[NEohioPAL]review Kalliope's SUMMER OF '42

Tue Oct 12 07:45:33 PDT 2004

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SUMMER OF 42 another critical hit and audience favorite
Kalliope Stage launches their second season with SUMMER OF 42, a new musical based on the 1971 hit movie. An exciting cast of area students join New York and Cleveland professionals to create a raucously funny hit with vocal fireworks in a story especially timely today. Don't miss the opportunity to see this critically acclaimed area premier. The reviews are in---read for yourself.

PLAIN DEALER: "At Kalliope Stage, director Paul F. Gurgol gets the tone exactly right with a luminous production of "Summer of 42." Staging the area premiere of the musical adaptation of the 1971 movie, Gurgol makes theatrical magic with impeccable casting and direction that is both delicate and deep. He takes a big risk - staging a story about teens at a professional theater and putting real teens in the roles - and it's a risk that pays huge dividends. The cast, led by the amazing Alex Wyse, is funny, touching and very real. . . It's a beautiful production--funny, sweet and moving--to open Kalliope's second season and an excellent introduction to the strengths of this new professional company." (Linda Eisenstein)

SCENE: "Yep, it's a musical version of the movie, and it's a good thing Kalliope decided to do it, since it requires adolescent boys to sing and act. Thankfully, this company's dedication to splendid voices and evocative presentations has landed it some very talented local high schoolers, who perform like seasoned troopers. Alex Wyse plays the lead, Hermie, with such a cute and fragile boyishness, you just want to hug him (and it doesn't hurt that he looks like a teenage Fred Astaire). Director Paul F. Gurgol finds all the nooks of sentiment and crannies of humor (a boy buying his first "rubbers" in a drugstore) to give everyone a twinge of longing for the blissfully naive good ol' days." (Christine Howey)

CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS: "Humor and heartbreak coalesce in a story told in flashback about a young boy who falls for an older woman whose husband is away at war. Alex Wyse is equal parts touching and funny as the ingenuous Hermie whose adolescent awakening wavers between bumbling earnestness and precocious sensitivity. Aaron Dore is the horny Oscy, while the bespectacled Dan O'Neill fits the role of the nerdy Benji, more interested in birds than the birds and the bees. The object of Hermie's obsession is Dorothy, a war bride torn between loneliness and the nascent desire of a woman separated from her soldier husband. Jodi Brinkman gives a towering performance in that role. Chris Pohl is impressive in a brief but notable appearance as Dorothy's husband, Pete. Seasoned New York actor Jay Strauss is sublime as the droll proprietor, Mr. Sanders, and the famously glib reporter, Walter Winchell. A trio of Andrew Sisters types, alternately serving as a Greek chorus and a gaggle of teenage
 girls, features Elizabeth Kelly as the "fast" Miriam, Jamie Finkenthal as the self-conscious Aggie, and Julie Marx as the bookish Gloria who talks with a lisp. The six talented, youthful performers (all save one are in high school) deliver well-honed performances under Paul F. Gurgol's meticulous direction." (Fran Heller)

THE TIMES (Chagrin Valley): "At the Kalliope storefront theater on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, director Paul Gurgol has assembled a first-rate cast and has taken the Oscar-winning screenplay and has been able to achieve the improbable. Combining comedy and tear-jerking sentimentality, Mr. Gurgol has pushed the plot, the songs, the script and his perfect cast to the limits. Yes, you can go back and relive this book-to-movie-to-stage experience . . . Jay Strauss plays Winchell, the older Hermie and Mr. Sanders, who, in a very funny scene, sells Hermie a package of condoms. Jodi Brinkman convinces as Dorothy, the lonely war bride, and can she sing. Though Mr. Kirschenbaum's ballads have a sameness, Miss Brinkman's thrilling vocals demand that you listen. As Hermie, Alex Wyse has a likable innocence. His gradual connection to this older woman is heartwarming. Aaron Dore, as the sex-driven Oscy, and Jamie Finkenthal, Elizabeth Kelly and Julie Marx all have just the right touch as the
 would-be sex objects; and, when they double as the singing sisters, they are terrific. Jay Strauss, who triples as Winchell, Mr. Sanders, and the wistful older Hermie, shows his remarkable versatility. In today's time of war, "Summer of 42" could catch on with audiences even more than the original movie." (Herb Hammer)

