performing there.
• The cast was put on a special 'Tarzan diet' and required to do 'boot camp' workouts three times a week during rehearsals. Many of the cast must perform acrobatically and the roles are physically demanding (climbing ropes, walking in crouched positions, etc.).
• My niece, Shannon Peet, is the show's Properties Mistress and part of the Stage Crew.

The directors (I met them) were extremely nice people who were very enthusiastic about their program and students and well they should be. An exceptional production! Kudos, standing ovation, encore and hallelujah. Looks like a great school at which to study the performing arts.

One word: GO! (It's worth the drive.)

ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT! For dates, times (and more information about cast members) see our original post HERE.

We posted the cool promo video HERE.

Eugene Weekly article

Also see the production's spiffy official website, which sports more production/publicity photos and a video as well as links to the program and tickets (which are selling out).

​Review by Gregory E. Zschomler

All photos provided. Note: I'm having additional photographs of the set, Porter, etc. sent to me. Please check back midweek; I should have them posted.

Read Dennis J. Sparks review here.

THIS YOU GOTTA SEE: Video Preview of "TARZAN"

See more information here and be sure to see our REVIEW coming soon! For tickets: http://www.tarzaneugene.com/

COMING SOON: This Month's Theater Offerings Sure to Please

"Harvey" opens this weekend at the Love Street Playhouse. Our review, by Dennis Sparks, will appear by noon Saturday.

Next week we review both Stageworks Northwest's production of "The Secret Garden" (review by Gregory E. Zschomler) and the Rising Star production of "Camelot" will be reviewed by Dennis Sparks (both in Longview).

Our reviews will appear by noon the day following opening night.

The following week we are pleased to be able to review the Northwest debut of Disney's "TARZAN" at NHCC in Eugene (both Dennis
and Greg will review the show).

We will also review "Shadowlands" at Vancouver's Magenta Theater (reviewed by Dennis). The Magenta review will appear on the 21st and the NHCC review will appear on the 22nd.

See our preview of "TARZAN" here.

AND, coming up in June, both Dennis Sparks and I will review three shows playing at the Oregon Shakespearean Festival in Ashland, Ore.

Northwest Debute of Disney's Tarzan: The Musical [PHOTOS]

While unusual, we wish to announce an out of the area theatrical production. Why? Because it is the northwest "debut" (semantics, Disney contract says they can't use the word "premier") of a really great show AND my niece is on the crew.

Springfield, Oregon's NHCC announces its production of  Disney's "TARZAN ® The Stage Musical" originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions. Based on the Disney film with Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins.  Book by David Henry Hwang which was adapted from the story Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Tickets: www.TarzanEugene.com or 541-521-0739

Dates/Times: 7 p.m., Friday, April 19;  7 p.m., Friday, April 26; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 27; 3 p.m., Sunday, April 21; and 3 p.m., Sunday, April 28. Admission: $18 Adults, $15 Students/Seniors 

Location: New Hope Center Auditorium, 1790 Charnelton St., Springfield, Ore.

TRUST ME, you do not want to miss this PNW debut! The show is amazing, and should the college do it justice, it will knock your socks off. For the first time ever in the Pacific Northwest, this New Hope production of  “Tarzan: The Stage Musical” is sure to wow audiences of all ages. With its sing-a-long pop score and familiar story line adapted from the blockbuster 1999 Disney animated film and beloved story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, young and old alike will marvel as this jungle story springs to life.

The Story: This classic tale begins when an early 1900 shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. When he eventually encounters his first human--Jane Porter, a curious young explorer--both of their worlds are transformed forever. 

"Tarzan®" features the songs from Disney's film as well, as well as nine new songs written specifically for the Broadway production. The show's Grammy Award-winning musical score, written by singer/songwriter Phil Collins, propels the energy and imagination of this literary favorite, making this a "must see".

Cast & Production Team Highlights:

Isaac Frank, in the role of Tarzan, brings his dance and athletic prowess, as well as his powerhouse

vocals, to the stage of Tarzan. Seen last year as Jesus in the NHCC production of "Godspell," Isaac is ready to play one of the most physically demanding roles of his life.

In the role of Jane, Christina Brown of Nanakuli, Hawaii, is no stranger to the stage or television. Brown advanced from among 1000's of auditions in a national audition process to land in the top six contestants in ABC television’s "High School Musical: Get in the Picture."  Appearing weekly for all her fans in homes all across the country, Christina takes all the fame in stride as she pursues a career in the music industry.

Hollywood comes to Eugene, with arranger Larry Kenton playing the role of Jane’s father. Larry’s work in Pixar’s "UP!" resulted in helping land an academy award for its beautiful score. Larry has also been seen around Eugene pursuing his passion of singing in several roles, most recently as Herbie in Cottage Grove’s production of "Gypsy."

