So when complimentary tickets to The Wizard of Oz passed my way as part of a work assignment, I had felt both intrigued and leery at the prospect of attending a show here. Even so, I had never heard Aurora, Illinois mentioned as an important theater city by anyone outside of the area. In the case of Paramount Theatre, I had been vaguely aware of positive chatter about the theater since moving to the community, which boded well. Anything that falls short leaves me frustrated and annoyed at having wasted my time and money. That much high level play-going experience inadvertently lead me to expect a certain caliber of production. It happened only accidentally as I gradually amassed Playbills from two dozen Broadway productions across three continents, in five countries, and seven major cities.
Well, I am a bit of a theater snob, if I’m honest.
AUGUST RUSH PARAMOUNT REVIEWS SERIES
But then I realize the most surprising thing of all about our first show at the Paramount: that I am already researching tickets for the rest of their Broadway Series season! We “oooh” at the impressive special effects, and we “ahhhh” about the amazing set changes. I swoon over the first act highlights with my family. But for anyone that has an interest in new shows that push the boundaries of musical theatre, this is a polished jewel.Intermission. Despite its extreme charms, the show doesn’t seem to have the emotional heft it would have with a traditional book.
AUGUST RUSH PARAMOUNT REVIEWS MOVIE
Indeed fans of the movie will find that the musical omits many essential plot details. While there is much to admire about this lyrical production, it may veer too far from traditional storytelling for general audiences. Doyle seems to rely on the music and fluid staging to tell his story and every moment is thoughtfully crafted. The Book by Glen Berger is minimal dialogue and lyrics are practically nonexistent by the end of the show. The ensemble’s virtuoso musicianship and singing is frequently thrilling. The orchestrations are a constant delight-this is the ideal show for anyone who appreciates acoustic music. There are several extended instrumental numbers leading up to a rhapsody. “August Rush: The Musical” is a curious hybrid-a performance piece that seems to be as much concert as musical theatre. With the minimal scenery, Sound Designer Dan Moses Schreier is frequently called upon to provide a soundscape to suggest the primarily urban scene. Costume Designer Ann Hould-Ward provides street wear and concert dress in the same black and white palette with splashes of red. Scenic Designer Scott Pask provides a textured white backdrop suggestive of a cityscape which Lighting Designer Paul Toben paints with color and upon which Projection Designer Joe Burke occasionally adds details. The story plays out on a simple, elegant stage featuring a gleaming black grand piano and four white stools. Also prominently featured is Leenya Rideout as Hope. But when August/Evan proves to be a musical prodigy, the Wizard tries to control his musical career. George Abud plays Lewis, a rock musician who won Lyla’s attention with “Pig In the Moonlight.” John Hickok plays the dual roles of Lyla’s protective father and the Wizard who offers the homeless August/Evan a safe haven. Sydney Shepherd portrays Lyla, a classical cellist whose father forces her to give up her baby in order to further her career.
The leading players include Jack McCarthy (on press night) as August Rush/Evan Taylor (Huxley Westemeier shares the role), an 11-year-old boy who has run away from foster care in order to seek out his birth parents.
“August Rush: The Musical” features a cast of fifteen playing an array of handsome musical instruments, both popular and unusual, with Musical Director/Conductor Greg Jarrett on keyboard. Internationally acclaimed Director John Doyle has become known for his unusual approach to musical theatre, often featuring casts who are both actors and musicians, accompanying one another on musical instruments while simultaneously playing roles. “August Rush: The Musical”, based on the original Oscar-nominated film about a musically gifted orphan, marks Paramount Theatre’s first world premiere production. During the last four seasons, Paramount productions have been nominated for 55 Jeff Awards winning 18 of them. Since launching its Broadway Series in 2011, Aurora’s Paramount Theatre has become one of the most successful musical production houses in the Chicago area.
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