Review of Beauty and the Beast, Maltz Jupiter Theatre

South Florida Gay News

Maltz Jupiter Theatre Re-envisions Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast”

By Donald Cavanaugh

December 14, 2018

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One could almost forget that the point of the production was the curse cast upon the handsome prince (Daniel Schwab, later Zach Zadolski) who had refused lodging to an enchantress (Alyssa Flowers/Cat Pagano/Katherine Trott) appearing as a homeless beggar woman.

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REVIEW of 9 to 5: THE MUSICAL, Georgia Ensemble Theatre

-- Brad Rudy -- BKRudy@aol.com @bk_rudy #GET9to5

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"I still liked it far more than I thought I would. #MusicalGeekConfessions

For this, there’s no one to blame but country music idol Parton, and three of Atlanta’s greatest treasures – Jill Hames, Wendy Melkonian and Alyssa Flowers."

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"I really liked Ms. Flowers’ characterization of Doralee, channeling Dolly Parton without slavishly copying her. Her solo, “Backwoods Barbie,” is a spritely little trifle that lets her show she can “act” a song as well as belt it." 

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"And, judging from the joy brought to the stage by the entire cast, all I can say is “What a way to make a living!”

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REVIEW of GIGOLO: The New Cole Porter Revue , Winter Park Playhouse

"Winter Park Playhouse’s 'Gigolo' is more than just a 'park and bark' cabaret – it’s essentially a sung-through Cole Porter opera"

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In Winter Park's world-premiere production, Zach Nadolski plays the titular Lothario who woos a trio of wealthy women – a Manhattan socialite (Melissa Minyard), a Hollywood starlet (Kelly Morris Rowan) and a European countess (Natalie Cordone) – before falling for the new girl in town (Alyssa Flowers). It's no surprise that this exceptionally talented cast can articulate every syllable of standards like "You're the Top" and "Let's Do It" with flawless intonation. But what makes this effervescent show so entertaining is that the performers don't merely sing the songs, but act out every moment.

 

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Cole Porter Revue “Gigolo” is a Charming Delight at Winter Park Playhouse

By Michael W Freeman | July 28, 2018 | Entertainment, Music, Opinion, Reviews, Theater

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...The third killer ingredient is the cast. Cordone is superb as always, and Zach Nadolski is ideal as the gigolo, with an ever-present grin designed to melt the ladies’ hearts — plus some very funny Oops!expressions when his conquests turn on him.

Kelly Morris Rowan always looks like she’s one step away from strangling the mischievous gigolo, and Melissa Minyard and Alyssa Flowers round out a first-rate group of singers, dancers and comedians.

“Gigolo” was featured in the Playhouse’s inaugural Florida Festival of New Musicals last summer, and now comes back for its first fully produced run. It’s a happy reminder of why we all love musical theater.

 

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Winter Park Playhouse's 'Gigolo' fizzes with cheeky charm 

Matthew J. Palm - Contact Reporter, Orlando Sentinel Theater Critic

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At the Playhouse, the show is boosted by Roy Alan’s light-as-air choreography and winkingly nostalgic direction, a top-notch cast and Ned Wilkinson’s orchestrations, which can make a trio of musicians sound like a chamber orchestra. (Wilkinson is a big part of that as he goes from instrument to instrument with aplomb.)

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REVIEW OF SOAP OPERA, Orlando International Fringe Festival

Archikulture Digest by Carl F Gauze

Soap Opera, An Opera

Central Florida Vocal Arts

Black Venue

 

The 2016 Orlando International Fringe Festival, Orlando, FL

 "A “Soap Opera?” Heck, this look like “The Bachelor” to my eyes. Don Giovanni (Morrison) needs a wife, and Major Domo Nick (Andrew LeJune) lines up four hot candidates. There’s hot Spanish Carmen (Alyssa Flowers), emotionally fragile Maria (McKenzie Frasier), slightly pregnant Kim Butterfly (Jillian Gizzi) and blonde bombshell drunk girl Elle (Danielle Smith)."

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"These are some of Orlando's best singers, and they each have a chance to belt, even if it’s not with their safest material. "

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 "Carmen gives us an exhilarating Habanera in Spanish."

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"And like any good opera; the joy is in the singing and not the story telling. Olé!"

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REVIEWS FOR JOSEPH..DREAMCOAT, OZARK ACTORS THEATRE

Ozark Actors Theatre’s “Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Review Respectfully Submitted by John Woodfin

July 10, 2014

 

"70 Minutes of Pure Joy"

 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on the Biblical story of Joseph's "coat of many colors." Taken from the book of Genesis, this was the first Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical to be performed publicly. What started out as a 15-minute pop cantata at Colet Court School in London in 1968, Joseph has since become one of the most beloved, family friendly, popmusicals of all time with over 20,000 thousand school and amateur productions. Ozark Actors Theatre has wisely chosen to include this wonderful musical show as their second offering in the 27th Summer Season dedicated to the theme of mistaken identities. It is 70 minutes of pure joy.

