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Newspaper Quotes
Regarding Randal K. West
Artistic Director
Sondheim Center
Wikipedia, Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts
In January 2008, Sondheim Center produced A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum with Richard Kind starring. In Feb. 2008, a new work called Edges was produced for on weekend. To close their spring season, Randal K. West directed a completely new vision of Godspell. Orchestrations were completely changed by Justin Hill, the musical director. It starred Ryan Gaffney as Jesus, Mason Davis and Judas, Alison Axelrad as "Mary" singing "By My Side" and Stephen Crisp as an apostle singing "All Good Gifts" and "Beautiful City".
Kenneth Jones, Playbill, “Near Cornfields Worthy of Hammerstein, a Theatre Named for Sondheim Rises in Midwest”
“A new American theatre named after composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim will open later this year in the last place you might expect it — southeast Iowa.
While Oscar Hammerstein II, Sondheim's mentor, wrote about Iowa passions in the musical "State Fair," and Meredith Willson's The Music Man is also set there, Sondheim is best known for writing about more urban and urbane characters and settings. Think of Company and Follies and Sunday in the Park With George.
The Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts is being built within the new convention center rising in arts-friendly Fairfield, IA Under construction is a 520-seat proscenium theatre with an orchestra pit, complete rigging and a modern sound and lighting system. The lobby will house an art gallery.
By 2006 Encore Players was formed by artistic director Randal K. West as an outreach arm of the planned center, and a tour of The Musical of Musicals! (The Musical!) set out to Iowa "feeder" cities to show audiences "the difference between community theatre and professional musical theatre."
West's vision for the resident company at the Sondheim Center includes new works, revivals, concerts and training programs — including a Performing Arts Conservatory connected to a Summer Musical Theatre Company.
The theatre's naming committee asked West to approach Sondheim — the Tony Award-winning, Pulitzer Prize-honored songwriter of A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Passion, Gypsy and West Side Story, among others — to lend his name to the space. West, a Sondheim expert, had worked with Sondheim in the past, on a developmental production of a revision Merrily We Roll Along, so he made a pitch to the lifelong New Yorker.
"I'm honored and flattered that you would choose to name a building after me," Sondheim wrote. "What thrills me most is not the boost for my ego but the fact that I'm a part, no matter how distant, of your devotion to the development of professional musical theatre, especially as it contributes to the cultural landscape of the Midwest. Support for the arts on the East and West coasts is highly publicized, less so in your section of the country. I hope that the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts will prove to be a major contribution."
"The Sondheim Center will showcase the very best of talent from Broadway and Hollywood mixed with the best professional talent in the Midwest and local talent to present well known pieces of musical theatre as well as brand-new pieces that are work-shopping 'out of town' as they get ready to go back to Broadway," according to the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center announcement.
"We will offer an environment where the individuals involved in creating new musical theatre productions can come develop and showcase that work in a creative, supportive and safe forum where the highest production standards are applied but the goal is always focused on the creative end-product not the financial bottom line.”
Broadwaymania.com, “New Theatre Named for Sondheim”
“With an ambitious vision for musical theater in the Midwest and a deep admiration for Sondheim’s work, West humbly approached the creative master earlier this year with a request to use his name for the new Fairfield theater. Sondheim graciously agreed, endorsing West’s far-reaching outlook for theater in middle America. “What thrills me most,” Sondheim replied, “is not the boost for my ego, but the fact that I’m a part, no matter how distant, of your devotion to the development of professional musical theatre, especially as it contributes to the cultural landscape of the Midwest.”
For his part, West aims to honor the Sondheim name with a full roster of inspiring programs. “Our theater carries the name of the man who has done more to advance contemporary musical theater than any other living musical theater artist and creator,” he says. “Sondheim’s work embodies the finest in emotionally moving and intellectual stimulating musical theater. We intend to live up to that legacy.”
Playbill, “The Grand Opening Gala for the Sondheim Center”
“To celebrate the opening of the theater, West enlisted the talents of seven world-renowned Broadway stars, each of whom has a strong connection to Sondheim’s work: Liz Callaway, Richard Kind, Pamela Meyers, Donna Lynne Champlan, Kristin Huffman and David Malis. They’ll be performing the Sondheim Center’s premiere production, A Little Sondheim Music, an original musical revue of the composer’s greatest hits. Sondheim granted grand rights to all of his works, which allowed producer and director Randal West and musical director Justin Hill to draw from the full body of Sondheim’s work for the show’s musical numbers. Joining the all-star Broadway actors will be the entire Encore Players touring company and a full 18-piece orchestra.”
