Zorro: The Musical
As part of its 42nd season and 145th production, Music Theater Works presents Zorro, the musical at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. With music by the Gipsy Kings and John Cameron, a book by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson, and lyrics by Stephen Clark, this adaption inspired by the fictional biography Zorro, is only for a limited time, August 21.
The performance begins as an old gray-haired gentleman tells of an ancient myth - the infamous story of the legendary hero, Zorro. Diego's father, Don Alejandro, has summoned him and his childhood friend, Luisa, to inform them of his decision for their lives. He has ordered Diego to leave home and attend school in Spain while sending Luisa away until Diego returns. Alejandro has also decided to make their childhood friend Ramon the captain of the army. However, as time passes, Diego leaves school and joins a band of gypsies, and Ramon becomes a tyrant and takes over their homeland. Luisa finds Diego and persuades him to return home to help her stop Ramon's tyranny.
With the help of his gypsy lover, Inez, Diego, becomes the masked marauder Zorro. He plans to dethrone Ramon and return his homeland to the peaceful existence of his father's rule.
Music Theater Works, Zorro, The Musical, boast extraordinary aerial acrobatics, spectacular sword-fighting, and incredible magic. But unfortunately, this musical was more about gypsies, dancing, and a Zorro that never matched the seductive, captivating, and suave Zorro from the original movies. Finding actors proficient in swordsmanship with good singing and acting skills had to be something director Adrian Abel Azevedo struggled with casting for the role of Zorro and others, hoping to make them look realistic while handling the sword.
Cisco Lopez's singing was fine; however, his swordsmanship felt like he hoped nothing went wrong. Likewise, the men's sword fighting cast struggled with the sword; however, Luisa, played by Laura Quiñones, handled the sword with style and grace. In addition, Quiñones has a beautiful voice and mesmerized the audience with her performance of "The Man Behind The Mask."
Alix Rhode's (Inez) performance was another highlight of this play. The leader of the gypsies women, she captured the audience with her presence and singing in "Bamboleo." And J. Christian Hill gave a solid performance as the want-to-be hero, Garcia, who was afraid to defy Ramon. Hill was humorous and convincing. The gypsy ladies and the dance performances by Ensemble Español dancers highlighted the night. In addition, I got the pleasure of seeing other Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater members perform at Dance For Life at the Auditorium Theatre.
The other cast members, Emmanuel Ramirez (Ramon) and Luis A. Galvez (Don Alejandro) were adequate, but their performances lacked energy and persuasiveness.
The play never seemed to connect with me, and you could feel the lack of energy in the audience. Act One seems to start slowly, with some scenes feeling unnecessary, which prolongs this two hours and forty-five-minute play. Act Two pace was better and more exciting; still, Zorro The Musical needed tightening up and was about forty-five too long.
Zorro The Musical opened at the Garrick Theatre in London to almost entirely favorable reviews; however, one review simplified its hit or flop success based on the talent of the performers - which Music Theater Works should consider as this play continues.
Let's Play Theatrical Review Somewhat Recommends, Music Theater Works Zorro, The Musical at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
Music Theater Works
Zorro the Musical
In Association With Ensemble Español
Book by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson
Directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo
Music by Gipsy Kings and John Cameron
Lyrics by Stephen Clark
Book by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson
Now Playing - August 21, 2022
