Reviewed
by Judy Richter
Popular music is so closely woven into the fabric of an era that hearing hit songs from that time can evoke vivid memories. Such is the case with Carole King, whose songs from the '60s and '70s reflect such phenomena as dances ("The Loco-Motion") and social movements ("Natural Woman"). Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland brings those times and phenomena to life in its production of "Tapestry: The Songs of Carole King."
Conceived and
created for the stage by Rowan Joseph, John Kroner and Jeffrey Martin, "Tapestry" is a revue of the songs for
which King wrote both music and lyrics and those for which her then-husband, Gerry
Goffin, or others were the lyricists.
OCT managing artistic director Jim Giancarlo, who serves as director and choreographer, has given
it a flow that goes beyond mere revue by setting it in front of a red brick
apartment house in Manhattan and portraying the three-man, three-woman cast as
tenants who have become good friends and/or lovers. Thus the songs illustrate
the changing dynamics among the six in the fall of 1967 and in 1974.
The lineup includes
such hits as "Where You Lead,"
"Up on the Roof," "It's
Too Late," "Will You
Still Love Me Tomorrow," "I'm
Into Something Good," "Go
Away Little Girl," "One
Fine Day," "You've Got a
Friend", the title song and
others.
The appealing young
performers invest energy and conviction in their portrayals while developing a
strong sense of ensemble. They also sing well and usually blend well. The
standout among them is Marc Swan,
who has a winning smile and a low-key presence to go with his pleasing tenor.
His colleagues are Jessica Blaszak, Nicole Boote (who supplies additional choreography), Jimmy L.
Garcia, Michele Gray and Calebl
Reese.
Music director Jay
Wright also plays keyboards in the
three-man band. The period-evocative costumes are by Kerri Lea Robbins with the set by Craig Hudson, lighting by Hudson and Michael Stanfill, and sound by Frank Sullivan.
Now in its 20th
season, OCT is a dinner theater that operates in a former church only a block
from the famed Oregon Shakespeare Festival in downtown Ashland. It's popular with locals as well as visitors
because of its polished productions. Patrons have the option of attending the
show only, or they may arrive 90 minutes early and have dinner or brunch,
choosing from a full menu of dishes featuring fresh seasonal ingredients
carefully prepared by executive chef Douglas O. Todd. Dessert is served at intermission. Patrons also may
skip the meal but order drinks.
It's a most
pleasant, entertaining way to spend an evening in a relaxing setting.
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