Masks

By Desmond Sam

Masks is a powerful piece that tells the story of two juvenile dilquents and their pasts. This play is thought-provoking and hard-hitting. It shows the importance of friends and how pain can be destructive.

TG and Jason live in “the system”. TG has a lot of hatred towards his father and he uses drugs as his escape. Jason has anger management issues and is in and out of prison. They are shunned by society because of their criminal history, but never give up on their hopes and dreams – Jason wants to be a poet and TG wants to be a DJ. Throughout the play, TG and Jason transition from boyhood to manhood, and reach the crossroads of choosing between letting their anger go or allowing it to destroy them.

My favorite part of the play is how they incorporate music, playing popular songs from each year they represent. They also use comedy to lighten up moments of the play.

Masks is a brilliant show with a lot of potential and an amazing future ahead.

*Plog Pick

Schedule and ticket information here.

Playing by Air

By Desmond Sam

Playing By Air is a thrilling performance that makes you question the impossible. The four jugglers astound with their unique tricks.

Each juggler tells a story, combining juggling with music, lights, colors, magic, comedy, and even a little bit of puppetry. By fusing these elements together, they create a mystical aura in the theater. It is a small, intimate space, and the bright colors of the props and set illuminate the theatre as the music blends with the mood.

My favorite part of the show is the partnership between the music and juggling. The genres range from electronic to folk, and the performers are still able to juggle with the rhythm. The performers play the violin and oboe in very odd ways. They balance music stands and instruments on their faces. They use a Chinese yo-yo called the Diablo. This gives the show an extra flare by using something new that really impresses the crowd.

Playing by Air is a hidden jewel in the 2010 FringeNYC Festival.

*Plog Pick

Schedule and ticket information here.

Million Dollar Quartet

by Desmond Sam

Million Dollar Quartet is a tribute to four musical geniuses of rock 'n' roll and allows you to join in on the fun.

Million Dollar Quartet is a recreation of a legendary moment in music history. This musical retells the impromptu jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins held at Sun Records Studio the day before Christmas in 1956. The show focuses on their brilliant music and barely touches upon their unstable lifestyles.

Million Dollar Quartet is a showcase of nostalgic remembrance of a time when youth expression was starting to explode and become a key component of the fabric of America. The show helps young people today understand the roots of our music. The performer who stands out the most is Dyanne, Elvis Presley's girlfiend, played by Victoria Matlock. She is the only woman in the show and her vocals take control.

The music is a collection of hits that have become household favorites, including Fever, Great Balls of Fire, and I Walk the Line. The music has people dancing in their seats, reminiscing about the first time they heard each song. The actors' impressions of each singer is completely believable.

Million Dollar Quartet is an easy-going musical that will delight your soul and make you tap your toes.

TICKETS: $30 lottery rush • Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st St.

Chicago

By Desmond Sam

 

The musical Chicago is raw and has an awkward structure that proves originality. Everything from the set to the costumes and cast is different, but captivating.

Chicago focuses on a woman named Roxie who is an inspiring actress. She is married, but has an affair and ends up killing her lover. She goes to jail and becomes a star because of the publicity surrounding her trial. Velma, Roxie’s cellmate, also wants to be famous, so she and Roxie have some issues. In the end, they realize that they need each other to reach their goals.

The cast makes this show a spectacular piece of art. Deidre Goodwin (Velma Kelly) and Roz Ryan (Matron “Mama” Morton) each have amazing voices that really stand out. Goodwin begins the show with a favorite by all Broadway lovers, “All that Jazz”. Then, Ryan performs “When You’re Good to Mama” a song made famous by Queen Latifah in the movie version. Ryan even talks to the audience, making us part of the festivities.

The orchestra is unique because the pit is right in the middle of the stage. The conductor is also a standout performer because she communicates with the cast throughout the show. She isn’t just a conductor, but also a character in the show.

The dancing made my jaw drop. It had a bit of jazz, contemporary and even ballet. The music sometimes creates a Spanish feel or a Blues touch that affect the dancing and the mood of the theatre. The show is able to exploit the glitz and glamour of the vaudeville era by using only chairs, simple black costumes and an occasional ladder. With so few props and costumes, the cast is really able to express the show’s true spirit, proving that less is more.

I recommend Chicago because many teenagers crave fame. Many people believe that criminal acts are the easiest gateways to fame. One thing that they never notice is that fame doesn’t last forever, especially when you use murder as your main talent. This is the theme of the show and makes it one of the top dogs of Broadway. 

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: $31.50 general rush • Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St.

Finian's Rainbow

By Desmond Sam

What if...you had to walk in someone else’s shoes?

Finian’s Rainbow is a musical full of breathtaking moments that capture a time of racism and segregation. The show follows Finian McLonergan  and his daughter, Sharon, as they leave Ireland and travel to Rainbow Valley, Missitucky to bury gold. Og, the comical leprechaun that Finian “borrowed” the gold from, follows them to Rainbow Valley. The land is owned by Woody and his sister Susan, who is mute and only communicates through dance. Woody and Sharon are drawn to each other, which causes some problems. A racist senator tries to steal the land from Woody and the sharecroppers working the land, but Og transforms  the senator into a black person so he can fully realize the outcomes of his actions.

Finian’s Rainbow contains a cultural diffusion of musical genres like Irish folklore, jazz, blues, gospel, country and a little Frank Sinatra. The choreography is very jazzy, except for Susan, who uses classical ballet. So to every genre of music, Susan brings grace and beauty. Each dancer moves with elegance and power; each lift is done effortlessly. The sharecroppers bring life, passion and joy to the show.

Finian’s Rainbow is fulfilling with its breathtaking choreography and brilliant score. It is a union of what could be with what dreams are made of.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: $27 student rush • St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St.

Bye Bye Birdie

by Desmond Sam

Some musicals are meant to teach a moral and leave you thinking. Other musicals are meant to just make you smile and brighten your day. Bye Bye Birdie is one of those musicals. If you ever need a pick me up, like a cup of hot chocolate or a comfy couch near a warm fireplace, Bye Bye Birdie is definitely the right cure.

Bye Bye Birdie is about singer Conrad Birdie (think Elvis), an out of control celebrity and an icon to teenagers, who is drafted into the army. His manager, Albert Peterson, wants Conrad to have his last kiss before leaving for war with a random fan on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kim MacAfee, president of the Conrad Birdie fan club, is chosen and the news turns her world upside down. The epicenter of this show was the romance between Albert and his secretary, Rose. Though Albert’s crazy mother and the ridiculous Conrad did get in the way, Albert and Rose prove that true love can never be broken.

There were many elements that popped out to me. The best part was the singing and dancing–the harmonies were beautiful and the heart that was put into each dance move was overwhelming. The set was amazing–everything moved! The stage became a girl’s bedroom, a train station (with a moving train), a living room and a TV studio all in the first act. The bright colors of the costumes lit up the stage and added to the feel of the musical. The teenagers’ costumes shifted to black, red and blue jeans when transitioning to night. It was breathtaking and showed that the teenagers were ready for rebellion. The stand out performance was John Stamos as Albert. He was a strong and powerful leading man, who took control of the musical adding to its humor. 

Bye Bye Birdie was fun, hilarious and entertaining. I recommend this musical to anyone and everyone. Sometimes you need to smile and laugh, especially in the society we live in, so come and enjoy Bye Bye Birdie. I promise you won’t regret it.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW: Half-price student rush at half-hour; $26.50 general rush. Henry Miler's Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St.