Displaying items by tag: Neil Friedman

I am from Miami, Florida and after moving to Chicago there was a time when I genuinely looked forward to the first snow of the year. I’d also wish for snowfall each year to bring us a white Christmas here in Chicago and this lovely production of ‘White Christmas’ at Theatre at the Center brought that joy back into my mind for the first time in years.

The story is about two servicemen, Bob (Matt Edmonds) and Phil (Justin Brill), who become big time entertainers after their army days. From performing in USO shows for fellow military troops during World War II to becoming a featured act on the Ed Sullivan show, the two pals are now looking for a "sister act".  It isn’t long before the two stumble upon Judy and Betty (both played wonderfully by Casiena Raether and Erica Stephan) and wind up not only finding two talented women to perform with but also finding true love. The tale is a timeless one thanks to Irving Berlin's classic music – and this cast does the book and lyrics of Berlin justice.

When Bob and Phil run across their old General, Henry Waverly (Neil Friedman), they happily offer to help out by lending their star presence by performing at his lodge in the hopes of attracting more guests. The retired General is on hard times having sunk his entire life saving into the lodge. Thankfully he has been keeping his head just above water thanks to the help he receives from his ever-loyal lodge hand Martha Watson (brilliantly played by Glory Kissel). It isn’t long before Bob and Phil enlist Judy and Betty and a host of fantastic dancers to put on the show of a lifetime at the General’s lodge. It is nothing short of touching to see the dedication Bob and Phil have towards General Henry Waverly.

I would totally see this production twice just to hear the everlastingly touching “How Deep is The Ocean”:

"How much do I love you? I'll tell you no lie

How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky?

How many times a day do I think of you?

How many roses are sprinkled with dew?

How far would I travel to be where you are?

How far is the journey from here to a star?

And if I ever lost you, how much would I cry?

How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky?"

“Blue Skies” was another showstopper with the entire cast tapping in blue and white to Irving Berlin's classic song about the very real exciting effects of new love taking place on the loving new couples:

"Never saw the sun shining so bright

Never saw things going so right

Noticing the days hurrying by

When you're in love, my how they fly

Blue days

All of them gone

Nothing but blue skies

From now on!"

(from lerft) Erica Stephan as Betty and Casiena Raether as Judy. Photo by Guy Rhodes

There was a palpable chemistry in the humorous courtship between the wry, dry Phil and slightly uptight and business-oriented Betty, which the whole audience picked up on and really enjoyed watching develop scene by scene.

Director Linda Fortunato is wisely able to draw out the fun in her own unique way from each song and also includes a few numbers cut from the motion picture, like "Falling Out of Love Can be Fun,” sung by Martha, Betty and Judy. The song gives the thoroughly modern advice, way ahead of it's time, that if you are heartbroken by one man you can pick yourself up and try again without shame.

"When you've find your lover has gone

Get your second wind and go on

There's an old affair that is there for renewing

In your grief, do you know what you're doing?

Falling out of love can be fun

Soon, you'll be swinging in a hammock on a porch

One arm wrapped around someone else

The other arm carrying a torch

Love can give a lady a clout

And she may be down but not out

Get yourself a date, don't you wait for the count of ten, then

Falling out of love can be fun!"

Talented Artistic Director Linda Fortunato wears multiple hats not only directing this production but providing its dazzling choreography. William Underwood gives this show its musical direction. 

Special kudos must go to Glory Kissel as the rowdy Senior hotel concierge for her entire performance and especially the showstopper "Let me Sing, I'm Happy." Kissel shows the youngsters in the cast just how it's done with her amazing dance and superb physical comedy skills while singing out about the pure Joy of being alive and happy.

The super talented ensemble blows everyone away with one fantastic tap or dance number after another.

It is truly thrilling to watch all those tapping feet moving in perfect unison. Other great numbers include “Heat Wave,” “I Love a Piano” and of course, the title song “White Christmas”, a song that Matt Edmonds sings to perfection as he captures the period so well with both his singing and acting.    

I can't recommend this production highly enough for audiences of all ages who are looking for a happy, fun-filled and joyous celebration of LOVE and of course SNOW, during this cold and oft-strenuous Holiday season. 

‘White Christmas’ is being performed at Theatre at the Center in nearby Munster, IN through December 22nd. For more information visit www.theatreatthecenter.com.

It’s the big day. The most celebrated parade in the country, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, is about to set sail down 34th Street, of course passing Macy’s flagship store along the way. When a man who just happens to be named Kris Kringle (Neil Friedman) notices that the hired Santa for Macy’s is intoxicated he brings the matter to the attention of event director Doris Walker (Courtney Jones). But Santa is the grand finale of the parade! What to do? Thanks to a bit of quick thinking, and the fact that the complainant bears a striking resemblance to Santa Claus, Doris convinces Mr. Kringle to handle the role for the day who does so well he is later persuaded to take on the seasonal position as the store’s holiday attraction. Kringle’s a bit quirky. He actually believes he’s Santa Claus. But since he does so well with the hoards of children that come see him each day, the store is willing to overlook the fact that he might have a screw loose. After all, he’s harmless and her really has a way with children. He even speaks Dutch to a girl who does not speak English. Sensational.

Sound familiar? It should. It’s the story of Miracle on 34th Street and Theater at the Center has brought the 1947 film classic to life for the holiday season. An Academy Award winning film and a hit on Broadway since 1963, Theater at the Center brilliantly tackles the classic story with well-rounded cast that boasts an immense amount of talent.

The story revolves around the question – is Santa Claus real. Doris Walker’s daughter Susan (Stella Rose Hoyt) sure seems to thinks so, despite the fact that her mother has raised her not to partake in such silly beliefs. Doris’ friend and soon to be love interest, Fred (Christopher Kale Jones), is no help. He helps perpetuate Susan’s belief in Santa asking in so many words, “Why couldn’t he be real?”

When a disgruntled Macy’s in-house Doctor of Psychology deems Mr. Kringle insane and asks for him to be institutionalized, people rally for the self-proclaimed Santa and the matter is taken to court. The case is extremely publicized. Is Kris Kringle Santa Claus or just a delusional elderly man? Fred, himself, volunteers to represent Santa as his legal counsel in what becomes a well-paced, climactic ending.

Neil Friedman is perfectly cast as Kris Kringle. He brings a warm charm and playfulness to the role to give us a convincing character that we can’t help but root for from his very first scene. Courtney Jones gives us a strong Doris who is believable as the no-nonsense, protective mother that is withholding of a heart that so desperately wants to believe in holiday magic. And while Stella Rose Hoyt does a superb job as Susan and Christopher Kale Jones delivers a bit more of an aggressive and cocky Fred than movie buffs might be used to, we also get an ensemble that holds up to the best of 'em. But when it comes to the show’s most humorous scenes, it’s Dan Klarer’s outstanding portrayal of store manager, Marvin Shellhammer, that really delivers the laugh out loud moments.

Written by George Seaton and based on a story by Valentine Davies, the 1947 film starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn and Natalie Wood has become a Christmas season tradition and the memorable music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson have given us the stage as yet another outlet to take in this charming and heartfelt holiday tale. Songs like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, “Here’s Love” (the original name of the stage production), “The Man Over there is Santa Claus” and “Love Come Take Me” are as memorable as they are enjoyable to watch as they are performed.

The perfect extra touch for the Christmas season, Miracle on 34th Street the Musical is sure to inject holiday spirit into the hearts of your family and friends.

Miracle on 34th Street the Musical is playing at Theater at the Center in nearby Munster, Indiana through December 23rd. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.TheaterAtTheCenter.com.