MAMMA MIA REVIEW "Here We Go Again!"

Hey All-

 So once again last night I had the tremendous pleasure of attending/reviewing  the opening of ABBA'S smash musical hit "MAMMA MIA" at the Academy of Music. I was in shock of how amazing this show was. I am not a "die hard" MAMMA MIA! fan, and although I have the soundtrack on my IPhone, some of the songs can get to be a little of 'the same' for me. However, I was proved totally wrong last night! This was by far an awesome show, and LITERALLY had everyone in their seats singing and dancing  to every song.The show itself and the energy that the cast gives off during their performances really makes the crowd want to join in and sing their favorite hits.

 For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story line here is a little run down: "Set in a beach resort in the Mediterranean, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie, a bride-to-be with one wish: to have her absent father walk her down the aisle. After reading passages about three old lovers in her mom’s diary, Sophie sends each a wedding invitation in hopes of learning which is her dad. The arrival of the men from her past is surprising to Donna, Sophie’s fiercely independent mother, who prides herself on getting through life without a man, and highly amusing to Donna’s two best gal pals. The more Sophie and her mother struggle to find truth and understanding, the more it threatens to tear them apart and wreck Sophie’s dream wedding." (Broadway.com)

A few of my favorite songs in the show were "Money, Money, Money", Mamma Mia!, and Super Trooper (Which by the way, they BLEW IT OUT OF THE PARK ON!) Especially when they break into harmony, #DYING!!! The cast itself (which may I add are all non-equity) were so amazing it's not even funny! Here are some of Rye's Favorites from the night:

 Sophie (played by Chelsea Williams) was very good as Sophie, and although she was suffering from a cold or allergies throughout the show, she still played her part really well! 

Donna (played by Georgia Kate Haege, whom by the way is from the very warm continent Australia PLEASE BRING US THAT WARMTH!!) was an amazing Donna. She not only fit the part well, she SANG IT well also, nailing and belting  her hit solo song "The Winner Takes it All". Sky (who is Sophie's fiance is played by Chris Stevens) who was an awesome Sky! He was great, and I kind of have a little connection to him as he graduated from Triton Regional High School, my former high school! We always knew he was going to be doing something great, and he is the nicest guy out there! Tanya and Rosie (Donna's best friends, are played by Gabrielle Mirabella, and Carly Sakolove). These two women were a class act, they were FREAKING HYSTERICAL! They really played their parts so well, and had the audience cracking up the entire show! Bill Austin, Harry Bright, and Sam Carmichael (Sophie's possible dads, are played by Micheal Colavolpe, Mark A. Harmon, and Jeff Drushal). These three are the heart of the show with their witty, humorous, and charming personality! They really casted three great gentlemen to play the roles, and they clearly made the right choice! Kudos to the ensemble whose dancing, and singing where phenomenal, you all were equally as good!

The night ended with me meeting the cast and them signing a few things for me. I love doing these things, and The Academy of Music's stage door is awesome because there are no guard rails to hold you back, you get to walk up and chat with the cast right as they come up, talk about FUN! 

 The show only has 6 shows left before they depart out of Philadelphia, and I recommend EVERYONE go and see this spectacular production. Experience the magic for yourself, and see what over 54 Million people have seen worldwide with  39 productions in 14 languages! Also a side note MAMMA MIA! is currently the 10th longest running Broadway show and now resides at the Broadhurst Theater in NYC! For tickets to see the show visit www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway  or visit the shows website at http://www.mammamiaontour.com/mm/ 

Thanks again for reading, and be sure to keep up with me as I have a few exciting months ahead! Next up: Phantom of the Opera on Tour, which I hope to have a lot of coverage on! You can see a little sneak peek with the star of the show Julia Udine (Christine Daee) as she gives me her take on the show, and all about the new production at my site: www.ThePositivityProject.org

Love & Light,

 xx Rye 

Encourage. Inspire. Empower.

PORGY AND BESS REVIEW

Hello Again All, 
 I hope everyone has been having a good few weeks (or at least trying!) Hang in there summer 2014 is almost here!! 

 This past Tuesday (February 18th, 2014) I had the honor of attending the press opening night  for Porgy&Bess. First, before I get into the show details I just want to say how blown away I was by this show! I had no idea/concept of this show (only knowing it was based from an opera) so you could see why I was a bit hesitant. I was certainly proved wrong though! This was one of the best shows I have ever seen, and the story line was absolutely inspiring! I laughed, I cried, and I sang throughout the entire production. 

