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American Rhythm by Lamb's Players Theatre 
It's the musical revue of the century. A look back at American history over the past hundred years through our music. From Barbershop Quartets to the Jitterbug to Big Band to crooners like Frank Sinatra to Rock 'n Roll to Folk Music to Disco to MTV - and everything in between. Brilliant selections by Kerry Meads and Vanda Eggington help to define the various eras of the last century as no history course can. Crammed from start to finish with many of the most memorable and enjoyable music ever created, there is almost never a dull moment in the nearly three-hour production. Of course, it helps having an outstanding ensemble performing all these oldies but goodies.
Tom Stephenson, a member of the Lamb's permanent staff of actors, narrates the revue with charisma and performs in a few of the numbers -- most notably Born in the U.S.A. by "The Boss." The talented Sandy Campbell, seen most recently as Dulcinea in North Coast Rep's critically acclaimed Man of La Mancha, participated in a number of the best scores including her solos like Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries, I'll Be Seeing You (in all the old familiar places), a hilarious Stormy Weather, and in the terrific trio performance of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy with fellow cast members Moriah Angeline and Tracy Hughes (with trumpeter/bugle boy Russ Mitchell). Elsewhere, Lee Ann Payne and Michael Dalager make a great dancing/singing duo for All of Me. By themselves, Payne's country western classics Crazy and Stand By Your Man were big hits, as was Dalager's Make Someone Happy. Singer/Songwriter Leviticus lent his smooth vocal talents to The Very Thought of You and Old Man River. Chris Reber impressed with Billy Joel's Piano Man (piano played by Don LeMaster). But the biggest hits of the night must have gone to Tracy Hughes. She sang a few big numbers, but her exhilarating rendition of CCR's Proud Mary, combined with Tina Turner's trademark breakneck dance moves, had the audience going nuts! Or was the biggest hit of the night the band? Playing all varieties of music, each as if it was their specialty, the band demonstrated their tremendous range and talent. And extra kudos to them for almost never drowning out the voices of their singing co-stars! Lamb's Players Theatre brought American Rhythm back this summer due to popular demand, and it is no wonder. It's a sure hit (and moneymaker) that appeals to almost anyone who appreciates music. Rob Hopper ~ Cast ~
~ The Ensemble ~ Victor Alonso Moriah Angeline Sandy Campbell Michael Dalager Shirley Giltner Tracy Hughes Leviticus Lee Ann Payne Chris Reber Tom Stephenson ~ The Band ~ Dave Chamberlain - Trombone and Uke Lee Elderton - Saxophone Don LeMaster - Conductor/Keyboards Russ Mitchell - Trumpet Rik Ogden - Guitar/Woodwinds Dave Rumley - Percussion Oliver Shirley - Bass Conceived by Robert Smyth Written and Directed by Kerry Meads Musical Direction and Arrangements by Vanda Eggington Choreography by Pamela Turner Scenic and Light Design by Mike Buckley Costume Design by Jeanne Reith |
