Category Archives: Candelight

2024, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

Patsy Cline Roams The Halls At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

September 21, 2024 Todd Jones

Charlotte Campbell Brings Down The House Singing, “I Fall to Pieces”

Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 20, 2024

Patsy Cline was at the height of her fame at 30 when she died in an airplane crash. Her death put the American Country Music World into mourning. Cline had already immortalized such songs as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “If I Could See the World Thru The Eyes of a Child” — moving her to the top of music charts.

Her worldwide fans felt as if they had lost someone very special. One of those who felt the great loss was a Houston housewife, Louise Seger, who had become a Cline fan and dear friend just a few years earlier.

Cline and Seger are united this season as Charlotte Campbell and Jalyn Courtenay Webb portray the two in “Always, Patsy Cline” on the Johnstown stage. Louise Seger was a somewhat hassled wife and mother whose life was made pleasant listening to music on the radio and television. She was especially interested in a young woman who was a favorite on Arthur Godfrey’s TV show, and who was just beginning to release records. Seger began to hassle the local radio DJ, virtually demanding that he play Patsy Cline music over and over and over.

She dragged her boss and friends from work to a concert in Houston where Cline was to appear in person. Seger demanded they arrive “way early” to be certain to get a good place to park, etc. They arrived “way” early — so much so that they were virtually the only car in the lot.

Before the show started, she spotted Cline in the theater and immediately sided up to her just to say, “Hello.” The “hello” turned into Seger inviting Cline to her home after the concert, taking her to meet the local DJ the next morning, and began a friendship that became a series of exchanged letters and telephone calls.

This friendship comes to life in ”Always, Patsy Cline” as Charlotte Campbell beguiles the audience with her charm and vocal skills, while Jalyn Courtenay Webb busies herself encouraging everyone to adore the Cline persona. She takes back seat to ensure that the Cline impersonation remains the show’s spotlight. Unfortunately, we do not hear the wonderful Webb voice nearly enough – just a snippet here and there. One of the men at our table noted at intermission, “ “I had no idea that Jalyn Webb has such great acting skills!” She is truly a wonder – evoking a crazy humor one minute, deep-felt sorrow the next.

In 2018, Webb was honored by the Colorado Theater Guild who gave her the Guild’s Henry Award as Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical that year for her portrayal of the Houston housewife. While Campbell looks regal and majestic, Courtenay amazes the audience with hair piled high (upon hair piled high), her disheveled costuming and her busy-body/take charge attitude.

The production was written by Ted Swindley and has found enthusiastic audiences throughout the United States. Much of the excitement of the Candlelight production is provided by the excellent orchestra. Conducted by Paul Falk, the group includes Nel Dunfee, Alex Ward, Ryan Millard, Cody Stadelmaier, Thom Wade, and Christina Smith. Lighting and set are also excellent.

Much of the audience at opening night were already Patsy Cline fans, giving the show a standing ovation, complete with couples from the audience dancing in the area near the stage.

This is a highly interesting show – one showing great warmth and compassion, while providing the audience with first-rate performances. First rate performances are commonplace now on the Candlelight stage.

“Always, Patsy Cline”
Through November 10, 2024
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: coloradocandlelight.com

2024, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical, Review

Candlelight Wows Audience With “Disney’s High School Musical”

July 2, 2024 Tom

“Those High School Days” Are Alive And Well In Johnstown.

Reviewed by Tom Jones
June 30, 2024

Christmas vacation is over and the students at East High School have returned to take their places in the hierarchy of teenage America. All of our high school friends (and enemies) are there. The jocks, the pompous pom pom girls, the brainiacs, the over-protective faculty advisors, and so many of us who were a bit lost in the jungle that was high school.

This has every potential of being a scary, unhappy look at the past. But Candlelight has pulled out all the stops to provide an exuberant and joyous trip down a memory lane that should not be missed. “Disney’s High School Musical” appeared on film in 2006 and has gone on to become a stage hit in local high schools nationwide

Thomas Beeker as Troy Bolton and Andrea Camacho as Gabrielle Montez are delightful as the school’s most famous jock, and the newcomer who transfers into the school just after the holidays knowing no one. They are both already skilled performers and are just terrific, as is just about everyone in this ensemble of many new faces with great talent!

It becomes fun to hate the over-the-top school diva, Sharpay Evans, played by Delaney Marie, and her hapless brother, Ryan, played by Curtis Lemieux who exudes talent with a combination of skill, wonder and goofiness.

All four of the leads are new to Candlelight, and will hopefully be seen in many future shows. Also new to Candlelight’s stage is Olivia Wilson, who plays Kelsi Nielsen the shy wallflower who has just written the school’s upcoming musical production based on “Romeo and Juliet,” and Chris Akele as Chad Danforth, Troy Bolton’s best friend. Giving excellent support are familiar faces such as Damon Guerrasio as Coach Bolton, Owen Whitman as Zeke Baylor, and Smantha Jo Staggs as Ms. Darbus.

Carrie Colton, director and choreographer, is known to Candlelight from her great work with “The Sound of Music” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Chas Lederer is Associate Director and is familiar to Candlelight audiences from his work on stage in several shows including, “The Secret Garden,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “The Little Mermaid.” Associate Music Director is Mason Siders, who assisted with “Secret Garden, “Joseph,” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Jalyn Courtenay Webb is Music Director whose magic and incredible skills have been appreciated in virtually every production known to man. Her on-stage skills include being recipient of the Colorado Theater Guild Award for best actress in “Always, Patsy Cline” a few seasons ago.

The collaboration of new faces with experienced artists combine to create a super evening of entertainment. Choreography is especially fun with an amazing game of basketball choreographed to perfection. Early in the show, the theater students are encouraged to “become what you want to be,” with Jazz Mueller inching across the stage in a glorious inch-worm routine that needs be seen to be believed. The set, lighting, and sound, are all terrific. The musical accompaniment is taped. Songs, while not familiar to me, were obviously well known to opening night viewers who all but sang along with great enthusiasm.

Premise is an overview of life at East High, with the athletes, brainiacs, thespians, musicians and would-be scientists vying for popularity, acceptance and yes, the excitement of basic friendship. The high school basketball team is in line for a possible state championship, the theater department is hosting auditions for the school musical, written this time around by a shy student. Faculty advisors spar for acknowledgement of their various departments.

And the audience is treated to a summer treasure, remembering where they fit into their own high school story! While picking up tickets for opening night performance, a couple in front of me was trying to purchase tickets to the sold-out show. They were offered some seats in the balcony/mezzanine. While pausing before such a purchase, they queried, “What is playing here tonight?”

They bought tickets, and I didn’t see them after the performance, but I am wondering what planet they arrived from wondering “What’s Playing tonight?” in one of Colorado’s best playhouses!

“Disney High School Musical on Stage!”
Where: The Candlelight
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO
When: Now through September 8, 2024
Information or tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
www.coloradocandlelight.com

2024, Candelight, Musical, Review

“Secret Garden” Is A Heartfelt Charmer

April 24, 2024 Tom

The Yorkshire Moors Turn Up On Candlelight Stage In Elegant Production

Reviewed by Tom Jones
April 19, 2024

Mary Lennox is a spunky 11-year-old whose life turns upside down in just a few hours. She is living with her adoring parents on assignment to India, and wakes up one morning to learn that both her parents died the previous night in the cholera epidemic. She is sent to dreary Yorkshire, England to live with an uncle Archibald she has never met, and Archibald’s brother, Dr. Craven. The uncle Archibald is not a delightful, cheery chap, but rather a cold unhappy man whose young son, Colin, appears to be hidden away in the manor house and slowly dying. Colin’s mother, Lily, died giving birth to him several years ago. Archibald, a hunchback, wants to be outwardly cordial to the orphaned Mary, but is so consumed by the death of his wife that he is of no help to anyone. There appears to be unhappiness everywhere in the home, with the lurking ghosts of the past affecting everyone except for Archibald’s brother, Dr. Craven, who apparently wants everyone else out of the house so that he can have it to himself.,

This doesn’t sound like a good premise to base an evening of musical theater. But amazingly, it is a joyous portrayal of how kindness, perseverance and incredible music can overcome nearly everything.

The resourceful Mary Lennox realizes dreadful unhappiness is consuming the manor house and decides to do something about it. She develops a friendship with the crippled son, Colin, who tells her of a secret garden surrounded by a wall near the manor house. This wall is reportedly hiding the garden which was the delight of Lily before she died. The garden is off limits until Mary convinces a bird to help her find the key and the entrance to the garden. She rallies the estate gardener, Ben, the estate handyman, Dickon and his sister, Martha, to hopefully bring the dormant and nearly dead garden back to life. She rallies the crippled Colin to get out of bed, on his feet, and help others, instead of continually being in need himself.

The role of Mary Lennox is shared on alternating performances. Elinor Rodgers and Alianna Glorioso take turns portraying the orphan Mary. Oliver Harrelson and Gus Gaza alternate as Archibald’s ill son, Colin. I saw Elinor Rodgers as Mary and Oliver Harrelson as Colin. Both are excellent. They are both young and have stage presence of experienced performers, and super voices to match.

Patric Case and Scott Severtson portray the Craven brothers, Archibald and Dr. Neville. They are a duo to see and hear. Archibald is haunted with memories of his wife. His unhappy brother, Dr. Neville Craven, continues to rue the day Archibald married the beautiful Lily, who he also loved. The embittered brothers share one of the most glorious duets in my musical memory, “Lily’s Eyes.” They recount how the newly-arrived young Mary Lennox appears to have the same glorious hazel eyes as the beautiful, now deceased, Lily, who both brothers loved, and was married to just one – the hunchback Archibald.

Sounds a tad complicated. I first saw the show when it was in previews on Broadway many years ago. We did not have good seats and were somewhere in the high nosebleed section of the theater. On leaving the theater, one of the people with us commented, “Well that show sure isn’t going anywhere.” I felt otherwise. Even though we had dreadful seats and were confused by portrayals of the living, mixed with spirits of the dead, I was enchanted by the beautiful music.

This time around, Director Shelly Gaza has wisely divided the scenes of the living, with scenes of the spirits carefully placed in the huge frame at the back of the stage. This does wonders for telling the story.

Maryann Laurie is mesmerizing as the spirit of Lily. It is Lily’s garden that Mary Lennox and her newly-found friends are trying to bring back to life. It is Laurie as Lily who warmly invites everyone to ”Come to My Garden.” Jazz Mueller is terrific as Martha’s brother Dickon who is an estate handyman and local mystic. Chas Lederer puts common sense to work as Ben, the estate’s groundskeeper. Many in the excellent cast play more than one role. The orchestra, under direction of Katie Hughes has never sounded better. The set design, lighting, sound, choreography and costume design are all flawless.

The story is based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett which was a must-read read for young readers. Book and lyrics for the musical are by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon. It opened on Broadway in April, 1991, and ran for 709 performances. It received numerous awards and has been produced worldwide.

Music is not well known, but enthralling. In addition to the over-the-top “Lily’s Eyes,” other great moments are created with “A Girl in the Valley,” “A Bit of Earth,” and “Race You to the Top of the Morning.” This is just about as romantic as a story can be. It is breathtaking to see and to hear. Near show’s end the Archibald and the ghost of his beautiful wife, Lily meet in a fog of brilliance and sing of their continuing love, “How Could I Ever Know” – just about as dramatic and enchanting as anything the stage can provide. “The Secret Garden” is a story of healing, helping and love.

“The Secret Garden”
Through June 16, 2024
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2024, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

“Crazy for You” Is Enormous Fun!

February 9, 2024 Tom

Award Winning Musical Is Ablaze With Crazy Corniness And Terrific Choreography

Reviewed by Tom Jones
February 9, 2024

Bobby Child is the son of a rich banking family in New York. He is a talented showbiz wannabee whose dreams of stage stardom are thwarted with a bad mistake in an early audition. His mother (fierce guardian of the family fortune) wants to exile her stagestruck son, sending him to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theater bank loan.

Looks like Bobby Child of New York might be following in the footsteps of Joseph of biblical Canaan whose brothers sent him to Egypt to get him out of the way in Candlelight’s recent “Dreamcoat” hit. Like the biblical Joseph, Bobby lands isolated in a place extremely foreign to him – going from the excitement of Manhattan to the forlorn wilderness of nowhere Nevada.

Bobby’s misfortune, however, is to the benefit of current theatergoers, as this delightful tale provides an evening of showstopping delight. Yes, it is basically a show-biz fable with the appropriate cliches of the theatrical world. But it is a wow. After the first act I realized I was experiencing the charm of naïve silliness.

Matthew Dailey and Sara Kowalski are terrific as New Yorker Bobby Child and Nevadan Polly Baker. They are both great singers and dancers. Together they dazzle. They have great opportunity to bring life to such George and Ira Gershwin songs as ”Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” “You Can’t Take That Away From Me,” and join the talented ensemble to announce “I Got Rhythm.”

Candlelight continues to assemble remarkable talent. In addition to Dailey and Kowalski, Patric Case and Hugh Butterfield also shine. Case as the Broadway entrepreneur Bela Zangler and Hugh Butterfield as Lank Hawkins, a Nevada saloon owner.

Mid-way through the second act Dailey and Case are on stage together, each portraying Bela Zangler, much to the amazement of the audience trying to figure out who is who. The timing is flawless. I began to wonder if they even wondered who was who. This result is one of the most clever sequences in recent memory.

Steve Wilson has directed this stunner, with choreography by Shawna Walker, set design by Brian Watson, and Chas Lederer as assistant director. Music director and conductor is Richard Shore. The orchestra under his direction is as terrific as the performers it accompanies.

The Broadway production opened at the Shubert Threatre on February 1, 1992, and was met with excellent reviews. It went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical that year, followed by accolades wherever it went. Curiously, “Crazy” has not continued to be an often-seen show. It was based on the Broadway review “Girl Crazy” of the 1930s, incorporating music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin from that show, as well as from other songs from other Gershwin shows.

Before the final curtain I began to weary. The show is nearly too good to be true and is a bit long. But in the interim the audience is treated to a wonder of excellent dancing, singing, stage set, costumes, lighting and sound. Just about everything dazzles in this evening of charming music and comedic lunacy. It has now been several hours since I left the theater, delightfully musing on what I saw!

“Crazy for You”
Through April , 2024
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2023, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical, Review

Joseph Has A Dreamcoat. Yes, It Is Amazing!

November 28, 2023 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Hits Yet-Another Home Run with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Reviewed by Tom Jones
November 26, 2023

The narrators singingly open the story with “Jacob lived in the land of Canan many centuries ago, not long after the Bible began …a fine example of a family man.” He has twelve sons, with the latest one, Joseph, being his favorite. Jacob provides Joseph with a fancy new coat, and when Joseph puts it on, he flaunts his place in the family singing, “I look handsome, I look smart. I am a walking work of art.” This doesn’t rest well with his 11 peers. Sound familiar? Yes, the story is familiar, but this telling-in-song on stage in Johnstown this season is an “amazing” evening of enormous talent, great fun, and glorious entertainment.

This production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a continual delight from the moment the narrator begins to sing the story until the lights go out after a dancing/singing mix of the entire show. The stage is ablaze with color, the air is enlightened with clever music The audience is in continual awe as choreography has to be seen to be believed.

Part of the show’s enchantment is the inclusion of a variety of musical styles – country/western, Parisian cabaret, swinging calypso, and rock and roll disco. The sound system provides clarity to everything sung, and the orchestra is a sensation of its own.

Jalyn Courtenay Webb and Sarah Forman share the Narrator role on alternating performances. I have seen both of them in action. They are both sensational as they appear to love the story they are telling – that of an “awe-shucks” young man who looks at his life as a dream. Both have experience at the Candlelight, both with great voices. They openly seem to nourish Joseph as he goes from being the favorite son in Canaan to being a prisoner in Egypt and finally being the Pharaoh’s right- hand man later in life.

Although he has every right to become ostentatious and an ego-maniac, Caleb Wenger portrays Joseph as a somewhat low key young man who subsequently realizes his potential and becomes successful. Wenger’s voice is very good as the dreamer whose dreams come true.

While Joseph and the Narrator are the show’s leads, the supporting cast is brilliant on their own. Many are familiar to Candlelight audiences, including Ryne Haldeman who delights the audience in three different roles—Jacob, Potiphar, and the Baker. He is in fine voice and clever in every role and in every costume.

Chas Lederer is a winner as one of the sons, Levi, who delightfully tells Jacob “There is One More Angel in Heaven” in a raucous Country/Western hoe-down. Elton Tanega has all the right moves as Judah, taking the audience on a pulsating Calypso journey. Hugh Butterfield has a history of believability in a variety of roles over the years. This year he is the brother Issachar, and stepped in at the last moment to take the role of Pharaoh a few days before the show opened. He brought the house down with his Pharoah/Elvis impression.

Choreography is outstanding. The brothers’ dancing is extremely skillful. Cory Michael Klements and Jessie May Hobson are spellbinding, taking the audience to see them as French cabaret dancers.
Hobson is also an inventive Potiphar’s wife trying to seduce Joseph. Klements also portrays one of the brothers (Zebulon) and is the show’s dance captain.

