Michael Butler Presents "Pope Joan"
POPE JOAN, a musical now playing at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood, centers upon the infamous medieval legend of a young woman who climbed up the "robes" only to accidentally become a Pope. This production is triumphant, with the use of a live orchestra, stupendous direction by Bo Crowell, who also serves as choreographer, staging as fancy of footwork as the determination of the lead character, Joan. Joan is a woman who is secretly and comfortably living life as a man, a priest, a cardinal, and finally a pope before she is murdered by the people of Rome -- but not before humiliation. Joan's Machiavellian lover, Louis, has an aspiration to become King of France, but without the consent of the pope, the people of France would never respect him. Therefore, Louis plays papal politics, pushing Cardinal John (er, Joan) into the election, making her the first female pope.
Christopher Moore's music is quite good, but as any musical theatre patron would tell you, it is better when you can understand the lyrics. Apparently, the production team forgot that enunciation is more important than the blustering volume of an incredibly talented orchestra nestled tightly under the flawless set, designed by Brent Mason (alongside Jeremy Pivnick's perfectly established light design). Absolute stand-out performances were: Whitney Avalon (Pope Joan) makes her way through the story, calm and confident, topped by a gorgeous voice. Christina Dohmen (Martine) takes a role that could easily have been ignored by the audience and allows us to empathize right alongside her. Suzanne Nichols (Lucretia) is a force of flaunting excellence, while Bryce Blue's performance as Lucius is precious and invigorating. Anthony Gruppuso (Nicholas) vocally (and metaphorically) climbs a ladder on each entrance to adjust the spotlight on himself, allowing us to enjoy exactly what was publicized: "a cast of professionals." That being said, intensely talented actor Doug Barry (Louis) has got the looks of James Franco and the comedic antics of James Spader. However, this is a high quality musical in which he and Allie Coats (Young Joan) were vocally miscast. The remaining members of the ensemble, a flourish of dancers and singers, take each and every step seriously enough to make themselves, as a whole and individually, shine equally as bright as any lead role.
On a Grading Scale: A-
Also featuring: Amber Allen, Justin Beals, Tim Brown, Megan Crockett, Don Frankel, Brandon Heitkamp, Matthew Herrmann, Sylvin Janson, James Lamberti, Fernando Orozco Jr., Annette Remter, Erin Rettino, Joel Rieck, A. Torres-Salazar, Veronica Scheyving, Heather Stewart, Paul Wong, Dawn Worrall, and Joseph Zahn.
Orchestra: Brian Murphy, Brian Mendelsohn, Phil Moore, Alan Medak, Ethan Minton, and John Harvey.
Director/Choreographer: Bo Crowell.
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Theater: Stella Adler Theater
Web Site: http://www.stellaadler-la.com/ or http://www.popejoantix.com
Tickets: (323) 960-4412
Dates: through March 22, 2009