Melanie Fernandez as Mahi and Nick Anastasia as Jack in one of the light-hearted scenes of Slow Burn's "Honeymoon in Vegas." (Photo by Larry Marona)
If you yearn for the kind of big and bright Broadway musicals that wowed your grandparents, you will likely say “I Do” to “Honeymoon in Vegas.”
The 2015 Broadway stage musical, based on the 1992 film with the same title, is running in a spirited and polished professional production by Ft. Lauderdale’s Slow Burn Theatre Company. The production runs through Feb. 19 in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts' Amaturo Theater.
From the opening notes of the overture to the conclusion, all production elements meld seamlessly to serve director/choreographer Patrick Fitzwater’s vision. Yes, this production features an overture, something not heard that often these days in modern-day musicals. “Honeymoon in Vegas’s” overture is pleasant to listen to, although you will never confuse it with, say, “Gypsy’s” famous overture.
Also, in “Honeymoon in Vegas,” chorus girls in feathered hats, skydiving Elvis Presley impersonators, a ghost, and the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas all appear in this bouncy musical.
Nick Anastsia, Anthony Cataldo, and the Flying Elvises appear in a scene in Slow Burn Theatre Company's production of "Honeymoon in Vegas." (Photo by Larry Marona)
If you are a fan of the film starring James Caan, Nicolas Cage, and Sarah Jessica Parker, you will be happy to learn that the stage musical adaptation is faithful to the film. At the same time, the live show is not a replica of the movie. Rather, the play offers its own brand of irresistible stylishness, elegance, and charm.
“Honeymoon in Vegas” is not the most original show, and it hurtles toward a predictable conclusion. But the musical, like the film, contains ingredients that make you fall in love with it. In particular, we care about the characters, the songs are lively, the lyrics are clever and heartfelt, and the libretto is funny and moving.
Chances are, you are familiar with the tried but true plot formula; boy has girl, boy loses girl, boy overcomes obstacles to regain girl, and all live happily ever after.
More specifically, “Honeymoon in Vegas” centers on modern-day New York couple Jack Singer and Betsy Nolan. When the show starts, the pair have been dating for five years. However, like Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls,” Jack is hesitant to propose marriage. And, yes, Betsy must feel like long-suffering Miss Adelaide, who wishes that Nathan would propose to her already.
But the reason for Jack’s hesitancy is different than Nathan’s reasons for procrastination. To be specific, years back, Jack promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never marry. She felt that no girl would love her son as much as she did, so mama’s dying wish was that her son never marry. In fact, she places a curse on him so that if he marries, he will be sorry.
And, so, while Betsy is ready to tie the knot, Jack finds reasons why it is not the right time. But when hotshot gambler Tommy Korman enters Jack and Betsy’s life, he severely tests her loyalty to Jack.
One could see the happy ending coming in "Honeymoon in Vegas." Embracing are Jack Singer (Nick Anastasia) and Betsy Nolan (Gaby Tortoledo) with the people in their lives celebrating.
Andrew Bergman penned the musical’s book, based on his screenplay, which he also directed. Meanwhile, Jason Robert Brown (the winner of three Tony Awards for his work on “Parade” and “The Bridges of Madison County”) composed the music and wrote the lyrics.
While you may not walk out humming the tunes, the songs carry an infectious energy. In addition, the musical numbers allow the characters to express their feelings on a deeper level than mere words would allow.
Undoubtedly, the showstopper is “Elvis in Flight,” which a group of skydiving Elvis impersonators sing after meeting Jack. Let’s just say that they play a large role in reuniting Jack and Betsy. The song’s tempo and beat may remind you of “Don’t Be Cruel.”
Meanwhile, “Betsy’s Getting Married,” allows Betsy to excitedly anticipate her marriage.
Unlike the movie, the show opens, appropriately, with a song. After all, this is a musical. Almost immediately, we know how much Betsy means to Jack after he sings “I Love Betsy.” The song carries a upbeat melody that sets the tone for the rest of the show. In addition to allowing Jack to express his love for Betsy, the song also introduces us to Jack. From the show’s beginning, he comes across as a likable character.