Everything is in great shape for this show. Bryan Bell is the Director and shares choreography responsibilities with Matthew Dailey as Associate Choreographer. Bell is returning to Candlelight after 13 years of amazing audiences in a variety of theaters. Janice Vlachos is Music Director and conducts the excellent orchestra. Dailey wowed Candlelight audiences in “Singin’ in the Rain” and recently directed the theater’s “The Little Mermaid.” Vlachos recently retired from teaching at Boulder’s Fairview High School and has conducted music for more than 30 musicals, including “Joseph.”

Joseph’s tale has been around for centuries. Basic story comes from the Book of Genesis in the Bible’s Old Testament, verses 37-50. This musical version began as a 15-minute boy’s school cantata in England in 1968. It was the work of musician Andew Lloyd Webber and his schoolmate, lyricist Tim Rice. It took a back seat in their priorities as they gained great acclaim with the release of the concert album recording of ”Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1971. They then returned to their “Joseph” cantata, opening it in expanded version London’s West End in 1973, and the next year at the Haymarket Theatre as a full musical. It opened on Broadway in 1982 and has been a worldwide favorite for more than 40 years.

Andrew Lloyd Webber went on to further acclaim as musical composer of “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “Starlight Express,” “Aspects of Love,” “Evita,” “Love Never Dies,“ “Tell Me on a Sunday,” ”Whistle Down the Wind,” “The Beautiful Game ”and more!

There is even a talking camel! Joseph will be wearing his technicolor dreamcoat through January 28, 2024. Tickets will be difficult to obtain for this heartwarming spectacle.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
To January 26, 2024
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
Johnstown, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2023, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical, Review

The Candlelight Rocks with Great Memories of Early Jukebox Music

September 24, 2023 Tom

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl Perkins Are All Back In Town

Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 22, 2023

It is December 4, 1956. Sam Phillips, founder and owner of Sun Record in Memphis, Tennessee, has lined up a couple of his back-up performers and three of the stars that he helped become famous to hopefully spend a few hours reminiscing and perhaps creating more musical memories. Jerry Lee Lewis is a newcomer to the group and his arrival was not anticipated, as he just wants an audition. The premise of the get-together is already in jeopardy. Phillips has become known as the Father of the Rock and Roll Genre, but the jukebox industry has its challenges.

Photo Credit: Creative Agency Elvis Presly gained instant stardom when he signed with Sam Phillips at Sun Records, but has said goodbye to Sun and signed with RCA. Sun Records is floundering. Unbeknownst to Phillips, Johnny Cash has signed with Columbia Records when his contract with Sun is up. There is still friction between Presley and Perkins. Presley soared to fame with a song written by Perkins – “Blue Suede Shoes” and Perkins is still ticked that Presley got the fame that Perkins sought. All is not sunny and bright, but there is an obvious comradery among the group whose music was taking the world by storm.

Photo Credit: Creative Agency That December get-together is the interesting basis of reviving great music of the ‘50s and sharing some of that era’s musical history with today’s audiences. The show is a wow! The music was famous more than 60 years ago, and much of it remains amazingly familiar.

The Candlelight cast is a group with enormous talent. Although they are not yet familiar to Candlelight audiences and do not have the physical appearance of the icons they portray, each has an obvious background of the music they produce. Wyatt Andrew Brownell is an over-the top Jerry Lee Lewis. His keyboard ability is phenomenal whether he is sitting on the piano bench, or upside down on the piano itself. Jesse Plourde’s voice is so close to that of Elvis Presley that it is kind of spooky. Steven Lasiter’s Bass is as if Johnny Cash were standing on stage. Tarif Pappu has a more difficult role. He portrays Carl Perkins who is less known to local audiences than the first three performers, but Pappu is such a talent that he lights up the stage of the Candlelight. Charlotte Campbell Parrott portrays Dyanne, a girlfriend Presley brings to the recording studio. She is given her chance to wow the audiences, even though she is not part of that era’s history. Kyle Wells Lahr and Robert Brandon are the excellent back-up musicians portraying Brother Jay and Fluke.

Photo Credit: Creative Agency Chas Lederer is Sam Phillips, the Sun Record owner/founder. He doesn’t sing or dance, but is effective in moving the story along and keeping the audience well-informed between the terrific musical memories. The set is an interesting look at Phillip’s recording studio, an very impressive look at the1950s, abounding memorabilia and a touch of tackiness.

Christopher Wren directed this production, and is new to Candlelight audiences. This is twelfth time he has directed “Million Dollar Quartet” in various locations in the past eight years. His familiarity with the show is obvious, as his direction results in a sparkling production of great talent, and an historic resume off the Rock and Roll era in general!

Photo Credit: Creative Agency “Quartet” was written by Coln Escott and Floyd Mutrux and opened on Broadway in 2010 after several tryouts and regional productions. It has subsequently been produced in several venues in the United States, England and Canada.

“Quartet” provides a great evening of musical memories with outstanding talent! As the evening drew drawing to an end, much of the audience was on its feet singing and dancing. They didn’t want the show to end – until the announcer proclaimed, “Elvis has left the building!”

“Million Dollar Quartet”
Through November 12, 2023
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Tickets: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2023, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

“The Little Mermaid “ Is A Beauty!

July 11, 2023 Tom

Greatness On Stage At The Candlelight

Reviewed by Tom Jones
July 10, 2023

An overabundance of rain put a damper on many people this late spring and early summer. Any such unhappiness was swept away in just one evening, however, when “The Little Mermaid” reminded us how delightful life can be under the sea. And above it!

Magicians appear to be in great supply in Northern Colorado this year as the entire “Mermaid” production is a magical delight. Director, cast, orchestra, technicians all spell “Talent” these days at Candlelight. Matthew Dailey wowed audiences a few months ago singing and dancing as Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain.” This time he is not seen, but his brilliant skills are obvious, as director of “The Little Mermaid.”

Amazingly, Dailey’s talent is not the only brilliance involved with his show. It is rare to have an entire group of leading and supporting performers that are so strong. From the time the audience arrives in the foyer of the theater to be greeted by colorful reminders of life “Under the Sea” to the final standing ovation they are beguiled by magic in a variety of forms!

Photo Credit: RDG Photography Susanna Cathryn Ballenski and Jack Wardell head the cast. Ballenksi is the beautiful mermaid, living under the sea, but interested by the “humans” she has seen on her visits to the shore. Wardell is the handsome, human, Prince Eric. He is onboard a ship when cast into the sea in a violent storm. Under the water Ariel finds him and takes him to the surface to survive. Ballenksi and Wardell are flawless. They are beautiful, handsome, excellent performers.

Equally excellent, however, are the performers in supporting roles. Stars on their own. Scott Hurst Jr. portrays King Triton, ruler of Atlantica. He is Ariel’s loving, but overly-strict father. He has an enormous dislike for humans, due to the accidental death of his wife several years prior. Hurst brings enchantment to any role. I am looking forward to the day when he makes an album which includes his “There But For You Go I” from Candlelight’s “Brigadoon” production.

Ethan Knowles provides super comic relief as Ariel’s seagull friend, Scuttle. Jack Olson, a newcomer to Candlelight, is impressive as Flounder, Ariel’s best underwater friend. Ghandia Johnson is a wow as Sebastian, Ariel’s practical guardian. She nearly steals the show with her great enthusiasm and talent. Kelly Maur is the wicked Ursula, sister of King Triton, and evidently Ariel’s Aunt. Maur’s Ursula is a squid with tentacles in abundance. And she is a meany – claiming if Ariel gives her voice to her, she will make Ariel human. Nathan Petit and Chas Lederer are Flotsam and Jetsam, two of Ursula’s slippery henchmen.

Stephen Charles Turner is in great form as Chef Louis who provides Ariel with her first out-of-the-water meal, unfortunately choosing a menu of fish! Brian Adams is believable as Grimsby, faithful servant to Prince Eric.

Put them all on stage together – they amaze!

The Candlelight production is a stage musical based on the animated 1989 Disney film. This Hans Christian Andersen’s story is about a mermaid who has such love of creatures above the water that she is willing to give up her beautiful voice to become “human.” The show’s pre-Broadway tryout was in Denver in 2007 with six weeks of sold-out performances. Nearly 100,000 theatergoers saw that production. I was among them. I liked the show, but was not as impressed as I am with the current local wonder. The Denver tryout-show moved to Broadway officially open in 2008 where it ran for 685 performances. It has enjoyed several productions worldwide.

The current Mermaid, under direction of Matthew Dailey, provides great beauty. The gorgeous choreography is by Kate Vallee who also serves as Artistic Director. The excellent orchestra is under direction of Jerimiah Otto. Brian Watson’s under-water set transitions smoothly to the above-sea scenes. Debra Faber and Peter West provide the enchanting consumes.

Music is by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. A few of the songs are delightfully familiar – “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl,’ and “Under the Sea.” Not so well known is “If Only” a heartwarming charmer featuring Ariel, Eric, Sebastian, and Triton late in Act Two.

Will Ariel get her voice back? Will Prince Eric ever kiss the girl? What does life “under the sea” look like? Don’t hesitate to be amazed. Head to Candlelight for tickets before they are gone.

“The Little Mermaid”
Through September 10, 2023
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2023, Candelight, Musical

“Cats” Is A Brilliant Display Of Incredible Talents!

April 15, 2023 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Triumphs Yet Again!

Reviewed by Tom Jones
April 14, 2023

Several months ago when I learned that the Candlelight was bringing “Cats” to its Johnstown stage I was non-plussed. I saw the show in London when it first opened in 1981 and was not impressed. My memory is of a somewhat drab show that made no sense. As a Candlelight Season Ticket patron, I decided to go ahead and see the show again this month to see if my memories of 42 years ago were correct. What a difference those intervening years have made!

Entering the Candlelight Theater at the same time we did on opening night an elderly couple mentioned they had already seen the show twice, in other venues, and were looking forward to seeing it again. The woman noted, “I love this show.” As we sat down to order dinner, we asked the waiter if he had seen the preview the previous night. He said, “Yes. I still don’t know what it was all about, but it is sensational.” I realized that maybe I had been missing something that first time around so many years ago and decided to give it my best attention.

No “best attention” was necessary. This production of “Cats” dazzles from the opening music to the final standing ovation! The costumes, set, makeup, lighting, orchestra, and entire cast are a wonder to see and hear. And the choreography! At one point I felt like I had paid to see a first rate, two-act classical ballet, set to delightfully fun music! The cast is large and all performers move together as one great wave of talent. What a show!

British musical genius Andrew Lloyd Webber became acquainted with the poems of T. S. Elliot when he was very young, being especially enamored with his “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Webber’s musical theatre success began in 1968 with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” followed by “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1970, and” Evita” in 1976. Shortly thereafter he began setting Elliot’s feline poetry to music. This became a difficult process, involving other lyricists and writers to possibly make a coherent musical out of the Elliot poems. Everything began to fall into place and he went full speed ahead to produce the musical – only to find backers not as interested as he was. Despite his early successes, he mortgaged his own home to finally come up with funds needed for “Cats.” It opened in London in 1981 to mixed reviews, but audiences were enchanted and began to tell their friends, who evidently liked it better than I did.

“Cats” subsequently began garnering every award possible, including “Best Musical” in London and America’s “Tony Award for Best Musical” in New York City. As of last year, “Cats” has turned out to be an incredible financial success – worldwide gross of 4.5 billion dollars. Webber didn’t stop writing, but went on to provide the world with such amazements as “Phantom of the Opera” in 1986 and “Sunset Boulevard” in 1993. He currently has a new version of “Cinderella” playing in London.

Why is “Cats” such a phenomenon? Basically it is about 15 of T. S. Elliot poems set to music. There is no dialogue, as everything is either “sung” or “spoken” as choral readings. The story takes place in a junkyard inhabited by a host of cats who have become longtime friends, several into more than one of their estimated “nine lives.” Each year they have a Jellical Ball the night of a full moon when the longtime leader, “Old Deuteronomy,” will make an appearance and declare which cat will receive the honor that year to be reborn into a new life on the “Heaviside Layer.”

During the space of about two hours the cats sing and dance about themselves, several indicating why they should be chosen for the “reborn honor” that year. There are cats with all manner of different occupations, personalities, and traits. Probably the oldest and least-liked is Grizabella who is somewhat ignored by others when she comes into the yard. She is probably the most mis-understood, and it takes some support from Old Deuteronomy to result in the other cats better appreciating their “old” friend.

As cats sing about themselves, they provide some of the most delightful cat-like choreography imaginable. The costumes and makeup are wonderful. The overall effect is amazing! The staging is brilliant, moving the many performers smoothly on stage with great care and grace.

Everyone on stage is extremely talented. Some of the “names” I remember from past Candlelight shows include Chris Bain, Alisha Winter-Hayes, Cory Michael Klements, Ryne Haldeman, Sara Kowalski, Chas Lederer, and Patric Case. Scott Hurst, Jr. is among the best-known performers, taking on the role of Old Deuteronomy. Rachel Miller makes her first Candlelight appearance with great wonder as Victoria.

The remarkable production team is headed by Kurt Stamm, Director/Choreographer; Shawna Walker, Associate choreographer; Richard Shore, Music Director; and Jalyn Courtenay Webb as Vocal Director. Longtime Candlelight favorite, Webb, portrays “Grizabella’ and provides the musical’s most familiar song, “Memory.” Her rendition just might be the definitive offering and the audience was virtually stunned with what they heard. Interestingly, “Memory” didn’t become part of the original show until it was well into previews.

And no, I did not understand everything that was sung and choral-reading spoken. The sound system is very good, but the lyrics weren’t always clear. That is a problem. But once I figured I knew enough about what was happening, I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the marvel of the show itself! What a treat!

“Cats”
Through June 25, 2023
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2023, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

“Brigadoon” is Pure Magic at Candlelight

February 12, 2023 Tom

Mystical Village in Scottish Highlands comes to life. It is a beauty!

Reviewed by Tom Jones
February 11, 2023

By 1947 World War Two had been over for two years. Harry S. Truman was President of the United States. In New York, two virtually unknown writers finished work on their latest Broadway endeavor. Even though America was recovering from the effects of the war, money to produce Broadway musicals was not plentiful. Lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe had written two shows that were not hits. They auditioned their new show 50 times before successfully finding investors to provide funds for their new offering. This was a fantasy about a mystical village in the Highlands of Scotland. They named it “Brigadoon.” It opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City and went on to receive the Drama Critics Award for Best Musical that year. It opened in London two years later, and has subsequently experienced several successful revivals as well as the l954 movie starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse.

Could the original show have been as exciting as the production now on stage at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown? This year “Brigadoon” is a marvel in the hands of local performers, choral director, choreography, set designer, music directors – everyone associated in bringing this joyous show to the local stage.

Scott Hurst, Jr., and Sara Kowalski are in peak form in the leads as the American tourist, Tommy, and a kindly Scottish woman, Fiona, They can act. They can dance. They can sing. Their renditions of “Heather on the Hill,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” and “From this Day On” are breathtaking. Hurst’s “There But for You Go I” is one of the most beautiful solos in recent memory.

Tommy and his friend, Jeff, are American tourists hiking through the Highlands of Scotland, stumbling onto a mysterious village, “Brigadoon” which reportedly comes to life for just one day every 100 years. The villagers are not eager to explain the mystery of this enchanted village. But by the time the town’s history is revealed, Tommy has lost his heart to a local woman, and Jeff has lost any sense of soberness wanting only to return to his favorite bar in New York City.

This is remarkable stuff. Everything about this show works to perfection. The set, lighting, and sound provide an undeniably pleasant mood rarely seen on stage. The audience sees the village of Brigadoon for a couple of hours – but long enough to experience the joy of a marriage, the sadness of a funeral, the happiness of spending time gathering heather on the hill. It has appreciation for good people doing their best to lead good lives, but with the understanding that everyone is not going to be happy all of the time. There will be jealousies, temptations, as well as joy and romance.

The set by Mike Grittner and Heath Howes is brilliant, bringing life to the Scottish Highlands and providing a welcoming and heartwarming look at village life. The direction (Steve Wargo), orchestra and music direction (Jerimiah Otto), choreography (Shawna Walker), costumes (Debra Faber), sound (Mark Derryberry) and lighting (Vance Mackenzie) are all wondrous.

The cast includes Charlotte Lafonte as the delightful over-the top, man-hungry Meg. Chas Lederer is the affable, but continually-drunk Jeff. The entire ensemble is brilliant. Is it rare to see so many talented dancers and singers sharing the stage. The weather outside was the only chill for the entire evening.

It would have been interesting to be in the initial meetings of the persons involved with staging this current show. Candlelight Theatre productions have become a home base of an increasingly large number of genuinely talented persons – performers and technicians. A great new addition to the Candlelight for this show is a new sound system which clarifies virtually everything said or sung. As was the case in Broadway shows of that era, there is sometimes more dialogue than desired. But the enchanting music and choreography make up for such detraction.

I’m eager to learn how the cast and crew feels at the conclusion of each performance, as fog rolls in to hide the mystical village from the rest of the world They do have the great fortune, however, of visiting there for a couple of hours for several more days of performances (through April 2)!

The original financial backers found that their faith in Lerner and Loewe was not misplaced. Some went on to toast success to the writing team in their future megahits: “Paint Your Wagon,” “My Fair Lady,” “Gigi” and “Camelot.” Quite a list. Candlelight staff and crew are making history with “quite a list” of their own with one continuous delight after the next. I’m already planning my schedule to see one of my all-time favorites, “Then Secret Garden” on tap for later this season.

