A NoHo Arts theatre review of Write Act Rep’s production of “The Path to Catherine – A NEW MUSICAL,” written by Patricia Zehentmayr (Book and Lyrics) and Jan Roper (Music), directed by Joanna Syiek and produced by John Lant and Tamra Pica running through May 1.
“The Path to Catherine” is a brand new musical, cause enough for excitement! But then, when you discover that it’s about Catherine the Great, and that the only three cast members are women, there’s even more to celebrate!
It’s also rather wonderful, and the songs written by Patricia Zehentmayr and Jan Roper are absolutely sublime.
The story is set in the months before Catherine becomes Catherine. Before her marriage to Peter The Great of Russia, she was princess Sophie from a modest little principality in Germany. But Sophie’s mother, Joanna, has been cultivating a distant friendship with Empress Elizabeth, Peter’s Aunt and the current ruler of Russia. Elizabeth was once engaged to Joanna’s brother who sadly died before their wedding. Elizabeth is isolated and lonely in Russia, fending off those who would usurp her, and she longs for the comfort of a family as she has no children of her own. She has by now realised what a brute Peter is and she is intent on marrying him to someone she can rely upon to remain fully in control. A Russia in the hands of Peter, a hero of Vladimir Putin’s as it happens, could prove terrible indeed. Perhaps this is why Putin keeps his family far from him?
So the “The Path to Catherine” story is set and the intentions of each character made clear. Sophie wants love, Elizabeth wants companionship and loyalty, and Joanna wants the security of a successful marriage for her daughter and the wealth it will bring her. Joanna has also been asked to spy on the Russian court by the King of Germany, which puts her in a treacherous spot to say the least, especially as she thinks herself far cleverer than she is, and of course is found out.
But we all know that Sophie became Catherine, so is should be no surprise that Elizabeth forgave her and banished Joanna. The story is fascinating, especially when you understand that it all took place over 300 years ago, when most women had no power at all, let alone a kingdom. How Elizabeth managed to remain in power is truly astonishing. So it’s clear who Sophie learned everything from when she became Catherine and in the end the Grand Empress herself.
The music is gorgeous, so beautifully performed by the wonderful live band. It’s so important I think to have live music, so matter how little the theatre, and these musicians are brilliant. Creating the drama, the tension, the laughter. The singers have such support from the gorgeous melodies and themes. But their voices are incredibly good. And they portray each of their roles with depth and emotion and realism. I was so impressed by the quality of their voices. These are very big songs and the story is epic, so there is a lot going on. But they are all so accomplished and nuanced and bold. Exactly what the production calls for.
I especially loved when they all sang together in harmony, operatic in places, almost rock opera in others. The story never holding for a moment, every minute packed with music and melodrama, capturing a remarkable moment in world history, now more relevant than ever.
NoHo holds many secrets, I hope this wonderful production won’t remain one for long! I urge you to see this wonderful show. “The Path to Catherine” is a triumph, truly…Bravo!!!!
Cast:
Elise Walters as Sophie / Catherine
Jessica Reiner-Harris (Joanna)
Robyn Roth (Elizabeth)
Martha Thatcher as Sophie / Catherine Understudy performing April 30t and May 1
Production/Creative Team:
PRODUCERS: John Lant & Tamra Pica
BOOK/LYRICS: Patricia Zehentmayr
COMPOSER: Jan Roper
DIRECTOR: Joanna Syiek
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER: Zad Potter
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / OPERATIONS FOR WRITE ACT REP: Jonathan Harrison
When:
Running through May 1, Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 3pm
Where:
The Brickhouse Theatre
10950 Peach Grove St, NoHo Arts District, CA 91601