THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996 TAG: 9605220185
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Theater Review
SOURCE: Montague Gammon
LENGTH: 61 lines
``I know who the winner is,'' volunteered a small boy in the audience of the Hurrah Players' latest revue, titled, ``And the Winner Is.''
``Everybody!'' he cheerfully concluded.
If the boy meant to include himself and all the members of the audience as winners, as well as those dozens of young folks on the Wells Theater stage, he could not have been more correct.
The Hurrah Players have compiled an exceptional array of talent for their annual spring musical revue.
The revue is loosely tied together by its show business theme, the search for glory in the Oscar, Emmy and Tony contests. The Hurrah Players use this format as a net in which they can capture material from film, TV, rock 'n' roll and Broadway.
Songs from Disney's ``Pocahontas'' join numbers from ``Hello Dolly,'' ``Oliver'' and ``Phantom of the Opera.'' Elvis sings a number with the Beatles as his backup musicians. Ricky Ricardo and Lucy introduce a series of TV hits. Mr. Ed prances through a gathering of The Addams Family. Madonna, Cindy Lauper and Michael Jackson all have their time in the spotlight.
The group numbers are the usual lively, colorful, briskly executed routines that one expects to see when this troupe takes to the stage. Director and choreographer Hugh Copeland manages to harness the verve and spontaneity of youth while still structuring dance numbers that are executed with precision and clarity.
As always, there are the handful of performers who stand out. David DeLong, appearing as Oliver Twist and Mr. Ed, reveals a beautifully pure voice and hints at a knack for deadpan comedy.
Amber Wiley catches the eye and ear with her solo ``No One Knows'' from ``Phantom.'' Austin Meincke and Rachel Ford earn mention for their duet ``Breaking Up is Hard to Do.''
Stephanie Tillman is another strong singer, melding her mature, clear voice to a buoyant personal style and vibrant stage presence on solos and group numbers.
The two performers whose abilities leave the strongest memories are Van Hughes and Angel Trent. Each has been featured in Hurrah Players shows before, but they have both blossomed for this one.
Hughes goes from country western to Elvis to chorus boy to Jim Carrey with remarkable facility. His rendition of ``Sold,'' a country piece nearly as demanding as a Gilbert and Sullivan patter song, is delivered almost effortlessly. Though his singing itself makes him worthy of featured performer status, it is his free, limber, impeccable dancing that really lets him put his mark on this show.
Trent's roles demonstrate a chameleon's knack for adaptation. In the chorus of ``Born to Entertain,'' she comes across as a comedienne of the Fanny Brice sort. She switches to the antic style of Cindy Lauper, becomes a rock 'n' roll belter, mimics Barbra Streisand, sings in a first-rate voice, and dances in choral numbers with the extra measure of energy and precision that is the hallmark of the truly talented.
Polly Martin is the musical director for ``And the Winner Is.'' ILLUSTRATION: Peggy Young of Norfolk mimics Joan Rivers,
Leigh-Taylor Smith of Hampton is Madonna and Nathan Barba of
Portsmouth is John Lennon in ``And the Winner Is.'' by CNB