Review: Don't Cry for OCPAC's MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (Ends 2/21)

While certainly entertaining, the show is not free from flaws. In addition to a few unfortunate sound and microphone mishaps, the concert—while understandably treated as a songbook revue for quicker pacing—could have used its cast as more than just mere singers. It would have been nice for the actors to speak between songs (or shows, even), to perhaps offer a few contextual anecdotes or explain a bit about the show they're going to sing from—instead of just cycling through one song after another with timed precision. The minimal staging—the actors walk on, sing, then walk off—is a bit cruise-ship-like, and inopportunely squanders taking advantage of the acting skills this talented cast possesses. Though by the show's second act, the actors are given a bit more to play and act with in the form of Webber's blockbusters Sunset Boulevard, Evita and The Phantom of the Opera. All these emotionally-charged musicals require a bit more passionate acting during the performances anyway, and the six singers definitely deliver. Even Josefsberg's over-the-top falsetto screams didn't seem out of place here.

Otherwise, THE MUSIC OF Andrew Lloyd Webber makes for a nice, entertaining evening. A concert of these many hits from one composer is not only eye-opening, it also provides an impressive outlet for six extremely talented Broadway singers. Those waiting for a falling chandelier or leaping, singing kittens, however, might be a tad disappointed.

Grade: B

Related Article: BWW Interviews: Actor Kevin Kern.

Photos from the Kennedy Center production by Scott Suchman. Top: Laurie Gayle Stephenson.
Middle: An iconic logo for an iconic show. Bottom: David Josefsberg.

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THE MUSIC OF Andrew Lloyd Webber continues through Sunday, February 21. Tickets start at $20 and are available online at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236. The TTY number is 714.556.2746. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, February 20 will be sign-language interpreted.

For more information, visit OCPAC.org.