Summer Theater's Surprising Coup

 

They pulled it off! The Prizery’s Summer Theater is back, and it’s good!

Things looked bleak just a few months ago: The pandemic shut down the program for two years. Long-time director Chris Jones retired. The new director, with an ambitious agenda, suddenly left just before live auditions for actors from throughout the Southeast.

 

Newly hired Melanie Cornelison Jannotta bravely went ahead anyway with ambitious plans for A Chorus Line and Footloose through video auditions. A cast was assembled, and then…..the new staff couldn’t find enough homes in a pandemic-weary town to host all the actors and crew.

 

Undaunted, Cornelison-Jannotta scaled the staff down to 10 with a skeleton crew and a new show: “Xanadu.” The remaining cast had to learn a new musical in only a few weeks’ time.

 

 I was skeptical as I looked in on early rehearsals while helping with publicity. But I admired the upbeat attitude of these 20-somethings, who would make this show work no matter what. 

 

Well, what a surprise! At Sunday’s show, which was well attended, the music was superb as the talented Jessica Sanzone belted out hits made famous by Olivia Newton-John, sometimes on roller skates. Jonah Barricklo commanded the stage as Sonny and learned to skate just in time. Nash Dawson stood out as Danny McGuire with a great voice and amazing dance steps. Caylin Keliehor and Claire Wilson were hilarious singing “Evil Woman” and in other roles.

 

The story of a muse from Mt. Olympus falling in love with an artist on Earth comes together a lot better on stage than in the 1980 movie. Songs are richer, and “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Don’t Walk Away” have terrific harmony.

 

Just a few quibbles: Sometimes it was hard to understand lyrics, and the sound got a little loud—but maybe it was my hearing aids. And I sure would like to see local actors back. It was what made Summer Theater so great in the six seasons that I performed in it—the mix of local youth mentored by out-of-town professionals. The kids’ parents came and bought up tickets. But this year’s production had to be put together in no time, and I’m sure that the locals will be back next year. 

 

A job well done, cast and crew!

 

There are still four shows left, Thursday through Sunday. See www.prizery.com.