
Best of Broadway 2001-2005
Breakthrough Theater, Winter Park, FL
Directed by Wade Hair
Choreographed by Angela Cotto
I gotta say this: the choreography here at Breakthrough is REALLY getting better. Choreographer Angela Cotto whipped this collection of singers into a tight, effective dance troupe as they do another of the periodic “Best of Broadway” series. Lots of highlights tonight; there was a solid crop of hits those years including “Avenue Q” (There’s a Fine, Fine Line), “Mama Mia” (“Waterloo,” “S.O.S.”), and “Seussical the Musical” (“Green Eggs and Ham,” “It’s Possible,” “Oh,” “The Things You Can Think”). There’s a male kick line for “Look on the Bright Side of Life” from “Spam-A-Lot,” the women united for “It’s Woman’s World” from that lesser known show. Notable solos include Krystal Arvelo singing “Astonishing” from “Little Women” Wade Hair’s touching “Hushabye Mountain” from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and Madison Zavitz selling us “Gimme, Gimme” from “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” But the best stuff came at the end with a medley of “Hairspray” songs ranging from “Good Morning Baltimore” clear through “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” We saw constant costume changes, fancy dance steps, and even Wade Hair in Devine drag. I think Breakthrough is ready to start running more John Waters material. I can make some suggestions…