Jeff Favre of Backstage West says...
"Gary Romm's efficient direction keeps the action lively."
"[Nathan] Bouldin serves as a solid anchor for the production. He provides a sense of charm that makes the unpleasant protagonist somewhat likable. And his strong voice blends nicely with that of [Andrew] Block, who gets the most out of the script's humorous moments."
"The other memorable performance belongs to [Rachel Rawlins] Prescott, who shines in one of Sondheim's strongest songs, 'Not a Day Goes By.'"
Steven Stanley of LA Stage Scene says...
"Nathan Bouldin is a tall and striking presence as composer Franklin Shepard and Andrew Block does fine work as lyricist Charley Kringas"
"The very good Ellen Caranasos completes the trio as Mary."
"Aileen-Marie Scott brings Broadway star Gussie Carnegie to bold and brassy life, and lovely Rachel Rawlins Prescott is a standout as Franklin's ex-wife Beth"
"the important thing with a Sondheim show is the music (and the acting) and in this production's case, both are solid"
Keith David Dillon of Moochie Music and Stage Door Swings says...
"The score is one of Sondheim's finest...[and] is an excellent example of what could be called the 'ebb and flow' structure of Sondheim's post-Sweeney musicals of the 80s."
"As Franklin Shepard, Nathan Bouldin delivers a superb performance."
"Ms. Rawlins Prescott has a wonderful voice, and both her renditions of [Not a Day Goes By] are deeply moving."
"As the untouchable Gussie, Aileen-Marie Scott is delightful."
Philip Brandes of LA Times says...
"The most accomplished singing is by Rachel Rawlins Prescott as the composer's first wife."
Don Shirley of LA City Beat says...
"Chromolume Theatre version [of Merrily We Roll Along] engenders laughs and tears"
Lovel Estell III of LA Weekly says...
"The story itself, is absorbing..."
"Musical Director, Richard Berent's piano accompaniment is flawless."
Joseph Feinstein of Showmag.com raves...
"Bright, witty, cleaver, funny, and wonderful - just wonderful"
"This musical comedy romp delivers!"
"Under the capable direction of Marc Mercury and some clever choreography by Kristie Rutledge, the seven actors and inspired piano of Benjamin Jose take us on a tour of the world."
"Rachel [Rawlins Prescott], who sings and dances right into your heart...is amusing, while Richie [Cunningham]...has a very fine voice designed to entertain; he does so consistently."
Mitchell Ehrlich of On The House raves...
"It's no secret that this play is funny from start to finish."
"Special kudos go to Andrew Block, whenever you hear the dreaded words, 'Please listen to the following choices,' you'll think of his performance."
"So if you're interested in a night of playful lunacy, this is the comedy to see."
Rich Borowy of Accessibly Live Off-Line raves...
"[T]his musical with book, musical and lyrics by Douglas Bernstein, Francesca Blumenthal, Michael Brown, Barry Creyton, Lesley Davidson, Addy Fieger, Stan Freeman, Dave Frishberg, Murray Grand, Glen Kelly, Jay Leonhart, Denis Makell, and Nich Santa Maria (*whew*), is very witty!"
"With musical direction by Benjamine Jose and stage direction by Marc Mercury, this is a very unique and funny production!"
Lori Wilson of LA's The Place says...
"Secrets settles into a breezy and fun send up of the travel industry and it's patrons."
"Then there's Rachel Rawlins Prescott and Andrew Block's interpretation of an older couple who want to see America first before exploring other countries. This scene is a hoot as the couple list all the disasters they encounter, including an earthquake in San Francisco and traffic in L.A, which ultimately leads them to want to see America last."
"Overall it was a light, fun and fast paced evening. Check out Secrets before your next vacation and if you decide you still want to travel after all the disasters you witness, you just might want to give your pilot a breathalyzer before you take off."
Wenzel Jones of Backstage West says...
"Alayna Falco's costumes...continue to amaze and engage. They are fabulously, and consistently, God-awful creations on the stage, but it's clear that that's what they're meant to be."
