This past week, I went to see Mamma Mia! at Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre.. This particular musical features music by ABBA, a fun, disco pop group. I’ve always loved ABBA, and I’m clearly a big fan of musicals, so Mamma Mia! is right up my alley! Thankfully, FMCT’s production did not disappoint. The performers were very talented, but there were some clear strengths and weaknesses in their technical abilities. For example, the woman who played Donna was an incredible vocalist, but her acting and dancing abilities were mediocre. However, she more than made up for it in her vocal prowess, and stunned us all in songs such as “The Winner Takes It All”, and, of course, “Mamma Mia!”. The woman who played Sophie was incredible. Her dance and acting were both very strong, and though her vocals weren’t quite to those of Donna, she kept up with no problem. As for the main men in the show, the three men who played Sophie’s dads were all strong singers, but mediocre actors. They definitely did not dance! As a whole, the ensemble easily kept up with the (fairly simple) choreography, provided a strong background vocally (though sometimes the blending struggled), and brought the show to life. Their technical abilities, overall, were very strong. One part of this show that I enjoyed immensely was the stage presence of the actors. They all genuinely looked like they were enjoying themselves. This show proved that older men can still dance and have a very good time to ABBA music! Each of the principal roles clearly put time, effort, heart, and energy into their performances, which made the show electric. The ensemble, though not always perfectly on pitch, made up for it in smiles and enthusiastic (though not always correct) dance moves. It’s also worth mentioning the pit. Their talented work on their instruments brought the show alive, and they showed their intent of performing joyously through their stunning use of dynamics, balance, and overall disco pop sound! Overall, the stage presence of the performers made everyone in the audience feel happy, carefree, and very disco! That was the true intent of the performance. I absolutely loved this show. Although not the most detailed and technically talented show I’ve ever seen, this production made me smile. I tapped my toe throughout, enthusiastically clapped during the end number, and even danced a bit! I love Mamma Mia!, and you can be sure that I’ll be listening to this soundtrack in the car and during kitchen dance parties for a long, long time. Although the show is now closed, I definitely would’ve recommended this show to a friend. Whether or not they are a fan of ABBA and musical theatre, I’m fairly confident that this show made everyone smile. It truly made us all feel like a “Dancing Queen”!
0 Comments
Recently, I’ve spent a lot of time talking about music. That’s great, because music is amazing, and critical to musical theatre, but I haven’t spent much time actually writing about theatre! So today, let’s get back into the dramatic area of Fargo-Moorhead. There’s a couple fun shows coming up, and I’ll preview them for you here.
First is “Into the Woods, JR!” at Oak Grove High School. This show, a lighter and shorter take on the classic dark fairytale, features 4th-9th grade students. The set is beautiful (I helped build it!), the lighting design is gorgeous, Moorhead High’s Dr. Jean Sando created the stunning costumes, and from the little I’ve heard, the students have created a pretty amazing show. Featuring songs such as “No One Is Alone”, “Agony”, and of course, “Into the Woods”, this show is sure to bring you right back into some of your favorite fairy tales. If you haven’t heard about this show before, it’s essentially a big mash up! Tales such as “Cinderella”, “Rapunzel”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, and “Jack and the Beanstalk” all come together...into the woods! Though the full version of the show takes a very dark turn during the second act, this show’s Junior version has a much happier ending. They perform all of this weekend and next weekend. Just search “oak grove tickets” on Google, and Eventful.com will pop up to ensure you get seats! If fairy tales aren’t quite your style, maybe a party on a Greek island with an ABBA soundtrack is! “Mamma Mia!” at Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre is sure to have your feet tapping, and maybe even dancing in the aisle. I mean, what’s not to love about songs such as “Dancing Queen”, “Take a Chance on Me”, “Honey, Honey”, or the classic “Mamma Mia!”? I absolutely love ABBA, so you can be sure I’ll be enjoying this show at least once. If past lives are a thing, then I was in ABBA before I was Grace. Haha :) Anyways! FMCT is known for producing great local theatre, and their tickets are super reasonable. Support local art! And local artists! FMCT is also close to downtown Fargo, so you could grab some good food and walk over to the theatre (The Stage at Island Park) if the weather is nice. “Mamma Mia!” is featuring three weekends of shows, so you can absolutely make it to this happy musical. It’s sure to make you smile. If you’d like to save some money on tickets, check out the volunteer page on FMCT’s website. Ushers get free seats, and you get to help out some local theatre patrons. Last thing today: If you feel like trying theatre, ABSOLUTELY DO IT. Who knows?! You might find something you love. My dad did “White Christmas” (also at FMCT) with me a few years ago, and I think he really enjoyed it. And he ended up tap dancing by himself in front of hundreds of people, so that’s pretty cool too! Our area offers lots of summer classes, and many dance studios offer classes just for beginning adults. Check out voice lessons, and maybe even audition for some shows. See you onstage!! Last night, I was able to attend Legally Blonde at Oak Grove High School! Considering it was $5 student night, I happily ate some Rhombus Guys pizza and headed over to Oak Grove to see this show. And wow, it was such a fun way to spend my Thursday night! The show kicked off with the classic “Omigod You Guys”, though the directors changed it to “Omigosh You Guys” since Oak Grove is a Lutheran school. The bright, flirty Delta Nus lit up the stage, instantly making the audience excited to watch the story of Elle Woods unfold. Elle Woods, played by sophomore Isabelle Kraemer, is the stereotypical blonde sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School. Kraemer makes Elle easy to love, as her sweet, strong voice fills the stage with a powerful belt. She is truly a triple threat, as she dances with sparkle and joy, sings the songs passionately, and embodies the character beautifully. Kraemer’s bright smile more than makes up for the harmonies with her male co-stars that are not all quite on pitch.
