Pasadena Playhouse premieres “Mask” based on the Academy Award-winning 1985 film from the real-life story of Rocky Dennis. The debut musical at the Pasadena Playhouse stars Michelle Duffy as “Rusty”; TV and theater star Greg Evigan as “Gar”, Michael Lanning as “Dozer” and introduces Allen E. Read as “Rocky. Thespians replace the film’s star turns by respectively Cher, Sam Elliott and Eric Stoltz.
“Mask” is based on the true story of an unusual looking boy and his unconventional biker mother. The story loosely follows the movie, adding musical moments that enhance the humanity, love and rough family elements.
It’s Showtime
The opening number “Come Along for the Ride” suffers from opening night anxieties, but that quickly subsides. Upon Michelle Duffy’s entrance, her confident and controlled presence set the true mood. She steals every scene she is in, be it with a song, or just a look. Her sexy, MILF status allows for the crowd to enjoy her attitude and antics, feeling for her all the more when her character slowly unravels much later on.
Greg Evigan arrives halfway into the first-act. His good looks add a sparkle to the previously known “Gar” character. His swagger sells as he walks into the biker party, it’s a comfortable feel. He is too easy for the “bad boy” moments, but his chemistry with Duffy sizzles.
Michael Lanning’s “Dozer” provides strong mentoring moments for “Rocky” throughout the first act, but never succeeds in taking the audience’s full attention. However, by the end, his performance elevates and he becomes worthy of the character he has. The audience feels for him and understands Rocky’s admiration.
Allen E. Read’s “Rocky” takes on a more slow and steady approach, allowing for Duffy to shine. However Read’s presence is strong and keeps the story moving. Never afraid, he continuously holds his own and does a truly wonderful job with both Duffy and Evigan.
After the Break
The company begins the second act strong, delivering escalating performances. The supporting characters throughout are genuinely having fun and it shows. Several recognizable faces including Diane Delano (TV’s Northern Exposure, The Ladykillers) and Brad Blaisdell (The Rat Pack, TV’s ER, Chicago Hope) are peppered in with newcomers.
Other highlights include Heather Marie Marsden’s energy as “Zephyr”
and Sarah Glendening’s “Diana” offering a delicate touch. Read’s “Rocky” grows into his own and slowly takes control of the stage. By his final moments he captures the audience’s heart and takes you with him. Duffy holds through the end. As she makes her final heart-breaking discovery, she creates a lasting moment.
From playwright/screenwriter Anna Hamilton Phelan (Gorillas in the Mist, Girl Interrupted) and the Grammy award-winning song-writing team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil (You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling, Somewhere Out There).
The wordsmiths are veterans and make it look easy. The dialogue is sharp and the lyrics leave you humming along in your seat. Thoroughly addictive and satisfying. Conductor Joseph Church clearly enjoys his job keeping the music floating along.
Director Richard Maltby, Jr delivers well, mixing emotional moments with crude biker scenarios and allowing Read’s stumbling teenager the awkward innocence he needs. Maltby gives necessary time for Duffy and Evigan to not only flirt and tease, but to build a new romance from a backstory that is only hinted at.
Robert Brill takes full advantage with his scenic design, bringing us through several settings quickly and with organic dimension. Extra praise should be given for the carnival scenes, where Brill and Maltby blend energy and emotions into a highly visual climax.
Jay Binder and Sara Schatz bring in a cast that’s been applauded above. Comfortable and fun. Many of them play multiple roles allowing for humorous, brief characters transitions that the actors play perfectly. Kudos to casting.
Likely some of the biggest attention should be given to Academy Award winner Michael Westmore and Bob Kretschmer’s design of Rocky’s manufactured facial features. Respectively, his makeup and hair. Westmore returns to the character that he won his Oscar for, and it was an undertaking that both succeeded in visuals and practicality, allowing Read the ease to sing. Surely no easy feat.
Fade the Lights
The show ended with thunderous applause. The house emptied out to a courtyard where most of the audience mingled or patronized the next-door restaurant.
NYPD Blue star Sharon Lawrence raved, “The performances were mesmerizing. Wonderful. Truly. I was touched by the humanity Allen brought to his role”.
Star of NBC’s “Night Court” and “Something About Mary” Markie Post exclaimed: “I can see it on Broadway. It’s that good. I can visualize the poster already”.
The star of “The Shield”, TV veteran and co-star of Fox hit “The Fantastic Four” Michael Chiklis gave a big smile and thumbs up.
Bringing a delicate drama from film to musical surely isn’t an easy adaptation. But the craftsmen handle it well. The performances were enjoyable and heartfelt. The mix of both creates a memorable experience.
