I was so excited to not only be finally seeing the stage version of one of my all-time favorite movie musicals but as well to finally get to experience the new Hale Center Theater in Sandy. What an absolutely gorgeous facility and the center stage is phenomenal! This is really one of the most beautiful theaters in the state.
I must say that the stage version of this classic MGM musical is absolutely brilliant and stunning to see live on stage. The wonderful story has been superbly adapted for the stage by Craig Lucas (Prelude to a Kiss) and then combined with the exquisite score by George & Ira Gershwin it was an afternoon of sheer delight!
David Tinney's direction and Jennifer Hill Barlow's choreography were absolutely superb! Dave really knows how to direct musical theater and I have so enjoyed Jennifer's choreography over the years throughout the state! This was a simple yet exquisite production that left me spellbound and moved! It really is a touching love story and about the power of the human spirit!
The phenomenal cast were all incredible and the ensemble's dancing skills were superb! This is a dancing show and a lot of the story is told through dance, particularly ballet, and the actors on that stage did it all beautifully.
Myles Woolstenhulme shined in the role of Jerry Mulligan, the role made famous in the film by Gene Kelly. Myles is very young but had a maturity and style about him that fit this role beautifully and I was rooting for him from the moment he appeared on stage for the first time! He is a wonderful dancer as well and he smoothly combined both worlds of theater and dance superbly in his performance! Sophia Vance equally shined in the role of Lise, the role made famous in the film by Cyd Charisse. Sophia is actually the understudy in this role but she was absolutely gorgeous and a complete seasoned professional! I was shocked to read in her bio that she is a junior in high school. What an amazing talent! She is going to go far! My dear friend, Andrew Robertson broke my heart in the role of Adam Hochberg, played by Oscar Levant in the film. Andrew shined wonderfully in this heartbreaking role of the wounded ex-soldier, composer, singer who falls in love albeit unrequited love for the beautiful Lise. Andrew's version of "But Not For Me" broke my heart! It was so good to see this very talented and gifted artist on the stage again! Adam Dietlein was absolutely incredible and charming in the role of Henri Baurel, played by Georges Guetary in the film. Henri is the man betrothed to Lise but in the end, sacrifices his happiness for what he knows is right! Adam is one of the most gifted and talented actors in the state and it was so good to see him once again on stage in this wonderful role! And what can I say about my dear friend, Brighton Hertford as the eccentric heiress, Milo Davenport, played by Nina Foch in the film. Brighton is one of the most gifted and talented actresses in this state and I enjoy seeing her on stage every time! Her costumes by designer, Joy Zhu were stunning! Brighton's performance was heartbreaking as well! Milo doesn't find true love in this story but her bravery and self-determination win the day and the audience's heart! Sharon Kennison (Madame Baurel) and the rest of the ensemble were all equally wonderful!
Kudos to everyone involved in this wonderful and exquisite production! I enjoyed very single moment of it!