In the meantime, “Brigadoon” at the Candlelight is brilliance not to be missed!

Through April 2, 2023
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2022, Candelight, Holiday, Johnstown, Musical

“White Christmas” Bodes Well For A Great Holiday Season

November 20, 2022 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Continues Its Triumphant Runs Of Excellence In Johnstown

Reviewed by Tom Jones
November 18, 2022

Opening night of “White Christmas” was amazing. As light snow was falling outside, but didn’t make it into the theater until the last few moments of this theatrical delight. For starters, the plotline is pleasant without surprises. I had seen a production of the show several years ago at Midtown Theatre in Fort Collins and was nonplussed. I easily could have opted to stay home and let opening night take place without me.

So very glad that I headed to the theater. From the moment Scott Hurst sang “White Christmas” early in the show, I was hooked! The entire production is not to be missed. Hurst, as Bob, shares the stage with a remarkable cast. It appears that Candlelight has rounded up every super talent in Colorado to perform for its audiences. Nathan Petit is excellent as Bob’s friend who joins Hurst for some delightful showstoppers throughout the event. They have terrific voices and are seasoned dancers. What a duo. Their love interests are Maryann Dutcher as Betty Haynes, and Sara Kowalski as her sister, Judy Haynes. Kent Sugg is excellent as General Waverly, as are Samantha Jo Staggs as Martha Watson and Kate Trainor as Susan Waverly. The role of Susan Waverly is shared with alternating performances by Alianna Glorioso and Adleleia Odekirk as well as Kate Trainor. Kate was a real “find” as the General’s granddaughter!

While the plot is trite, the performances are not! Kate Vallee as director and co-choreographer and Matthew Dailey as associate director and co-choreographer have pulled out all the tops to provide some of the most entertaining tap dancing imaginable, with “Blue Skies” in act one, and “I Love a Piano” opening act two. The choreography defies belief, completely wowing the audience with displays of talent hard to top.

The song “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin first appeared in the movie “Holiday Inn.” The song became an instant classic and became even more popular with the release of the 1954 movie musical “White Christmas.” The move starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Ver-Ellen, and became a classic on its own.

The story didn’t turn up as a Broadway musical until 2008. It was not an immediate stage sensation, but has enjoyed increasing success in England, Australia, and on various USA tours. I would be hard pressed to find a cast as brilliant anywhere as currently on stage in Johnstown. The show looks great. Orchestra is great. Costume and design are great. And the direction and choreography = A+

“White Christmas”
Through January 8, 20923
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2022, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

“The Scarlet Pimpernel” Is A Swash-Buckling Beauty Of French Revolution Intrigue

September 19, 2022 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse begins 15th Anniversary With Great Swordplay, Music, Romance & Deceit

Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 17, 2022

It is 1792 and current French leaders have found a new way to get rid of persons they don’t like, and the English are finding ways to stop the slaughter. Sounds grim? It could have been, but Candlelight’s latest triumph is a remarkable look at England and France during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution.

Acclaimed French actress, Marguerite St. Just, is performing in her final show in Paris at La Comedie Francaise. Her announcement to her audience that she is planning to marry a wealthy English aristocrat is disrupted by French government authority Chauvelin who announces the immediate closure of the entire theatre. The wickedness of Chauvelin is obvious as he then oversees the execution by guillotine of two of Marguerite’s friends.

Marguerite and her fiancé, British aristocrat Sir Percy Blakeney, leave immediately for England, horrified by the guillotine deaths. In England Percy perceives a plan to make amends for the deaths by saving other innocents from the guillotine. He doesn’t tell Marguerite what he is up to, as he puts together a group of friends to return to France for vengeance. The group of friends are well-trained English military men. Percy needs to provide a disguise for them, and they become elegant British ninnies – off to battle in Paris their finest over-the-top clothing! Percy sets himself up as a mysterious “Scarlet Pimpernel,” with only his band of “warriors” aware of who he is and what he is up to.

Sarah Forman portrays Marguerite St. Just, with Patric Case as Percy Blakeney, and Scott Hurst Jr. as Chauvelin. It would be difficult to come up with three more talented performers than Forman, Case, and Hurst. They have incredible voices, terrific acting skills and are just plain “excellence in action.”

Based on 1905 novel by British author Baroness Orczy, the musical began as a concert album in 1992, and some of the music became fairly well known, including “Into the Fire,” and “When I Look at You.” It didn’t turn up as a Broadway musical until 1997 and played in various Broadway theaters for nearly three years. It subsequently had National Tours, and has been seen in dozens of cities worldwide. The music is by Frank Wildhorn with lyrics and book by Nan Knighton. Wildhorn music is highly respected, especially his wondrous score for “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” He made history in 1998 as one of only a handful of composers to have three shows running on Broadway at the same time: “Pimpernel,” “Jekyll,” and “Civil War.”

The current Candlelight production succeeds on every level. The entire cast is excellent. Forman, Case and Hurst are given great support by a uniformly remarkable cast, including Ethan Walker and Kelsey McKelfresh in supporting roles. The set is effective; the costumes outstanding, lighting., orchestra, and sound are flawless. Steve Wilson directs the show, with Carrie Colton overseeing choreography and fight direction. Swordplay on stage has never been more exciting. Vocal direction is by Jalyn Courtenay Webb.

The Candlelight is to be admired for providing a variety of theatrical productions and especially for bringing such little-known shows as “Scarlet Pimpernel “to the attention of local audiences. A member of the audience, sitting near to me, noted on leaving the theatre, “This is the best production I’ve seen at Candlelight in the eight or so years we have been seeing their shows.”

This is remarkable theatre – providing the audience with terrific sights and sounds, and even a bit of history tossed it. Did you realize that the guillotine, Robespierre, and Madame Tussaud’s wax figures had anything in common?

“The Scarlet Pimpernel”
Through November 6, 2022
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970-744-3747
Online: http://www.coloradocandlelight.com

2022, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical, Review

“Cinderella” Loses Her Shoe – But Not When You Expect!

July 12, 2022 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Dazzles Yet Again

Reviewed by Tom Jones
July 10, 2022

Candlelight continues its roll of providing first-rate productions! A somewhat new version of the age-old fairy tale is visually wowing audiences this summer. Emery Hines and Ian Black star as the mentally abused Cinderella and her handsome prince charming. They are both very talented performers, and charm the audience, especially in Act One’s “Ten Minutes Ago I Met You” and in Act Two’s “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful.”

The starring roles are a tad weakly written, however, and the wondrous fairy god mother (played by Sarah Forman) and the crazed stepmother (played by Annie Dwyer) nearly steal the show.

Also dazzlingly delightful are Sara Kowalski and Kelly Maur as the evil stepsisters, Damon Guerrasio as Sebastian, Brian Wilcox as Lord Pinkleton, and Brian Adams as Jean-Michel. In a switch with tradition, one of the “evil” stepsisters turns out to be a courageous friend!

The supporting cast is particularly interesting in this production, as the choreography requires nearly everyone to amaze with great athletic skills. Choreography is credited to Susanna Cathryn Ballenski, with Phil Forman as the show’s director. They have Eli Emming and Lori Newsom nearly flying across the stage (as leaping fox and raccoon) and first rate technical staff keeping the audience alert with creative costume changes and special effects.

The set, lighting and costumes are excellent! The show is a beauty!

“Cinderella” fairy tale has been around forever. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein turned it into a musical written for television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. That production was viewed by more than 100 million people. It was subsequently remade for television twice with different stars (in 1965 and 1997). A 2013 adaptation for Broadway had a new book by Douglas Carter Beane production. It ran for 770 performances on Broadway and was nominated for nine Tony Wards. It is 2013 production that has been recreated on the Candlelight Stage this season.

Rodgers and Hammerstein are credited for writing many of Broadway’s most famous shows, including “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific,” “The Sound of Music” and “The King and I.” Music for “Cinderella” does not have the famous music as their other shows, but local audiences may remember hearing “Ten Minutes Ago, “ “In My Own Little Corner,” “The Prince is Giving a Ball,” “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful,” and “Impossible.”

“Impossible” is nearly a theme for the entire production, as it is a scenic wonder providing never-ending “impossible” delights. The new story line was written with social correctness in mind. Sometimes that doesn’t quite fit the fairy tale. Also a tad disturbing to the opening night audience was the end of the first act when the glass slipper did NOT fall from Cinderella’s foot as she leaves the ball.

Through the ages, a giddy delight in having the shoe finally “fit” has been a mainstay of the Cinderella fable. Not to worry, the shoe does eventually need to find its owner. And, triumphantly, does fit!

Enormous fun!

“Cinderella”
Through September 4, 2022
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2022, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

“Singing in the Rain” – Not To Be Missed!

May 1, 2022 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Dazzles The Audience And Even Rains On Some!

Reviewed by Tom Jones
April 29, 2022

Standing ovations are rare in dinner theater shows, and applause during an actual dance routine is nearly unheard of. Audience response to “Singing in the Rain” opening night at Candlelight was remarkable as applause nearly stopped a dance routine and a standing ovation completed the final curtain call. But in fact, everything about this production is “remarkable.

Kate Vallee brings excitement to the stage as director and choreographer. Her talents are enormous, with a background that includes performing as part of the famous New York City Radio City Rockettes. Timing in outstanding in this jewel of a production. Dancing is about as impressive as anything previously provided on local stages.

Denver native Matthew Dailey stars as silent movie star Don Lockwood in 1927 Hollywood. Dailey is a newcomer to Candlelight, and hopefully he will return frequently. He is a polished performer with super skills as an actor, singer, and dancer. He is a treasure to see in motion, so light on his feet that even Gene Kelly could be in awe. Rachel Turner, a Candlelight favorite, is teamed with Dailey as Kathy Selden, a performing newcomer with potential. She continues to bring joy to the stage each time she appears. She and Dailey have great chemistry and believability.

Stephen Turner is Cosmo Brown, Lockwood’s longtime friend and burlesque partner with no bones in a body that can move in every direction – at the same time. The flashbacks of him and Don Lockwood’s burlesque days are enormous fun. Another longtime Candlelight wonder, Alisha Winter Hayes, sparkles as the over-the-top diva, Lina Lamont, who photographs well, but has few other skills. Hayes, who plays Lina, on the other hand, is enormously skillful with sly winks, an impossibly obnoxious voice and a commanding presence

This quartet of talents is backed by a glorious ensemble with some taking more than one part. Michele Jeffres keeps backstage crew busy as she changes wigs and costumes to appear in at least three roles—all delightful.

The movie version of “Singing in the Rain” was a 1952 American musical romantic comedy film. It starred Gene Kelly, Donald O’Conner, and Debbie Reynolds (who was only 19 at the time)! Choreography was by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. The movie was not a run-away hit when first released. It has subsequently become a classic, however, now on many lists as one of the best musical films ever made. A Broadway stage version opened in 1985 and enjoyed only a limited run.

Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are stars of Hollywood’s silent move era. Lockwood is multi-talented, and has no desire to be Lamont’s boyfriend. Lamont is an unabated love-crazed movie partner to Lockwood. She has no talents except for being photogenic. Her “romance” with Lockwood is a fantasy created by the gossip columnists and motion picture back-offices to maintain the public’s interest in showbiz. Unassuming Kathy Selden comes into the mix, meeting Lockwood while getting away from the crowds following a Lockwood movie premiere. She is a warm hearted, honest individual who immediately clashes with the wild over-the-top Lina Lamont.

The plans to transfer an ill-fated silent film into a full length musical with sound are filled with terrific dancing and singing. The costumes are especially interesting, as is the set that has pieces moving on and off effortlessly, as if they are a moving picture. There is so much going on in this super production that it is impossible to lose interest. Among the technical wonders are the black and white film clips of the silent movies – starring the cast we see in real life on stage and prepared by the impressive team at The Creative Agency. Lighting, sound, costumes, dancing and singing combined to provide an unusually awesome evening. The orchestra is very good, under direction of Phil Forman.

“Singing in the Rain” provides exciting entertainment. Much of the music is well-known. The first few rows of the audience are provided with ponchos to keep dry while Matthew Dailey pulls out all the stops to sing and dance, and stomp in the rain-drenched stage at the conclusion of Act One.

Based on audience response on opening night, tickets might soon be gone to experience this delight.

“Singing in the Rain”
Through June 26th, 2022
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: coloradocandlelight.com

2022, Candelight, Drama, Johnstown, Review

“Murder on the Orient Express” Reigns As Whodunit Delight In Johnstown

March 23, 2022 Tom

Agatha Christie mystery is, simply said, “Enormously fun entertainment”

Reviewed by Tom Jones
March 18, 2022

Passengers congregate in Istanbul, to board the famous “Orient Express” train to travel to Western Europe in the 1930s. They are a disparate group, a mixture of unusual characters, with one of them (Mr. Ratchett) to turn up dead not long after departure from Istanbul. Who could have killed Ratchett? And was his name really ”Ratchett?” Fortunately, one of the train’s passengers is the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Can he solve the mystery?

Raja Salaymeh as Poirot. Photo Credit: The Creative Agency

For several years Raja Salaymeh was a talent to be reckoned with, primarily as owner of the Union Colony Dinner theatre in Greeley. He has been absent from local stages for much too long. His return to the stage as the detective Poirot is a reminder of how much he has been missed. He is excellent as the careful detective. Welcome back, Raja! And I am not giving away any secrets — he does solve the mystery before the train arrives in Western Europe!

The Cast Photo Credit: The Creative Agency

Candlelight is highly respected for its super musical productions and has taken a risk with producing a music-less show. It succeeds in every way. While Salaymeh is the show’s “star,’ he shares the stage with a super cast of talents. These “talents” are not only the performers, but the staging itself. The cars of Orient Express train fit nicely onto the stage with a great rendition of the train designed by Casey Kearns, with Master Carpentry by Dave MacEachen, and Scenic Painting by Joel Adam Chavez and Lelah Radostis. Lighting, costumes, and sound are excellent. For most Candlelight productions mention is made of “Choreographer.” As “Murder” is not a musical, it has no dancing, but credit is given to Miranda Guettlein as “Dialect Coach.” She has done a great job with the cast’s diction. The sound system is at its best, and there was no problem in understanding virtually everything that was spoken in the entire show.

Playwright Ken Ludwig has done a very good job transferring Agatha Christie’s 1934 worldwide favorite “Murder” story to the stage. Director Kenny Moten has taken the Ludwig work and wondrously transferred it to the Candlelight stage. Moten is one of those theatrical magicians who appear to be able to do just about everything from performing to directing.

“Hugh Butterfield and Sarah Gibson, as the train departs Istanbul.” Photo Credit: The Creative Agency

The train’s passengers include a super cast of Candlelight favorites and new faces playing roles secrets that make them possible murderers. But not to worry, Poirot will find who dunnit! In the meantime, the audience can watch the goings-on while the train is partially stalled in the mountains due to a freak snowstorm.

“Alexander Watson in the Istanbul fog” Photo Credit: The Creative Agency

Elliot Clough portrays Bouc, a longtime friend of Poirot who is Director of the Wagon Lits train Company. Chris Bain has two roles – Colonel Arbuthnot as well as the murdered Samuel Ratchett. Alexander Watson plays McQueen, secretary and translator for Ratchett. Hugh Butterfield, who has turned out to be one of Candlelight audiences’ favorites, turns up this time as Michel the train Steward, trying to take care of everyone on board when the train becomes snowbound. Samantha Jo Staggs is regal as Russian Princess Natalia, with Charlotte Lafonte as her travelling secretary, Mary. New to Candlelight audiences is Emily Valley, who portrays Greta, a Swedish missionary. Another new is Sarah Gibson as American widow, Helen. Her role is one of the show’s most interesting, and she is excellent!

Everything works to perfection in this clever tale. It is a one-of-a-kind theatrical delight. It does appear, however, that the show might be completely sold out for its entire run, so speed is required to check for tickets. Yes, this Agatha Christie mystery is, simply said “Enormously fun entertainment.”

“Murder on the Orient Express”
Through April 16, 3022
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

Candelight, Comedy, Johnstown, Musical, Review, Year

“Curtains” is a showbiz tale of crazy backstage intrigue.

February 18, 2022 Tom

Candlelight spotlights the goings-on of a theater company in disarray with “Curtains”

Reviewed by Tom Jones
February 17, 2022

Jessica Cranshaw is a supremely untalented star of “’Robbin’ Hood of the Old West.” She drops dead at her opening night curtain call in Boston. Was she just worn out for being such a horrific performer, or did someone in the cast or crew do her in? The show’s cast is delighted that the star is gone, but what now will happen to them? Do they say, “The show must go on,” or do they take the next train out of Boston?

Boston detective Cioffi arrives on the scene, announces that Cranshaw has been murdered and demands that everyone in the cast remain in the theatre until the mystery is solved. Damon Guerrasio, a newcomer to Candlelight audiences, plays the theatre-struck detective. He is very good, and will hopefully turn up in future Candlelight productions. He has great stage presence, is an excellent dancer, and will hopefully find himself in center-stage in future shows.

“Curtains” is a clever mix of stage stereotypes. There is the over-the-top child-star mother, the evil producer, the hassled director, and the cast doing whatever they can to become “stars.” Detective Cioffi is in his element, surrounded by the people he adores -– “Show People.” He just might make his mark in finding the murderer and finding a way for the show to go on.

