Displaying items by tag: Christopher Ratliff

It seems strange to me that after all my years of writing theater reviews I have never seen "Forever Plaid". I am now one of the lucky ones to have seen this marvelous production of the hit show written by Stuart Ross at Theater at The Center with this "over the top" talented cast.

"Forever Plaid" is a tribute to the early American boy bands, the quartets like The Four Freshman, The Four Seasons and The Four Aces.  During that period audiences were wowed by the smooth moves and exquisite harmonies of the singers. 

In “Forever Plaid,” we find four young men with big dreams of their own who are played to perfection - Sparky (Matt Edmonds), Leader Francis (Adam LaSalle), Smudge (Christopher Ratliff), and Jinx (Yando Lopez).

Unfortunately, on their climb to fame their young lives are cut short when they are all killed in a motor accident on their way to a gig (their car being hit by a school bus of girls on their way to see The Beatles) and end up "singing for the Angels" or in this case, for us, their 'one night only' earthly audience members. 

The talented cast come to harmonious life brilliantly in such memorable and romantic songs as “Three Coins in The Fountain”, “Moments to Remember”, “No Not Much”, “Catch A Falling Star” and “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing."

I don't want my arms around you, no, not much
I don't bless the day I found you, no, not much
I don't need you like the stars don't need the sky
I won't love you longer than the day I die
You don't please me when you squeeze me, no, not much
My heads the lightest from your very slightest touch
Baby, if you ever go, could I take it maybe so
Oh, but would I like it, no, not much

The really intriguing aspect of this entertaining production is the way it is directed by Brenda Didier who was previously a choreographer. Didier directs this fabulous foursome of voices in such a way that their every move, their every hand gesture or look, at the audience or each other is also interpreted by their bodies, hands and eyes.  The movement value that Didier adds to this show has a remarkable effect on the audience when each harmony, each word and each sentiment of these beautiful classic lyrics come back to life (pardon the pun) and demonstrate just how amazing these harmonies are and how complex musically the quartets must devote themselves to each note. It is absolutely hypnotic!  

The thing I really love about this story is that Stuart Ross allows the four young men in the show express a little bit of their sadness at having their lives and road to stardom cut short but then as they recall their memories of long days of rehearsing, carefully choosing a name and costumes, early gigs gone wrong and one performance for a real superstar at the time, they realize that they really did achieve something with their short semi-professional careers - something wonderful they would have missed if they had never tried. It is interesting and still meaningful to performers today who may perform their whole lives and never achieve fame or stardom that a chance encounter with one true celebrity star, ends up being the crown jewel in their memory bank of validation as singers.

Perry Como is passing through their town (by chance or destiny?) on the night of one their gigs and Sparky, played with incredible vocal range and perfect comic timing by Edmonds, steals a portion of Como's broken-down vehicle so that he can invite Perry Como to their gig that night. They sing "Catch a Falling Star" in honor of Perry Como and Perry is so impressed he gives them his "golden" monogrammed cardigan as a parting gift - which the four treasure and enshrine literally forever! 

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Never let it fade away
Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket
Save it for a rainy day
For love may come and tap you on the shoulder some starless night
Just in case you feel you want to hold her
You'll have a pocketful of starlight

Edmonds, LaSalle, Ratliff and Lopez light up the stage as the plaid-obsessed Forever Plaid quartet with their impressive harmonies and a wealth of well-executed humor. The foursome performs in front of a three-piece band, really putting all the pieces in place for an all-around entertaining show.

I highly recommend this funny and cheerful gem of a show for anyone who enjoys hearing superbly delivered classic songs and appreciates well-timed humor. Didier's choreography brings fresh life to each classic and perfectly showcases in new detail the amazingly talented quartet assembled for this show. 

“Forever Plaid” is being performed at Theater at the Center in Munster, Indiana through June 3rd. To purchase the revue’s very reasonable tickets at $42-$46 or to find out more show information visit www.theateratthecenter.com.

After a successful summer preview run, "Thrones: The Musical Parody" has returned to Apollo Theater for Fall performances. Though the production might not have the staying power as did "Million Dollar Quartet", a show originally scheduled for a two-week run that was renewed for several years, "Thrones" is a solid production that, despite its niche market, should get comfy in its Apollo home for a decent stay.

Parodying Game of Thrones, one of the biggest television series over the past decade "Thrones" hold little back, cleverly mocking its main characters delivering a crude, but witty, humor GoT fans are sure to enjoy. From the show's opening number "Thrones!", a song that punches the audience with spoilers and refers to "The Wire" as a show one doesn't realize they like until after two and a half seasons, we get a good taste of the campy ride we are about to take. The show's very funny cast includes Caitlyn Cerza, Nick Druzbanski, Madeline Lauzon, Beau Nolan, Victoria Olivier and Christopher Ratliff. 

The story revolves around a group of friends who excitedly await the GoT season premiere. However, after some lackluster enthusiasm is displayed, it's soon revealed that Brad (Druzbanski) has never seen the show. Of course, this is just mind blowing for the rest of the gang who quickly agree to act out the show to catch Brad up to speed. And this is where it starts to get crazy. In fact, the show takes a hilarious turn the moment Tom (Ratliff) throws on the John Snow wig and makeshift cape just before diving into his ode to The Wall watchers "For the Watch". And how can you have a wall number without taking a poke a Donald Trump, which they certainly do. Taking shots at practically every character on the show from Tyrian to Sansa to King Joffrey to Xerxes (there's actually a song on who we need to know), the group goes from one scenario to the next. Naturally, Brad's interest in the show grows as the friends get deeper and deeper into the characters. 

Act One ends on a high note with possibly the funniest number in the show, "Stabbin'", a gruesomely humorous massacre free-for-all that really needs to be seen to be appreciated in full. But worry not, after a big ending into intermission, we are not let down, as Act Two holds a strong pace by providing solid laughs throughout, steering us to a strong finish. Each actor richly contributes in this talented cast holding the ability to get big laughs at any given moment as well as providing respectable vocal ability. The cast brilliantly overplays their characters expressions and are able to successfully spoof their many characteristics such as Tyrian's poor accent, John Snow's seemingly empty thoughts or _________  not so subtle crush on Denarys. 

Written by the team of Chris Grace, Zach Reino, Al Samuels and Dan Wessels, the show gets a nice boost from director Hannah Todd, who is able to work the funny within the funny and finely translate it for stage. While GoT fans will certainly enjoy this show, easily picking up on its jokes - both subtle and bold, it remains to see how theater goers not familiar with the show will react. The GoT fan base in Chicago might be enough in itself to support this show for a long run, possibly even creating new GoT fans along the way. 

"Thrones: The Musical Parody", performed at Apollo Theater through November 15th, has plenty to make it a thoroughly entertaining event - laughs, sex, an engaging storyline,catchy songs and excellent acting performances. 

Take your Game of Thrones experience to the next level with "Thrones: The Musical Parody".