 

Leading the audience through the story is the narrator (Alyssa Flowers). She begins by bringing 20 local children onto the stage to share the Bible story of a young dreamer named Joseph and his rise to power as Pharaoh’s #2 man.

 

There are some standout performances in the narrator (Alyssa Flowers), Joseph (Jon Andrew), the Pharaoh (Blane Pressler), and Reuben/Butler (Jake Mills). The supporting cast does a great job as well with strong vocals, and amazing energy. As I was leaving the theatre Bill Stoltz asked, “Where do they find this kind of talent?” Here, there and everywhere, I suspect. I’m just glad they find the time and have the interest to share their talent with our community. Rolla is one of only two communities in out state Missouri to have such a theatre.

 

This is a production that MUST NOT be missed, and you absolutely should take the kids.

 

I noticed in a Facebook posting, that this was the first professional production that a young Alyssa Flowers (Narrator) attended as a child. It was the show that piqued her interest and led her to begin thinking about a career in the theatre. Your child may not pursue a theatre career after seeing this show but hopefully he/she will understand the absolute joy that theatre can bring to one’s life.

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LADUE NEWS    

Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 11:16 am | Updated: 2:40 pm, Thu Jul 17, 2014.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Musical Review by Mark Bretz - Ladue News

 

Story: The Old Testament story of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, is told in a musical format, including Joseph’s betrayal by his 11 jealous brothers, who sell him into slavery. Later, Joseph’s uncanny ability to interpret dreams gains him the confidence of the Egyptian pharaoh when he tells the pharaoh what the ruler’s own troubling dreams mean in reality. The current presentation by Ozark Actors Theatre is a brisk, upbeat offering that showcases the fine skills of two talented young players, Jon Andrew in the title role and Alyssa Flowers as the Narrator.

 

Other Info: Producing artistic director Jason Cannon, who has taken a full-time job as Associate Artist at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, makes his swan song with OAT as the director of this light-hearted romp. His cast primarily consists of a youthful brigade, which throws itself into Webber’s wide-ranging score, as Webber demonstrated at an early age his ability to compose tunes in myriad genres, including country, calypso, rock and pop, with equal flair.

 

Flowers has an appealing stage presence that, coupled with a crystalline clear voice and an engaging rapport with her youthful charges, makes for an easy, enjoyable 75 minutes, without intermission. Although it certainly has its share of rough edges, the lively presence of Flowers and Andrew in the two major roles makes this Joseph easy on the ears and eyes.

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REVIEW OF THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, OZARK ACTORS THEATRE

Submitted for Consideration by John L. Woodfin

7/31/14, Third Revision

 

“The Drowsy Chaperone,” is one of Ozark Actors Theatre’s Best Ever Productions

 

“It does what a musical is supposed to do: it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry within your head, you know? A little something to help you escape from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you are feeling blue.” This is a quote by the character known as “Man in Chair,” from Ozark Actors Theatre’s latest and last Summer 2014 production, The Drowsy Chaperone.

 

This was the second production of The Drowsy Chaperone I have seen in less than two weeks, as I recently traveled to Columbia to see the MU Summer Theatre production of “Drowsy.” While MU has many more resources and staged a fabulous and spectacular production, Ozark Actors Theatre’s production is equally fabulous and entertaining. The show is a parody of the musicals of the 1920’s, a time often referred to as the “Great Age of Musical Comedy.” It is a play within a play, or rather a musical comedy within a play.

 

The musical focuses on showgirl, Janet van de Graaf (Alyssa Flowers) who has decided to give up showbiz to marry rich oil tycoon, Robert Martin (Jordan Jacobs). The only problem is that Janet is the star of “Feldzieg’s Follies,” and Feldzieg (Jake Mills) is not pleased, as Janet is his most popular show girl, and he needs her to guarantee the financial success of his most recent stage extravaganza. Feldzieg is an obvious play on names, referring to Broadway impresario Flo Ziegfeld, who produced extravagant stage spectacles in the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s featuring scantily-clad showgirls.

 

Other standout performances include Jordan Jacobs as Robert Martin, Alyssa Flowers as Janet van de Graff, Jake Mills as Mr. Feldzieg, Hannah Bagnall as Kitty, Benjamin Wegner as George, Susan Holmes as Mrs. Tottendale, Jeff Williams as Underling and Brittany Proia as the Drowsy Chaperone. The singing and dancing was excellent, and the exaggerated characters were played superbly. Jordan Jacobs and hometown boy Benjamin Wegner bring down the house with an energetic, enthusiastic tap routine. By the end of the routine, I was out of breath just watching them.

 

The Drowsy Chaperone will conclude OAT’s 27th Summer Season on August 10. I think it is the best show of the season. It is frothy, fizzy, fuzzy and fabulous.

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