While the mics were sometimes problematic, the sets, costumes, lighting, orchestra and most of the cast were in fine form. The staging and direction are very good and the excellent choreography under direction of Kate Vallee, with orchestra directed by Phil Forman.

Candlelight has a large pool of excellent performers, many taking the stage for “Curtains.” Standouts include Scott Hurst, Jr., Sara Forman, Abigail Kochevar, and Hugh Butterfield. Musical highlight of the production is “I Miss the Music” as performed by Hurst, and again as “Thinking of Missing the Music” assisted by Kochevar. Butterfield continues to be a wonder. It appears he can do everything – dance, sing, play comedy or tragedy. He continually lights up the stage.

“Curtains” is a musical mystery comedy with a book by Rupert Holmes, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, with additional lyrics by Kander and Holmes. It opened on Broadway in March of 2007, receiving mixed reviews. David Hyde Pierce received the Tony Award that year for his performance as Detective Cioffi.

A show-biz hymn, “A Tough Act to Follow” is the production’s pleasant finale. It is somewhat telling, as the “Curtains” production arrived on the Candlelight stage immediately following the enormous success of the wondrous “Sound of Music.” “Curtain’s” performers are a hard-working team, highlighted by excellent sets, lighting and costumes, and super choreography. Great fun!

“Curtains”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO
When: To March 13, 2022
Information or tickets:
Box Office: 970/744-3747 or
ColoradoCandelight.com

2021, Candelight, Drama, Johnstown, Musical, Review

“Sound of Music” Is Pure Magic In Johnstown

December 4, 2021 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Has Pulled Out All Stops To Provide An Incredible Entertainment

Reviewed by Tom Jones
December 3, 2021

“How do you solve a problem like Maria?” That’s what the nuns in an Austrian Abbey are asking, concerning the actions of a new postulant who claims she wants to become a nun, but doesn’t yet fit into the mold they have hoped for. The postulate, Maria, is late for dinner (yet again) as she has immersed herself in the scenery of her beautiful nearby mountains. The beauties of the mountains have been her lifelong happiness. She soon has the entire audience of “Sound of Music” equally in love with them, just as they become in love with Maria.

Emery Hines is brilliant as the singing nun. When the curtains open, a wondrous scene of the Alps unfolds, and the magic begins as Maria sings, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” Suddenly, the stage, the audience, the cast, and all of Johnstown become “alive” with the sounds and sights of this wonderful show.

The pandemic has changed many of us, sometimes to the point of not particularly caring about returning to a theatre for a live show. What a tragic mistake. From the moment the curtain opened to show the mountains and Hines began to sing, I was “hooked.” This is truly one of the finest productions to be seen in recent memory!

The Abbess tells Maria that while everyone truly loves her, she does not seem to fit into the convent’s routine. She has arranged for the young woman to become a governess for a family in a nearby village, to oversee the lives of seven children who have recently lost their mother, and whose father is choosing to be away frequently.

Maria accepts the challenge. She arrives at the luxurious Von Trapp family home to find seven delightfully mischievous young children marching to the orders of their strict military father and desperately in need of love and affection.

Based on a true story, the Von Trapps are facing many problems, the least of which is that their beloved Austria is soon to be annexed by the Nazi regime in Germany. Captain Von Trapp is a highly respected retired military officer the Nazi regime needs to help in their war effort. This is very somber stuff to end up as a joyous musical classic.

Maria’s arrival at the family home is met with interest from the children, resentment from their father whose means of fathering consists primarily of blowing a horn whenever he wants the family to assemble, and to make certain they march for health each day. Maria, on the other hand, loves to gather the children around the comfort of her bed, sing to them, tell them stories of her “favorite things,” resulting in their adulation of the new governess.

Music by Richard Rodgers and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II were the final effort of the world-famous Rodgers and Hammerstein team. It opened on Broadway in 1959, and was an instant hit. Hammerstein died just nine months after the opening. It was filmed as a movie in 1965, again receiving great reviews including “Best Picture” starring Julie Andrews.

While Emery Hines as Maria is the show’s star, the entire cast is remarkable. Scott Hurst has an excellent voice as Captain Von Trapp. Near the show’s conclusion he solos “Edelweiss”as the family is in an Austrian music competition. He then asked the audience to sing along with him, and the result is a heart-warming realization that this man is singing about his beloved Austrian homeland, as he is about to try to hike his family to safety in Switzerland to get away from the Nazis. The Candlelight audience participation is heart-felt!

Steve Wilson has directed this show, with Carrie Colton as choreographer and Phil Forman as music director. The entire artistic team at Candlelight has combined efforts to provide a production that will be hard to equal. The scenic design is a marvel of beauty. Sound, light, and choreography are wondrous. The orchestra and entire cast are flawless.

The cast is comprised of seasoned Candlelight talents, combined with delightful young newcomers, some making their first stage appearances, serving as the Von Trapp children. Families who see the show must be warned that any young people they bring with them will immediately set their sights on performing arts careers.

Jalyn Courtenay Webb is spellbinding as the Mother Abbess who stops the show with her instructions to Maria, “Climb Every Mountain.” Hugh Butterfield is convincing as Max Detweiller, Von Trapp’s friend who is trying to help them flee from Austria. Heather McClain is very good as the highly successful Austrian business woman who would like to become the next Mrs. Von Trapp. Susanna Ballenski and Ethan Walker shine as the teenagers being introduced to romance. Ballenski is the 16year-old Von Trapp daughter. Walker is the “older by one year” messenger boy who wants to take Liesl under his protective wing.

Rodgers and Hammerstein provided the world with an amazing array of wonderful productions including “Oklahoma!” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Carousel” “Flower Drum Song,” and concluding with the beautiful “Sound of Music” as on stage this autumn at the Candlelight. The Candlelight has a wonderful track record of providing great family entertainment. There is something unique to this particular show, however. It provides the audience with a rare emotional experience seldom found on stage. This is a production not to be missed!

“The Sound of Music”
Through January 30, 3022
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown,, CO 80534
Box Office 970/744-3747
Online: www.coloradocandlelight.com

2021, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

Ethan Walker Amazes As A Transplanted Teenager Who Wants To Dance!

September 17, 2021 Tom

“Footloose” Comes Alive At The Candlelight!

By TOM JONES

Ethan Walker portrays Ren McCormack who is at loose ends – yep. He is footloose. He and his mom have moved from exciting Chicago to “Bomont” in the middle of nowhere USA when his father abandons the family. Ren and his mom, Ethel, are forced to move to Bomont, as his mom’s sister and her husband have offered them a place to live. Walker is wondrous as the out-of-place Ren. He can sing. He can dance. He can act. He creates excitement wherever he goes.

Unfortunately for Ren and his mom, Bomont is not excited to have them arrive in town. It appears that a few years ago there was a tragic automobile accident that killed four youths, including the son of Reverend Shaw Moore, the local preacher. The preacher continues his deep morning the loss of his son and has expanded his grief to exclude any type of normal teenage activity – including dancing. Thomas Castro is well known to Candlelight audiences, and he is especially good as the preacher who has not only excluded the town teenagers from happiness, but has alienated his wife, Vi, and their teenage daughter, Ariel.

Heather McClain is convincing as the wife, Vi, and Susanna Ballenski dazzles as Ariel, their daughter. Like Ethan Walker playing Ren, Ballenski is sensational as Ariel. She, too, can dance, act, sing, and light up the stage. Unfortunately she is dating the town trailer trash Chuck Cranston making her preacher father especially unhappy. Hugh Butterfield also well known to Candlelight audiences is very good as Cranston, and he brings a roughness to the boy from the wrong side of town.

“Footloose” at the Candlelight is a wonderful story- one of forgiveness and hope that doesn’t come along very often. It has a beautiful storyline, some comedy relief, and some phenomenal dancing. Music is pleasant, with a few songs that are hummable favorites from the past, including “Mama Says” and “Footloose.” Ren and Ariel make their own magic with “Almost Paradise;” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” in the second act is just about as rollicking a dance number as seen in recent memory.

Ren learned his dancing skills in Chicago and wants everyone in Bomont to enjoy such an opportunity. He even rallies the town around the idea of over-riding the Preacher’s anger, hoping to have an actual school dance. He faces obstacles.

Everyone associated with his production appears to be first class! The trio of leads is amazing, as are all of the supporting players. In addition to the persons listed above other standout performances are provided by Ethan Lee Knowles as Willard Hewitt, Allison Hatch as Ren’s mother, and Sarah Forman as “Rusty.” The extent of talent is remarkable.

Putting the production together must have been a Herculean task! The planned production was to be a version of “Peter Pan,” but that was pulled from the list only about two weeks prior to opening night. Cast and crew decided upon “Footloose” and put the entire production together in only about two weeks. A mini miracle on its own.

Much of the credit for the success is the work of Cole Emarine, (Director and Choreographer), Phil Forman Music Director), Heather McClain (Associate Choreographer), and Jalyn Courtenay Webb (Associate Music Director). The set, lighting, costumes, and sound are all excellent.

Footloose the Musical is based on the 1984 movie that sky-rocketed Kevin Bacon to stardom. Bacon portrayed Ren who has moved to Bomont with his mother and just plain doesn’t fit into the crowd. The musical stage version opened on Broadway in 1998 and versions of the show have toured worldwide.

I saw the final dress rehearsal prior to opening night at Candlelight and was blown away with the excellence of the entire production. Seeing it again a week later only heightened my appreciation for the efforts made to make “Footloose” such great entertainment.

As a bonus to “Footloose” is the current Candlelight meal! Dinner theaters are not highly regarded as great places to eat. That has changed as Rode Roberts is now Head Chef at the Candlelight. The meal with “Footloose” was a super addition to an already exceptional evening!

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Market Place Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
970/744-3747
www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2021, Candelight, Comedy, Johnstown, Musical

The Magic of Make Believe Is Alive And Well At Candlelight

June 19, 2021 Tom

Shrek And His Pals Combine For An Enchanted Evening

By Tom Jones
June 18, 2021

An ogre, an isolated princess, a talking donkey, an egotistical duke, and an unhappy dragon join forces with an amazing ensemble to provide an evening of absolute wonder! Mystery, intrigue, mayhem and a host of fairytale characters merge to provide nearly three hours of craziness this season in Johnstown.

The hi-jinks are non-stop as 13 performers take on more than two dozen characters in this look at the misadventures of Shrek and his friends (and enemies). Many of our fairy tale friends are there, including the Three Little Pigs, the Three Bears, Peter Pan, Humpty Dumpty, the Gingerbread Man, the Pied Piper, The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, Three Blind Mice, Little Red Riding Hood’s wolf (wearing grandma’s nightgown), and Pinocchio whose nose grows when he announces that he is “A real boy.”

The characters have been living in the Kingdom of Duloc and have been forced into exile by Lord Farquaad — sent to live in a swampy land currently inhabited by a grumpy ogre, Shrek. Already isolated in a castle somewhere in the area is Princess Fiona who has great problems of her own, changing persona as the sun sets each day. And along for laughs and pronouncements of wisdom is the wise-cracking, talking, Donkey.

We learn that Shrek was sent away from home at age seven, to fend for himself in a hostile world. Princess Fiona was also “sent away” at age seven, to spend her years in an isolated castle, counting the days until her prince would come to save her.

Meanwhile in the kingdom of Duloc, Lord Farquaad can’t become king until he marries a princess to become his queen. Shrek convinces Farquaad that he can find the isolated princess to become queen if the fairy tale chums can return to their homes in Duloc to get them out of his swamp. Donkey turns up to provide support, guidance, and non-stop jabbering.

Scott Hurst Jr. brings his powerful voice to portray Shrek. He provides pathos (as well as some fear) in the role of the misunderstood ogre. Matching talents with Hurst is Kelly Maur as the fabulous and feisty Fiona. Maur is new to Colorado audiences and is a real “find.” She can sing, dance, and act. She is terrific.

Oscar Whitney, Jr. is Donkey. He appears to have no bones in his body, as he has every “move” known to mankind, with a voice to go along with his athletic skills. Rounding out the leads is Ethan Lee Knowles as the diminutive Lord Farquaad, barely three feet tall. Knowles spends the show bouncing around on his knees, giving no indication that he is really about six feet tall. Every moment he is on stage is great fun.

There are two other “lead” characters. One is the entire cast ensemble. They take on numerous roles, changing costumes in a flash, with remarkable dancing skills. The other “lead” is the sad dragon, wanting only to be loved. This is a combination of three persons manipulating the huge dragon designed by Cory Gilstrap. Sophia Ruiz provides the strong dragon voice.

The show itself is a visual charmer. The initial backdrop of the forest is beautiful, and the set changes effectively to turn the stage into Shrek’s swamp, a castle, the Kingdom of Duloc, and trails throughout the woods. Lighting, sound, and costumes are all excellent.

Piper Lindsay Arpan has directed and choreographed this musical treat. It would be interesting to look into her mind to see how she figures out how to make everything “happen” on stage, and put the performers into their paces as skilled dancers. Phil Forman is music director, and participates with Heather Holt Hall, Gabriela Meriwether, Christopher Norwood and John Meriwether as the orchestra.

“Shrek’s” tale turned up as an animated film in 2001 and immediately caught the fascination of kids of all ages. It was turned into a stage musical opening on Broadway in 2008, and has subsequently been seen throughout the world. Music is by Jeanine Tesori with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Opening night at The Candlelight was exciting. The cast and crew were in great form, and obviously looking at a long run. My only concern was understanding all that was said and sung. The diction will undoubtedly improve as the cast becomes more experienced. Opening night, however, there were no grumbles heard from departing patrons. I only heard, “We’ve got to look at our schedules and see when we can return to bring the entire family.”

This production is great medicine to help cure the pandemic ails of the past many months. As the audience is reminded — “This is a ‘Big, Bright Beautiful World.”

“Shrek – The Musical”
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
June 17 – August 22, 2021
4747 Market Place Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
970/744-3747
www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2021, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical

“Little Women” Is A Heart-Warming Tale At Candlelight

April 19, 2021 Tom

A Mother And Four Daughters Are At Home In Concorde, MA — Far From The Warfront

By Tom Jones
April 18, 2021

Reverend March is away from home, serving as a chaplain for the Union during the Civil War. His wife, Marmee, has remained in Concorde to, MA, look after the couple’s four daughters – each on the brink of adulthood.

Jalyn Webb is excellent as the concerned Marmee, trying to keep her daughters in line while facing challenges of her own. The girls have their share of sibling rivalry as well as familial love!

The eldest is Jo, a bit of a tomboy who is always eager to show her rough and tumble side while not quite knowing how to accept neighborhood boy, Laurie, into the group. She is a writer who has already received numerous rejections from several publishers. “Little Women” is basically Jo’s tale, with memories of her childhood and family and fanciful stories interspersed throughout the show. Jo is portrayed by Emery Hines, a newcomer to the Candlelight stage. She is excellent.

Sara Kowalski portrays Amy, a romantic, with issues of her own – very unhappy to be in Jo’s shadow, claiming that she has nothing on her own. Meg is portrayed by Elaina Osburn, a more traditional woman eager to take on the role of a caring mother. Beth, played by Charlotte Movizzo, is the more timid of the family, willing to stay somewhere in the shadows of her more outgoing sisters. One of the show’s highlights, however, occurs when Beth sits at the piano with a cranky neighbor, Mr. Laurence, making delightful music together with “Off to Massachusetts.”

Almost a part of the family is the neighborhood boy, Laurie, very well portrayed by Eric Heine. Laurie lives with his grumpy grandfather, Mr. Laurence, who the March family feels is aloof and unpleasant until Beth’s music softens him. Todd Resseguie is convincing as the dour grandfather, touched by Beth’s music.

Michelle Jeffres is a wonderfully-annoying as a somewhat stereotyped Aunt March, eager to irritate everyone. She announces she will take Jo to Europe to give her culture and refinement. When Jo doesn’t meet her idea of perfection, however, she takes Amy instead. Chris Bain is Professor Bhaer who Jo meets in a boarding house when she is living in New York, and is interested in her potential as a writer. Ethan Lee Knowles is Mr. Brooke who meets Meg March at her first ball and immediately woos her.

The set is minimal, and is particularly effective. The lighting is also very good as are the costumes and choreography. Scenic design and lighting are by Shauna Johnson, costumes by Liz Hoover and Judith Ernst; scenic arts by Joel Adam Chavez; wardrobe by Judith Ernst; and sound by Kyle Harper.

Pat and Payne and Phil Forman have co-directed the production, with chorography by Susanne Houdesheldt, and music direction by Phil Forman. Orchestra consists of Mr. Forman, Heather Holt Hall, and Joshua Margheim.

“Little Women” was written by Louisa May Alcott of Concorde, and appeared in print as a semi-autobiographical two-volume novel in 1868-69. It went on to become a literary classic, appreciated throughout the world.

The stage musical version opened on Broadway in 2005, starring Sutton Foster as Jo. Foster received excellent reviews, and the production ran for 137 performances. The Candlelight production looks very good and the cast is universally eager to please. Music is by Jason Howland with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. The audience does not leave the theatre humming the music, which sometimes gets in the way of the story. The story itself is well told and will provide those familiar with the story a great opportunity of seeing how the characters they well remember are currently portrayed.