Another stellar actress in this show is Maia Ruhland, who plays Brooke Wyndham. Where Elle is pure sweet, Ruhland takes the stage in a whirlwind of sass, strength, and ferocity. Act II opens with “Whipped Into Shape”, a massive dance number featuring plenty of powerful singing, kicks, and jump roping. Ruhland leads this song with unbelievable power, and leaves the audience amazed at her effortless belt. Her characterization remains strong throughout the show, and she’s clearly worked hard on her role. Other roles worth mentioning include Emmett, played by Mickey Porter. Though his voice is still growing, he acts the part perfectly. By the end of the show, the entire audience is cheering for this endearing character. Paulette, played by Kallan McSparron, is a hairdresser desperately in need of some self-confidence. McSparron is delightful in her rendition of “Ireland”, a both hilarious and melancholy song. Eventually, she falls in love with the UPS delivery man, and Elle helps her out by teaching her the “Bend and Snap”. Elena Linster plays the role of Vivian, a usually smaller role that Linster turns into a showstopper. She nails the character, bringing a whole new dimension of feminism, growth, and sass to the stage. Her voice is unlike any other, and the production team found many ways to showcase her stunning talent. The orchestrations, light design, and simple set are all very well done, and provide a lovely backdrop for this talented cast. The ensemble is strong, even though it’s rather small, and genuinely look like they are having so much fun. The costumes are so much fun, and they are designed by Moorhead High’s very own Mrs. Gunderson! If all the talent I mentioned earlier wasn’t enough to convince you, there’s also a concession stand like no other! So if you’re ready to feel “So Much Better”, get your tickets to see this super fun version of Legally Blonde! Fargo-Moorhead has an incredible high school arts scene, so today I’ll be advertising a few shows outside of Moorhead High School. Coming up this weekend and next weekend is Oak Grove’s production of Legally Blonde! This bopping musical is so much fun, so put on your pink, find your group of girls, and get your tickets! Featuring songs such as “Bend And Snap”, “Positive”, and “So Much Better”, this show will have you dancing in your seat. I had the opportunity to talk to Maia Ruhland, who plays Brooke Wyndham, and she says that being part of this show has been an “incredible learning experience”. Legally Blonde follows the story of Elle Woods, a stereotypical blonde sorority girl. After being dumped, Woods follows her ex-boyfriend to, as one does, Harvard Law School! While attending Harvard, Woods learns a lot about herself, her strength, and her heart. And of course, there’s a whole lot of girl-power singing!
If dancing sorority girls at Harvard isn’t quite your thing, maybe a musical comedy about an atomic bomb is! Horizon Middle School’s spring musical this year is Li’l Abner. Featuring students grades 6, 7, and 8, Li’l Abner is a fun musical full of foot-stomping, moonshine, and political satire. And of course, atomic bombs. But don’t worry, Broadway magic will prevail, and you’re sure to leave this show with a smile. So this Valentine’s Day, get your tickets to support local teenage art. These casts are the future of theatre, so send lots of support. I’d also like to note that today is Giving Hearts Day, and there are tons of theatre/arts programs available for you to donate money to. Some of my favorites are FMCT, Fargo-Moorhead Ballet, Oak Grove Theatre, and many more! Happy Valentine’s Day! Oh my goodness! New York City! Truly the greatest city in the world! This trip was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I was absolutely in awe the entire time I was there. The city was absolutely overflowing with art. Everywhere I looked, whether it be in the subway, a side of a building, or onstage on Broadway, I saw unbelievably beautiful artwork. I could probably talk about New York City on this blog for weeks, but I’ve decided to stick solely to the musicals I saw. This way, if any of you are lucky enough to take a trip to the Big Apple, you’ll be prepared to pick which shows would be right for you! (Though really, any musical you see will be amazing!).
