Muses IV: Memories of a House

I have been curious about the Muses project where the audience moves from room to room watching scenes in a different house each year. This year, the writers were given the story of one family, and the writers wrote scenes that may have occurred in different rooms of the house. What a fascinating concept! We were treated to a spectacular house as a backdrop, with brilliant colors, eye-capturing art, fun furniture, and the best percussion instrument from Vietnam that was so much fun to play. I was fortunate to meet the owner of the house, who had a sparking presence. As you might guess, some of the 10 scenes are better than others, and all provide glimpses into the innermost workings of a family. Be warned that different actors play the same characters, and that the scenes are not time-ordered, as that threw me until the 4th scene. Also, bring bug spray because half are outside. Ok, I admit I’m hooked, and look forward to being a part of the annual lively Muses tradition.

Running through September 12th
http://www.vestigegroup.org/ for more information.

The "Drowsy Chaperone" will keep you Wide Awake!

There are so many great things to say about the “Drowsy Chaperone” – where to start? First, the deep-red stage is very inviting. Second, Martin Burke does an excellent job of hosting the play within the play. His opening line about sitting in the dark before a show begins, praying for a good show, resonated well with me, especially since we were still sitting in the dark! Since he is feeling “blue,” he puts on a record and the musical comes to life in his living room. He entertains us the whole time and brings his character perfectly to life.

I do love musicals. And this one does a fantastic job of making fun of itself at the same time that it is taking itself very seriously. How does one do that so well? It must be the ironic songs, such as a song about a dress that is hideous; the “Don’t want to show off” song where the actress cannot stop showing off; and a love song, where everyone comes out and starts dancing in Monkey suits! Be warned: Jamie Goodwin steals the show as Adolfo. Even after “Present Laughter” I didn’t realize he had the over-acting capacity within him, and didn’t even recognize him in this role at first. Robin Lewis has taken Zach choreography to the next level since he joined the company, and thus the dancing is phenomenal. The show is complete hilarious fun, and you only have one more week to enjoy it before it must close next weekend.
See http://www.zachtheatre.org/show/drowsy-chaperone for more information.

"Jersey Boys"

It was fun to finally see "Jersey Boys"after hearing about it so long. Not quite my generation, but my mother played her Four Seasons album over and over, and my grade school girlfriends were named Candy, Dawn, and Sherry. It was not only a musical, but a comedy, too. I found it to be very funny, especially through the first act. It was very clever how the plot was divided into the Four Seasons. I had no idea what had really gone on in the group, and I won’t give it away so that you can witness the story unfold onstage. It brings the personalities to life and makes them personal. The costumes, images, and video are especially remarkable, as are the live filming and the way the band performed to different angles on the stage. It was too funny when they were bowing to our applause, although they were facing the back of the stage! I will never think of the song “Oh what a night” the same, now that I understand the “ended way too soon” part! Very fun and enjoyable show.
See http://www.texasperformingarts.org/season/jersey for more information.