Two songs are particularly good. Emery Hines as Jo sings a wonderful “Astonishing” at the end of an overly-long first acts and arrives too late to be fully appreciated. Jalyn Webb’s Marmee pulls out all the stops in “Days of Plenty,” mid-way in Act II.

The total production comes through with a tender tale of family love. This is a warmly effective look at the March family’s life in Concorde during the Civil War. It is set to be on stage at Candlelight to June 6.

“Little Women”
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
April 8-June 6, 2021
4747 Market Place Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
970/744-3747
www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2021, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical, Review

“Little Women” — The March Family Sisters Move into Johnston

April 7, 2021 Tom

Alcott’s Little Women To Open Candlelight

By Tom Jones, April 6, 2021

Jo is there. So are Amy, Meg, and Beth – under the careful watch of their mother, Marmee March . A musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic “Little Women” opens this week at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse this week for a two-month run.

I dropped in to see much of the show in one of its final rehearsals this week, and was charmed by the excellence of the performance! Returning to the Playhouse, after more than a year of absence, was an eye-opener for me – reminding me of the wonder of seeing a live performance. The theatre industry has been among the hardest hit groups suffering from the pandemic. The Candlelight has been extremely careful in preparation for the few shows that have graced their stage in the past 14 months.

It now looks like the dinner theatre world might be back in full action, beginning now with minimum inconvenience to patrons while observing social distancing.

I’ll review the full show in a couple of weeks. My comments here are just a look at a virtually flawless run-through shortly before opening. Alcott’s semi-biographical novel was originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869 and went on to international fame. The musical version, now on the Candlelight stage is based on the Broadway production that opened on Broadway in 2005 with Sutton Foster as Jo and Maureen McGovern as Marmee.

This time around Emery Hines appears as Jo, with the always-excellent Jalyn Webb as the mother, Marmee. Hines is a newcomer to the Candlelight stage and is a marvel as the tomboyish Jo. She has great stage presence and a super voice. The remaining sisters are Sara Kowalski as Amy, Elaina Osburn as Meg, and Charlotte Movisso as Beth. Longtime Candlelight favorite Eric Heine is at his best as the family friend, Laurie. Each performance is very good. Pat Payne and Phil Forman co-direct the show, with music directed by Phil Forman and choreography by Susanna Houdesheldt.

The sparring siblings are often at odds, but eventually always willing to be “family.” Setting is Concord, MA. The four sisters are at home while their father is serving in the Civil War. Intercut with a look at the family, are vignettes where their lives are unfolded in the melodramatic short stories Jo has written. The most important of these interjections takes place at the beginning of the Second Act where the sisters appear in wild reincarnations of Jo’s fantasies. Whereas I was familiar with the basic story, I was not adequately prepared for the wild insert, but it IS entertaining.

“Little Women” has been a young-girls favorite since it first appeared, and holds up well in its heartwarming look at life in Concord during the Civil War. I’m looking forward to “officially” seeing it in the next few weeks, especially with the hope that I can make more sense of the interjections of Jo’s fantasies.

“Little Women”
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
April 8 – June 6, 2021
4747 Market Place Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
970/744-3747
www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2020, Candelight, Drama, Johnstown, Musical

Robert Louis Stevenson Story Results In Triumphant Candlelight Musical

February 2, 2020 Tom

Robert Louis Stevenson Story Results In Triumphant Candlelight Musical

“This is the Moment” As Two Talents Take Turns In Leading Role

Reviewed by Tom Jones
February 2, 2020

There’s substantially more than the soft glow of “candlelight” in Johnstown this season, as the “Jekyll and Hyde” musical is sheer brilliance. The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse has raised the bar so high with this triumphant production that it may be nearly impossible to beat!
Continue reading Robert Louis Stevenson Story Results In Triumphant Candlelight Musical →

2019, Candelight, Holiday, Johnstown, Musical, Review

It’s A White Christmas At The “Holiday Inn”

December 16, 2019 Tom

The 1942 Movie That Gave Birth To “White Christmas” Has Arrived As A Stage Musical At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

Reviewed by Tom Jones
December 14, 2019

Jim Hardy, Ted Hanover and Lila Dixon are an entertainment trio. They sing. They dance. They entertain. They are very good performers. Their contract in a New York City nightclub is ending, and Jim believes he is ready to retire. He has found a farmhouse in rural Connecticut in foreclosure and snaps up the buying rights. Now he needs to convince his dancing partner, Lila, to accept his marriage proposal and move to the Connecticut countryside where they could become farmers.
Continue reading It’s A White Christmas At The “Holiday Inn” →

2019, Candelight, Drama, Johnstown, Musical, Review

“Hunchback of Notre Dame” Rings A Bell

September 6, 2019 Tom

Hugo’s Classic Story Is Set To Music At The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 6, 2019

That famed Parisian landmark was in the news recently, as Notre Dame suffered serious fire damage and is currently closed for repairs. The Victor Hugo’ famed cathedral story has remained intact, and is now glowing on the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse stage, with a very impressive fire scene of its own.

Dinner theatre has reached new heights with this masterwork production. The set is remarkable, the choral work outstanding, the performers in great shape. This is not the standard for-the-children Walt Disney musical. It is virtually a tragic opera with themes of goodness and evil, haves and have-nots, and accepting others “not like us!”

Continue reading “Hunchback of Notre Dame” Rings A Bell →

2019, Candelight, Johnstown, Musical, Review

“Tarzan” Triumphantly Swings Into Town!

June 11, 2019 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Greets The Jungle Man With Great Enthusiasm

Reviewed by Tom Jones
June 6, 2019

It’s a jungle in Johnstown this summer as Tarzan literally swings on a vine into town! And what a Tarzan he is. Tyler Fruhwirth is enormous fun as the young Tarzan, being raised by a pack of gorilla following the death of his parents. He is a young actor – delightful with great enthusiasm.

Tarzan – Barret Harper Photo Credit – RDG Photography

Continue reading “Tarzan” Triumphantly Swings Into Town! →

2019, Candelight, Johnstown

Orphaned Oliver Asks, “Where Is Love?”

March 17, 2019 Tom

Dickens Classic At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Reviewed by Tom Jones
March 15, 2019

Indeed. WHERE is love? Charles Dickens explored the impoverished lives of London’s lower class in the mid 1800s. The result was his classic “Oliver Twist.” The tale has received worldwide fame as dramas, movies, and musicals. It is now in a triumphant musical production on the Johnstown stage of Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

“Please sir, may I have some more?” Such is the never-before-made request of eleven-year-old orphan, Oliver, in line for his daily gruel at the parish workhouse. The request is met with a very loud and angry tirade,”No,” from Mr. Bumble, the greedy workhouse caretaker. Bumble is so angered that he takes Oliver onto the street announcing, “Boy for Sale.”

Continue reading Orphaned Oliver Asks, “Where Is Love?” →

2018, Candelight, Musical, Review

Mary Poppins Flies & Bert Turns Things Upside Down in Johnstown

September 10, 2018 Tom

Disney’s Delight Lands Onstage at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 9, 2018

That ever-efficient nanny, Mary Poppins, is flying in and out of Johnstown this season. Harmony Livingston is delightful as the ingenious Poppins who proclaims that she is “Practically Perfect” in every way as she arrives at the George Banks household in London. The family has not been successful in finding a good nanny, as the two children have run off a string of would-be-governesses. Mary is a no-nonsense dynamo that knows just what children need, and how to make them enjoy the transformation.

Livingston is given great help by Bert, her longtime friend in fantasy. Cole Emarine is super as the mysterious friend who turns up here and there and everywhere as a friend to all. We originally meet him as an artist displaying paintings in a public park. He then turns up at a local fair, and finally as a chimney sweep who promises good luck to anyone who shakes his (dirty) hand.

Livingston as Mary and Emarine as Bert make a very impressive duo. They are both multi- talented, have great singing voices and can dance up a storm. Emarine’s athletic skills have him performing a maneuver that needs to be seen to be believed, dancing with his chimney-sweeping friends late in Act Two.

The action takes place in London, on Cherry Tree Lane, at a local park, and at the bank where George Banks works. There is a bit of mysterious magic permeating the show, mostly due to Poppins’ extra-ordinary abilities. When the show begins to lag, a mind-blowing evil Miss Andrew turns up. Referred to as “The Holy Terror,” when serving as George Banks’ childhood nanny years ago, she continues to be an evil and brutal tyrant. When the now-adult George sees her, he immediately flees the home. He has never fully recuperated from being under her care. Victoria Pace briefly steals the show in her performance as the dreadful Miss Andrew, appalled that Poppins’ kindness can have any effect on the home.

Everyone in the cast is skillful. Scott Hurst is believable as George Banks, the family head who has virtually traded his family for his job. Alisha Winter-Hayes is convincing as the ever-suffering kindly wife who is not pleased with the way her husband treats her and the children, but doesn’t know how to do anything about it. Scotty Shaffer and Annie Dwyer are the household servants whose jobs appear to entail ignoring anything unpleasant going on, and merely do their work. The roles of the two Banks children are double-cast, with Julia Gibson and Gwyneth Bohl trading places as Jane; and Ryan Fisher and John Miley portraying Michael. I saw Bohl and Miley. They both appeared to be at ease on the large stage, mixing well with experienced performers.

A well-designed and crafted set displays great detail of the buildings and park. Costumes and lighting are also excellent. Choreography is by Kate Vallee who excels with the chimney sweepers “Step in Time” and with everyone in incredible synchronization for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (twice!). Director Pat Payne has assembled a spirited cast of performers and has carefully used the talents of set designers, costumers, lighting and technicians. He appears to have figured out how to cast a magic spell on the entire show.

“Mary Poppins,” as seen this season in Johnstown, has music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and his brother Robert B. Sherman, with additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Script is by Julian Fellowes. The musical is based on children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, using various elements from both sources.

The original West End production opened in London in December of 2004, and subsequently transferred to Broadway two years later. It received numerous awards on both sides of the Atlantic and has been performed world-wide. The music has become classic Disney: “Practically Perfect,” Jolly Holiday with Mary,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Feed the Birds,” Chim Chim Cherr-ee,” “Step in Time,” and the forever challenging “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” (Can you spell it backwards?)

Just like the nanny portrayed, the musical “Mary Poppins” is “practically perfect in every way’”

“Mary Poppins”

Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO
When: To November 11, 2018
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Website: ColoradoCandlelight.com

2018, Candelight, Musical

Enthusiastic Audience Greets Disney’s “Newsies”

July 2, 2018 Tom

Very Large Cast At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Hits All The Right Notes

Reviewed by Tom Jones
June 29, 2018

Dancing is terrific! Director Pat Payne and Choreographer Matthew D. Peters have rounded up an amazing group of dancers to soar and leap nearly non-stop for two and one-half hours. Opening night audience broke into applause a couple of times during the routines – not even waiting until the end of the dance.

Alan Menken wrote the “Newsies” music, but it is not every-day familiar. Most of the audience appeared to know it better than I did. Many noted they were fans of the 1992 movie musical starring Christian Bale. One woman in the Candlelight opening night audience mentioned that when she was a teenager, the weekly slumber parties usually included their favorite movie – “Newsies.” She claims to have seen it 14 times. The movie was a critical and financial failure, but subsequently developed a surprisingly large fanbase. Bale noted, “You say something bad about “Newsies” and you have an awful lot of people to answer to.”

When the movie became a Broadway show, it became a hit and ran for more than 1,000 performances, gaining a whole new generation of fans. The production was highly honored, especially for the choreography, and has transferred to the Candlelight stage with great enthusiasm.

Some of the older patrons, such as me, who grew with Broadway’s “Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” and “The King and I” initially had a difficult time. Diction was not perfect early in the show. But once the story line began to make sense, the audience was more appreciative. By the time Act II concluded, everyone appeared to be “aboard,” and curtain call acclaim was exciting.

Story is loosely based on an actual strike event in New York City in1899. Newspapers were sold by young men and women, “Newsies,” who had to buy the papers each day, making money only on the papers they sold, as none were returnable. Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the New York World, realized the paper would make more money if he increased fees the Newsies needed to pay. Kent Sugg is very good as the heartless Pulitzer. Pulitzer went on to great fame and glory with creation of the “Pulitzer Prizes” in later years. In 1899, however, such generosity was not on the horizon. Even New York Governor Teddy Roosevelt, well portrayed by David L Wygant, was not happy with Pulitzer at the time.

The plight of the Newsies was made even darker, as the police would pick up young boys for a variety of supposed crimes and have them incarcerated in “The Refuge.” This was a horrific situation, as the boys suffered while the police made government money for each boy they placed.

“Newsies” Jack Kelly is the ring leader of the unhappy young newspaper hawkers, encouraging then to go on strike to reverse the fee increase. Logan Traver sings well as the unhappy Jack, desperately wanting to escape the plight of New York City, and wishing to re-locate to the site of his dreams, Santa Fe. Traver has a very good singing voice and is an exceptional dancer. Harmony Livingston plays Katherine Plumber, a journalist who is interested in the Newsies plight. It turns out that she has more to offer than Jack Kelly ever imagined.

While the cast is universally talented, several performances stand out, including newcomer Hugh Butterfield as Romeo making his Candlelight debut, Ben Welch as the unfortunately handicapped “Crutchie” who is taken to the dreadful Refuge, and Cole Emarine who serves as dance captain. There are 28 performers in the large cast. The role of the young Les is played by Tyler Fruhwirth and Hayden McDonald in alternating performances. Tyler performed the role opening night and was delightful as the spunky young boy.

Choreography continues to be “Newsies” primary claim to fame. Early in Act 2, the audience broke into applause during the “King of New York” routine. Choreographer Matthew D. Peters put dancers through a “boot camp for dancers” early in the rehearsal schedule, making certain the already-talented performers could maintain their stamina through an exhaustive production. They have learned well, and stamina they have! Pat Payne’s direction of the entire production is excellent.

“Newsies” is a joy for fans of the movie, as well as for the older audiences, delighted to learn what all the fuss is about from the younger generations.

“Newsies”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO
When: To August 26, 2018
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Online: www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2018, Candelight, Musical, Review

Another Opening – Another Show! 17 days until Disney’s “Newsies” sweeps into Johnstown!

June 15, 2018 Tom

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Offers Acclaimed Show “Newsies” For Summer Run.

Reported by Tom Jones
June 12, 1018

I am an unabashed theater fan. I continue to get an adrenalin rush each time I sit in an audience, waiting to be amazed as the lights go down and the show begins, especially musicals. I take for granted the extensive work that has usually gone into making a play or musical succeed.

This has been an especially rich season for Colorado theatre, including such wonders as “Ragtime” at Midtown Arts Center, “The Little Mermaid” at Boulder Dinner Theatre Stage, ”Sunday in the Park with George” at Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, and the upcoming “Grease” at Midtown Arts. I decided to look into the “making” of a show, and received permission to attend a rehearsal of Disney’s “Newsies,” now in preparation at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

Tuesday, June 12, the entire cast of “Newsies” assembled for what looked to be a marathon rehearsal. The show doesn’t open until June 29, but cast and crew were in full preparation of what has potential of being a seasonal winner.

I arrived at the theatre’s rehearsal hall to spend a couple of hours watching the cast go through their paces. There were about 15 ensemble dancers – 12 guys and three girls, plus about ten other performers, all acting, singing, and dancing. “Five, six, seven, eight. Again — one, two, three, four….” Choreographer Matthew D. Peters was counting as the dancers went through the steps time and time again. He knows what he is looking for. He appeared to be a patient man. And no one seemed to complain when he said, “Ok, let’s try it again.” He choreographed, directed, and is in the cast of the currently-running “The Little Mermaid” in Boulder.

I did not see the”Newsies” movie on which the theater production was based. Nor did I see the original Broadway production or subsequent touring company. I did see a version of the show last summer at Tuacahn in Southern, Utah, and was thunderstruck by the ten minutes of opening-scene dancing.

The current “Newsies” director, Pat Payne advised me a few weeks ago that the dancers were going through a couple weeks of “dancing boot camp.” He noted, “The show is so physical that the dancers must have great stamina to make it through the full two and one-half hours each performance.”

Matthew Peters, Choreographer
Photo Courtesy of Tom Jones

We are aware that professional athletes train unmercifully, but seldom realize the theater performers have similarly arduous training. The performers I saw rehearsing had already passed the “tryout” period and had been cast for the show. Everyone was doing his or her darndest to hit the steps correctly as Peters counted, “One, two, three, four…” The rehearsal was set to continue for possibly eight more hours that day.

The first scene I saw being rehearsed consisted of just a few bars of an Act Two song and dance, “King of New York.” The routine was being rehearsed as a “soft shoe.” The floor of the rehearsal room cannot withstand the strain of tap shoes which will be featured when the show opens on stage. Visibly helpful during the rehearsal was Stage Manager Malia Stoner who appeared to be everywhere, when needed.

On hand to watch the initial dance routine were Harmony Livingston and Logan Traver who are the production’s leads. When they took their places in the rehearsal for the Act Two run-through, they stunned the viewing cast. Their voices are excellent, and their physical chemistry is dynamic.

Pat Payne, Director
Photo Courtesy of Tom Jones

Director Pat Payne has impeccable credentials. He appears to be as patient as choreographer Peters, and the two seem to have utmost respect from the assembled cast. Payne and Peters have put together an incredibly talented group of performers of many ages for this based-on-an actual event show. I didn’t see the set, which is to be a replica of lower Manhattan in 1899. The “orchestra” consisted of a man at a keyboard, and another hitting a soundbox for some recording helps.

