By Elizabeth Stout
Putting a new twist on a familiar tale of two young lovers from different worlds, For Tonight, presented by Queensbury Theatre, is dazzling for a first effort of a great show. The book by Spencer Williams, Shenelle Salcido, and Whitney Rhodes weaves a story of love, forgiveness, and finding home, all set to a stirring indie/rock score by Williams and Salcido.
Hayden (Nathan Wilson), Thomas (Adam Gibbs), and Nettie (Kristina Kennedy) Parry are orphaned after they lose their parents to a mysterious illness. When tempers fly between the brothers, the middle child Haydon leaves home to find himself, but instead he finds his true love, a Romani Woman named Mirela (Jennifer Barrett).
I would be amiss if I didn’t start with mentioning Barrett’s portrayal of Mirela. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, she steals the show. She truly embodies the Romani spirit with her stirring vocals and graceful dancing.
In his portrayal of Hayden, Wilson has a raw vocal quality that lends itself to the earnest nature of his character. His onstage connection with Barrett is pure and natural.
Thomas Parry was a hard character for me to fully understand. He obviously has a tremendous burden on his shoulders as the eldest of the orphans, a burden that is compounded by the keeping of a dark secret. I had hoped to see more passion from him, and this is what confused me.
The youngest Parry sibling, Nettie, is the glue holding the Parry family together. Obviously loved by both her older brothers, Kennedy has a natural emotional connection to her onstage siblings that brings an air of authenticity to the piece. Her strong vocals are beautifully showcased during “All this time”, and almost brought me to tears.
Molly Lyewllyn (Teresa Zimmermann), Nettie’s friend and confidant and love interest to Thomas carries some of the more powerful moments in the show. Her seasoned vocals are featured for the first time during “Our Little Secret” but her solo piece “Don’t Go it Alone” fully takes advantage of her powerful belting ability.
The Romani Ensemble, headed by Syeira (Jordynn Godfrey) and Durriken (Jayson Kolbicz) Kascht, are all strong dancers and singers who manage to morph into the many different roles required of them, despite the noted lack of costume changes. Malik Cole, who also played the role of the Pastor, stands out among the ensemble due to his strong vocals and character work.
The dancing throughout the show is a major highlight; Choreographer Bethany White does fine job bringing the traditional Romani dance to the stage while still nodding to the contemporary rock beat.
The set design by Ryan McGettigan and Costume design by Kristin Knipp are both well done and help set the tone for the show. I was impressed with the lighting design by Christina R. Giannelli, particularly at the opening of the show when a fire is simulated onstage.
The show is accompanied by a live band, led by conductor and music coordinator Jonathon Craft, which leans an air of realism to the show and made us feel like we were actually present at a Romani campfire. The live music along with the upbeat songs helps a slightly slowly-paced first act.
The second act brings the show real passion and fire—and I loved it. These last scenes are when the themes of forgiveness and redemption are fully realized and all the loose ends are neatly brought together in a satisfying way that manages to not be too saccharine or trite.
Despite a few rough patches that are to be expected from a new show, I believe that For Tonight is not just for tonight, and I look forward to seeing it staged again.
Queensbury Theatre presents For Tonight, Book by Spencer Williams, Shenelle Salcido, and Whitney Rhoades, Music and Lyrics by Spencer Williams and Shenelle Salcido.
Queensbury Theatre, 12777 Queensbury Lane, Houston TX 77024
February 14-March 3, 2019 Thursday 7:30 PM, Friday-Saturday 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $21 -85
Queensbury Theater Facebook Page
For Tonight Facebook Page
For Tonight Facebook Event
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