Zahren and Schiano Shine in Give My Regards

by Meghan D'Souza

Amana - The Iowa Theatre Artists Company brought a rare treat by inviting Way Off Broadway from Fairfield, Iowa's only professional musical theatre, to deliver Give My Regards!, a collaboration of favorite Broadway songs, an idea conceived by WOB director Randy West.

Because this was less of a musical, per se, and more of a concert showcasing various songs and famous Broadway songwriters, the set was simple. There was a wide platform to help give the set dimension and wood columns plastered with posters from the shows in the performance gave the illusion of walls. A clever addition to the set was a large screen that showcased images from the various shows featured in this performance.

The lighting was generally fine, with the whole stage lit up or a spotlight to change the atmosphere. It was particularly impressive during a Sweeney Todd number when a blinking red spotlight gave the necessary eerie ambiance. However, a few numbers used distracting purple floodlights along with the regular lighting, making the actors look washed out in situations that did not call for this look.

While the ensemble consisted of four performers, it was Ian Zahren who took the music and turned it into a fabulous performance. The show is not about watching a choir sing, but about talented actors performing Broadway hits. He added the passion and personality necessary to make this show worthwhile. Especially noteworthy was his solo performance as Judas from Jesus Christ Superstar. It was a difficult song to sing, but he managed it, exuding an intense struggle in emotion, pulling goosebumps up from my arms.

Cassandra Schiano also gave a particularly moving performance during a song from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. For the song I Love You, she portrayed a child longing for her parents' support. She even cried while singing, drawing the hearts of the audience towards her.

Some improvements could be made now that opening night is over. The dancing was not fluid when the ensemble performed together. Opening night blunders were handled awkwardly by some members of the crew, taking the audience away from the spirit of the show and giving it more of a dress rehearsal feel at times.

At the end of the night, the talent of Zahren and Schiano won the audience's hearts, literally making them laugh, cry and leaving satisfied with their night at the theatre.

Way Off Broadway comes to ITAC

Amana - Way Off Broadway (WOB) is creating and staging an original musical production called Give My Regards! A Celebration of Broadway’s Best, which will debut on the Iowa Theatre Artists Company’s stage in Amana from September 9-18. WOB is Iowa’s only professional musical theatre company and the residential company at the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield, Iowa. Randal K. West, WOB’s Artistic Director, is building Give My Regards! which will feature some of the best-known Broadway composers, as well as some of the new writers of Musical Theatre. The production will feature songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and some surprises. West will be bringing some of Way Off Broadway’s residential company featuring Margaret Clair, Jeff Carty, Cassandra Schiano and Ian Zahren.

Margaret Clair (Fairfield) is a founding member of WOB and most recently performed the roles of Morgana in A Time Out of Rhyme, Amber in Hairspray and Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar just this past summer. Jeff Carty (Fairfield) is also a founding member who played in WOB’s first production of Musical of Musicals, (the Musical!). Jeff was also in Celebrate Sondheim and most recently was Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Cassi Schiano (Iowa City) was in the production that opened the Sondheim Center in 2008 when she performed in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and just recently created the role of Princess Lady Lee in A Time Out of Rhyme. Playing opposite Cassi in A Time Out of Rhyme in the role of Prince Chris, was Ian Zahren (South Amana).

Ian Zahren is a well-known performer on the ITAC stage having performed in productions in Amana the past three years, and most recently was the Musical Director and accompanist for ITAC’s spring production of Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class.

Gage Mikels, (Bloomfield) a long time favorite of WOB's, will play the piano and Randy West (Fairfield) will be in the wings playing drums.

The Iowa Theatre Artists Company is proud to host Way Off Broadway in their Amana premiere and introduce this professional theatre to audience members who have not been able to travel to Fairfield to enjoy their work. “It’s a special opportunity to see these WOB performers in the very intimate setting of ITAC over two weekends in September, and we hope that area theatre-goers will take advantage of the chance to see this company perform closer to home,” states ITAC’s Artistic Director, Meg Merckens. West adds, “WOB is delighted to be collaborating with ITAC and hopes this will lead to a regular connection from the Sondheim Center to this delightful theatre in the Amana Colonies in the future.”

The show runs Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 18. Performance times are Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm and Sundays at 1:30 pm. The September 9, Friday Evening performance is Opening Night and offers a special price of $18. Regular Ticket prices are: $20 Adult and $10 Student. Reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made through the ITAC box office by calling: 319-622-3222, or emailing: itac@southslope.net.