“Propaganda! The Musical” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at The PTC Performance Space (Closes on Sunday July 27, 2014)
Beth Cheryl Tarnow and Dale Sampson - Photo by Russ Rowland
“Propaganda! The Musical” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival at The PTC Performance Space (Closes on Sunday July 27, 2014) Book, Music, and Lyrics by Taylor Ferrera and Mat Webster Directed by Nathan Brewer Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
“Propaganda the Musical” hits some high notes making it an enjoyable new piece of musical theater at the PTC Performance Space and being presented by NYMF. Taylor Ferrera and Matt Webster use all the right ingredients to serve up a delightful parody of musical theater, executed by a cast that has boundless energy and extreme talent. The book is clever and direct with the skill of efficient storytelling but it delivers nothing new to whet an audience’s appetite for exciting creative theater. The cartoon characters are brought to life with just enough silly to entertain, never losing a grasp on reality and without falling into offensive stereotypes. The music is standard pop with some memorable melodies and provides enough rhythm to galvanize choreographer Jason Sparks to create lively production numbers, but once again nothing fresh. The lyrics are simple, sharp although sometimes wordy with unwarranted rhymes and seem to serve the melodies. Avid musical theater goers have an advantage since it is full of inside jokes, shades and shadows of past mega hits and a complete parody of itself.
Dale Sampson does well defining the naïve and aloof character Rookie, almost always hitting his mark in an exhaustive, vocally demanding role. Kenita R. Miller tears up the stage with her comic timing and powerful voice as she conjures up every ounce of evil in Agent X. Beth Cheryl Tarnow manages to win your heart as the forlorn Tary harnessing all of her seductive energy to get her man and delivering a terrific vocal in “Love Him to Death.” One could never prepare themselves for the appearance of the Fierce Ass Girls (living up to their acronym), in an over top performance by Shaun Repetto, Nick Mason and Benjiman Dallas Redding. Kenny Morris as both Grandpa and Harry turns in a solid and steady character. Marc Cornes, Maryjoanna Grisso and Jillian Wallach do a fine job rounding out the ensemble.
This is an earnest attempt but limited in scope and style with a specific appeal. Ms. Ferrera and Mr. Webster have a keen eye and ear and will hopefully have a bright future as they continue to grow. The stumbling blocks which appear in this production only reinforce the need for a broader spectrum and refinement. Catch a performance if you can, it will provide two hours of harmless entertainment and a few good laughs if nothing more.
PROPAGANDA! THE MUSICAL
“Propaganda! The Musical” is presented by The New York Musical Theatre Festival in association with Taylor Ferrera and Matt Webster. Director: Nathan Brewer; Musical Director: Andre Cerullo; Choreographer: Jason Sparks; Set Designer: Ryan Howell; Lighting Designer: Ethan Steimel; Costume Designer: Sky Switser; Stage Manager: Katie Kavett; General Manager: Form Theatricals (Anthony Francavilla & Zachary Laks); Public Relations: Paul Siebold/Off Off PR. Production photos by Russ Rowland.
The cast includes Marc Cornes, MaryJoanna Grisso, Nick Mason, Kenita Miller, Kenny Morris, Benjiman Dallas Redding, Shaun Repito, Dale Sampson, Beth Cheryl Tarnow, and Jillian Wallach.
The band includes Andre Cerullo (Conductor/Piano), Kris Rogers (Bass), and Dominic Lynch (Drums).
“Propaganda! The Musical” continues performances on Saturday July 26th at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday July 27th at 12:00 p.m. at The PTC Performance Space, 455 West 42nd Street, NYC 10036. Tickets: $25.00. For tickets, further information about the show and about the New York Musical Theatre Festival, visit nymf.org. Direct ticketing link: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/935747. Running time is 2 hours including one intermission.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Saturday, July 26, 2014
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