Another Great Review for Thank You, Minerva

Another wonderful review for Thank You, Minerva via Tolucan Times!

http://tolucantimes.info/section/theatre_review/thank-you-minerva/
By Dennis Spair

(Rachel Howe, Jackson Smith and Rachel Berman)

We’re first introduced to goddess and muse Minerva through her parents Jupiter and Juno, both deities themselves. They enlighten us to the many times Minerva has inspired various lyricists and music composers throughout America’s history to write wonderful songs about what makes our country so special. It’s a very patriotic, creative experience.

The cast keeps spirits moving as it plays on our heartstrings with an interesting mix of timeless mythology within our contemporary world.

Seeing Rachel Berman’s Minerva try her parents’ patience by texting on her smartphone or the way her subjects react to her unexpected presence is funny and engaging. We see the origins of classic songs such as “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “My Mammy,” “The House I Live In,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” “America the Beautiful,” and others.
The cast members are all very talented. Rachel Berman as Minerva, John McCool Bowers as Jupiter, and Julia Shear Kushner as Juno deliver witty, warm lines. Alan Stillson’s original music and words highlight for us songs that played an important part in our country’s development along lines of civil rights, during wartimes, the contribution of immigrants, and the importance of our elders. All are tied together and inspired by Minerva.

Director and Choreographer Alissa-Nicole Koblentz keeps the historical transitions throughout the times moving steadily and creatively.
Everyone’s voices blend perfectly together as each scene culminates.

Thank You, Minerva is playing through Aug. 18 at the Secret Rose Theater located at 11246 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood. For tickets call (818) 762-2272.

Thank You, Minerva Opens Friday July 12th.

 

Thank You Minerva opens this Friday July 12th at The Secret Rose Theatre in the NoHo Arts District.

 

Photo Flash: Take a sneak peek at the World Premiere Musical Thank You, Minerva opening this Friday July 12^th at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood.

Secret Rose Theatre – 11246 Magnolia Blvd. – North Hollywood, CA  91601 in the heart of the NoHo Arts District.  It will run for six weeks with shows on Friday evenings at 8, Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 3. Opening  July 12, 2013 thru August 18.  

 

Thank You, Minerva tells the story of the beautiful Roman Gods Minerva, Juno and Jupiter coming down to earth to inspire lyricists to create the hit songs we know today. Hits songs include Can’t Help Falling In Love With You, Eve of Destruction, My Mammy and God Bless the U.S.A. The musical also features original music by Alan Stillson.

The creative team includes Alan Stillson producer/writer, Alissa-Nicole Koblentz director, Bonnie Janofsky musical director, Patrick T. Rogers as production manager and Natasha Baumgardner as costume designer.

The cast stars Rachel Berman as Minerva (Chicago, I Remember Lou), John McCool Bowers as Jupiter(Criminal Minds ,Weeds) and Julia Shear Kushner as Juno (Hair,Fiddler on the Roof   ) Featuring Jackson Smith (Into the Woods , You're a Good Man Charlie Brown) Jonathan Byram (Ben Hur,Hairspray) and Rachel Howe (The Importance of Being Earnest,A Midsummer Night's Dream) playing American lyricsts.

 

Tickets  available for presale at stillsonworks.com or call 818-884-4284. For more information on the show go to facebook.com/thankyouminerva .

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE)

 

Jonathan Byram, Rachel Berman and Jackson Smith.

Rachel Berman and John McCool Bowers.

Rachel Berman and Rachel Howe.

Jackson Smith, John McCool Bowers, Julia Shear Kushner, Rachel Berman, Jonathan Byram and Rachel Howe.

Rachel Howe and Jonathan Byram.

Entire cast of Thank You, Minerva

 Rachel Howe, Jackson Smith and Rachel Berman.

World Premiere Musical

Excited to announce I will be directing the world premiere musical Thank You, Minerva at the Secret Rose Theatre in NoHo opening July 12th. More details to follow. For tickets and additional information please visit our page. facebook.com/thankyouminerva