Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre has certainly got their rhythm on strong with the Broadway transfer of Choir Boy. It sings and flies high with a harmonic beauty and wide wings in the much deserved bigger house while at the same time, intimately dashing its emotional private school book bag up hard against the shower room walls. It is filled to the brim with gorgeous singing, kind and loving humorous and harmonious connection, and painful punches to the gut and to the head. Written sweetly and clearly by the “Moonlight” Oscar-winning Tarell Alvin McCraney, Choir Boy focuses its finely tuned gaze on a proud and head strong young student who dives forward, running towards his goals with a ‘no apologies’ stance, bravely projecting exactly who he is and what he is capable of. It’s a star making performance by Jeremy Pope (off-Broadway’s The View Upstairs, upcoming Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud) as the young and proud Pharus Young, a Junior at the all black Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, who ignores the bullying taunts thrown strongly and bitterly by Bobby Marrow, played forcefully by J. Quinton Johnson (Broadway’s Hamilton), who also happens to be in the somewhat protected arms of his Uncle, the Headmaster. Pharus bravely finds the inner power to proudly stand up front and center to sing the school song at the Seniors’ graduation, but the traditional spotlight doesn’t quite go as planned, and Pharus must come face to face with all that the big bad world has to offer and throw at a young black man like Pharus.
As directed with a strong-arm for conflict and a precise ear for song, Trip Cullman (Broadway’s Lobby Hero, Six Degrees of Separation) keeps this one-act play moving clearly and lightly, like a fine-tuned orchestra performing a classic piece of Mozart using, like most traditional classical pieces of music, a neat melodic line placed strongly over a subordinate choral accompaniment. Choir Boy,assisted by musical direction, arrangements and original music by Jason Michael Webb (Broadway’s The Color Purple), has a light elegance in place, utilizing variety and contrast within its structure, becoming more pronounced and focused as the whole sound and fury increases in size, range, and power. This symphonic delivery is by no means a solo concerto. Regardless of how good Pope is, Chuck Cooper and Austin Pendleton as Headmaster Marrow and Mr. Pendleton fill in the sound with their own brand of solid engagement, even when being a bit stereotypical in their creation. Their scenes with Pope and the other young students drive the performance up with a dramatic sense of purpose, with Headmaster Marrow’s balancing act a true thing of virtuoso beauty.
Like classical music that is made up of phrases with contrasting melodic figures and rhythms, Choir Boy finds its own shades and phrases in the demeanors of the other choir members, but it is in Pharus’s handsome and impressive jock roommate, Anthony, played delicately and dynamically by John Clay III (Encores’ Grand Hotel) where the compassion and the art of understanding can truly be found woven into the homophonic texture. McCraney’s stylistic galant in this studly creation gives the entanglement a light young elegance in Anthony’s physical school-boy embodiment that is both dignified and impressively authentic. The language rings pure and clean, both in its innocence and its clarity, especially surrounding cute funny boy, Junior, played with a wonderful cleverness by Nicholas L. Ashe (LCT’s Kill Floor). Playing out the principles of counterpoint, there is also the deep dark dread of David Heard, played a bit too sullenly by Caleb Eberhardt (off-Broadway’s Is God Is), delving into the conflicted Catholic boy with a bit too much obviousness for Choir Boy‘s own good, although he delivers one of the most touching musical moments with his rendition of Skip Scarborough’s “I Have Never Been So Much in Love Before” that sings forth the passion of what lies beneath every young man coming to terms with his version of love and sexuality.
Choir Boy basks in the varied forms of musical expression from Boys II Men, playfully sung by Bully Bobbie and his sweet-natured but simple sidekick, to the more classical renditions by the choir. Within that musicality, this tender and forceful play defines itself with a clear structure and form that delivers, with true classical form, a well-defined contrast between tonic and dominant, performed and given forth with musical stability with a clear cadence within this tight and fresh scenario. The dynamics highlight the structural characteristics of the piece, developing the powerful variants with ease and beauty. I did not cry, like the man two seats away from me who was so moved by the touching scene of compassion that he could barely contain himself, nor was I intellectually kicked into high gear by the dynamic debate brought forth by Mr. Pendleton in his class on ‘creative thinking’ regarding the “History of Negro Spirituals”, but as a whole, the continual progress and subtle overall composition of Choir Boy, would make Mozart proud. It’s clever, clear, and concise, while balancing numerous counterpoints like a well tuned orchestra, finding its focus and strength in Pope’s Pharus, while never forgetting the details of the less emphasized others, giving them all moments to shine, and in turn, shine a bright beautiful and classical light on itself.
The show starts as the seven autistic kids, playing the seven autistic kids in the show introduce themselves. They are Desmond Edwards, Amelia Fei, Marc J. Franklin, Madison Kopec, Liam Pearce, Imani Russell, Conor Tague and Ashley Wool. Their enthusiasm, has us and our hearts in the palm of their hands. This new musical How to Dance in Ohio – inspired by Alexandra Shiva’s Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name is breaking ground, as it opened last night at the Belasco Theatre.
