Dish-Houston

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

George DvorskyGeorge Dvorsky’s favorite roles seem to be reluctant father figures who warm to juvenile charm. “I guess it comes with age. In High School I was voted the man who would be the best father.” said Dvorsky. He recently appeared as Captain Von Trapp in the TUTS production of The Sound of Music and now plays the lovable tycoon Oliver Warbucks in the current production of Annie. Dvorsky, who has the looks and voice of a prime time Robert Goulet, has to shave his head for the iconic part,.  “Because I do a lot of work in Houston, it has been my honor to get to know President and Mrs. Bush. Barbara called and asked me to lunch a week before the show started so that she could still see me with hair” he laughed.

Annie was first produced as a Broadway musical in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning nine Tony Awards. Signature songs “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard – Knock Life” are still crowd pleasers. Dvorsky thinks that the Depression – era show is still popular because it fills a void. “We’re at a point in this country where we need more optimism and love. People relate to the economic times portrayed on stage and the need for a more positive attitude.” he said. “And it’s not played like a cartoon. The characters, the problems and solutions are all real.”

Dvorsky has played this role on more than one occasion and admits customizing his interpretation of the character based on the age and appearance of the actress playing Annie.

“The last time I was Daddy Warbucks, Annie was twelve years old. I played the role strong and supportive. The Annie for this production is nine and a little smaller. Her name is Sadie Sink, a Texas native and very talented. I’ll play Daddy a bit more sensitive and not so overpowering. My favorite song in the show is “Something Was Missing.” It’s just me and Annie – and very sweet.”

With more than a few Broadway shows under his belt, Dvorsky compares audiences along the big White Way to theater goers in Houston. “I love Houston – it’s a theater town.  The audiences are always warm and very savvy.” he said.

Leapin’ Lizards. Don’t wait until “Tomorrow”. Tickets are available now by calling 713-558-8887 or CLICKING HERE Annie shows at the Hobby Center March 20-April 1.

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

A few weeks before the yuletide holidays in 1956, four wise men made their way through the Memphis snow to pay homage to the Sun (Records). The result was the second greatest Christmas story ever told – the story of the Million Dollar Quartet.

On that cold Tennessee day, record producer Sam Phillips scheduled a recording session with Carl Perkins – who had topped the charts with “Blue Suede Shoes”. Wanting to add a more full sound, Phillips brought in a little known piano player named Jerry Lee Lewis. During the session, Elvis Presley, then the most famous entertainer in the business, stopped by to say hello to the man who gave him his big break. A jam session evolved and was later joined by Johnny Cash who had been summoned by Phillips. An engineer has the presence of mind to record the encounter – and with the help of reporters on the scene who gave the impromptu group their name - the rest is musical history.

More than half a century later the songs and the artists are still popular. Come hear and see why. The Million Dollar Quartet touring company has hit Houston’s Hobby where there’s a “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On”. From the first moment, the toe - tapping music takes you back to a different time, when music was simple, the lyrics were clean and the listening was FUN. Add to that the incredible cast who sound like the originals as well as look and act like the famed quartet. It’s quickly clear that these are not “impersonators” but highly trained actors and musicians skillfully resurrecting legendary artists. No dubbing or lip syncing here. It’s all LIVE and ALIVE again!

Martin Kaye, who plays Jerry Lee Lewis, was the opening night” hands down” favorite – or should I say “hands on the piano” favorite. His antics rocked and rolled his way into our hearts all evening. Most don’t remember Carl Perkins as a performer – but Lee Ferris’ portrayal was solid and convincing. Christopher Ryan Grant was instantly likeable as Sam Phiilps. Cody Slaughter's Elvis was nostalgic and had all the right moves but his voice seemed forced …. But That’s All Right Mama – because it wasn’t about Elvis. As the King’s girlfriend Dyanne, Kelly Lamont turns the recording studio into a pressure cooker with “Fever”. When Derek Keeling stepped up to the microphone in his black jeans and shirt, the audience took a breath waiting, hoping for the baritone Preacher – and they weren’t disappointed. Johnny Cashed - in on “16 Tons” and “Walk the Line.”

Speaking of lines – the will be one. So hurry. Word will spread and seats will fill quickly. You will be surrounded by unforgettable performances of some of the greatest rock hits of the era. The hour and forty five minute show is just the right length ….but don’t leave at the end – there’s more than you bargained for.

Million Dollar Quartet is at the Hobby Theater through March 4. CLICK HERE for tickets and show times!

 BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR: COURTNEY PEARCE

While walking into Bring It On: The Musical at The Hobby Center, I couldn’t help but wonder, “How would this world of cheerleading translate onto the stage, let alone into a musical?” Doubts were removed with the first song! The on-stage story was a blend of the first two movies with a little spin of its own. Music was by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also provided the lyrics with Amanda Green, blended well with the humorous script of playwright Jeff Whitty. Surprises abounded with the mix of pop and hip-hop numbers blending seamlessly with the story line.

This was a story of two rival high schools, each in it to win it, of course, at the National Cheerleading competition is the base of the typical teen angst story line that includes making friends, losing friends, and finding out what is really important in the end.

