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December 16, 2014:

Bare Reunion Concert reviewed by Rob Stevens

On November 16, the producers and cast of the 2013 production of Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere’s pop opera Bare staged a reunion concert at Rockwell’s in Los Feliz. The place was rocking from start to finish as the enthusiastic audience joined in the joyous spirit of the show and the performers. This writer saw the original production of Bare at the Hudson Mainstage in 2000 and it won several Robby Awards including Best Musical, Best Director for the young Kristin Hanggi and Best Score. I wasn’t living in Los Angeles when the production was staged by Calvin Remsberg at the Hayworth Theatre last year but this concert version was a splendid re-introduction to the show.

The score sounded marvelous as played by the four-piece band under the musical direction of Elmo Zapp. Payson Lewis and Jonah Platt made a great pair of star-crossed lovers, students at a Catholic prep school and coming to terms with their youthful emotions. Lindsay Pearce made a vibrant Ivy. Katie Stevens gave great support as did original 2000 cast member Stephanie Andersen as the no-nonsense nun, Sister Chantelle. The staging had the cast all throughout the audience as they delivered their impassioned songs. Bravos to all involved for a most memorable evening.

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