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YSU theater department marks 50 years with musical revue
By ERIC MCCREA
Youngstown
YSU’s theater department celebrates 50 years of entertaining the Valley with a selection of scenes and songs from the past.
Any standard musical has the same basic elements: an introductory speech, which now includes a message about turning off your phones, a big opening number, some solos, company showstoppers and, strewn throughout, a little bit of a story. “Celebrating 50 Years of University Theater, A Musical Commemoration” packs it all in. Included in this hodgepodge of theater history are selections from classic shows such as “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” “Into the Woods,” “Carousel” and a few modern shows such as “Seussical,” “Rent” and “Urinetown.”
There are only three scenes from plays included in the show, and though at first glance, they’re not as spectacular as the musical numbers, the choice to include them was wise, impressively showcasing the acting talents of the cast members. Katie Jerome and Kiyan Taghaboni bring to life a scene from “Almost, Maine” later followed by Zara Markman and Eric Shonk in a scene from “Romantic Comedy.” Both are sentimental and tug at the heartstrings while encapsulating an entire play’s worth of detail. A scene from “The Rainmaker,” though not as lovey-dovey, highlights timings and character acting.
However, the meat of the show is definitely in the musical pieces. A solid rendition of “Something’s Coming” from “West Side Story” was featured early, performed by Shonk, immediately followed by an impressive performance of the song “Roxie,” from “Chicago” staged by Natalie Martzial. Nikita Jones, Carly Magnuson and Katelyn Deladurantey shined during a rendition of “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” from “Company,” showing how Stephen Sondheim’s music was meant to be tackled. The ladies of the show wowed the audience with “Big Spender” from “Sweet Charity.” The highlight of the first half easily was “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music,” amazingly sung by Markman, with her bittersweet and luscious sounding voice.
The second half of the show was certainly stronger, starting off with a company number from “Suessical.” Martzial was joined by Joseph Alvey for “Money” from “Cabaret,” one of this reviewer’s favorite songs. Markman is paired with Matt Malloy for “Alone in the Universe,” another selection from “Seussical,” a contender for most emotional number in the show. “Run, Freedom, Run,” featuring Taghaboni, fills the bill for an outstanding showstopper. Deladurantey’s “Repent” from “On the 20th Century” was hilarious, with her Melissa McCarthy comedy style and Madeline Kahn vocal style. “Seasons of Love” from “Rent” gave this reviewer chills, thanks in large part to Jones, who frankly, could have been highlighted more.
Although highly entertaining, the show was not without its flaws. With 50 years’ worth of YSU performances to choose from, one has to question a few of the selections. Stage and musical director Nancy Andersen Wolfgang could have been more creative. She used just about every old-school theater trick, making some parts feel somewhat cliche. One number, “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” (omitted from the program) could have benefitted from being sung in a different key or at least used a few key changes to make it less monotonous. The choreography by Christine Cobb seemed dumbed-down, giving a show choir appearance to the night, and the “Cabaret” number was sadly lacking that Fosse style.
The show runs through next Sunday in YSU’s Ford Theater, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 P.M. and next Sunday’s matinee at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 330-941-3105.