[NEohioPAL]Berko review: ON THE RECORD

[Roy Berko]

DISNEY’S ‘ON THE RECORD’ A CROWD PLEASER AT PALACE

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	


When theatre-goers think Disney, they imagine amazing
special effects (think the huge animal puppets in
‘LION KING’), lush sets and costumes (imagine ‘BEAUTY
AND THE BEAST’) and pageantry (consider ‘AIDA’). 
Well, none of these are present in the newest Disney
stage creation, ‘ON THE RECORD.’   What is displayed
are 64 of the most beloved songs ever written, music
that has been showcased during the past 75 years in
Disney created films and theatrical productions. 
Songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from
‘MARY POPPINS,’ “Colors of the Wind” found in the
animated film ‘POCAHONTAS, “When I See an Elephant
Fly” from ‘DUMBO,’ “You Got a Friend in Me” which was
featured in ‘TOY STORY,’ and “When You Wish Upon a
Star,” the wonderful message-oriented  song from
‘PINOCCHIO.’  

Those expecting a full-scale Disneyesque production
might be disappointed, but once they switch their
minds to accepting that this is a display of wonderful
music and not a showcase for sets, costumes and
lighting effects, they will undoubtedly enjoy
themselves.  This was evidenced by the thunderous
applause that met many of the musical numbers and the
roaring standing ovation at the conclusion of the show
during opening night of the show.  It was further
evidenced by the comments by patrons as they excitedly
left the theatre, comments such as “That was
wonderful,” “I loved it” and “I’ve seen it three times
already and I’m coming back on Sunday.”  The latter
was stated by one of the area’s premiere director of
musicals.

Highlight numbers included a mesmerizing version of
“Out There” (‘THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME’) sung by
Andrew Samonsky, and the ensemble performed “Pink
Elephants on Parade” (‘DUMBO’) and “Be Our Guest”
(‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’).  The latter was presented
with film clips and sung in French, German, Japanese,
Swedish and English.  “Reflection” from the movie
‘MULAN’ received a gorgeous interpretation by Ashley
Brown.  “Minnie Yoo-Hoo” from the animated ‘THE
SHINDIG’ featured creative choreography.   And the
duet of “HIGH-HO” and “THE WORKING SONG” from ‘SNOW
WHITE’ brought roars of approval from the sold out
audience.  “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” (‘ARISTOCATS)
was another choreographic and performance winner.

Robert Longbottom, who served as both director and
choreographer not only displayed a strong creative
bent, but also a wise selector of talent.  The cast
was outstanding.  There wasn’t a weak link in the
unit.  

Ashley Brown is both beautiful and talented.  She is a
casting director’s dream.  Think Belle in ‘BEAUTY AND
THE BEST,’ think a living Snow White.  She makes a
presence each time she sings, smiles and lights up the
stage.  Remember her name, you’ll be hearing it again
as she rises to the top of the Broadway heap.

Handsome, cocky, Andrew Samonsky was her equal.  He of
ripped body, dazzling smile, wonderful singing voice,
and strong acting talents had the teenage girls in the
front row screaming for more and, a female senior
citizen behind me moaning, “He’s just adorable.”  His
version of “I Won’t Say” from ‘HERCULES’ was
compelling.

Emily Skinner as the “mature” female in the cast, has
a strong voice, much in the mode of Barbara Cook who
has made singing Disney songs her career.  She was
nicely balanced by Brian Sutherland as the other
senior member of the cast.  

The supporting quartet of Meredith Inglesby, Andy
Karl, Tyler Maynard and Keewa Nurulah are super
dancers and singers.  

With all this said, issues arise.  The local
production is the world premiere.  Forever, it will be
noted that on November 9 ‘ON THE RECORD’ previewed in
Cleveland.  Will that notation be met with a long run
on Broadway, following an extended road trip?   Will
Broadway audiences be willing to pay big bucks to see
a contrived plot show driven by strong singing and
dancing, but no impressive set or visual gimmicks?  
Will the fact that ‘ON THE RECORD’ doesn’t fit past
Disney molds be a detriment?  Since the show is
obviously not aimed at children, many of whom aren’t
familiar with the songs and want “action,” can eight
very talented singers and dancers be enough to hold
their attention?   Will the producers decide that they
need to add more traditional Disney to the format and
junk this version and rewrite and restage to give the
audience what they expect?  Only time will tell.

CAPSULE JUDGMENT:   ‘ON THE RECORD’ IS AN AUDIENCE
PLEASER.  Only a sour faced cynic wouldn’t be
delighted by the talent and music of ‘ON THE RECORD.’ 
Only time will tell whether it can catch on to be
another in the long line of Disney hits.  Because of
the format, the odds are against it, but whoever
expected a show with the title of ‘URINETOWN’ to be a
smash hit, or a musical about women going through
menopause to light up theatres?

DISNEY’S  ‘ON THE RECORD’ runs Tuesdays through
Sundays at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square. 
Tickets range in price from $23 to $60 and can be
obtained by calling 216-241-6000, 800-766-6048 or
going on line to www.playhousesquare.com.  Group rates
for 20 or more tickets are available by calling
216-771-4444.


=====
Roy Berko's web page can be found at www.royberko.info.  His theatre and dance reviews appear on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source, which can be subscribed to at no charge by contacting neohiopal at lists.fredsternfeld.com.


		
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