THEATRE REVIEW by Gilbert H. Lenchus

SUN SMILES ON TWO BY TWO Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 15:42:11 -0500

Broward on Broadway presents Two by Two at the Family Foundation
Theatre of David Posnack JCC in Davie through March 12th, 2006.
Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees and evening performances.
This is the sixth season and second time in the past four years that
(BOB) Broward on Broadway has chosen to do this, not-so-famous,
Richard Rogers musical. The story is about the biblical character of
Noah and his family, and his building of the ark. Perhaps the show is
best remembered when it starred legendary actor Danny Kaye on
Broadway. Richard Rogers, with lyrics by Martin Charnin, did not give
us songs to leave the theatre humming. Most songs were forgettable.
Not the fault of the cast, they worked hard to entertain, with Cindy
Defries on piano and director/ musical conductor Steve Levine doing a
great job. The actors all were able to do the songs well. I liked the
song "Put Him Away" which was cute, and done by Nick Pasquarella
(Shem), Dana Fredebaugh (Leah), and Anthony Turkaly (Ham). The song
"The Golden Ram" was given life by the trained opera voice of Lara
Green (Goldie) . Her song, though short, received the full attention
of everyone. The FULL attention. But the show-stopping musical number
was "You Have Got to Have a Rudder", song by Mark Hellerman (Noah),
Mark Wilco (Japheth) , Pasquarella and Turkaly.
Joan Dresch as Ester and Mark Hellerman worked well off each other.
Both have been on the boards for years, and it shows. Krystal
Gillette, sweet-faced Rachel gave a soft keyed performance that her
character called for.
Nick Pasquarella, the Hoss Cartwright of Noah's family, was alive on
stage at all times. Mark Wilco, the rebellious son was wound just
tight enough. Joan Dresch added the touch of grace to her character.
Mark Hellerman kept the audience smiling. Lara Green has a voice as
welcome as the sunshine after the flood.
Let us not forget director Steven Levine who wore many hats for this
production. I especially noted how Bob Manza's storm/rain sound
effects continued throughout the intermission. Excellent touch by
both. So if you're looking to drown out your troubles and put a smile on
your face, Two by Two is for you.