THE TIMES (Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times): "Kalliope Stage's production, under the watchful eye of Paul Gurgol, is excellent. Gurgol gets all of the laughs, the tenderness and the reality out of the script. He allows the audience to become swallowed up in the era. He is aided greatly by Russ Borski's mood setting and workable set, Kim Brown's period right costumes, Marcus Dana's lighting design and Chad Helms sound design. The playing space also aids. This isa play that needs intimacy and since no viewer is more than 15-feet from the action in Kalliope's small theater, the personal tie to the perfomers is easily accomplished. The Kalliope cast is excellent. Beachwood High School senior Alex Wyse was born to play Hermie. His skinny frame, which features flailing arms and weak-kneed legs, gives him a look which is perfect for the role. But more important is Wyse's total control over the character. His small, yet well-pitched voice, is
 plaintive in the love songs, his yearnings perfectly revealed. It's worth seeing the show just to share Hermie's anguish and angst as Wyse lives them. Jodi Brinkman is the perfect Broadway-leading lady. She is a wonderful actress, beautiful and posesses a compelling and big vocal sound. She makes for a perfect Dorothy. Wyse and Brinkman not only sing well together, but seem to have a powerful emotional connection. Jay Strauss, a veteran New York actor, plays the drug store owner, Walter Winchell and the aged Hermie with total delight. He is a wonderful character actor."(Roy Berko)

Ticket Information
SUMMER OF 42 is onstage at Kalliope Stage through November 7. Shows are Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Some performances are sold out. Reserve online at www.KalliopeStage.com or call the box office at 216.321.0870.

About Kalliope Stage
Kalliope Stage is the new professional musical theater at Cedar and Lee in Cleveland Heights. The 2004-2005 season begins with two area premiers. SUMMER OF 42 is the new musical based on the hit movie with music and lyrics by David Kirschenbaum and book by Hunter Foster. Relive the humor and poignancy of coming of age and falling in love for the very first time. Soaring music makes this show a Kalliope top choice. Next it's time to do THE CHRISTMAS CAROL RAG by Norman Allen. Meet Eveyln Scrooge and her chain-rattling partner Janet Marley in another noteworthy Cleveland premier. A haunted sweatshop in old New York brings out all the usual suspects with some unexpected twists. The foot-stomping ragtime score and witty script are a treat for all ages. Spring brings the witty comic romance: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Gorgeous melodies evoke the lush scent of an endless summer evening. The sun won't set, one magical night, until every mismatched lover finds their perfect partner. Soon the moon
 smiles on lovers, fools, and rememberers in this Sondheim masterpiece. And summer arrives with the musical comedy, BABY. Thee unsuspecting couples suddenly find themselves expecting in this very moving, very funny romp. Meet Lizzie, Danny, Pam, Nick, Alan, and Arlene as they tackle everything "in the family way." Subscription opportunities are available through November 7, and guarantee reserved seating.

