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Musical worthy of 'Respect'
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Published: June 20, 2009
TAMPA - An off-Broadway contender is waiting in the wings at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Dorothy Marcic's "Respect: A Musical Journey of Women" has already traveled the globe, making its mark at local professional theaters. But from the looks of Thursday's preview performance, it won't be long before "Respect" meets the bigger and brighter lights of New York City.
A former Vanderbilt University professor, Marcic spent nine years researching and developing the show. It tells the story of 20th century women through Top 40 hits of the day. Sixty songs representative of each decade, interspersed with thoughtful and funny narration, punctuate the playwright's take on the fight for women's equality.
Alison Burns, Ashley Blake Fisher, Nadeen Holloway and Heather Krueger took turns portraying women from all walks of life.
Burns anchored the show as the girl searching for her theme song. She couldn't relate to Fisher as a corseted Lillie Langtry, trying desperately to outrun her restrictive laces. She didn't care for Krueger's hilarious rendition of "It Must Be Him." As well, "I Will Follow Him," "Stand By Your Man," and "Tammy" all failed to fit the bill.
Come the '60s and '70s, the songs started reflecting a stronger female image. Burns liked "You Don't Own Me" and "These Boots Are Made for Walkin," but those were still off the mark. Finally, "Respect" and "Hero" from 1993 made the most impact, as they emphasized independence, self-respect and empowerment.
It's this balance between fun and import, plus clever writing, that makes Marcic's creation so significant.
Co-directors Rick Criswell and Karla Hartley led a cast blessed with incredible vocal skills. The costume design, set and musical arrangements enhanced an already terrific show. "Respect" is a must-see for theatergoers who like a musical with something to say.
Kathy L. Greenberg
Today's birthdays
Actor Martin Landau is 78. Actor John Mahoney ("Frasier") is 69. Musician Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is 67. Home repair show host Bob Vila is 63. Singer Lionel Richie is 60. Actor John Goodman is 57. Actress Nicole Kidman is 42. Actor Chris Mintz-Plasse ("Superbad") is 20.
Source: The Associated Press
THEATER REVIEW
"Respect: A Musical Journey of Women"
WHEN: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, through Aug. 2
WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Jaeb Theater, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa
HOW MUCH: $34.50; call (813) 229-7827 or visit www.tbpac.org
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