PAST REVIEWS

GLORYLAND

Written and directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman; musical direction, score compiled and arranged by Michael Joseph; staging and musical sequences choreographed by Sally Ashton Forrest. At the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. Call (781) 871-ARTS.

by ELLEN BRAMS
For The Patriot Ledger

Tired of political rhetoric and empty campaign promises? Long for statesmen and true heroes? Wants thoroughly moving and enormously entertaining original epic evening of theater? If you answer "yes" to all those questions, run to see Company Theater's "Gloryland. This American treasure, an award winning musical produced, written and directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman, premiered a decade ago and is enjoying a well-deserved revival.

To tell the story of the gallant and bloody battles of conscience Americans have fought and endured to preserve independence and the American Dream, "Gloryland" ingeniously uses the ghost of beloved illustrator Norman Rockwell and an animated "Drummer Boy" from William Morris Hunt's touching canvas. The multimedia "event" uses art, photography, music and dance to show artists' role in history The homage pays tribute to the joy and power of creative expression and to the keepers of the truth of the times. "Gloryland" accurately embraces this nation's history in a parade of ensemble talent. A wealth of American music - amassed and arranged by musical director Michael Joseph - reflects the times and showcases many wonderful voices.

Choreographer Sally Ashton Forrest superbly stages the musical sequences. Not only are the rock and swing numbers a delight, but the "battles" are dramatic. This epic shifts moods and scene many times, but its enormous cast keeps pace with the action. Shirley Carney's period costumes keep the audience in the moment. Set designer and technical director Bob Grazioso keeps this big show right on course and Brian David Frey's terrific lighting design and pyrotechnic skills thrill the audience. Peter Scholl, as Norman Rockwell's ghost, is our primary guide. He is Henry Fonda folksy and appealing while he recounts his life story and the messages of his Saturday Evening Post magazine covers.

Scholl's Rockwell, humble, down-to-earth, credibly recalls the truth of the times.....both verbally and visually. Frank Piekut affably and believably portrays the wise and witty Mark Twain. George Kippenhan delivers a somber Abraham Lincoln and Arthur Mapp is amazing as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you think history is just about men, just check out Lauren Grove's spirited Amelia Earhart, Kim Gomes' powerful and touching Harriet Tubman, and vivid portrayals of Calamity Jane and Rosie the Riveter by Kelly Dynan and Alicia Murphy respectively.

The glamour of celebrities lights up this piece. John King is terrific as Elvis and he will "jailhouse rock" your world. Karen Cavallo's breathy Marilyn Monroe is a real pleaser. Susie Lawler makes a dynamite Bette Davis, "Dahlings," and Patrick Browne's Truman Capote is a memorable cameo. Jeanette Jackson's Hattie McDaniel is a touching reminder of our national evolution in terms of creative acceptance without biases.

Where but in "Gloryland" can you find on one stage, Gable, Garland and Gehrig, Liz Taylor, JFK and Jackie? Where else can an audience witness powerful dance numbers from David Good, or hear the standout voices of Dennis Roach and Jennifer Rappo and many others in a case of more than 80 performers?

This is a blockbuster chronicle of America's life and times. Its wars and woes, its joy and growth and its collective dreams, talents, and resolve. Whether you wind up groovin" on "Ain't Nobody's Business," the electric trio of Jacqueline Dupre, Melissa Murad and Tracy Silva performing "Think," the swing montage of the robust "Amazing Grace." "Gloryland" is your land.

Whether you focus on David Costa's proud Native American, Matt Bretschneider's endearing Drummer Boy, the precious performing children who are America's future or the "immigrants" who cam here from everywhere to have a better life and worked hard to make it happen, "Gloryland" will move you and make you proud of your American heritage.