Dance Explosion at American Music Theatre

One of the best things about going to a high-energy theater performance is that it is so exhilarating. That delightful “high” feeling affects me long after the last curtain goes down. I sing in the shower, croon in the car (if I keep those speakers turned up high, I sound halfway decent), and dance while I’m brushing my teeth, as the tunes from the show bounce around in my head.

The latest show from American Music Theater delivers a ton of excitement – from Broadway tunes to songs by famous singers and dancers. Michelle Rajotte must have an endless source of energy.  I’d be exhausted just from the costume changes she makes in one night. She and Melanie Gaskins do a terrific version of Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag. That is most impressive, since it comes toward the end of the show.

So, what was my favorite part? That’s hard to say. I loved the tributes to Fred Astaire, Elvis and Michael Jackson, and OF COURSE, In The Mood and any tap number. And I’m not sure which of the men tumbled high across the stage several times, but whoever he was, he was incredible and I hope he heard my applause. Then there was the drum solo – making me regret not taking drum lessons. Wah.

If there was one song that I wasn’t too crazy about it would be Oklahoma. Judging by the audience reaction, clearly I was the only one there that night that didn’t like that song. I don’t understand why I can’t remember guests’ names from last week, yet I know every word of that song. Maybe it’s because just talking about it firmly embeds in my brain, sort of like being stuck in the movie, Groundhog Day.

I’m sure there are many songs from the show that you’ll like. So if you need an energy boost, don’t miss this original production at AMT. It is playing until October 8 right here in Lancaster County.

Falling In Love at The American Music Theatre

Bruce and I recently saw Music of the Night (The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Weber) at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster. It was a tribute to the many musicals that Weber has produced. Like many of the shows we’ve seen at AMT over the years, this one was terrific and we fell in love.

But it wasn’t with the singing - although there are many incredibly talented voices singing some well-loved but very difficult songs.

And it wasn’t with the production – although the sets went from fun and fast for Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat to mournful with Phantom.

And we certainly enjoyed the trip down memory lane – having seen most of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s classic shows when they first played on Broadway.

What we fell in love with was the emcee for the evening, Jeremy Beveridge. This ten-year old performer stole our hearts from the moment he appeared on stage in his top hat and cane. He wound his way through every one of Weber’s shows, sometimes on skates, sometimes running up and down the steps and once jumping right through the bottom of the stage floor.

This original production features a youth ensemble that energizes the entire show. What a terrific way to introduce kids to the theater – whether they are in the show or audience, they will forever appreciate all the work that takes place both on and off stage. And, for all we know, we witnessed the future stars of Broadway!

One of the things that we’ve always loved about American Music Theatre is that the cast comes out after every show and, if you work your way down to the front, you’ll have a chance to chat with them.

We talked with some of our favorites and got a chance to meet Jeremy’s mom. When I asked Jeremy if this was his first show, he informed me that it was, in fact, his eighth! Wow, that’s impressive for a ten-year old.

In fact, the whole show is impressive. Catch it while you can....on stage until July 1. Stay with us at The Artist's Inn and we'll order your tickets at a discount.

You just might fall in love.