Center Stage: ‘Saturday Night Fever’ burning up Broadway Palm stage
“Saturday Night Fever,” with music by the Bee Gees that put disco and dancing on the map nationally and internationally; crackling hot choreography and direction by Amy Marie McCleary – the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre stage transforms the simple story of a 19-year-old kid from Brooklyn who loves to dance into a stunning musical that transports the audience back to 1979, Bayside, Brooklyn, and the disco era.
For folks of a certain age who remember this movie, be warned, your feet might just start tappin’, fingers snappin’, head boppin’ as you squiggle in your seat; while at the end of the show you, might, find yourself dancin’ in the aisles!
Those of you that never saw this 1977 movie starring John Travolta that inspired this 1999 musical the plot is simple, taking the audience on a journey through the highs and lows of Tony Manero and his friends. Set in Bayside Brooklyn 19-year-old Italian/American kid, Tony is stuck in a dead-end job at the local hardware store, while living with his restrictive Mom (Kelly Legaretta) and Pop (David Discenza). Tony has bigger dreams of escaping the harsh, boring realities of working-class Bayside, Brooklyn, by embarking on a thrilling journey through disco dancing to Manhattan and the bright lights and high times of Broadway. What he doesn’t realize is one of the longest journeys in the world is the journey from Brooklyn to Manhattan – or at least from certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn to certain parts of Manhattan.
Tony is not only a great looking chooch (a Brooklyn term for good-looking Italian/American fella), this guy knows how to strut his stuff. Tony is a great disco dancer who struts his stuff every Saturday night at the local 2001 Disco Club. When he learns of the dance competition with a $2,000 prize, he realizes this could be his ticket out of Brooklyn to Broadway; all he needs is the right girl to be his partner.
What makes this production sizzle is McCleary’s top-notch direction and choreography. Her casting hits an all-time high by getting Equity performer Michael Notardonato to recreate the role of Tony Manero. This talented young man, recreating this role for the third time, has Broadway stardom written all over. What a Broadway Palm debut. As a matter of fact, the entire cast and ensemble could not be better. Let me just give credit where credit is due to the following:
In the roles of Tony’s sidekicks and pals:
– Bobby C, played by Matthew Oster
– Double J, played by Will Callahan
– Joey, played by Derik Lawson
– Gus, played by Landon Zwick
In the roles of the Tony’s two possible dancing partners we have:
– Jennie Nasser in the role of Annette, Tony’s usual disco dance partner
– Collier Cobb making a fine Broadway Palm debut in the role of Stephanie, Tony’s latest dance competition partner
I have got to agree with Will Prather, owner and executive producer of the Broadway Palm, you better have your “boogie shoes” on as you get ready to watch this incredible cast heat up the stage with “Saturday Night Fever” – with a score of Bee Gees’ hits. This show is without a doubt one of the hottest shows to hit the Palm in a long line of great entertainments.
If you snooze you lose; cause this sure-fire hit will sell out fast. So, put on your boogie shoes and strut on down to the nearest phone, then, dial the box office at 239-278-4422 for reservations. Remember when you phone remind ’em Marsha sent you.
Also, I need to give a glowing report on Bill Taylor’s last production, “Elephant Man,” which played in November. This Tony Award-winning play featured a really amazing performance by John Merrick, as the Elephant Man.
You might have missed that performance but whatever you do be sure and attend “The Agitators,” which is the story of the tempestuous friendship of Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass. A 45-year relationship that began in Rochester, New York, through the Civil War and moved onto the highest halls of government, helping to shape the Constitution and the course of American history.
“The Agitators,” by Mat Smart, plays Jan. 17-27 with performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Call the box office at 239-939-2787.
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on attending these fine performances with tickets at $26 for single tickets, $22 for Alliance members and $11 for students.
Mark your calendars and support some of the best community theaters in our area.