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REVIEW
Unhidden "Treasure" at Lakewood's Strand Theater
Published in the Asbury Park Press 04/7/05
By MICHAEL KAABE
CORRESPONDENT
TWIN TREASURES: IN SEARCH OF THE PIRATE COIN
Music and lyrics by Michael Attardi
Once upon a time, Long Branch native Michael Attardi got a whale of an idea for a stage musical that would cater to kids of nearly all ages and still serve as worthy entertainment for adults. He created it in the tradition of such memorable and enduring Disney titles as "Cinderella," "Peter Pan," "The Parent Trap" and "Mary Poppins."
Attardi's "Twin Treasures: In Search of the Pirate Coin," a well-rounded, full-blown musical with outstanding arrangements by Dani Donadi, had its world premiere last weekend at the Strand Theater in Lakewood. With just a few technical and dramatic speed bumps keeping the proceedings from having first-class appeal, the result is a large, tuneful and splashy costume extravaganza that at times is too big for its own good.
The aforementioned Disney classics usually followed or worked toward stating a basic theme, such as belief in one's self is half the battle or, with appropriate devotion, a wish can come true. This pirate tale seeks to state something akin to the above: It's the journey - getting to your goal is more than half the fun.
The story is right in line with pirate-ship folklore: A pirate queen with three sons gives them each one-third of a coin that, when reassembled, points to a place of hidden treasure.
The boys all go their separate ways. Two of them grow up to become Capt. Cally and Capt. Kelly, and they always get along. But the youngest brother, Capt. Stubbs, is a bad guy who wants all the treasure for himself. Twin girls who are separated at birth and who are found and raised separately (due to a sea catastrophe) are now two beauties: the tomboyish Franie (who becomes a pirate) and Bonnie (who is raised by the gentle Capt. Kelly and is a sweet, romantic woman).
With the onset of various sea battles, the captains search for the coins, and amid confused identities and melodious songs, the proceedings come to an exciting climax.
This is a whale-sized show, sporting nifty costumes by Paul K. Solen and a fabulous lighting design by Roz Fulton.
The choreography, by Denise Cerrachio and Andrea Kron, is crafty and imaginative, giving an entertaining edge to the vaudevillianlike production numbers.
The entire cast is magnificent, especially Bob McDonald as Michael Martin (but who turns out to be someone else; sorry, I'm not telling).
The whole production is presented in the spirit of wishing upon a star to make dreams come true. With a bit of polish and more experience in front of an audience, this show could become a first-class dream.
Unhidden "Treasure" at Lakewood's Strand Theater
Published in the Asbury Park Press 04/7/05
By MICHAEL KAABE
CORRESPONDENT
TWIN TREASURES: IN SEARCH OF THE PIRATE COIN
Music and lyrics by Michael Attardi
Once upon a time, Long Branch native Michael Attardi got a whale of an idea for a stage musical that would cater to kids of nearly all ages and still serve as worthy entertainment for adults. He created it in the tradition of such memorable and enduring Disney titles as "Cinderella," "Peter Pan," "The Parent Trap" and "Mary Poppins."
Attardi's "Twin Treasures: In Search of the Pirate Coin," a well-rounded, full-blown musical with outstanding arrangements by Dani Donadi, had its world premiere last weekend at the Strand Theater in Lakewood. With just a few technical and dramatic speed bumps keeping the proceedings from having first-class appeal, the result is a large, tuneful and splashy costume extravaganza that at times is too big for its own good.
The aforementioned Disney classics usually followed or worked toward stating a basic theme, such as belief in one's self is half the battle or, with appropriate devotion, a wish can come true. This pirate tale seeks to state something akin to the above: It's the journey - getting to your goal is more than half the fun.
The story is right in line with pirate-ship folklore: A pirate queen with three sons gives them each one-third of a coin that, when reassembled, points to a place of hidden treasure.
The boys all go their separate ways. Two of them grow up to become Capt. Cally and Capt. Kelly, and they always get along. But the youngest brother, Capt. Stubbs, is a bad guy who wants all the treasure for himself. Twin girls who are separated at birth and who are found and raised separately (due to a sea catastrophe) are now two beauties: the tomboyish Franie (who becomes a pirate) and Bonnie (who is raised by the gentle Capt. Kelly and is a sweet, romantic woman).
With the onset of various sea battles, the captains search for the coins, and amid confused identities and melodious songs, the proceedings come to an exciting climax.
This is a whale-sized show, sporting nifty costumes by Paul K. Solen and a fabulous lighting design by Roz Fulton.
The choreography, by Denise Cerrachio and Andrea Kron, is crafty and imaginative, giving an entertaining edge to the vaudevillianlike production numbers.
The entire cast is magnificent, especially Bob McDonald as Michael Martin (but who turns out to be someone else; sorry, I'm not telling).
The whole production is presented in the spirit of wishing upon a star to make dreams come true. With a bit of polish and more experience in front of an audience, this show could become a first-class dream.