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER
Peter Pan – Director –2008
Tena Nelson, Fairfield Ledger, “Peter Pan provides theatre bug with magic.”
“The pros are amazingly talented. The chorography is shockingly difficult and stunning to watch. The singing is strong, the songs are catchy, the sets are stellar, and the flying…when the darling children first took off it took my breath away. I could go on and on about the talent, professionalism, and entertainment value of the production. Randy West has once again sprinkled fairy-dust over the Sondheim Center and came up with a fabulous must see magical production of Peter Pan.”
Patrick Bosold, Weekly Reader, “Peter Pan”
The lead players in this cast are superb, they do a first rate job with songs, dances and fight scenes that come in rapid succession thanks to Randy West’s brisk, fast paced direction.
Godspell - Director/ Choreographer – 2008
Lacy Jacobs, Fairfield Ledger
“Randal K. West, the Artistic Director for the Sondheim Center will direct and choreograph this production of Godspell with Justin Hill, Resident Music Director for the Sondheim Center, providing the musical direction. West has directed many successful productions of Godspell in the past, but the Sondheim Center’s revival promises to be a version unlike any other. Bob Hoerlein is creating the scenic design which incorporates elements of impressionist art and even a touch of Doug Henning-style magic.
The modern, pop-rock score brims with a youthful sound and the performance features high energy musical numbers with fun and physical choreography. The dance encompasses jazz, show, soft-shoe and a little hip hop. West has been responsible for over 3,000 individual performances of Godspell. When asked how he could still conceive of a new approach for the current revival, West answered, “Godspell is always as new as the headlines and as fresh as the talented people featured in the cast. It’s always a thrill to create a new version of this ageless piece of musical theatre.”
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Director –2008
Brian Scott Lipton, Playbill, “Richard Kind to Star in Fairfield Center's Forum"
“Richard Kind will star as Pseudolus in Stephen Sondheim and Burt Shevlove's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Fairfield Arts & Convention Center and the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield, Iowa, January 11-27. The production will be directed by Randal K. West, with choreography by Adam Cates, and musical direction by Justin Hill.
The show will also star Joel Blum as Senex, Stephen DeRosa as Marcus Lycus, Sean McCall as Hysterium, and Steve Wilson as Miles Gloriosus. Kind's stage credits include The Producers and Bounce, and he is well known for his work on the TV series Spin City and Mad About You. “
Baby–Director/Choreographer/Conductor
Max McQueen, Mesa Tribune, “Performing Arts Center players deliver a big, bouncing Baby”
“West has turned “Baby” into a big bouncing, buoyant salute to the magic of babyhood.”
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas-Director/Choreographer
Marilyn McElhaney, Times Herald, “Solano College rounds up a good musical”
“This exuberant, foot-stomping musical is an ambitious production with a cast of 50. The “Aggie Show” incorporates a country line dance and Director/Chorographer Randal K. West has turned these young gentlemen into a well-polished ensemble. Their high-energy routine is an Act One highlight.”
Chicago - Director/Choreographer
Max McQueen, Mesa Tribune, “Chicago a feast for fans of modern musical, dance”
“If nothing else Director Randal West is to be congratulated for his guts. Were it not for his willingness to do the work of America’s most innovative writers of musicals, local stages, (and playgoers) would not know the charms of Follies or the bitter passion of Sweeney Todd. Though it doesn’t reach the standard setting heights of Sweeney Todd, Chicago can be added to West’s growing tally of successes. It’s everything a Fosse musical should be: sexy, crude, blatant- and show-stopping.”
