Critic’s Pick: ‘A Class Act’ shines light on hidden gems - Orlando Sentinel

"A Class Act" is another jukebox musical. It does not collect famous popular songs through major actions; it is intentional, it is an unknown song collected by someone with an unfamiliar name. However, if you are a theater fan, you will hear his hit songs. And, boy, they are big.

Edward Kleban is one of the popular songs on Broadway. He won a Tony Award and shared a Pulitzer Prize for his work on the super-popular single "A Chorus Line", and wrote the lyrics for the most enduring song in the theater: "I Do It For Love", "A (Weird feeling)".

The story of Kleban was performed on the stage of the "A Class Act" Garden Theater, a Tony Award-nominated musical. He died of cancer in 1987 at the age of 48. Human fragility, empathy and connection – whether you know Broadway or not.

How attractive is it? During the intermission, I was surprised to find that the first act took almost an hour and twenty minutes. It feels like no time has passed. On the opening night, the rhythm of the second act was not so active-partly due to the serious development of the plot-but it was a small complaint about being made so correctly.

First of all, the cast is excellent, with Sean Powell as Ed, Valerie Torres-Rosario (Valerie Torres-Rosario) and Lillie Elizabeth Thomas (Lillie Elizabeth Thomas) in his life Mainly female. If these names sound familiar, they should; all three have appeared in the Sentinel’s "Best Theater" list many times.

Ed Kleban is a bit weird-frankly. The man received psychiatric treatment and was more neurotic than his share. However, Powell not only surprised him, but also genuinely sympathized with a character who didn't know how to adapt to the world and could become his own worst enemy.

Torres-Rosario knows how to convey sympathy without being like a doormat, and Thomas shows the delicately polished and delicious steel.

The supporting actors are equally powerful-it should be noted that Powell, Thomas and Terry Thomas were very impressive throughout the show. This is part of a simple but compelling stage that makes the piano a piece of furniture in Bert Scott's attractive set design.

Music director Bert Rodriguez (Bert Rodriguez) stood out from the cast and performed well. Sometimes, when the piano turns directly to the audience, the instrument competes with the human voice.

But thankfully, such moments are rare, because the greatest tribute to Kleban may be that the music he composed performs so well. They are worth listening to and celebrating. Therefore, please make sure to spend one or two moments in the "things I did for love" or "things to do in ballet", but revel in "Paris through the window", "the second good thing about love" and other fresh Known gem.

At the same time, you are also fascinated by this great work of genius justice.