by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
The l975 Tony Award Winning musical Shenandoah opened last weekend at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre for a seven week run through April l.
This is the story of a Virginia widower- farmer who has raised six sons and a daughter, who tries to remain neutral during the Civil War. But the war takes its toll as his daughter marries a Confederate soldier and his sons become involved in the fighting.
It may sound very serious and somber, but there is also a lot of humor mixed in.
The five older Anderson brothers, David Jon Davis, Matthew Jay Campbell, Ken Sandberg, Nick Barnes and Chris Robertson sing and dance “Next to Lovin’ I like Fighting”, in the a robust and lively song. It also has the cleverest lyrics.
Alhambra Dinner Theatre’s Tod Booth, whose acting career goes back even further his distinguished directing achievements, plays the father, Charlie Anderson. He has done this role three times, and did it in l997 here at the Alhambra. Booth makes this character likable and believable and when he lectured his sons on the uselessness of war in the beginning of the show, I almost wanted to applaud. This character sings about 60 percent of songs, and some of the songs stretch Booth’s vocal range, but he is such a showman and has a remarkable ability to sell a song no matter what the style or difficulty. He has, as always, a very commanding presence on stage.
There are only two women in the play and you could not find two more talented ladies than Amanda Carlisle (She was Belle in Beauty and the Beast) and Kathy Scott (remember her as Ado Annie in Oklahoma?). They sing a wonderful duet “We Make a Beautiful Pair.”
Mr. Booth also directed this show, assisted as co-director by his wife Lisa Valdini. Booth does all the casting and has an uncanny ability to find and develop juvenile talent, and has proven this in show after show. In Shenandoah Booth has cast two terrific young boys that you will want to take your children and grandchildren to see perform.
William Leonard is a fifth grade student, and plays the youngest Anderson boy, Robert. Panashe Jeti is a student at The Foundation Academy and plays Gabriel, the slave. These two future stars team up to sing “Why Am I Me“ and bring the house down.
Bo Strange, a newcomer from St. Augustine plays a corporal, and has a solo number “The Only Home I Know” that is the most moving and haunting song in the show.
Shenandoah has a very strong supporting cast with excellent voices. Many of the men, do quick costume changes and doubling as marauders and prisoners. The cast also includes Henry Brewster, Bob Cook, Jeremie Cook, Jared Miller, Jessie Spradley, Tony Triano and Ken Uibel.
The songs by Gary Geld and Peter Udel range from peppy to romantic to sad. The title song “Shenandoah” is the best known and is given a stirring rendition by the entire cast at the start and end of the show.
I said there was humor in the show and the scene that has become a classic is between Charlie Anderson and a suitor to his daughter’s hand, played by Jared Miller. Anderson tries to explain women to this lovesick young man, with hilarious results.
Kurt McCall’s costumes designs, with authentic looking clothing from the Civil War period, were right on the mark. I especially liked the very official looking uniforms for the Blue and the Gray.
David Dionne’s set design has a lot of scenery for a small stage. To the left, is a lovely farmhouse. To the far right a bright red barn and a well. Between the two we see the lovely rolling hills of the famous Shenandoah Valley.
Shenandoah is a very enjoyable and entertaining musical, and if you are someone that looks for substance in theatre, you can find parallels in the story portrayed on the stage with the world events that appear daily on TV news reports and in newspapers. Shenandoah is certainly unique in musical theatre since it is a powerful show that entertains and yet makes you think.
When you go to see this show, you will notice something different about the Alhambra. There is an impressive new ceramic tile floor in the lobby and hall areas.
A lot of the usual favorites are on the buffet, but to go along with the southern theme, be sure to sample the barbeque spare ribs, (yum, yum, they were good). The spinach soufflé and the okra and tomatoes were also quite good.
Performances are daily except Monday, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. The theatre is at 12000 Beach Blvd, with plenty of free and well-lit parking. Call 64l 1212 for information and reservations. Visit the website at www.alhambradinnertheatre.com. I highly recommend this show, don’t miss it.
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