‘Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story’ – Written by Alan James. Directed and choreographed by Marcos Santana. Music Direction by Milton Granger. At the North Shore Music Theatre through August 28.
by Linda Chin
In contrast to the multi-generational theatregoers who attended Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in July (including many young girls wearing princess dresses), the crowd at Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, skewed towards the older set – Baby Boomers who were eager for a fun night out reliving the rock and roll of their youth. So the audience for the third production in North Shore Music Theatre’s spectacular summer ‘22 lineup were likely familiar with the fact that Buddy’s story – his tragic death in a plane crash at age 22 – does not have a fairy tale ending.
Meadow Nguy (Ella), Stephen Brower (Topher), and the cast of ‘Cinderella” at North Shore Music Theatre thru July 24. Photos by Paul Lyden.
Rodgers + Hammerstein’sCinderella – Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; New Book by Douglas Carter Beane; Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II. Creative Team: Kevin P. Hill (Direction and Choreography), Milton Granger (Music Direction), Kyle Dixon (Scenic Design), Travis M. Grant (Original Costume Design), Kelly Baker (Costume Coordinator), Corey Whittemore (Lighting Design), Don Hanna (Sound Design), Rachel Padula-Shufelt (Hair and Wig Design). Presented by NSMT through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals at 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA through July 24
by Linda Chin
After being shuttered in 2020, then bringing back two previously produced shows (Mamma Mia – Encore, A Christmas Carol – 30th Anniversary) in 2021, NSMT’s return to a six-show season with an impressive lineup of Broadway hits is in itself cause for celebration. Part of my excitement when going to NSMT is seeing how they transform productions that are typically staged proscenium-style to arena-style – with no curtain, multiple entrances and exits (including sub-terranean) and no back (or fourth) wall. In addition to the rousing standing ovation to the cast and orchestra on opening night, a well-deserved round of applause to the Director/Choreographer Kevin Hill, Music Director Milton Granger and creative team for using theatre-in-the round to its full advantage in their 2022 production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
The cast of SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE at North Shore Music Theatre thru June 19. Photo Credits: Paul Lyden
Smokey Joe’s Café – Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Frankel and Thomas Viertel; Direction and Choreography by Stephanie Pope Lofgren; Music Direction by Milton Granger; Scenic Design by Kyle Dixon;Costume Design by Kelly Baker;Lighting Design by Jack Mehler;Sound Design by Don Hann. Presented by North Shore Music Theatre, 54 Dunham Road, Beverly through June 19th
by Mike Hoban
The first act of Smokey Joe’s Café, now playing at the North Shore Music Theatre, is a little baffling. Not only is the show not set in a café (or even a nightclub), more importantly – given the prolific body of work of the songwriting team of Lieber and Stoller on whose work the show is based, as well as the obvious skill of the singers – the songs and performances lack any real smoke.
David Coffee (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Alex Puette (Jacob Marley) in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at North Shore Music Theatre – Dec 2-23. Photos by Paul Lyden
By Mike Hoban
‘AChristmas Carol: A Musical Ghost Story’ – Adapted by Jon Kimbell. Based on the Novella by Charles Dickens; Director/Choreographer, Kevin P. Hill; Music Director, Milton Granger. Presented by the North Shore Music Theatre, Dunham Road, Beverly through December 23rd
Following a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the North Shore Music Theatre returns with its own special spin on the Christmas Carol holiday classic with the 30th anniversary presentation of AChristmas Carol: A Musical Ghost Story – and delivers the heartwarming tale of redemption with a terrific score along with a dose of pyrotechnics. The NSMT adaptation retains much of the dialogue and storyline of the original, as cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed into a loving and fully realized human being with the help of some friendly (and frightening) spirits showing him the way.
Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre’s holiday show again this year is the 29th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol, A Musical Ghost Story which is an annual favorite. This version of this well-known holiday tale was written by former NSMT artistic director, Jon Kimball which he adapted back in 1989. As Jon explains “A Christmas Carol is a timeless story that still resonates with people of all ages and carries a message that is as genuine and poignant now as it was when it was first written back in 1843. This splendid musical version captures the true spirit and meaning of the holiday season for one and all. David Coffee returns in triumph for his 26th time of playing Scrooge. Audiences have been lucky once more this season by seeing David in “Freaky Friday” and as always are beyond thrilled that he is returning to this iconic role once again. This show marks David’s 60th production at NSMT. Current artistic director Kevin Hill directs this year’s presentation of its favorite holiday show once again and makes it fresh and new with new dances, clever new ad libs and more comic moments.
