Matilda the Musical: San Jose Premiere
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See more color on pages 6, 7 and 12! Campbell Express 2001 Business of the Year 67 Years Serving the Community Vol. 67 No. 11 Keeping you in touch with your community March 15, 2017 50 Cents Planning Commission re- Matilda The Musical: views restaurant extended San Jose premiere hours permit by Judith Steinle by Jennifer Packard On March 14, the Planning to further extend the hours to Commission reviewed a midnight, with the last patron restaurant’s existing extended allowed in at 11:30. hours permit, and evaluated a The Commission took into new hours request by the owner. account the fact that the police 394 E. Campbell Ave.: department reported that there The Vesper restaurant and bar had been no issues, either with had been granted extended late- local code enforcement, or with night operating hours in 2015, state Alcoholic Beverage Control. which allowed it to remain open The restaurant serves full meals, until 11:30 pm instead of 11:00 not just snack foods, and patrons pm. The Conditional Use Permit are encouraged to order food, (CUP) for this included a one- rather than just alcohol. There is year review in order to remain in live entertainment, but it is still effect. required to end by 10:00 pm. The owner had added an The Commission approved additional request at this time, the new extended hours request. Foothill Musical Theater expertly “When I Grow Up” - The company of Matilda the Musical, Photo: Joan Marcus delivers challenging production by C. Michael Traw “Matilda The Musical” made Trunchbull (Dan Chameroy), but and swung with such grace and its San Jose premiere March finds serenity with her teacher, might. The creativity in the “Side Show” is the current well, which is impressive con- 7-12 in the San Jose Center for Miss Honey (Jennifer Bowles). choreography of this number was selection presented by Foothill sidering the musical score is defi- the Performing Arts, as a part of Chameroy, Bowles and Gutierrez simple, yet amazing. Musical Theater at the Lohman nitely not an easy one to perform. Broadway San Jose’s 2016-2017 compliment each other well, If you missed Broadway Theater in Foothill College. The roles are also difficult be- season. a dynamic trio. Chameroy’s San Jose’s touring production of The musical will play weekends cause they have to keep together Winner of four Tony overbearing performance keeps “Matilda,” make sure you have through March 19. Here is a for the majority of the show; they Awards and a record-breaking you jumping out of your seat with tickets for “The Bodyguard, The chance to see a musical that is not must move as one, which is more seven Olivier Awards, including fright and rolling in your seat Musical” which will premiere done very often and you can add difficult than it looks. They glide Best Musical, “Matilda The with laughter. He is a perfect mix April 25-30 at the San Jose it to your list of seldom-produced in and out of the stage as one unit, Musical” is based on the beloved of villain and town fool. Bowels Center for the Performing Arts. musicals. which obviously took a lot of re- novel by Roald Dahl (“Charlie embodies all the love you have This production is recommended This show is based on the hearsal. and the Chocolate Factory,” for your favorite teacher. She for ages 12 and up due to mature actual true story of Daisy and They are both charming and “Fantastic Mr. Fox”). It’s the story has a Mrs. Henry-Ruby Bridges content. The Bodyguard film Violet Hilton, conjoined twins have developed individual char- of an extraordinary girl who gets relationship with Matilda. We (1992) was made famous by who rose from a sideshow attrac- acters, despite the fact that they lost in her books and dreams of root for them, right ‘til the end. Whitney Houston and Kevin tion to become vaudeville stars in move as one. The audience loved a better life. Continuously bullied All of the young performers Costner. This American romantic the 1930’s. In order for this show them both and roots for them to by her parents, Matilda (Gabrielle in this production are to be thriller of a former Secret to work, the casting of the twins find love and success. Gutierrez) always stands up for commended, as their dedication Service agent accepting the job is paramount. Director Melissa The supporting roles are well what she believes is right, even to their art was remarkable. Their of bodyguard to a pop singer Carey is fortunate enough to have done, even though some of the when it lands her in trouble. energy was contagious. Each has made its way to