The beautiful 199-seat Curtis Theatre presents
a Chance Theater production of
Rodgers & Hammerstein's
A Grand Night For Singing
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Conceived by Walter Bobbie
Directed and Choreographed by Kelly Todd
Musically Directed by Dean Anderson
Featuring The Orange County Symphony
THEATER REVIEW
The Rodgers and Hammerstein revue "A Grand Night For Singing" makes the most of the Brea theater's size and atmosphere
by Jeanne Lerner, Star-Progress
February 16, 2006
Having previously been staged at the Chance Theater in Anaheim Hills in 2004, “A Grand Night for Singing” at the Curtis Theatre in Brea is bigger and better in several ways.
The Curtis is a bigger theater with a bigger stage and a larger seating capacity, so choreography can be extended and improved. And there’s more room for live musicians – the number is up from three to seven.
Live music always enhances a show.
The basic show itself didn’t need improvement. The songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein are timeless and stand alone. Even the little-known songs from less familiar shows are lovely, with clever lyrics.
The production highlights music from 11 different musical plays including the classics “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma” and “South Pacific.”
Kudos to Kelly Todd, director/choreographer, who added a lot of dance to the show in the larger venue.
She used the less graceful performers in a comic way, which allows them to be part of the dance without appearing awkward. Having seen the show at the smaller theater, I appreciate the time and effort it took to create these new dances.
Dean Anderson served as the resident music director of the Chance until 2005, when he was appointed the music director of the Orange County Symphony. He musically directed this show very effectively.
Particularly effective, was his use of the cast of five in various sized ensembles for different songs. The harmony created by the duets and the threesomes was impressive.
Darren Buckels is reprising his role as a soloist from the Chance Theatre production. As a company member there, he has appeared in two shows in that facility. His strong tenor voice was a particular asset to this group.
Kristin Meerdink is a product of the Concordia University Theater and Communications Department. This is her first performance with the group. She was really strong in harmonizing with other members of the cast. She was also effective is the dance numbers.
Clarissa Barton is a returning cast member from the Chance Theater production. She has a very lively personality and great stage presence. Her strong facial expressions command the attention of the audience. “The Gentleman Is a Dope,” was her most effective solo song.
Erika Miller is a soloist in the show and a founding member of The Chance Theater. It’s easy to see why she has captured several leading roles in musical plays there. She has a strong soprano singing voice and dances rather gracefully. Her extensive experience is obvious in her strong stage presence.
Jonathan Talmadge, a graduate of CSU Fullerton with a degree in theater, is making his debut with the Chance Theater Group, and he’s a welcome addition to the cast.
He adds both humor and talent to the show. His duets with Buckels are beautiful. His dancing is both lighthearted and charming.
Tiina Mittler, theatre manager at the Curtis, is to be congratulated on this cooperative venture. It’s good to see smaller theaters in Orange County finding a basis for working together. If this show is any indication, the trend should continue into the future of theater in this area.
If you love Rodgers and Hammerstein shows and love the music, then you will love “A Grand Night For Singing.”
The show is one non-stop, lovely song after another. One of the best things about this production is that the director has created little vignettes or stories for many of the songs that bring them to life. The musical arrangements for some of the songs are innovative and effective.
The Curtis is located at the corner of Birch and Randolph in the Brea Civic and Cultural Center. Parking is free in the underground area. There is handicapped seating available. You can call or go by to order tickets.
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