Dames At Sea -Director/Choreographer
Robert X. Planet, New Times “Hip Ship Hooray”
“Anchor’s aweigh! It’s time for a boisterous, tune-filled steamship cruise into a wacky parallel universe. We’re talking about Dames at Sea, a nautical-but-nice, razor-sharp parody of Hollywood’s splashy musical films of the Thirties. Randal K. West has obviously done his homework, capturing the wry spirit, quick exaggerated movement and serious yet tongue-in-cheek acting flair necessary to keep a show like this a float. Hey, it’s corny, it’s unreal, and it’s way, way out to sea. But it’s a lighting-paced, screamingly funny way to forget all your troubles.”
Follies-Director/ Choreographer/ Conductor
Max McQueen, Mesa Tribune, “Follies gain luster with Sondheim gems”
“We were dumbfounded when Carousel Summer Theatre chose Sondheim’s big brassy Follies as its first offering. This is the Valley’s premiere of this piece and congratulations to Director Randal West for making the moments work their magic.”
Godspell - Director/Choreographer/ Actor-Jesus
Jeff Smith, North Coast Review, “Godspell Comes to Del Mar”
“This is the first time that many of the cast members have worked with West. ‘A lot of these young people are not used to the perfection Randy expects,’ said Saunders. ‘He’s a wonderful Director but a perfectionist, if you want to be told you’re doing great when you’re not then you don’t belong here.’”
Pat Feldhaus, Mercury Register, “Godspell full of Zest and Exuberance”
“Randal K. West, a musical theatre veteran, brought the whole performance together as Jesus, Director/Choreographer and Musical Director…For an exciting evening of musical entertainment as well as a fresh look at the Bible, I highly recommend Godspell.”
Gary Krupp, Enterprise Record, “Fun Time with 60’s era musical- Godspell.”
“Under the steady and capable guidance of director Randal K. West they made the Gospel of Matthew come alive in a high-energy re-creation of Godspell. ..But what really kept this musical moving were two gifted performers- West himself as Jesus and Brian Richard Abascal as John the Baptist-Judas. Both have a naturalness on stage that is a joy to watch and I’m sure the cast picked up on their energy, which helped them have fun with the show. West has a flair for comedy and his strong comic ability came across in “All For the Best”. in which he is teamed with Abascal. Their song and dance routine was wonderful, and their comic interaction and interplay a sheer joy.”
Anne Rackham, Tribune, “Honesty is Policy for longtime Godspell performers”
“Why would anyone, let alone a troupe of performers, want to keep doing the same show, same songs, same story, year after year? It’s not hard to understand after speaking with Randy West who has been directing and playing the role of Jesus in Godspell for three years. “I don’t think you can be in this show and not be affected by it” said West.”
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat-Director/Choreographer-
Ted Hoffman, The Daily Republic, “The “Amazing” Director’s Dream”
“When Solano County can attract director-choreographers the caliber of Randal K. West you know you have arrived.”
Cindy Butts, Times-Herald, “SCT Presents heavenly production of Dreamcoat”
“The Bible according to Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is this September’s hot ticket. The “Joseph” tunes carry added impact since they are choreographed as full-scale production numbers parodying the style of great dance directors, including Bob Fosse and Tommy Tune. The multi-talented director of this show puts in time as the choreographer as well.”
Ted Hoffman, Daily Republic, “Joseph is a dazzling diversion”
“I don’t think any theatre group anywhere could have done a better job producing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat than Solano College has. The choreography, the set, the lighting, the costumes, and the talent and the infectious enthusiasm of the cast make the most of this energetic musical. Webber and Rice supply the fireworks; but it’s the cast, crew and tireless, witty direction by Randal K. West, that ignites them. West’s choreography is as dynamic as his direction, as he leads the game cast through a multitude of dance styles from Bob Fosse to Jerome Robbins.”
Marilyn McElhaney, Times- Herald, “Joseph springs to life”
Pulsating with excitement, a cast of 50 dances the calypso in the extravaganza Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Two giant pineapples dangle overhead and seem to join in the spirit of the dance. Director Randal K. West decided to enhance the musical genre “spoofs” by creating musical theatre dance that parodies famous Broadway choreographers. The audience is treated to an amazing variety of dance styles. Last weekends performances were sold out and this feast of choreography is another hit for Solano College.