Lack of scenery, costumes, or orchestra, did not appear to affect the rehearsing performers, who acted, sang and danced as if they were on a stage in front of a large audience. I was in awe of the natural talent in evidence. Some of the faces (and dancing feet) were familiar to me, including Leo Battle, Elliot Clough, Sarah Grover, Eric Heine, Sara Kowalski, Heather McClain, Kent Sugg, Broc Timmerman, and David Wygant. Many have extensive experience at Candlelight and in other theatres in the area.

No one appeared to be trying to outdo others in the cast. That afternoon it was as if I was attending a large family reunion where everyone was actually happy to see each other and share their talents! Tempers may have flared later in the day; but while I was watching, the experience could not have appeared more pleasant and normal. And extremely interesting.

“Newsies” began as a Disney movie in 1992 based on a real-life newsboys strike in New York City. The musical stage version arrived on Broadway in 2012 receiving great acclaim, including Tony Awards for choreography and original score.

While choreographer Mathew D. Peters and his assistant Cole Emarine were counting dancing moves with “five, six, seven eight,” the entire group was counting down the 17 days prior to the show’s opening night at Candlelight.

Colorado’s theatergoers’ percentages rank among the nation’s highest. In 2015, 59% of all Coloradoans attended a visual arts event, vs. 39% nationwide. I will be interested to see how I and the thousands of Colorado theatre fans respond to the based-on-reality and soaring choreography of “Newsies,” opening at the Candlelight June 29.

An incredible amount of work and extensive rehearsals have already gone into the production. I’ve seen some of it, meticulously counted out – “Five, six, seven, eight. Again, one, two, three four…….”

“Newsies”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: June 29 to August 26, 2018
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Online: www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2018, Candelight, Musical

“The Impossible Dream” Is A Spell-Binding Success On Stage At “Candlelight”

May 19, 2018 Tom

David Wygant’s Enormous Talent Brings Don Quixote To Life In “Man of La Mancha”

Reviewed by Tom Jones
May 18, 2018

For starters, the set is beautiful. The show opens at a Spanish prison dungeon at the time of the Spanish Inquisition where inmates have minimal chance of survival. The show concludes with that same set, but with the background opening on a sky of stars offering a tiny glimpse of hope. In between, the audience is provided with a feast of talent, glorious music, clever visual effects and some inspiration of what humankind just might become.

That “glorious music” includes the forever wondrous “Impossible Dream,” as well as thoughtful advice, and clever comedy relief with “I’m Only Thinking of Him” “I Really Like Him,” “What Does He Want of Me,” “Little Bird, Little Bird,” “Golden Helmet of Mambrino,” “A Little Gossip,” and my personal favorite “Dulcinea.”

David L. Wygant rules the stage as the poet-actor-tax collector Cervantes. He and his friend, Sancho, are thrown into the Spanish prison awaiting trial, charged with foreclosing on a monastery. The prisoners are a mixed-bag of criminals, eager to steal everything they can from the new inmates, and making fun of their naïve optimism of ever being released.

The prisoners decide to provide their own “trial” for the poet and his friend. Cervantes produces a manuscript that he has written, hoping to convince the group of his innocence. The manuscript is his tale of a befuddled knight of the woeful countenance, “Don Quixote de La Mancha.”

Cervantes then provides his “case,” using the prisoners to play the various roles. His story comes to life in this play within a play. There are sinners, merchants, barmaids, clergymen, government officials and even two amazing horses with personalities of their own.

Central to the story Cervantes relates are the woeful Don Quixote and the guttural Aldonza. She is a barmaid used for sexual pleasure by every man in the area. She is hard as nails, but Quixote looks through the exterior, and sees what she could be – a woman of great warmth and intelligence, with the beautiful name – “Dulcinea.” Heather McClain is rough-and-tumble excellent as the shrill Aldonza, not initially believing that she could ever be as wonderful as the Dulcinea of Cervantes’s imagination.

Cervantes’s skill as a writer lets him see beneath the surface of everyone – not accepting them at face value, but what they could become. It is a great lesson.

The musical was inspired by “Don Quixote,” a classic story by Miguel de Cervantes in the 17th Century. The book is by Dale Wasserman with lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh. Wasserman has repeatedly reported that the show should not be taken as a faithful rendition of author Cervantes nor of his story “Don Quixote.”

The original 1965 Broadway production ran for more than 2,000 performances and received several Tony Awards, including that for Best Musical. It has been revived four times on Broadway and has become one of Broadways’ most cherished shows.

Scott Beyette has brilliantly directed the Candlelight production, with great choreography by Bob Hoppe. The wonderful set was designed by Halea Coulter, with Joel Adam Chavez as scenic artist. Lighting is by Vance McKenzie, costumes by Liz Hoover, sound by Mark Derryberry. Dave MacEachen is technical director; Victor Walters is music director.

The large cast is uniformly excellent. David L. Wygant and Heather McClain are the stars, but receive impressive support from the entire company, including Ethan Knowles as Sancho, Kent Sugg and Thomas P. Castro each in dual roles, Eric Heine as Padre, Ben Griffin as the Barber, George Lemmon as Pedro, and Leo Batlle as Anselmo – just to mention a few.

Late in Act 2, Eric Heine (as Padre) beautifully sings, “To each his Dulcinea that he alone can name…to each a secret hiding place where he can find the haunting face to light his secret flame. For with his Dulcinea beside him so to stand, a man can do quite anything, outfly the bird upon the wing, hold moonlight in his hand.”

The total effect is a display of brilliance which is becoming the “norm” in Colorado theatres. This past season alone has produced such great productions as “Sunday in the Park with George” at The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, “Ragtime” at Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins, and now the gorgeous “Man of La Mancha” at Candlelight. This is one of Candlelight’s finest productions in its ten years of providing quality entertainment to the area.

“Man of La Mancha”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: June 17, 2018
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Online: ColoradoCandlelight.com

2017, Candelight, Holiday, Musical

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

November 28, 2017 Tom

Lavish Production is Holiday Delight

Reviewed by Tom Jones

November 24, 2017

Belle enjoys reading. She is evidently a rarity in her tiny village, as many of the townspeople find her to be “odd.” “Odd” also applies to her eccentric father, an inventor on his way to a local competition. He makes a wrong turn, ends up in a scary forest and ultimately in chains in the basement cell of a legendary castle owned by an unhappy beast. Sound familiar? This is just for starters in Candlelight Dinner Playhouse’s current lavish holiday musical.

Katie Jackson is a winner as the charming Belle. She is understandably “the most beautiful girl in the village” and has a voice to match. The local bully and womanizer, Gaston, has decided he wants Belle as his wife. He is an egotistical dimwit, and Belle wants nothing to do with him. Eric Heine is in fine voice as Gaston, and becomes increasingly menacing as the show continues.

The Broadway musical premiered in 1994, based on the incredibly popular 1991 Walt Disney movie. Disney’s movie had roots as a classic French fairytale. A cold-blooded prince was magically transformed into an ugly “beast” as punishment for his unwillingness to help a woman in need. The curse is transferred to the servants in the beast’s castle. They are slowly becoming household objects instead of human beings. There is Lumiere, the candelabra; Mrs. Potts, the teapot; Cogsworth, the standing clock; Chip the teacup son of Mrs. Potts; Madame Grand de la Bouche, the wardrobe cupboard; and Babette, the feather duster. Everyone is hopefully awaiting the time when the curse might be lifted. This will happen only when the beast falls in love with a beautiful girl, and she loves him in return. There is a deadline for the curse to be reversed: when the last petal falls from a rose kept under glass in the beast’s castle.

The Candlelight production is remarkable. The sets, music, costumes, lighting, cast, and choreography are excellent. The music contains several well-known songs from the original movie. When the beast sang “If I Can’t Love Her” at the end of Act One, the audience erupted in enthusiastic appreciation. Another standout is when the inanimate household objects warmly welcoming Belle to the castle with “Be Out Guest.” Bob Hoppe is particularly good in this musical segment, playing Lumiere. The beautiful melody, “Beauty and the Beast” is very well performed by Joanie Brosseau-Rubald as Mrs. Potts.

Supporting roles include Kent Sugg as Belle’s father, Samantha Jo Staggs as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Harmony Livingston as Babette, David L. Wygant as Cogsworth, and Ethan Knowles as Lefou. Brekken Wald and Christopher Walton alternate in the role of Chip.

There are dozens of clever additions to the story. Some characters fly. One becomes a human chandelier rising above the stage. Chip glides in and out on roller-sneakers. The snarling wolves with flashing eyes are frightening.

When I learned that Kalond Irlanda had been cast as The Beast,” I was apprehensive. I thought he was very good as the young Tommy in Candlelight’s recent production of “the Music Man.” He was then playing a teenager. What a transformation he has made in becoming the beast. Irlanda is excellent. His voice is powerful. He can be menacing. He can be kind. He rules the production.

Direction and choreography are by Jessica Hindsley and Kate Vallee. Music director is Victor Walters, with Casey Kearns as scenic designer. Choreography is especially good, as are all the special effects. Technical Manager Shauna Johnson mentioned that the special effects for this production are among the most challenging ever staged by Candlelight staff and crews.

The story and its outcome are so well known that the show does lag a little in the second act. It was as if “I know what is going to happen, just let it happen – instead of providing last-minute unnecessary intrigue.” The total production, however, is an evening of immense talent in a joyous production where everyone involved (on stage or off) is operating at full throttle.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: February 14, 2017
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Online: ColoradoCandlelight.com

2017, Candelight, Comedy, Musical

The Music Man Triumphant

September 12, 2017 Tom

“The Music Man” Has Triumphant Return To Candlelight

Reviewed by Tom Jones

September 10, 2017

He’s back! That smooth-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill is back in town. He can still charm the socks off anyone he meets, even going so far as to sell musical instruments (and uniforms) to the parents of youth in River City, Iowa. He claims that his “Think System” of instruction will result in their children becoming accomplished musicians. But he must collect the fees and get out of town before the first concert.

Hill’s tale, “The Music Man” remains the quintessential Broadway Musical! The show that just plain “has everything.” There is the rollicking opening scene on the train when we meet traveling salesman bouncing along to the train’s rhythm, and becoming amazed with tales of the fast-talking “Hill” guy who is taking the area by storm.

There is the smart, but oh-so-very careful librarian, Marian, whose mother believes is going to end up as an aging spinster. There is the crazy mayor with his more-crazy wife, with the wonderful name – Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn. And the School Board members who can’t abide one another and end up as a harmonizing quartet, under direction of Harold Hill. And there are the youngsters without goals or ambitions, who end up being the joy of the midwestern city.

Bob Hoppe is the conniving music man on stage at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse this autumn. He is a fast-talking wizard who warns the citizens of River City of the potential dangers that the local pool hall can inflict upon the town’s morals. He can sing. He can dance. He can charm the town’s ladies with the wink of an eye, and can make himself scarce when his credentials are sought. He has his eye on Marion the librarian who demands silence in the library, and has her own wall of personal silence. Alisha Winter-Hayes plays Marian. She is beautiful, with a beautiful singing voice, and is immediately wary about what this fast-talking Harold Hill might truly be up to.

The leads are very good, but are nearly overpowered by some of the supporting cast. TJ Mullin and Annie Dwyer are a combined hoot as the town mayor and his nutty wife. Especially in the first act, Dwyer rules the stage. For much of the show the four men on the school board are a site to see and hear. They suddenly find a common bond, singing their way through life. Kent Sugg, Ethan Lee Knowles, Anthony Weber, and David L. Wygant are the quartet of school board members.

“The Music Man” opened on Broadway in 1957, winning a host of awards, and being an international favorite ever since. Music and lyrics are by Meredith Wilson who drew upon memories of his youth in Iowa. He knew first-hand about the Iowa-stubborn mentality, the role of the traveling salesman, and the delights of small-town foibles and celebrations. Robert Preston and Barbara Cook created the leading roles on Broadway, with Preston and Shirley Jones taking the leads in the 1962 movie version.

The tale is the epitome of small-town America of a century ago. The excitement of a newcomer showing up, the arrival of the Wells Fargo wagon with its treasure of items the townspeople ordered, the fun of summertime picnics, complete with patriotic pageants, and the idea that boundless joy and comfort can be realized on a local basis, without travelling beyond the immediate area.

“The Music Man” continues to be a delight. The set is colorful, the syncopated movement of everyone on stage is impressive, and the familiar songs continue to sound terrific: “76 Trombones,” “Til There was You,” “Goodnight my Someone,” “Gary, Indiana,” and on and on. The orchestra is very good and lets the entire cast have a delightful “try” at Hill’s “Think System” as part of the rousing finale

The cast is huge, carefully directed and choreographed by Ali K. Meyers. Victor Walters serves as music director as well as leader of the orchestra. There are numerous young persons in the show. The entire cast appeared to be having great fun, and the audience showed its appreciation with a standing ovation – a rarity at a dinner theatre.

“The Music Man”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: November 5, 2017
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
CDP’s Website

2017, Candelight, Musical

A Twist On The Cinderella Story Offered At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

June 17, 2017 Tom

Annie Dwyer Provides Magic As Warm & Chatty Fairy Godmother

Reviewed by Tom Jones

June 17, 2017

Director Don Berlin has assembled an extremely experienced cast now performing on stage at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown. It is a “Who’s Who” of top talent in Northern Colorado. Matt LaFontaine wooed and wowed audiences with a string of outstanding performances in recent months. In the Arvada Center, he was Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” At Candlelight, he was Che in “Evita,” and the Baker in “Into the Woods.” He is Cinderella’s Prince Charming this time, but doesn’t come into his own as the desirable man of Cinderella’s dreams until late in the show with his “I Can’t Forget the Melody.”

Sarah Grover is Cinderella, coming from a variety of acclaimed performances such as the spunky Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods” at Candlelight. Cinderella in this version of the tale is more downtrodden than ever. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, however, her raggedy dress magically changes into an illuminated blue gown to wear to the ball.

Tom Mullin is the king. He’s been on Colorado stages for 44 years, and is a daffy delight as the befuddled ruler of the kingdom. Scotty Shaffer and Kent Sugg, David L. Wygant, and Broc Timmerman are back! Shaffer as the over-the-top Montague in the King’s Court, and Kent Sugg bewigged as the King’s mother tottering around in high heels. Timmerman and Wygant are not featured predominately, but are familiar faces and talents.

Ethan Knowles is effective as the prince’s friend, John, and Samantha Jo Staggs plays the long-suffering wife of the king. Melissa Morris makes quick costume changes to be Lady Caroline and other women in the ensemble.

One of the newcomers to the stage is Furby, an amazingly-trained dog, accompanying Annie Dwyer’s “Fairy Godmother.” Dwyer is very good, and has the good sense to let the dog occasionally steal her spotlight. The magic she weaves and Furby who obeys her every command provide great fun, especially to the many young people in the audience. Whenever she appears, some sort of magic is just around the corner. Visual effects are great, as the Fairy Godmother can prepare a full meal in the “twinkling” of an eye and can transform tacky dresses into beautiful gowns for the dreadful stepsisters.

The basic story is so familiar that I felt I was seeing stereotypes of characters I’ve known for generations. Heather McClain portrays the awful stepmother and with Katie Jackson and Rebekah Ortiz as the equally-dreadful daughters. All are talented performers but were unfortunately shrill and annoying as they tormented the hapless orphan, Cinderella.

The set, not to be outdone by the experience of the performers, becomes a character on its own. Casey Kearns is credited as scenic designer, with Joel Adam Chavez as scenic artist. The look is very impressive, as are the costumes designed by Debbie Faber, and the lighting by Emily Maddox. Sound by Mark Derryberry is excellent as is the music, under direction of Nicholas Gilmore. Stephen Bertles provides the choreography, including an especially charming ball at the conclusion of Act l.

The movie version of this Cinderella story was released as a British musical in 1976. Songs were provided by the Sherman Brothers – Richard and Robert — who also wrote the scores for “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” The Jungle Book,” and others. When England’s Queen Mother saw the Royal Command Performance of the movie musical in 1976, she noted to the songwriters, “The waltz you wrote for the ballroom scene is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.” There is a super sequence in the second act of the current production when the prince, his friend John, and palace servants compare everyone’s role in life, “Position and Positioning.” While the audience doesn’t leave the theatre humming the score, the music has an enchantment of its own.

The stage version was created in 1984 in England. It premiered in the USA in 2004 at the Hale Center Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah, but has not been produced frequently in the United States. Acclaimed Candlelight Director Don Berlin is respected for his work on a wide variety of productions, with a special interest in bringing little-known musicals to local theatre audiences.

This Cinderella version was created 40 years ago. As in other older musicals, this show sometimes becomes bogged down in dialogue — no fault of this very good production but of the play itself.

The total effect is a pleasant theatre experience. The show looks and sounds terrific. The experienced cast works hard. The mood swings from being a crazy comic opera in the befuddled kingdom, to the sad tale of Cinderella, to the hope that she and her Prince Charming will ultimately get together — all under the magical spell of the chatty Godmother with her mystical wand.

