EDMT's Crazy For You
By Victoria Beninga
Staff Writer
When I told a friend I was going to
review a musical put on by El Dorado Musical Theatre, she asked,
“Is that the kid one?” With the exception of two adults, this was
performed by young people ages 12 through 20, but if you had seen
this show without knowing their ages, you never would know they
were that young. When I told my 15-year-old daughter I was taking
her to another EDMT production, she said, “Dang, I can’t wait. They
are amazing.”
“Crazy for You” opened as Bobby Child auditioned for a part in the
Zangler Follies in New York, but Mr. Zangler was not impressed.
Bobby’s overbearing mother wanted Bobby to join the family banking
business, but Bobby wanted to be a dancer. Bobby’s mother ordered
him to go to Deadrock Nevada to foreclose on a rundown theatre.
While in Deadrock, Bobby fell for the theatre owner’s daughter,
feisty Polly Baker. There were complications. When Polly found out
Bobby was there to foreclose on the theatre, she wouldn’t speak to
him. Bobby impersonated Mr. Zangler and put on a show in order to
try to save the theatre, then Polly fell in love with the fake Mr.
Zangler. The real Mr. Zangler came to Deadrock. There was a
hilarious scene where Bobby, dressed as Mr. Zangler, and the real
Mr. Zangler, got drunk together in mirror image. Bobby’s pushy
former fiancée Irene also showed up, expecting Bobby to marry her.
And if that weren’t enough, the saloon owner next door wanted the
theatre to go into foreclosure so he could buy it to expand his
saloon.
This musical was rated PG, and some
content wasn’t suitable for children. It also contained language
and actions that may offend some adults and Christians. During the
number “Naughty Baby,” Irene was lying on a table and a man was
staring between her legs up her dress. There was also a lot of use
of the terms “What the hell” and Oh my God.” I’ve been to many of
these performances, and the performers always amaze me. They were
all very talented, and cast well for their parts. The sets were
detailed and realistic, and changed quickly. I always feel I am in
the middle of each scene. The costumes, hair, and make-up made each
character seem incredibly real. My favorite part was the
choreography. I am always in awe at how so many skilled dancers can
perform flawlessly. The choreographers added many unique touches to
the dances.
Crazy for You was packed with great songs, the more familiar
being “Bidin’ My Time,” “Embraceable You,” and “They Can't Take
That Away from Me.” Two other songs were my favorites, though. In
“Slap That Bass,” clumsy, smelly Moose was told he couldn’t dance
in the show. Instead, he was asked to play the bass. Moose did an
excellent job on the bass. During the accompanying dance, several
women took large pieces of rope. They folded the rope in half,
stepped on one end, and then held the other end in their hands
above their heads, making themselves resemble a bass with the rope
being the strings. One man stood behind each woman and played the
rope like a bass while tipping each girl from side to side. My
absolute favorite number was “I Got Rhythm.” The dancers had me,
and the audience, bouncing to the rhythm. They were tap dancing
very energetically, and making percussion sounds with many other
items. I loved when they slid sideways across corrugated metal in
their tap shoes. They also tapped on round metal trays. When that
number was over, the entire audience screamed as we applauded. I’ve
cried during EDMT performances during romantic and sad moments, but
this was the first time a tap dance number amazed me so much that
it brought tears to my eyes.
The cast was wonderful as always.
Katherine Sorgea as Polly, and Christopher Meissner as Bobby, were
the perfect couple. Katherine was spunky yet innocently beautiful
in her dark curls and feminine western dresses. Her singing was so
angelic it gave me goose bumps. Christopher Meissner just gets more
talented and handsome every year. His singing voice was so smooth,
his tap dancing brought lots of cheers, and his acting was even
better than last season, and I didn’t think that was possible. Some
of my other favorites were Braiden Wells as Moose, Dee Dee Healey
as Bobby’s mother Lottie (Dee Dee is one of the original founders
of El Dorado Musical Theatre), Charles Davidson as Polly’s father
Everett, Devin Holliman as Bobby’s former girlfriend Irene, Terry
Hicks as the saloon owner Lank Hawkins, Stefan Sorgea as Mr.
Zangler, Kaileen Teeter as Mr. Zangler’s love interest Tess, and
Helen Regula and Kyle Sanderson as the visiting Australians
Patricia and Eugene Fodor. Every performer deserves his or her name
listed, though, because they were all incredible.
Courtesy Photo: Christopher Meissner and Katherine
Sorgea as Bobby and Polly in Crazy for
You.
Next season El Dorado Musical Theatre has an incredible lineup, and
I want to see as many of these productions as I can. Upcoming
performances include “A Christmas Carol,” Hairspray,” “Anything
Goes”, Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” by the younger cast members
called Rising Stars, and “Curtains.” For more information on El
Dorado Musical Theatre’s awesome productions, you can go to
http://edmt.info or call (916)
941-SING (7464).
As my daughter and I were having dessert after “Crazy For You,” we
were just staring at each other in a daze and telling each other
how we were so amazed at how wonderful this production was. We were
Crazy for…“Crazy for You.”
