BWW Reviews: THE GLORIOUS ONES is Glorious at Theatre Hopkins

First, let me admit, I adore the music of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. My introduction to them began at the Olney Theatre Center with their musical farce Lucky Stiff over twenty years ago. Then there was the incredible Broadway hit Once on this Island, My Favorite Year, the mega musical Ragtime, followed by the poignant A Man of No Importance and the challenging Dessa Rose, and in 2007, The Glorious Ones.

When I first heard The Glorious Ones was going to be presented initially at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, I recall calling up to inquire about tickets. I never made it to Pittsburgh but I did see the Off-Broadway production at Lincoln Center starring Marc Kudisch (seen just weeks ago at the Signature in Sycamore Trees). I envisioned a long run and a possible try on Broadway.  But it wasn't to be.

I was so excited that Theatre Hopkins had the temerity to present the musical under the talented tutelage of director Todd Pearthree who has corralled a stellar cast.  I was not disappointed.

I attended the first performance on June 11 which I was informed was akin to a preview since it had not yet been done in front of a live audience.  I decided to return a week later and I was glad I did. While I thoroughly enjoyed it on opening night, like most shows, it has improved with age. And the good news is you have two more week-ends to get a ticket. Closing night is Sunday afternoon, July 4th.

I also suggest you pick up a copy of the wonderful CD where the orchestra is capably under the musical direction of David Holcenberg who will be in that same position during the Signature Theatre presentation of Chess coming in August to the Virginia theater. The nine piece orchestra adds a great deal to the enjoyment. There are also bonus tracks which include the lovely "Suite from The Glorious Ones" and Broadcast Versions of "My Body Wasn't Why" and "I Was Here".

The Glorious Ones centers on the true life Italian actor Flaminio Scala who in 16th century leads a commedia dell'arte acting troupe all over Italy to bring bawdy comedy sometimes with questionable taste. The clever set (Amy Morgan) is comprised of scaffolding with wooden steps on each side of a wooden stage (with theatre lighting on front and back) and a ramp. Costumes (lovely done by Wil Crowther) are festooned around the scaffolding. The lighting is expertly done by Doug Nelson. While it would be preferable to have an orchestra, musical director/pianist R. Chris Rose and Lisa Wood (percussion) do an admirable job.

 Playing the leading role with the necessary bravado and  gusto  is Edward J. Peters.  His leading lady (Columbina) is one of Baltimore all-time leading ladies, Shannon Wallman. With these two consummate actors in the lead, the remaining ensemble falls right in step.  In selecting his troupe, Flaminio discovers a young acrobatic street performer, Francesco (Chris Jehnert), who sings one of the many beautiful melodies "Absalom".   A tailor (always necessary for an acting troupe) Pantalone (Darren McDonnell) is talked into joining the crew and a sings the lovely "Pantalone Alone".  There's the true scene stealer Lauren Spencer-Harris who plays the dwarf Armanda and sings the moving "Armanda's Sack". After you see the show, you will never look at a piccolo again the same way. The funny Tom Burns plays Dottore who insists "everything sounds better in Latin".  And then there is the lovely soprano Amy Pierson (Isabella) who dares to suggest the troupe leave the world of improvisation to perform her scripted play. She has a lovely duet with Jehnert singing  "Opposite You" (which sounds eerily similar to "Our Children" from Ragtime.

Peters and Wallman work beautifully together.  Wallman's voice is magical. Wait until you hear her "Making Love" in Act I and the powerhouse "My Body Wasn't Why" in Act II when you'll be sure to get goose bumps.

Peters literally brought tears to my eyes in the theatrical anthem "I Am Here". His character Flaminio begins the play as follows, "A wooden stage, an audience, and a great actor. This, my friends, is my idea of heaven!"

Yes, The Glorious Ones IS heavenly!!

Note to Theatre Hopkins. I do wish the program had a blurb about the composers.

Go to www.ahrensandflaherty.com to sample four songs from the CD.

For reservations, call 410-516-7159 or via email to thehop@jhu.edu. The last two performances are Friday and Saturday evening at 8 p.m. The July 4th matinee has been cancelled. The play runs about two hours with an intermission. Tickets are $20 and there are student rush tickets for only $5 at curtain time, if space allows. This is cheaper than a movie!!!

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

Photo Credit: Ken Stanek/kenstanek.com

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Restaurant Suggestions

The Hopkins neighborhood has gone under a nice renovation.  Maxie's Pizza Bar and Grille has just opened at 3003 N. Charles Street. You can eat under the stars. There's a full Italian menu plus slices of pizza. Say hello to Luigi who just a few months ago arrived from Naples. They will be open until 2 a.m. with the opening of their bar this week-end. Call 410-889-1113.

There's also Donna's, Charles Village Pub, a Thai restaurant, and for dessert, a Cold Stone Creamery on St. Paul Street.

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