Tag: theater

King Kong on Broadway is a Mesmerizing, Unforgettable Production

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s been a blustery few weeks here in NYC/NJ. Despite the snow last week, my older son and I had the chance to check out King Kong on Broadway. Technology, choreography combined with Broadway flair, King Kong was quite the production, and one that blew my 11 year old away.

King Kong
King Kong

King Kong on Broadway followed a similar storyline to that of the classic. With the magic of a computerized backdrop and projector,the main settings took place in 1930s NYC, SS Wanderer and Skull Island. Each major backdrop was seamlessly projected to set the stage and create an unmistakable story surrounding the iconic settings. We were most impressed with SS Wanderer and how the audience was taken “onboard” Carl Denham and Ann Darrow’s excursion to Skull Island. The way the stage morphed into the bow of a ship was so unique and truly a sight to see.

The main sight of this show, was, hands-down, King Kong. This massive animatronic Gorilla descended onto the stage with an undeniable presence. Together with the orchestra’s accompaniment and the troupe who make King Kong come to life, the larger than life Gorilla made heads turned and jaws drop with every scene he shook. With the animated back drop, impeccable lighting and the King’s Company who worked together to control his every movement, King Kong was a believable Gorilla and a thrill to watch.F96E4C56-23C8-4A23-A7A8-44F410EE1636

Christiani Pitts who played Ann Darrow is a beautiful and commanding lead. To share the stage with a two-ton animatronic Gorilla is no easy feat, however, Pitts pulled it off with grace. Eric William Morris’ Carl Denham was an entertaining, albeit smarmy producer. The vocals were collectively a beautiful production, but King Kong was definitely the star of this show.

 

King Kong
King Kong

After the show, we were treated to a talkback with several members of the cast. From this intimate chat, we learned quite a bit about the cast, including how they spend upwards to 7 hours a day practicing and training to make the show come together. We were able to get a little more perspective on Kong and how the King’s Company Ensemble must thrust, jump and maneuver themselves to make Kong come to life. The cast members who operate as the VooDoo Operators control the facial movements by computers from a room above. All of the people who are in the King’s Company range from break dancers, dancers, performers, but none other than one of the VooDoo operators were puppeteers before this show.

Above all, King Kong was unique and often mesmerizing, if not quirky. The namesake of the show provided an unforgettable spectacle, and a production that will wow even the young Broadway goers.

Full Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from King Kong Broadway. All opinions are my own.

A Day at the New York Children’s Theater: The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

One of the many advantages of having NYC in our backyard is that we have easy access to the arts. Even better, we have access to art programs that involve children! New York City Children’s Theater is one of the many wonderful cultural resources that’s within reach, and we’re so grateful for that!

A few weeks ago, we were invited to visit the New York City Children’s Theater to enjoy the debut show of The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess.  New York City Children’s Theater is well known for making books sing, and Barbara Zinn Krieger did just that with this production. Laurie Berkner wrote the songs and lyrics, which made this production fantastic and fun.

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The story follows the pursuits of a mime named Harvey and what happens when he encounters a spoiled princess. Harvey’s friends and the princess’ parents add some fun and giggles to the stage.  
The set was a simple stage, transformed by various boxes and lights. The main characters, Laura Hankin and Ben Laxton, engaged young children while bringing a lovely story to life. Sarah Charles and Liam Fennecken seamlessly morphed into multiple characters, bridging the best parts of the story with imagination and grace.

 

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Harvey, the main character and child mime, was fun and silly. Ben Laxton was convincing and charismatic as he made his way from the seaport in a box all the way to the princess’ home. Princess Mindy was bratty but bold. I loved her solos and animated tantrums which elicited a few giggles from the crowd. Sarah Charles’ Gert and queen characters were fun and formidable. Charles’ voice was mesmerizing and well suited for her royal role. Fennecken’s Gert and king characters rounded out the ensemble with his hilarious portrayals and regal role.

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The music and lyrics, without a doubt, were a highlight of The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess. Throughout the production, with the upbeat accompaniment and cheerful, catchy songs, it was evident that Berkner lent her talents to this wonderful play. The guitar, keyboard and percussion instruments playfully sustained the tone of the play, enhancing the fun characters and coloring the words with smiles. Berkner fans (like us) will appreciate this fun production, and even the sweet surprise song for the encore.

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The New York City Children’s Theater’s production of The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess is a treat for music and theater-loving families. I appreciate that this is a preschooler-friendly production that keeps even the littlest theater-goer engaged. It was so fun to take my 2-year old to this his production, which is based on the book called Harvey the Child Mime written and illustrated by Loryn Brantz. At just 50 minutes long, The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess was a great timeframe for kids and parents.  

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The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess is playing at the New York Children’s Theater at Theater 3 311 W. 43rd st., 3rd floor until December 7.