REWIND: Signature's 'Les Miserables' (2008) Part 2

Two clips from Signature Theatre in Washington, DC. One about presenting the landmark musical 'Les Miserables' and the second of the construction of the set. The theatre is actually located in the Shirlington village of Arlington, VA. More info at signature-theatre.org.

REWIND: Signature's 'Les Miserables' (2008) Part 1

Since we are in the midst of a current revival of excitement for the epic musical 'Les Miserables' with the recent 25th Anniversary Concert in London, thought it would be of interest to post production photos from the Signature Theatre version. Especially since returning from Washington, DC this past week, this would be an appropriate time for a revisit to Signature's 'Les Mis'.

The production played the Max theatre from December 2008 and extended to March 2009. The production starred Greg Stone as Jean Valjean. He performed the role of Chris in the national touring company of 'Miss Saigon' ten years earlier which made one of its final stops in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Knowing the production would be presented in a small theatre, I wondered how could the production be staged. Just the sheer number of cast members in 'Les Mis' would appear to be direction nightmare.

Greg Stone as Jean Valjean

But director Eric Schaeffer found how to reinterpret the piece for the Signature stage. This 'Les Mis' had an almost punk edge from the appearance of leather-like material in some costumes to the glass and twisted metal comprising the set design.

None of the epic feel of the musical was lost as the production enveloped the audience with the cast making some entrances through the audience. The lack of a proscenium allowed the production to use the full width of the stage.

The performances were equally a surprise especially Stone. He displayed the strapping figure needed to portray the ex-con and a sterling vocal to match. Felicia Curry's harmonic and boyish Eponine was a stand out in the ensemble.

The company on the barricade.

This production set a standard for this reviewer. Theatre companies which try to duplicate the scale of the original production will pale in comparison. Find the right talent to take the stage and more than half the battle is won. As concert versions have proven, the strength is in the score and storytelling.

After 'Les Miserables' and this seasons's 'Sunset Boulevard,' one wonders what production Signature will tackle to match these highlights. For more info on the theatre company and their current and past productions, visit signature-theatre.org.  Click "Read more" below for more production photographs.

The empty barricade set.

The company singing "One Day More"

Review: 'Sunset Boulevard' Rises at Signature

Signature Theatre is taking the dare and staging another mega musical on their intimate stage. Two years ago the theatre found success with ‘Les Miserables’ and its possible that history will repeat itself with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Sunset Boulevard.’

Based on the 1951 Billy Wilder directed film classic, the show is about faded silent-movie star Norma Desmond (Florence Lacey) now a recluse clinging to memories and dreams of a comeback. When Joe Gillis (D.B. Bonds), a down on his luck screenwriter stumbles upon her mansion, they both find opportunity in their chance meeting. Always along Norma’s side is her faithful butler Max (Ed Dixon) who has secrets of his own. Joe eventually falls in love with budding writer Betty Schaeffer (Susan Derry) and finds he cannot escape from the clutches of Norma’s dark world and its material temptations.

Lacey’s features may be too soft to convey the brilliance of a silent career, but she captures the fragile desperation of Norma and is on the verge of finding the insanity that the role demands. When it counts she sings magnificently. Her performance of the comeback anthem “As If We Never Said Goodbye” is intense and she rips the heart out of “With One Look.”

Bonds has the task of bridging Norma’s has-been world with the joy of the Hollywood hopefuls. At this performance after opening night, he appeared tentative as Joe. Perhaps a bit too boyish looking, he does manage to convey the cynicism in the title song and both he and Lacey work magic when they sing “The Perfect Year.”

Dixon continues the succession of actors to embody the deadly serious authority of Max. Derry conveys the innocence of Betty and scores in the romantic duet with Bonds in “Too Much In Love to Care.”

“Let’s Have Lunch”, “The Lady’s Paying” and “Every Movie’s a Circus” are three ensemble numbers that bring excitement and movement. Choreography by Karma Camp makes appropriate use of the limited stage space.

The book writers and lyricists, Don Black and Christopher Hampton, respect the original movie source and allow Lloyd Webber to hijack the dramatic moments for the best musical numbers. The score remains rich, lush and melodic thanks to the Broadway sound of the 20-piece orchestra.

Inevitably the production will be compared to the 20-ton gorilla that was Norma’s massive Hollywood palazzo and giant staircase on Broadway. Instead scenic designer Daniel Conway turns the auditorium into a back lot studio complete with ropes and catwalks hovering above. The stage echoes the original with plush baroque accents around a tiled thrust stage. The orchestra is placed on a balcony obscured by a Mediterranean-like grillwork.

