Quality Hill Playhouse Has a Hit in Kansas City

Given the gloomy, gray, overcast of April so far, the only truly bright and delightfully uplifting thing for my spirits happened last night as I reviewed the latest of The Songwriter Series, The Musical of Musicals - The Musical! It's currently playing April 11 - May 11 at Quality Hill Playhouse. You know it's a hit when you hear patrons as they line up for the Exit saying, "I want to see it again." I'd like that, too. And, I'm sure you would. It's one of the most visually funny and most cleverly staged productions seen on the stage of the intimate little gem. J. Kent Barnhart acts as Ringmaster using clever discourse with the audience and his magical keyboard skills. Stage Direction by Rick Truman has gone over the top and landed safely on his funny bone to the amusement of all. With music by Eric Rockwell, Lyrics by Joanne Bogart compiled into the book by these two very talented artists, the result is a little like the old Carol Burnett Show send-ups of dearly beloved old movie stars memorialized by Burnett and Company through sight gags, pratfalls and witty repartee to the utter delight of the audience.

This time, however, it's not beloved movie idols that get 'the treatment'. It's a conglomeration of hit Broadway Musicals which you'll recognize (sort of) presented in the various styles of such musical legends as Rogers & Hammerstein (Oh, What Beautiful Corn), Stephen Sondheim (We're All Gonna Die), Jerry Herman (Did I Put Out Enough), Andrew Lloyd Webber (I've Heard That Song Before), and Kander and Ebb (Color Me Gay) with the finale making a bow to A Chorus Line with a sensational finish in a song titled "Done".

The four cast members playing multiple roles convincingly and with split-second perfection are Jon Daugherty, Charles Fugate, Julie O'Rourke, and Julie Shaw. As soloists and in ensemble they perform with the precision of a fine Swiss Watch. Thanks to their combined vocal and comedic talents added to some dazzling choreography there is not a millisecond of dead air throughout the show. Lines and lyrics are delivered fast and with excellent diction with some so rapid one wonders how they are able to keep their lips and tongues from becoming intertwined.

The two men, Jon Daugharthy, and Charles Fugate are precise opposites in looks, which works well for the show. The same can be said of Julie O'Rourke and Julie Shaw. Each is a strong talent and presence in their own right and, when blended with fellow cast members, form an interesting mix. Daugharthy is the Boy Next Door with impishness in his grin, which sets off his whiter-than-white teeth and gleaming blue eyes. Fugate is more Nordic and solid, but allows his inner Beast to show through the fun, all of it perfectly balanced. Julie O'Rourke is the taller and darker of the femmes with a beautiful voice and figure played fetchingly well to the audience. Slighter and smaller is Julie Shaw with a talent that drives through the program with a determined ferocity. Her every move and note is solid and clear and her facial expressions and body language are perfection for each of her characters.

I want to see it again. What better recommendation can one give to any theatrical production? Go. Enjoy. Appreciate. Come May 11th it will be gone.

Coming May 30 - June 29 is Rhapsody in Gershwin, a celebration of the songwriting team who gave us Embraceable You, 'S Wonderful and many more hit songs from they-don't-make -em-like-that-anymore.

Visit www.QualityHillPlayhouse.com or call 816-421-1700 for tickets and information.