A Triumph of Courage and Music

Sonoma Arts Live Theater Company breaks new ground with their latest production, “The Hello Girls.” Directed by the talented Maeve Smith, this new musical brings to light the remarkable story of the brave women who volunteered to serve their country during World War I, even before they had the right to vote.

Set against the backdrop of war-torn Europe, “The Hello Girls” follows the journey of the female switchboard operators, known affectionately as the “Hello Girls,” who were recruited by Army General John Pershing to assist in the war effort. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, these courageous women played a pivotal role in communication on the front lines, ultimately helping to secure victory for the Allies.

What sets “The Hello Girls” apart is its captivating score, composed by Peter Mills. From soulful jazz melodies to lively ragtime tunes, the music adds depth and emotion to the story, transporting the audience to the tumultuous era of the Great War. Under the expert guidance of Music Director Aja Gianola-Norris and choreographer Jonathen Blue, the cast delivers stellar performances.

Speaking of the cast, Sonoma Arts Live has assembled a talented ensemble of local actors who breathe life into their characters with authenticity and passion. Jenny Veilleux shines as Grace Banker, Emily Evans compels as Helen Hill, and Sarah Lundstrom delivers a standout performance as Suzanne Prevot. Each actor brings a unique energy to the stage, making the story of the “Hello Girls” all the more compelling.

But beyond its entertainment value, “The Hello Girls” also shines a spotlight on an often overlooked chapter of history. Director Maeve Smith’s meticulous research and dedication to authenticity ensure that the audience gains a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and contributions of these extraordinary women. It’s a story that deserves to be told and remembered, and Sonoma Arts Live has done justice to its legacy.

As I left the theater, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the resilience and courage of the “Hello Girls.” Their story serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of women throughout history and the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite hearts. “The Hello Girls” is not just a musical—it’s a testament to the human spirit and a celebration of the unsung heroes of the past.

“The Hello Girls” runs from April 19 to May 5 at the Rotary Stage in Andrews Hall, Sonoma Community Center. Go now and prepare to be transported on a journey of courage, camaraderie, and music that will stay with you long after the final curtain call.

Enjoy it now!

Forever Plaid at 42nd Street Moon

Be transported back in time to the golden era of music with 42nd Street Moon’s production of “Forever Plaid.” Directed by Daniel Thomas, this fun musical revue is an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and toe-tapping tunes that leave you humming long after the final curtain falls.

From the moment the lights dim and the quartet of singers takes the stage, you are whisked away on a mirthful musical journey filled with classic 4-part harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies. Starring Edu Gonzalez-Maldonado as Jinx, Kevin Singer as Frankie, Justin P. Lopez as Sparky, and Matt Skinner as Smudge, the quartet delivers standout performances that showcase their exceptional vocal and comedic talents.

Under Tim Fletcher’s musical direction and Brittney Monroe’s choreography, each song and dance number is executed with precision and flair, transporting the audience to a bygone era of music and entertainment.

But what sets this production apart is its interactive elements. Throughout the show, the cast seamlessly engages with the audience, inviting them to participate in the fun and adding spontaneous asides that keep the laughter flowing. From witty banter to unexpected audience interactions, each moment feels fresh and lively, creating an immersive theater experience that captivates from start to finish.

The set design by Justin Kelley-Cahill and the lighting design enhance the whimsical atmosphere of the production, while the musical arrangements by James Raitt breathe new life into beloved classics from the 1950s. From “3 Coins in the Fountain” to “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing,” the hit parade of songs have you singing along.

Besides being entertaining, “Forever Plaid” also carries a message of camaraderie and friendship that resonates long after the final bow. It celebrates the power of music to unite people and uplift spirits, reminding us of the timeless appeal of harmony and melody.

Overall, “Forever Plaid” at 42nd Street Moon is a delightful theatrical experience that leaves you smiling from ear to ear. Whether you’re a longtime fan of musical theater or simply looking for a night of pure entertainment, this production is for you.

Experience the fun of “Forever Plaid” at the Gateway Theatre in San Francisco from April 18 to May 5, 2024.

Joseph Cillo
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
ForAllEvents

SFBATCC Reviewer

Stanford Live presents Book of Mountains and Seas, a work of vocal theatre created by Huang Ruo, composer and librettist, and Basil Twist, director and designer. Performed in the Bing Concert Hall April 6 and 7 2024. Ruo, formerly Composer in Residence at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam collaborates with Twist, a third-generation puppeteer to bring to life four ancient Chinese creation myths. Transcribed in the 4^th Century BC this performance is told through twelve singers, six puppeteers and two percussionists. The impressive Ars Nova Copenhagen perform the vocals while puppeteers deftly move surrounding and across the stage with object puppetry such as flags, lanterns, rocks – and finally, a magical surprise!

The four myths tell the story of The Legend of Pangu and the creation of our planet – how the mountains, seas, rivers, lakes, suns and mankind were created – and each story is different visually and dynamically. The lyrics are based on original Chinese texts from oral and written history with summarised English supertitles projected on the circuar black background of the stage. An impressive array of percussion instruments is placed on both sides of the stage whose mesmeric sounds melt in and out of the stories.

Singers in long black robes gently move to different places on the stage for each part of the story, with only their faces lit reflecting from their open song books. It’s dramatic and curious. Twist is well known for exquisite puppetry and here objects that evoke wizened driftwood are carefully placed and transform into different landscapes with ease. There are many highlights to note in this production, such as a spirit bird that flies around, brought to life by several puppeteers; The Legend of Ten Suns is particularly memorable with a beautiful choreography of lanterns that emotively change colors; the delicate songs and quality of the vocalists is ever present, and the contemporary percussion music is at once haunting and reverberatingly beautiful. Inspired lighting design plays an important part of the storytelling in this piece with tight focus pin lights on the evolving landscape center stage and later, shadows bouncing off the high ceiling of Bing Hall adding atmosphere and scale.