There is nothing wrong with the look of the modest staircase that Norma climbs throughout the evening except in its revelation. This motion gives the impression of those stairs pulled from a ceiling to enter an attic. But the replica of the antique limousine succeeds in making an appearance to strut the length of the stage. The costumes by Kathleen Geldard remain as sumptuous as on Broadway from the ‘50s look of the young hopefuls to Norma’s gowns

One scene that works fluidly is the chase sequence that sets the plot in motion via a black and white film projected above the stage. This almost makes up for Joe’s final scene which is handled rather clumsily.

In the end the proceedings lead to a shattering reality and a road littered with broken dreams. ‘Sunset Boulevard’ at its core is a true dramatic musical. Even without a marquee name, the show stands on its own as a dynamic story with wonderful music. In this paired down production the result is still touching and haunting.

(All images: signature theatre)

The DETAILS

• What: Signature Theatre presents Sunset Boulevard
• Where: Signature Max Theatre, Washington, DC
• When: Tue-Wed 7:30pm; Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7pm
• Running Time: 2 hours 30 min
• Ticket Prices: $59- $85
• Opening: Dec 10, 2010 (previews from Dec 7, 2010)
• Closing: Feb 13, 2011
• Website: signature-theatre.org
• Click 'Read more' below for more production photographs.

Preview: 'Sunset Boulevard' at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre's set design model for "Sunset Boulevard"

Trailer for 'Sunset Boulevard' at the Signature Theatre.


Clips from the production playing Dec 7, 2010 to Feb 13, 2011

Signature Reveals 'Sunset Boulevard': The Venue

Signature's current production.

Theater at a corner of Cambpell Ave (image: Signature)

Exterior (2008)

Anchoring a corner of Shirlington's main avenue is the Signature Theatre, a nationally known producer of musical theater and contemporary works. Part of this vibrant arts neighborhood since 2007, Signature moved into its $16 million building after thirteen years in its original warehouse space.

The 48,000 square foot facility includes two black box theaters which allows for versatile staging. This also means the seating plan changes based on the production requirements. Their main stage Max theater seats 299 and the smaller Ark theater seats 99.

Signature now competes with the major venues in Washington, DC in attracting theater audiences. Their presentation of Broadway quality productions in an intimate playing space attracts an audience of over 80,000 each season.

Second floor bar & lobby (2008)

The theater's box office is located at street level. The main theatre is on the second floor and its smaller venue located on a third level. The second floor lobby feels more like a bar in a loft space with high ceilings and exposed pipes. A glass wall measuring 14 feet high and 140 feet wide offers a full length view of Campbell Ave straight through the heart of Shirlington.

My first visit to Signature was to experience their spectacular production of 'Les Miserables' which was a brave departure for the theater to stage an epic musical in an intimate theater space. That was in the month of December 2008. With 'Sunset Boulevard' also premiering during the winter months, my hope is one day to visit Signature in a warmer time of year.

More info at signature-theatre.org. Single tickets available online at ticketmaster.com. Patrons needing taxi service is requested to notify the theater by intermission. Parking is available on site. Backstage tours offered only on certain dates.

Above & below: lobby photos (images: Signature)

Bridge to second floor lobby (2008)

Second floor lobby theater shop (2010)

Lighting detail over main stairway to the theaters (2008).

Review: 'Candide' Glitters at the Shakespeare

A sparkling revival of Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Candide’ is lovingly filling the stage of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall in Washington, DC. Newly adapted from Voltaire’s satiric novel by director Mary Zimmerman, the work is brought closer to a perfect staging that has been much sought after in many a revisal ever since the work premiered on Broadway in 1956.

Zimmerman sums up the complicated tale: “It’s the story of a young man named Candide, who is the illegitimate nephew of a Baron in a small province called Westphalia. Along with the Baron’s daughter, he is tutored by a professor named Doctor Pangloss, who claims that Westphalia is “the best possible place in all the world.” When Candide falls in love with Cundegonde, his benefactors kick him out of the kingdom without a penny. The rest of the story follows Candide making his way in the world, having adventure after adventure. He is candid and honest and innocent, and he is mistreated and swindled over and over again. Cundegonde and her family also meet great misfortune in a war, so some of Candide’s adventures involve reuniting with her.”*

The glorious overture is still intact and the show quickly moves forward into some of its most well known numbers: “Life is Happiness Indeed,” “Best of All Possible Worlds” and “Oh Happy We.”

Adding to this funny and witty retelling are some well cast roles. Lauren Molina (Broadway’s ‘Rock of Ages’) as Cunegonde has the heavy task of performing “Glitter and Be Gay.” She is in fine form to display the comic tone of the song and the endurance to achieve its operatic proportions with ease.

