“Pop!” is the first original book musical to premiere at Yale Rep in New Haven in more than a decade. With the Yale Institute for Music Theatre in its second year, it’s not surprising to find an original musical integrated into Yale Rep’s season. “Pop!” is a wildly funny original musical with a cast of characters who are so eccentric that it’s nearly impossible to imagine that they are based on real people. Yet they are and they were a part in artist Andy Warhol’s life.
Taking its structure as a mystery, the musical asks, “Who Shot Andy Warhol?” This, too is based on a real incident that happened at Warhol’s studio, known as The Factory. Valerie Solanas, a writer, entered Warhol’s studio and “Pop!” – shot him. It was not a fatal shot, but the incident took a toll on the rest of Warhol’s life.
A king of kitsch, Warwhol’s Pop art celebrated and often mocked the highly commercialized 1950s. Some of Warhol’s most recognized works are his paintings of such mundane items as a can of Campbell’s Soup, or a Brillo Soap Pads Box.
“Pop!” is the perfect title for this musical. It not only refers to Warhol’s gunshot and his type of art, but the eye-popping celebrities that flocked about him. Who hasn’t seen a reproduction somewhere of his iconic Marilyn Monroe painting? He has been credited as having created himself as a celebrity and some say that he is as famous for being famous than for his art. He certainly got himself a lot more than the proverbial 15 minutes of fame.
Maggie-Kate Coleman wrote the book and lyrics for this musical with Anna K. Jacobs’ music and Mark Brokaw’s direction. Denis Jones is the choreographer, and Lynne Shankel, the musical director. Ying Song’s costumes are on target with distinct 1950s flair. Everyone involved with this world premiere is gifted and it shows.
When Randy Harrison appears on stage as Warhol, you could hear people in the audience gasp. Decked out in a white wig cut Warhol fashion, Harrison is a dead ringer for the legendary artist. He also has a terrific voice and acts the part of the quiet artist with uncanny believability. Harrison has appeared in New York on Broadway in “Wicked” and Off Broadway in Craig Lucas’ “The Singing Forest.” His television work includes five seasons on Showtime’s “Queer as Folks.”
Leslie Kritzer plays Valerie with an overly tough gal approach. However, Kritzer has an impressive list of credits that include: “A Catered Affair” and “Legally Blonde” on Broadway. Film and television credits include “Love and Other Impossible Pursuits,” and “Jason and Jessica.”
Others in the ensemble include Cristine Paige as Edie, Danny Binstock, Doug Keeger, Brian Charles Rooney as Candy and Emily Swallow as Viva. While the story is fascinating and the performances superb, the production is weighed down with mostly forgettable music and some sophomoric and vulgar lyrics. The musical runs through Dec. 19. Box office: (203) 432-1234.
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“It’s a Wonderful Life” In Bridgeport
Nostalgia seems to be popular at another area theater as well. While Yale looks back upon the 1950s, the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport steps back into the 1940s when live radio plays ruled the airwaves. This holiday production features several local actors, all of whom play multiple parts.
Tess Brown of Trumbull and an MFA student at Fairfield University is a charmer with a sweet look and nightingale voice as Mary, the loving wife of George. He is played with a touch of Jimmy Stewart swagger by Jimmy Johansmeyer. Robert Watts, who hails from Milford, plays mean old Henry F. Potter as well as a few children thrown in for good measure. Watts is so multi-talented that you never know where he’s going to show up next. An Off –Broadway playwright, a set designer, director, actor, and singer, he does it all. When it comes to energizing a show, you can count on Watts.
Also featured in this production are Matthew Daly, who plays the second rate angel out to earn his wings, and Maria Vee as Violet. This is an especially talented group that ushers in the holiday season big time at the Downtown Cabaret. Maria Vee, Jimmy Johansmeyer, and the director of the show, Bert Bernardi have long time relationships with the ever successful Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
The opening night of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which is presented as a live radio play complete with old fashioned sound effects, proved to be a winner with the audience enthusiastic and thoroughly engaged. How can you not be when a plunger and a bucket of water simulate the sound of a man jumping into the water? How can you not smile when you see cast members using an old wash board, a slide whistle, and a file cabinet door for various sound effects.
The story is a classic goodwill story for the holidays. George Bailey sacrifices throughout his life for his family, friends, and community. When his life is at its darkest, his guardian angel comes around to give George some much needed support.
Adapted for the stage by Joe Landry, I saw this play when it opened at Music Theatre of Connecticut, a small, intimate black box theater in Westport. Mr. Landry’s show travels well. Spread out on the spacious Cabaret stage, the realistic winter set was an added dimension. The production runs through Dec. 13. Box office: (203) 576-1636