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<DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black">SUMMER OF 42 another <FONT color=#ff007f>critical hit</FONT> and <FONT color=#ff9f40>audience favorite</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book">Kalliope Stage launches their second season with <STRONG>SUMMER OF 42</STRONG>, a new musical based on the 1971 hit movie. An exciting cast of area students join New York and Cleveland professionals to create a raucously funny hit with vocal fireworks in a story especially timely today. Don't miss the opportunity to see this critically acclaimed area premier. The reviews are in---read for yourself.</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"></FONT><FONT face=Arial><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"><FONT color=#ff80bf size=3><STRONG>PLAIN DEALER:</STRONG></FONT> </FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial><STRONG><FONT size=2>"<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">At Kalliope Stage, director Paul F. Gurgol gets the tone exactly right with a luminous production of "Summer of 42." Staging the area premiere of the musical adaptation of the 1971 movie, Gurgol makes theatrical magic with impeccable casting and direction that is both delicate and deep. He takes a big risk - staging a story about teens at a professional theater and putting real teens in the roles - and it's a risk that pays huge dividends. The cast, led by the amazing Alex Wyse, is funny, touching and very real. . . It's a beautiful production--funny, sweet and moving--to open Kalliope's second season
 and an excellent introduction to the strengths of this new professional company." (Linda Eisenstein)</SPAN></FONT></STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT color=#ff9f40>SCENE:</FONT></STRONG> <STRONG><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>"<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Yep, it's a musical version of the movie, and it's a good thing Kalliope decided to do it, since it requires adolescent boys to sing and act. Thankfully, this company's dedication to splendid voices and evocative presentations has landed it some very talented local high schoolers, who perform like seasoned troopers. Alex Wyse plays the lead, Hermie, with such a cute and fragile boyishness, you just want to hug him (and it doesn't hurt that he looks like a teenage Fred Astaire). Director Paul F. Gurgol finds
 all the nooks of sentiment and crannies of humor (a boy buying his first "rubbers" in a drugstore) to give everyone a twinge of longing for the blissfully naive good ol' days." (Christine Howey)</SPAN></FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN></STRONG></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT color=#ff80bf>CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS:</FONT></STRONG> <STRONG><FONT face=Arial>"<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Humor and heartbreak coalesce in a story told in flashback about a young boy who falls for an older woman whose husband is
 away at war. Alex Wyse is equal parts touching and funny as the ingenuous Hermie whose adolescent awakening wavers between bumbling earnestness and precocious sensitivity. Aaron Dore is the horny Oscy, while the bespectacled Dan O'Neill fits the role of the nerdy Benji, more interested in birds than the birds and the bees. The object of Hermie's obsession is Dorothy, a war bride torn between loneliness and the nascent desire of a woman separated from her soldier husband. Jodi Brinkman gives a towering performance in that role. Chris Pohl is impressive in a brief but notable appearance as Dorothy's husband, Pete. Seasoned New York actor Jay Strauss is sublime as the droll proprietor, Mr. Sanders, and the famously glib reporter, Walter Winchell. A trio of Andrew Sisters types, alternately serving as a Greek chorus and a gaggle of teenage girls, features Elizabeth Kelly as the "fast" Miriam, Jamie Finkenthal as the self-conscious Aggie, and Julie Marx as the bookish Gloria who
 talks with a lisp. The six talented, youthful performers (all save one are in high school) deliver well-honed performances under Paul F. Gurgol's meticulous direction." (Fran Heller)</SPAN></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT color=#ff9f40>THE TIMES (Chagrin Valley):</FONT></STRONG> <STRONG><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>"<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">At the Kalliope storefront theater on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, director Paul Gurgol has assembled a first-rate cast and has taken the Oscar-winning screenplay and has been able to achieve the improbable. Combining comedy and tear-jerking sentimentality, Mr. Gurgol has pushed the plot, the songs, the script and his perfect cast to the limits. Yes, you can go back and relive this book-to-movie-to-stage experience . . . Jay Strauss plays Winchell, the
