Cheryl Thornburg
Sun News
Take one talented singer, four talented
dancers and the magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music and you
have a production that's a cure for the mid-winter doldrums.
So if you're feeling a little bored, check
out No Strings Theatre Company's
production of "Tell Me on a Sunday," a one-woman musical starring
Janet
Mazdra. It tells the story of Emma, a young English-woman who
has moved to New York to be with her boyfriend. Her life quickly
takes a turn for the
worse when she discovers he's unfaithful and Emma struggles
to find her way in a new country.
Combined with a special companion dance performanced choreographed
by Debra Knapp, assistant professor of dance at New Mexico State
University, the show is something new and a little different
for area theatregoers.
"Saturday Soliloquies," the dance piece, preceeds the "mini-opera"
and offers a sneak preview of the music as well as the mood
of the musical.
Dancers Amy Barnhardt, Aimee Cameron, Candace Craig, and Carolyn
Estock in turn portray different phases of Emma's life.
Candace Craig is playful and flirtatious; Aimee Cameron, sad
and withdrawn; Carolyn Estock, defiant and determined and Amy
Barnhart, hopeful, as shhe finds new love.
The dancers are all members of the NMSU Dance Ensemble.
The production must be very difficult for the dancers due to
the intimate
setting of the Black Box Theatre. Each must stay in character
as she dances
just a few feet from her audience. They all met this challenge
admirably and
set the stage for Mazdra's dynamite performance as Emma.
Mazdra, who turned in unforgettable performances in Las cruces
Community Theatre's "Nunsense II" and "Little Shop of Horrors"
does not disappoint her fans.
She makes the most of her comedic talents as well as powerful
voice to
create an Emma that draws the audience into her life and has
everyone
rooting for her to come out on top. Of particular note are her
breezy
renditions of "Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad" during Emma's
California
phase, her "Letters Home" numbers and the memorable "Unexpected
Song" and the title song "Tell Me on a Sunday."
Music for both segments is provided by Karen Warren on keyboard
and Tom Warren on guitar. The accompaniment, as Goldilocks would
say, is "just right." It enhances rather than overpowers the
performance.
"Tell Me on a Sunday" is directed by Dale Pawley, who also directed
"Crimes of the Heart" and "Little Shop of Horrors" at Las Cruces
Community Theatre.
"Tell Me on a Sunday" continues Fridays and Saturdays, Jan.
18, 19, 25, and 26 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, Jan. 20 and 27 at
2:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N Downtown Mall. Ticket
prices are $7 regular admission and $6 students and seniors
over 65. For reservations call (505)-523-1223 or go to the NSTC
Reservations page at www.zianet.com/nstcbbt.
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