For more information, contact EDMT, 5011 Golden Foothill Parkway,
Unit #4, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Phone (916) 941-SING or on the
web at www.edmt.info. EDMT
is an award winning regional theater company based in El Dorado
Hills, California featuring performers aged 6-20. EDMT was founded
in 2001 and is a Non-Profit Organization. EDMT produces five major
productions per year. Most
performances are presented at Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater
at Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA.
The next
production is a Special Performance August 21, 2010 - 1:00 p.m. at
the Jill Solberg Theater at Folsom High School. Join us for a
special private screening of the feature length film, Charlie's
Closet. Charlie's Closet is written and directed by EDH
Native Spencer Reed, and Starring EDMT alums Spencer Borup as
Charles Cordell, and Matthew Provencal as Tort. The film also
features EDMT alums Amy Foulk, Terry Hicks, Devin Holliman, Chris
Meissner, Mariah Muehler and Rachel Travis with a guest appearance
from Phillip Borup.
It follows the story of a young adolescent girl, Zoe Jacobs (Esling),
and her family who have recently moved to a new home. Zoe, lost and
confused in her new environment, finds an unexpected friend in
Charles Cordell (Borup), an aspiring author who just so happens to
be the monster she found in her closet. Charlie's Closet outlines
the struggle of Charlie and Zoe to be different in a world that is
striving to be the same. It is a compelling tale of true platonic
friendship centered on themes of taking hold of your destiny and
remembering that "every moment to live is a moment to love".
The film is rated PG for Mild Language, and possible dangerous
situations, along the lines of those contained in films such as
Edward Scissorhands or Monsters Inc. Tickets are just
$7.00 online with a $0.50 convenience fee, or $7.00 at the door.
El Dorado Musical Theatre
5011 Golden Foothill Parkway #4, El Dorado Hills, CA
(916) 941-SING www.edmt.info
Cabaret Night – Broadway and Beyond
By Victoria Beninga
Staff Writer
Elegance. The lights were dimmed. The room was full of circular
tables. Each table had a black tablecloth, as well as a flower in a
vase and two candles sitting on a mirror in the center of the
table. Many jewel-colored stones were scattered on the mirror and
the rest of the table. This was the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a
youth theatre Cabaret show, and that’s exactly what my friend Nancy
and I did.
Cabaret Night – Broadway and Beyond was presented by the Junior and
Senior Companies of High Voltage, the tour group of El Dorado
Musical Theatre. It was held on Saturday, March 20 at Oak Hills
Church in Folsom. All of the song and dance numbers were amazing.
Here is a small sample of what we enjoyed.
“Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” from And the World Goes ‘Round was
performed by the Senior Company of High Voltage. The performers
held cardboard coffee cups as they sang and danced. Partway through
the number, they all stopped and slowly pretended to drink some of
their coffee, then immediately began wildly shaking. It was
hilarious. The next part of the number was done faster, and they
repeated this a couple of times, until they absolutely sped through
the end of the song. At the end, as the performers were holding
their final pose, one of the girls said, “I gotta pee,” and ran off
the stage. Nancy and I are still laughing about that number.
Another highlight was when an El Dorado Musical Theatre alumnus,
Savannah Argyle, sang “When you Believe” from Prince of Egypt. The
announcer explained Savannah was getting ready to go back to
college at BYU, and had agreed to perform a song. As I watched and
listened, I just stared with my mouth open in amazement. I had the
same feeling as when I watched the top 10 finishers of American
Idol at Arco Arena in Sacramento. Coincidentally, as I was thinking
that, Nancy whispered to me, “She could be on American Idol.”
Another guest performance was by El Dorado Musical Theatre’s Vocal
Director Jennifer Martin. She showed why she’s the Vocal Director
as she belted out “Someone Else’s Story” from Chess.
Jordan Sharp was hilarious as she sauntered dramatically around the
stage in her shiny red robe, complaining about not having a big
enough part as she sang “Diva’s Lament” from Spamalot. While
singing “Get Me to the Church on Time” from My Fair Lady, Zach
Wilson was adorable in his black tux and red boutonniere. Helen
Regula shone as a soloist with attitude as she strolled the floor
and worked the audience while singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from
The Little Mermaid.
During intermission, there were countless yummy complimentary
desserts and beverages, as well as drawings for many incredible
gifts. I was very disappointed not to have won the olive oil basket
or the assortment of gift cards, but I knew my money was going to
support this talented group of young people, so I’m not at all
bitter about that.
Upcoming performances of El Dorado Musical Theatre include another
High Voltage Cabaret Night on
June 5th or 6th (to
be announced); as well as musical
performances of Cats April 9-25, Cinderella July
9-18, and Crazy For You July 23 – August 1. EDMT's Annie
Speno shares: We recently heard that High Voltage was invited
to perform at Disneyland and California Adventure the last weekend
in June so the group is very excited!
If you would like more information on any of these performances,
you can call (916) 941-SING (7464) or go to El Dorado Musical
Theatre’s website at http://edmt.info.
