Francis the Greek

Slide show -Production photos

2008-06-14T19:33:00.001-04:00

BOSTON GLOBE REVIEW: Moving tales of love make 'contact'

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In the North Shore Music Theatre's crisp and classy production, director Tome Cousin, who was a member of Stroman's original cast, is faithful to the show's look and feel while adding a little extra urgency with his in-the-round staging.

Inspired by unexpected moments of connection and fueled by a wildly imaginative musical score that ranges from Bizet to the Beach Boys, "contact" is essentially three short stories of men and women making contact with each other, told through the language of dance.

"Swinging" tells the story behind a painting by 18th-century artist Jean-Honore Fragonard, in which a girl on a swing (Ariel Shepley) is teasing her companion (Jake Pfarr), while a servant (Sean Ewing) pushes the swing for her. Set to the jaunty jazz violin of Stephane Grappelli's "My Heart Stood Still," the mood is playful with an undercurrent of sexual tension, capped off by a clever twist at the story's end.

"Did You Move?" follows the increasingly imaginative efforts of an abused wife to escape her dead-end marriage. Set in 1954 in an Italian restaurant, the husband (Steve Luker) commands his wife (Sally Mae Dunn) not to move, speak, or even look at anyone else while he heads to the buffet. Once left alone, she has a series of daydreams to the music of Grieg, Tchaikovsky, and Bizet in which she imagines the freedom to move any way she desires; being swept off her feet by the headwaiter (Matt Rivera); and finally eliminating her tormentor in a triumphant dance that brings together the restaurant's patrons and staff.

Dunn joyfully executes Stroman's jazzy turns of phrase and grand jetes, and the ultimately tragic tale is lightened by some great comic moments. Tome's company is flawless - spinning, leaping, and landing with impressive precision.

The fine line between winning and losing drives the title piece, which follows Michael Wiley (Tony winner Jarrod Emick), a lonely advertising executive at the top of his game and the end of his rope. Dean Martin singing "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" sets the scene for Wiley's series of failed suicide attempts, following his return home after winning an award for his work. Driven by a message on his answering machine to meet friends at a pool hall that becomes a swing dance club after hours, the awkward Wiley tries to get in the groove.

"Runaround Sue," "Beyond the Sea," and "Simply Irresistible" are among the tunes that provide the soundtrack for some sexy dancing, given even more heat by the elusive Girl in the Yellow Dress (Naomi Hubert), who selects and rejects partners with regal disdain. Hubert has the long legs and elegant extension needed for the role, but adds an inviting smile that makes her seem more approachable.

Tome's transition from Wiley's bleak apartment to the mysterious dance hall is smart and swift, and his ability to shift the audience's focus from two dancers to 16 keeps the excitement factor high. Since the original production of "contact" was done on a three-quarter thrust stage, it's not too much of an adjustment to North Shore's arena.

Still, Tome gives the scenes a marvelous flow, and his dancers build on both the characters and the steps to make the essential connection. The final moment of "contact" is so simple its emotional power is surprising.

Opening Night - Contact at NSMT - Photo Op

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Bruce Glikas from Broadway.com may not be here but Francis The Greek surely is!

Here is a "Photo Op" from North Shore Music Theater opening night of Sroman and Weidman's dance play CONTACT.

Opening night Gift from PSM Jason Queen

And like every opening, dressing room stations are filled with gifts and best wishes. Just like Christmas

Noah Aberlin is aging himself to play the "the pregnant husband" in "Did you Move"

Francis and Noah did Candide at NYC Opera a few months ago and now they are happy to reunite again at NSMT doing Contact

Jake Phar and Hallie Metcalf with Thumbs up for a great Opening night

Every one is a bit nervous

All clapping Tome's encouragement speech second before show starts

Cast mates and House mates: Francis Toumbakaris and Markos Santana. Both share a passion for cooking

Tome' Cousins (choreographer/director) & Leanna S. Smith (assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain). They auditioned us, hired us and put the show together in only 2 weeks. BRAVO! This is not like any other show and many of us have never done it before. We are talking a LOT of steps. Tons of steps. Swing based. And if you have no idea or have never swing danced before, like me, you get easily lost. But.... They did it. We did it!

