Susan Crocker & Marcy Ziegler in Unhindered and Ungendered
Photo-Wayward Actors Company
Unhindered and Ungendered: Broadway’s Greatest Love Songs
By Various artists
Directed by Valerie Canon
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2015 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
Some of the best show tunes are love songs, am I right? Heightened emotions driven home with belted notes and swelling music is just enough to nearly lose yourself. Wayward Actor’s Company latest installment at The Mex Theater is a review showcasing some of the best love songs and ballads with gender blind casting. And though this might change the tone of some of these numbers, the message remains the same.
Using a cabaret-style motif, this show relies on simple staging to highlight the voices and the music. It starts on a high note with an acoustic ensemble version of “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” followed by “All I Ask Of You,” which displays Ilse Apestegui’s soaring soprano. The first act is at it’s strongest with numbers that remained true to its original show while adding some clever flair. Taylor Clemons was absolutely adorable frolicking around the stage with “I Can Hear The Bells” while Jeff and Carrie Cook Ketterman revived their rendition of “Till There Was You,” a song that brought the lovebirds together in real life. Brian Morris just needed a simple flower and good timing to shine with “When Words Fail” from Shrek. Kudos to the company for picking a good song from a musical of lesser quality, and bringing out the entertainment value of that song tenfold. Sarah Summerwell provides some of the most assured performances in “What I Did For Love” and “Everything I Know.” From seeing her work here, I was curious what she could do as Morales or Nina, respectfully. Susan Crocker and Pete Lay breathe much needed new life into “For Good,” leaving behind any traces of Kristen Chenoweth or Idina Menzel. Brian Morris and Jeff Ketterman share a love song with a big reveal that is milked for all its worth and definitely pays off with “People Will Say We’re In Love.”
With such exemplary moments in the evening, it would be a shame to point out weaker musical numbers. Each performer brought their best talents to the stage even if some of the staging was lacking in originality. When the show is at its strongest, we are reminded as to why these musical numbers are so memorable either by lyrics or the characters that sing them. With Valentines Day less than a month away, it is clear that love is in the air over at The Mex Theater.
Unhindered and Ungendered: Broadway’s Greatest Love Songs
January 16-25, 2015
Wayward Actors Company
The Mex Theatre at the Kentucky Center for the Arts
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
For tickets: www.kentuckycenter.org
[box_light]Kate Barry earned her Bachelors in English with a Theater minor from Bellarmine University in 2008. She has worked with many different companies around town including Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Bunbury Theater, Louisville Repertory Company, Walden Theater, Finnigan Productions and you have probably purchased tickets from her at that little performing arts center on Main Street as well. In 2012, her short play “PlayList” won festival favorite in the Finnigan Festival of Funky Fresh Fun. She has written for Leo Weekly and TheatreLouisville.com as well. Thanks for reading![/box_light]
