Here are this week’s Scene Stealers. Congrats to our honorees!
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Spencer Boyd as Farquaad Singing and Dancing “What’s Up Duloc?” and “The Battle of Farquaad” at Shrek at The Alliance Theatre.
“And, it’s hard to stop laughing when Spencer Boyd (Farquaad) is on stage. He is required to be on his knees most of the time as he struts through “What’s Up Duloc?” and “The Battle of Farquaad.”-Paul Bessel and Barbara Braswell
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Anna Phillips-Brown as Eva Peron and Jack Posey as Che Singing and Dancing “A Waltz for Eva and Che” in Evita at The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts.
“Jack [Posey] and Anna [Phillips-Brown] not only provided gorgeous and powerful vocals in their performances, but they acted the heck out of their roles as Eva Peron and Che, and what I admired the most was the self-confidence they exuded all through the production. Their stage presence was commanding and they were having a lot of fun playing these roles. This joy was evident especially during “A Waltz for Eva and Che,” where not only did they have to sing up a storm and dance a waltz, but they had to show their disdain and, at the same time, respect for each other. They did it playfully and seriously all at the same time – not an easy task. These are two very talented performers and I see a bright future for both of them on our local stages.”-Joel Markowitz
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Henry Cyr as Marius Singing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” in Les Misérables at The Glyndon Area Players.
“Another standout was Henry Cyr as Marius. While this Romeo-style character can easily become a hammy caricature, Cyr gave his role heart and depth that invited empathy and understanding to his situation. Vocally, Cyr hit it out of the park. His voice is crystalline, perfectly controlled, and fully emotive at all times. Cyr’s “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” shook me more than any other song in this show, complimented by Homero Bayarena’s haunting staging.”-Max Johnson.
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Fred Fletcher-Jackson as Sir Robin Singing “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” in Monty Python’s Spamalot at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre.
Mr. [Fred] Fletcher-Jackson makes Sir Robin earnest and sprightly (and easily soiled, in an ongoing gag). His “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” is exuberant and fun.-Ron Heneghan
(Watch Fred in the video below):
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Ashlie-Amber Harris as Lady of the Lake Singing “The Diva’s Lament” in Monty Python’s Spamalot at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
“[Ashlie-Amber] Harris plays Lady of the Lake, who bestows the magical sword Excalibur on Arthur, thus making him king. In 2012 Harris made it all the way to Hollywood as a finalist in American Idol, and the former Colorado resident is now bringing her star power to Washington en route to what she hopes will be a career in New York. She turns in gospel-like arias on her solos, particularly “The Diva’s Lament” in Act II, which could be called “The Diva’s Lamé” for the full gold bodysuit she wears, but more on the stunning costumes later. Compliments to the discernment of Director Wade Corder for bringing Harris to the local stage.“-Yvonne French
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Briana Manente as Toinette Pretending to be a Doctor in The Imaginary Invalid at Annapolis Shakespeare Company.
“….in a brilliant scene, the maid Toinette (Briana Manente) poses as a woefully incompetent doctor. Her complete and sudden transformation into the bumbling, bespectacled doctor was a joy to watch.”-Michael Poandl
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Annie Mogilnicki as Peron’s Mistress, Singing “Another Suitcase in Another Show,” in Evita at The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts.
“Annie Mogilnicki, as Peron’s Mistress, showcased her gorgeous voice throughout her rendition of “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.” Her sound was pure and full of emotion, which matched the intensity of the lyrics that described her lonely life of floating from one short fling to another.”-Lauren Katz
“I have never seen an actress/singer in all the dozens of productions of Evita I have seen (since the show opened 34 years ago) show the gamut of emotions that Peron’s Mistress must have felt when she was literally thrown into the street and I just wanted to go up there and hug that character and tell her, “Trust me, you don’t want to be around here anymore with Eva in charge. Peron is doing you a big favor.” The one thing that I always admire when watching a Theatre Lab production is how the directors teach their students how to really get into their character’s being. And here-Annie nailed it! And did I mention how beautifully Annie sang the song?-Joel Markowitz
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Tom Zepp Singing “Bring Him Home” in Les Misérables at Glyndon Area Players.
“Bring Him Home” is an audience favorite, so to choose it as a Scene Stealer may seem like a given. But Tom Zepp’s expressive and heartfelt rendition was particularly touching His use and control of his voice was masterful. And although most Jean Valjeans are tenors, here Zepp’s beautiful Baritone rang through the theatre bringing a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. And when Valjean was watching over Marius and praying that he makes it safely back to Cosette, Zepp poignantly touched Marius’ hair and shoulder gently. So simple, so moving, and so meaningful.”-Teresa Ertel
LINKS:
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/9/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/2/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 7/5/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/28/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/21/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/13/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/06/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 5/29/14.
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 5/22/14.