Hallei Metcalf and her handsome Italian boyfriend

Tony Award winner Jarrod Emick playing Michel Weily is ready for the Party. He is the coolest and sweetest guy. And what a great Actor and PERFECT casting for the part!

A beautiful "Contact" opening night Cake

Girl in the Yellow Dress Naomi Huber posing with the Cake. She is on it too... And yes she will eat some. Or a lot....

Classic cast photo when a "Show Cake" is involved

Everyone is very happy!

Ivy Fox in full bead show make-up

Noah Aberlin, has self assigned himself as the "Social Coordinator Manager" of the company. He bought cards, arranged the company gifts, and much more. Here giving his speech before the presentation of the gifts.

Stage managers, responsible for everything that happens on stage and off. Wonderful people that take very good care of us! : Alicia Reese, Christina Hagan, Sean Kelso and our PSM Jason Queen

Leeanna Smith receives her Hot Stone Massage gift card from us

And our director's turn on Gifts: Tome Cousins receives a golden framed cast photos and a signed pool stick

Happy Tome opens his gifts in from of the company

Naomi Hubert enjoying her food

Naomi and gorgeous husband Billy Hubert

Girl in the yellow dress in yellow shoes from Peayless for only $20

Simply irresistible!

Promotional Video Clip for NSMT's production of CONTACT

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Photos from our production - more to come

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Francis Toumbakaris and NSMT cast of Contact

Naomi Hubert and Jarrod Emick

original cast - nsmt cast

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Susan Stroman's Opening night note to the company

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Monica Alicia Coates always wares beautiful large earrings

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Feed the Dancers - keep them happy!

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Tome' our Director treated us between the 2 shows today with delish lunch. the company gathered outside the theater on a beautiful wooden deck and lunched and laughed.

2nd Preview...

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...is about to be over. At the moment on stage there is the scene going on with Michel Weily and the Girl in the Yellow Dress. We are all disgusting, sweating dripping all over. And hey, it ain't over yet. Stro had this "marvelous" idea to create a whole number for the bows. "Moon dance" so soon we'll go back on to do do one more number...

1st Preview

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Last night was our first preview. We 've been working hard for 2 weeks now and the show needed to have some audience finally. Especially for comedy to see if our timing works ect.

Over all it went well, although the company is very very tired.

I made some "memory" mistakes during Simply Irresistible, the hottest number in the show, which upset my partner and it's understandable.

Today we have 1 hour rehersal and then 2 shows; 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Thursday is the "official" opening night and all issues must be solved by then

Jarrod Emick - more to follow!

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"A Daylight rest" at Ipswich beach at North Shore, MA

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The Girl in the Yellow Dress

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Naomi Hubert, is our girl in the yellow dress. She is PERFECT for the part and she does an amazing job in it. Her legs start about on the level of my neck... they are endless. Naomi, although at first she appears to be a pure show girl, she has a very noble appearance and she is very good actress as well. Actually is hard to take your eyes of her when she is on stage. She is married to hottie Billy Hubert, who I audition with in the city a lot.

Costume Photo in the Garden

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The Cast of "CONTACT" at NSMT

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Sally Mae Dunn (Wife, Clubgoer) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Sally is pleased to be at North Shore this summer! Past credits include Broadway: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (original cast), Never Gonna Dance (original cast), Sondheim's Follies, Beauty and the Beast (Babette u/s), The Best Little Whorehouse Goes

Public (original cast), and The Will Rogers Follies (original cast). National Tours: Chicago (June), Anything Goes, Radio City Rockette promotional tours. Regional credits: Look at Me I'm Dancin' (Dusty), The Laramie Project (Mrs. Murray), The Best Little Whorehouse in

Texas (Angel), Sweet Charity (Charity). TV: NBC - "Conviction," Comedy Central - "Stella," "As the World Turns," "One Life to Live."

