Bolt (voice of Travolta) is a celebrity dog and the star of a hit TV show where his amazing feats and powers draw big ratings. But when a mail-room mix-up finds him roaming free on the streets of New York City, the wonder dog will have to learn to rely on his actual strengths -- as well as his new friends, an abandoned housecat and a starry-eyed hamster -- in order to find his way back home to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Cyrus).
In her new town of Forks, Washington, misfit teenager Bella Swan (Stewart) falls for her alluring and mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen (Pattinson). As it turns out, Edward belongs to a lineage of vampires, although he doesn't fit the typical vampire mold. As their passion reaches dizzying heights, can Edward resist his natural urges, and will he be able to defend Bella from his family members who have come for her?
Metermaid Les Franken (Rapaport) has an unexpected reaction to the anti-depressant he's taking as part of a clinical trial; suddenly convinced he's a superhero, he embraces his new powers, dons a homemade costume, and hits the streets to protect the citizens of his city. the corporation behind the pill, fearing bad publicity about their drug, set out to bring down our hero, who in turn hones his abilities to fight off his new arch-nemeses.
West Side Story at La Comedia
*Snaps my fingers* What are you sitting there for? A snap of the fingers is supposed to be a signal for action. It always worked for the Fonz on Happy Days and the characters in West Side Story, but without greased hair, a leather jacket or a flock of good looking women trailing behind me I lack their coolness.
I would never make it as a member of the Jets or Sharks, the two feuding street gangs of New York in Leonard Bernstein’s classic musical ‘West Side Story’ on stage at the La Comedia Dinner Theatre, which runs thru June 29. In which the music of the production is as explosive as the love affair between Tony and Maria.
Don’t let their skills in singing and dancing fool you, the two gangs mean business with punches as powerful as their voices. It’s not only control of the streets that stands between them, but also a forbidden love as Tony of the Jet’s falls for Maria, the sister of Bernado, leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks.
In her La Comedia debut, Kim Willes provides both the beauty and voice needed to make Maria a compelling character. You can’t blame Tony (Joel Halstead) for being swept up by her charm despite it going against his strong hatred of anyone that swims with the Sharks.
While the first act develops the story and sets everything in motion, its act two that delivers a speeding thrill ride through the entire range of emotions, from deep sorrow as Maria learns that her brother has been murdered by the hands of Tony, to the couples determination to find ‘Somewhere’ to be safe and then the tragic ending of deceit and murder. A shot heard around the theater, causing everyone to jump in their seats, results in the death of Tony.
I have grown to recognize the veteran actor, Charlie Goetz, from his regular presence on the La Comedia stage and kept expecting more from his character of Doc than a few brief cameo’s and he delivers near the conclusion with a spirited outburst about the dangers of the hate between the gangs. Also from the supporting cast, I was most struck by Anita (Amy Desiato) who captivates the eye with her fluid dance movement and beauty.
The set provides the feel of New York slums, I even found myself checking for my wallet a few times, and with a few quick and simple additions is changed to a bridal shop, Maria’s bedroom and Doc’s Drugstore.
Many familiar songs are included, such as ‘Maria,’ ‘Tonight,’ and ‘I Feel Pretty’ and each are a delight to hear and while nobody should predict how Paula Abdul would judge beyond, ‘You look great tonight,’ I think even Simon Cowell would have to commend their voices. A personal favorite was ‘Gee, Officer Krupke’ a fun, comedic number performed by the Jets.
The somber conclusion leads to no final song and the cast comes out all together for their curtain call, perhaps as a sign that from the death of Tony the two sides settled their differences and are now just one.
Through June 29, ‘West Side Story’ will remain at La Comedia in Springboro with evening performances on Wednesday through Sunday (arrival time 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.) and matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (arrival time 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.). Prices range from $47 to $65. For more information or reservations call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505. *Snaps my fingers* Now follow me and view ‘West Side Story.’
*Snaps my fingers* What are you sitting there for? A snap of the fingers is supposed to be a signal for action. It always worked for the Fonz on Happy Days and the characters in West Side Story, but without greased hair, a leather jacket or a flock of good looking women trailing behind me I lack their coolness.
