Rolling Thunder

Musical documentaries are always fun to watch especially when they are enlightening. "Rolling Thunder" at New World Stages gives us a flavor of not only the Vietnam war, but what America was like before, during and after the war.

America was a fresh face before "Nam". Under the leadership of Eisenhower, the country was going well both economically and spiritually. That all changed when John F. Kennedy brought us to war in Southeast Asia ( mention of Kennedy and the war was very minimal in the show). As LBJ escalated the war, the country was ripped apart... the hippy culture would change America forever.

Even though the plot veers at times, Bryce Hallett wrote a good book here. The direction by Kenneth Ferrone locked in the actors very tight adding to the shows fun. Sonny Paladino who did the arrangements and orchestrations did an admiral job even though some of the numbers were a little too jukebox-e. The other question about the arrangements and the songs during the hour forty five minute show is why were certain songs not in the show? Songs like "Run Through The Jungle" by CCR; "The Times They Are A Changin" by Bob Dylan and "Somebody To Love" by Jefferson Starship. It is never easy picking songs for a show like this but the aforementioned songs were staples to the anti-war culture.

The set was well thought out by Wilson Chin. It gave us T.V's from the era which the audience could view as the show played on. The band was well placed for the show as well. Jake DeGroot gave a concert like feel in his lighting, which was the back-beat of the show. Catie Hevner's projection too was excellent; she brought the era to life with her in-depth videos.

All of the acting was strong, however, it was Linda (Cassadee Pope) who was a standout. Her versatility as a wide eyed country girl who is in love, to a woman who has embraced the culture that changed America. Pope was a joy to watch on stage; "the business" that she gives, her singing chops and the great attitude that she gives her roles are tremendous. She was a true leading lady!

"Rolling Thunder" gives the audience a flavor of the Vietnam era, it lays out its history. Thankfully it is not top-weighted politically, it scratches the surface on all accounts, but never goes overboard.

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I did not see "Heathers", however, the two summer shows that I did review: "Joy" and "Rolling Thunder" were perfect for the summer. Both had pleasantry and were easy to watch. "Mama Mia" is up next in what looks to be another heavy load of shows coming to "The White Way".

"Chess" will revive at the Imperial Theatre. "Ragtime" will also revive this fall at the Beaumont at Lincoln Center. "Bettlejuice will reappear at the newly renovated Palace Theatre. "ART makes it way back at The Music Box. The show that most people are waiting for is "Waiting for Godot" with Keenu Reeves. Reeves who has a plethora of movie credits makes his way to Broadway. Depending on the plays direction, this one could be a blockbuster! The same can be said for "Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil". Depending on how it is directed, this too can be the must see show of the year.

Some other shows that are headed to Broadway: "Queen of Versailles", "Oedipus", Punch at the Friedman Theatre and "Marjorie Prime" which begins in November.

Broadway, Tony Awards, Vietnam, Joy Mangano, Keenu Reeves, "Waiting for Godot", Hollywood, Drew Barrymore, My Life Publications.