The production played 36 previews and 164 performances before closing January . And during the show, actors remind attendees to not just sing along with them, but to do so loudly, because why must they be so quiet? [18], Writing for Deadline, Greg Evans summed up his impression of the musical as "occasionally amusing, occasionally cloying", expressing disappointment that many popular Go-Go's songs appeared to have been flattened over the years the musical spent in development. Philoclea (a dynamic Shanice Williams, who starred as Dorothy in NBCs The Wiz Live) is in love with a humble shepherd named Musidorus (George Salazar, a winning Seymour in the Pasadena Playhouse revival of Little Shop of Horrors). MetalMusicArchives.com the ultimate metal music online community, from the creators of progarchives.com. . But I'm not even sure it matters because if you're willing to suspend your disbelief, under Michael Mayer's spirited direction, there's so much good-natured talent on the stage you may just give in to the frivolity. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On the road, Philoclea asks her sister and Mopsa, Dametas' daughter and Pamela's loyal handmaid, for advice about Musidorus. Cleophila has become quite popular, with Basilius, Pamela, and Gynecia (who learns that "she" is a man, but not her true identity) all developing feelings for her, though Cleophila only has eyes for Philoclea ("Cool Jerk"). 'Head Over Heels' Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena These things got smashed together in a way that feels joyous and undeniable, says Pinkleton of the unlikely combination, which was first staged at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2015 before a short-lived Broadway run in 2018. In jovially extending an inclusive embrace, Head Over Heels seeks and finds a new communal beat. Please read rules and pinned posts before posting/commenting. You'll need to disable 'The Human Web' functionality entirely. In the first act, Musidorus stumbles upon a set of skeletons, which are accompanied by the written warning that These sad remains are of our theater troupe, starved for lack of serious message.. The new musical "Head Over Heels," which opened Thursday on Broadway, takes the songs of '80s American girl group the Go-Go's, plops them in a British story from the 16th century and adds a bunch of modern, self-referential jokes. Privacy Policy. 5. But such works owned their raggedness, with a rip-roaring brazenness and glee that exploded gender and good taste into smithereens. "Head Over Heels," showing at the Pasadena Playhouse through Dec. 12, is a musical experiment that questions the long-accepted rules of theatermaking and theatergoing, established and upheld . Between Pamelas exaggerated sense of her own beauty and her curious preoccupation with her handmaiden Mopsa (Emily Skeggs), it seems doubtful that this firstborn sister will ever consent to marrying one of the male suitors her parents have deemed appropriate for her. For example, a percentage of the masked audience traverses a dance floor, because why must they all be seated? If you are using a VPN, and other users of the same VPN are abusing the service, then you'll be automatically blocked as well. Released in 2013 on Empress Valley Supreme Disc (catalog no. That all-female band, as you may know (and if you dont, you are not this productions target audience), rode its rough-edged combination of punk riotousness and surfer-girl sunniness to the top of the pop charts in the early 1980s. REMASTERED IN HD!Listen to more from Tears For Fears: https://TearsForFears.lnk.to/EssentialsVote for your favourite 80s hit of all time: https://lnk.to/80Be. They promise not to leave Mopsa again, and Dametas apologizes for his cruel treatment, embracing Pythio for who they truly are ("Mad About You" (Reprise)). That is clearly the mission of this production of Head Over Heels, which works relentlessly to spread delight. For this production, Michael Mayer directed. Basilius decides to leave his people, but Gynecia tells him to stay, as she thinks he will become a better man without a crown. Online. Even more so, the running time is half the length of the original musical, which combines a 16th century poem with 80s rock hits; notably, there arent any time-specific set pieces or costumes in the production, save for a couple of disco balls spinning above scaffolding and pink foil curtains. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? All of the bootleg requests of head over heels that I saw were over a year old. Please read rules and pinned posts before posting/commenting. It follows the royal family of Arcadia on their journey to keep their famous "Beat". While Ms. Milligans Pamela cuts loose and loud for a scenery-flinging How Much More, the songs are mostly delivered with diffidence, as if the cast were saving its energy for some undetermined Big Event. The younger, Philoclea, is in love with her childhood friend Musidorus, a shepherd who is not considered an appropriate match. From left, Taylor Iman Jones, Bonnie Milligan, Andrew Durand and Alexandra Socha in "Head Over Heels," a musical combining songs from the Go-Go's with the 16th-century fantasy "The Arcadia." 