Your queen is dead, your king is through, she is not coming back to you…
I traveled to a beautiful city last night; one with beautiful lights, amazing architecture and vivid culture. The city was Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the 1940s and 50s. This is the city and time of Eva Peron, the central figure of the most recent Broadway production to come to DPAC; Evita. This story is a colorful journey of a young actress rising up through the ranks of men, eventually becoming the First Lady of Argentina.
The story opens with a gripping montage dedicated to the life of the powerful figure that is Eva Peron. The scene is reminiscent of the dark streets of France as depicted in Les Miserable; the somber mood is palpable as the death of Peron is announced to her country.
Josh Young, playing the role of Che, stole the show. Young was nominated for a 2012 Tony Award for his performance as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. He portrayed the role of Che with beautiful articulation and intonation; he brought passion and intrigue to the character. Some actors feel success if the audience can relate to the character they have taken on; Young went even farther. I could easily feel every emotion that pours from his soul; the mere look he would display at the thought of Peron told you exactly how much disdain he had for her and the government she represented.
As great as Young’s performance is, the role of Eva played by Carolina Bowman can only be described as adequate. In the scene where Eva steps out onto the balcony wearing that iconic white sequined gown, and delivers the famous “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” Bowman did not disappoint. Aside from that one scene, she appeared to struggle with some of the dynamic shifts from singing with her “chest voice” to hitting the needed note with her “head voice” leaving her sounding unfocused or breathy. Aside from a few touching moments of vulnerability her portrayal mostly fell flat.
Director Michael Grandage is also to be commended for his work with this production. His attention to detail was evident and appreciated. His use of technology from the digital age added a dynamic connection of the opening scene with Che to the closing scene on the balcony with Eva.
Choreographer Rob Ashford added creative blocking and dance moves that easily identified the socio-economic status of each character. Strong, rigid movements from the elitist military were in stark contrast to the lyrical movements of the lower class.
Neil Austin’s deliberate light design choices of back and side lighting added sharp angles and strong shadowing. The lighting accentuated the shady personality traits of Eva and Colonel Peron. Austin’s use of the backlighting also led the audience to believe that they were the townspeople, basking in the glow of Eva’s powerful personality.
Christopher Oram served in two major capacities as the set designer and costume designer for the tour. The costumes were incredible, especially the customary white ball gown of Eva’s. Peron’s subtle transition from a young and naïve girl, to the strong and rigid leader is defined through the style, line, and color of each and every costume change. Those changes were also poignant in the way they occurred… onstage.
An exquisite, yet simplified, set design from Oram gives the audience a unique perspective of the home of the Peron’s. The powerful image of the opulent mansion was understated when you consider the wealth and prestige that the Peron’s embodied. As the scenes change the genius design granted the audience the ability to travel through walls with only the movement of a chandelier.
The performance of Josh Young, the direction of Michael Grandage, the costumes, the lighting, and the set all come together in perfect harmony to bring the story of Evita to life in all its glory. It is not in the repertoire of Andrew Lloyd Webber to disappoint, the fantastic cast and creative team of the tour of Evita do not let us down either.
The classic story on stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Don’t miss your chance to see this record-breaking live theatre sensation. You’ll have the time of your life!
The Phantom of the Opera
“Extraordinarily opulent. This Phantom’s storytelling and relationships have an electrifying tension!” – Chicago Sun-Times
October 8-19, 2014
Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, The Phantom of the Opera, will come to DPAC as part of a brand new North American Tour. Hailed by critics as “bigger and better than ever before,” this production boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier, new scenic and lighting designs, new staging and choreography. The beloved story and thrilling score will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
“A dazzling delight for all ages! Cinderella casts a new spell on Broadway!” – USA Today
November 18-23, 2014
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.
Annie
“Spectacular on every count.” – Newsweek
December 9-14, 2014
Leapin’ Lizards!
The world’s best-loved musical returns in a time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, this production of Annie will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring the beloved book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
Motown
“More than a Broadway show. A celebration of music that transformed America!” – CBS Sunday Morning
February 17-22, 2015
It began as one man’s story… became everyone’s music… and is now Broadway’s musical. Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown The Musical!Kinky Boots “Dazzling and joyful!” – Daily NewsMarch 10-15, 2015Kinky Boots is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of six Tony Awards® including Best Musical, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots features a joyous, Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. Come join the sold-out audiences who’ve discovered why – sometimes – the best way to fit in is to stand out!
