Staging a theatrical concert that celebrates the iconic music of the early ’60s probably sounded like a great idea the first time it was pitched. Unfortunately, not all great ideas are turned into memorable stage productions.
Case in point: Some Kind of Wonderful, Florida Stage’s well-meaning but ultimately disappointing concert event. Despite featuring tunes of The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Elvis, The Supremes and Patsy Cline, Wonderful is barely a few notches above a high school musical.
That’s surprising considering the show was created by Bill Castellino and Christopher McGovern, the talented duo behind the rousing musical Cagney! In their defense, Castellino and McGovern didn’t have much time to put Wonderful together.
And it shows.
The bouncy five-member cast gives it their all, but their voices simply aren’t strong enough to believably sell the songs they’re singing and to make the audience feel emotionally invested in them. Sure, there’s the nostalgia factor of hearing songs that bring back warm memories of your youth (Cousin Brucie on 770 WABC!), but that’s not enough for a show that runs 1 hour and 45 minutes.
When the baby-faced Eric Collins starts swiveling his hips and crooning Elvis’ Return to Sender or when Irene Adjan attempts to belt out People, Streisand’s song, they come across as pale imitations. The lone exception is Michelle Pereira who performs marvelous renditions of Besame Mucho and Moon River.
Although Wonderful pays homage to the hit songs from 1960-64, Richard Crowell’s curious set choice doesn’t give you a definitive sense of time or place. With its oversized picture windows and exposed brick, it’s not really clear whether the set is a loft, a rooftop or a fancy subway station. Wherever the location, it doesn’t feel very ’60s-ish. Only the record albums and 45s plastered on the wall remind you of that memorable decade.
To break up the monotony of some 40 songs, director Castellino wisely interspersed anecdotes throughout the show — the 1960 presidential election, Roger Maris’ historic 61st home run, catching lightning bugs in a glass jar — that do a better job of conjuring up memories than many of the songs.
Still, the show is a perfect fit for South Florida’s more mature theatergoers who will no doubt enjoy walking down memory lane and feeling like they’re 18 again. But be warned: Some Kind of Wonderful is more like Some Kind of Just OK.
R E V I E W
Some Kind of Wonderful
C
Where: Florida Stage, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan
When: Through Aug. 30
Tickets: $45-$48
The verdict: A valiant attempt to celebrate early ’60s music, but the show hits too many bad notes.
You must not have attended the same performance that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! I have recommended it to everyone I know!
Your review reminds me of a similiarly caustic description of “Jersey Boys” when it hit Broadway. Obviously, the ticket buyers don’t always agree with the critic.
At least he finally managed to go see it. I thought maybe the Post was giving up reviewing stuff.
I am dumbfounded at this review. My experience proved just the opposite of Mr. Thompson’s OPINION. “Their voices simply aren’t strong enough…to make the audience feel emotionally invested”…Where were you seated? In the lobby…with earmuffs?
You did get one thing right…Bill Castellino and Christopher McGovern ARE a talented duo and did an outstanding, noteworthy, and enjoyable piece of theatre.
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL is an excellent piece of creative work with a very talented cast. The community would miss out on a truly delightful, “non-monotonous”, fun time if they did not attend a performance.
Loved every second and wanted more!
I don’t agree with Mr. Thompson at all……I went to see it and let me tell you that overall the show is great. The casts did an amazing job that I recommended”Some Kind Of Wonderful” to everyone I know. In fact, most of my friends and family who had seen the show all agreed that its indeed “Some Kind Of Wonderful” Please don’t let this review stop you from seeing the show.
I wanted to take a moment and inform you on a new book coming out in October of this year… Rock & Roll…And The Beat Goes On by “Cousin Brucie” Morrow” foreword by Brian Wilson, a preface by Petula Clark and an epilogue by Billy Joel. Its a truely spectacular guide to the 1960s, and how music effected everything. From unforgettable movies, to world-changing history, Cousin Brucie takes you through the “explosive musical era”. When people talk about Rock & Roll, it’s not just about the music, but about the people. This book covers everyone from Elvis, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Alice Cooper and the Allman Brothers. It has over 300 photos, posters, album covers, record labels, quotes and more. Included is Cousin Brucies greatest artists of the era and their 250+ songs and a fun slang page in the back with a Rock and Roll Dictionary. Don’t Forget the amazing sidebars and stories about the history and background of music and the way the world was. pre order on amazon today!
thanks for you insiteful revies of this musical. It was awfull and if I were alone, would have left the theatre. My ears and head were in shock.
I went to see th show opening night and then again 3 weeks later. Obviously I enjoyed it the first time around,however the second time proved to be even more enjoyable.Eric Collins and the rest of the crew had definitely melded and the performances were quite impressive.