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| It’s cabaret as good as it gets with Masquers’ ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ |
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| Wednesday, 04 February 2009 | |
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Victoria Dahlin ECM Post Review If you are a fan of Rogers and Hammerstein, then “Some Enchanted Evening” is not to be missed. “Some Enchanted Evening” is a cabaret style production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s music performed by The Masquers Theatre Company. An excellent meal can be enjoyed at Stella’s on 97 before the performance. This is wonderful dinner theater on a budget. In this fast-paced production, five talented performers express their different perspectives on love through song and dance. Even though there is no dialogue the singers get across their message of love from their different perspectives. They do this in a variety of songs from Rogers and Hammerstein’s many musical productions. You will be surprised at which cast member sings which song. The cast consists of a young man, Billy, played by Nathan Hoarn. Hoarn has an incredible voice with possibly the potential to be seen on bigger stages in the future. His love interest Julie is played by Melissa Stewart. Stewart has not only a beautiful voice but is also a very beautiful girl. The chemistry between her and Hoarn was obvious and not just acted. They are engaged in “real life” which only adds to this couple’s charm. The older man, Will, is played by Brian Etienne. Etienne hammed it up at times and needless to say, he is a surprise. The older, still attractive woman Anna, is played by Janice Murphy-Roman. Murphy-Roman played her variety of rolls fabulously. The best had to be her rendition of “I Can’t Say No.” The still unattached young girl, Nellie, is played by Jennifer Diethart. Diehart is a talented singer and actress. She was great performing “Don’t Marry Me.” Even though the cast is only five strong, the feel of a bigger production is somehow created. The cast works well together and no one tries to steal the show. Not only do they truly have delightful chemistry, but their voices harmonize wonderfully together. The medleys were fabulous. The first act of the play has a 1940s feel, while the second act has a more present-day theme. The costumes and set were simple as they should be, since the show was all about the music. Artistic director Elizabeth Capouch honored Rogers and Hammerstein in keeping with the spirit of their productions, yet designed many surprises for the audience. The sound of an orchestra was somehow amazingly created by two keyboard players, Janelle Fischler and Karen Hillmann. For a close to home affordable, yet comparable to the big name theater experience, see Masquers Theatre Company’s “Some Enchanted Evening.” Performances are at Stella’s on 97 in Forest Lake on Feb. 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. Other shows are Feb. 1,8, 15, 22 at 2 p.m. with dinner at 12:30 p.m. For ticket information, contact Masquers Theatre at 651-464-5823 or go to the Web site This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Social Bookmarking ...       |
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