By K.P. Muma
The Count of Monte Cristo is a story of revenge and redemption written by the Tony Award winning Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy and currently playing at BYU. It is a familiar and beloved story, which began as a novel by Alexandre Dumas and has since been made into multiple movies and adapted into several television shows. It follows the sea captain Edmund Dantes who he is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes and then seeks a perverse kind of justice against the men who imprisoned him so long ago. The most recent movie version came out in 2002 and, in the interest of full disclosure, this musical is a more an incarnation of that movie than of the novel, which changes notable things like some of the characters’ motivations and the resolution. The story calls for elements of the dramatic and spectacular and, on this level, BYU certainly doesn’t disappoint.
The set is made up of two huge towers and two equally impressive staircases that move around the stage. This allows for flexibility as the story expands from a cramped tunnel to the ocean floor to a Carnival in Rome. The other most notable technical element was the use of projections. The projections similarly help orient the audience to the setting and I thought they were most effective when doing this. The projections were also used extensively to address the themes or draw connections between scenes, and there were times when these flourishes felt over-the-top and were distracting. The other technical elements, costumes (Laura Beene), hair/makeup (Mary Beth Bosen, Celena Kurogi Peterson), lighting (Michael Krazeck), and sound (Jeff Carter), all came together to create a unique aesthetic that blended post-Napoleonic France with modern attitude. The pirate women’s costume and makeup is particularly striking.
This blend of the classic with the modern also came out in the music, which drew on musical theatre melodies and styles but added a rock-and-roll feel throughout in a way those familiar with Frank Wildhorn’s other work will recognize. All these elements combine in the closing number of Act One called “Hell to Your Doorstep” when Dantes plots his revenge. The projections become symbolic and flaming, while the lights turn to the use of spots for extra drama and Preston Yates belts out his new convictions in amoral sensibilities. Some may remember Preston Yates’s performance as the Phantom when BYU did Phantom of the Opera in 2013. Mr. Yates plays tortured baritones with a complexity and honesty that shines through the melodramatic script. Playing his opposite, the lovely and desirable Mercedes, Shae Robins exemplifies the grace necessary for the role and has a voice that flows between classical and belt easily.
The talent throughout was great but a few performers were especially eye-catching. Cameron Smith played one of the three villains, Baron Danglars, and was infinitely entertaining to watch as he swaggered around stage. Brian Clark played the wise Abbe Faria, adding an important element of humor. Maybe the most impressive is Cassie Austin who comes midway through the second act as Valentine, the innocent daughter of a corrupt prosecutor. She gets one solo, “Pretty Lies”, and even though the audience has barely been introduced to her, she manages to win us over to her side. Her portrayal makes Valentine one of the most relatable characters in the show.
Tim Threlfall, the director, makes no attempt to pretend this isn’t a melodrama, even mentioning it in the Director’s Note. While this style might not be for everyone, it is action-packed, romance-packed and filled with impressive spectacle so it has something for most. It is currently sold out but tickets are released every day and there is always the standby option. My insider at the ticket office assures me that in a venue as big as the De Jong, standby isn’t a bad option. It runs through this Saturday so act soon!
Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. (preview performance)
Jan. 23–31, 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays – Saturdays
What is generic cialis cheap ? Sildenafil Citrate commonly sold as pills or tablets that could be taken once a day. You might have not given a thought at least once about the process by making use of safe medicine. discover for info generic levitra It is usually done for those people who are looking for a right https://unica-web.com/ENGLISH/2013/UNICA2013-AGM-minutes2.html canada generic viagra medicine to treat their ED issues. Pk https://www.unica-web.com/films08.doc best viagra in india gupta is one of the best sexologist doctor in delhi Dr.
Saturday matinees Jan. 24 & 31, 2:00 p.m.
ASL interpreted performance Thurs., Jan. 29
DeJong Concert Hall
Tickets are $12-28
For more information go to byuarts.com
0 Comments