Winter Garden Theatre presents “The Bikinis, A New Musical Beach Party,” now until February 26th. Created and written by Ray Roderick and James Hindman, produced by Miracle or 2 Productions, the journey revolves around four cast members sharing their adventure through song and story as the fate of “Sandy Shores” mobile home community requires resolve.
Being our first time to visit the theatre, we decided to take advantage of the moment by targeting a local pizza parlor. NY Pizza Station was a definite hit. Family owned and operated by Tony and Marie, two pizza connoisseurs with over 15 years of culinary experience, the eatery has existed in its current location for just under two years. A tad cramped for space, the inconvenience was soon forgotten once our order was delivered.
After appetizing on a freshly prepared antipasto salad (and garlic bread—not too much butter, just the way I like it), we were served a Bacon and Tomato pie based by olive oil and garlic. The crust, fluffy and light, found no complaints. Nearing stage time, we found our way to the theatre riding perfect timing. Before I get to The Bikinis, the gang at NY Pizza Station were all pleasant and courteous; the only issue: our to-go box (packaging today’s left-over lunch) was not brought to our table.
Enough of the “hit,” time for a curving shot.
The Garden Theatre is absolutely beautiful, and I encourage those unfamiliar with the area to consider the trip. Beneath an enclosed star-light canopy, The Bikinis began close to on-time and to the benefit of a packed crowd. Looking around the audience, I initially wondered if I missed Winter Garden’s unofficial dress code or if short pants, jeans, t-shirts, and ruffled wear were the new Friday Night standard. Thinking I missed the memo, fears were confirmed when the lady next to me recognized the issue and voiced concern about how public clothing reached a new low.
Once the cast, consisting of Laura Compton, Elizabeth Dean, Kendra Lynn Lucas, Carrie Prieto, and Becky Stafford aimed their sights on the music, I immediately noticed their shoes. Call me crazy but I liked the look and was hoping it was a sign of good things to come.
What happens when hope and reality don’t see eye to eye or hear ear to ear? I’ll leave that for you to decipher. For now, let me detail before going onto a few elements deserving positive feedback.
Within the first few skits, I became lost in the lack of song choice direction. Though a musical journey, time and space became unraveled and oftentimes found itself knotted like an M. C. Escher illustration. Which hand was drawing which? I was unable to find the relation.
Harmonies hesitated habitually, leaving an unclear impression as well as an inability to concentrate on the lead.
Solo presentations scratched frequently while at other times lost the balance between aggression and beauty. Don’t get me wrong, there were tender moments and times when each leads voice commanded the stage positively.
Taking a quick turn, for those old enough to remember, the music of the 60’s and 70’s reflected a heavy load of cultural, social, and political turmoil. This was a time of war, conflict, and outcry for peace, equality, and love. During this evening’s performance, much of the music shined beyond each singer’s imperfections. Of particular note, the manner in which Nancy Sinatra was portrayed offered a glimpse of what could have been. Backed by proper props, story line, and performance, audience members were gifted a treat.
The most touching moment came during the second act. As a history lesson for most, the Mama’s and the Papa’s wrote and performed without compromise… often relaying their stand on the Vietnam War through lyric. As music soul-salted the crowd, images of the Vietnam War displayed sorrow on a larger than life screen… for several minutes audience members reflected on lives lost in the name of unjust war. Pure and rebellious, a soldier’s tribute made the evening memorable.
Over all, the story and performance lacked connection and believability, two must-have ingredients. To be blunt, this was a night of potential unrealized.
On a side note, the live stage band played well and deserves recognition.
“The Bikinis, A New Musical Beach Party,” presented pieces of excellence but was overshadowed by a few quirks. For those looking to enjoy an evening within a beautiful theatre, dress up (show some respect) and head on down to the Winter Garden Theatre where you will see four sets of nice shoes.
Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
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