My favorite song was "I Got Plenty of Nothing" sung by the character Porgy (Nathaniel Stampley).  It was just such an uplifting song, and was so meaningful in its message saying 'I got plenty of nothing, and nothing is plenty for me. I got the sun, I got the moon, i got the deep blue sea," which can provide such a valuable lesson for everyone today about just being happy for the little things! The music was amazing they had about (I believe) 25-30 member pit with different instruments. The singing was phenomenal, and for once the music didn't overpower their voices, I was actually able to hear EVERY SINGLE WORD which I loved! The costume designs were just like the Broadway revival, and the set was magnificent! 

The night endly very nicely with me meeting the entire cast, and them having nothing but nice words about Philly, and us (Me and my friend Nicky we're the only two at the Stage Door, and they all graciosuly signed our playbills!) Some cast members that stuck out for me that were the best (all though to be fair they ALL are great) are: Alicia Hall Moran (Bess) who's voice was that of an Angel. Nathaniel Stampley (Porgy) who I think played the best role, and played it with such heart and soul, Alivin Crawford (Crown), Sumayya Ali (Clara) who's rendition of the hit 'Summer time" was the most beautiful rendition I've heard, James Earl Jones II, Danielle Lee Greaves, David Hughey, and Danisha Ballew also were some of my favs!!   There is nothing I can say bad about this show, but GO SEE IT! ONLY 5 PERFORMANCES LEFT!! For tickets visit the Academy of Music's website www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway or www.porgyandbessthemusical.com  

Here is a synopsis of the show so you can get an idea of the story line. (credit: www.porgyandbessthemusical.com)

ACT I

On a quiet evening in Charleston’s Catfish Row, Clara and her husband Jake sing a lullaby (“Summertime”) to their baby. In the courtyard, the men gather for a game of dice (“Roll Them Bones”) while Jake tries to teach his baby about the ways of women (“A Woman is a Sometime Thing”). Amongst the players and bystanders are Porgy, a crippled beggar; Sporting Life, a shady drug dealer; Crown, an infamous drunk and bully; and Bess, Crown’s woman who is shunned as a “hussy”.

Porgy wins the game. When Crown flies into a rage, Robbins, another player, jumps to Porgy’s defense. Crown and Robbins fight and Crown kills him with a cotton hook. With the police on their way, Crown flees but warns Bess that he will return for her. With no one else in Catfish Row willing to take her in, Bess takes shelter with Porgy.

The inhabitants of Catfish Row try to collect money to give Robbins a proper burial (“Gone, Gone, Gone”), as Porgy and Bess shock their neighbors by entering the funeral together. After a violent interruption from the police investigating Robbins’ murder, the widow Serena laments his death (“My Man’s Gone Now”). Bess helps convince the undertaker to accept what the community can afford to pay (“Leaving for the Promised Land”).

One month later, the men set out fishing on Jake’s boat, the Sea Gull (“It Takes a Long Pull To Get There”). Porgy, a changed man since Bess began living with him, sings about his life and his love (“I Got Plenty of Nothing”). Sporting Life arrives on the scene and Mariah threatens him with violence if he tries to sell drugs in Catfish Row (“I Hates Your Strutting Style”). Seeing how happy she has made Porgy, the community has come to accept Bess and Porgy decides to buy her a divorce from Crown. Sporting Life again tries to push drugs on Bess, but Porgy saves her (“Bess, You Is My Woman Now”). Bess is invited to the neighborhood picnic on nearby Kittiwah Island (“Oh, I Can’t Sit Down”) but Porgy stays behind awaiting the delivery of a brace for his leg.

ACT II

On Kittiwah Island, Sporting Life interrupts Serena’s “sermon” with a satirical punch on religion (“It Ain’t Necessarily So”). As everyone else boards the boat to return to Catfish Row, a half-starved Crown jumps from the bushes and seizes Bess. The boat leaves and Bess is trapped on the island with Crown, who has been hiding out there since murdering Robbins. Bess struggles against him, insisting that she is with Porgy now (“What You Want With Bess?”). Crown, refusing to accept that Bess has changed, attempts to take her by force and Bess, desperate, gives in to his embraces. The two leave, deeper into the wilds of Kittiwah.

The next day, the fishermen head out to sea, even though it is high storm season. Bess stumbles back to Catfish Row, having walked twenty miles home from Kittiwah during low tide. She collapses, weakened and delirious with fever. Porgy remains steadfast at her side, and Serena prays for Bess’s health (“Oh, Doctor Jesus”). As Bess recovers inside Porgy’s house, vendors walk about Catfish Row selling strawberries, honey, and crabs (“Street Cries”). Bess awakens and apologizes to Porgy for being with Crown. Porgy vows to protect Bess if Crown ever comes back to her (“I Love You, Porgy”). The hurricane bell sounds, warning everyone that a storm is imminent.

