CATS GETS A MAKEOVER IN CONTRA COSTA:

The Junkyard is gone. In its place is a delightful, colorful classroom that looks like something from “Babes in Arms.” To say that this version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is better than the original staging of the hit show, would not be an exaggeration. In the original the actors wore tights that had designs on them to make them look more catlike. I never thought that they looked like Cats, but more like aliens. The Willows Theatre has given this production a fun airy feeling to it. They’ve taken the dreariness out of it and made it a fun playhouse for those mischief minded cats. The classroom is a Cat’s dream house. There are all kinds of curvy and round things, besides every cats delight high places for the cats to lounge or jump on.

Ms Grizabella who used to be known as Grisabella the Glamour Cat in her younger days, is the teacher in the school. The school is officially called “The Jellicle School of Feline Divinity.” Director Andrew Holtz has done a “Wizards” job with this musical. There is the usual Cat characters from the original, “Rum Tum Tugger” and others. But Holtz has added others. Into the Cat mix is a bunch of Cat Kids. These are really young people in a myriad of Costumes that look like they came right out of a “Harry Potter” story. This fits perfectly into the Classroom set, as the kids, being very agile, cavort around the stage. Some wear Capes, one is a magician and one looks like Johnny Depp. I have to say…even real Cats would be endlessly entertained by the magic of it all. I know this, because I live with one.

The music is the same as in the original “Cats,”, which was based on T.S Eliot’s "Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” In fact, when the Willows leased the rights to the show – they only got the songs sent to them. Since there basically is no dialogue, the Willows were able to improvise the show, as long as it didn’t tinker with the music. And Holtz has run with it, and given us a Biff! Pow! Wham! Evening. Take the Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter and Babes in Arms, mix them all up together and toss them on the stage and you don’t get Kitty Litter. What you get is the Willows re-imagining of “Cats.” When they produce a new version again on Broadway – this is the one they should model it after.

The Willows has come up with a really entertaining Holiday show for the whole family. This is a huge cast and they all deserve to have their name in lights. The Faculty at the Jellicle school: Grizabella (Barbara Grant), Young Grizabella (Brandy Collazo) and Old Deuteronomy (Stu Klitsner).

The Jellicle Cats. Aisha Gearig, Ron Pickett, Johnathan Spencer, Stgefan Miller, Aria Lauren McAninch, Morgan Linstrom, Cabrina Lett, Rena Wilson, Jessica Raaum, Daniel Lachman, Ricardo Rust, Drew Fowler, Mary Kalia, Herbie Raad, Kenneth Scott, Brian Sterling, LeNeac Weathersby. And of course the wonderful Jellicle Kittens (The Children).

In this show you will be dazzled by a Costume Ball, some really great dancing, puppet show, light Hip Hop and a skull and bones on a pirate ship plus a snow princess who sings “Memory” at the end of the show as she leaves for Cat Heaven in a puff of mist. Actually it’s a duet with older Grizabella (Barbara Grant) and young Grizabella – (Brandy Collazo.) Usually this song is so sad – that you want to leave the theater and commit suicide. However, the Director has managed to make going to Cat Paradise when you die – not so bad. I doubt if young children will really know what is happening. But, one thing that I know for sure is that the song will stick in your mind forever. It’s gorgeous. Mariana Cassia-Rowland has created by perfect Scenic Design, Robert Anderson’s Lighting was great and the Costume Design by Robin Speer is a total wonder.

It all comes down to this: This “Cats” is MORE fun. The stage blossoms with talent and imagination. It was like watching a stirring ‘Wide Screen’ version of “Cats”. And finally – “you’ll be hooked”!

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! –trademarked- (highest Rating)


Benjamin Pither and Micheala Greeley in 'Totally True Story."

TOTALLY TRUE AND TOTALLY ENJOYABLE

‘Based on a Totally True Story’ is about a young writer who writes a play. The play goes nowhere, but he does get a pitch from a Hollywood Agent/producer who thinks his play would make a great movie. This comes about during a time in his life when he has just met a new boyfriend. Well, the playwright Ethan Keene has got a lot on his plate. He is on the verge of making it big in showbiz, but he suddenly has troubles with his new love interest. He’s overextended and doesn’t really listen to what his layed-back partner is saying. Yep, it’s headed for the rocks. Then he find out that his father is leaving his mother for another woman, who is still married. It sounds like heavy stuff, but the writer of the play Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa has a breezy way with dialogue. Ethan, the playwright, has all the best lines in the show. And Benjamin Pither is absolutely a loveable marvel in the role. He exudes enough energy to light up the board at the theater with his flashes of charm.

