A World Premiere Musical Comedy
REUNION
Music by Marc Ellis
Book & Lyrics by Marc Ellis, Michael Lange and David M. Matthews
Directed and Choreographed by Kay Cole
Great voices abound in REUNION, a musical comedy at the NoHo Arts Center. Twelve talented actors belt out song after song bringing us back to our high school reunion, and reminding those of us who were not the most popular just how lucky we are to have moved onward from the angst and lack of confidence we may have experienced.
Welcome to Frogs Neck High School class reunion.
We meet Elliot (David Babich) who has had a crush on Amelia (Kim Reed as adult Amelia, Ali Axelrad as young Amelia) since high school, but never had the nerve to express his feelings to her. But is she going to show up? He wants to tell her how he still feels about her, but he seems to be losing his nerve each minute that goes by with his songs “Will She Be Here Tonight” and “Watching Her Breathe,” joined by young Amelia.
Sharon Catherine Brown as Janet has the break out performance of the evening with her powerful and sensational vocal “It’s Psychology.” She is fantastic. As an aside, Ms Brown played Effie in “DREAMGIRLS” on Broadway, so you can imagine how wonderful she is. Marc Cedric Smith as Wayne performs “There Is An Answer” with a fantastic warm baritone/bass voice. I would have loved to here more from both Ms. Brown and Mr. Smith.
There are many thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful performances with 24 songs: Julia Marie Buis as Margot, Janna Cardia as Sharon, and Suzanne Mayes as Patty perform “Chardonnay” with class and flair, and Kim Reed and Ali Axelrad as adult and young Amelia bring it with “Another Chance” and “This Moment Out Of Time,” respectively. Christopher Youngsman as Gordon wins with “True Love Conquers All .“ Michael Gabiano as David, Bradley Kuykendall as Tony, and Jeffrey Rockwell as Jack round out a talented cast with creditable vocals.
Kay Cole’s direction and choreography, Joel Daavid’s set design, and Matthew Richter’s lghting design bring REUNION together.
FYI, there are some crude lyrics in the song “Snap It” that may offend some, but hang in there as there are numerous musical numbers that will delight.
Were you voted “most likely to succeed?" Most of us weren’t, but REUNION will take you back to those fabulous and fun high school days.
Enjoy!!!!!
Cast: Ali Axelrad, David Babish, Sharon Catherine Brown, Julia Marie Buis, Janna Cardia, Michael Gabiano, Bradley Kuykendall, Suzanne Mayes, Kim Reed, Jeffrey Rockwell, Marc Cedric Smith and Christopher Youngsman.
Music: Marc Ellis
Book & Lyrics: Marc Ellis, Michael Lange and David M. Matthews
Director and Choreographer: Kay Cole
Producers: Adrienne Blackman, Steve Hartman & Michael Blackman, Blackhart Productions, and Racquel Lehrman/Theatre Planners
Associate Producer: Victoria Watson, Theatre Planners
Music Director: Marc Ellis
Set Designer: Joel Daavid
Lighting Designer: Matthew Richter
Co-Sound Designers: Drew Dalzell-Diablo Sound and Alex Mackyol-Diablo Sound
Costume Designer: Mylette Nora
Projection Designer: Yee Eun Nam
Graphic Designer: Kiff Scholl-AFK Design
Casting Director: Michael Donovan, CSA
Press/Still Photographer: Michael Lamont
Publicist: Judith Borne
Technical Director/Master Carpenter: Brad Bentz
Assistant Stage Manager: Kevin Tamay
Production Stage Manager: Tiffany Thomas
NoHo Arts Center
11136 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tickets: (323) 960-7773 or Plays411.com/REUNION -- $34.99
When: Opening: Saturday, November 7th at 8pm
Schedule: 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays
Closing: December 13, 2015
Calendar Information: Twitter: @ReunionLaLaLa and
FB: http://www.facebook.com/reunionthemusical
Parking: Street Parking / Paid Parking available at the Television Academy across the street.
Valet Parking available at Bow & Truss two doors east of the theater.
