The Stephen Schwartz Project
Reviewed April 13 by
Brad Hathaway
t A
Michael J. Bobbitt seems to have solved the problem inherent
in the "jukebox musical" type of revue, the problem 
of keeping the interest level
high despite the fact that songs written for a specific plot point have to be
performed out of context. Bobbitt's solution? Assemble
a cast with a wide range of talents and have them attack the material
unrelentingly. There's nary a dip in the intensity in any one of these
eighty-five minutes. There are peaks. Each time Felicia Curry steps on the
stage the energy level spikes. There are no valleys, however. Even the quieter
moments, such as Jobari Parker-Namdar's
exquisite rendition of the heart-tugging "Cold Enough To
Snow" are intense and demand your attention. When the entire cast lets
loose on Bobbitt's stage-filling choreography, there is a sense of joy that
compensates for any limitation of individual dancing skills. It is all
full-out, just like the singing. All nine young performers attack the material
with a combination of confidence and collegiality that makes this an infectious
evening.
Storyline: A high-spirited revue presentation of a sampling
of the songs of the composer/lyricist of Godspell,
Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker's Wife, The Children of Eden, Captain Louie
and Wicked who was also the lyricist for Leonard Bernstein's Mass,
Charles Strouse's Rags and the animated films Pocahontas
and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Bobbitt conceived of
this revue based, as the rather pedestrian title states, on the work of Stephen
Schwartz. He selected twenty-seven songs Schwartz wrote between 1970 when he
provided a new score for a project called Godspell
and became an instant wunderkind, and 2003 when his latest Broadway effort, Wicked,
became something of a phenomenon that continues to draw crowds. As anyone who
has followed his career knows (or those who attended the ArtSpeak!
evening when he came to Poe Middle School in Annandale to sing a few songs,
answer a few questions and generally inspire the students and families with his
love of the art of the popular song), many of his songs deal with the
aspirations of individuals for better things - think of "Colors of the Wind"
(with music by Alan Menken) or "Corner of the Sky" or "Defying
Gravity."
Felicia Curry adds to
her impressive list of performances leading an exciting “Ain’t
It Good” (from Children of Eden) that goes from soulful solo to a
rousing gospel sing, clap and stamp along that is the highlight of an evening
full of highlights. She also is a standout on "Manchild
Lullaby" with its lyric by Leida Snow. Florrie Bagel brings a clarity of
enunciation as well as pitch to The Magic Show's "
The small theater that
is MetroStage, with its steep banks of seats gives
everyone in the audience an unimpeded view of Bobbitt's inventive choreography
including nifty uses of light sticks and sneakers with wheelies. The walls
reverberate with the enthusiastic singing of the cast. The band led by Doug
Bowles puts out a sufficiently supportive sound, but, strangely, the
arrangements by John L. Cornelius II give more of a laid back jazz club
atmosphere to the accompaniment at times when theatrical pizzazz seems called
for. Alex Cooper's strikingly attractive set is dramatically lit at appropriate
moments by Jason Arnold. For all the attractive setting and youthful
performers, the visual impact of the show isn't all that it could be, however,
because the costumes are a fairly unattractive mélange of layered outfits. Pity.
Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
with additional music by Alan Menken, Charles Strouse
and additional lyrics by Leida Snow. Conceived, directed and
choreographed by Michael J. Bobbitt. Musical direction by
Doug Bowles. Musical arrangements by John L. Cornelius
II. Design: Alex Cooper (set) Emily Dere
(costumes) Kevin Laughon (properties) Jason Arnold
(lights) Jessica Lee Winfield (stage manager). Cast: Florrie
Bagel, Priscilla Cuellar, Felicia Curry, Kerry Deitrick,
Benjamin Horen, Amber Moorer,
Jobari Parker-Namdar,
Andrew Sonntag, Clif
Walker. Band: Brent Birckhead, Doug Bowles, Jean Finstad, Vishal Panchal, Darius Smith, Danny Villanueva.