Ruo and Twist have created an outstanding and unique piece of theatre with music. Experiencing this seventy five minute performance is surreal and stunning allowing us time to breathe and be transported. A vital quality that is so effective is the time Ruo and Twist take to develop this new world with respectful restraint minute to minute. The stories unfold seamlessly – and without realizing it we are breathing with the visceral imagery and sound taking us to mystical places that we do not want to end. If you have the opportunity to see this show, do so – it’s Highly Recommended!

More Information about Stanford Live
https://live.stanford.edu/

o, composer and librettist | Basil Twist, director and designe

Ensemble Photo by Robin Jackson

New Works at Ross Valley Players presents a delightful and entertaining new musical, The Divine Sarah by June Richards and Elaine Lang on stage now through April 7 at the Barn Theatre in Ross.

Lovely live music by Jon Gallo (Keyboard/Music Direction) and Diana Lee (Cello), fine direction by Jay Manley and the cast’s outstanding acting, singing and dancing bring Sarah Bernhardt’s incredible story to life. Co-producers Michael Cohen and Gina Pandiani hope this play will “honor Bernhardt’s artistic brilliance and inspire audiences with her passion, determination and resilience.”

Forty years ago Richards and Lang wrote and staged a reading of the play that included fourteen songs and ensemble music, but a full production never happened. Then a few years ago, Richards and Lang updated the script keeping the original music and songs in place. Next Manley agreed to direct the piece for Ross Valley’s New Works. He calls the show “a true labor of love,” and describes French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) as “a pioneering woman…magnetic…able to cast a spell on the great playwrights of her day,” (Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde and Edmund Rostand to name a few). He hopes the production brings “excitement, respect and awe for this magnificent star.”

Merrill Grant is brilliant playing Sarah, first as a young woman, then through the years as she develops into an accomplished actress and international celebrity. Grant’s singing is amazing and so is the voice of Lucas Michael Chandler who stands out in the role of Jean Mounet Sully, a fellow actor who became Bernhardt’s good friend and lover.

The other cast members show extraordinary talent and range playing multiple roles including Alexandra Fry (young Sarah /Regine), Keith Jefferds (Oscar Wilde/Czar Alexander III) and Robin Schild (Victor Hugo/Mark Twain). The rest of the company (Amy Dietz, Anna Joham, Julia Ludwig. Brad Parks and Ron Talbot) shines—their singing, dancing and acting adds much to the production.

Kudos to Ronald E. Krempetz (Scenic Design), Michael Walraven (Technical Director), Michael Berg (Costume Design), Michele Samuels (Lighting Design) and Lucas Chandler (Choreography) for the imaginative set, lovely costumes, creative lighting and wonderful dancing. Special recognition goes to John Diestler for giving the audience a look at the real Sarah Bernhardt with “Block” digital images of her placed all around the stage.

The New Works program presents new, original works by Bay Area playwrights and consists of a full production and staged readings on two nights each season. Along with The Divine Sarah, the four readings this season are AI Threesome by Joe Wolff, Dead People by Bridgette Data Portman (March 17), Cowboy and Widow by Lynn Lohr and Lance Belville with music by Dolan Ellis, Wayne Hamilton and Eric Peltoniemi and Swing Set by Keith Jefferds (March 24).

Coming up next at Ross Valley Players is The Book Club Play by Karen Zacarias, directed by Mary Ann Rodgers, May 10-June 9.

Marin Theatre Company presents the West Coast Premiere of Bees and Honey, a new play by Guadalis Del Carmen on stage now through March 10.

In an interview with the Theatre Times Del Carmen explains the play is “about love…we’re taught that love is this perfect and beautiful thing that can magically fix everything, but everyone leaves out the part about love being hard work. To see two people of color (specifically Afro-Latinx) on stage having a real and raw relationship is rare.”  Karina Gutierrez’ excellent direction and the extraordinary talent of Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (Manuel) and Katherine George (Johaira) bring Del Carmen’s powerful love story to life.

As the play begins, Juan Luis Guerra’s bachata song, “Como Abeja al Panal” plays in the background while Manuel and Johaira talk about the thrill of dancing to bachata music (popular in their shared Dominican culture). They reminisce about how they met before they got married and their first dance together. The lights dim and the music gets louder as they begin dancing in complete sync with one another. Their movements are rhythmic, sensual, intense and demonstrate the strong connection and passion they feel for each other.

But the spell is broken as the lights go up and the next scene takes us inside the couple’ small apartment.  As the story develops, their individual differences, work challenges, family conflicts, gender roles and sexuality all come into play illustrating how even the most loving relationships can be difficult.

The play requires both actors to express a broad range of emotions. Lendeborg Jr.’s acting is especially impressive when portraying his character’s vulnerabilities. George exeplifies her character’s ambivalence, frustration and sorrow.  Their performances are authentic, heartfelt and deeply moving.

Carlos Antonio Aceves (Scenic Design), Jeunee Simon (Intimacy Coordinator), Mark Ellis (Dance Consultant) and Kate Boyd (Lighting Design) all deserve special recognition for their contribution to this incredible show. In fact, all of the creative team and show staff makes it a memorable experience–not to be missed!

Coming up next at Marin Theatre Company is Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song, directed by Richard Mosqueda, May 9-June 2.