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Opera House show recalls HS good times
by RICK MAUCH
(Posted 11/10/2009 10:54 am)
We all recall high school graduation, the excitement and anticipation. The optimistic uncertainty of a future we all thought would be magical.
The Granbury Opera House's new musical, “Bye Bye Love” takes the audience back to that time. Six high school students in the early 1960s are about to graduate, and they recall the best part of their time together.
Written by Kelly Swartz (who also stars) and Sam DiRosa (who also directed), the show is simple enough to allow the audience to have a great time. Yet, in its own subtle way it reminds us of that time in our lives when we had the world in front of us and dreaming is something we should all hold onto.
Swartz, who is also making her directorial debut with the community theater production of “Cheaper By The Dozen,” is showing her theatrical versatility. In addition, she choreographed “Bye Bye Love,” filling the show with consistently fluid moves that perfectly fit each number.
Sara Schoch lends her brassy--and somewhat sassy—tones to “Where Did I Go Wrong.” Playing something of a much more toned down version of Rizzo from “Grease,” she gives her character just enough of a rough edge to stand out but not steal the spotlight.
In an interesting twist, her character falls for the school nerd.
Speaking of, I think it's time for all depictions of nerds to dispense with the taped glasses. The Opera House is not alone in falling into this trap, but here's hoping they take things in a new direction.
Kristin Alvis is the “good girl” in the group who ends up with the rugged guy, played by Ryan Hunt. Each has one of the show's most memorable musical numbers, with Alvis' stirring “Hey There Lonely Boy” and Hunt coming through strong on the ever-challenging “Unchained Melody.”
I would, however, liked to have seen a little more slow dancing during “Unchained Melody.” Not enough to distract, but something instead of the standing around that seemed out of place in such a romantic moment.
Alvis and Hunt also team up for “Til I Kissed You,” a cute little song that is often overlooked when it comes to remembering great songs from that era.
One of the show's coolest moments was when they showed footage from the movie “Beach Blanket Bingo” in the background during the song by the same name. A youthful Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello served as a reminder of my own youth, which we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Bye Bye Love
Where: Granbury Opera House
When: Now through Nov. 22
Showtimes: Thursday-Saturday evenings, 7:30; Friday-Sunday matinees, 2:30 p.m.
Contact: 817-573-9191, ext. 1, or visit www.granburyoperahouse.net.
by RICK MAUCH
(Posted 11/10/2009 10:54 am)
We all recall high school graduation, the excitement and anticipation. The optimistic uncertainty of a future we all thought would be magical.
The Granbury Opera House's new musical, “Bye Bye Love” takes the audience back to that time. Six high school students in the early 1960s are about to graduate, and they recall the best part of their time together.
Written by Kelly Swartz (who also stars) and Sam DiRosa (who also directed), the show is simple enough to allow the audience to have a great time. Yet, in its own subtle way it reminds us of that time in our lives when we had the world in front of us and dreaming is something we should all hold onto.
Swartz, who is also making her directorial debut with the community theater production of “Cheaper By The Dozen,” is showing her theatrical versatility. In addition, she choreographed “Bye Bye Love,” filling the show with consistently fluid moves that perfectly fit each number.
Sara Schoch lends her brassy--and somewhat sassy—tones to “Where Did I Go Wrong.” Playing something of a much more toned down version of Rizzo from “Grease,” she gives her character just enough of a rough edge to stand out but not steal the spotlight.
In an interesting twist, her character falls for the school nerd.
Speaking of, I think it's time for all depictions of nerds to dispense with the taped glasses. The Opera House is not alone in falling into this trap, but here's hoping they take things in a new direction.
Kristin Alvis is the “good girl” in the group who ends up with the rugged guy, played by Ryan Hunt. Each has one of the show's most memorable musical numbers, with Alvis' stirring “Hey There Lonely Boy” and Hunt coming through strong on the ever-challenging “Unchained Melody.”
I would, however, liked to have seen a little more slow dancing during “Unchained Melody.” Not enough to distract, but something instead of the standing around that seemed out of place in such a romantic moment.
Alvis and Hunt also team up for “Til I Kissed You,” a cute little song that is often overlooked when it comes to remembering great songs from that era.
One of the show's coolest moments was when they showed footage from the movie “Beach Blanket Bingo” in the background during the song by the same name. A youthful Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello served as a reminder of my own youth, which we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Bye Bye Love
Where: Granbury Opera House
When: Now through Nov. 22
Showtimes: Thursday-Saturday evenings, 7:30; Friday-Sunday matinees, 2:30 p.m.
Contact: 817-573-9191, ext. 1, or visit www.granburyoperahouse.net.
