Bravo to the entire production team and cast of What Women Want—a musical comedy presented October 14-23 at the Masquers Playhouse in Richmond. Originally produced in 2016 at Actors Ensemble of Berkeley, this new show is a merry romp (sponsored by the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission) that enthralls the audience from start to finish.
Director Kim Bromley calls the story mix of “silliness, clever music and lyrics along with interesting literary history.” Based on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the cast takes us on a pilgrimage to the Canterbury shrine of Thomas Becket. Writer Vicki Siegel (book and lyrics) says it like “a touch of Spamalot.” Whatever you call it—its just incredible thanks to the talent of Evan Alparone (Composer and Arranger) and Judy Wiesen (Music Director).
Applause to Kim Bromley whose fine direction is evident in the cast’s broad and energetic style of acting. Alexis Lane Jensen is fantastic in the role of the Wife of Bath/Ms. Bromwell, Ron Anderson (Merlin/Chaucer), Christine Sheppard (Lady of the Lake), Pat Barr (Sir Pellinore), Kelly Nicolaisen (Lady Bedivere), David Shirk (especially elegant as King Arthur), Lily Jackson (Guinevere), Steve Beecroft (Sir Gawain), Amy Dietz (Lady Kane/Crone) & Jacinto Castillo (intense as Lord of Manor/Sir Gromer).
Kudos to Jo Lusk for the wonderful costumes, Nancy Benson, Production Manager for bringing it all together, John Hull & Hoa Tran for the charming set and Paul Seliga & Mark Decker for the dramatic lighting.
Coming up next at Masquers Playhouse is the musical, Amelie, by Craig Lucas, Nathan Tysen, Daniel Messe, Jean Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant—directed by Enrico Banson, November 11-December 4.
Flora Lynn Isaacson (with Lori Wood)