Jarrod Emick (Michael Wiley) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Mr. Emick was last seen on Broadway as Himself in Ring of Fire at the Barrymore Theatre directed by Richard Maltby,Jr.. Prior to that, he co-starred with Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz at the Imperial Theatre. He starred as Jerry in London's West End premiere of The Full Monty at the Prince of Whales Theatre, directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. He was Brad in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show - Live! at the Circle In the Square Theatre, directed by Christopher Ashley and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. He won the Tony, Drama-

Desk and Theatre World Awards for his portrayal of slugger Joe Hardy in the 1994 revival of Damn Yankees, also Directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Rob Marshall. Chris in Miss Saigon at the Broadway Theatre as well as opening the 1st Nat'l T

our of Miss Saigon in Chicago, both directed by Nick Hytner and choreographed by Bob Avian. He also was featured as the student leader Enjolras in the 3rd Nat'l Tour of Les Misérables. Other favorites regionally include F. Scott Fitzgerald in the World Premiere of Waiting for the Moon, a new musical by Frank Wildhorn at the Lenepe PAC, NJ co-starring Lauren Kennedy as Zelda directed by Vincent Marini and choreographed by Andy Blankenbueler. The title role in Sweeney Todd at the Capital Playhouse (Olympia,WA), Directed by Jeff Kingsbury. Peter in Drift with Christian Campbell. A new musical by Jeremy Schonefeld Directed by Jeremy Dobrish. Most recently, the title role in Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Virginia Stage Company Norfolk, VA. Directed by Edward Morgan. He starred as Josiah Day in the TNT mini-series "Andersonville" Directed by the late and most definitely great John Frankenheimer. He starred with Christine Elise in "LA Firefighters" for FOX and also for FOX, "Pacific Palisades" for the equally great and terribly missed Aaron Spelling. He also starred in "It's True!" for CBS. Countless workshops, concerts and benefits. He is honored to be making his North Shore Music Theatre debut in this inspired piece. Thanks, Tomé!

Sean Ewing (Servant, Uncle Vinnie, Johnny) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: This marks Sean's first production with North Shore and his fourth production with Tomé. Sean recently graduated from Point Park University with a B. F. A. in Musical Theatre as well as a minor in Dance. Previous credits include Contact at Point Park University, the Regional debut of Contact in Norfolk, VA, the world premier of Streets of America, Ragtime, Thou Shalt Not and West Side Story. Thanks to all my family and friends and especially Tomé and Leanna for all their guidance and support. Special thanks to Mom and Dad for always being there for me. Sean is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association.

Naomi Hubert (Girl in the Yellow Dress) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Broadway productions of The Producers and The Frogs. She was an original cast member of both Susan Stroman shows and is proud to be part of NSMT's tribute to her work. First National Tours include Spamalot, Doctor Dolittle and Annie Get Your Gun and played Cassandra in the IV National Tour of CATS. Regional credits include Beauty and the Beast and A Chorus Line at AMTSJ in her hometown of San Jose, CA. She played the Stenographer, Waitress, and others in the 2006 film, The Producers. BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah and proud member of Actors' Equity. Love and thanks to her ever-supportive family and husband Bill.

Steve Luker (Husband, Bartender) With NSMT: Damn Yankees. Elsewhere: Steve has appeared in over 80 legit shows including Broadway (42nd Street), National and European tours (Footloose, 42nd Street), Radio City, Off Broadway (The P Monologues), Regional Companies (NSMT-his favorite, Goodspeed, TUTS, Gateway Playhouse, Bristol Riverside Theatre, the John Engeman Theatre, Crossroads, Mill Mountain, etc.). TV: "Law and Order," "Cosby," "Hope and Faith," "One Life To Live," "As the World Turns," Commercials (currently appearing nationally in a Yellow Book spot with David Carradine) and voiceovers. Much love to the Luker and Noona families, especially wife Susie.