The first show I saw was Mean Girls! If you’re looking for a good laugh, and a blast from the past of your teenage years, this is the show for you. The dirty jokes (there were many), overdramatic teenage girl drama, and playful romance was combined with toe-tapping music with clever lyrics and an entertaining plot with a great message. Though this show is definitely PG-13, it’s a musical that even adults will enjoy. Don’t skip it just because it’s a classic teenage movie, because Mean Girls is not one to miss! The second show I saw was Waitress. HOLY. COW. This show was amazing. Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel are an electric duo. Every aspect of this show is breathtaking. It’s funny, it’s sweet, heartbreaking, heartwarming, honest, and beautiful. The vocals are astounding, in fact, I bought the piano/vocal music book because I adored it so much. Though all of the shows I saw in New York, I would say this was my favorite. Do not miss this show, you’ll regret it. Bareilles is only in the cast for another month or so, but any cast you see is sure to be incredible. Also, there’s pie in cute little mason jars when you walk into the theater! It’ll be the most expensive pie you’ll ever eat, but it’ll also be the best! Waitress is sure sweet! My next show was Anastasia! Wow! I was a little unsure about this show at first, because it seems like a typical princess show, but I was blown away. Christy Altomare, who plays Anya, has the most incredible vocals I have ever heard. The song “Journey to the Past” dropped my jaw and changed my life. I have no words. Cody Simpson (a past Disney Channel Star) was the male lead, and he was equally as astounding as Altomare. The costumes, set, and choreography in this show were beautifully created. And, I was lucky enough to go backstage! Truly a once in a lifetime experience. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good show with incredible vocals, this is the show for you! Those are the first three shows I saw in New York! Next week, I’ll review the last three, My Fair Lady, Kinky Boots, and The Prom. New York City was one of the best weeks of my life, and I’m so happy to be able to share my experiences with you. Thanks for reading, and enjoy another week of art! In just two days, I’ll be leaving the Fargo-Moorhead arts scene and hopping on a plane to the ultimate one. That’s right, New York City! I can’t wait to write a full blog post on all of the amazing things I see and do, so I hope you all don’t mind a quick break from Artistically Fargo-Moorhead. Saying Artistically New York City doesn’t seem to make sense, because New York just IS artistic! And I am so excited! While I’m there, I’ll be sure to write down everything, and take tons of pictures and videos. We’ll be seeing 6 shows, including Waitress, Come From Away, and Mean Girls. I cannot wait to tell you all about it as soon as I get home!
However, never fear! There is still an abundance of events going on in Fargo-Moorhead for you to enjoy! On Wednesday, January 16th, Martin Sexton will be playing at Sanctuary Events Center. Known for songs such as “Diner” and “Glory Bound”, this singer-songwriter is sure to be a hit. On Friday, January 18th, Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre is hosting it’s second annual “Fargo Famous Talent Show”! In December, artists from around the community submitted videos to audition. Facebook voters selected their favorites, and the top few will be performing on Friday night. Audience members will get to vote for their favorite artist, and judges will help in the decision-making process. This celebration of hometown talent will be blast, so don’t miss it! If you’d rather attend a little less formal of an event, the Fargo Bluegrass Jam is taking place on Sunday, January 20th at The Edgewood Vista. At this casual, fun event, anyone can bring their acoustic bluegrass instrument and join in the jam session! Check out their website, www.bluegrassnd.org for more information, and to find a list of common songs and keys so you can practice your bluegrass jamming! I hope these quick highlights of events going on this week can help you keep your weekend artistic and fun! As I tour the streets of New York City, I’m sure I’ll be thinking of how grateful I am to live in a community that is overflowing with the arts. I can’t wait to update you all when I get home! Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to usher at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater’s production of “A Christmas Story”! A bonus perk of ushering: free tickets! After getting to lead friendly patrons to their seats, we got to sit down and enjoy the show alongside them. And enjoy it we did! The show was an absolute blast. Though I haven’t seen the movie (I plan to now!), the plot was simple and easy to follow, making the show fun for all ages. Speaking of all ages, the show featured actors from a very young age, some even as young as 4 or 5, all the way to late adulthood. The kids had many fun dance numbers that sparkled with joy and energy of childhood, and even tap danced! The adults were also very talented, both hilarious and heart-wrenching at times. We seemed to laugh at nearly every other line, especially during “A Major Award”, but felt deeply for the mother during “What a Mother Does”. The music was incredible, written by current Broadway composers and lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen”, “Greatest Showman”, “La La Land”). All of the lead characters were clearly heavily trained, as the vocals in this show were absolutely stunning. Even the woman who played Ralphie’s mom, though she was clearly battling a bad sickness, sounded gentle, emotional, and sweet. The set and costumes were simple yet festive and fun, adding to the show without being an unnecessary distraction. Even simply walking in to the show filled me with holiday cheer. The massive Christmas tree filled the entrance pavilion, and the bar was serving spiked hot chocolate (no worries, I didn’t try it!). This show is not one to miss, so be sure to get your tickets for this upcoming weekend! And yes, all of your favorite, iconic “A Christmas Story” moments appear. The tongue stuck on a pole, the santa slide, the “RaaAaAaAAlphie!!!”, and of course, the leg lamp.