(Cheaza Figueroa (Rachel Marron) and the cast of THE BODYGUARD at North Shore Music Theatre thru November 10. Photo by Paul Lyden)
by Tony
Annicone
Las Vegas glitz and glam comes to North Shore Music Theatre’s latest musical production, the Boston area premiere of “The Bodyguard, the Musical”, based on the 1992 movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. The stage version debuted in London back in 2012. A superstar is threatened by a stalker, so her manager hires a former Secret Service Agent to protect her. Both of them have a stubborn streak a mile long and both want to be in charge of any situation that arises. The music from the movie won a Grammy Award and the album was # 1 for five months. There are 15 songs in this musical version and Nick Kenkel returns in triumph to direct and choreograph another hit musical at NSMT. His past NSMT hits were “Legally Blonde”, “Chicago”, “Dreamgirls” and “Evita.” He molds his 19 cast members marvelously with their dance steps and their motivation for their characters. He is aided in his task by musical director, Wendall L. Vaughn, who conducts the superb orchestra. The musical numbers sparkle and shine with the energetic cast wowing the crowd completely. The last number of the show encourages the audience to join in the singing and dancing of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, and the already standing audience happily obliged after their thunderous standing ovation before the song “I Will Always Love You” was finished.
(Alice Ripley as Norma Desmond in NSMT’s ‘Sunset Boulevard’ – Photos: Paul Lyden)
Review by Tony Annicone
North Shore Music Theatre’s blockbuster musical of the fall season “Sunset Boulevard” is based on the Academy Award winning 1950 Billy Wilder, black and white movie which starred Gloria Swanson and William Holden. The musical version has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber with a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. The story is about a faded film star, Norma Desmond who was a popular actress back in the silent films of the 1920’s. The show is told in flashbacks by Joe Gillis who is an up and coming film writer who is being chased by two car repo men while trying to evade them, ending up at Norma’s run down mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Once inside, Norma convinces Joe to help her with her script of “Salome” to present to Cecil B. DeMille with her playing the teenage heroine. Joe, desperate for a job, takes her up on her offer which leads to romance and ultimately tragic circumstances unfold as this relationship continues.
(Luke Hamilton (Bob Gaudio) and Jonathan Mousset Alonso in JERSEY BOYS, playing at North Shore Music Theatre thru September 1. Photo by Paul Lyden)
Reviewed by
Tony Annicone
The latest blockbuster musical at Bill Hanney’s NSMT is the 2006 Tony Award winning musical “Jersey Boys”, about the lives and career of the pop group, The Four Seasons. The Broadway show opened on November 6, 2005 and ran until January 15, 2017 after 4,642 performances. The show is set in the 1950’s to a dozen classic rock tunes by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe. Authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice wrote a book from the real life stories of the original Four Seasons, Frankie Valli (Castelluchio), Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio. They started out as four thugs, but could also sing fabulously. They seemed to get along for many years but then hidden secrets emerge including gambling debts to loan sharks that had to be paid off or else. It became a totally different story because through all the adversities they became one of the greatest successes in pop music history.
‘Oklahoma!’ –Music by Richard
Rodgers; Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Directed by Charles Repole;
Choreography by Mara Newbery Greer; Music Direction by Mark Hartman. Presented
by North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, through June 16.
Just when the cold, wet slog of spring 2019 was about to wear down all hope that summer would ever arrive, NSMT comes to the rescue with a first-rate production of the 1943 classic, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’ Perfect for theatre-in-the-round staging, this Broadway masterpiece has everything: a snappy, foot-stomping score, impressive choreography and a captivating story that is more complex and bleak than many may remember.
“Oklahoma” is the classic Broadway musical that launched Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration back in 1943. So to celebrate North Shore Music Theatre’s 64th season, owner and producer Bill Hanney brings it in as his opening musical of his 10th season at this historic theatre. The story is about Curly, the cowboy, and Laurey, the farmer, who pretend they dislike each other until another unsavory suitor, handyman Jud, makes a play for her. Curly then becomes the hero who must step up to save the damsel in distress. Laurey is guided by her strong willed Aunt Eller. She also is supported by her flirty friend, Ado Annie, who likes to keep many beaus on a string, including handsome, dancing Will Parker who has seen the big city lights and the womanizing peddler, Ali Hakim. Throw in Annie’s strong willed father, Andrew and a singing and dancing chorus that will knock your socks off and you have the ingredients for this sensational high energy musical extravaganza.