"Laurels, as well, to music director Benjamin Jose..."
"[A] performance highlight, [is] the Coward parody 'Private Wives,' in which [Richie] Cunningham and [Meghan] Olson get to chew scenery and acting styles..."
Keith David Dillon of Moochie Music and Stage Door Swings says...
"[Secrets'] strength lies in its score [with] tunes by such luminaries as Stan Freeman and Dave Frischberg."
"Meghan Olson was a simple delight...Her mere presence onstage was an omen of laughter."
"James J. Stephens [is] a gifted comedic actor with a graceful facility for characterization."
"Andrew Block's joust with an automated phone reservation system was wonderfully funny."
David C. Nichols of LA Times raves...
***CRITIC'S PICK***
"James de Jongh's docudrama, drawn from recorded interviews of ex-slaves in the 1930s, transcends reader's theater contours through the power of its content."
"[S]pirituals [are] beautifully overseen by Paul Wong as [a] unifying motif."
"Credit also goes to the wonderfully controlled Chromolume Theatre Company production, which played last fall at the Raven Playhouse."
"The cast is superb. Bambadjan Bamba, Rodney J. Hobbs, Shavonda Mitchell and Annzella Victoria trump every challenge handed them, and Arthur Richardson goes for the jugular, especially as Nat Turner.
"They elucidate and entertain at once, and that, coupled with the undeiable authenticity makes 'Do Lord Remember Me' quietly unforgettable."
Tom Provenzano of LA Weekly raves...
***RECOMMENDED***
"Designer James Esposito's stark sound design and nearly-bare stage are complemented by Laura Russell's elegant costumes and Christopher Singleton's gentle lighting to create a production supported by, but not depending upon, technology."
"The star here...is musical director Paul Wong's gorgeous work with the five fine performers on a capella versions of such traditional songs as 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child,' 'Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen' and the play's title song."
"Director Wilson Bell repeats the fine staging from the production's earlier life at the Raven Playhouse that easily navigates the actors and the audience through scores of characters...'"
Stephanie Lysaght of LA Weekly raves...
***RECOMMENDED***
"Next time you hear some guy bitching about how there's no good theater in L.A., hogtie him, toss him into your car and drive straight to the Raven Playhouse for Wilson Bell's staging of Do Lord Remember Me; that ought to shut him up."
"I was wishing that Arthur Alonzo Richardson, as Slave, would never leave the stage. His ability to inhabit each of his characters is incomparable, and his soulful performance is tempered by touches of playfulness, even in the darkest scenes."
"With such heavy subject matter, it's amazing that this production is so much fun. Despite the immeasurable pain these ex-slaves endured, the final, prevailing sentiment is not bitter, but grateful, that 'God done spared a few o' us to tell da tale.'"
Jim Crogan of Backstage West raves...
***CRITIC'S PICK***
"Chromolume Theatre Company's revival of James de Jongh's 1982 workshop project, which details the lives of ex-slaves and the horrors of their experiences, uses the most important elements of documentaries to create a dramatic production that is moving, funny, tragic, and, above all, provacative."
"The cast, three men and two women, is terrific."
"Arthur Alonzo Richardson delivers superb renditions of a slave on the auction block and Nat Turner who was hung for leading a slave rebellion."
Gail Roberts of Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier raves...
"Do Lord Remember Me delivers an emotional package..."
"The stories...are skillfully performed by the five member cast..."
Rich Borowy of Accessibly Live Off-Line raves...
"Wilson Bell directs this show that contains theatrical elements that showcases its entertainment value..."
"The production itself is very moving from its honest dialogue and very tight from its staging."
Adrian Morales of Maestro Arts & Reviews raves...
"The Chromolume Theatre Company serves up an entertaining production of City of Angels."
"The fates have presented [Chromolume] with the direction of Steven Benson, who gets an impressed 'thumbs up' for taking on this vehicle."
"Stef Tovar and Paul Clausen give strong performances as Stine and Stone. Kendra Munger brings the dual roles of Clara and Alaura beauty and glamour. Fleur Phillips is wonderful juggling her dual roles of troubled Bobbi and Gabbi making someone who doesn't receive a program believe that there are two different actresses performing on stage."
