Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Trip of Love @ Stage 42

A Trip of Love takes a new twist to a classic jukebox musical. For one it is a dance musical that means NO DIALOGUE.  Honestly I was a little hesitant seeing this production, I am not a huge jukebox musical fan, nor am I a dancer. But I was proven wrong by the entire cast and creative team.

As you enter Stage 42 you are automatically transformed into the 1960’s. The entire theatre is covered in flowers, butterflies, and hearts. The stage looks like a whimsical wonderland, which is fitting because the opening number and almost the entire plot have themes of Alice in Wonderland.  We follow Caroline, portrayed by Kelly Felthous, and her quest to find love. On her adventure we find other vibrant characters that help her along the way as well as finding love of their own.

This entire show is spectacle. The set has so many fun pieces from, a giant mushroom, swings, huge surfboards, and a hot air balloon! The lighting was
trippin (get it). So many fun colors and spotlights, it made you feel like you were at a rock concert. Now, my favorite part of the show, the costumes! The 60’s and 70’s wardrobe was amazing!

Act one took place in the 60’s, that being said everything was light hearted and fun. I found myself smiling the entire time and wanting to sing along.  Act two however took a dark turn. It took place in the 70’s and brought up the war and recruitment. We see how war affected the lives of the loved ones left behind as well as the solders fighting. We find ourselves back to the beginning, like we took one huge trip.

Laurie Wells does a fantastic job grounding the show; she has a power belt that is to die for! Dionne Figgins has a stage presence that is so wonderful I could not take my eyes off her. David Elder brought a great comedic charm to the show, and plays a great stud that it was hard not to love him.  And Kelly Felthous does a fantastic job carrying the show and telling this story through dance, and what a voice she has. The entire ensemble is filled with amazing talent. The choreography was to die for! A stand out number was, wipeout! The use of the set was creative with layers of waves making the dance both above and under water.

Overall this show was a lot of fun. If you enjoy hit songs from the 60’s and 70’s this is the show for you. If you enjoy some good ole musical theatre magic this show is for you. If you enjoy amazing dancing and story telling this show is for you. If you want to see a show that will make you laugh, smile, and maybe even cry, head over to stage 42 and see Trip of Love. It will be a magical trip.

Review By: Briana Burnside
Photos By: Getty Images

No comments:

Post a Comment