Our annual concerts featuring a major Broadway star, the fabulous Marva Pittman, a gospel singer from North Carolina in her 6th year at Good Theater, plus a dozen of your favorite local performers. With songs from Broadway and music of the holiday season, you and your family will want to experience this amazing event.
GOOD FOLKS SHAKE BROADWAY’S BOUNTIFUL TREE
Portland Press Herald by Steve Feeney, 12/3/2011
In honor of the 10th anniversary of Good Theater, director, master of ceremonies and mime Brian P. Allen has assembled another edition of his annual tribute to Broadway. It features lots of classic and newer
Presented with few frills but tons of enthusiasm, the show includes some choice holiday and pop songs as well. As reviewed on opening night, it makes for an especially entertaining seasonal treat.
In true get-'em-on-and-get-'em-off style, 18 singers worked quickly, though not hurriedly, through more than 30 tunes. Performing solo and in various combinations on a stage decorated for Christmas, the performers were ably backed by a three piece-band directed by pianist Victoria Stubbs.
The suave Kevin Earley got top billing and didn't disappoint. He added his casual grace to his take on "Fly Me to the Moon" and really sold it, as they say, to the back row with his rendition of "I Thought I Could Live" from "Death Takes a Holiday,"the Broadway show in which he starred.
The program's mix of soft and sweet with more brassy tunes succeeded as the performers moved through a variety of styles and genres.
Todd Daley, Benjamin Row, Erik Moody and Joe Bearor were early favorites as they combined for a spirited take on "There is Nothing Like a Dame" from "South Pacific." The foursome later were joined by Stephen Underwood for the funny "Fatherhood Blues."
Marva Pittman and Kelly Caufield combined on Carole King's "You've Got a Friend" to good effect, and Jen Means, Lynne McGhee and Marie Dittmer worked beautiful harmonies into "A Loud and Funny Song." Pittman also took the lead for a very soulful ensemble rendition of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind."
Amy Roche showed a real talent for musical comedy on "My Simple Christmas Wish" and "Books," the latter a delightful seated duet with Underwood. David Goulet added pristine solo renditions of tunes including "The Christmas Song," made famous by Mel Torme.
Meredith Lamothe, Deirdre Fulton, Taylor Palmer, Grace Bradford and Marc Brann rounded out the cast. Surrounded by the entire company, Earley returned to close the show with "O Holy Night."
It's a full-on show with a short run. Everyone who likes a well-done musical review should run to see it.
Direction – Brian P. Allen
Musical Direction – Victoria Stubbs
Kevin Earley
Joe Bearor
Grace Bradford
Marc Brann
Kelly Caufield
Todd Daley
Marie Dittmar
Deirdre Fulton
David Goulet
Meredith Lamothe
Lynne McGhee
Jen Means
Erik Moody
Taylor Palmer
Marva Pittman
Amy Roche
Benjamin Row
Stephen Underwood
Lighting – Jamie Grant
Set Design & Stage Manager – Justin Cote
* Member Actors' Equity Association