Head Over Heels
Hudson Theatre
July 9, 2018
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| Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels |
Head Over Heels is fun and
smart and wild and sexy! Combining the
music of The Go-Go’s with The Arcadia,
a play written at the end of the 16th century by Sir Philip Sidney,
is pure genius. The design and style for
the production is over the top and brilliant.
It is the Renaissance meets Greek tragedy in the 1980s, surging forward
to tell a well needed message of acceptance, love, and persistence. The creative team, led by director Michael
Mayer, pulls out all the stops and picks up the pace to entertain, dazzle, and
fill the Hudson Theatre with pure joy.
Princess
Philoclea (played by Alexandra Socha) is in love with Musidorus, a mere
shepherd boy (played by Andrew Durand). Her
older sister, Princess Pamela (played by Bonnie Milligan), has been introduced
to numerous suitors over the past five years, and cannot find anyone to her
liking. Their father, Basilius, King of
Arcadia (played by Jeremy Kushnier), is not happy with these events, and his
wife, Gynecia (played by Rachel York), is not happy with him. Pythio, the Oracle of Delphi (played by
Peppermint) has four predictions for the King.
When they come true, Arcadia will have a new King, “lose their beat,”
and fall into turmoil and despair. King
Basilius keeps the oracle a secret and takes his family and court on a journey
to Bohemia to avoid the predictions and face his adversary head on. Truth in the guise of mayhem ensues, proving
that you meet your destiny on your journey of denial.
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| Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels |
The
cast and ensemble are a skillful, energetic, and cohesive unit. They are truly amazing in every way. Their voices are strong. Their energies are high. Their timing is crisp. Andrew Durand and Alexandra Socha are
heartwarming and funny. Jerry Kushnier
and Rachel York are bold and commanding.
Bonnie Milligan and Taylor Iman Jones are daring and hilarious. Peppermint is dazzling and fabulous. Tom Alan Robbins is the glue that holds them
all together during the mayhem.
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| Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels |
Scenic
design by Julian Crouch creates numerous, imaginary locations that transport
you into this outlandish story. They are
lush, alive, and colorful through enhancement from lighting designer Kevin
Adams and projection designer Andrew Lazarow.
The costumes, by Arianne Phillips, transcends any specific time
period. They encompass a wide array of
styles and evoke clear characters with a single glance. Tom Kitt’s choreography is fierce and
thrilling.
Head Over Heels is playing at
the Hudson Theatre. If you see anything
this summer, make it this show!
Domenick Danza
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