“Cinderella – the Slipper and the Rose”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: August 27, 2017
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Online: ColoradoCandlelight.com

2017, Candelight, Musical

Direct your dancing feet toward “42nd Street” at Candlelight

March 28, 2017 Tom

Lisa Carter Shines as Broadway Ingenue Peggy Sawyer

Reviewed by Tom Jones
March 24, 2017

Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City by train from her home in Allentown. Allentown, PA. She has great naivete, and immense talent, ready to show New York what Pennsylvania can produce. Within a few minutes, Lisa Kay Carter has made the audience realize what a talent they are seeing. As Peggy Sawyer, Carter shows that she can sing. That she can dance. When does she have time to breathe?

“42nd Street” is the proverbial musical about New York City’s favorite area – Broadway and 42nd Street. Talents from throughout the world arrive by bus and train each day, hoping to make their mark as performers. Few of them realize their dreams. But those that do are immortalized by delightful productions like this one, on stage at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

Director Pat Payne has a substantial record of directing successful shows, including “Hello Dolly,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and “Hairspray.” He continues his run of hits with “42nd Street.” There is every cliché in the showbiz vocabulary: The Broadway ingenue, the ageing diva who everyone loves to hate, the young male dancer and singer who befriends the ingenue, the producer and director who want a hit irrespective of what a toll it may take to create such, the show that is doomed to close before opening unless the right star can be found. And the show’s incredible opening night when everything works to perfection and the audience goes home happy.

In the meantime, we are enchanted with non-stop singing and dancing. Tap dancing rules the evening – with every step heading in the direction of 42nd Street. Choreography under care of Kate Vallee, is particularly effective. She has been worked with seven different productions of the show, and her excellence as a choreographer is manifest. She has expert help with the bevy of dancers to provide enormous fun with “Dames,” “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” and an especially interesting “42nd Street Ballet” late in the second act.

Set is not particularly interesting until everyone ends up at the Broad Street Station. Lack of scenery is made up for, however, with sensational costuming. Sound and lighting are good, as is the orchestra, under direction of Nicholas Gilmore.” Choral work is also memorable.

While Lisa Kay Carter as Peggy Sawyer is the show’s star, excellent support is provided by Parker Redford as Billy, David L. Wygant as Julian Marsh, Samantha Joe Staggs as Maggie, Kent Sugg as Abner, and Heather McClain as Dorothy Brock. McClain has a challenging task. She is cast as a comic cliché of the traditional stage prima donna. Her talents are substantial, but she is so likeable that it is difficult to become angry with her character as the over-the-hill diva.

“42nd Street” was produced by David Merrick and opened in New York City in 1980. It became an immediate showbiz legend of its own. Choreography was by Gower Champion who had become incredibly successful with ‘Hello Dolly” and other shows. He was ill the last week of rehearsals and died the afternoon before “42nd Street” opened. Following a standing ovation by the opening night audience, Merrick came on stage to tearfully announce that Champion had died that afternoon. Merrick not told the cast before the show, even withholding the news from Champion’s girlfriend Wanda Richert who played Peggy Sawyer. The show went on to receive numerous awards and ran for several years in New York City, and worldwide.

The story is based on a novel by Bradford Ropes, and had been made into a 1933 movie, before showing up as Broadway hit about a Broadway hit in 1980.

The opening night audience in Johnstown was slow to warm up to the production. By show’s end, however, it was as if they could relax, enjoy super talent, and hear familiar music. They ultimately found boundless joy in the delightful Broadway fable.

“42nd Street”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: June 4, 2017
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Online:www.ColoradoCandlelight.comhttp://www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2017, Candelight, Musical

“Forever Plaid” is forever fun!

January 20, 2017 Tom

Candlelight Brings Memory-Laden Music of Bygone Days

Reviewed by Tom Jones
January 20, 2017

How long has it been since you heard a song on the radio that you could sing-along with, or saw a show that was full of long-ago memories? Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is offering a trip down memory lane this winter with the forever-popular “Forever Plaid. Remember when Johnnie Ray instructed us to “Cry,” or when Perry Como” suggested we “Catch a Falling Star,” when we were told to throw “Three Coins in a Fountain,” or when we watched the craziness on The Ed Sullivan TV Show? Continue reading “Forever Plaid” is forever fun! →

2016, Candelight, Holiday, Musical

“A Wonderful Life” onstage at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

December 3, 2016 Tom

1940s Family Fare Film Classic turns up as Holiday musical in Johnstown

Review by Tom Jones
November 30, 2016

The year is 1928. George Bailey is a bright young man on the threshold of making his mark on mankind. He has been raised in a loving family. His kind father owns a savings and loan company, and has taught George what is right and wrong, what is good and what is evil, and how to treat everyone with respect and kindness. George has finished high school and is set to go to Europe to begin life’s experiences away from his home in Bedford Falls. He plans to enter college upon his return from Europe. Then a lifetime of “skids” begins.
Continue reading “A Wonderful Life” onstage at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse →

2016, Candelight, Drama, Musical

“Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” highlights “Evita” at Candlelight

October 8, 2016 Tom

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s excellent music is a reason to see this sobering tale of political intrigue

Reviewed by Tom Jones, October 7, 2016

Among Broadway’s most memorable moments is one from “Evita” when Eva Peron, immaculately clad and coiffed, appears before the microphones on the balcony of The Casa Rosada, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her dramatic “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” is a plea for the masses to stick with her – claiming that everything she has done is “for the people.”
Continue reading “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” highlights “Evita” at Candlelight →

2016, Candelight, Musical

“Wizard of Oz” Marches into Johnstown

August 12, 2016 Tom

Munchkins are a Marvel as “Wizard of Oz” Marches into Johnstown

Reviewed by Tom Jones
August 12, 2016

“The Wizard of Oz” has been around forever. In 1900 L. Frank Baum wrote the American children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” which turned up as the Metro Goldwyn Mayer movie musical in 1939 and immortalized Judy Garland as Dorothy. The film shows up regularly on television; and many in the current audience grew up knowing that Dorothy was swept away in a tornado – or just a bad dream, after her beloved dog, Toto, was taken by a mean-spirited neighbor. The movie begins in black and white, turning to dazzling Technicolor when Dorothy arrives in Oz.
Continue reading “Wizard of Oz” Marches into Johnstown →

2016, Candelight, Musical

Sondheim Musical Triumph “Into The Woods” at Candlelight

May 24, 2016 Tom

Debby Boone at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

What Happens When Fairy Tales Don’t End “Happily Ever After”

Reviewed by Tom Jones, May 21, 2016

(Note: “Into the Woods” and I are like old friends – getting together after nearly 30 years of friendship, but not seeing each other all that often in the interim. I first found “Woods” on New York’s Broadway in 1987 when it was in previews just prior to its opening. Saw it again a few weeks later when it had become a full-fledged hit. We have visited again a few times over the years – listening to the CD, seeing the taped DVD of the Broadway show. Sometimes it was as delightful and friendly as ever, sometimes –as is the case with the movie version – it had become kind of dreary. So I was a little apprehensive before catching up with my musical friend at the Candlelight this week. I should not have worried, it was as fun — and as serious — as I remember from the first time we met.)
Continue reading Sondheim Musical Triumph “Into The Woods” at Candlelight →

2016, Candelight, Musical, Review

Debby Boone continues to “light up lives!”

April 29, 2016 Tom

Debby Boone is starring in “Into the Woods” this Spring at The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Interviewed by Tom Jones, April 28, 2016

Debby Boone found fame as a young singer in 1977 with “You Light Up My Life.” The song spent ten weeks as No.1 on Billboard charts that year, and she received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist the following year. While she hasn’t been in such great limelight in past years, she has continued to “light up lives” wherever she goes. She is an accomplished performer, writer, wife, mother, and even a grandmother. Her first granddaughter is not yet a year old, and a sibling is expected in the next few months. While in Colorado, she is staying part of the time with her younger sister, Laury, in Fort Collins.
Continue reading Debby Boone continues to “light up lives!” →

2016, Candelight, Musical, Review

Candlelight Provides an Enchanted Evening of “South Pacific “

March 22, 2016 Tom

SouthPacific-SMALL Bussy Gower is the “Cockeyed Optimist” Nellie Forbush in Revival of World Famous Musical

Reviewed by Tom Jones
March 19, 2016

Bussy Gower is delightfully introduced as “A Cockeyed Optimist” early in the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse production of “South Pacific.” Gower portrays Nellie Forbush, a self-proclaimed hick from rural Arkansas. She is serving as an American nurse on a tiny Pacific Island during World War II, and is naively amazed with how different life can be from one part of the planet to another.
Continue reading Candlelight Provides an Enchanted Evening of “South Pacific “ →

2016, Candelight, Comedy, Musical

“Dolly is Back and Feisty as Ever at The Candlelight

January 18, 2016 Tom

Beth Beyer shines as Dolly Levi in terrific retelling of the matchmaker musical!

Reviewed by Tom Jones, January 16, 2016

Beth Beyer is a great charmer as the brassy matchmaker whose marriage she most desires to arrange is her own. Dolly has business calling cards for every eventuality, and puts them all to use in arranging everything from dancing lessons to marriage proposals. Beth Beyer is well known to Candlelight audiences, and she maintains center stage as the conniving but ever-delightful “Dolly.”

Beth Beyer as Dolly Levi, PHOTO CREDIT: Garland Photography

While Beyer reigns as queen of the stage, Kent Sugg is another revelation as the curmudgeon Horace Vandergelder, Yonkers’s famous “half a millionaire” who has hired Dolly to find a wife for him. Sugg is another audience favorite in Johnstown, and is at his best in “Hello Dolly.” He is in fine voice and great gruffness as the penny-pinching Horace Vandergelder, not willing to give his staff even an afternoon off work.

“Hello Dolly” lit up the stage on Broadway in 1964 receiving 10 Tony Awards that year, including being named as Best Musical.” Competition was strong as that was the season that Barbra Streisand stormed the Broadway stage in “Funny Girl.” Dolly was triumphant, however, as critics and audiences were captivated by its vitality, sensational music, and basic charm. Music and lyrics are by Jerry Herman, based on the Thornton Wilder play, “The Matchmaker.” Carol Channing was the original “Dolly.” The performance made her a legend, and she played the role in many different productions over many years. Original direction and choreography were by Gower Champion, who also went on to become a legend, due in great part to his work on “Dolly.” The musical was released as a movie in 1969 with Barbra Streisand playing the lead.

The action takes place at the turn of the century in Yonkers, New York, where Horace Vandergelder is getting ready to board the train to New York City with Dolly to meet Irene Molloy, a widow who owns a hat shop in the city. Dolly has arranged a meeting with the concern that Horace may actually find Molloy to be of interest. The stage becomes alive thanks to Pat Payne who has staged and directed this delight. Bob Hoppe provides the excellent chorography. Well-known music begins with “Call on Dolly” and continues in the first act to include “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” where the stage is in constant motion as locals prepare to travel to the city in time for an important 14th Street Parade, and Dolly’s plea to her deceased husband, “Before the Parade Passes By.”

The production is a scenic wonder. Lighting is exciting, costumes, and set are brilliant. Voices and dancing share the kudos of an evening of musical fun. Vocal Music Director is Melissa Swift-Sawyer, with Costumes by Debra Faber and Judith Ernst. Lighting is by Shannon Johnson with Sound by Mark Derryberry. Casey Kearns has designed an attractive set.

While Beyer and Sugg are the shows stars, they are given excellent support by several performers. First and foremost is Barret Harper as Cornelius Hackl, Vandergelder’s assistant manager. He has been in several regional productions, but has not enjoyed the spotlight he earns as Cornelius. He sings. He dances, He is a super comedian. Isaac J. Sprague is also very good as Cornelius’ 17-year-old sidekick Barnaby Tucker, who accompanies his friend to New York with the promise to see a stuffed whale! Hackl and Tucker find a reason to abandon their work, also traveling to New York. They find Mrs. Molloy’s hat shop only nearly to be discovered on the premises by Vandergelder. Alisha Winter-Hayes is very good as Mrs. Molloy ad Melissa Morris s great fun as Molloy’s employee, Minnie Fay. The hat shop scene is a Broadway favorite that becomes more bizarre with each performance. Timing is wondrous, as Hackl and Tucker are hidden by Molloy under the table, in the cupboard, and under the table again – hopefully to hide from their employer who they are trying to avoid. Molloy’s assistant Minnie Fay is naively super, a perfect foil for the also-naïve Barnaby Tucker. Added to this delightful mix are Eric Heine as Ambrose Kemper and Bussy Gower as an always-wailing Ermengarde who wants only to get married. And then there is the off-the-wall loony Enestina Money, played by Annie Dwyer. Ernestina is a wild-looking woman in need of Dolly’s services as a matchmaker.

Act Two is centered around the goings-on in the Harmonia Gardens where everyone ends up after the parade and a long, long walk to the restaurant. The Gardens were Dolly’s old stomping grounds, and the staff is excited to have her return with the famous welcome “Hello Dolly.” This scene is sometimes too frenetic, and the split-second timing to make the dancing more effective will be a result of more experience.

Dolly is returning to the Harmonia Gardens, this time in Johnstown, through March 6, 2016. It is rare that dinner theatre patrons rise to the occasion of giving a show a standing ovation. The “Dolly” performance that I saw was the exception, as the theater audience seemed to be as welcoming to Dolly as the Harmonia Gardens patrons, with a well-deserved standing ovation.

“Hello Dolly”

Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown
To: March 6, 2016
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Email: info@ColoradoCandlelight.com

2015, Candelight, Denver Center of Performing Arts, Musical

Two Terrific Tiny Tims and Scrooges Wow Northern Colorado Audiences

December 15, 2015 Tom

“A Christmas Carol”

“A Christmas Carol” Offered on Two Northern Colorado Stages!
Reviewed by Tom Jones, December 2015

A year ago I was knocked out by an incredible production of “A Christmas Carol” as performed on the Stage Theatre of Denver Center for the Performing Arts. This year two different productions based on the Charles Dickens story are charming audiences in the area! The Denver Center performance is again brilliant, and the Johnstown production at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is proving to be an incredible crowd-pleaser!

I won’t attempt to report which is the better show, but will mention some of the highlights of each show. You cannot “lose” by seeing either one, and it may just be a decision of going to the show nearest to your home. Both shows provide heart-warming “joys” of the season.

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse photo credit Rachel Graham Photography

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown offers the musical with music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. This version premiered in 1994, and has been a popular attraction for several holiday seasons at New York City’s Madison Square Garden Paramount Theatre. This is a very family-friendly production.

T.J. Mullin is remarkable as the miserable tightwad, Scrooge. He is in great form, gleefully making the season as dreadful as possible for himself and everyone around him. Mullin was former owner/producer of the Heritage Square Music Hall and has been performing on stage for over 40 years. He played Kris Kringle last year at Candlelight’s “Miracle on 34^th Street.”

2Carol 2015 ghost past — Candlelight Dinner Playhouse photo credit Rachel Graham Photography

Kent Sugg is wonderful as the tortured Marley. His voice is excellent, as he warns Scrooge that he is about to be visited by ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future. Also in fine voice is Christopher Walton as Tiny Tim. Young performers are sometimes difficult to understand. Walton’s stage presence, combined with the Candlelight’s remarkable sound system, make him an immediate miniature “star.” Stephen Charles Turner is convincing as Bob Cratchit, the Scrooge employee who is hesitant to say an evil word about his boss.

The set is very good, as are costumes, lighting, and, as mentioned earlier, the wonderful sound. The music is pleasant, but the audience doesn’t leave humming the songs. Choreography by Michelle Sergeeff is very good. The entire production is staged and directed by Patrick Sawyer. This is a heart-felt rendition of the Dickens saga.

"A Christmas Carol" at Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Photo Credit: Adams Visual Communications. — “A Christmas Carol” at Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Photo Credit: Adams Visual Communications.

The company of "A Christmas Carol" at Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Photo Credit: Adams Visual Communications. — The company of “A Christmas Carol” at Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Photo Credit: Adams Visual Communications.

A few miles south of Johnstown is Denver Center’s production, directed by Bruce K. Sevy. This time the story was adapted by Richard Hellesen, with music by David de Berry. The unhappy Scrooge is played by Philip Pleasants, in his tenth version of “A Christmas Carol” on the Denver stage. He first played the role in 1978 on a stage in Alaska, and has indicated that this production is his “farewell” to the role which he has immortalized. He is wonderfully greedy, but has enough sense to realize that his life can make some great changes if he heeds the advice of the “ghosts” appearing to him.

The Denver cast is enormous, highlighted by performances by Pleasants, as well as James Michael Reilly as Bob Cratchit, Jeffrey Roark as the ghost of Jacob Marley, Leslie Alexander as Mrs. Cratchit, and Annie Dwyer as Mrs. Fezziwig. The entire cast is flawless.

The total production is a wonder. The set is terrific, as are costumes, lighting, and sound. This is a more solemn telling of the story, but is an extremely rewarding experience as the show looks and sounds so amazing. This might just be the definitive staging of “A Christmas Carol.”

The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is a dinner theatre in a beautiful venue, with good food and complimentary parking. The Stage Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a super theatre with nary a bad seat in the house. There is a fee for parking.

“A Christmas Carol” whether seen in Denver or in Johnstown this Holiday Season is a “Carol” well told and sung – and seen!