the musical Lauren Meyer and Jessica LaFe- males seem a tad young for their Gutierrez owns the stage, child had a distinct character and theatre stage. ver in those roles. They look alike characters. Everyone sings well exuding confidence and talent. used every moment under the Tickets range in price from and can sing the numbers very Continued on page 2 ... Her character is engaging and her footlights. Soren Miller portrayed $43-$128 and are available online enunciation in spoken word and Matilda’s classmate, Bruce, with at www.ticketmaster.com, in- vocals is quite impressive, which vim and vigor. My focus was person at the City National Civic “Rumors” tickles the funny bone was especially refreshing after drawn to Miller in numerous Box Office (150 W. San Carlos by C. Michael Traw the fiasco of the young actress musical numbers. St., San Jose), or by calling 800- One of the first Broadway greet them, except a gunshot. playing the title role in Annie, Choreography was strong, 982-ARTS (2787). Groups of 10 plays that I saw was Neil Simon’s There are no lead roles, as earlier in the season. clean, crisp and unique. Although or more receive a discount by “Come Blow Your Horn.” It was this is an ensemble cast, but it is Through a series of events, my favorite choreography was calling 408-792-4131. filled with great characters and quite a cast of local actors. Bobbi Matilda attends a new school with fluid, on four playground swings wonderful one liners. One of his J. Fagonne and Craig Lewis play a terrifying headmistress, Miss which dangled from the rafters more recent plays is “Rumors,” the first couple to arrive. Ms. Fa- and he still does not disappoint. gone is dressed to the nines, and It is always amazing what the the lady behind me couldn’t re- director and set designer do with sist to comment on the look of this small space. The set is perfect. her outfit; she looked great. They It is a two-level living room with are both excellent and set the plot a giant staircase, which despite it moving along for Linda Picone being prominent, does not over- and James Amato to be the next power the set. It is richly dressed to arrive and interplay into the ac- with elegant furniture and paint- tion. Mr. Amato delivers a long ings. Cheers to Kuo-Hiro Lo, the monologue later in the ninety- designer. It is so well furnished minute play with such aplomb that I would move in immediately as to deserve his applause for his if given the chance, even though delivery. it is just a set. Dan Demers, Hillbarn’s ar- Director Hunt Burdick has tistic director, and Kelly Hudson assembled an all-star cast. They are the third couple to arrive and have so much fun that one forgets they add so much humor to the that this is just a play. The story situation. I laughed and laughed Jennifer Bowles (Miss Honey) Dan Chameroy (Miss Trunchbull) Bowles and Gabby Gutierrez is about an anniversary party, but at Ms. Hudson antics with her Photo: Tim Trumble Photo: Joan Marcus (Matilda), Photo: Tim Trumble the guests arrive with no host to Continued on page 2 ... Local Campbell Express, March 15, 2017 - page 2 Foothill Musical... continued from Front Page AARP SCAM ALERT and delivers capable performanc- Lynn Grant is well suited for the As Congress and the new Trump Administration suggest they es. Some of the ensemble women small space, and the light design might repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, fraudsters have great voices and it is nice to by Keenan Molner is well done. are taking advantage of the confusion it’s creating. They may see that they are given a chance to Choreography by Brett and CJ pose as insurance company representatives or someone from have a shining moment. Blankenship is the right period Medicare or another federal agency. They will be on the hunt for I would like to give a shout and sometimes extremely clever. personal information and money. Don’t fall for bogus requests out to costume designer Shannon I always like to see a show to verify patient information, promises of refunds, or requests Maxham; many of the costumes that I have not seen. Here is your for payment of future premiums. had to be made from scratch, chance to support the community Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a and they are fitting for the period with a lesser-known show that is scam. and characters. The twins’ outfits well presented and entertaining Report scams to local law enforcement. Contact the AARP were especially nice, as were the with two super stars in the major Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork for other characters in the side show.