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By CategoryMoby Dick! The Musical
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Moby Dick! The MusicalA Witty Caricature of a Classic Tale
2005-07-31
Article Written by: Cheryl! Tisland
The Seaside Music Theater rendition of "Moby Dick! The Musical" opened to audiences on Friday at the Daytona Beach Community College Theater Center. As the anticipatory crowd entered the theater, they were met with signs forwarning the adult nature of the musical. The crowd was unsure exactly what to expect, as this was the first major production of "Moby Dick! The Musical" in the United States.
"Moby Dick! The Musical" is based on the 1954 film, The Belles of St. Trinian's, and its accompanying novels. It didn't become a musical until the late 1980s. After several performances at small London venues, acclaimed producer Cameron Mackintosh (Les Miserables, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon) discovered the musical and brought it to West End (London's equivalent of Broadway). Although the whale of a musical gained popularity, it was unable to compete with the bigger productions, and died off in July of 1991. Russell Ochocki, of Music Theatre International, recently took an interest in the musical and adapted it for an American audience. His presence at this opening night performance was well noted.
"Moby Dick! The Musical" is not the story you were required to write a book report on in high school. This story is set in a school for girls, desperately trying to protect the school from being closed by the bank. The girls (orphans and misfits with exaggerated promiscuity) devise a plan to save the school through a fund-raising performance of Moby Dick. The Headmistress (Osborn Focht), referred to as "Head", is delighted at the idea and opportunity to save the school. "She" takes on the role of Captain Ahab, who sways between a pitiful, heart-broken husband and the egomaniacal captain of the whaling vessel known as the Pequod.
Lester Malizia, the artistic director, cleverly portrays his interpretation of the musical vicariously through the rambunctious girls of St. Goodleys. The result is a naughty twist that keeps the crowd laughing continuously. The general basis of the Herman Melville novel Moby Dick, is displayed, however the details are presented with lampoonery. This first makes an appearance with the performers appearing on stage dressed as life-size crabs and continues on with the entire group dancing on stage sporting bikinis and swimming trunks in a kind of 50's Gidget-ish fashion. And let's not forget the many references to the great white "dick".
The humor is further perpetuated, in Act One, with Father Mapple (Frank Viveros) performing a heart-pumping sermon of "hallelujahs" and "amens" with a grand, empowering voice. The introduction of Queequeg (Alexandra Ellis), capturing the role of cannibal and best friend to Ishmael (Katie Pees), demonstrates the adult mockery well with the passing of the pipe. The laid-back atmosphere of the performance becomes apparent at intermission when the "students of St. Goodley's" interact with the audience.
Act Two brings an equal abundance of surprises with the Deck Dance and Pip (TJ Moss) the cabin boy performing his after-life dance complete with angel wings, halo and skivvies. Other notable characters are Starbuck (Rebecca Johnson), Esta (Tory Ross), Elija (Mark Catlett), Gardiner (Kevin Duda), Stubb (Laura Oldham) and Daggo (Cedric Leiba).
It would be amiss not to mention the phenomenal score. Each piece was well orchestrated and arranged to suit the light-hearted nature of the performance, while still demonstrating a true musical integrity. The score carried through to the end, when the closing act featured the entire company on stage, singing the compelling and catchy tune of "Moby Dick!….Moby Dick the Musical!". The tune stayed with the audience as they left the theater singing along and snapping their fingers.
Don't miss your opportunity to witness this parody of a performance which continues through August 7th.
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