"Amy Tolsky...delights as secretaries Donna and Oolie."
"Under the music direction of Gary Mattison, vocals are on key..."
"Costume design by Shon LeBlanc is on target bringing the feel of the 1940s into effect. The scenic design by Matt Scarpino looks great on paper and translates daring in appearance."
"Craig Housenick's lighting design looks wonderful and well thought out."
"City of Angels is a wonderful production to watch. The actors give an intelligent interpretation that is faithful and loveable to the original Broadway production. Go buy a ticket and catch a performance!"
Don Grigware of NoHoLA says...
"Overall I would classify it an audience-grabbing fun time..."
"Director Steven Benson deserves plaudits for his staging."
"Standout performances come from Alan Safier, Amy Tolsky and Fleur Phillips whose dynamic 'It needs Work' in Act II is worth waiting for."
Wenzel Jones of Backstage West says...
"Alan Safier is perfectly attuned to the style of the piece as the studio head in both story lines, equal parts bombast and charm, with a singing voice that celebrates the music and the humor."
"In the studio-ing*nue/missing-person role of Mallory, Taylor Jordan is a treat. Her first appearance, a remarkably Technicolor moment though it occurs in the black-and-white story line, is a delectable jolt both for the eye and ear."
"It's a pleasure to watch Amy Tolsky as she assays the roles of the helpful but romantically overlooked ladies Donna and Oolie. Her rendition of 'You Can Always Count On Me' is one of the production's highlights."
"Mueen Ahmad shines in the viciously comic song 'All You Have To Do Is Wait'..."
"Shon Leblanc delivers amazing costumes, perfect in every detail."
Don Hart of Beverly Hills Outlook says...
"Alan Safier do[es] a fine turn in the showiest role in the production."
"The performers all are clearly able in both acting and musical skills."
"Several [performers] reached moments of exceptional theatre, such as Fleur Phillips and Amy Tolsky in 'What You Don't Know About Women,'..."
Kyle Moore of the Tolucan Times says...
"Director Steven Benson and Designer Matt Scarpino have expertly staged this fast-moving piece..."
"Gary Mattison's musical direction...exacts supple performances from the company."
"First-rate performances abound...but some particularly nice work is turned in by [Alan] Safier...Mueen Ahmad and the Angel City vocal quartet."
"Musical comedy fans should be enthralled by this production."
David C. Nichols of Los Angeles Times raves...
"Director-Choreographer Jon Engstrom's guileless cast embraces the Golden Age convictions."
"[Nathan] Moore's puppyish appeal is evident...with a born dancer's line. [Jennifer] Bangs' pertness and belt-edged soprano recall the emerging Nancy Dussault. Their colleagues are endearingly eager, including Alex Back's pseudo-Casanova, Jamie McMurray's dulcet band singer and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz's rich-voiced female counterpart."
"...Sondheim's freshman efforts remain mint-fresh. Many established troupes no doubt are gnashing their teech for not snagging this amiable charmer."
Cynthia Citron of Beverly Hills Outlook raves...
"Saturday Night...is terrific! It was performed by 15 rambunctious members of the Chromolume Theatre Company and...managed to provide enough energy and zip to delight its appreciative opening night audience."
"Jon Engstrom...gets the talented cast to dish up some Broadway-worthy action."
"Vali Tirsoaga was the set designer, and Erin Welty provided the costume design, which was right on!"
"All in all, it was a wonderful, cheerful evening of theater."
A. Thomas of Maestro Arts & Reviews raves...
"[Saturday Night] is a charming fun-filled musical!"
"Newcomer to LA Theater, Nathan J. Moore and veteran Jennifer Bangs made a charming leading couple. With several dance numbers executed with wonderful style and elegance, they filled the stage with energy. One would never know that Moore is so new to the theater, both his dancing and singing were effortless and mesmerising. Jennifer Bangs' two solo songs, 'Isn't It?' and 'All For You' were among the best moments in the production."