Into The Woods-Director/Chorographer/ Conductor
Charles Jarret, “Into the Woods handled Brilliantly”
“If you enjoy musicals and you’ve not seen the current production of Into The Woods under the masterful direction of Randal K. West in Benicia’s Old Town Theatre, then by all means this is the singular production of all productions absolutely worth the trip. The Staging and the musical direction are absolutely superb, the acting and singing talent first class, the sets and costumes exquisitely done, the supporting sound and lights handled with precision and near perfection.”
Painting Churches-Director
Pauline Yearwood, “New Times-Old Masters”
“It’s what keeps a weary theatre critic critiquing instead of moving on to something more respectable, like loan- sharking: the odd little production nobody thought would be a big deal that turns out to be absolutely delightful. Such is the case with Painting Churches. All three characters under Randal K. West’s direction create unusual yet believable characters.”
Peter Pan - Director/Choreographer/Capt. Hook
The Iowa Source, “Passion for Theater. Randal K. West to Direct Knight Light's New Production of Peter Pan"
“The director of Knight Light Family Theatre's upcoming production of Peter Pan is no stranger to musical theater. In fact, it's his life. Randal K. West has agreed not only to direct Knight Light's production of Peter Pan, but also to choreograph it and play Captain Hook.
West has directed, choreographed, or starred in more than 60 professional and community theater productions over the past 25 years. In fact West's entire career has centered on directing, choreographing, and performing live theater--especially musical theater--and directing video and television. He has directed more than 60 plays and musicals, and has won more than 25 awards for his creative efforts in both theater and television. Most of his work has been in Southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, and Arizona. He has also been a frequent guest lecturer at universities and theater arts festivals nationwide. West has played many roles professionally, including Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Jesus in Godspell, and Captain Hook in his own production of a musical he wrote, Time Out of Rhyme.”
Pippin-Director/Choreographer
Max McQueen, Mesa Tribune, “Pippin-East Valley Repertory pipes up in Chandler”
“Those who are aware that West just did The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas might wonder where Pippin is headed but those who know West have no such worry. In his four years in the Valley, he has established himself as a meat-and-potatoes director- one who is much sought after. His week has gone like this: Whorehouse closed its successful run on Sunday. He started rehearsals for Scottsdale’s Stagebrush Theatre’s production of Man of La Mancha on Monday and Pippin opens tonight.”
South Pacific-Director/Choreographer
Mary Connell, Novato Advance, “A Sensational South Pacific”
“At Least one of the three curtain calls that followed Friday night’s opening night performance of South Pacific had to be for the Marin Opera itself which showed that it knows how to produce great musical theatre.”
Sweeney Todd-Director/Choreographer
Dave Estes, Gazette, “Sweeney Todd honed to a fine edge”
“In fact, the entire cast was professional in what is surely a demanding play. Sweeney Todd is a winner- a play on the cutting edge in every respect.”
Vanities-Director
Jonathon Rauch, New Times, “The Awful Truths”
“It’s not often that Phoenix is the springboard for a genuinely innovative theatrical technique, but it does happen. The musical chairs approach to casting is Director and City of Phoenix Theatre Coordinator Randal West’s new way of solving an old problem, how do you double the number of parts in a show without adding a chorus? Vanities has only three characters and West found six talented actresses, rather than just alternating two casts West put two performers on each part and shuffled the six actresses so that over the eight nights no two audiences will see the same combination. West has done everyone a favor by playing down the psychodrama in the script and maintaining a crisp ironic tone.”
Westside Story - Director/Choreographer
Ted Hoffman, The Daily Republic, “Director Relishes ‘West Side’ Challenge”
West meets “West” in the premiere theatrical production in the new Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre…This from the man who, at just 38, not only has helmed complex local hits of Into The Woods and Peter Pan but who worked with George Furth and the legendary Stephen Sondheim on Merrily We Roll Along.
New Work
In Full: Bloom - Creator/Director – January 2009
Patrick Bosold, The Weekly Reader, “As Good As It Gets”
“Randy West and Way Off Broadway have choreographed and expertly staged a world premiere of a lively series of songs… The songs in this show range from romantic and poignant to comedic and even outrageous.
One of Way Off Broadway’s signature strengths is the company’s ability to bring in major league Broadway talent and integrate them with local and regional Iowa performers. ..
Don’t miss this show. It is extraordinary that this kind of talent and a world-premiere show of this caliber are on offer right in our own back yard.”
