Displaying items by tag: Ken Clark

Who remembers the 1960s TV show “Hazel”? It may not be as easily recollected as such classics as “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, “The Andy Griffith Show” or “I Love Lucy”, but for those who loved 1960s sitcoms back in the day or have been introduced to them thanks to networks like ME TV, it would be hard to forget Hazel, the lovable, take-charge maid played by Shirley Booth, who treasured nothing more than taking care of the Baxter family. Now, some fifty or so years later Drury Lane Theatre presents the World Premiere “Hazel: A Musical Maid in America” as an ode to the silver age of television. 

Directed and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse, “Hazel” brings a new adventure to the dutiful maid and Baxter family. When Dorothy Baxter wants to go back to work much to husband George Baxter’s lack of support, enter Hazel who is hired to maintain the family’s home and take care of young Harold Baxter. A story in itself as Dorothy tries to take on the world of interior design with a corporate gig and wonders if she still has what it takes to succeed, the plot takes a twist when Harold believes he has captured a photo of a U.F.O. It doesn’t take much for word to get out of his spaceship sighting and for the Air Force to get involved. Kind of out there but remember we are talking about an era where U.F.O. scares were not so uncommon and TV was getting blitzed by series that included space ships and aliens. So the tie in actually makes sense. 

The evolution of Hazel continues. What began as a single-panel cartoon in the Saturday Evening Post back in 1943, was then brought to life in 1961 as a popular sitcom that went on to span five seasons. Hazel was not only known for keeping a spot-free home, but it was her big heart and droll sense of humor that made her one of TV’s most beloved heroines of the early to mid-1960s. In “Hazel: A Musical Maid for America” Klea Blackhurst admirably takes on the role as the tough as nails housekeeper, injecting just the right dose of humor and no-nonsense into her character while offering a dynamic vocal range in many of the show’s numbers. 

Both Ken Clark and Summer Naomi Smart are finely cast as George and Dorothy Baxter and are highly convincing as the 1960s married couple, gelling well with each other. Each also displays a finely tuned vocal presence of their own with Smart really lighting up the stage in her back to work number “Sheer Perfection”. The cast is well rounded and provides outstanding contributions from Ed Kross as Hazel’s love interest Bonkers Johnson, Casey Lyons as Harold Baxter and a strong ensemble that is highlighted by Bill Bannon and Meghan Murphy.

Boasting a very impressive, ever-changing set that really enhances the 1960s essence, “Hazel” is an entertaining spectacle as much as it is a fun, light-hearted comedy that gets its digs in at the male narrow-mindedness of the era and delves into the accepting of those for who they are. With plenty of energetic musical number laced with humor and wit, we are presented with a well-rounded comedy that comes with a nice measure of nostalgia.  

“Hazel: A Musical Maid in America”, a presentation full of clean humor (pun intended), a fun story and enjoyable big show numbers, is being performed at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook through May 20th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.     

“Camelot” being presented at the lovely Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook had an interesting twist to it.  If you've viewed other Camelot versions such as the enchanting animated “Sword and the Stone”, or the impacting dramas

“First Knight” or “Excalibur”, then be ready for a unique mix of both.  The production opened with a young King Arthur conversing with Merlin, his mentor and friend.  Merlin portrayed by Jonathan Weir was witty and engaging as he and Arthur bantered back and forth in the forest.  Quickly the audience was laughing at Arthur's antics, played by Ken Clark, a seasoned performer.

The introduction of Lady Guinevere (Christy Altomare) to Arthur evolved quickly and in a blink of the eye they ruled as the King and Queen.  The scenes and time frames were a bit blurred, and I caught myself wondering what was happening several times.  An example was when Mordved played by Patrick Rooney was on the stage. Suddenly the adult son of the King appears and a large gap of time has elapsed.  When I caught on to who Mordved was, even while following closely it was hard to understand why he and his father seemed at war with one another.

Early on Lancelot (Travis Taylor) beseeched King Arthur to allow him to serve the throne sacrificially and faithfully. Being a warrior, attractive and kind man he secretly won the heart of Lady Guinevere.  During a heartfelt moment Mr. Taylor wowed the crowd with his voice after an encounter with his love, who of course belonged to another.  I would have loved to hear more songs bursting out, but the musical flavor in this performance could only be described as 'song speaking'.  No doubt Ken Clark and Christy Altomare did this beautifully throughout the performance and their interaction with one another was engaging.  Allowing my imagination to veer from what I perhaps expected, I needed to allow room for a different type of portrayal of the King.  

Although a good, fair and wise King, his manner more often than not, seemed a bit naive or it lacked an authoritative stance.  Yet because of this, one scene stood out like no other!

'The atmosphere was sober.  The King was honoring his worthy knights, Lancelot being among them. As Lancelot stepped forth to bend his knee before his King, it was as if the scene was in slow motion. Arthur wrestled with his emotion and anger, knowing of the stifled relationship that Lancelot and Guinevere desired.  Quickly a picture of this Knight's demise entered his mind's eye.  Just as quickly the man he'd become was victorious as he took his sword, and placed it on Lancelot's shoulder.'

It was stirring and well done.  King Arthur's declaration of integrity and strength revealed the truth of why it was his destiny to rule over a people!

The costumes and the manner in which the whole cast portrayed themselves was extraordinary for this era from the hair styles to the magnificent sword fights.  'Camelot' definitely was enjoyable and entertaining despite the incites I mentioned above.  

Camelot will be playing until January 4, 2015, so invite your friends and family.  For more show information, visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.