“Someone To Belong To” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80
“Someone To Belong To” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80 Written by Christine DeNoon and Lorie Steele Directed by Leslie Collins Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
It is not edgy, current, ground breaking, or about dysfunctional families and it certainly is not a rock opera. “Someone To Belong To” is a new, good old fashioned musical comedy with a “sweet little love story about selling dreams and making them come true.” Something to take notice of since audiences these days seem to flock to revivals of the great musicals from the fifties and sixties. Granted, this is just the first incarnation and needs to be nurtured and developed to grow into a full scale musical comedy, but it certainly has good bones, follows the formula, is pure and simple and good insight can recognize the problems and attain a solution. The music and lyrics are delightful, clear and to the point, delivered via some catchy and soothing melodies. So refreshing to just sit back and enjoy the fabulous vocals without having to worry about subtext or undercurrent and not understanding the message. The plot is simple and at this point one would expect the book and dialogue to need extensive work.
Speaking of dreams coming true are exactly the words to describe this cast. An incredible assembly of top notch, well trained, hard working actors, singers and dancers who are completely devoted to the material, that shine as solo and sparkle as an ensemble. Chris Ware (Davis) is charming with vocals so easy on the ear. Samantha Eggers (Annie) is spirited and spot on in her rendition of the title song. Joe Colombo (Joe) has a fine baritone and creates an interesting character. Katherine Henly’s (Lois) strong, clear controlled soprano compliments her sexy persona and is welcoming. Erick Devine (Pete) brings his experience and skill to embrace the audience but we needed to hear more of his well honed vocal ability. Carla Nager (Miss Sasslebaum) and Jonathan Desley (Ted) are remarkable as comic relief exhibiting exceptional timing. David Paul Kidder (Reed), Graham Keen (Kenny), Kristen Sandler (Maggie) and Alle-Faye Monka (Candice) provide some incredible dance moves in the affordable space, thanks to choreographer Allison Plamondon.
Stepping out of bounds with some creative input, it would be nice to incorporate more trios and quartets for dramatic intensity. Annie is screaming for a cheese song and Miss Sasslebaum can certainly sing her way through the switchboard, but enough indulgence. This is a great little musical that moves at a comfortable pace with Leslie Collins at the helm. The spine of the production is the musical direction of Brandon Magid and arrangements by he and Eugene Gwozdz, it even has an overture! Try to catch this delightful musical now or hopefully sometime in the future, since it should certainly have a life after Fringe.
SOMEONE TO BELONG TO
“Someone To Belong To” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and DeNoon/Steele Productions at Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place (1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue).
All performances of “Someone To Belong To” take place at on the following schedule: Sunday August 25th at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. For more information about the show and the cast and creative team, please visit www.someonetobelongto.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Tuesday, August 20, 2013
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