If you happen to be in River Grove, IL around May 4, 2017, be sure to catch the production of My Son Pinocchio at The Spotlight Youth Theater! You can buy your tickets here.
Tag Archives: Schwartz
Snapshots Gets a Rave in Phoenix!
“Snapshots” – Arizona Theatre Company
This review aired on KBAQ January 4, 2016
SUPERB “SNAPSHOTS” PAYS TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
“SNAPSHOTS”
Arizona Theatre Company, Center Stage, Herberger Theater Center
Phoenix, AZ
Several musical revues pay tribute to various composers and Broadway musical theater teams. Recent examples include “Jersey Boys” take on Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, “Beautiful,” the Carole King tribute, “Mamma Mia’s” ABBA accolade, and Leiber and Stoller’s “Smokey Joe’s Café.” In “Snapshots,” Arizona Theatre Company’s superb premiere show homage is given Stephen Schwartz, composer of Broadway smash hits like “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin” among his 12 shows represented in “Snapshots.”
But co-conceivers Michael Scheman and David Stern developed a different approach that distinguishes “Snapshots” and makes it smashing. They’ve created a touching story about a long-time married couple who deal with their changing relationship and its impact on the marriage. We see the pair as young teens who fall in love, as an older married couple, and today as they confront many evils. The creators weave 25 Schwartz tunes throughout the narrative to explore in greater depth the myriad of emotions that have occurred. Although I will not spoil the ending, know that the issues tackled are realistic and relevant to most married couples. Each situation is enhanced by Schwartz’s perspective tunes.
Unlike many musical revues, about 75 percent of the song lyrics have been changed to fit the story that is set in Sue and Dan’s attic where many things from their marriage have accumulated. While in the attic, many things that weren’t said earlier get dissected.
Arizona Theatre Company’s masterful production is staged eloquently by Daniel Goldstein in the cleverly designed attic that permits projections of thoughts and pictures from throughout the marriage. A band plays the Schwartz songs with sublime brilliance that is enhanced by Abe Jacob’s sound that blends the orchestra and the on stage ensemble so not a lyric is missed.
A marvelous cast handles the couple at the three stages of their marriage and they essay additional characters that cause other marital stresses. As the contemporary couple, Beth DeVries soulful Sue and Hugh Hastings introspective Dan bring out the pair’s inner thoughts. Tracy McDowell’s Susan and Jim DeSelm’s Daniel, the middle duo, have several experiences foreshadowing the couple’s later problems. Mallory King as the flirtatious but thoughtful Susie and Ben Wynant as the effervescent but clueless Danny are a dynamo of youthful energy.
“Snapshots” HAS ITS intimacy make it a better off-Broadway presentation where it can tell its heartwarming story better than in a larger Broadway theater. “Snapshots” plays through January 17 and earns five stars out of five. For tickets, call the Arizona Theatre Company box office at 
602-256-6995 or order online at www.arizonatheatre.org.
Grade: A
Snapshots prepping for Tucson!
The cast is ready, tech is happening, and the show is almost up. First preview of Snapshots is Saturday!
Snapshots in Tucson!
A Rave for Snapshots in Everett!
Village Theatre’s sweet ‘Snapshots’ captures a marriage in time
Published:
EVERETT — After 20 years of marriage and a lifetime of friendship, Dan and Sue don’t really talk much anymore.
Their son is now grown and gone, Dan is a workaholic and Sue is ready to leave home.
She writes a note, grabs her suitcase from the attic and hopes to sneak away. But Dan returns from work early and finds her in the attic. Sue throws a blanket over the suitcase.
While standing there, the couple uncovers a box of snapshots. As they look through the photos, their memories come to life.
Village Theatre’s production of “Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook” — opening its three-week run tonight at the Everett Performing Arts Center — is a romantic (and touching) comedy, but it doubles as a clever way to celebrate the songs of award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
The musical features 26 songs from 12 shows including “Pippin,” “Wicked,” “The Magic Show,” “Godspell,” “Enchanted,” “The Baker’s Wife,” “Children of Eden,” “Personals” and “Reluctant Pilgrim.”
When Schwartz heard in the early 1990s about Michael Scheman’s and David Stern’s concept for the revue show, he gave his blessing. When they finally had a rough draft, Schwartz joined the project and adjusted some of his songs to better fit the story.
Village Theatre got involved in the project in 2005, when “Snapshots” made its debut in Issaquah as a Village Originals developmental production. Since then, the show has been staged in other small-scale theaters as the writers worked to polish the script.
Now, Village Theatre’s mainstage production marks the final stages of development.
Capable and well-known Village veterans Beth DeVries and Hugh Hastings play Sue and Dan.
The funny Mallory King is Susie, the child and the teen version of Sue. Ben Wynant plays Danny, Dan’s goofy younger self. With this production, King and Wynant also are returning to the Village stage.
New to Village Theatre, Tracy McDowell plays Susan and Jim DeSelm is Daniel — the college grad, young professional and then newly married couple.
At first, it’s easy to wonder about the time travel involved in the show, but it isn’t long before the audience is taken in by the talents of the cast and their ensemble work.
As usual, the Village Theatre scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers have done a great job and the directors and stage managers have pulled it all together.
See this musical. Laugh. Cry. Enjoy the music of Stephen Schwartz.
And don’t be surprised if you see couples holding hands as they leave the theater.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
“Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook” opens Oct. 23 and runs through Nov. 15 at the Everett Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call the box office at 425-257-8600. More at www.villagetheatre.org/everett.
