Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again

For myself, this is the most highly anticipated film of 2018. And boy were my expectations exceeded! I did not expect what actually took place up there on the big screen with this beautiful story of this amazing and wonderfully peculiar extended family that was introduced to us with the first film over 10 years ago, which was  the big screen adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, "Mamma Mia!" 

Unfortunately, I have to break my rule of "No Spoilers," in order to properly review this film. So if you haven't seen the film yet, wait to read this review.

From the beginning of the P.R. campaign for this film. there have been speculations abounding why the main star, Meryl Streep (Donna Sheridan) isn't in the trailers very much as well as many of the characters refer to Donna Sheridan in the past tense.

Well, in the beginning of the film, it is all verified. It has been 5 years since the happenings of the first film and indeed, our beloved Donna Sheridan has passed away. Sophie Sheridan (Amanda Seyfried) has returned to the island, along with the help of her one step dad, Sam Carmichael (Pierce Brosnan), been fixing up and remodeling the resort Donna set up and built in order to re-open the resort, now aptly named, Bella Donna, in her mother's honor and continue the tradition in her memory. Both Sophie and Sam, it seems clear, have spent a lot of time together, healing over the loss of our beloved character. Sophie and Sky (Dominic Cooper) have had a falling out, he has gone to New York to learn from some of the best hotel managers and has been offered a job and Sophie wants to stay on the island. From this point, we experience this biggest re-union in movie history as the whole gang re-unites to honor Donna and the opening of "Bella Donna" including Donna's mysterious mother, played to hilarious perfection by the one and only Cher, in a scene to die for. 

This film is absolutely beautiful, touching, heartbreaking and life affirming. The writers have done a fantastic job in interweaving the present with the past, where we get to experience Donna's younger years and how she met, Sam, Bill and Harry and became pregnant with Sophie. The star of this film is completely Lily James as the young Donna Sheridan. She blew me away and who knew she has such an incredible voice.

Kudos to the entire team and ensemble for a job well done! I laughed, cried and totally enjoyed myself! Don't miss this incredible film! And warning, the ending will destroy you! Bring tissues!

How I Learned to Drive

This incredible and heartbreaking piece of theater was written by American playwright, Paul Vogel and premiered March 16, 1997, off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theater. Vogel won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work.

The story follows the strained, sexual relationship between Li'l Bit and her aunt's husband, Uncle Peck, from her adolescence through her teenage years into college and beyond. Using the metaphor of driving and the issues of pedophilia, incest, and misogyny, the play explores the ideas of control and manipulation. 

An Other Theater Company's stunning production left me in tatters. It was a powerful work and in the hands of the fantastic ensemble of incredible women: Cathy Ostler (Li'l Bit), Chelsea Hickman (Uncle Peck) and the chorus played by Angela Nibley, Kaitlin Lemon and Toria Traux-Jones along with their fantastic director, Kacey Spadafora, this monumental work was incredible and stunning to watch from beginning to end. 

As I've said in prior reviews, An Other Theater Company is doing cutting edge and brave work here in Utah County and their work is not be missed! Sadly this production has closed, but it is one that will live long in my memory and my heart!

Annie

What can I say about this classic from the Golden Age of Broadway? As a director I have two rules when choosing a project to direct: 1. Why this show?, 2. Why now? So let's address these two questions.

Why Annie?

Annie is an established classic, very popular in Utah, particularly Utah County, well known to all generations and it's hopelessly optimistic. Audiences needs a good old-fashioned musical comedy to lift their spirits every once in a while.

Why Now?

In the plot line of the show, the story takes place during the Great Depression during the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The musical number that sets down the political atmosphere of the time is "Hooverville," where the homeless citizens of New York City are sarcastically praising former President Herbert Hoover for making them "what they are today." To directly quote from the program's dramaturgical notes: "The stock market crash of October 1929 plunged the United States into the Great Depression. During the depression, unemployment was up to 25%, resulting in people being evicted from their homes and living in what people called "Hoovervilles." Hoovervilles, named after President Hoover who many believe caused the Depression, were places where the homeless built make-shift homes. One Hooverville was even built on what is now Central Park's great lawn, which, at the time, was a dry reservoir."

