Had the pleasure of seeing a preview yesterday of an engrossing new musical about the life of Charlie Chaplin. One of two sons of English Music Hall performers. He survived his father's desertion and his mother's mental illness to become a comedian for Fred Karno. While playing in NYC, he was discovered by Mack Sennett who was a major silent film producer and offered the then grand sum of $150.00 to come to Hollywood. The musical traces his life from his early childhood, to his exile from America, partially due to the vindictivness of a Hollywood gossip columnist, and his late life welcome back to the hearts of the public with an honorary Academy Award.
The play is well done and Chaplin performed by Rob McClure--new to most theatre-goers is a multi- talent that we'll be seeing and hearing a lot about. Chaplin would be stirred by his portrayal. His rendition of what is sometimes called an 11:00 o'clock number--titled Where Are All the People? brought the house down. The vido/projection design by Jon Driscoll is one of the best I've ever seen.
If you're in or coming to NYC, buy yourself a ticket to a great evening.
Bests,
Elise
No comments:
Post a Comment