One warning: Once you see a performance from El Dorado Musical
Theatre, you will be so amazed at the talent of these youth that
you will become addicted. I speak from experience.
Copyright 2010 Victoria Beninga
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Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!
By John Benton
Staff Writer
The stage of the Jill
Solberg Theater at Folsom High School has once again been
tran
sformed. Starting with a quaint farmyard in Kansas, the scenes
change to show the brightly colored huts of Munchkin land, the
Yellow Brick Road leading to the Emerald City, and all of the
amazing sights in between. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s classic
original story by Frank Gabrielson, with Music and Lyrics from the
MGM motion pictures score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, the El
Dorado Musical Theater is performing The Wizard of Oz.
You probably know the story: A young girl who runs away from her
Aunt and Uncle’s farm to keep her dog safe from the mean neighbor
gets magic-ally transported to a land of witches and wizards. To
get back home to Kansas, young Dorothy must visit the Wizard of Oz,
the only person powerful enough to send her back. Along the way,
Dorothy meets some friends in unlikely places, who join her on her
quest to the Wizard to ac-quire what they need.
In
a cornfield she meets Scarecrow, who desperately wants a brain.
They stumble across the Tinman, rusting in the woods. He joins them
to ask the Wizard for a heart. Traveling through the Haunted
Forest, the two friends are attacked by a fearsome beast. It turns
out that this beast is actually the Cowardly Lion, who joins them
to ask the Wizard for some courage. Chased along the way by the
Wicked Witch of the West, the trio meets the Wizard to ask him for
the things that they most dearly desire.
EDMT has once again put together two powerful casts. Each time I
see EDMT’s productions, I am blown away by the fact that no one in
the cast is older than 19. The professionalism and talent of the
casts is always a testament to how dedicated EDMT is to guiding
young actors and performers to grow artistically and personally
through their programs.
The showing viewed by this reviewer was performed by the Ruby Cast.
There is another cast of equally amazing actors performing the
Wizard of Oz called the Emerald Cast. 16 year-old Krista Mackin
(Dorothy) from Oak Ridge High School gives an amazing performance.
Her "Over the Rainbow" was powerful and moving. This is her 20th
production with EDMT, and she is remembered as Gabriella Montez
from High School Musical 2.
The Scarecrow/Hunk was played by 15 year-old Alex Levy, also of Oak
Ridge High School. Alex’ Scarecrow transitioned from serious to
silly and back as he and Dorothy traveled along the yellow brick
road and ran into joys and dangers along the way. 15 year-old
Stefan Sorgea is the Tin man and Hickory. Stefan’s character is
strong in his quiet and caring demeanor. In a performance inspired
by Bert Lahr’s role in the movie; 16 year-old Joey Saffren plays
Cowardly Lion perfectly.
Also playing Zeke back in Kansas, Saffren brings a light hearted,
funny side to the performance, playing off the lines of the other
characters. His "If I Were King Of The Forest" was very comical, as
was his fearful reactions to startling moments throughout the show.
An additional mention goes to 13 year-old Kyle Sanderson (Uncle
Henry). His funny comments and asides drew chuckles from the
audience at numerous times throughout the show.
In
addition to these terrific lead roles, the Ruby Cast had scores of
other amazing actors. Ranging in ages from 7-19, these talented
youth put together a terrific show. Behind the scenes, Set Designer
and Technical Director Stephanie Hudson and the rest of the
production staff did a fantastic job transforming the stage into
the various beautiful locations that Dorothy and her friends visit.
The inside of the Wicked Witch’s castle was spectacular. Along with
set design, the production staff put together an amazing backdrop
for the actors. Glinda, Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, and her simian
friends all had a chance to leap, twist, and fly through the air,
bringing the experience to a whole new level for the audience. El
Dorado Musical Theater is well known in the Sacramento Area for its
fantastic shows and magnificent actors. In addition to their stage
performances, the High Voltage Tour Group brings electrified music
and dance performances to local events, joining their 32 performers
together from the Senior and Junior Companies. This amazing group
of young performers has lit the stage at places such as the
California State Fair and on Carnival Cruise Lines.
The Wizard of Oz, at the Jill Solberg Theater until Nov 22.
Margaret Pellegrini, an original munchkin, at performances on Nov
19-22. For more info, visit online at
www.edmt.info
El Dorado Musical Theater is a non-profit organization founded in
2001. They provide instruction and the opportunity for youth from
ages 5 -22 to participate in theatrical performances. Although they
are staffed by a group of professionals, parents and family are
also required to participate in some aspect of the production. The
next musical performance will be Holiday Reunion, December
11-20, El Dorado Hills Town Center, High Voltage Performers +
Special Guests. Ticket Prices: $15 All Seats. For these and future
2010 shows, as well as how to enroll for auditions, become a
sponsor, or Playbill advertising, visit
www.edmt.info or phone (916)
941-SING (7464). El Dorado Musical Theatre • 5011 golden foothill
parkway, unit #4, El Dorado Hills, CA, 916-941-sing (7464) • fax
916-941-7465.
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