"It is so nice when a theater ventures away from the standard repertoire. Keep an eye on The Chromolume Theatre as it continues to bring exciting new theatrical experiences to Los Angeles audiences."
Travis Michael Holder of Backstage West says...
"It's still fascinating to hear the strains of Follies wafting through the melody of 'Class' or Sondheim's acerbic urban wit surfacing in 'Exhibit A,'..."
"Sondheim was still Sondheim when he wrote lyrics such as, 'A women will be at ease/As long as she's smellin' trees/In bloom.'"
"Moore and Bangs are excellent and exuberant in their underwritten roles, as is the Eddie Bracken-like Alex Black as Bobby, an early echo of Company's leading character of the same name. Gwen Copeland and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz are vocal standouts...."
Les Spindle of Frontiers News Magazine says...
"[I]t will be of primary interest to those fascinated by Sondheim's artistic development. [Stephen Sondheim's] score is pleasant...showing intermittent flashes of the stylistic genius that would surface as his talent matured. One smashing ballad, 'So Many People,' is a highlight, and there is sprightly enjoyment in the title song and 'One Wonderful Day.'"
"[V]eteran director-choreographer Jon Engstrom and an accomplished cast find fun in this innocuous tale about ambitious young pals in Brooklyn dreaming of romance and stock-market success."
"[Nathan] Moore is a highly appealing song-and-dance man, doing some fancy footwork with a Fred Astaire flair; Jennifer Bangs is spirited in the female lead role of his new love; and Adam LeBow stands out as the guys' buoyant married friend, Hank."
Neal Weaver of LA Weekly says...
"[T]here are engaging performances by [Nathan] Moore, Jennifer Bangs, Gwen Copeland, Adam LeBow and a hard-working ensemble, and Gary Gray provides crisp musical direction."
Evan Henerson of LA Daily News says...
"Chromolume Theatre Company...shows off this...work to some advantage. There are certainly a couple of bright lights among the cast, and it's always a welcome addition to find a company producing musical theater on a smaller scale--particularly lesser well-known efforts like Saturday Night."
"There's a spunkiness to the group scenes both on Gene's front porch and outside the movie theater where the boys take a date. The one-on-one scenes are smoothly rendered as well."
"[Nathan] Moore and [Jennifer] Bangs are an attractive, charismatic couple and Bangs sings as expertly as she dances."
Karen Weinstein of CultureVulture.net says...
"[Nathan] Moore dances and sings with an Astaire-like ease."
"...the cast danced beautifully to the simple but effective choreography of Director Jon Engstom."
"Saturday Night is a pleasant and competent musical comedy. It is undoubtedly a must see for the died-in-the-wool Sondheim groupie who is compelled to visit the historical roots."
Trish Ostroski for Tolucan Times says...
"The plot unfolds from there with surprises and misunderstandings ala Three's Company along the way."
"George Albertella's comedy...offers many laughs and some fun characters.... Each character...gets the opportunity to air their dirty laundry."
"Director Steven Benson keeps the pace moving and the plot flowing between the laundry and the couple's apartment that makes for a fun evening."
Les Spindle from Backstage West says...
"The second [surprise] arrives near the end...and...generates some solid laughs."
"Production values are solid, to the credit of the debuting Chromolume Theatre Company."
Dianne Legro from Beverly Hills Outlook says...
"The lighting, set and sound were top notch. I hope this young theatre company...has a bright future...."
Lovell Estell III from LA Weekly says...
"Steven Benson's intelligent direction...is good."
G.R. White from Maestro Arts and Reviews says...
"The acting ensemble brings energy and commitment to the proceedings, its work well staged by director Steven Benson, clearly a solid pro."
"There's a lot of talent in place, a fine technical realization of the piece, and promise galore."
Chromolume Theatre Company |
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P.O. Box 641964 |
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Los Angeles, CA 90064 |
Phone: (866) 375-2441 |
Fax: (866) 763-6097 |
email: info@chromolume-theatre.com |
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