Soon after the opening number, “Never Get Married” allows Jack’s mother, Bea (an adamant but loving mom as Dalia Aleman portrays her) to strongly express her wish that her son never marry.
While the show’s music allows the characters to more deeply express themselves, it also deftly establishes the aura of places. This is particularly true for numbers such as “When You Say Vegas” and “Ev’ryday is Happy in Hawaii.”
The Flying Elvises in "Honeymoon in Vegas" at Slow Burn Theatre at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo by Larry Marona)
Cast members generally possess strong, expressive, and rangy singing voices. And a live, 10-piece orchestra, the biggest Slow Burn has ever had, according to Fitzwater, richly accompanies the performers. The orchestra performs under Caryl Fantel’s assured music direction.
Speaking of the performers, they skillfully execute Fitzwater’s vibrant, sometimes acrobatic choreography. The dancing includes a tap number, featuring fancy footwork by Ben Sandomir, who portrays gambler Tommy Korman.
Sandomir imbues Korman with an understated confidence, bordering on arrogance. The performance is considerably more subtle than James Caan’s portrayal of Korman in the film. However, we do not get a sense that Sandomir’s Korman sincerely misses his late wife, who resembles Betsy Nolan.
Contrastingly, Nick Anastasia lends Jack Singer a charm and eagerness that instantly wins us over. With expressive dark eyes and eyebrows, Anastasia conveys a sweetness and sincerity, as well as an insecurity, that endears us to Jack. Clearly, as Anastasia portrays him, the character feels torn between honoring his late mother’s wishes and his devotion to Betsy. Anastasia’s smart acting choices include placing his hand on his heart during the opening number, “I Love Betsy.”
Opposite Anastasia, Gaby Tortoledo gives us a heartfelt Betsy. With shining dark eyes and a bright smile, Tortoledo radiates a joyfulness that is infectious. Her Betsy is also dreamy, sensitive, and sincere. In short, it is clear why a man would fall in love with Betsy, as Tortoledo deftly portrays her. In addition, Tortoledo infuses Betsy with understandable frustration.
Anastasia and Tortoledo display strong chemistry, making us believe that their characters have been in love for years. You cannot help but pull for these lovebirds to finally tie the knot.
A talented supporting cast brings their characters to vibrant and believable life. Standouts include a physically imposing Michael Cartwright as Johnny Sandwich, Tommy’s assistant.
Ashley Rubin, Anthony Cataldo, and Emily Tarallo in Slow Burn Theatre's "Honeymoon in Vegas." (Photo by Larry Marano)
Also, Melanie Fernandez embodies a playful and seductive Mahi, while Anthony Cataldo stylishly portrays lounge singer Buddy Rocky and Elvis impersonator Roy Bacon.
In addition to the production’s liveliness, an elegant aura infuses the proceedings. Scenic designer Sean McClelland captures that atmosphere in his appropriately upscale-looking set. It consists of a series of dark screens that contain circles, which light up in a variety of colors. Also, a black curtain and black steps add to the sophisticated look. Attached to the dark screens is a larger screen that shows video. The videos, under Andre Russell’s projection design, help place us in locales such as New York, Las Vegas, and Hawaii.
Additionally, behind the scenes, costume designer Rick Pena dresses the actors in upscale clothing befitting the show’s sophistication. And lighting designer Clifford Spulock’s work enhances mood, focuses the actors, and creates the sensation of movement.
Fitzwater not only sensitively directs and choreographs the production, he also handles the sound design. Fortunately, it allows us to hear and understand the performers.
The nonprofit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s mission includes taking shows that deserve a second life outside New York and offering them to South Florida audiences.
With its glitz, glamor, romance, visual surprises, humor, and humanity, “Honeymoon in Vegas” deserves a long life in regional theater. And Slow Burn makes the show a honeymoon worth taking.
Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of “Honeymoon in Vegas” runs through Feb. 19 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theater. Its location is 201 S.W. 5th Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, as well as 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 12 will be open captioned for hearing impaired in which a text display located to the side of the stage, which scrolls words in synchronization with the performance. For tickets, and more information, go to browardcenter.org, or www.slowburntheatre.org.