Tena Nelson, The Fairfield Ledger. “In Full: Bloom”
“Bloom has a gift for lyrics. I had no idea how I would laugh. It’s also exciting that Charles Bloom is actually here as part of the creative process working with Randy and Justin to shape his songs into a seamless night of entertainment. New Work is challenging and rewarding. It continually amazes me how Way Off Broadway brings New Work to Southeast Iowa, to be the beginning stop in a long road map of national successes.”
Michelle Tabnick, Broadwaymania.com, “In Full: Bloom”
“Way Off Broadway Musical Theatre Inc. (WOB) presents the World Premiere of In Full: Bloom, an evening of songs celebrating composer and lyricist Charles Bloom, one of musical theatre’s most significant new voices. In Full: Bloom deals with three relationships at different stages as examined through the prism and prison of show business. The show is a collaborative expression by Mr. Bloom, WOB’s artistic director Randy West, WOB’s musical director Justin Hill, and a national and regionally based cast. The musically diverse score includes solos, duets, trios, group numbers, medleys, as well as an overture. Music and lyrics by Charles Bloom, directed by Randal K. West, with music direction by Justin Hill. Featuring Margaret Clair, Brad Little, and Barbara McCulloh.”
Banjo Boy- World Premiere, Director – August 2008
Patrick Bosold, Weekly Reader, “Banjo Boy”
Solid local performers and strong out-of-town performers come together to make this production shine. The show’s tunes are outstanding, “Sears, dear Sears” itself is worth the price of admission.
A Time Out of Rhyme - Playwright/ Lyrist/Director/Choreographer-2007
“The Stephen Sondheim Center and GOVAP chose A Time Out of Rhyme as the premiere production for their Family Summer Theatre Program, one of the Sondheim Center's community outreach programs, and continues a GOVAP tradition of producing summer musicals.
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center executive and artistic director Randal K. West originally created A Time Out of Rhyme with Ken Helms of California in 1974 as part of their honors project at the University of Redlands. Since 1974, the musical has been rewritten and performed multiple times and has won many awards for its writing including a Best Un-produced Screenplay award from the Iowa Motion Picture Awards in 2006.
Patrick Bosold co-authored the screenplay with West, and Justin Hill became West's new musical collaborator, helping him to finish the score, when Helms died suddenly in 2002. A Time Out of Rhyme is a journey tale in the tradition of The Wizard of Oz. The plot revolves around Mother Goose characters trying to survive once Mother Goose leaves them to visit her brother Goosie Gander.”
Celebrate Sondheim - Creator/Director/ Choreographer - 2007
The Encore Players, Iowa's first professional musical theatre touring company, will once again tour Iowa with a piece of exclusive musical theatre. The group has been given the rights to create a new musical revue featuring the works of America’s most esteemed composer/lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. The music is being organized and arranged into medleys that feature how Sondheim songs can “Set the Story” of the musical, explore the “Romance” and “Humor” with which he writes, share the absolute “Genius of Stephen Sondheim” and reveal part of the creative process in the “Evolution of a Song.”
“This project would not have been possible without Sondheim’s support of having his name on our building, the only one of its kind in the United States,” West adds. The Encore Players’ performances at the new Fairfield Arts & Convention Center will give locals the chance to join the celebration and learn about Sondheim’s work before the show hits the road. “Our goal is to get Fairfield and all of Iowa as excited as we are about Stephen Sondheim.”
Musical of Musicals-Director/Choreographer
Nancy Pfoutz, Heartland Spirit, “They Got their Act Together-Encore Players Hit the Road.”
“In a press conference…a core team from New York’s original musical production expressed their enthusiasm and motivation for sharing The Musical of Musicals with Iowa.
‘Just to walk in and see the show…made us all a little nervous. The talent and passion here is amazing…”
Erika Richards, Ottumwa Courier, “Iowa State Tour of the Musical of Musicals in Fairfield”
Melanie Herman, producer, “…It took a lot to trust [our] ‘child’ to West… ‘We were really surprised and thrilled. I am a real fan of this talented group.’”