Pippin
“Astonishing. A PIPPIN for the 21st century…dazzling and awe-inspiring!” – Entertainment Weekly
May 12-17, 2015
Pippin is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago… the show the New York Times declared “Astonishing. A Pippin for the 21st century.” It won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival! With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory. This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus (Hair and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess). It features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 Doigts de la Main, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces.
Newsies
“Stop the presses! Newsies an irresistible high energy winner” – Entertainment Weekly
June 2-7, 2015
They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines…Direct from Broadway comes Newsies, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards® for Best Score and Best Choreography, Newsies has audiences and critics alike calling it “A musical worth singing about!” (The New York Times) Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss.
Based on true events, Newsies tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right…and staying true to who you are.
It’s never easy to allow yourself to fall in love, and it is even more difficult to allow yourself to let go of a past love.
The tour of the 8 time Tony Award winning show Once, directed by JohnTiffany, stopped at the Durham Performing Arts Center for a series of 8 shows from January 21st through 26th. The music, script, movements, and the unique addition of live instrumentation combine to form the standing ovation worthy show.
Through the beautiful and complex music and songs of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, Once becomes a beautiful love story created with an entire audience watching. True inner turmoil, of a love lost, is clearly audible through the gut-wrenching performance of Stuart Ward. His pain is balanced by the compassion and unrelenting support as performed beautifully by Dani de Waal.
(Think pain of The Wedding Singer in the tune of Rent with the hairstyles of Spring Awakening, with the box set of Billy Elliot, and chorus involvement of Chicago.)
The words of Enda Walsh, coupled with the performances by the amazing cast, bring to life what we all have heard, have said, and remember from friends, family, and ones we have fallen in love with. The Irish brogue, used by the majority of the cast, was beautiful to listen to. Against the norm, their use of the accent remained constant and I found it truly fascinating and awe-inspiring that all the actors were able to maintain their own individual accents even as they transitioned from spoken word to song. However, I will admit I struggled as I adjusted to the halted speech pattern of Girl, who is a young woman from the Czech Republic.
The strong kinetic chemistry between Stuart (Guy) and Dani (Girl) made it easy to hope for the growing relationship of love, against the backdrop of recording an album, that could develop over just a matter of days.
(Cue Romeo and Juliet’s whirlwind romance)
The phenomenal comedic timing of Matt DeAngelis (Svec) left us wanting “more soul and less pants.”
The interpretive movements from Steven Hoggett are a little odd, but I suppose they do illustrate the emotional struggles that Guy and Girl are experiencing. As someone who is more familiar with the traditional style of dance in Broadway productions, this also took some time to adjust to.
The one element of this show that makes it truly unique is in the way the shows utilizes live instrumentation. All Broadway worthy productions make good use of live music, but Once is one of the very few that incorporates the instrumentation into the actual stage performance. Such intimate moments of relationships, of family struggle, heartbreak, and triumph are all performed while playing instruments. During the parts of the show where the characters are listening to “Pre-Recorded” music, via radio or headphones, I found myself searching the stage for the one playing the actual instrument. This dynamic was something that I found to be truly creative and impressive.
To be a triple threat on Broadway is supposedly difficult, but some say it is actually easy to find. You just have to look at any restaurant wait staff in New York City. But, try looking for an actor who can; sing, act, dance, and play an instrument at the same time. What is even more difficult, finding that actor / singer / dancer / instrumentalist and having an entire creative team agree on it. This adds to quality of talent that makes up the cast.
(I do wish I could have been a fly on the wall during rehearsals because the bloopers would have been interesting.)
Although the set appears minimal, with a simple bar and walls with antiqued mirrors, we are easily transported from location to location with beautifully choreographed set transitions. Phenomenal transitions between scenes were heightened with fast set changes, cool set pieces, musical distractions, and subtle light changes. In stark contrast to other large spectacular productions on Broadway, Once uses eloquent words to draw and keep the audience from looking away instead of flashy special effects.
There was one “Special Effect” that was used that I did find interesting. The Czech family of Girl spoke in English, but creative team also chose to project the Slavic translations behind the bar. It was interesting to “see” the translations of the Czech family on the wall of the bar, in a reverse subtitle kind of way. Not only were we visually stimulated by the images of the foreign words flashing on the wall, but we also had fun trying to figure out which words went with each spoken word.
I have never before been influenced so much by lighting in a show as I was in this one. Subtle changes created a visual cue, dictating the mood that matched the scripted words. While overlooking the city, sparkling lights appear forming the city skyline of Dublin, Ireland.
(I have no clue where those tiny little light bulbs were located, but they appear and disappeared without a trace. After they were first used, I searched for those things for the rest of the show!)