Jake Pfarr (Aristocrat, Waiter, Clubgoer, u/s Michael Wiley) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Originally from Ohio, Jake's pumped to be making his NSMT debut! Regional: The Full Monty (Keno, Northern Stage); Meet Me in St. Louis (u/s Lon, Paper Mill Playhouse); Cats (Mungojerrie, Pittsburgh CLO); Seven Brides...(Ephraim, Music Theatre of Wichita); Beauty & the Beast (Alabama Shakespeare Festi

val); Joseph...(Joseph); Music Man (Tommy Djilas). Much love and many thanks to Mom & Dad, Kylee, Jana, the NSMT staff, and most importantly, the "big man upstairs!" Proud Actors' Equity member and Oklahoma City University graduate. Work hard and dream big! Proverbs 16:9

Matt Rivera (Headwaiter, Jack) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Performed with the 1st National Broadway Tours of Swing! and Movin' Out and the 4th National Tour of Cats. Dance Companies: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Feld Ballet/NY, and Twyla Tharp's THARP! Most recently, Matt was seen in New York City Opera's production of Candide.

Ariel Shepley (The Girl on the Swing, Awards Girl, Clubgoer, u/s Girl in the Yellow Dress) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Ariel Shepley trained on scholarship with Boston Ballet, School of American Ballet and The Ailey School. She performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in Memoria, choreographed by Alvin Ailey. She has also toured internationally in West Side Story to Italy, Lebanon and Japan and nationally in Contact as The Girl On the Swing and the Standby for The Girl in the Yellow Dress. She also revised her role as Girl On the Swing for the first regional production of Contact in Norfolk, VA. She just finished her first season with Ballet Hispanico of New York, and has also danced with Opus Dance Theatre, Staten Island Ballet and Tanaka Dance. She is also currently an undergraduate at Columbia University in New York.

Noah Aberlin (Restaurant Patron, Clubgoer, u/s Headwaiter) With NSMT: The Producers, Damn Yankees. Elsewhere: Noah is a Brooklyn, NY native. Some favorite credits include: The Producers - National Tour (Ensemble, u/s Leo), Contact - National Tour (Swing/DC) [noticing a trend?], Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), My Way (Man #1), Into The Woods (Baker), Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), and Young Abe Lincoln (Dennis Hanks). He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University. Thanks to everyone at North Shore for two wonderful shows this summer at a really great theatre!

Monica Alicia Coates (Photographer, Clubgoer) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: After Graduating from Southern Methodist University with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance, Monica joined the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2. She later moved to New York City where she has been dancing as a member of Balance Dance Theatre under the direction of Obediah Wright. Her recent work as a modern dancer took her to Seoul, Korea as a member of Sudden Enlightenment Theatre as a part of a Korean performing arts festival.

Ivy Fox (Restaurant Patron, Clubgoer, u/s Girl on the Swing) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Ivy Fox graduated from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. National Tours: Chicago (cellblock us/Velma Kelly and Matron Mamma Morton), Kiss Me Kate (us/Bianca), Beauty and the Beast (silly girl LA Co. and the Tour us/ Babbett), Ragtime (tour), Starlight Express (Buffy us/ Pearl in Germany), Radio City Christmas Spectacular. lvy will be teaching camp for Experimental Dance Concepts in Youngtown Pa. All Thanks to God , Mom, Dad and Tracy. For more info go http://www.ivyfox.com/

Jeremy McQueen (Restaurant Patron, Clubgoer) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Jeremy is thrilled to make his NSMT debut in Contact! Regional credits include My One and Only, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, and Jekyll & Hyde. Training: San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Alonzo King's LINES Ballet. Jeremy is a recent graduate of The Ailey School/Fordham University, B.F.A in Dance program. Thanks to God, Mom, Dad, Ann, NSMT, friends & family for their love and support!

