| Iron Street's First Musical: Purlie | | Print | |
| Written by Laura Apelt | |||
| Thursday, 19 June 2008 | |||
 Iron Street Productions jumps headfirst into the pool of theatres offering musicals with their first musical production, Purlie. In this promising year for the peninsula, where 2 new theatre companies are added to the musicals mix, Tidewater Rep and Iron Street, will this new offering sink or swim?
Purlie more than keeps its head above water against all odds (weak book, first night jitters, technical problems) by giving audiences some great music performed by some very promising artists and some magical moments that really transport you back to an extremely oppressive time.
Promising talent saturates this vocally adept cast. Mr. Hines' upper notes ring beautifully and I find myself extremely impressed with his sound throughout all of his pieces. Ashli Fuller has a nice energy on stage and builds the most believable character in her portrayal of Luttiebelle. Her voice is very sweet and musical, but is also the quietest in the cast. (This proved a problem for others as well, as the music was too loud and the stage mics too soft [note: this was corrected halfway through act 2, so I believe we won't be seeing that problem in future showings]). From the moment Mr. Singleton starts singing, he shines onstage, treating the audience to a captivating portrayal of Gitlow. With a flawless voice and a great onstage energy, he proves to be one of the night's treasures. Mr. Hosack's portrayal of Cotchipee's son, Charlie, was sung very well, and had a nice energy as well, but the energy felt too young to be that of a boy with his wisdom and learning (Charlie is supposed to be just out of college). David Adams, though playing a role written as a caricature rather than a real person, seemed to be spot on: acted and sung well. Shevette Howard sings the role of Missy wonderfully with a great voice, but has little to work with in the script. Separately, each of the actors brought a lot to the table, but the ensemble didn't seem cohesive. Everyone had very good choices, but the choices did not seem to follow each other. It may sound stupid, but there was very good acting happening on stage, where we needed a little more “re”acting. One good example of this is when Purlie admits that he is in love for the first time, and there is no reaction, even from the girl he’s claiming to love. This, I hope, is due to first night jitters and will only improve as the cast bonds. The actors are not helped out at all by a set (D. Bratsveen/Manning) not designed for easy movement. The stage seems incredibly small at all times since it is divided into three sections that butt up against one another. Each of these areas has a different feeling; low class dwelling, barnyard church, and country store. Never is more than one area of the stage used, and very little set change is needed which allows for pacing to never be interrupted (thank you). However, the church never goes away and takes prominence even though only five minutes of action happen there, at the beginning and end of the show. This may be an artistic choice, keeping the church in our minds, but it really pulls us out of each scene. Furthermore, a large table in the dwelling makes it difficult to block anything around it, and the audience is constantly worried that actors will bump into the church as they maneuver in an area barely large enough for one actor (and inevitably someone did trip over the church). Considering the size of the stage, the set might have been made much more minimalistic with much greater effect, allowing for easier movement in blocking and dance. Leah Glenn's choreography was enjoyable to watch, but, often felt very under-rehearsed. Though occasionally forced, the energy that it adds is very welcome, and a couple of great dancers draw the eye as they perform to a high level. In general, the ensemble does well to add their energy to this performance and round out the production nicely. Vocally, the experience is very nice, but sometimes we are left wanting at the end of phrases as breath support sometimes teeters. Costume design is good throughout and helps in understanding the characters and transporting us back... that is, except for one character; Gitlow, cotton-picker extraordinaire, is dressed in a blue button-down dress shirt (with a patch), and nice slacks to match. This is how he is dressed coming back from the cotton fields in which Cotchipee ruminates on how fast and hard of a worker Gitlow constantly proves to be. Strange, since he looks like he’s on his way to church. As is the case with any critique, it is easy to point out anything which seemed to fall short. But it is sometimes hard to relay the fact, that the show is still quite a success. Whether or not this was Iron Street's first musical, it would still be a success. First night jitters and some technical problems aside, impressive singing, compelling sentiment, some standout performances, and great musical numbers that you will be singing in the shower for weeks make the night an experience not to be missed. But bring a couple of sweaters and a blanket, because that theatre was frickin’ freezing. Purlie plays this weekend... June 20 and 21 at 8pm June 22 at 3pm at Thomas Nelson Community College Dr. Mary T. Christian Auditorium call 757-224-8937 |
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It was a pleasure to work with Iron Street Productions once again. The company has provided Hampton Roads with quality entertainment for ONE year now and we are better for it. Thank you Le'Royce for making your dream (and mine) a reality. You continue to amaze us all with your creative vision. Hopefully as your seasons continue the temperature in the auditorium will be more comfortable. Keep moving upward and forward. Zach was born to be Purlie and Ashlii was born to be Luttibelle. I am honored to say that I was on stage with all that talent. May we continue to be blessed by you and your team. I had the opportunity to see Purlie! for the last two shows. I was, and continue to be impressed and proud! All of the actors did an OUTSTANDING job, from Purlie and Luttiebell, to the chorus. Purlie's acting and singing were excellent; Luttiebell was also excellent, as was Missy. Luttiebell's songs were louder than the first week, and on Sunday, she met and exceeded all expectations! She has a beautiful voice and fit the part wonderfully! Purlie and Missy's performance on Sunday were just as superb . . . both their singing AND lines! Likewise for Ol Captin, Bitlow, and Charlie! Kudos to Iron Street for giving these talented, diverse actors a chance to hone their skills. Kudos, three snaps and a backflip to the entire cast of Purlie! . . . The Musical! I attended the performance all the way from Atlanta/Roswell, GA. I thought it was outstanding, a job well done. Zachary (Purlie) was phenomenal with his acting and singing, I look to see him in Hollywood/Broadway one day!!! Yes, Luttiebelle needs to sing out and turn up the microphone. It was FREEZING in the theatre. Aside from all of that, overall the cast did a good job, Ossie Davis would be proud! Keep up the Good work and God Bless. First off I would like you for giving us as an ironstreet team such a wonderful review. I am only 12 yrs of age but I am pretty smart! And because i am in the cast i feel i should commment. |