Music Most Foul- original Musical/Mystery - Director/Conductor/ Playwright/Lyricist
David Hagerty, The Herald, “The Music Plays On in Murder-Mystery”
“Nothing ruins a good opera performance like a murder. Music Most Foul is… an opera spoof, a musical and a mystery. If his [Randal K. West] past work is any indication, “Music Most Foul” should be a big success. “Into the Woods” was unquestionably the most professional production put on by the Benicia Players last season. It must have helped that West is a personal friend of Stephen Sondheim and has even collaborated on rewriting one of his friend’s musicals.”
Maggie Crum, Time Out, “Benicia does original murder mystery”
“It’s a show written specifically for Benicia by playwright and director Randal West. West went to work and came up with an operatic mystery so engaging that the dinner theatre decided to do it. What results is an opera within a play within a play.”
All This and Touring Too!-Director/Choreographer/Playwright
Theresa Dale, Bulldog Review, “All This and Touring Too provides evening of Magic”
“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most of all you’ll enjoy. It’s a presentation of magic: and that’s what it is, pure magic. The uniqueness of the show comes in the finely woven script that comes with a fine array of music. The plot, which has “West”-ness written all over it, is well done and representative of the different ideas and personalities that make up a tour group. The choreography was superb, fluid and extremely pleasing to watch.”
Music Minus One/Off the Record/Happy Hour-Director/Choreographer/Collaborator
Gerald Nachman, San Francisco Chronicle, “A Tryout That’s in the Ivey League”
“Ivey’s innate wit and appealing husky voice rub off on the songs, she seems secure and polished and easily pleased a fond, indulgent audience with her funny, semi-flaky, sardonic nameless character.”
Charles Jarrett- East Bay Enterprise- Broadway-bound production shows up in Benicia-
“Off the Record is really an excellent musical, entertaining in it’s own right but superb when combined with the outstanding, multifaceted singing, keyboard playing and acting talents, co-mingled with the true comic genius of Judith Ivey.”
Roberto A. Masullo, Sacramento Bee, “Romancing a Musical”
“Off the Record a musical starring Judith Ivey, was offered to the world for the first time over the weekend. Although advertised as a work in progress, it had a more powerful story, more heartfelt emotion and more good music than some musicals considered standards.”
Ted Hoffman, Daily Republic, “Music Plus Three”
“It’s hard to imagine three more different people. Yet Gloria Loring, Randal West and Doug Katsaros will pool their talents and visions for Music Minus One a one woman-musical in progress that opens tonight.”
Lacey Jacobs, Fairfield Ledger, “Putting ‘Furth’ their best”
“Award-winning actor and playwright George Furth has been in town to workshop his new musical, which opens at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. Furth has been attending rehearsals and tweaking the show with changes to lines or direction.”
Miami Lights-Director/Choreographer
Anne Gelhaus,Dramalogue, “A playboy in the Florida Keys”
“The sun-soaked party atmosphere of Miami Lights makes this TheatreWorks production the perfect summer musical. The show’s simple boy-meets-girl plot is superbly augmented by Latin- tinged melodies and salsa-soaked dance numbers, all performed with high energy and skill.”
Showstopper Revue with Alan Sues-Director
Larry Trip, Press Enterprise, “An Amazing Week in Local Theatre”
Veteran Comic and Actor Alan Sues’ one-man show, The Showstopper Review is a curious mixing of equal parts vaudeville absurdity and an almost dream-like stream-of- consciousness. Director Randal West was brought on board to keep order and Sues himself has framed the work within a concept that gives the show some semblance of a dramatic through-line.
Merrily We Roll Along-Director/Choreographer
Collaborated with Stephen Sondheim and George Furth Re-writing script
Max McQueen, Mesa Tribune, “Review: Merrily We Roll Along”
“Having a Sondheim musical in progress bowing in the Valley is a cultural coup as evidenced by Friday’s supportive opening-night crowd. In return for rallying around director Randal West, first-nighters were rewarded by a first rate production. Merrily’s score remains seductive, eliciting knowing smiles and reluctant tears at the drop of a note.”
Robert X. Planet, New Times, “Isn’t it rich?”
“Now, due in large measure to the extraordinary efforts of Director Randal K West a new incantation of the show has premiered right here in the Valley. The latest Merrily has a lot going for it, not the least of which is a plentiful supply of razor-sharp repartee and witty lyrics. And the characters in the play, as fleshed out in this production, are rendered as realistically as any we’ve seen within the conventions of musical theatre.”