00:00 / 04:08. How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! Not that the performers need any help in being disinhibited. His adaptations of Marivaux, Molire, Lesage, Labiche, Gozzi, Hofmannsthal, Dickens and Giraudoux have been staged across the country in Germany and Japan, and his dissertation, The Three Comedies, was named an "Outstanding Literary Translation of the Year" in 1997. The kingdom of Arcadia is peaceful and prosperous, its people's lives governed by a mysterious "Beat" ("We Got the . The LGBTQ-friendly update, which opens new possibilities for romantic unions, winks puckishly to establish a giddy esprit de corps with the audience. Show times: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. They explain that as these prophecies are fulfilled, four flags will fall. The creators hope that audiences, who must show proof of vaccination and wear masks during the performance, feel safe enough to collectively imagine inside the theater again, and imagine what theater altogether can be. I'm curious to see how the characters address gender fluidity on stage while avoiding the "Guy in a dress" trope. Their lives do indeed turn head over heels as King Bacilius visits the Oracle Pythio who portends a series of calamitous events. As Philoclea mourns her lost love ("Here You Are"), Basilius understands the error of his ways. ", "The Go-Go's on Heading to Broadway With 'Head Over Heels,' Their Legacy & Inviting Mike Pence to the Play", "Go-Go's Musical 'Head over Heels' Sets Broadway Closing Date", "Costume Designer Arianne Phillips Channeled Design From Different Eras for Broadway's, "He Got the Beat: An EXCLUSIVE Q&A with "Head Over Heels" Choreographer Spencer Liff", "Ellenore Scott on Head Over Heels' LGBT Themes and What's Most Surprising about Broadway", "Inside Opening Night of Head Over Heels on Broadway | Playbill", "Ben Brantley issues apology for 'Head Over Heels' review", "Exclusive: Listen to three tracks from 'Head Over Heels' original Broadway cast album", "Peppermint Omitted From 'Head Over Heels' Broadway Cast Album Cover: See the Reactions", "Broadway's 'Head Over Heels' is a giddy neon anthem of acceptance: EW review", "Hadestown, Tootsie & Oklahoma! Ashley Lee is a staff reporter at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes about theater, movies, television and the bustling intersection of the stage and the screen. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Playhouse production of Pirates of Penzance., Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. (Credit to @val.the.digitalartist on Tiktok and IG for the thumbnail) Members. "Breaking: HEAD OVER HEELS Will Go-Go in 2019- Final Performance Set for January 6! I appreciated the shows refreshing open-mindedness about gender and sexuality. As the king and queen realize what really happened, Basilius decides that Musidorus must be the new king and challenges him to a duel ("Lust to Love"). Mann brings the house down with a titanic version of How Much More. Skeggs, who received a Tony nomination for her performance in the musical Fun Home, sounds uncannily like Carlisle, a pleasant treat for a show that carefully avoids a cover-band approach. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The plot of the show is adapted from The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia written by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Review Roundup: Sean Hayes Stars In GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR On Broadway! If "Head Over Heels" has a jukebox-musical ancestor, it's probably "Xanadu," the 2007 self-parody that paid tongue-in-cheek tribute to the cult 1980 film. She was previously a New York-based editor at the Hollywood Reporter and has written for the Washington Post, Backstage and American Theatre, among others. ("Vision of Nowness"). It follows the two daughters of King Basilius, the beautiful Pamela and the plain Philoclea. Members. Read our response here. New York Magazine calls it a clever, delightful, bubbly, exuberant party!. 4 years ago; 4; Tags: headoverheels broadway bootleg broadwaybootleg musical theatre; I need to watch this show . [Request] Head Over Heels. Later, Salazar slays a lion played by an actor who roars while aggressively waving a hula hoop lined with streamers which elicits a similar crowd reaction. Also available: Head Over Heels (High School Edition) HEAD OVER HEELS is the bold new musical comedy from the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening. Arianne Phillips is the show's costume designer,[9][10] and Spencer Liff is the choreographer. Peppermint, as might be expected, strikes a pose with aplomb and alacrity. A good way to do that, he said, is by sparking communal joy.. That's the way this Go-Go's feels in "Head Over Heels," an over-written, over-designed, and generally overdone production directed by Michael Mayer. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, The 10 best things we saw at Willie Nelsons 90th birthday concert, A hardcore coming-of-age novel nails the glitter and grime of L.A.s 80s metal scene, Get ready for the 2023 Met Gala: Heres when, and how, to tune in live, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. I dont have much to trade but I will try my best if no one wants to gift. He called theater-makers second responders, charged with the task of bringing our community back together. Get ready to be uplifted by legendary Michael W. Smith at the FIM Capitol Theatre with his chart-topping hits at 7:30 p.m. on May 12 as part of his Waymaker Tour. Cookie Notice ", Review: Ye Olde Go-Gos Songs Hit the Renaissance in Head Over Heels. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It gets awfully complicated and audiences may tune out before it's all resolved. Head Over Heels, a Bootleg of songs by Led Zeppelin. Performances are Friday April 15th at 8:00 PM, Saturday April 16th at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Wednesday April 20th at 2:00 PM, Thursday April 21st at 7:00 PM, Friday April 22nd at 8:00 PM, Saturday April 23rd at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday April 24th 3:00 PM. Three years later, after Whitty's departure, Head Over Heels opened on Broadway on July 26, 2018 at the Hudson Theatre; its final Broadway performance was January 6, 2019. All credit to the design team for creating the perfect ambience. If you don't think you've done anything to warrant a block, this is most likely the case. Yet Head Over Heels, which opened on Thursday night at the Hudson Theater, feels as timid and awkward as the new kid on the first day of school. The royal couple has two daughters. A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction-only to discover the key to their realm's survival lies within each of their own hearts. Were looking for every possible way that a person might like to experience the show: Some people like to stand or dance or lean, some people want a traditional theater seat, some people might want to dance for some parts and sit back for others, says Pasadena Playhouse associate producer Jenny Slattery, who oversaw the spaces four-month transformation. In jovially extending an inclusive embrace, "Head Over Heels" seeks and finds a new communal beat. I say that from a place of possibility, not negativity. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. An angry Philoclea explains Cleophila's true identity and that Musidorus is her love, not either of her parents. Anyone can read what you share. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. He lies to his family, explaining that Pythio only prophesied happy ends and that they must hunt a golden stag on the road. While away, Mopsa realizes that her feelings for Pamela remain, and decides to return ("Vacation"). The actors josh with each other and the audience in the madcap communal spirit of commedia dellarte troupers. Lets do ourselves a favor and not recap the dizzying plot. This review has drawn significant feedback. EVSD 588/589; CD). Nothing should be more spectacular than the people in the room, says Pinkleton. They suggest the wardrobe and weapons of the Amazon, and Musidorus agrees ("Vision of Nowness" (Reprise)/"Beautiful" (Reprise)). A good deal of dramatic sense is sacrificed along the way. Well, as she discovers while composing a poem to her ideal, unknown mate, her love would need to have a part of the anatomy that rhymes with China. (The script abounds in elbow-to-ribs dialogue, with lines like My secret cave you penetrate.) Pamela finally realizes that her true love is her own loyal, boyishly dressed handmaiden, Mopsa (Taylor Iman Jones), whose performance of Vacation with a chorus of mermaids and leaping fish is by default the shows musical high point. King Basilius and his wife Gynecia have two daughters. "Head over Heels" is a song recorded by British band Tears for Fears for their second studio album Songs from the Big Chair (1985). Continue with Recommended Cookies. These scrappy touches are a way to lean into the playfulness of us all being back in a room together, says Jenny Koons, who directed, choreographed and conceived the production with Sam Pinkleton. Manage Settings And if Tiffany Mann happens to rock out so hard on How Much More that her paper crown falls off her head, as it does that night, onlookers cheer and applaud. And thats both the audience and