Micheala Greely (The Producer Mary Ellen) is absolutely fabulous as the vapid arch-typical Hollywood Agent. Boy, has she got it down pat. The insincerity, the vapid empty way of talking is all in this performance. She can be as sweet as a Cobra and slyly cutting.

Branden Finch (the Boyfriend) is the ‘rock’ in the show. His mellow reasoning keeps many situations from blowing up into all out war.

Brady Boyd is a wiz at changing his persona. He plays several characters and each time he looks completely different. What an amazing Actor. Steve Budd is the Dad who is leaving Ethan’s Mom. The part calls for serious business and Budd (Ethan’s Dad) handles the dilemma in a calming way. The Director John Dixon ignites the action. The vigor and snap is just non-stop.

‘Totally True’ is loosely based on the playwrights own experiences. And what he has constructed is implacable storytelling. It’s one of the funniest, warm-hearted comedies of the year.

AT THE NEW CONSERVATORY THEATER

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!!
WINNER! The Lee Hartgrave Fame Award to: Benjamin Pither for Best Actor – Totally True Story-2007.

WINNER! The Lee Hartgrave Fame Award to: Michaela Greeley for Best Actor – Totally True Story – 2007.


American Idol's Anthony Federov (publicity photo.)

ONE NIGHT ONLY – ANOTHER NIGHT YOU’LL NEVER FORGET

The Auditorium at the Marines Memorial practically ignited when company members from the National Touring Company of “The Color Purple” took over the stage. The songs were lusty and sometimes the melodies evoked caution.

The pace was set with “I Say A Little Prayer” (the Whitney Houston song), sung by Mariama Whyte with Bridgette Bentley. The applause was deafening. It was followed by a great rendition of “Here’s Where I Stand" sung by Alex De Castro. Renee Monique Brown enthralled everyone with a monologue called “Spoken Word.”. Shani M. Borden knocked the notes out of the park with a rousing “Believe.”

Just before the second act started a very funny Auctioneer from the old school of auctioneering was lots of fun to listen to. And the good part is that he managed to get a good price for all the auctioned items. Most of the proceeds from these shows go to AIDS organizations and Equity fights AIDS. In the second act – LaToya London looked and sounded terrific with “If I Could.” Believe me, she could!

“The Greatest Love of All” was sung by one of the kids from the “Color Purple.” It was a completely gripping performance. His name is AJ Williams – and he has a big career ahead of him. Another one of the Kids from the show, Diamond White sang the difficult and dramatic “And I Am Telling You” from ‘Dream Girls’. She did a dream of a job…and the audience jumped to their feet to give a really hearty ovation. The entire evening was a stunning achievement. But, since this was a one time only event – we will never see it again. What a shame. It was such a joy.

The Music was enormously good. Here’s a little touching note. Dave MacNab’s (Guitar) little girl and his wife were sitting in front of me. You could tell how proud of him she was. At intermission she kept creeping up the stairs one at a time to get closer to her Dad. He came over and gave a little hug and she went back to her Mom.

The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation has again put together a Brilliant show. But wait. You still have another chance to see another fantastic line-up of stars at the Herbst Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 2, 7:30 Pm at the Herbst Theatre. This is the annual Big Xmas show. Singing for you will be Mary Wilson of The Supremes. Broadway/TV Star Sally Struthers, Broadway/TV Star Carole Cook, Cabaret/Jazz star Tim Hockenberry, American Idol Star/Color Purple star, La Toya London, American idol Star, Anthony Fedorov and from the first American Idol show, Justin Guarini. Plus, there will be many more entertainers on the bill. This show will benefit Meals of Marin and Positive Resource Center. Tickets go fast for this annual party. Here is how to get yours. www.HelpisontheWay.org. Or: 415-273-1620.



The Photo of Lee Hartgrave Boy Reporter is by Jim Ferreira – Film Noir & Hollywood Glamour. www.lafterhall.com.

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