THE CRITIC! - NEW MUSICAL THEATRE

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BEYOND EXAMINER

LEE HARTGRAVE TONIGHT

THE CRITIC!

IN THE HANDS OF THE RAVEN

In a way this new musical at the Alcove Theatre is part staged intrigue. The other part of the show is some magnificent singing. For the musical part, the actors did not need to look at the lyrics – they pretty much knew the songs.

Hey, the show is in the works as they say. And I don’t doubt that when everything is nice and tight we will see a new musical gem on its way.

This is a new unique experience for the shows producer. For many years 42^nd Street Moon used scripts on the stage. They have now passed that time over. And I have no doubts that “Raven” will also be throwing the scripts away, as the cast memorizes every juicy word.

The Book Music and Lyrics are by Peter Alexander. He has gone through dozens of drafts and hours of lost sleep. Alexander also has taken on the chin critical observations from his dear colleagues.

It was over 10 years ago when he discovered ravens in Alaska. Alexander came across a t-shirt that read – In the Hands of the Raven. He also discovered a handmade silver pendant, which blends the heads of both a raven and an eagle. That is what you will see on the stage. Ravens will be mingling with live people on the stage. The costuming will bring out the true force of mythology to keep the ravens from stealing the sunlight.

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS. I did not fall asleep. It kept me very intrigued. The cast does a marvelous job with voice and presence. Here they are: Jeremiah Wallace, Russell Johnson, Shelley Lynn Johnson, Chris Janssen, Rana Weber, Kathryn Sullivan, Juanita Harris, Melissa O’Keefe, Florinda Larkin and Will Giammona.

THE DIRECTORS: Jonathan F. Rosen – Grace Renaud, Musical Director - Rover Spotts, Tech Director.

SMALL ROOM – GREAT PLEASURES! Lets keep their hopes up.

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on KQED PBS))) 

ALCOVE THEATRE (Corner of Mason & Geary) IS ON A ROLL WITH BRAND NEW MUSICALS. AS THE SAY: IT'S A NEW MONTH! NEW NAME! NEW SHOWS!