the performers. This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980's all-female rock band The Go-Go's, including the hit songs, "We . The MaggieAlleseeDepartment of Theatre and Dance, a program within the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University, will present Head Over Heels, featuring songs by the Go-Go's; based on the 'Arcadia' by Sir Philip Sidney; Conceived and Original book by Jeff Whitty; Adapted by James Magruder. Still, this shotgun wedding of song and script promised to be a piquant novelty among jukebox musicals, a form that has been multiplying (and dividing) like amoebas since the Abba-stoked Mamma Mia! conquered the world. Paradox is at the heart of this production, which was conceived and originally written by Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), then adapted by James Magruder (best known for his stage versions of literary classics). A lot of harder-edged Go-Go's fans who find their way through the door will wonder what on earth all of these silly theater people are doing with their beloved music, not just because it feels so far removed from its original pioneering context but also because the sensibility here so doubles down on fluttery theatricality at the expense of raw, charged, visceral, feminist pop. Trading Site Open! Pythio facilitates their conjoining, marking the fulfillment of the third prophecy ("Heaven is a Place on Earth"). Directed by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), the joyful production dials the camp to 11; this is a show with its tongue planted firmly in its cheek, except when it's in someone else's mouth. SHUCKED, SOME LIKE IT HOT Lead Nominations for 2023 Drama Desk Awards. I'm curious to see how the characters address gender fluidity on stage while avoiding the "Guy in a dress" trope. It's an idea that's so crazy, it just might work! For better or worse, Broadway's Head Over Heels is stuck with being known as "the Go-Go's musical" - better because of the good will floating on stage with all those lighter-than-air hits by Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, et.al., worse because the hard-working new production can't seem to keep itself from popping those effervescence tune bubbles one by one. Please read rules and pinned posts before posting/commenting. How Much More. If you have trouble imagining songs like "Vacation" and "Cool Jerk" fitting into a scenario depicting a royal family's romantic complications, you still will after seeing this relentlessly frothy musical, for which the term "check your brain at the door" could have been invented. A jukebox musical featuring the songs of The Go-Go's and based on Philip Sidney's The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, Head Over Heels is the story of what happens when the royal court of Arcadia is threatened by the mystical Oracle of Delphi with the loss of its "Beat," the divine power that ensures the kingdom's prosperity. I didn't intend to bootleg the show, just wanted to get the first number but BAM they shut me down in seconds! A blank-verse jukeboxer scored to The Go-Go's back catalog, it's a live . Worse, it treats the catchy pop music like a side of spinach. Reply. And that's saying something. The older, Pamela, is the most beautiful woman in the land, though she confesses to being jealous of her "plain" sister since she does not have to deal with suitors ("Beautiful"). I doubt there are still enough Go-Go's fans out there to make "Head Over Heels" a hit, but stranger things have happened on Broadway. If all four fall, the Beat will be lost and the kingdom will succumb to a permanent distemperature, but it is possible to cheat the Oracle. From left, Taylor Iman Jones, Bonnie Milligan, Andrew Durand and Alexandra Socha in Head Over Heels, a musical combining songs from the Go-Gos with the 16th-century fantasy The Arcadia., Rachel York, center, as a restless queen with feminist stirrings in Head Over Heels., the songs of the 1980s California rock group the Go-Gos, Madonna doing Vogue in 18th-century Liaisons Dangereuses drag. Continue with Recommended Cookies. ", "Gwyneth Paltrow producing Broadway show 'Head over Heels' featuring The Go-Go's music NY Daily News", "Play Review: Head Over Heels in love with new OSF musical", "First Look: Are we gaga for the new Go-Go's musical? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Spencer Liff's choreography is excitingly volatile and the sets and costumes are expensively fancy, while the five-piece pit band is as hot as a runaway atomic pile. Taylor Iman Jones & Head Over Heels - A New Musical Femaile Ensemble. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Tickets can be purchased online at https://theatreanddance.wayne.edu/ticket-info , by phone at 313-577-2972, or in-person at the Box Office at the Hilberry Theatre two hours prior to performance time.