Marcos Santana (Water Boy, Joe, u/s Servant) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Born and raised in Puerto Rico. Theater: Carmen (Dancaire), Asst. choreographer (La Jolla Playhouse) Tarzan "Netherlands" (Asst. Choreographer). The Wiz (Dance Captain). In The Heights workshop (Jose). Evita National Tour, directed by Harold Prince (Slaucho, Tango u/s). The Mambo Kings, West Side Story (Pepe/Bernardo). Contact 1st National Tour (Water boy/Joe). Film/TV: The Great Observer, Across The Universe, The Producers, Chasing Papi," MTV Becoming," "Divas Las Vegas." Stage/Concerts: Anastacia, Mary J Blige, Paulina Rubio, Jon Secada, Jimmy Buffet, Chayanne. Much love to my family, friends & Nova.

Leeanna Smith (Restaurant Patron, Clubgoer, Associate Choreographer, Dance Captain, u/s Wife) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Leeanna made her Broadway debut in Contact at Lincoln Center Theatre, and later joined the national tour. She is thrilled to be making her NSMT debut. This production will mark her fourth as Associate Choreographer on Contact. She spent four years as a Radio City Rockette and earned her Equity membership performing in Oklahoma! for Dallas Summer Musicals. Leeanna graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University. Love to Mom, Dad and John.

Mary Lynn Tiep (Cigarette Girl, Trouble) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: A current graduate from Point Park University with a B.A. in Dance, she was recently cast in Disney's film College Road Trip directed by Roger Kumble. Other credits include: Conact performed at Virginia Stage Company and PPU, and Sing, Sing, Sing, Frogs and other concert pieces with the Playhouse Dance Company. She has entertained for Carnival Cruise Lines and March of Dimes Televised Telethon. Interning for BDC, she personally worked with Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson and Shane Sparks. Mary Lynn would like to thank her family and Corey for their love and support in pursuing her passion to dance.

Francis Toumbakaris (Busboy, Clubgoer, u/s Husband/Bartender) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Francis is a native Greek from Athens and a proud Equity member. For years has wanted to dance the award winning Stroman choreography of Contact. His life's dream came true along with his Green Card as part of the original cast of the 2004 Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof. He has toured the US with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Fosse. On the big Screen you can see him opposite Joaquin Phoenix in We Own the Night and Tim Robins in Noise. When not on stage Francis runs his Home Improvement Company: www.greekandhandy.com

Wesley Edwards (Swing) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: This is Wesley's first time in Boston and he is excited to be working with the cast of Contact. Most recently he has appeared in productions of Thou Shalt Not, Contact, and Hair with the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Originally from Louisville, KY, Wesley currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA where he is a Senior musical theatre major at Point Park University.

Hallie Metcalf (Swing) With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Hallie Metcalf is delighted to be part of North Shore's Contact. Hallie was most recently seen in The Bushnell's 50th anniversary production of The Music Man. Other credits include: Nancy in High Button Shoes at Goodspeed Opera House, White Christmas, A Fireside Christmas, Dorcus in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Kim in Bye Bye Birdie. Thank you to everyone involved in the production. Love And Laughter.

1st day of rehearsal for "Contact"

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"CONTACT" by Susan Stroman and John Weidman at North Shore Music Theater

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Here are some photos from the first week of rehearsals at North Shore Music Theater. It is such a wonderful place to work for and the company is a great group of people.
The auditions took place back in February.
Tomé Cousin (Director and Choreographer) was part of the original cast on Broadway is setting this company along with Leeanna Smith. Contact is a very special piece and this is only the Second time that a regional theater is producing this play.
It won Tony for Best Musical in 2000 along with 3 other Tony's.