Cabaret theater blossoms at YSU with beautiful voices

By LORRAINE WARDLE

entertainment@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

For its final theater production this season, YSU’s University Theater decided to try something different. “Blossoms & Bliss” is a cabaret-style musical revue that features nonstop music and a stellar cast.

Nancy Andersen Wolfgang, Youngstown State University instructor of theater, dance and music, created the show by compiling nearly 40 songs from various musical-theater sources.

An ensemble cast of theater students took turns performing while accompanied by a piano. Most of the songs were humorous and highly entertaining, while the few more serious songs were beautiful and moving.

The show provides a warm, intimate experience that is rarely felt in a theater. Situated in Bliss Hall’s Spotlight Arena, the audience is seated at tables with a small stage at one end of the room.

Throughout the evening, the actors performed on stage, around the room and in the audience. The production has the feel of an old dinner cabaret, complete with waiters serving dessert.

“Blossoms & Bliss” is everything musical theater should be.

The show moved quickly and seamlessly, the musical numbers were perfect, and the cast was oozing with talent. The ensemble cast was composed of musical theater students, four men and four women, each with their own strengths.

Joshua Green was a perfect romantic lead with his easy, velvety voice so full of emotion. Aaron Kubicina sang humorous numbers that were full of energy, but it was his rendition of “Mr. Cellophane” from “Chicago” that was especially touching.

Neil Meloro was sweet, sincere, clear and strong in every song. Joey Alvey was the typical character-actor of the production with perfectly off-beat performances and an emotional turn with “Nature Boy” from “Moulin Rouge.”

The women of the cast were equally impressive. Shawna Jones sang beautifully with an amazing range.

Deanna Scott evoked the archetypal musical-theater actress with her quirky, cute performances, particularly “Taylor the Latt Boy.” Abby Smith had a natural style that made her serious numbers especially emotional.

Powerhouse Nikita Jones was awesome in every song, from the soulful “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” to the funny “Fifteen Pounds.”

Supporting the ensemble cast was a crew of seven waiters who performed multiple roles. They were actual waiters, serving dessert and beverages to the audience (an added bonus to the already-perfect experience), and they provided a chorus to the ensemble, joining in musical numbers throughout the evening.

The unsung hero of the night was accompanist Jack Ciarniello, who beautifully and tirelessly played more than two hours of nonstop piano.

“Blossoms & Bliss” was great fun and one of the most enjoyable nights of theater I’ve had all year. Let’s hope the University Theater decides to make the show an annual tradition.