Steadstyle Chicago
	July 2010 Theatre Review by Nicholas Ryan Lamb
	The Musical of Musicals (the Musical) Many could argue that when parodies are produced it shows that those being parodied have certainly reached a level of notoriety in their profession.  Some works poking fun, emphasize fun, don’t do justice to the originals.  This is not the case with "The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)"!  It takes the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Kander and Ebb, and extracts the stereotypical styles of each.  The plot line is a simple repetition seen through the various styles of the composers woven with their most famous works suck as "Oklahoma!," "Sweeney Todd," "Mame," "Phantom of the Opera," "Chicago," and many in between.  The show started off-Broadway in the early 2000’s and became a hit being produced around the country in many venues due to its simplistic set and costume needs.  For those who love musicals, this is a show for you.  For those who don’t, you will be turned on by them even without prior knowledge of the nuances and repetitious musical themes.  The show is performed by the Highland Park Players, a community theatre group.  I want to start with that because knowing this ahead of time, one goes in with and without certain expectations.  This is not an insult because the same goes for professional companies that proudly display Equity level actors.  My previous notions went out the window the moment the show started.  Quite a lot of talent graces this simplistic stage.  Four actors of varying abilities perform in this production.  Taking the stage with supreme gusto is the magnificent Denise Tamburrino.  Her portrayals were well rehearsed and her delivery of comedic timing was impeccable.  A vocal dream to have in any production with an amazing understanding of character.  Rounding out the female parts is Hannah Rose.  A very soothing voice to wow the audience as it vocalizes each composer’s works.  Her acting talent is equally as impressive.  The gentlemen in the show definitely deliver on the comedic level.  Tony Calzaretta has a voice that cuts through the space with a wonderful timbre.  Scott Bussert made me laugh quite heartily but his vocal confidence wasn’t as strong.  Not a bad singer at all but less confident.  I did enjoy his comment in his bio about a show that adjusted to his dancing talents.  Not a strong aspect but he owned what he knew and at times made it part of the character.  This was without a doubt an enjoyable cast to watch and listen to. Under the direction of Kevin Wiczer, it was clear that the cast had a good time putting the show on.  With this space it is clear that talking about set and lights is pointless.  The music director Robin Giebelhausen accompanied well, though I think the choice of having her narrate wasn’t a strong one.  It was hard to see and hear her and it didn’t lend itself as a strong aspect of the show.  The choreography by Kara Williams was fun and simple but very specific to various productions that each song parodied.  Overall I laughed quite often even when others were not.  This is a show to see especially if your images and notions of community theatre are on the level of amateur, unorganized, High School Musical-esque performances.  This will change your mind. The show is performing at the intimate and historic Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, and the show runs July 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 at 8:00 PM; and July 11 & 18 at 2:00 PM.  Tickets are $16 and are good for any of the 10 performances.  Tickets are available for purchase at the door (cash or check only); at West Ridge Community Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park; and online at www.highlandparkplayers.com.    About Nicholas Ryan Lamb Nicholas Lamb is a graduate from Illinois State Universities acting program with a secondary focus on directing.  He is also a graduate from SAK Universities improv school.  As an accomplished actor he has performed in dozens of shows with his most notable credits including the title role in "Scrooge" the musical, Adan in Milcha Sanchez Scott's "Roosters" and Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys and Dolls".  He was last seen on stage in "A Leading Woman" and as Matt in "The Fantasticks".  Some of his most known directing works are "Barefoot in the Park", "The Secret Garden", and the well received "Birdbath".  Not only has he worked numerously with acting and directing but his training also includes the technical areas of theatre as well as film work.  He has directed in both Illinois and Florida for over 7 years.  He most recently directed the children's shows of "Charlotte's Web", "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp", and "Pinocchio".  His palette for theatre is that of a culinary connoisseur.  Theatre is something to go in with an open mind, which is how he approaches each show he critiques.