With the hurricane raging, all of Catfish Row huddles inside (“Oh, The Lord Shake the Heaven”). Suddenly, Crown barges in, mocking everyone’s prayers with a bawdy song (“A Red Headed Woman”), demanding that Bess go with him. When Clara sees that Jake’s boat has overturned in the ocean, she asks Bess to watch after her baby and runs into the raging storm to find her husband. Crown follows after Clara to rescue her.

Crown, Clara, and Jake all seem to be lost in the hurricane. After the storm, the town is in mourning (“Clara, Don’t You Be Downhearted”). Bess has adopted Clara and Jake’s baby as her own and sings Clara’s lullaby (“Summertime (Reprise)”). That night, Crown, who actually survived the hurricane, returns to look for Bess. Porgy attacks Crown and kills him. Later, the police arrive and demand that Porgy come down to the station and identify the body. Afraid of being arrested for the murder instead, Porgy is dragged off unwillingly. In Porgy’s absence, Sporting Life tempts Bess with cocaine, or “happy dust”, and she considers leaving for New York with him (“There’s a Boat That’s Leaving Soon for New York”).

After spending the night in prison, Porgy arrives back in Catfish Row. He is eager to see Bess but she is nowhere to be found. Porgy’s neighbors reluctantly reveal to him that Bess has left for New York without him. Porgy, distraught, cries out for his love (“Bess, Oh Where’s My Bess?”) while Maria and Serena encourage Porgy to forget about her. Undeterred, Porgy calls for his cane and leaves for New York to find Bess (“Oh Lord, I’m on My Way”).

xx RyeMy

Encourage. Inspire. Empower 

vist www.thepositivityproject.org  to read all of my interviews and more! 

Interview with Broadway Star Clay Thomson

Hey Guys, 

 Check out my interview with up and coming Broadway Star Clay Thomson. He has been  spotted in West Side Story Tour (A-Rab), Newsies the Musical (Spot Conlon), and now currently Matilda On Broadway (Swing/ Gym Coach), [he is on a brief hiatus, but will return shortly!] :) He is such a sweet guy, and I am so thankful he was able to take time out of his busy schedule to answer these questions! He gives some INSPIRATIONAL and GOOD advice for anyone wanting to learn more about show business. He is LEGIT a Triple Threat (which means he is a GREAT dancer, singer, and actor).

What is it like being a part of Matilda On Broadway? And what has been best part of doing the show?

CT: Being a part of the cast of Matilda is truly a dream come true! It's my first time being part of an original Broadway cast! I'd have to say the best part of doing the show would be getting to go to, and perform at the TONY Awards this year! It was a remarkable experience!

When did you start performing?

CT: I started performing in community theatre when I was around 5 years old- doing anything and everything I could! I remember learning all the lines in the shows I was doing and I would say the other peoples lines in my head while they said them. Pretty silly, but I was just so passionate about it, I couldn't get enough! 

Before Matilda you were in Disney's hit musical NEWSIES. What was that experience like as a newsboy? Was it a challenging show to do? And is there a possibility you will be on the tour of it?

CT: Newsies was a blast! It was such a fun show to be a part of! It was definitely a challenging show! The dancing is hard, and tumbling can be hard on your body as well. But it's good for you to do things that challenge/scare you! I think going on tour would Newsies would be fun! But I don't have any plans to go on the tour at this time.

You went from being on tour, to being on Broadway 8 nights a week. What has being on Broadway this past year been like for you?

CT:There aren't too many differences between being on tour and being on Broadway. The biggest (and most obvious) difference is doing the show in a different city every so often vs. staying in NYC. They are both shows that we did 8 times a week, with typically one day off each week. Both are incredible experiences. 

What was your audition process like, and how did you finally end up scoring the role? And what can someone expect if they are auditioning?

CT: For Matilda, I went to an invited dance call that I got from my agent. After the initial call, I came in several times for callbacks where we did more dancing, sang songs, and read sides from the show. I read for Michael and Rudolpho in my auditions. I think I went in about 4 times total. 

What is your favorite song from the show, and is there a particularly line that you sing that you feel relates to your life?

CT: I have many favorite songs in Matilda.. the score is just so dang good! I'd have to say my top two are "When I Grow Up" and "Revolting Children".

What advice can you give to people who want to break into this business?

CT: If you want to be a part of this business, my biggest piece of advice would be to BElieve in YOUrself. Don't try to be what you think the people behind the table are looking for. Just be yourself, and give them the best YOU, YOU can be! Also you can never be too prepared. If they give you sides, try your hardest to have them as memorized as you can! Another big thing is to research what you're going in for. The more you know, the better!

