CHOSEN A NEW MUSICAL REVIEW

[Avigdor]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 4:31pm

Chosen-A New Musical by Suzanne McCoy opened off off Broadway last night at the Producers Club Grand Theatre 358 West 44th.

Having seen many an off off Broadway show I can tell you that this show is among the brightest diamonds in the rough. Although the talent in the show is uneven and the conditions that we are all aware to produce an off Broadway show are to say the least difficult, the show overcomes many of the obstacles put in its way.

McCoy with sensitivity and humor allows the show to move through the very real life of its characters and the trials they each endure. With Dominick (Florenciani) and Blake (Rob Karp) the newness of first love is the focus of their relationship. Sara (Elizabeth Bowden) and Jess (Kaiti Carpenter) share the opposing view point as a relationship hits the rocks and skids out of control. Michael (Brian Ballone) and Jamie (Terry Lee) battle the confines of religious belief.

The show is set is generalized locations and allow the characters to develop through their own lives.

To say I was pleased is an understatement. There were some unfortunate performances that lacked the vitality (and in some cases the talent) that one expects, but they were quickly forgotten by the robust and committed and creative talents of director Michael J.Ormond and the talents of Florenciani, Elizabeth Bowden, James Longo, Theresa Fowler and the brilliant music/book/lyrics of Suzanne McCoy.

Go and enjoy a truly wonderful show

CHOSEN-THE MUSICAL

[sparky310]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 5:02pm

I saw it to. The music is fun, the story is great, the last scene scared me though.. Dominick and Sara (I forget their real names) were remarkable. I loved Here I am and I Knew.
The director must have had a very difficult time with such uneven talent..but boy he really had a great vision

[sparky310]

Posted: 5/12/05 at 5:36pm

BUY TICKETS AT
WWW.THEATERMANIA.COM

[offbroadwayreviewer]

Posted: 5/13/05 at 11:12am

I saw the show last night….and I was amazed at the strength of the material and the obstacles that the production team must have had to overcome with that arcaic space.

I loved Florenciani (what a cutie) and Beth Bowden (wow can she sing) Lindsay Curcio was a riot and James Longo was a force.

I loved every song. I didn’t like the drag queens. Kaiti Carpenter was sweet but mechanical and stiff very hard to like her character. Brian Ballone over acted at every moment he could..he seemed to be playing the show for the audience..kinda of unfortunate with such a great character.

But Suzanne McCoy’s songs, and script are great…and the direction was great..the comedy that Michael Ormond directed is a blast he has a such a strong hand for the dramatic as well. Everyone should see this.

This workshop version will be an off broadway hit with in the year.

[offbroadwayreviewer]

Posted: 5/13/05 at 5:41pm

tickets on theatermania gold club..take a chance go see it

[offoffsupporter]

Posted: 5/17/05 at 8:14pm

I agree-Michael J. Ormand's direction was phenomenal (despite some key moments hidden by the piano, no pun intended). The songs were cute, though they lacked consistency. 99.9% of the cast (mainly the principles) looked terrified and uncomfortable in their own skin. The main lesbian (Kaitie Carpenter) was poorly cast and dropped the energy of the first 10 minutes of the show. Its life support came in the form of Theresa Fowler, a woman who began and ended like a true diva w/ her unfortunately brief appearance. Elizabeth Bowden was also enjoyable, as well as James Longo's power. Overall, the show was entertaining and went to a good cause (Matthew Shepard Fund), though the script is in desperate need of some work and recasting would've been nice before I spent my $22 to see it.