On their own, most are wonderful, yet the story develops slowly and it’s not exactly clear early on what is motivating Amélie, other than daily, if isolated, life as a waitress in Paris. However, the scenes and musical numbers often seem disconnected, possibly lacking a stronger narrative to string them together. Adam Chanler-Berat does well too as her strong-voiced, mysterious lover Nino. No doubt it will draw significant attention from her fan base, those who would be interested not only in her participation, but also in the Amélie musical itself. Barks is one to watch - and attaching her name to this project is a win for all involved.
AMELIE MUSICAL DRIVERS
Her growing star power is largely on display (and possibly why two large black Escalades with drivers awaited on the streets of Berkeley post-show). Grieving, her father (John Hickok) builds a Gnome shrine in her honor - later, one of the play’s notable highlights comes when the Gnome (David Andino) escapes, and takes hysterical selfies at various landmarks across the world.
Her mother (Alison Cimmet ) dies from an accident that I would label quite French the dark humor juxtaposed against the song and dance is marvelous stuff. Young Amélie (Savvy Crawford – now there’s a name!) is a feisty one, adventurous and inquisitive. But not, of course, before some misunderstandings, and unfortunate timings are resolved. As she searches for its meaning and ultimately its owner we’re taken on a whimsical journey of discovery, and creative spontaneity. The story concerns titular Amélie, a shy dreamer who discovers a lost photo album on the streets of Paris. But, on this opening night at least, amidst what might otherwise be an outright hit were a few rough patches.
Since we began covering shows at Berkeley Rep in 2009 for Stark Insider, we’ve come to expect nothing short of greatness. The show, written by Craig Lucas ( Prelude to a Kiss) and directed by Pam MacKinnon (Who ‘s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) has a lot of what you’d expect: a stunning set, lavish costumes, and a live band. After all, this is the place that famously gave birth to smash American Idiot - a musical that eventually headed East to Broadway for a successful run. The new production opened over the weekend at Berkeley Rep, and, if you know the Rep, you know it’s going to be much talked about, and widely watched.
AMELIE MUSICAL UPDATE
UPDATE 11:55am PT – We’ve been informed 8 new performances of Amélie, A New Musical have been added, and the show now runs through October 11.Īmélie, Jean-Pierre Jeaunet’s 2001 hit film (5 Oscar nominations), has landed on the stage.
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