What else is coming up for you in the future for you?

CT: I'll be returning to Matilda in a little bit, but I can't announce what I'm doing before I return, until it is publicly announced. So stay tuned! :) 

For more information on Clay and to keep up with him visit www.claythomson.com, and for tickets and information on Matilda The Musical visit  www.us.matildathemusical.com !

xx RyeMy 

Encourage. Inspire. Empower

keep up to date with me at www.thepositivityproject.org  and see what else I am doing! :) 

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Or feel free to email me ThePositiveNewsmaker@gmail.com

CATS The Musical Review (Broadway Theater Of Pitman)

CATS The Musical 

Hey Guys, 

Last night Friday, February 7th, 2013 I attended CATS at the Broadway Theater of Pitman. The Broadway Theater is  located at 43 S. Broadway,Pitman, NJ. CATS is directed by Kate-Orlando Meditz.  Just a little write up on the theater itself. If you have never been to this theater, then you must get yourself over there! After opening in 1926 and being a vaudeville theater, and then reopening in 2006 it has kept the same historical features, and architectural design while still having the most up to date equipment around! I must say, that no matter where you sit in this theater, you will be able to see the stage without hesitation. That mentioned, the only down fall is the leg room with the seats. It is very tight, but expected for theater of this type, but that is only a small flaw, and DOES NOT take away from the experience of the shows performed there! 

First, Let me just start off by saying WOW! What an incredible production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical CATS!!  They always do such amazing shows at this theater! I must say, I am picky when it comes to seeing shows, because I get the album and show stuck in my head, and I want the  production to be just  like that. That being said, I am familiar with the show and LOVE the music but have never seen it live, but boy did they live up to my expectation! There was tons of audience interactions by the CATS, which made the experience even more incredible (and the fact that I  also sat in the first row in front of the stairs!)  Also the dancing and singing was absolutely incredible! The energy and charisma that the actors had was nonstop and they were constantly in character. 

 For those who are unfamiliar with the show (which a lot of people are, which is okay!) basically The musical is based on T.S Elliot's "Old Possums Book of Practical Cats" which is a book of poetry. Each musical number is the story of a different cat. The show begins with all of the cats assembling together from all over, and  the purpose of this gathering is for Old Deuteronomy to choose the most deserving of cats to make the journey up to the "Heavy Side Layer". Only one cat can make this journey. Although the plot is sometimes hard to understand the show itself is so unique with amazing costumes, and extraordinary make up, and if you get the chance in life to see the show, DO IT!

Some notable actors that really stuck out, and whose vocals were THE BEST for me were the following: Munkustrap who is played by Chris Melohn, and is also the main cat was by far my favorite! His vocal and dancing abilty was absolutely tremendous! Mungojerrie/Macavity who was played by Sean Clancy was one of my favorites as well! His rendition of 'Mungojerrrie' and Rumpleteazer' was flawless, and he hit some incredible notes. As Macavity which was a very dance heavy role he was fabulous in as well, his acrobatic skills, and audience interaction for that number really made the show! Also Tugger played by Curt Foy (which is my favorite character) was great as well! He played the role with such spunk, and attitude, and may i say FREAKING KILLER VOCALS, HOLY CRAP! And of course who couldn't fall in love with the character who is an outcast through most of the show: Grizabella played by Marissa Hines. This is the cat that belts the popular and heart touching ballad- 'Memory'. That song has such special meaning to me, and I was very crucial of this part going into the show, and she made me cry! One of the best voices I have EVER EVER heard for this part (sorry Betty Buckley :/your still amazing). Some of the other actors who i felt were marvelous were: Jennyanydots (Caitlin Catanella), Deuteronomy (Dorien Belle), Jellylorum (Samantha DeWit), Jordan O'Brien (Rumpleteazer), and Bustopher Jones (Kelly Briggs, who is apart of the Actors Equity Association, AEA). 

 All in all, this one the 2nd best show I have ever seen at this theatre, and to everyone who missed it, you guys missed  A STELLAR SHOW!!!!! 

For more information about shows at the Broadway Theater of Pitman please visit www.thebroadwaytheatre.org

And make sure you continue to keep up with me, and everything  I am doing to change media in a POSITIVE way at: www.thepositivityproject.org

xx RyeMy "The Positive News maker"  

Encourage. Inspire. Empower 

*If you know someone who is currently making a difference in this world today (influential or not), and they would like to be interviewed, or you would like me to come review your show for your theater. Please contact me at : thepositivenewsmaker@gmail.com*