The costume design was a little awkward due to the undefined time period or season in which the show takes place. It wasn’t until the nauseating twerking that I figured it was present day, either that or the girl had a serious medical problem onstage.
The sound technician had the volume a tad low at times. I’m assuming the sound designer was trying to create a down-trodden mood to compliment the story. Maybe, had it not been the cold and flu season with many audience members struggling to unwrap cough drops at every single “down-trodden” moment, it would have been more effective.
If you can, I encourage you to arrive early to this performance and become part of the bar patrons. You are given the opportunity to walk across the stage, order a drink from the bartender, and stand next to the chorus/band as they present a spirited pre-show. Each performer is highlighted and appears to be having the time of their life dancing, singing, and enjoy the intimate setting with patrons.
I believe we all can relate to musicals, and we all depend on the emotional places that music and song lyrics can take us. In a recent conversation I had with Matt DeAngelis (Svec) he stated that “Once was not a musical, but a play with music.” I thought he was delusional, because how can the show be billed as a Tony Award Winning Musical and not be a musical. Damn it, he was right.
Once is a Broadway play, with music, inspired by the 2006 film of the same name. The story revolves around a young man who lives his life through music in Dublin, Ireland. The young man’s music leads him into relationships and trials that change his world. As actor Matt DeAngelis put it, “love is the central theme of the show… the love for music, the love for family, the love for your city, the love for each other.”
As a lover of theatre, it is always humbling to be able to speak with an actor about his art. In advance of the January, 21-26 performances of Once at the Durham Performing Arts Center I was given the opportunity to speak with Matt DeAngelis about acting and his role on the tour.
DeAngelis, who performs the role of Svec in Once, is also known for his performances in Songs for a New World, Hair, and American Idiot.
MAC – I am really interested in this show, because I actually teach theatre in addition to writing about it. I am really intrigued by how this show operates with so many new aspects of theatre. What influenced you to audition for this show?
Matt DeAngelis – That’s actually a funny question. I audition for what my agent tells me to audition for. I love the show, I had seen the show. Before I got it, I had seen it two or three times on Broadway. One of my best friends is in the show on Broadway so whenever he goes on, instead of one of his understudies, I would go see it. So yeah, I love the show, but basically we are all actors and we have to work.
MAC – Was this an easy transition to go from American Idiot into Once? Was that easy for you?
Matt DeAngelis – Yeah, it was a really easy transition because now I am getting paid and for a really long time after American Idiot, I wasn’t. Easy is a difficult word too. I think I always get cast in shows that you don’t necessarily… We have to be actors, but we have to be authentic versions of ourselves. I think that even though they are very different, Hair and American Idiot and this all have that similar quality to them. I think that there is an element of truth. It’s not about acting all the time, there definitely is acting. Not to say that we are not acting, because we are. I think there is a real big portion of it that is about being yourself. I think that is a through-line in all the shows I have been fortunate enough to be cast in
MAC – Would you consider yourself a method actor or a technical actor with the truth in who you are?
Matt DeAngelis – Honestly, I am the wrong to ask when it comes to questions like that. There’s an old James Cagney quote that I love. He was asked, “James, how are you such a good actor?” He said, “Well, I try my best to hit my mark, I look them in the eye and I tell the truth.” I think that is at the root of it all, I think that is what we do for a living. We have to tell people the truth. So I don’t get wrapped up in that. I didn’t move to Dublin to prepare for the role, so I’m not a method actor. I don’t really get wrapped up in the technicality of it either. I try to look at the roles and I try to see what parts of that role are like me and then I try to behave as if the scenario was really happening to somebody. I don’t think for me… I know for a lot of actors it’s different and everybody has different ways of doing things. For me, that’s what works for me.
MAC – How similar to the role are you for Once?
Matt DeAngelis – Well, he’s a little crazy and I’m a person who likes to have fun and be silly. I definitely bring elements of myself to him but mostly this role is all about me being free just to play, to just play around. In the rehearsal process there was a lot of experimenting with just how silly I could be.
MAC – You ended up pushing the director’s buttons?
Matt DeAngelis – I asked the director in the first rehearsal, we started doing one of the scenes that is really ridiculous. I said, “I want to be clear, just how far off the reservation am I allowed to go?” You give me parameters and I will work within them. I want to have fun and I want to explore, but it’s not my gig. I want to make sure I am operating inside the constraints of the director. I don’t want to step on any toes. I wanted to play and I wanted to be spontaneous and fun. But I also wanted to make sure I was telling the story and not just doing it for my own amusement.
MAC – Who influenced you the most in the show? Were in you influence most by the director or what you had previously seen?
