POPPY GAROFALO
Staff Writer
Malibu Presbyterian’s new musical production titled “As the Spirit Moves: A Broadway Revue” will take the audience out of the lined church pews and on a journey through 19 Broadway show tunes. The character of archangel Gabriel sings and dances the audience through the production.
“As the Spirit Moves” is an original production presented by The Winged Lion Players. The company performed “Godspell” last year at Malibu Presbyterian Church, making this its second appearance at the church.
“We surprised a lot of people last year, and that appeals to me,” Mayhew said. “I want to see if we can surprise people again. I like a response. Either you love it or you hate it, but you are definitely moved by it.”
Music from “Guys and Dolls,” “Rent,” “Sweet Charity,” “Hair,” “Big River,” “Chicago,” “Camelot” and “Godspell” will be featured in the production.
“One of the problems about a revue is that you can love the songs independently, but it is hard to get an emotional experience from them,” director Valerie Mayhew said. “I tried to frame it in a way so that the audience could hear the songs in a new context.”
Mayhew said the production will appeal not only to people who know Broadway show tunes, but also to those who are not familiar with them.
“The audience will be taken aback,” Mayhew said. “This isn’t grandma’s Broadway show.”
“As the Spirit Moves” features a company of eight performers.
“This is a racially-diverse and age-diverse crew,” Mayhew said. “It is not homogenous because Los Angeles is not like that.”
Actor Fernando Orozco said the production would be great for an audience of college students.
“All the songs tie together with a great message that is very positive,” Orozco said. “If you have lost your way, there is always help no matter where you find it.”
Actress Kathleen Chen said the revue appeals to everyone but especially to people who are going through a transitional time in their lives.
“It can be really confusing when you are trying to prioritize and find who you are,” Chen said.
“As the Spirit Moves: A Broadway Revue” will run Friday through Sunday at Malibu Presbyterian Church, 3324 Malibu Canyon Rd.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. Sunday.
The suggested entrance donation is $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available at the door.
For more information call (310) 456-1611.
11-10-2005