Does that sound familiar to you? It should. Trickle-down economics, which Hoover preached during his entire time in office and Congress supported him, caused the Great Depression and history is now repeating itself. Yes, Annie is very relevant and now is a perfect time as any to remount this classic. Later in the show, Annie meets President Roosevelt and through the most famous song of the show, "Tomorrow," she encourages the President and his cabinet to be optimistic and look to the future, and we see the beginnings of what would become FDR's "New Deal" that brought the United States out of the Great Depression and into the prosperity it enjoyed until President Reagan brought back Trickle-down economics; and now, we are once again poised to repeat history. We need Annie's optimism and a leader like FDR more than ever!

Director, David Morgan, musical Director, Justin Bills, and choreographer, Ashley Gardner Carlson have brought relevance to this incredible show and I have been able to see both casts, with three exceptions, and I can definitely recommend this production! It's just under 2 hrs. and 9 min. in length which is incredible for a musical, and the entire ensemble does an incredible job of bringing this beloved classic back to life on the HCT-Orem stage. I even found myself tearing up during "Tomorrow."

A few standouts for me.

MWF Cast: Afton Grace Higbee brought a real spunkiness to the title role but she also had this incredible motherly quality about her and you felt that she wanted to take care of everyone around her, despite needing someone to take care of her and love her. That really touched me about this particular production! The incredible Rex Kocherhans who has graced the HCT-Orem stage in roles such as Emile D'Beque in "South Pacific" and Javert in "Les Miserables," brings his incredible voice to the role of Oliver Warbucks; Rex brought a real heart to this character and not just the simple 2-dimensional comic-book characterization that so many amateur productions do with this role; I felt Oliver's change sincerely and watched his relationship with Annie grow throughout the show. This is due in fact to Rex and Afton's wonderful chemistry on stage together and their incredible talents. Bonnie Wilson Whitlock's tremendous performance as Miss Hannigan is the main reason to see this cast (TTHS; she was standing in for DeLayne Bluth Dayton) in this production. OMG! I loved Miss Whitlock's performance in HCT-Orem's "In the Heights" a few years back and once again she proves to be a consummate artist in her realistic and human portrayal of this iconic comic character. What I loved about Miss Whitlock's performance is that she didn't play a stereotype, she played the real woman behind all of the meanness. You could tell she was just responding to the conditions around her which effected everybody during this terrible time in America's history and her boozing was her coping mechanism, not just a comic "bit." Alongside her were my incredible friends, Wade Robert Johnson as Rooster Hannigan (Single Cast) and Kelly Coombs as Lily St. Regis. This trio was the outstanding performances of the evening! It was so good to see these incredible artists together on stage! The beautiful Jessica Pearce as Grace Farrell (TTHS; she was standing in for Brandalee Bluth Streeter) brought elegance and charm to this production and it was refreshing to see this role played with such simpleness and grace. The ensemble was incredible, not a weak-link in the chain: Galen Chatterton was equally wonderful as both Officer Ward and FDR; my dear friend Shawn Lynn (single cast) as Man 1/Drake was charming as ever and such a versatile and incredible artist; another single caster, JD Ramey was hilarious as Man 2/Bert Healy/Appleseller/Louis Howe; my close and dearest friend Curtis Adams was hilarious as Man 3/Bundles/Fred "Wacky" McCracken/Harold Ickes/Judge Braneis; Eric Christian Lash (TTHS cast) was filling in for Braden Kay Rymer (MWF) as Man 4/Dog Catcher/Jimmy Johnson/Cordell Hall and was so fun to watch on stage, adorable, and great comic timing alongside the incredibly talented Joseph Paul Branca (Single Cast) as Man 5/Assistant Dog Catcher/Sound Effects Man/Henry Morganthau.  UPDATE: On Saturday, July 7, 2018, I returned to see my dear friends DeLayne Bluth Dayton (Miss Hannigan), Brandalee Bluth Streeter (Grace Farroll) and Braden Kay Rymer (Man 4/Dog Catcher/Jimmy Johnson/Cordell Hall) and once again missed Brandalee but got to see DeLayne as Miss Hannigan, who as always did an incredible job as Miss Hannigan. DeLayne stood out just like her double, Bonnie Wilson Whitlock, and was the star of the show! DeLayne stood out and took command of the stage every scene she was in. This production has two very strong Miss Hannigan's! I also saw Braden but he was actually going on as the understudy for Joseph Paul Branca as Man 5/Assistant Dog Catcher/Henry Morganthau, but did go on as Jimmy Johnson in "You're Never Fully Dressed..." Braden is adorable and one hellavu of an artist and he was a standout in these roles. I will be returning on the 16th and hopefully will finally see Brandalee as Grace and Braden in his actual roles. Looking forward to it! The production has only gotten better since I saw it in Previews!  UPDATE: On Friday, July 13, 2018, I returned to see my dear friend Brandalee Bluth Streeter as Grace Farroll and as always, Brandalee was elegant and incredible in her role. The role really suits Brandalee well and I really liked the chemistry between her and Warbucks. Also, I got to see my dear friend Braden play his normal roles in the MWF cast (Man 4, Dog Catcher/Jimmy Johnson/Cordell Hull) and as always performed those roles as well as he did Joseph Paul Branca's roles. I really do feel this production of "Annie" is one of HCT-Orem's best to date productions, simple but very professionally done and I hope, if you haven't seen it yet, to get your tickets ASAP! They're 80% sold out! Don't miss it!

