"The Sensational Josephine Baker" at The Beckett Theatre - Theatre Row
“The Sensational Josephine Baker” Written and Performed by Cheryl Howard Directed by Ian Streicher Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
In the opening scene of “The Sensational Josephine Baker” it is 1975 backstage in a dressing room at the Bobino Theater in Paris, France. It is here that we find a terrified Ms. Baker frantic and unsure about stepping on stage to embark on a comeback concert series which she hopes will reclaim her status as a shining star in the French theater world and at the same time relieve her financial burdens and avoid bankruptcy.
We are quickly transported to her childhood as she grasps at the memories of her beloved grandmother’s support and love that give her the strength and courage to combat her fear of rejection. As the life of Josephine Baker unfolds Cheryl Howard reveals her ability and talent as an accomplished actor, carefully delineating a mélange of characters with ease, perception and economy. She embodies each with vocal and physical nuance as she seamlessly takes a turn from one to the other. She is flawless. It was also a pleasure to find that during musical numbers Howard did not try to imitate Baker’s voice, which certainly would have resulted in an evening of bad Karaoke, but rather employed a physical resemblance to the character. Relying on her own keen vocal ability, she was able to produce an enjoyable musical theater experience which unfortunately marred only by the use of the canned music of a six piece band.
Josephine Baker, without a doubt, was also an incredible woman and a force to be reckoned with, being a major influence during the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and also being instrumental as an integral part of the French Resistance during World War II. She had also adopted 12 children of different ethnicities which she called the “Rainbow Tribe.” Although this production is able to scratch the surface of this remarkable life, it needs to provide more insight into the private troubled existence versus the flamboyant public image.
This production is an admirable attempt to shed some light upon the celebrated life of an icon which was tragic, intriguing, and constantly fighting inner turmoil while wearing her exterior with style and poise. No easy task. As an evening of entertainment at the theater you may dismiss the shortcomings which may exist and sit back and enjoy the many sensational moments that Cheryl Howard delivers. As a post note, treat yourself to dinner next door to the theater at Chez Josephine a restaurant which is owned and established by two of Baker’s sons as a tribute to their mother.
THE SENSATIONAL JOSEPHINE BAKER
Presented by Emerging Artists Theatre. Written and Performed by Cheryl Howard. Directed by Ian Streicher. Musical Direction by Loren Van Brenk. Scenic Design by Tim McMath. Costume Design by Nicole Wee. Lighting Design by Benjamin Swope. Choreographed by Racky Plews.
Performances run through Saturday, September 8, 2012 at The Beckett Theatre – Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street (www.theatrerow.org). Show times are: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $69.25 and can be purchased by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or online at www.Telecharge.com. For all discount offers visit www.broadwayoffers.com or call 212-947-8844. Special $20 Rush Tickets are offered for every show to any ticket buyer for available seats 20 minutes before show time.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, July 30, 2012
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