Pump Up The Volume
Presenter/Producer: Knot Free Productions
Listed Categories: Theater Musicals
Pump Up The Volume
Starring Broadway’s Anthony Norman (Reefer Madness, LA Drama Critics nomination) — in the role made famous by Christian Slater — this Staged Concert Production channels the rebellious energy of underground radio into a heart-pounding theatrical experience. Be among the first to see the raw, defiant and deeply human spirit of Pump Up The Volume by award-winning writers Thomson & Desmon — the breakout show London’s Guardian calls “a rousing musical attuned to our new age of disillusionment.”
Pump Up The Volumefollows a shy outsider named Mark living in a strict small town. When he launches his own pirate radio station straight out of his bedroom, he transforms into his edgy alter ego, his radio persona “Hard Harry.” But when tragedy strikes the school, “Hard Harry” is blamed, and others attempt to shut the radio show down, leaving Mark to decide whether to allow them to silence him or to PUMP UP THE VOLUME.
Directed by Dave Solomon and featuring a cast of the hottest NYC and L.A. performers and musicians, this Special Presentation of a New Musical promises to be a must-see special event at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
In a show that questions what it means to be young, Pump Up the Volume: The Musical is as relevant today as in the 1990’s (when the show takes place). While billed as a “staged concert,” high production values rival a Hollywood Bowl concert, despite taking place at the Hudson’s Backstage theater.
Every element of this show is spectacular: onstage talent, musicians and the crew creators put on a flawless show. From conception to execution, Pump Up the Volume: The Musical delivers a rocking, emotionally moving score, irresistible lyrics and a moving book that authentically follows its movie inspiration.
Lead Anthony Norman (Mark) makes the role his own. Complete with teenage angst, yet with a strong need to express himself, Norman’s portrayal is superb. Joining him is Jasiana Caraballo (Nora), whose rendition of the song, “You are the Voice,” was the highlight of the show for me.
Reviews
Perfectly brilliant is the one phrase that kept coming into my mind as I sat in the audience at the Hudson Theatre and throughly enjoyed Pump Up the Volume.
The mostly young cast was superbly talented and exuded such charisma that the audience was won over, including myself, before the first number’s final note was played. The magic of this show is not just the fantastic music composed by Jeff Thomson and Jeremy Desmon, who also wrote the book and lyrics, but also lies with the amazing talent of this cast. This priceless combination delivers the perfect alchemy of a hit show with a great future. I must also shine a spotlight on the director, Dave Solomon, for keeping the show’s energy level at a constant high.
Allen Moyle’s 1990 film Pump Up the Volume starred Christian Slater as Mark, a graceless, socially awkward high school student in Phoenix, Arizona, a town so conservative that even the Saguaro cactus wore Bush/Quayle campaign buttons. Unable to fit in, Mark resorts to setting up an FM pirate radio station in his parents’ basement. Sitting behind his microphone, the self-conscious, tongue-tied teen experiences a transformation to put Lawrence Talbot to shame, metaphorizing into foul-mouthed “Happy Harry Hard-on,” howling his angst nightly, mocking parental attitudes, exposing the questionable practices of his high school’s faculty, and occasionally, faking the act of masturbation. “Hard Harry” initially attracts a small band of loyal listeners, but with each broadcast their numbers grow. All Mark wanted was to be heard, now he must face that his listeners have become fanatic followers.
“There’s something particularly magical about knot free’s intimate revival..musical theatre bliss... A virtual dreamcast of L.A. based musical theater stars.”
“The production of Into the Woods now on the boards at L.A.’s Greenway Court Theatre is the best stage musical this reviewer has seen since—I don’t know, once upon a time?”
“Skillfully helmed by Mary Jo Duprey with musical direction by Anthony Zediker, INTO THE WOODS is as close to perfect as a production gets. Each member of the large cast has a magnificent voice and knows how to project – and act besides. Kudos to the huge, talented, and exuberant ensemble cast.”
INTO THE WOODS Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Use of the school premises has been granted pursuant to the provisions of Sections 17400, et seq., of the Education Code of the State of California to Greenway Arts Alliance from the Board of Education of the Los Angeles Unified School District. LA Unified and the Board of Education do not sponsor or take responsibility, nor does it endorse any of the activities, statements, or opinions which may be expressed at this meeting/activity.