“A Christmas Carol”
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive
Johnstown, CO 80534
Box Office: 970/744-3747
www.coloradocandlelight.com

“A Christmas Carol”
Stage Theatre, Denver Center of the Performing Arts
Through December 27. 2015
Tickets: 303/893-4100
denvercenter.org 800/641-1222, Telephone 303/893-9582

2015, Candelight, Comedy, Musical

“Singin’ in the Rain” drenches the stage with exuberant performances at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

May 30, 2015 Tom

Singing In The Rain Actual Rain Doesn’t Dampen Enthusiasm of Delighted Johnstown Audience

Reviewed by Tom Jones, May 21, 2015

Yes it rains. Not just a mild sprinkle, but a torrential rain falls upon the stage, thoroughly drenching the dancing lead actor, as well as some of the audience in front rows! At the conclusion of Act I, Don Lockwood, enthusiastically played by Bob Hoppe, has returned from walking Kathy Selden to her home after 24 hours of deliberation concerning what to do with a very problematic movie-in-the making. He is joyful with the plans they have made, and also enthused, as he has fallen in love. A little rain doesn’t dampen his joy. In fact a lot of rain can’t even stop him. The scene from the movie became immortalized by the legendary Gene Kelly more than 50 years ago. The excitement has been transferred to the stage with Don Hoppes’ display of talent, as he sings and dances through a delightfully drenching rain! Hoppe not only stars in the show as Don Lockwood, but choreographed it, carefully re-creating much of the movie’s magic.

SITR Press photo 1 Don Lockwood’s love interest is Kathy Selden,. His friend and performing partner is Cosmo Brown. I saw Michelle Sergeeff in her first performance as Selden. The role is played by Rachel Turner in various performances. David Miller portrays the loose-limbed Cosmo. The three appear to be having the times of their lives on stage, as the performance demands of singing, dancing, and comedic routines are non-stop’. The original movie roles were played by Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. Their portrayals have been so ingrained in our movie memories, that it must be a daunting task for anyone to fill their shoes. Hoppe, Sergeeff, and Miller work exceedingly hard to make the roles come to life on stage! Sergeeff is an incredible dancer. Whereas she has a lilting voice in some songs, dancing is her forte!

SITR 2 Donald Berlin is credited with staging and direction of the show. He had his work cut out, putting the incredible production together. The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse management team does not shy away from challenges. Executive Director Dave Clark notes that “Singin’ in the Rain” is one of the two most technically challenging shows the theatre has produced, the other being the audience charmer “Peter Pan” — where the leads flew above the stage, suspended by thin wires. No thin wires this time around, but lots and lots of moisture. I am anticipating a future Candlelight announcement that the Red Sea will be parted as a someday-stage-version of “The Ten Commandments!”

As a plot catch-up – the year is 1927, when silent films were the the entertainment rage. Hollywood’s Monumental Studios is just opening another successful silent film, “The Royal Rascal,” starring Hollywood’s favorite couple – Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont. This is yet another in a string of successful Lockwood-Lamont films with basically the same plot told over and over and over.. Lockwood cannot abide Lamont who claims they are a romantic couple. . When a competing studio comes up with a movie with sound, “The Jazz Singer,” the industry goes into shock. Monumental boss, R.F. Simpson realizes that his studio must face the opposition, and the movie, “the Dueling Cavalier,” they had just begin to film will be turned into a “talkie” – eventually a musical talkie to be known as “The Dancing Cavalier.” So far, so good. Lockwood has a good speaking, singing voice, but the Lina Lamont is a disaster. She has a horrific speaking voice and can’t begin to carry a tune. Newcomer Kathy Selden is brought in to provide the “voice” of the crazed Lamont, and mayhem ensues.

SITR 3 Stephen Charles Turner is convincing as the studio executive, trying to create order out of chaos. Beth Beyer is an enormous delight as the raucous Lina Lamont who everyone believes is incredibly stupid. Not so. She is not only in love with Don Lockwood, trying to hold his affection for Kathy Selden at bay, but is found to be substantially more clever than anyone had imagined.. She is also a wonder to see in action. Her scenes are brilliant – overshadowed only by the amazing dancing which fills much of the evening’s moments.

Among the show’s musical highlights are Don Lockwood and Cosmos Brown entertaining as Vaudeville performers to “Fit as a Fiddle,” Lockwood, Brown, and Selden realizing they have talked the night away with, “Good Morning,” and Brown pulling out all the stops in “Make ‘Em Laugh,.” The show’s greatest triumph, however, remains the “Singin’ in the Rain” finale to Act I.

David MacEachen is credited as being Technical Director. I am not certain what this entails, but the show includes several black-and-white movie scenes where problems are faced in synchronizing the film and soundtrack. One of these technical displays is a flawless laugh-out-loud charmer where Lamont’s inability to be understood is enormous fun.

Photo Credit is Rachel Graham Photography

The cast is large, including good performances by Scotty Shaffer, Samantha Jo Staggs, Thomas Castro, Melissa Morris and Markus Warren, as well as those mentioned earlier. Jack Barton holds center stage for a few moments with his super tenor version of “Beautiful Girl.” The featured dancers at performance I saw were the always-talented Broc Timmerman and Alisha Winter-Hayes. The orchestra, under direction of Angela Steiner as conductor, had some problems, especially early in the performance. This is unfortunate, and will hopefully be fine-tuned for shows later in the run.

The set and costumes are effective, as are lighting and sound., and the set. I wonder how long it takes to dry-out the stage after the heavy rain.

Whereas the movie was released in 1952, the stage version did not appear until 1983 when it opened at the London Palladium, starring Tommy Steele. The stage version has gone through several incarnations including a Broadway run in 1986 starring Don Coreia as Don. I saw both of those productions, and was a bit hesitant to see it this time around on a local stage. I erred. The large cast is immensely talented and the show looks terrific.

And for outright exuberance, Bob Hoppe cannot be matched. His joy is infectious as he sings and dances “Singin’ In The Rain” in the thoroughly-drenching downpour.

“Singing in the Rain”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO 80534
When: To July 12, 2015.
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Email: info@ColoradoCandlelight.com

2015, Candelight, Musical, Review

“Always…Patsy Cline” at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

March 16, 2015 Tom

Musical Memories Highlight an Enchanting “Always… Patsy Cline” in Johnstown

Reviewed by Tom Jones
March 15, 2015

For fans of the late, great Patsy Cline, “Always… Patsy Cline” will invoke fond memories. For those not acquainted with Cline, the show provides a charming evening of music – country, gospel, and rock and roll! Accompanied by an immensely talented on-stage band that adds to the show’s welcoming ambiance, Melissa Swift-Sawyer is in excellent voice, as Patsy Cline, singing nearly 30 songs made famous by the song stylist in the 60s.

From the moment the house lights dimmed and spotlights were focused on the inviting set set and the terrific band, the audience realized they were in for a treat at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse!

“Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “You Belong to Me,” San Antonio Rose,” “Crazy,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” and even Hollywood’s “True Love” are all included in more than two hours of entertainment.

The show was created by Ted Swindley who also directed the original production of the show in 1968 when it became one of the top ten shows produced across the country. Swindley’s credentials are impressive, and his work on “Always, Patsy Cline” is evident, as he has woven an interesting tale to highlight the many songs. It would have been acceptable to have just a show with a talented singer singing songs Cline made famous – for a two-hour concert. Swindley, however, brings Cline to life through the tale related by an adoring fan, Louise Seger, who became a close friend of the singer.

Seger first saw Patsy Cline perform in 1957 on the Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts TV Show. She was immediately impressed by the voice that she heard and followed Cline’s career to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Seger was driving a Houston disc jockey crazy with her never-ending requests to play Cline’s music. He did alert Seger, however, that Cline was coming to Houston for a performance. Seger was there!

She introduced herself to Cline, and there was instant rapport between the two! Seger even took her home for the night, to share her son’s bedroom and to cook some bacon and eggs! This was just the beginning of a deep friendship between the single mother, Louise, and the now-becoming-famous, but unhappily married, Patsy Cline!

This friendship story intermingled with the wonderful songs. Cline did not write her own music or lyrics for the songs she immortalized. But she had great success in selecting songs that amplified her talents and were appreciated by her audiences. Many of the songs explore lost loves, accepting rejection when a lover moves on, and finding peace with one’s self!

For the next two years, following their meeting in Houston, they exchanged many letters and telephone calls, with Cline always signing off with “Always…Patsy Cline.”
The friendship ended tragically when Cline was killed in an airplane crash at age 30 in 1963. By that time she had become one of country music’s greatest vocalists and was a switchover success in other musical milieus. In 1973 she became the first female solo artist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Melissa Swift-Sawyer as Patsy and Alicia Dunfee as Louise Seger are both excellent performers and have great chemistry. Swift-Sawyer sings the wonderful songs, and Dunfee provides a spark that is enthusiastic and rewarding.

Swift-Sawyer knows the songs! She has played the role in more than 2500 performances, singing the songs probably more than Cline did in live shows! Patrick Sawyer directed this “Always…Patsy Cline” production. When asked how many time he had seen his wife as Cline, he noted, “Probably 1500 or more, with my directing many of them.”

Patrick and Melissa just might be the currently-reigning “King and
Queen of Northern Colorado Musicals!” He concluded his bravura performance as Edna Turnblad in Candlelight’s delightful “Hairspray” just in time to direct his wife in this heart-warming version of “Always…Patsy Cline.”

“Always…Patsy Cline”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnson, CO 80534
Through April 19, 2015
Information: Box Office: 970/744-3747. Email: info@ColoadoCandlelight.com

2015, Candelight, Comedy, Musical, Review

“Hairspray” is Pleasant ‘Welcome to the 60’s at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

February 2, 2015 Tom

Candlelight’s “Hairspray” is an Enthusiastic Delight!

Reviewed by Tom Jones, February 1, 2015

Marketing staff of Candlelight Dinner Playhouse got it right when preparing the show’s program announcing, “BIG hair, BIG heart. Big HIT!” Director Pat Payne has put together one of Candlelight’s most delightful shows – ever – “Hairspray.”

Bailey Peyton Walton is a real find, playing the leading role as Tracy Turnblad. Tracy is a Baltimore teenager in the early ’60s whose dream is to be a singer/dancer on a local television station show “Good Morning Baltimore.” Trouble is, while she realizes that she is a terrific singer and dancer, she lacks self confidence, as she is ….. fat! The only “enormous” thing about Walton, playing the role, however, is her incredible talent. She is a delightful marvel, glued to the TV set daily, not wanting to be a problem to her mother, but desperately wanting to be her own person. And she has an enormous crush on the young star of the Baltimore show – Link Larkin.

Hairspray press photo Tracy talks her nerdy friend, Penny, into going to a tryout for the show, when one of the stars announces she is leaving. Michelle Sergeeff is great fun as the bespectacled, knock-need friend. The audition is a virtual disaster, but Tracy ultimately finds a spot in the television show, and becomes even more smitten by Link Larkin. Jordan Centeno doesn’t make a false move as the teen idol, Larkin. He is every bit as in love with himself as are his fans! Centeno has become an audience favorite with his local performances as Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” and as the talented dancer in “Swing” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” When, as Link Larkin, he brushes shoulders with TV newcomer Tracy, she is thrilled beyond belief, projecting what her life might be with him, in “I Can Hear the Bells.”

“Good Morning Baltimore” (think an “American Bandstand”)is produced by Velma Von Tussle, a woman approaching middle age, resting on the laurels of fame many years ago when crowned, “Miss Baltimore Crab!” She now wants fame and fortune for her snobby daughter, Amber, a member of the TV show’s cast. Alicia Dunfee and Alisha Winter-Hayes are super as the snobby mother and spoiled daughter!

While initially worried that her mother might be angry about her being on television, Tracy is relieved when her mother, Edna, becomes very supportive, as does her father, well-portrayed by Kent Sugg! Edna is a riot, played in a cross-dressing role by Patrick Sawyer! “Hairspray” the musical is based on a John Waters 1988 movie. The original movie included a man playing the mother role, and than gender-bending has continued through the movie to the Broadway musical again as a movie – John Travolta playing the role of Edna. In various incarnations of the show, the mother’s role played by a man has been off-putting to me. My feeling has now changed, as Patrick Sawyer is a sight to behold. He makes no effort to make the role seem quirky – turning the part into a thought-provoking experience!

Of special note in an astonishing talented cast is Lisa Young as Motormouth Maybelle. She rocks the room with “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” and “I Know Where I’ve Been.”

Tracy comes through with a mind of her own, announcing that she is for acceptance of blacks as equals – much to the horror of the television show’s producer! A local demonstration for fairness gets out of hand, resulting with many of the demonstrators on both sides of the issue being put in jail. Racial tolerance now becomes the theme as Tracy and her friends begin to enlighten others, with super dancing and music making the whole idea become more acceptable.

The entire show is a joy to see. Set is great. Costumes are wonderful, Performances are universally excellent. The orchestra, under direction of Angela Steiner is very good. Michelle Sergeeff provides the rewarding choreography – she is a super choreographer as well as being the believable nerd, Penny! Music is great fun throughout, especially “Good Morning Baltimore,” “I Can Hear the Bells” “Welcome to the 60s’s, and the Finale that the audience doesn’t want to end: “You Can’t Stop the Beat!”

While everything about “Hairspray”is perfection, the star is Bailey Peyton Walton as Tracy Turnblad. She makes if very clear that an incredibly talented person, irregardless of physical size, can become exactly what she wants to be!

This is a classy show, looking with great affection on the 1960s when “popularity” was determined by the height of a beehive hairdo, a hickey on a dating girl’s neck, being crowned “Miss Baltimore Crab,” or even becoming a dancer on nation-wide TV!

“Hairspray”
Where: Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
4747 Marketplace Drive, Johnstown, CO 80534
When: To March 8, 2015.
For Tickets: Box Office: 970/744-3747
Email: info@ColoradoCandlelight.com
Website: www.ColoradoCandlelight.com

2014, Candelight, Comedy, Musical, Review

“Miracle on 34th Street” at Candlelight

November 17, 2014 Tom

“Miracle on 34th Street” is Reminder that Christmas is Nearly Here!

By Tom Jones
November 16, 2014

With the arrival of Macy’s televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, can Christmas be far behind? The famous Parade is front and center at the beginning of “Miracle on 34th Street” on the stage at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown through December 31. The curtains open to a terrifically appealing view of the front of Macy’s Department Store on 34th Street in New York City. The created mood is delightful – parade lovers looking skyward at the large balloons, the clown-costumed technicians doing their best to hold onto the ropes of the balloons. Even the high=-kicking Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall are there!
Continue reading “Miracle on 34th Street” at Candlelight →

2014, Candelight, Musical, Review

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

September 6, 2014 Tom

Reviewed by Tom Jones

“Terrific Dancing Lights up Candlelight Stage with “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”

Before the show began I asked Jordan Centeno, an accomplished dancer who plays Brother Daniel, about the show’s dancing. His comment, “It is ‘heavy duty’ dancing!”

He was spot-on, as the dancing is nothing short of terrific! It was the dancing that caught the audience’s interest in the original movie musical in 1954, especially the barn-raising scene at the county social. The movie, starring Howard Keel and Jane Powell was honored a few years ago by the American Film Institute as one of the best American musical films ever made. This time around Choreographer Stephen Bertles and Dance Captain Tracey Zimmerman-Dennig have created exuberant dances, showcasing the incredible talents of a seasoned cast!
Continue reading Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse →

Charlotte Campbell Brings Down The House Singing, “I Fall to Pieces”

“Those High School Days” Are Alive And Well In Johnstown.

The Yorkshire Moors Turn Up On Candlelight Stage In Elegant Production

Award Winning Musical Is Ablaze With Crazy Corniness And Terrific Choreography

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl Perkins Are All Back In Town

Greatness On Stage At The Candlelight

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Triumphs Yet Again!

Mystical Village in Scottish Highlands comes to life. It is a beauty!

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Continues Its Triumphant Runs Of Excellence In Johnstown

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse begins 15th Anniversary With Great Swordplay, Music, Romance & Deceit

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Dazzles Yet Again

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Dazzles The Audience And Even Rains On Some!

Candlelight spotlights the goings-on of a theater company in disarray with “Curtains”

“Footloose” Comes Alive At The Candlelight!

Shrek And His Pals Combine For An Enchanted Evening

A Mother And Four Daughters Are At Home In Concorde, MA — Far From The Warfront

Alcott’s Little Women To Open Candlelight

By Tom Jones, April 6, 2021

Robert Louis Stevenson Story Results In Triumphant Candlelight Musical

“This is the Moment” As Two Talents Take Turns In Leading Role

The 1942 Movie That Gave Birth To “White Christmas” Has Arrived As A Stage Musical At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

Hugo’s Classic Story Is Set To Music At The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Reviewed by Tom Jones September 6, 2019

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Greets The Jungle Man With Great Enthusiasm

Dickens Classic At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Disney’s Delight Lands Onstage at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

“Mary Poppins”

Very Large Cast At Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Hits All The Right Notes

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse Offers Acclaimed Show “Newsies” For Summer Run.

David Wygant’s Enormous Talent Brings Don Quixote To Life In “Man of La Mancha”

Lavish Production is Holiday Delight

“The Music Man” Has Triumphant Return To Candlelight

1940s Family Fare Film Classic turns up as Holiday musical in Johnstown

Munchkins are a Marvel as “Wizard of Oz” Marches into Johnstown

Enjoying Theater Across Our Great State

Reviewed by Tom Jones
September 6, 2019