Richard Rodgers was responsible for some of the most beautiful examples of musical theatre. His list of triumphs include The King and I, South Pacific, and Flower Drum Song. In his seventies, Rodger collaborated with lyricist Martin Charnin, and author Peter Stone (who wrote the wonderful 1776) on an adaptation of Clifford Odet’s play The Flowering Peach about Noah and the building of the ark. The result was Two By Two, a seldom seen delight about families, faith, and finding happiness.
Reprise Theatre in Los Angeles is presenting a staged reading of the musical as part of its salute to Richard Rodgers. Unfortunately there are only two showings, but if you act quickly, there may still be time to see the last performance on Monday, November 2 at 8:00 P.M. at the Gindi Auditorium, located on the campus of the American Jewish University (formerly the University of Judaism) at 15600 Mulholland Drive in Bel Air.
The production is star-studded, featuring Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame as Noah; Faith Prince the amazing Broadway leading lady as Esther , his wife; David Burnham who played Fiyero in Wicked in New York and L.A. as Japeth; Megan Hilty, of Wicked and 9 to 5 as Goldie the temple girl; Stephen Weber from Wings as Shem; and Vicki Lewis of NewsRadio and Sisters as Leah. All of the cast is talented and they perform beautifully en ensemble. The voices are true and sure, and their characterizations are warmly realized. Jason Alexander does a funny and touching schtick as Noah, and Faith Prince is ascerbic yet loving as his wife. The songs are catchy, the script is streamlined for the concert style reading, and the evening is light and uplifting.
Reprise has been consistent in its quality productions of lesser known and rarely revived musical gems. If you are in the Los Angeles area, make a special effort to get to this wonderful example of the art of the American Musical Comedy. Until 11:00 A.M. on November 2, Goldstar.com has a half price offer on tickets, making this an even more irresistible deal. Other possible discounts include either $5 off each ticket when you mention code: GRTWO or , for students and seniors, Reprise offers $20.00 Rush tickets in the last 15 minutes before curtain if seats are available.
REPRISE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS TWO BY TWO
November 1 at 7:30pm and November 2 at 8:00pm
Gindi Auditorium at the American Jewish University
For Tickets and More Information Visit http://www.reprise.org/shows/two-by-two or Call 310-954-1595
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