As expected, November marks a major upswing in Queens live performances. The pace should remain hectic as each troupe flexes its dramatic muscles.
This past weekend, at least three shows opened. I attended opening night in Douglaston for the DCT player’s “Funny Money” about a hapless British accountant who strikes it rich when a briefcase full of money falls in his lap. Then, at Saturday night’s opening performance of Larry Bloom’s Theatre by the Bay in Bayside, the timeless musical “Carousel” met with approval from a large house. Finally, the FSFCTG in Flushing offered a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Broadway and its melodramas with the musical “Curtains.”
Directed by Andy Szewczuk, “Funny Money” was an enjoyable, lighthearted evening starring many of Queens’ most recognizable and talented performers. Rich Weyhausen, Nick DeCesare, lovely Mary Lynch, relative newcomer Sari Lee Gordon, Ed Schuldner as the accountant, Mark Lord, Joseph Schweigert and Ed McGonnell offered a slapstick farce that was just right after a long workweek. Call (718)482-3332 for info.
A morality tale of love, loss and redemption set to music describes the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic “Carousel.” A cast of more than forty performers both young and old from school kids to surgeons sang and danced “June is Bustin’ Out All Over”, “My Boy Bill” and “When you walk through a storm hold your chin up high and don’t be afraid of the dark…and you’ll never walk alone. Kudos to everyone onstage and behind the scenes. Call (718) 428-6363 for tix.
Sunday’s matinee was also well attended as Maryellen Pierce’s FSFCTG performed the clever send up of Broadway’s plots and personalities in a musical whodunit, “Curtains.” Bawdy Jean Ann Kump led a cast of clever characters who sang and danced with tongue firmly in cheek. Call (718) 229-8547 for information.
Many more troupes will be performing in the weeks ahead. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
Post a Comment