The main players of the show are up and comer, Taylor Louderman, who plays Campbell, and Adrienne Warren, who plays Danielle. These two leading ladies shake it and had the pipes to go with it! What voices! Wait until see Louderman in her leprechaun number!

The two characters who really stole the show, however, are Ryann Redmond, who plays Bridget, and Gregory Haney, who plays La Cienega. Redmond’s character is the school mascot who isn’t given a second look, but blossoms when she is moved to Jackson High. It’s there that becomes a gorgeous “sex kitten” THE prime choice! Redmond’s vocals are a highlight of the show. Haney, who is one fierce diva, delivers her witty lines and fierce dance moves to perfection and these are just a few reasons her character shines in the spotlight.

The gravity defying cheerleaders in the show were selected in collaboration with Varsity, a global leader in competitive cheerleading. The stunts right on, not too over the top, which can be the case in movies, but just enough to get the theater ohh-ing and ahh-ing over their baskets and flips. The on stage tumbling made a huge impact and, as expected, the dance choreography intermingled with the cheer routines was flawless.

Overall, Bring It On exceeded all expectations. Thinking there couldn’t be a comparison to the movie, the stage show left me smiling and laughing. It’s only here until February 5^th so I highly recommend high kicking it over to that box office fast!

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR SCOTT ARTHUR:

Some things never get old – they just get better. Such is the case of the new original production of Guys and Dolls at the Hobby Center running through October 7. This musical is all TUTS – and the quality shows.

As a plot review – here is the story in a nutshell: When chronic gambler, Nathan Detroit, finds himself in need of funds to support his floating craps game, Save-a-Soul Missions ultimate good girl Sgt. Sarah Brown, becomes the center of a wager between gamblers Nathan and Sky Masterson. Saddled with an additional distraction, Nathan must keep his long-time show-girl fiancé, Adelaide, from finding out about his continued gambling while dodging a trip down the aisle and the police. Throw in a pack of dancing gamblers and all bets are off with this golden age swing-era musical comedy and winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Musical Revival

1981 beauty queen (Former Miss America) Susan Powell plays Sarah and is no stranger to the TUTS stage.

“I love working in Houston – and I love to eat Tex Mex,” she said. The Oklahoma native lives in New York and is excited about the cast. “98% of them are from New York.”

This Damon Runyon classic is her favorite musical. Powell has played the role several times in her 30 year career and loves the extremes of the character.

“In the beginning she is so righteous and then she gets drunk and becomes just the opposite. I love this role – and I play a great drunk!” she laughed.

Indeed, she fits into the cast like a well tailored glove, entertainingly sliding from “good girl” to “good time girl” with little effort.

Chasing after Brown’s affection is Sky Masterson, performed by Joseph Mahowald.  Audiences will remember Mahowald most recently from 2010’s 9 to 5 as Franklin Hart, Jr.  He has also appeared in Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde and Les Misérables.

Acting in the role of loveable chronic gambler Nathan Detroit is Matt Merchant whose regional credits include the title role in Bye Bye Birdie as well as Beauty and the Beast and Carousel.  Starring opposite Merchant is longtime Broadway professional Jen Cody as Miss Adelaide, Detroit’s fiancée for 14 years and lead entertainer at the Hot Box.  Cody last appeared at TUTS as Bonnie Latour in Anything Goes and lists Cats and Beauty and the Beast among her Broadway credits.

Guys and Dolls officially starts Sept 27 CLICK HERE for tickets!

By DISH Contributor Mary Kramer Ambrose

WOW! This show sparkles! The cast of Billy Elliott is talented and the show simply flows – and takes you on the ride.

The story brings several elements to life.  First, if you’re of a certain age, you may remember the UK Miners Strike of 1984-85.  It was a pivotal moment in Great Britain’s history, and a subject I simply could not imagine being part of a musical.  Second, the story invites the audience in to share what is left of a family after the death of a mother.  There is a father, an older son and a younger son, Billy.  Actor Rich Hebert gave an excellent performance as the brusque and lonely widower who reacts poorly to his son’s desire to take dance lessons rather than boxing lessons.  He comes around though, and his toughness gives way to provide a glimpse of the underlying love he has for his son.  We are witness to a portion of a young boys’ journey through grief – to letting go of the mother he has already lost to death and to his and his older brothers’ acceptance that Billy’s future will not be in the coal mines that have defined the men of his family for generations.

None of this really sounds like a musical – but obviously I hadn’t taken into account the combined talents of writer Lee Hall, music by Elton John, solid direction by Stephen Daldry and the choreography of Peter Darling.  Inventive sets and staging were present, but the dancing was what held the attention.  The cast assembled truly seemed to be an ensemble – with Billy (Daniel Russell) shining through it all.  The high energy of Billy is countered by the tough but heart of gold dance instructor, Mrs. Wilkerson (Faith Prince).  She came across as someone you’d meet in the neighborhood, someone who’s lived a bit of a hard life, and come through a little jaded, but not destroyed. She sees and nurtures the talent in Billy, then provides the opportunity to him to use dance to forge a new life.

The adult language may be offensive to some however it commonplace during that time. The dancing just takes your breath away, and the finale, or rather encore dance, will make you walk out of the theater feeling like you could dance too.