RETURN – The Musical

RETURN – The Musical

Article by Marilyn Anderson & Dennis Lanning

The Falashas are an ancient clan of Hebrews, possibly emanating from the tribe of Dan, who were sequestered to remote locations in Ethiopia because, like Jews everywhere, they were considered different. For reasons unknown, they were “strangers” in their own land and persecuted, isolated, and feared.

This new musical is based on Sonia Levitin’s award-winning book The Return, which recounts the story of the Falashas’ daring exodus from Ethiopia in 1984 and the secret airlift known as “Operation Moses” that saved 8,000 of them. Later, another removal brought the remaining 16,000 out of bondage.

RETURN the musical, premiering at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica, is the story of their plight and flight, tellingly performed by an extremely talented and bright cast of about 25 actors. The sad but stirring tale is lovingly conveyed through song and dance in this feature event of the 2008 Festival of New American Musicals.

The story focuses on love of family and the hopes of one starry-eyed young woman to reach her potential in Jerusalem, and one old woman with the strength and determination to recognize her last opportunity for freedom.

The Edgemar is an intimate venue, and director/choreographer Donald McKayle does an exceptional job of making it come alive with the spirit and sounds of the Ethiopian village. It’s not surprising, considering his impressive background. McKayle is a five-time Tony nominee for Broadway shows, such as Sophisticated Ladies, It Ain’t Nothing But the Blues, and Raisin, which was awarded the Tony as Best Musical. He is the recipient of all kinds of awards around the country. He was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as the “Master of African-American Choreography.”

Return’s cast members range from 11-year-olds to septuagenarians; and they are all excellent, with powerful singing voices. Terry Norman delivers a strong, nuanced performance as Desta, the young woman who’d rather pursue an education than marry. Paula Bellamy-Franklin plays the elderly grandmother, Weizero, with remarkable humor and grace. The dancers in the ensemble are from the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

A few questions arise in the second act. It was sad to learn that Desta’s fiancé was killed after the couple finally resolved their salient issues of personal growth and marriage. The journey had matured him, and it seemed a shame to have him perish, just when we’d started to like him.

Unresolved, also, is what happens to Desta after she is stung by an insect. We expect her to become ill, or worse; but although her painful bite is brought up twice, it’s dropped and left up in the air as the curtain comes down.

Nonetheless, the audience leaves the Edgemar feeling inspired and entertained. RETURN is a moving and heroic musical that underscores the continuing effort for freedom in the world. It’s also a rare opportunity to see an outstanding cast of actors, singers and dancers “up close and personal.” Catch it before it closes on July 20th.

RETURN – The Musical
Book and Lyrics by Sonia Levitin
Music by William Kevin Anderson
Directed and Choreographed by Donald McKayle

Edgemar Center for the Arts
2437 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
For tickets: (310) 392-7327 or http://www.returnthemusical.com

Dates:
Thursday, June 5 through Sunday June 29 and Thursday July 10 thru Sunday July 20
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm
$34.99 for general admission and $17.99 for students

THIRD EXTENSION of LOUIS & KEELY: LIVE AT THE SAHARA

The Award-Winning Musical has been extended through August 2 in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse

If you want an evening filled with boundless energy, sensational music, and a wonderful dose of nostalgia, head over to see Louis & Keely: Live at the Sahara . Right now, they are Live at The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood!

With fantastic reviews and a collection of top honors at every major Los Angeles theater awards ceremony, including Best Musical at the Ovation Awards, Best Production at the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, Best Production at the Garland Awards andMusical of the Year at the LA Weekly Theater Awards, Louis & Keely: Live at the Sahara is now on its third extension at the Geffen Playhouse.

Created by Jake Broder and Vanessa Claire Smith , who also star as Louis and Keely, respectively, Louis & Keely: Live at the Saharafollows the life and love of Las Vegas’s infamous onstage couple.  Directed by acclaimed Hollywood director/biographer Taylor Hackford, the current production is a revamped version of Broder and Smith’s 2008 show which originated at the Sacred Fools Theatre Company.

Hackford, who joined forces with the creators to guide the revision process, estimates about 40 percent of the script is different from the original production. This includes the addition of seven new songs: “I Wish You Love,” “Hey Boy, Hey Girl,” “What is This Thing Called Love?” “Night Train,” “Ai, Ai, Ai,” and “I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love with Me,” as well as new characters.

Broder and Smith are outstanding as Louis and Keely, and new cast members Nick Cagle and Erin Matthews add another dimension by playing various other characters in the couple’s story, including Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. In addition to the four actors, the show features a seven-piece live swing band that brings down the house as the orchestra for the play and as Louis Prima’s Vegas band, The Witnesses.

Whether you are old enough to remember the incomparable Louis & Keely or are in a younger generation and new to their music, this is a show that you don’t want to miss.

Louis & Keely Live at the Sahara
By Jake Broder & Vanessa Smith
Directed by Taylor Hackford
Runs Through Sunday, August 2, 2009

Performance Schedule
Tuesdays – Thursdays 8:00 pm
Fridays 7:30 pm
Saturdays 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm;
Sundays 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Ticket Info

Purchase tickets on-line at www.geffenplayhouse.com or call the Geffen Playhouse Box Office at (310) 208-5454, Daily: Noon-6:00 pm

Also available at Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster at (213) 480-3232.

Premium Stage Seating – $55; Orchestra Seating – $65
Student rush tickets available one hour prior to curtain for $15.

Reviewed by Marilyn Anderson