Adding an array of color and elegant choreography is the Hosanna Dance Studio. Hosanna Dance Studio is well known for its annual seasonal production of Adventures in Narnia held at the Ragozzino Performance Hall at Lane Community College.

The rest of this talented cast is comprised of Creative Arts majors and other talented singers and dancers from New Hope Christian College.

Having recently appeared in the Shedd and OFAM productions of "The King and I" (Lady Thiang), and "Sound of Music" (Mother Superior), local actress and singer Cindy Kenny, steps off the stage to direct this high flying adventure.

“There’s a powerful and emotional story line that runs throughout Tarzan, and the trick is to bring the heart of that story to life in the midst of all the amazing costumes, choreography, music and orchestra while at the same time keeping it real and believable,” said Kenny. 

Well known for his lighting designs at The Hult Center, Eugene Ballet, and Eugene Opera, Kelly Baum brings his experience and creativity to bear on both the lighting and stage design for this production.

Choreographer Jennifer Knight Dills, having served on the faculty at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, now brings her artistry and teaching experience to New Hope Christian College and to this Tarzan® production.

For tickets: http://www.tarzaneugene.com/
For a video preview click here. 

New Hope is proud to partner with the following premium sponsors to bring this production to the stage: Anderson Group International, KVAL Television, Bourland Printing, IP Services, BiMart and New Hope International.

Be sure and see our REVIEW Saturday April 20. Both Dennis Sparks and I (Gregory E. Zschomler) will be reviewing the show. And there will be pictures. But don't wait, buy your tickets now for this momentous event, as I expect this will sell out quickly.

MPAA Workshop Production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr."* This Weekend Only

METRO will present the result of the summer workshop production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid, Jr."* (* Editor's Note: That means simplified and truncated) for ONE WEEKEND ONLY at the Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium.

Performance Dates and Times are as follows:

Friday, August 17, 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 18, 2 and 7 p.m.

$ 8.00 Child/Senior (12 & Under; 55+)
$10.00 General Admission

http://www.metropaa.org/

Source: Facebook post

REVIEW: Evergreen High School's "Beauty and the Beast" is Both

“The magic of Disney has always been captivating to me,” writes Evergreen High School drama teacher and director Stephanie Kerns McCrea, “I have wanted to direct this show for many years…”

A word to the director:

Just because you want to do something doesn’t mean you should.

Those who know me understand that I relate quite well to McCrea’s sentiments about Disney. So, I see a little Disney theater from time to time—real Disney theater (I've seen the professional tour of "Beauty and the Beast" twice, the world premiere of "Aladdin," "Lion King" at the Pantages in L.A. and on tour twice as well as multiple shows repeatedly in the Disney parks). Well, I’m going to stick with the genuine article from here on out.

I’m just not going to see amateurs mess with their material again. I’m sure it makes Disney some good money, but I think they made a mistake licensing their shows to others—it cheapens their brand.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a wonderfully written musical. It can be a glorious theatrical experience, but it must be done with…magic. This production lacked that. It was a step up from the Metropolitan junior production I saw last month, but still came up quite short.

Not that the show was bad for a high school production. It was just too big of an undertaking. I think another, smaller scale musical might have been a better choice; because the performing talent, I believe, was there.

This production was like a bookshelf on which are some great books held in place by two homely book ends—deep and wonderful in the middle with a beginning and end that lacked sparkle and energy.

The Beautiful

There were some truly decent performances. I don’t think a single line was dropped. I believe every performer gave 100% (and I know the stage crew was working hard, too). There were many good actors/actresses. There were a handful of really good singers. However, rarely did the two reside in the same body.

As Belle, Victoria Hardy was simply de toutes les manières remarquables. She could sing, she could dance (after all girl, this is France), she could act, she had the perfect voice and she was a true belle. Even her line delivery was like listening to the DVD (which I’m sure she did).

Lucas Schneider—a third-grader from Fircrest Elementary—was simply delightful as Chip. Morgan Tache, as Babette, was funny, flirty and fabulous (also a nice accent).

James Taylor did a good job with the role of The Beast and, though not as strong a singer as his namesake, he handled the soaring range of If I Can’t Love Her with control and great emotion. I was moved.

Shadan Leggett (Lumiere) was, perhaps, the shows strongest actor. His singing was fine, but not exceptional. He maintained his accent well and seemed to really, ah, shine.

Paige Child (Mrs. Potts) has a beautiful voice and poured out the title song quite well, but she wasn’t a particularly strong actor.

Quinn Carahan (Gaston) fit the role in voice and physique. His singing voice was equally strong, but he was difficult to understand while singing (due to diction).