If You Go: December 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30pm @ The Stage at Island Park December 16th at 2:00pm @ The Stage at Island Park photos by Robby Njos Photography If you’ve walked into Moorhead High in the last few months, specifically through door 13 at anytime after 3:30pm, you’ve likely heard a buzz coming from the auditorium. The Blackbox may have been blasting “The Wobble”, tappers may have been stretching their ankles and getting warmed up, and dancers may have been flipping around and practicing their acrobatics. “Seize The Day” may have been coming from the choir room, and cast members may have been grabbing a quick snack as they pulled their hair into tight ponytails and slid on jazz shoes.
The rehearsal process for the MHS fall musical is unlike any other two months. Hours upon hours of dancing and Cupid Shuffle ab workouts, vocal rehearsals in the choir room, full cast circles onstage (complete with hip rolls and “waking up” various extremities”), and hugs at the end of a long rehearsal. The cast, production team, pit, and crew have spent their first few months of school working to make this show beautiful. Starting today is “tech week”; a week full of rehearsals until 1am, running dances over and over again to make them perfect, and the final layering in of costumes, lights, sound, props, and a finished set. Moorhead’s production will be featuring beautiful projections, so this week will be crucial in the process of setting those up as well. The actors are sleep-deprived and stressed, the tech crew is running around trying to make the actors look good and the show run smoothly (shoutout to the tech crew - y’all are the best!), and the production team is frantically trying to make this show artful and beautiful. Tech week is sometimes considered horrible, but the memories that are made are some of the best, and the progress that is made in just a few short day is enormous. So, though the cast members may be a bit more crabby this week, they are thrilled to soon be able to share this show with you. In fact, I am so excited to share this show with you. Get your tickets today, ladies and gentlemen. As a quote from the show states, “The things we do today will be tomorrow’s news”, and this show will definitely be breaking news. The message is crucial in today’s society, the cast is full of love, energy, work ethic, and excitement, and the show itself is bursting at the seams with beauty and heart. We cannot wait to see you there! If you go: “Newsies” at Moorhead High School Auditorium November 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:30pm November 11, 18 at 2:00pm Tickets at www.moorheadschools.org/tix or call 218-284-2255 “Church and State” is an upcoming play that will be performed at Theatre B, opening on October 11th. This play follows Charles Whitmore, a fictional senator. He decides to tell the public what he is really thinking…only three days before election day. This dramedy talks about guns, God, and politics, and how they all intersect. Featuring local artists such as Daniel Damico, this play is sure to be both hilarious and thought-provoking. You may have seen their promotions in recent local parades. Riding in a car that looked extremely similar to legitimate political candidates, members of the cast handed out flyers with show information. On the bottom, however, the message was clear. “*Not a real candidate”, it said, but the show will be as interesting and relevant as any political debate. It should be noted that this show is geared toward more mature audiences.
Theatre B is a local, nonprofit, theater company that was founded in 2003. It is dedicated to inspiring civic conversation about topics that matter, especially in today’s society. Though relatively new to the artistic scene in the area, it is known for creating incredible productions. As a theatrical group focused on ensemble, they ask even the most experienced artists to challenge themselves to delve deeper into character work. Theatre B involves over 100 artists every year, which ensures that many people have the opportunity to build their craft and share it with the community. Theatre B also participates in “The Incubator Project”. This project allows budding playwrights to submit their own work. From there, literary managers at Theatre B help playwrights take their play to the next level, whether it be editing or even creating a show. This is an incredible opportunity for writers who are looking for help, or even just want their work to be shared with the community. As a champion of civic-minded local arts, Theatre B will continue to challenge and inspire us with their artistry. “Church and State” is not one to miss! If you go: Oct. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 @ 7:30, Oct. 14 @ 2:00 Theatre B - www.theatreb.org 215 10th St N. Moorhead, MN 56560 [email protected] 701-729-8880 |
Check back here soon for updates on local theatre!
|