As the naïve hero Candide, Geoff Packard delivers a delightful and finely sung performance. He is the hero of the story and has more than enough charm to win the audience over as he endures endless peril in each adventure. Hollis Resnik has the most showiest of the supporting roles as the Old Lady. She earns deserved applause for the tango infused “I Am So Easily Assimilated”.

The musical’s weakness is the tale itself which becomes tiring at the start of act two. One to two adventures too many, one wonders when does the misfortune end? Zimmerman manages to keep things alive utilizing the lavish sets by Daniel Ostling, the gorgeous costumes of Mara Blumenfeld and glowing lighting by T.J. Gerckens until the emotional “Make Your Garden Grow” is rendered by the ensemble at the end.

In a story that travels over oceans and through almost a dozen countries, Osltling creates a wood panel covered room where panels and trap doors shift to allow props and actors on stage or to reveal exotic backgrounds.

If some adventures falter, others make it up with enthralling stagecraft and performances resulting in a sumptuous revival. If a production of ‘Candide’ was Broadway ready again, this one could possibly be it even if for a limited run. The chequered Broadway history of this musical would agree.

(All images: Shakespeare Theatre Company)

The DETAILS

• What: Shakespeare Theatre Company presents 'Candide'
• Where: Sidney Harman Hall, Washington, DC
• When: Tue, Wed, Sun 7:30pm; Thu-Sat 8pm; Sat & Sun 2pm
• Running Time: 2 hrs 45 min
• Ticket Prices: $68-$88
• Opening: Dec 7, 2010 (previews from Nov 26, 2010)
• Closing: Jan 9, 2011
• Website: shakespearetheatre.org
• Click 'Read more' below for more production & rehearsal photos

*from the Shakespeare Theatre Company publication 'Asides'

Videos: 'Candide' at the Shakespeare Theatre

The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents 'Candide' at the Sidney Harman Hall, Washington, DC.

'Candide' Commercial:


Setting up the stage:


Thought of 'Candide' director, Mary Zimmerman:

Shakespeare Theatre Welcomes 'Candide' to D.C.: The Venue

Glass facade

Entrance on F Street

Animated sign

A spectacular glass facade greets patrons to the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sidney Harman Hall in Washington, DC. Opened in 2007, the 800-seat theatre occupies the first five-and-a-half floors of an 11-story office tower.

The bay windows of the orchestra and mezzanine glass facade lobbies hang over the sidewalk below and afford the theatre patron with stunning city views. Because the upper level lobbies do not hug the auditorium or glass facade, they appear to be suspended bridges with views to the level below it.

The three lobby spaces and staircases, each with glass railings, and glass facade give the feeling of a airy uncrowded space. With so much glass, the lobbies are flooded with light during the daytime. Restrooms, entrances to the auditorium, concession stands, table seating and cocktail tables on both upper lobbies help to disperse the audience before a performance and at intermission.

Mezzanine level lobby

Orchestra level lobby

The theatre auditorium offers excellent sight lines, though the leg room is not generous especially in the mezzanine level seats. The stage can be altered to a thrust, open stage or proscenium configuration. The street level lobby contains the box office and gift shop. Just outside are animated signs advertising the theater's productions.

This is one of the few modern designed theaters where the visit to the theatre is a treat in itself. The production on stage has that much to live up to.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company, founded in 1985, also features its season productions at the nearby Lansburgh Theatre (451 seats). The company's theatre season includes plays written by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and those he influenced. More info at shakespearetheatre.org. Single tickets $68-$88. Premium Seats available.

City view from mezzanine lobby

The musical 'Candide' is the current production

Stage Door at the Terrace Theater: Norm Lewis

During the concert (see previous post), Norm Lewis shamelessly touted his CD release "This Is the Life". It's first solo CD and why not advertise that copies will be sold in the lobby. As a measure of enticement, Lewis would appear after the performance to autograph copies.

Performer Norm Lewis & The Hopeful Traveler

It was not yet 9:30pm and it was unlikely I would be planning anything else on this cold evening, or so I thought (see next post), so why not stand in the growing line for an autograph. I first saw him perform in my first visit to New York City in 1995. "Miss Saigon" was heading into it's fifth year on Broadway and Lewis was performing the role of John. The role has one of the more powerful numbers in the show. The song is "Bui Doi"about the children of American soldiers and Vietnamese mothers. Again Lewis had applied his powerful voice to the show stopper.

See Lewis in Les Miserables: The 24th Anniversary Concert Live from the O2 Arena on DVD or Blu-ray.