Into the Woods-Director/Choregrapher
Pierce Carson, Register, “Benicia’s Into the Woods sparkles”
“Director/Conductor Randal K. West doesn’t accept second best. Each and every member of the cast does his or her role to a faultless turn. Voices are clear, diction is perfect, (despite the run-on lyrics that Sondheim revels in), acting is top notch and a collective spirit makes for outstanding ensemble efforts.”
Maggie Crum, Time Out, “Woods charms from beginning to The End”
“Randal K. West practices his magic as Director and Conductor. West’s sense of timing is superb. He has affected with easy grace the countless entrances and exits in the many brief scenes. And he has drawn bright performances from the well-rehearsed actors. Not for a long time have fairy tales been so engaging.”
Actor
Music Man-Marcellus
John O’Brien, Enterprise Record, “Music Man is a rousing success”
“Marcellus Washburn, as played by Randal K. West, a loose-limbed, light on his feet and a real hoot with “Shipoopi”. In the “Sadder but Wiser Girl” Hawkins and West embody the notion that for sheer fun there probably aren’t too many activities that can compete with singing and dancing on a stage in front of a lively audience.”
I Do, I Do!
Kyle Lawson, The Phoenix Gazette- “They Do, They Do!- Saens-West combo racks up the credits”
“Randy West and Marlene Saens aren’t the Lunt and Fontanne of local theatre but they are working on it. West is one of the best-known Directors in town. These are two people with big reps, lots of talent and firm convictions on how things should be done. It’s hard to believe they get along like- well, like they say they get along. “Believe it or not it’s true,” Marlene says, “I like working with Randy because he’s creative under pressure.”
Betty Webb, Tribune, “Say Yes to I Do”
“Randal West is eminently believable as Michael the young husband. He alternates between callow and self-confident as in the opening song- “I Do, I Do”, overbearing boorishness in “It’s a Well Known Fact”, to heart-wrenching tenderness in “This House”. He handles the transition from youth to old age well, both his voice and his acting reflecting capably the encroaching years. And his dancing skills are right up there with the best. His night-shirted pyrotechnics in “I Love My Wife” gained him both laughter and cheers.”
ANNIE-Daddy Warbucks
Kathryn Leibovich, Weekend Entertainment, “West shares talent, inspiration- Professional joins Annie cast”
“After a recent 7 hour rehearsal West shared his insights about the discipline, determination and commitment it takes to be a success. Uncovering the “magic” in musical theatre is the mission of Daddy Warbucks as he speaks to the students about the crucial elements for a successful show. Passion is a vital ingredient to success he tells them. West has had a standing love affair with the performing arts since the eighth grade and he infuses others with the love of music and theatre. Turning an ordinary opportunity into an extraordinary one is a knack, talent and specialty for West, who at 42 has more than 50 professional theatre credits to his name. For many student actors, this will be the beginning of a journey- an adventure that will lead them to their goal of passionately pursuing a love of theatre. For others this will be a chance to create an extraordinary moment in musical theatre- a chance to soar with Daddy Warbucks into the magical land of Annie”.
General Press Coverage
Mary Nugent, Daily Enterprise, “Randy West- Theatre Prodigy is Still Having Fun”
Randal K. West has directed hundreds of theatre pieces. He has conducted and choreographed, acted and sung, and during the past five years has garnered numerous Bay Area theatre awards. Most of all he has enjoyed himself and has developed his own personal philosophy: “When it stops being fun you should quit”.
Ray Cooklis, The San Bernardino Sun, “New program at Pacific a “Magnet” for performing arts”
Pacific’s brand-new musical theatre program designed to give talented students concentrated training in that specialty, already has attracted 200 students in its first year. Spearheading the fledging program is Randy West who was hired last fall to create a musical theatre arts curriculum. ”We feel very honored to have Randy here”, said Orval Winters, principal of Pacific, “He’s one of the best in the Inland Empire- actually in Southern California- in his field”. The first year program includes courses in musical theatre techniques and dance. Participants study musical theatre as an art form, concentrating on play analysis, acting, pantomime, improvisation and musical theatre history, as well as down to earth topics such as how to audition
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