Thursday, October 21. 1976
7
Satirical salute
Cast members of "Jacques Breil is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" mimick those who
Staff photo by GEORGE MILLENER
once saluted Hilker in "Marathon," the show's first number, "Brel!" continues its run at 8 p.m. tomorrow and at Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
'Brel' fresh approach to musical
By ELIZABETH GREEN
"Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" is a first class, old fashioned musical revue. At least the University Theatre has made it so, with sure-handed and innovative directing, generally capable musical and vocal performers who act as acting and technical flexibility in meeting constantly changing dramatic needs.
University Daily Kansan
"Brel" isn't what is traditionally termed a play. Plot has given way to events and images. Roles and developing characters in organically related scenes are replaced by other roles, and sometimes the contained vignettes, each focused on one of Jacques Brel's French cabaret songs.
The gamut of these experiences is represented by two dozen musical numbers connected by bits of dialogue or changes in character. The songs are summarized in the final number, "If We Only Have Love." The idea is romantic and definitely corny, but amid the disconcerting and sobering aspects of the life Brel Punishment is welcome and almost necessary.
THE OVERALL effect of the event is that of an improvised celebration of life and especially love as Brel understands it and is—in alternating humorous and poignant.
THE VERY NATURE of the revue, however, brings its own problems. Linear movement, without strong tempo changes is often a hallmark of a predictable and therefore must be kept from becoming boring. The second act, somewhat more serious in tone than the first, needs quicker and more complete versions. To apply numbers to work against this problem.
Also, lack of a central action played in an illusoristic setting makes "Bree" an actor-centered theater requiring consumate those who can sing, dance and pantomime.
It is understandable that young performers can't always do all these. But it is highly commendable that they generally come through. The director has emphasized each performer's strengths and the cast members have overcome their minimal experience with this exacting kind of theater.
THE KU PRODUCTION uses an ensemble of six solo and seven supporting performers. All musical numbers were well-supported by the singing-en
Review
Though somewhat underpowered throughout, it is difficult to imagine KU's "Jacques Brel," especially the comic scenes, being effective without the ensemble. This use of chorus is entirely the director's and illustrates Jack Wright's musical style. It's a small musical—the score calls for only four performers—to a large theater.
semblé, a generally unheralded group of people who had to do something when not，当当时，when not when not
Although it is generally undesirable to dissect an ensemble to look for "stars," the group's performances, Roger Nolan has remarkable energy and comic timing for a young actor. Concursive numbers are generally those an audience remembers, and Nolan's own style can be seen.
His careful attention to detail and interaction with props are especially engaging. "Madelene" was an audience favorite. The story of a young man who had been a victim of sexual violence and never cones is familiar. The male quartet, women's pantomime and the circus lighting made this the most totally integrated and executed performance ofogene.
ROGER NOLAN and "Jackie," another of Nolan's characters, can both best be
described in Jackie's own words as "cute, cute, cute, in a silly ass way." One problem. Because Nolan is set up as the comic, we want his name to be a sarcastic and sarcasm of his number "Stature."
Judi Starter provided the evening's most profound moment with "Old Folks." Sterling has a beautiful, warm voice, but it is her sensitivity to the music and ideas present in the song, and the simplicity of presence. Her presence as audience unaware and moved them deeply.
IN OTHER performances, the built-in drama of the piece—key modulations, gradual crescendos and increases in tempo that characterize so much of Bric's music—wasn't fully realized. Performers start with the melody, then move to phrases leaving them and the music nowhere to so.
This playing of the effect—“instant action” of attitude—married some of the more recent anecdotes of women like ‘Fannette’ and, unfortunately, not of Brel’s finest and most familiar pieces, “If You Go Away” (Ne Me Quittes Pas). And so does articulation problems were also apparent.
BUT EACH performer brings some particular talent or asset to this performance. Vicki Stevens, despite vocal difficulties, can sell a song with startling impact. Tony Perez has a rich and powerful voice but needs more to do.
depth, Pat Pamerson is sweet of voice and image but needs to work against being too sensitive.
The setting of ladders, ropes, circuit-like raked rings and ramps for playing areas, and a huge back scrim circle for projections and silhouetted action, gave the stage a large surface area and gray atmosphere. More use of color could have brightened the set, however.
Costumes were puzzling; sweet, pink dresses with long skirts (forever keeping in the way or coming apart) and unattractive white dresses. The blues were blue-blazered men of more casual appearance. Except for turtle necks, tight, high-waisted pants, and an occasional加套 costume the statement made costumes was neither French nor interesting.
LIGHTING WAS well done, enhancing the set and mood, and smoothly executed.
“JACQUES BREL,” though lacking the polish which time didn't allow, hopefully heralds an outstanding season of theatre on the KU stage and an imaginative director can be seen again next spring in KU's production of Anton Chekwov's “Uncle Vanya.”
"Jacques Brel" continues its run tomorrow and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Murphy Hall Box Office. All performances are free to KU students upon presentation of the student ID.
Rabbit Menachem Herman, educational director and assistant rabbi of the Beth Shalom Religious Center in Kansas City, Mo., and Ph.D. candidate in Biblical Archaeology from N.Y.U., conducts a slide show and special lecture entitled "For Dig We Must." Thursday, October 21st, 8 p.m., Council Room, Kansas Union. Slides of several excavations as well as artifacts recovered from those sites will be presented. All welcome.
DOES BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY OFFER SUPPORT TO THE RECORD OF ANCIENT JEWISH HISTORY?
Sponsored by Hillel, K.U. Jewish students
Oct. 20-23
The Flower Shoppe
1101 Mass. 841-0800
2nd Anniversary Celebration
Kaitth Lynch has a fine, clear voice of great range but as yet has little drama.
All stock 30% off (Cash & Carry)
Roses...$2.49 doz.
Red Carnations...19' ea.
Daisies (white, pink, blue, yellow)...1.25 bunch
All stock 30% off (Cash & Carry)
Mr. Steak is servin up kebobs in four mix m
match flavors. Teriyaki steak kebob Buttery
scallop kebob Juicy steak kebob And teriyaki
shrimp kebob
Choose any two kebabs to make one scrumptious dinner. Mix & Match Kebob Dinner includes two kebabs, rice pilaf, plus your choice of soup, juice or salad. All for 3.99.
920 W. 23rd
Open 7 days
11 a.m.-10 p.m.
ISSUES & IDEAS EXPLORES APARTHEID
Monday, Oct.25, 7:30 Jayhawk Room, Kansas Union, Level 5
Film "Last Grave at Dimbazi
Responses by:
Dorthy Pennington—Asst. Prof. African Studies & Speech Comm.
As Structor of Political
Dorothy P Joseph Goldman—Asst. Instructor Studies 864-3761 KU-Y
Joseph Goldman—Assistance Studies KU-Y
864-3761
Kansas Union Rm. 110
Partially funded by Student Activity Fee
Pizza Inn serves $1.00 PITCHERS & 25c DRAWS Friday 2 p.m. 'til 12 p.m. We also make America's favorite pizza
8091/2 W. 23rd Next to McDonald's
842-7434 Mon.—Sat. 10:30—6:00 Thurs.'til 7:30