Review: Waiting For The Moon

The creative team of musical composer Frank Wildhorn/>/> and lyricist Jack Murphy/>/> who previously collaborated on Civil War comes together again to re-created a musical tale of fame, fortune - the unfortunate story of the Fitzgeralds'.

Waiting For the Moon attempts to explore the explosive real life relationship between Jazz novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and his free-spirited Southern bell Zelda. Living high on the hog takes its toll on their lives. Overshadowed by Scott's success and driven addictions and withdrawal, Zelda goes through the "Dorothy" syndrome of searching for her heart's desire and finally realizing there's no place like home, but it's gone too far and too late.

Setting this theme to a musical adaptation becomes a bold challenge. Can you capture the lives of two high profile, controversial icons and tell this through story surrounded by songs?

While the audience is whisked away back in time with lavish sets that include a summer social under the stars, a Southern Manor, and a host of posh city club scenes, the focus on this ill-fated couple seems be a bit engulfed with the frenzy of music and dance. Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler/>/> takes nearly 6 big chorus numbers with over the top presentations. One of the dance numbers, "Money To Burn," while brilliantly staged, is almost 9 minutes long. This is not to say that the upbeat drumming, and whirling and waltzing is not enjoyable but perhaps is not the most effective way to uncover the root of Scott & Zelda's emotional trials.

Wildhorn's score is polished and pleasant to the ear as are the stellar voices and perfect chemistry of Lauren Kennedy/>/> and Jarrod Emick/>/> (Zelda & Scott) who are magnetic towards one another, as well as towards the audience. Kennedy delivers a star performance with an exhausting amount of belting numbers. She is a convincing Southern vixen who charms her "gallant prince." Emick plays the amorous, ambitious Fitzgerald with solid vocals and raises the roof with "I've Got Things To Say," a number that sums up his frustration with writer's block and rejection.

Artistic director Vincent Marini/>/> does a admirable job with this fast paced story that flows nicely with non-stop action as well as clever use of film backdrops. No scene is left to chance as he fills every gap with eye candy.

Jack Murphy/>/> makes a bold attempt to balance his story of the fated pair with historical facts and emotions. Some scenes work very well, others are not as developed through the characters or the plot.

The relationship and eventual friendship between Zelda and the persistent reporter Ben Simon, played nobly by Philly's own Ben Dibble, lends itself to be a key element to uncovering Zelda's life, dreams and that of Scott's as well. But, they are little more than glimpses of trouble that Zelda confesses while in her fragile mental state.

As director Vincent Marini/>/> admits "the work is not strict Fitzgerald biography, but draws on specific incidents in the life of the couple. This production is not confined to their lives, but rather two people who fall in love and what celebrity does to their love - and its about second chances."

Cast includes: Jarrod Emick/>/>, Lauren Kennedy/>/> with Ben Dibble, Leslie Alexander, Nova Bergerson, Rachel Bress ,Alison Cimmet, Terri Dixon, Scott Greer, Richard J. Hinds, Keith Kuhl/>/>, Mike McGowan/>/>, Jese Nager, Jessica Lea Patty, Adam Pelty/>/>, Kristin Piro, Eric Stretch, Matt Wall, Brandi Wooten.

Song Selections:

Everything And More, Something Enchanted, Always, I've Got Something To Say, Yes!, You Do Everything For Me, Money To Burn, Back On Top, What About Me?, Something Of My Life, La Rivera, Heat Of The Night, Hollywood, Easy, Losing The Light, Waiting For The Moon, Remember

 

Music by Frank Wildhorn/>/>, Book and Lyrics by Jack Murphy/>/>, Story by Jack Murphy/>/> and Vincent Marini/>/>,

Musical Director: Ron Melrose, Choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler/>/>

Scenic Design: Rob Odorisio, Costume Design: Janine McNabe

Directed by: Vincent Marini/>/>

photo credits: Lenape Regional  PAC, Press

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