Albany Theatre’s production features four talented, fun, synchronized sangers
A REVIEW
When theatergoers walk into the hall of Albany’s playhouse during the next few weekends, many may be initially preoccupied with Sheldon Epps.
Mr. Epps directed episodes television’s “Friends” and “Frasier”, so myself and others with less-than-adequate culture in our lives – in other words, those of us who battle with Monday Night Football addiction – might not know the real Sheldon Epps.
Now I do.
“Blues in the Night,” the well-traveled revue, gets under way Thursday at Theatre Albany.
It’s powerful stuff presented by a tiny cast of four – two Theatre Albany veterans and two newcomers — with soulful voices and a propensity for a good time.
“Blues” is a well-traveled show that’s a sure hit simply because it carries with it an insurance policy of sorts: 26 pop and blues songs from the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
Mr. Epps incorporated smoldering torch songs like “Lover Man” and some raunchy Bessie Smith blues tunes, and the stage is set in a seedy hotel in which three women with various personalities – and ages, interestingly enough – fantasize about love
The foursome’s synchronicity – and knowing they are Albany folks helps those of us homefolks appreciate any imperfections that may or may not surface – kept my foot tapping during nearly every number. But it is the raw, home-grown talent of quartet of talented stage players – make that sangers – that gave me chill bumps during Monday’s rehearsal.
Theatre Albany’s production of “Blues” is directed by Mark Costello; the musical director is Kevin Blaise, and the show’s choreographer is Judy Dabs.
Sandy Hardy Meadows (The Lady from the Road) has been in many productions including the very popular, “Beehive” and “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.” Also returning is Phil Arnold (The Man in the Saloon), who has performed in such classics as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “The Homecoming.”Making their first appearance in this show are India Collier (The Girl with a Date) and Kimberly White (The Woman of the World). Miss Collier is a Westover High School senior; Ms. White recently moved to Albany with Proctor & Gamble, and serves on the Albany Area Arts Council.
“We came together not really knowing each other and we’ve developed into a team of friends for life,” said Mr. Arnold, a self-professed computer geek who paradoxically also once pursued a dream to be an Olympic wrestler.
Ms. Meadows says the production is intimidating because the cast is so small.
“There’s more attention on you, that’s for sure,” she said. “You’re more in the spotlight, but then again, I guess we all kind of like the spotlight, to be honest.”
Behind the scenes, the show also features pianists Judith Thompson and Michael Torregano; bassist Anthony Laporte Jr.; drummer Kent Williams; saxophonist Steve Parker; and trumpeter Joe Maxey.
For television, Mr. Epps directed episodes of “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Joey,” “Out Of Practice,” “My Wife and Kids,” “In Laws,” “Veronica’s Closet,” “What I Like About You”, “Evening Shade,” and “Sister, Sister,” and several pilots among others. For five seasons he was also producer/director for the hit series “Girlfriends.”
But Mr. Epps most critically renowned work is on stage, where he’s garnered three Tony nominations. And his best work may be “Blues in the Night,” which originated as a workshop production that was staged Off Broadway in 1980 and quickly moved to Broadway two years later with Leslie Uggans as the star.
‘BLUE IN THE NIGHT’ AT A GLANCE
When: Opens Friday and runs through Feb. 10.
Tickets: $20 for adults; $15 for seniors, students, and active duty military. Info: 439-7193 or http://www.theatrealbany.com/.
