What happens to a troupe of show-biz veterans when they hit 60? We all know that being over 40, let alone 60, can inadvertently bring a stop to “ones” career. As Act I opens…our merry troupe find out their show has been cancelled and wonder how they will get other work. The group is told they are “past their prime”. Hah!!! (This group is hardly past their prime.) But soon, backers of a new show want to see the group, and they begin practicing their numbers to be ready for the audition. They proceed to give us two great acts of fun, music, dance, and the most energy I’ve seen on a stage in years. We are told in our press release, and I quote, “Warning: No Performer Under the Age of 60 will appear in this Production.” HOW FANTASTIC IS THAT!!!!
The production cast consists of 24 veteran actors, singers and dancers, however, each performance has 15 cast members, so you have the opportunity to see THE BEAT GOES ON! more than once and see new faces each time you see it. I have seen many of these actors in various other productions throughout Los Angeles. Here are the 15 I saw perform in alphabetical order; Deborah Bartlett, William Bartlett, Richard Fox, Michelle Gillette, Larry Lederman, Derrel Maury, Vernon McGhee, Dominick Morra, Anna Pagan, Tamara Reed, Lani Ridley Pedrini, Marcia Rodd, Kit Smythe, Bobbi Stamm, Robert Towers. Additionally, Michele Bernath, Susie McIver Ewing, Joe Giamalva, Renee Gorsey, Barbara Haber, Phyllis Lovit, Carmelita Pittman, Ruben Rabasa, and Carol Woodbury can be seen at various other performances. All are first rate.
The fantastic 4-piece live band with David O (Keyboard), Mark Breitenbach (Bass), Adrienne Geffen (Woodwinds), and Kurt Walther (Drums) bring us 34 memorable songs including two original theme songs, Get Up Get Out and Get a Life and Rockin with the Ages by RIck Soloman, and the third, Evil Man is by Carmelita Pittman. I have my favorites: “Evil Man”, “Dream”, “Do We”, and one of my all time favorites, “Young at Heart”. But with 34 great songs, you will have many favorites of your own.
With excellent musical direction by the wonderful David O, and the great Cate Caplin’s writing, direction and choreography, how could this production possibly not be successful. These are two talented award-winning people, and their collaboration has given us a show with energy and vitality. Set design, lighting, costumes and sound all enhance the production. And most importantly, a ROCKIN’ WITH THE AGES production wouldn’t be the same without THE PINK LADY, Jackie Goldberg. She is one heck of a dynamic lady and her zest for life, energy, vitality and positive attitude helps others to see life through rose-colored glasses. Her motto: “To think pink is to see everything in life as beautiful and filled with love.”
You can’t help but enjoy yourself. Whatever your age, THE BEAT GOES ON! is pure entertainment, and has it “GOING ON”. Have a fun-filled evening with this musical extravaganza.
Enjoy!!!!!!
Cast: Deborah Bartlett, William Bartlett, Michele Bernath, Susie McIver Ewing, Richard Fox, Joe Giamalva, Michelle Gillette, Renee Gorsey, Barbara Haber, Larry Lederman, Phyllis Lovit, Derrel Maury, Vernon McGhee, Dominick Morra, Anna Pagan, Carmelita Pittman, Ruben Rabasa, Tamara Reed, Lani Ridley Pedrini, Marcia Rodd, Kit Smythe, Bobbi Stamm, Robert Towers, Carol Woodbury.
Executive Producer: THE PINK LADY – Jackie Goldberg
Musical Direction by David O
Written, Directed and Choreographed by Cate Caplin
Arrangements & Musical Direction: David O
Associate Producer: Arnold Arch
Scenic Design: Keith Mitchell
Lighting Design: Jared A. Sayeg
Costume Design: Ann Closs-Farley
Sound Design; Cricket Myers
Production Manager: Gabrieal Griego
Production Stage Manager: Diane Le Moine
Graphic Design: Doug Haverty
Publicity: David Elzer / Demand PR
Theatre of Arts – ARENA STAGE
1625 North Las Palmas Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
Tickets: $34 general; $29 Student/Senior/Union; $25 Previews
Reservations: 818.606.6679 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Plays: October 12 – November 25, 2012
Performances: Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm; Fridays & Saturday nights at 8pm; Sundays at 1pm and 5pm