TTHS Cast: Madilyn Terry's performance in the title role was equally incredible as Miss Higbee's perormance and she too had that motherly quality and great chemistry with her Daddy Warbucks, my wonderful friend, Benjamin J. Henderson; what can I say about Ben Henderson, such an incredible talent and artistry in any role that he portrays; some of my favorites of his at HCT-Orem was in "Big Fish," Black Stache in "Peter & the Starcatcher," and Luther Billis in "South Pacific." Brooklyn Pulver-Kohler gave an incredible and hilarious performance as Lily St. Regis; Brooklyn was one of the Tracy Turnblad's in the 1st National Tour of "Hairspray" which came through Salt Lake City several years ago and that is where I fell in love with this wonderful actress; it was so good to see her again and in this hilarious role! My dear friend and former director (HCT-Orem's "Thank You Papa) Ryan Hale Radebaugh was wonderful as Officer Ward/FDR; my good friend Brett Griffeth was so hilarious in his portrayals of Man 2/Bundles/Fred "Wacky" McCracken/Harold Ickes/Judge Brandeis.

The design for the show was incredible. I particularly loved the use of projections in this production. It really helped the pacing of the show. The costumes by Kris Hansen-Call were beautiful and the rest of the design elements were wonderful and blended together for a great production!

I am returning next month to finally see my dear friends, Braden Kay Rymer, DeLayne Bluth Dayton (Miss Hannigan) and Brandalee Bluth Streeter (Grace Farrell) and will add my reviews of their performances after I see them. I am so excited!

Please, don't miss this incredible production of this wonderful Broadway classic. It's 70% sold out, so get your tickets NOW!

Next Fall

Once again, An Other Theater Company of Provo, Utah has delivered a powerhouse production. "Next Fall" by Geoffrey Nauffts is a beautiful, touching and heartbreaking piece of theatre and I am so glad I got to see it before it closed. I was so afraid I was going to miss it!

I was so deeply moved by the incredible performances in this piece. The entire ensemble were top notch. Bret Merrit (Adam), Abrah Yarbro (Luke), Alexis Boxx (Holly), Brian Kocherans (Brandon), Heather Oberlander (Arlene) and Joel Applegate (Butch). I adore each and everyone of these artists and it was so incredible to see them all together.

I am so sorry for all those out there that missed this opportunity. I will continue to be an ardent supporter of An Other Theater Company. Please come and support them. Click on the logo to be taken to their website!

Thank you again to Kacey Spadafora (Director) and Taylor Jack Nelson (Producer) for bringing new an innovative works to Utah County.

Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown

I've been relaxing all week getting things prepared to move into a new place, start a new job on Monday, and yesterday after getting things cleaned and ready for move out, I sat down and started watching some old films I found on Amazon Prime that I hadn't seen in a long time. This one is one of my all-time favorite Peanuts cartoons that came out in movie theater's when I was around 10. I loved this film and re-living it again was so much fun!

I am a huge fan of the Peanuts gang and when this film came out in 1977 on the big screen I fondly remember my parents taking me to the movie theater to see this film. Watching it again 40 years later it brought back so many happy memories! This is classic Peanuts. So much fun! If you haven't seen it watch it, you won't regret it! All the gang is here, going to summer camp! The original hand-drawn animation, great script, and just plain fun for kids and grown-ups alike!

I'm going to, after I get settled in my new place am going to take some time during my weekends to watch some old films I haven't seen in a long time and never reviewed on this blog before! Stay tuned!

The Greatest Showman

I am a huge fan of La La Land and when I heard the team from that film had been working on another musical for the big screen about P.T. Barnum I was so excited. When I saw the video on YouTube of the final pitch to the producers at the studio with Keala Settle singing "This is Me," the Oscar nominated song from the film I was brought to tears and was so moved and couldn't wait for this film to come out.

Director, Michael Gracey brought to the screen an epic but still very intimate tale of love, loss, and redemption. A film that blew me away from beginning to end! Yes, this is historical fiction, it is not historically accurate in any way, but who cares! The creators of this film brought to the screen, using the story of P.T. Barnum as a backdrop, a story about loving regardless of appearance, ethnicity, social standing, gender, etc. A story of sticking of to your dreams, pursuing them, working hard towards them, and finding one self before you can truly love someone else. The entire ensemble headed by the wonderful, Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum along side the beautiful Michelle Williams as his wife Charity Barnum, did just that.

Please see this film! Your life will be changed forever! There is so much hope and life affirmation in this film, which is sorely needed in these hard times! Kudos the entire creative and performance teams for bringing to the screen an homage to the great movie musicals of the past while bringing that genre to the 21st century and making it relevant to our times and to our struggles and dreams. Absolutely beautiful film!

The Shape of Water

I have always been a huge fan of Guillermo del Toro ever since I saw "Pan's Labyrinth." I was intrigued by the trailers for this film as well as when it was nominated for Best Picture. I finally sat down and watched it on iTunes and purchased it. WOW! I really feel that this by far is del Toro's best film. He has combined romance, fantasy, horror, sci-fi all in one package to great success and created a magical piece of film making. It is his homage to the classic monster films including "Creature from the Black Lagoon."

Actress, Sally Hawkins who plays the leading lady in the story, Elisa Esposito was outstanding in her performance and well deserved the Oscar nomination she received for her work on this film. del Toro well set up her character from the very beginning as this shy, mute, vulnerable woman who is lonely, longs for love and romance, and finds solace in her cats and her best friend and neighbor, Giles, played beautifully by actor, Richard Jenkins. Jenkins and Hawkins have great chemistry together and play a form of father/brother - sister/daughter type relationship together and they lean on one another. Society's outcasts that nobody wants to acknowledge. Giles has his solace in his art and Elisa has her solace with their friendship, her work and her other friendship with her good friend and co-worker, Zelda Fuller, played by the wonderful, Octavia Spencer, who also well deserved her Oscar nomination for this role. Octavia gives a bravo performance in this film and she plays a wonderfully charismatic, strong-willed and brave character whom I fell in love with from the start, alongside Elisa and Giles. I truly felt for all three of these characters.

Then into this merry band enters the mystical, incredible, and dynamic half-man/half-amphibian creature that Elisa discovers when called upon to clean up a secret lab at the federal facility she works at alongside Zelda. All of a sudden Elisa's life is changed forever and that is the crux and meat of the entire story.

I highly recommend this film to everyone! You will be touched, inspired as well as have an occasional laugh or two. It is rated "R" and does contain language, some graphic violence and sexual material so it isn't for the little ones, but it is a wonderful fantasy for adults! I am so glad I watched this film! My life was truly changed because of it!