The choreography was generally well done, but the ballroom scene was certainly the highlight of them all; it was a truly beautifully executed. What surprised me was that the traditional “show stopper” number Be Our Guest was surpassed by the dance to Gaston.

I’d compliment the costumes, but they were borrowed. Several intelligent lighting fixtures were used to good effect in the production.

The Beastly

Most of the sets were well done—especially the library—but cumbersome. I’m sure that a good quarter of my viewing time was taken up by set changes. I don’t like that, and who does?

The show was haunted by some other familiar technical ghosts. There were wireless mic troubles. [You know, this doesn’t have to be an issue.] Much of the lighting design had a rich and beautiful palette, but was inadequate; it did not properly light faces for registration—especially needed during solos.

A live orchestra can be a delight, but it must be well balanced and not overpower the singers and it must be tight and with every player in tune. Otherwise it is a distraction. This orchestra's balance was good and they pretty much stayed together, but there were many notes that strayed from the written—mostly from the brass section (especially a trumpet).

And overall the illusions, by Rob Lake Theatrical, just didn’t cut it…at all. There was absolutely no magic in them. A lot of fog and a lot of waiting, yes, but how does that seem like magic?

The show continues May 4, 5, 11 and 12; 7:00 p.m. curtain; matinee, May 12th 2 p.m. curtain at Evergreen High School Auditorium, 14300 NE 18^th Street, Vancouver, Wash. Tickets, adults $10, students and honored citizens $7, can be only purchased on the date of the show at the Evergreen High School Auditorium Ticket Booth starting at 5:30pm.

Visit www.ehsdrama.com for more information.

This curtain warmer shot was the only photo we could snap before being
tersely told not to take pictures. There was no notice in the program and the
the pre-show announcement only forbade flash photography. Sorry.

NOTE: I would have loved to have provided you with a slide show of these students, but we were told not to take any photographs during the production.

By Gregory E. Zschomler

SIX SCHOOLS STAGE SPRING SWEEP: “Beauty and the Beast,” “Get Smart,” “Hairspray,” “Hello Dolly!,” “Oliver!” and “The Wizard of Oz” all play in May

This weekend sees the local high schools staging their spring shows. Evergreen offers Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast;” Prairie and Battle Ground combine for “Get Smart” (see previous review); Union opens “Hairspray;” Hello, Dolly!” comes to Mountain View; “Oliver!” hits the stage at Hockinson; and Fort Vancouver produces “The Wizard of Oz.”

“Beauty and the Beast,” the love story of Belle and the enchanted beast prince based on the Disney animated film, runs 7 p.m., May 3, 5, 11 and 12; 2 p.m. May 12; 9 and 11 a.m. May 5 at the Evergreen HS Auditorium, 14300 N.E. 18^th St., Vancouver, Wash. The May 5, 9 and 11 a.m. shows are “Breakfast with Belle” shows. Regular shows are $7 for students and seniors, $10 adults; breakfast shows are $8 (pre-registration required). Call 360-604-3700 for tickets or visit www.ehsdrama.com for information.

“Get Smart,” based on the 1965-1970 TV show pilot, continues 7 p.m., May 3 with snack night; May 4 and 5 dinner theaters also play 7 p.m. at the Battle Ground HS Commons, 300 Main St., Battle Ground, Wash. Snack night is $7-10; dinner shows are $25-30. Call 360-513-1402 or visit www.seatyourself.biz/bghs for tickets. See our review here.

“Hairspray,” the story of segregation and a young teens’ dream to dance on a American Bandstand-type TV show set in the 1960’s, runs 7 p.m., May 3, 4, 5 and 12, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 11 at the Union HS Performing Arts Building, 6201 N.W. Friberg-Strunk St., Camas, Wash. $7 students and seniors, $10 adults. Call 360-604-6220 for tickets and information.

“Hello, Dolly!,” the story of a matchmaker hired to help a rich man find love falls for the man herself,  runs 7 p.m., May 3, 4 and 5, with an additional 1 p.m. show on May 5 at Mountain View HS, 1500 S.E. Blairmont Dr., Vancouver, Wash. Tickets, $8 for students and seniors, $10 for adults, available by calling 360-604-6100.

“Oliver!,” Charles Dickens’ tale of an orphan boy who escapes the workhouses to work the streets, runs 7 p.m., May 4, 5, 12 and 13 with an additional show at 1:30 p.m. May 5 at Hockinson HS, 16819 N.E. 159^th St., Brush Prairie, Wash. General admission is $5 and $6, students and children $3 and $4. Information and tickets at 360-448-6450 ext. 5619.

