Front Row Centre reviews CALIFORNIA DREAMING 2

If the idea of seeing sequel bothers you, as it does me, you needn't fear. Stage West's production California Dreaming 2 is an energetic and enjoyable musical revue that can be taken on its own terms whether you saw the first edition or not.

I did not see the earlier California Dreaming, as I was not covering Stage West productions at the time. The continued enthusiastic reports I keep getting from those lucky enough to have seen it make me regret having missed it. Seeing this new production and having had such a great time, I can only hope that at some point Stage West will revive the original.

Part of the appeal, of course, is that the revue covers nearly 40 years of pop hits, using the California music scene as the theme. In the course of two hours a cast that seems determined to elevate the whole show into the stratosphere presents some 65 songs. They very nearly succeed! If only every production had this much energy.

The 14 performers, every one of whom deserves four stars, seem very much at home with the material, be it folk, country, soft rock or hard rock. Everyone onstage is having such a good time that the spirit can't help but permeate the entire theatre. 

The programming flows smoothly from number to number and the songs are for the most part well and carefully chosen. Purists may wonder why there is nothing included from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, or why Ricky Martin is represented since his Latin-influenced sounds are decidedly Florida based. The informative narration linking the individual pieces is generally presented without that annoying "we-know-something-you-don't-know" condescension.

Director and choreographer Tim French keeps the energy level in overdrive as the ensemble move swiftly off and on, wearing a variety of suits, dresses and wigs making sharp bold impressions and underscoring the time periods.

The on-stage band conducted by Anthony Bastianon deserves a paragraph (or ten) for their crisp enthusiastic support.  Especially notable is the somewhat overworked but seemingly inexhaustible percussionist Robert Di Salle. The sound mix keeps everything in perfect balance even if the volume is relentlessly aggressive.

Don't be fooled by the 2 in the title. This show is a perfect 10!

California Dreaming 2 plays Tuesdays through Sundays at Stage West Dinner theatre until February 18, 2007. Matinee performances are offered on Wednesdays and Sundays.  Dinner/Show tickets may be reserved by visiting www.stagewest.com or calling the box office at 905-238-0042.