Matt DeAngelis – Any smart actor draws inspiration and experience from everybody he works with. I have had the unbelievable good fortune of my first three professional gigs of note. My first four professional gigs of note actually have all been with Tony winning directors. I was with Diane Paulus with Hair. I was with Michael Mayer with American Idiot. I did the workshop of Last Goodbye with Alex Timbers in New York this summer. Now I am working with John Tiffany so I have been pretty fortunate there. I’d be dumb not to pull inspiration from them. I worked with Gavin Creel in Hair. He was Claude in Hair when I did it on Broadway and then I did it in London. He changed my life professionally and personally. He is such an inspirational person. I think that you learn from everybody, especially when you work with a “Theatre Superstar” like Gavin Creel or a Casey Levy or even a Van Hughes. Van Hughes in American Idiot, you learn from them. You observe them and you learn the way that they do their jobs.
MAC – As an actress, I am very jealous of all that you just said.
Matt DeAngelis – It’s all the same thing though. They are just people trying to their jobs too, just different ways of doing your job. You have to try to explore from your circumstances because it makes you a better person and a better artist.
MAC – Are you familiar with the statement “Illusion of the first time”?
Matt DeAngelis – Yeah
MAC – Do you ever find it difficult to continue with that show after show? Or, do you find something new with each performance?
Matt DeAngelis – I think it is a fine line when you are doing commercial theatre, because there is an element to it that has to be the same every time. When you are on the road the sameness becomes more important. There is this one bit in the show where I tell this joke where I never get a laugh unless I do this weird little back bend thing. I’ve learned that it is not funny without it; I don’t know why it’s funny with it. I’m a smart actor and I don’t know why it is funny with it, but I know it is not funny without it, so I do it. There are moments like that, but I think it all comes down to listening, honestly. Like, you can pretend it is the first time if you are actively listening to your scene partner. It is not about what you are saying. You saying something is not what makes it spontaneous, you hearing something is what makes it spontaneous.
MAC – When you are doing the show, how difficult is it to act, sing, dance and play an instrument on top of that “triple threat”?
Matt DeAngelis – It feels pretty normal now; I’ve been doing it for a long time now. It was hard in rehearsals but it’s not dancing, it’s moving and there is music with instruments. We are not a musical either; we are a play with music. I think those are both very important things to understand. That’s the way our creative team approached it. It’s a play first, it’s a story first, it’s music first, then add movement second to enhance music.
Matt DeAngelis – I think truthfulness is important; I just try to do it honestly. The entire company has that same goal in mind. It is not any more or less challenging, just a different challenge.
MAC – What do you believe to be the heart of the show?
Matt DeAngelis – I think there is something really special to live music. I think that is a really special thing to our show. I think that Love is the central theme to our show. And not the type of musical theatre that everybody is happy at the end kind of love. Like messy, real life love where you love somebody but the circumstances aren’t quite right. You struggle with it and you try and it’s hard and it’s scary and it’s sad and it’s tragic and it’s amazing. The love for music, the love for family, the love for your city, the love for each other; I think that love is the central theme, but not in the way people would expect.
MAC – With love being that central theme, is that what you would want the audience to take away. That unconditional loving of family and friends and music?
Matt DeAngelis – With the love in our show I think the audience should leave with an appreciation for love in various forms. Even when you are scared, and love is terribly scary sometimes, always be willing to take a chance. Also, from the other perspective, I think that you see someone who really steps into help someone in need, without knowing why, who is a stranger. The girl in our show doesn’t have any vested interest in this person when she first meets him and they end up having a relationship. She sees a person in need of assistance and she helps them.
MAC – I am fascinated with this show with how you are able to accomplish all of this and play an instrument. Personally, I was always challenged to dance and sing at the same time.
Matt DeAngelis – It is pretty special. I am very blessed to be able to do the shows that I have done in my career, have the experiences that I have had, to perform in London and have national tours and I was the lead in a Broadway show, now this. I am as fortunate as actor can possibly be. I think that this is show is truly special and I think that people are going to love it and I think that it touches people in a way that nobody really expects. And it also touches people in a way that you can’t really quantify. We say it is like a snowball. In the beginning you don’t see it coming and at the end it is just washed over you. Our director, John Tiffany, calls it the world’s slowest moving snowball. It is little moment upon little moment upon little moment and then all of the sudden by the end of the show the entire audience is just floored by the emotional experience. You just don’t really know where it came from, it just happened, because John Tiffany and Stephen Hoggett and Natasha Katz and everyone who put the show together are geniuses.
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