|
|
March 26, 2004
58's Pal Joey pleases
Together, cast and crew create a really fun show.
CYNTHIA RAMSAY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
A strong supporting cast, a standout performance by Nicolá
Correia-Damude and wonderful costumes make Studio 58's final show
of this season, Pal Joey, a very enjoyable production.
Set in the Chicago nightclub circuit, circa 1939, Pal Joey
follows the rise and fall of a womanizing nightclub singer, Joey
Evans, played by Jewish community member Josh Epstein. Among Joey's
conquests is wealthy, married socialite Vera Simpson, who uses her
husband's money to fund Joey's lifestyle, including a new club called
Chez Joey. Correia-Damude plays the role of Simpson with sensuality
and sophistication. Her rich alto rendition of "Bewitched,
Bothered and Bewildered" is one of the highlights of the production
and her performance is solid throughout.
Epstein does a formidable job of Joey. He is certainly one of the
best singers in the cast and his energy is palpable. He has a tendency
to overact though, and he looks too young and clean-cut for the
role of an "opportunistic cad."
The most entertaining players in Studio 58's Pal Joey are
the peripheral players. Much of the play is set in a night club,
with a few tables on stage, around which the club girls dance. While
the girls – who are great singers, dancers and good sports
(they are often scantily clad) – are doing a routine, the club
patrons have to react. These people are seated off to the side of
the action and could get away with just sitting there, but one couple
in particular are fun to watch: the man becomes a little too interested
in the girls, and his female partner pulls at his sleeve or chastises
him. Such details add a reality to many scenes, improving the overall
quality of the show.
Notable "small" part actors are Jewish community members
David Hurwitz (Victor and Mr. Swift) and Lisa Oppenheim (Irma, designer,
wardrobe mistress), Anthony Johnston (Louis, Ernest and Harry) and
Stacie Steadman (young woman, cigarette girl). Club girls Sara Bynoe,
Seija Halonen, Tamara Hamilton, Gemma Isaac and Donna Soares make
the most of their supporting roles.
Also to be commended is the creative team of Pam Johnson (set designer),
Mara Gottler (costumes) and Shane Droucker (lighting) in recreating
the clothing, night club, streets and living spaces of pre-war Chicago.
As well, choreographer Shelley Stewart Hunt put together some great
dance numbers, in particular "The Flower Garden of My Heart,"
in which the costumes, choreography and acting combine to create
an hilariously awful act for Joey's new night club that is trying
to cater to a more sophisticated crowd than your usual seedy club-goers.
The character of Joey Evans first appeared in the New Yorker
magazine, in a popular series of short stories written by journalist
and novelist John O'Hara. Published as if they were private letters
written by a fast-talking Chicago entertainer, the letters charted
the young man's experiences in small clubs in the city. The stage
version has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and
book by O'Hara.
Robert McQueen directs the Studio 58 production of Pal Joey,
with musical direction by Lloyd Nicholson. It runs until April 11
and curtain time Tuesday to Saturday is 8 p.m., with matinées
on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $9 to $16. For
information and reservations, call Festival box office at 604-257-0366
or order online at www.festivalboxoffice.com.
Studio 58 is located in the basement of the Main Building, Langara
College, 100 West 49th Ave.
^TOP
|
|