What makes this show remarkable is that the book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, music by Jacob Yandura, choreography by Mayte Natalio and direction by Sammi Cannold are all making their Broadway debuts. These newcomers are showing Broadway how it is done, when it is done well.
Photo Curtis Brown
How to Dance in Ohio is endearing, heartfelt and shows us how much we all have the desire to connect and need courage to put ourself out into the world. As a group of seven autistic young adults prepare for their first ever formal dance they face challenges that breaks open their routines as they experience love, stress, excitement, and independence. How to Dance in Ohio is a story about people on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, facing down hopes and fears, ready to take a momentous first step…and dance.
Based on actual events, these youngsters are in a support group for autistic young adults in Columbus, Ohio. The group is run by the supportive Dr. Amigo (Caesar Samayoa), who also over steps the boundaries and doesn’t know when to stop pushing. While trying to help his clients make college plans, the doctor decides that the group should plan a spring formal to celebrate their milestones. The idea causes considerable anxiety for these people who for the most part have never even had a date, dressed up or even danced.
Liam-Pearce Photo by Curtis Brown
The show leads up to this event with each dealing with their own deep seated anxiety and getting over it and expanding their horizons. There’s Drew (a winning Pearce), who is bright and has college’s wanting him, but he’s not ready or willing to live home. He likes the new girl Marideth (Kopec), who is socially withdrawn and retreats into her books that give her facts and a stability. Tommy (Tague), wants his his drivers license, so he can drive his brothers car. Remy (The fabulously funny Edwards), whose gender inclusive costumes he is uploading. Caroline (Fei), has her first boyfriend who is abusive and her friendship with Jessica (Wool), is suffering because of it. Jessica dreams of leaving home, no longer wanting to take the bus and is crushing on Tommy and Mel (Russell), works at a pet store, reads self-help books and wants to get to the next level.
Nick Gaswirth, Madison-Kopec Photo by Curtis Brown
In the meantime the doctor betrays his clients by meddling in Drew’s college plans behind his back and when a newspaper reporter (Melina Kalomas), and a local blogger (Carlos L Encinias) wants the story, it is only his needs that matter. For a doctor, this one is flawed in more ways than one way. He also cares more about his own feeling than that of his daughter Ashley (Cristina Sastre), who has returns home due to a dance injury from Juilliard and is now re-thinking her path.
Darlesia Cearcy, Haven-Burton. Photo by Curtis Brown
Another added plot is the mothers (Haven Burton and Darlesia Cearcy) of Caroline and Jessica, are so excited that their autistic daughters are “Getting Ready For The Dance,” and are finally being able to live their lives they way they wished for them.
The score makes Pearce shine with “Waves and Wires” and “Building Momentum.” Edwards also has a chance to take over in “Nothing At All.”
Robert Brill’s set design, Bradley King’s lighting design and Sarafina Bush’s costume’s make this show take flight.
Mayte Natalio’s choreography services the show, after all these are not dancers, nor should they be made to look like it, but it is infectious and joyous. The book is a little overstuffed, but the direction grabs your heart and utilizes these terrific kids who are having the time of their lives. I left loving life and thrilled to be attending.
How To Dance In Ohio: Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th Street.
Broadway’s newest show Appropriate starring Sarah Paulson, at Second Stage’s Hayes Theatre nearly sold out their first week. The play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and co-starring Elle Fanning and Corey Stoll, opens December 18th.
Paulson has received an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards in her three-decade career. She made her Broadway debut in 1994 as an understudy in Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig. She later took on the role of Tess Goode in the production. She returned to the stage in two other Broadway productions: 2005’s The Glass Menagerie (as Amanda Wingfield) and 2010’s Collected Stories (originating the role of Lisa Morrison). She also appeared in six Off-Broadway productions between 1994 and 2013, including Crimes of the Heart, Still Life,Colder Than Hereat the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Killer Joeat SoHo Playhouse, Talking Picturesat Signature Theatre andthe Pulitzer-nominated Talley’s Folly with Roundabout Theatre Company.
Paulson is perhaps best known for starring in nine seasons of Murphy’s American Horror Story, first appearing on the show in 2011. Her performances collectively earned nine Emmy Award nominations.
