Rock Orlando, A Musical Review
Rock Orlando, A Musical Review
Directed by Paul Castaneda
Musical Direction by Katrina Johnson
Greater Orlando Actors Theatre, Winter Park, FL</strong>
I’m happy to report G.O.A.T. has a new space, and it’s less than a stone’s throw from the Publix liquor store on Aloma Avenue. Tonight was the first chance for the public to check out this cavernous new venue located in the Crealde Business Center in Winter Park, and I do believe it has promise. Right now it’s more of a “performance space” than a “theatre”, there are some lights propped here and there, tables and chairs scattered about but no real focal point beyond a piece of 1970s totemic art high over the entrance. The other weird feature is a row of mini-blind covered office windows near the ceiling. Suits vs. Mohawks – is there a potential culture clash working?
While the room is way too lively for good singing right now and there’s a weird buzz from the A/C, G.O.A.T put on a typically outstanding revue of show tunes, some from previous productions and some from possible future projects. “Rent” got it fair share of numbers, many of which involved Adam McCabe standing on tables. Another featured show was “Spring Awakening” with McCabe covering “Don’t Do Sadness” and Katrina Johnson with “Song of Purple Summer.” Johnson and Kevin Sigman came out for “Super Boy and Invisible Girl” and “Pinball Wizard”, and then Johnson and Jolie Hart almost stopped the first act with “Take Me Baby” from “Rent”. They really love that show here.
After a short bar break (with VERY popularly priced drinks) Jamal Solomon took the stage with a rocking “Feed Me Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors, then and even more impressive “Gethsemane” from “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Ms Johnson had just nailed Judas’ “Heaven on Their Minds” and if you were going to tackle that notoriously hard show, you’d have trouble finding two better voices. Overall, this was a promising start, and while you can’t see this place from the street, it’s not that hard to find, parking is great, and there’s plenty of restaurants and bars in easy reach for pre or post show refreshments.
For more information on Greater Orlando Actor’s Theatre, please visit http://http://www.goatgroup.com/