“The Wizard of Oz,” the story of a Kansas girl caught up by a tornado into the magical land of Oz, based on the L. Frank Baum story and MGM film, runs 5 p.m., May 3, 4 and 5 with an additional show 1 p.m., May 5 at Fort Vancouver HS, 5700 E. 18^th, Vancouver, Wash. General admission is $5 or $4 for seniors.  Call 360-313-4000 for tickets and information.

All are musicals with the exception of “Get Smart.”

By Gregory E. Zschomler

REVIEW: Metropolitan presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast, Jr." Tonight and Tomorrow ONLY

"It was a face that only a mother could love." You've heard the saying. Well, this was a production that only a mother could love. Don't get me wrong, there were some things to like about this show, but I didn't LOVE it.

The cast performs "Be Our Guest." Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler.

First of all I didn't know what to expect. I'd never been to a Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy production, but I knew it would be children performing all the roles. MTI rents a variety of junior show packages including an array of Disney classics.

These are truncated versions of the Broadway musicals that come with just about everything you need to put on a show but the set, costume and props, but you can even rent some of those.

I admit, I'm not a big fan of amateur kid shows, especially when I have to shell out more than five bucks to see one (this was nearly $12 with the ticket fee). They don't tend to be all that good and to really get jazzed you need to know someone in the to-do. I didn't.

And yet, this production had some charm. The chorus numbers were very nice. They were full of energy, sounded great and the dance numbers were pretty tight. The costumes were great, too! (I do believe that Disney imposes particular standards on certain things, so that you get a classic Disney experience.)

The female leads, while sometimes slipping from the written melody or key, sang well enough. The young men? Not so much. Out of a cast of around 40, only eight were boys and the show calls for "mostly men." It seems beggars can't be choosy--you take what you get and work with it.

The entire cast at curtain call. Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler

And that's the nature of Metropolitan: Parents sign their kids up for classes and pay for them to go. All the kids get to be in the show which is both good and bad. It builds confidence, skill, self-esteem and more, but it can't create talent. It can bring it out and hone it, but if it isn't there to begin with...

The Good

You have to admire the director (Noah Scott, directed) that would take on a show like that. He's gotta love kids and believe in them and...well...have LOTS of patience. I am reminded of the words of W.C. Fields: "Never work with children or animals." I imagine it's a lot like herding cats. And that does not take into account of having to deal with "stage moms" (which should include hazard pay).

But I digress. 

The best lead performance of the show was given by Bridgette McCarthy in the role of Lumiere. Her accent was fun, her singing nearly dead on and her acting delightful. Kiara (what a pretty name) Kennington, as Mrs. Potts, also gave a winning performance all around, though she began her solo a little shaky. I'm sure it was performance anxiety; there's a lot of pressure in singing the well-known title song.

The very lovely Aubrey Porter starred as Belle and did nicely in the role. She has a nice voice and with some more training she will learn to keep it on pitch. I THINK that Mardee Willman (Cogsworth) sang well, but most of the time her mic wasn't working. Sigh.

"Silly Girl" Kelly Jung

The stand out performance of the entire production was delivered by Kelly Jung who was one of the Silly Girls that fawn over Gaston.

She was a pure delight.

The energy, the facial expression, the acting, the dance moves--everything was star quality right down to her dimple. I can envision this kid in a real Disney production. 

The Not So Good 

The show was NOT well lit--the castle scenes, especially, were difficult to see. But the real irritation came from a generally bad audio mix and a lot of malfunctioning wireless mics. Pretty much what could go wrong, did go wrong. They hummed, the crackled, they boomed, they fell off, they weren't turned on... 

I really felt bad for the kids; that sort of thing doesn't help your confidence level. [You'd think after more than a dozen different shows over a three year period they would have worked out these kinds of bugs.]

And the set needed textured and detailed to bring it completely to life.

All in all, the production has such a great story and the music is so well written (by Alan Meken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice) that you can't help but be moved. Even with the simplified effects (quite a bit less magical than the professional tour) and technical distractions, the show was uplifting and fun.

The show plays again 7 p.m., Saturday, March 31 and Sunday April 1, 2012 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center in Washougal, Wash. Tickets can be purchased by calling 360-975-1585 or at www.metropaa.org. "Anything Goes" opens in April. See the website for more information about classes, shows and auditions.

Here's a short video of "Be Our Guest" from the show.

Story, photos and video by Gregory E. Zschomler

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Washburn Performing Arts Center

The Metropolitan Performing Arts presents a limited engagement of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St. in Washougal, Wash. Show dates are Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7 p.m. - Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2 p.m

Details and tickets at: http://bandbjr.eventbrite.com/

I'll post a review Saturday morning.
By Gregory E. Zschomler