In 2023, after 10 years away from the New York stage, Paulson returns to Broadway as Toni in Appropriate, the Broadway-debut play of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
As we head into the holiday season, The Algonquin Hotel’s December event lineup is open to both hotel guests and New York City locals. The hotel will spread holiday cheer with a variety of festive performances, cocktails, and experiences including:
- Cocoa and Carols Happy Hour: Daily, 5-8PM, Every evening this December, all are invited to enjoy Specialty Cocoa while Christmas carols chime at the Blue Bar. Drinks will include Mexican Hot Chocolate spiked with mezcal
- KT Sullivan Cabaret: December 5th, 12th and 19th, Sullivan will perform her iconic Christmas Cabaret. As noted by The New York Times, Sullivan is a thrilling Off-Broadway performer with over eight published albums
- Rocco Dellaneve’s Rat Pack Christmas: December 7th, 14th and 21st, Rocco Dellaneve will perform iconic songs from the Rat Pack Christmas album with special inclusions of Santa with Sinatra, Rocco of the Snow, Rudolph and the Rat pack
- The Serafina’s and Broadway Vocalists: December 8th, 15th and 22nd, enjoy the high kicking – precision line dancing Christmas tradition around The Algonquin tree. The Serafina’s will be available for pictures and autographs from 6pm to 7pm, followed by special Broadway vocalists
A portion of proceeds from all events will be donated to Toys for Tots.
Beyond the December events, The Algonquin Hotel is located in a prime position nestled in the heart of Times Square and Fifth Avenue, making it the perfect launchpad for a New York City holiday experience. The hotel is a historical jewel that emphasizes the importance of making unique, storied experiences. Since its opening in 1902, The Algonquin Hotel is famous for its timeless style and desire to honor the literary and cultural elite. The distinguished Round Table Restaurant and Blue Bar offer tasteful dining inclusions and curated cocktails that are sure to excite everyone.
Photo credit: The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection
2o days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.
Chita & Patrick Pacheco at Drama Book Shop event May 15, 2023 Photo by Merle Frimark
There are a lot of books out there this year but we highly recommend Chita: A Memoir , the critically-acclaimed book is written by the legendary Broadway icon Chita Rivera with arts journalist Patrick Pacheco. Chita takes fans behind-the-scenes of all her shows and cabaret acts, she shares candid stories of her many colleagues, friends, and lovers. She speaks with empathy and hindsight of her deep associations with complicated geniuses like Fosse and Robbins, as well as with the mega-talent Liza Minnelli, with whom she co-starred in The Rink. She openly discusses her affair with Sammy Davis, Jr. as well as her marriage to Tony Mordente and her subsequent off-the-radar relationships. Chita revisits the terrible car accident that threatened to end her career as a dancer forever. Center stage to Chita’s story are John Kander and Fred Ebb, the songwriters and dear friends indelibly tied to her career through some of her most enduring work: Chicago, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Visit.
Chita’s love of performing began as a child in Washington, D.C., when her mother enrolled her in a local ballet school to channel her boundless energy. Still a teenager, she moved to New York to attend the School of American Ballet after an audition for George Balanchine himself and winning a scholarship. But Broadway beckoned, and by twenty she was appearing in the choruses of Golden Age shows like Guys and Dolls and Can-Can. In the latter, she received special encouragement from its star Gwen Verdon, forging a personal and professional friendship that would help shape her career. The groundbreaking West Side Story brought her into the orbit of Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, Hal Prince, and Stephen Sondheim. After Bye Bye Birdie further burnished her rising star, she reunited with Verdon and her then-husband Bob Fosse to work on the film version of Sweet Charity and the celebrated original Broadway production of Chicago.
Chita: A Memoir was published in English and Spanish and the English audio version of the Memoir was recorded by Chita. A Spanish audio version is also available.
“Chita Rivera blazed a trail where none existed so the rest of us could see a path forward. She has been part of some of the greatest musicals in the history of the form, from Anita in the trailblazing West Side Story through Claire Zachanassian in the underrated masterpiece The Visit, over 60 years later. She is a Puerto Rican Broadway icon and the original ‘triple threat.’ We’re so lucky to be alive in the same timeline as Chita Rivera.” — Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“A frank and fascinating memoir from one of the truly great artists of the American Theater. Lots of stories … Lots of insight … and quite a few caustic statements from Chita’s alter ego, Dolores. An illuminating history and a guaranteed pleasure!” — John Kander
Broadway legend and national treasure Chita Rivera, multi-Tony Award winner, Kennedy Center honoree, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – has taken no prisoners on stage or screen for seven decades. From her trailblazing performance as the original Anita in West Side Story—for which she tapped her own Puerto Rican roots—to her haunting 2015 star turn in The Visit. Chita has proven to be much more than just a captivating dancer, singer, and actress beloved by audiences and casts alike. In her equally captivating and one-of-a-kind memoir, Written with Patrick Pacheco, the woman born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero shares an incomparable life, both on stage and behind the curtain.
By the way this Memoir has won a Gold Medal for “Best Autobiography – English” at the 2023 International Latino Book Awards. https://www.latinobookawards.org/
Click here to buy your copy.
Here is the amazing cast of Spamalot. Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as The Lady of the Lake, Ethan Slater as The Historian/Prince Herbert, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere, Michael Urie as Sir Robin, Nik Walker as Sir Galahad andTaran Killam as Lancelot.
I was so inspired I drew the whole cast.
To read T2C’s review click here.
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