 older Hermie and Mr. Sanders, who, in a very funny scene, sells Hermie a package of condoms. Jodi Brinkman convinces as Dorothy, the lonely war bride, and can she sing. Though Mr. Kirschenbaum's ballads have a sameness, Miss Brinkman's thrilling vocals demand that you listen. As Hermie, Alex Wyse has a likable innocence. His gradual connection to this older woman is heartwarming. Aaron Dore, as the sex-driven Oscy, and Jamie Finkenthal, Elizabeth Kelly and Julie Marx all have just the right touch as the would-be sex objects; and, when they double as the singing sisters, they are terrific. Jay Strauss, who triples as Winchell, Mr. Sanders, and the wistful older Hermie, shows his remarkable versatility. In today's time of war, "Summer of 42" could catch on with audiences even more than the original movie." (Herb Hammer)</SPAN></FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN></FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT color=#ff80bf>THE TIMES (<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times)</SPAN>:</FONT></STRONG> <STRONG><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>"<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Kalliope Stage's production, under the watchful eye of Paul Gurgol, is excellent. Gurgol gets all of the laughs, the tenderness and the reality out of the script. He allows the
 audience to become swallowed up in the era. He is aided greatly by Russ Borski's mood setting and workable set, Kim Brown's period right costumes, Marcus Dana's lighting design and Chad Helms sound design. The playing space also aids. This isa play that needs intimacy and since no viewer is more than 15-feet from the action in Kalliope's small theater, the personal tie to the perfomers is easily accomplished. The Kalliope cast is excellent. Beachwood High School senior Alex Wyse was born to play Hermie. His skinny frame, which features flailing arms and weak-kneed legs, gives him a look which is perfect for the role. But more important is Wyse's total control over the character. His small, yet well-pitched voice, is plaintive in the love songs, his yearnings perfectly revealed. It's worth seeing the show just to share Hermie's anguish and angst as Wyse lives them. Jodi Brinkman is the perfect Broadway-leading lady. She is a wonderful actress, beautiful and posesses a
 compelling and big vocal sound. She makes for a perfect Dorothy. Wyse and Brinkman not only sing well together, but seem to have a powerful emotional connection. Jay Strauss, a veteran New York actor, plays the drug store owner, Walter Winchell and the aged Hermie with total delight. He is a wonderful character actor."(Roy Berko)</SPAN></FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN></FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Arial Black" size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book" size=3><STRONG><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN></FONT></FONT></STRONG></FONT></SPAN>Ticket Information</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"><STRONG>SUMMER OF 42 is onstage at Kalliope Stage through November 7. Shows are Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Some performances are sold out. Reserve online at </STRONG></FONT><A href="http://www.KalliopeStage.com"><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"><STRONG>www.KalliopeStage.com</STRONG></FONT></A><FONT face="Franklin Gothic Book"><STRONG> or call the box office at 216.321.0870.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dfffbf" face="Arial Black">About Kalliope Stage</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dfffbf" face="Franklin Gothic Book">Kalliope Stage is the new professional musical theater at Cedar and Lee in Cleveland Heights. The 2004-2005 season begins with two area premiers. <STRONG>SUMMER OF 42</STRONG> is the new musical based on the hit movie with music and lyrics by David Kirschenbaum and book by Hunter Foster. Relive the humor and poignancy of coming of age and falling in love for the very first time. Soaring music makes this show a Kalliope top choice. Next it's time to do <STRONG>THE CHRISTMAS CAROL RAG</STRONG> by Norman Allen. Meet Eveyln Scrooge and her chain-rattling partner Janet Marley in another noteworthy Cleveland premier. A haunted sweatshop in old New York brings out all the usual suspects with some unexpected twists. The foot-stomping ragtime score and witty script are a treat for all ages. Spring brings the witty comic romance: <STRONG>A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC</STRONG>. Gorgeous melodies evoke the lush
 scent of an endless summer evening. The sun won't set, one magical night, until every mismatched lover finds their perfect partner. Soon the moon smiles on lovers, fools, and rememberers in this Sondheim masterpiece. And summer arrives with the musical comedy, <STRONG>BABY</STRONG>. Thee unsuspecting couples suddenly find themselves expecting in this very moving, very funny romp. Meet Lizzie, Danny, Pam, Nick, Alan, and Arlene as they tackle everything "in the family way." Subscription opportunities are available through November 7, and guarantee reserved seating.</FONT></FONT></DIV></DIV>
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>From pr at clevelandplayhouse.com" <pr at clevelandplayhouse.com  Tue Oct 12 17:35:59 2004
From: pr at clevelandplayhouse.com" <pr at clevelandplayhouse.com (Public Relations)
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 12:35:59 -0400
Subject: [NEohioPAL]The Cleveland Play House - For Immediate Release!
Message-ID: <01C4B058.28E78A50.pr at clevelandplayhouse.com>

Dear NEOHIOPAL:

For Immediate Release...

THE CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE REMOUNTS
BROADWAY PRODUCTION OF ENCHANTED APRIL
Michael Wilson to Direct Matthew Barber's 2003 Best Play Tony Nominee
http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/releases/release.asp?key=20041011

Contact:
Julie Fogel, The Cleveland Play House, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing, 216/795-7000 x236

The Cleveland Play House
8500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH  44106-0189
http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com