Review: A Disappointing Dose Of Reality! Prince Poppycock, Frenchie Davis and More at The McCallum

For those who are fans of reality television - in particular "reality competition" television - last night was a "must see" evening in the theatre that featured finalists from three of prime time's most popular shows - American Idol, America's Got Talent and, the one I actually, personally, enjoy - The Voice. For me, this "dose of Reality" was more than a little disappointing. Despite the high quality of the performers, it felt more like a "high school talent show" than a professional production - and, in fact, I have seen a few high school talent shows that had a more slick and professional flair. It was weak from both a technical and a directorial perspective, and might as well have been produced at a county fair than in the beautiful McCallum - or, in fact, any other professional theatre. I think at a county fair I would have been more forgiving because the barre would have been set low enough that they might have had a chance of reaching it.

Prince Poppycock opened the show in an incredible burgundy and gold sequined gown with an enormous powdered wig - almost immediately two chorus girls appeared from "within the gown" and it looked like the fun was about to begin - it was a theatrical trick that Bette Midler would easily steal for one of her shows! His voice was spot on - incredible! He is a pretty remarkable talent. His opening number garnered thunderous, and deservedly so, applause and it appeared that we were on the road to a wonderful theatrical adventure. However, it was all down-hill from there. What followed was an awkward "sketch" that made me as uncomfortable as I have ever been in the theatre. After an embarrassing stage wait - while he waited for a supporting character to do a quick change - and left him with nothing to say and the longest awkward silence I have seen outside of bad community theatre - we were treated to dialogue that was not clever, not funny, not necessary -- and staging and choreography that could have been created by a third grader. Next to this production, Guffman (Waiting For Guffman) looks like a Tony Award winning director. And the sad thing is that John Quale (Poppycock) IS a remarkable talent. His act is crying out for a director and a choreographer and a writer than can match his talent! I was sad for him. His "Bohemian Rhapsody" was - dare I say it - embarrassing.

Between acts, comedIan Bruce Block (an "America's Got Talent" alum) served as "Master Of Ceremonies". His own schtick was funny and he has great comic timing - but his "down in front of the main curtain" act and introductions just added to the amateur "talent show" feel of the show. I will say that his "not-so straight jacket routine" in Act Two was a highlight of the show. But all in all, because the show had basically zero production values, it felt more like something we should be seeing in the "cafetorium" of a junior high school. I have the feeling that the show was put together with very little fore-thought and little rehearsal.

Jasmine Trias, an American Idol Finalist (as she reminded us over and over throughout her act, lest we forget) came off as a mediocre vocalist. I am sure she is much better than she appeared to be, but the bad Karaoke Trax that accompanied her did not help. The sound quality was that of a neighborhood Karaoke bar and there was no clarity or presence in the pre-recorded orchestration to help lift her up. Her "patter" between songs was made up of repeated "American Idol' references ("remember me, I was on it") and thanking the audience for the "votes" that gave her a career besides nursing. Her entire act, and her energy, seemed like something you might see at a Theme Park or on a low budget Cruise Ship. Her "On My Own" and "Over The Rainbow" were her strongest songs - but she didn't seem to have a grasp of lyric interpretation - it was all about the "American Idol-esque" pop runs. Again, the keen eye of a director - ANY DIRECTOR - would have made her efforts more palatable and more successful.

Prince Poppycock's Act One Finale - with the exception of the fabulous costume (all black and white sequins, spats and high heels) - fell flat and he was, once again, crying out for the help of a director and choreographer. It came off like another "skit" he might have put together in his parent's basement rather than a slick, polished and professional routine. The same detail that is paid to his incredible wardrobe should be paid to his staging!!

I was highly anticipating Frenchie Davis (The Voice) as she had been one of my television favorites. Again, BAD Karaoke trax brought her down. The exception was a BRILLIANT "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" which she performed to a LIVE acoustic guitar. It was the finest moment in the entire show. She giggled between every song and looked uncomfortable on the stage - like it was her first time in front of a live audience. As a Broadway alum, I expected so much more. Her presence was small. The only time she spoke to the audience was to call out "Clap Like You Love Me!" Her "Home" from the Wiz was also a stand out in her set - but if the show budget had just found enough money to spring for a live pianist to accompany both Frenchie and Jasmine, they would have come off as professionals instead of the best Karaoke singers in the bar. "Home" was the first time she brought any lyric interpretation to light. She did come out for an encore - "Ribbons In The Sky", again accompanied by live guitar - but before she started she said "I'll make this quick because you don't seem like you like it" which really dampened the mood. This was not her night - but I don't blame her. She is SO talented! I blame the director, or lack thereof. I guess Guffman was already booked?

The grand finale was less than grand - Prince Poppycock in another AMAZING COSTUME, but with no additional production values and the same pathetic staging and choreography. The producer did him a big disservice by not supporting him with production values to match his own! He walked off the stage, almost apologetically, after a weak kick line with two girls in hot pants and a trio of flags.

And that was it. Show over. No bows. Lights up. The perfect and appropriate ending for "Miss Jane's Talent Show and Bake Sale".

This has likely been the most acerbic review I have ever written. I surprised myself. It was not fair to the talent to give them so little direction and little support. The all deserved more. It was so disheartening to see professional talent trapped in a grade school production when they could have all brought down the house in their own right with proper direction and production values.

For information or tickets to upcoming performances at The McCallum Theatre visit www.mccallumtheatre.com.

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