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Regional Reviews: Connecticut and the Berkshires Regional Reviews by Zander Opper The Wiz Also see Fred's review of Forever
Chief among the pleasures are the superlative performances by a topnotch cast. As Dorothy, Minuette Griffin proves to be a revelation. She looks exactly right for the role and is, by turns, suitably perky and vulnerable as the show demands. She possesses one of the most stunning voices I've ever heard. Indeed, her rendition of the finale song, "Home," is spine tingling and builds to an impressive climax. The performance stands up quite well next to Stephanie Mills's indelible version on the original Broadway cast recording. Minuette Griffin's costars are equally distinctive and bring fresh life to their roles. As the Scarecrow, Joe Cardozo is a delight, stumbling humorously around the stage and delivering a fine "I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday." Kevin Thompson is just as good as the Tinman, making the most of the amusing lyrics of his first solo, "Slide Some Oil to Me," and then breaking hearts with "What Would I Do If I Could Feel." Rounding out the quartet of leads, Bobby Henry is a totally lovable Lion, mining his role for all the warmth and laughs that he can and shining in his big song, "(I'm a) Mean Ole Lion." It should also be stated that costume designer Jessica Camarero is of immeasurable help in providing the perfect costumes to aid the actors in creating their respective roles. The supporting actors are terrific as well. Tondrea Mabins is a sweet Aunt Em, and the beautiful (and beautifully dressed) Saige Bryan is all you could ask for in the role of Glinda, lending a smooth voice to her song, "A Rested Body Is a Rested Mind." Everton Ricketts proves to be the ideal Wiz, snazzily dressed in green, and he sounds just great in his solo, "Believe in Yourself." He leads the energetic chorus in a splendid "Everybody Rejoice." The hilarious Gina Lariccia all but steals the show as the wicked Evillene, capturing just the right tone of her outlandish character, and she certainly makes the most of her big number "No Bad News." The Wiz is also blessed with an attractive physical production, provided by scenic designers Kevin Pelkey and Leif Smith, and there is superior lighting by Phill Hill that magically transforms the stage into another world. Music director Tony Bellomy leads a grand offstage band that does full justice to Charlie Smalls' irresistible and rousing score. The Wiz as presented by the Bridgeport Theatre Company proves to be an enjoyable evening of theatre and the perfect showcase for its leading performers to do wonderful work together. The Wiz continues performances at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, Connecticut, through January 31st, 2015. For tickets, please visit www.BridgeportTheatre.org or call the box office at (203) 576-1636. |
