“Nuttin’ But Hutton” cast
“Nuttin’ But Hutton” a Hollywood songfest
Betty Hutton is best remembered for starring in “Annie Get Your Gun.” But if you think that’s all she did, you ain’t seen “Nuttin’” yet. “Nuttin’ But Hutton” is a new musical at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood, California. It is a wonderful tribute to the music legacy of Hollywood’s Betty Hutton.
Musical director Sam Kriger, who wrote the show’s book with “Nuttin’s” creator-star Diane Vincent, says, “When Betty Hutton was Paramount’s biggest star she had the greatest songwriters creating specialty material for her. They catered to her wacky knack for making an audience laugh. We’ve taken these amazing numbers off the shelf so the world can hear them again. We have 26 songs presented by an energetic star and cast, plus a great live band.”
Diane Vincent conceived the musical that follows super-fan “Dee Dee” (Vincent), who is hell-bent on doing a Betty Hutton musical tribute. Helping out are her enthusiastic chorus boy buddies “Tom” (Chad Borden), “Dick” (Daniel Guzman), and “Harry” (Justin Jones), plus producer “Buster Heymeister” (Nathan Holland).
“It’s in the spirit of the ‘let’s put on a show’ musicals,” describes Vincent. “People will have fun discovering this classic star who embodies the joy of performing. We showcase the music, but the audience will walk away with a sense of what made Betty so special.”
It is filled with showstoppers, and as we take Dee Dee’s journey, we will all become Betty Hutton fans, whether we’ve heard of her before or not. People will laugh themselves silly, and see Hutton as the life of the Hollywood party. “Nuttin’ But Hutton” runs through the end of April at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. Go to www.nuttinbuthutton.com.
“Walk Like A Man” hit tribute show has the spirit of the Four Seasons
“Walk Like A Man” is crowd-pleasing show at NoHo’s historic El Portal Theatre through May. The entertaining evening features the biggest hits from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ repertoire in a tribute to the great music of the ’60s and early ’70s era. Plus, there’s comedy and magic from the cabaret-type show’s rib-tickling host Bart Rockett.
The show stars Val Martinez as the charismatic leader of the Four Seasons’ styled group, with Jamey Schrick, Joe Abraham, and Lee Markham. All embodied the energy of the famous Jersey boys, and they captivate the audience with their vibrant harmonies. It was the magical blend of their voices that made the original Four Seasons superstars in the music world, and the “Walk Like A Man” tribute quartet follow in their vocal footsteps.
“Let’s Hang On,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Sherry,” “Rag Doll,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” are some of the unforgettable songs. Plus the group does a couple of Beach Boys and Beatles songs from the ’60s for more nostalgia. From their first notes to their last, sixteen hit songs later, the group is a blast from the past.
The “Walk Like A Man” show is running through May. Go to www.elportaltheatre.com.
Odysseo’s Norman Latourelle
Cavalia’s spectacular new “Odysseo”
Cavalia’s Norman Latourelle is the genius behind a new spectacular show called “Odysseo.” He and his big team have created “a revolution in entertainment” featuring horses. Latourelle describes the unique concept as “the perfect integration between performing arts and equestrian arts, filled with theatrics and entertainment.”
Like his original show Cavalia, Odysseo celebrates the journey of horse and man, with several dozen horses and awesome acrobats creating an experience under Latourelle’s Big White Top. The mega-tent complex is set up in downtown Burbank, California for the show that premiered in February, and has extended its run.
Latourelle proudly explains “Odysseo is full of surprises for two hours, with fantastic moments with the acrobats, as well as when the humans and horses share the stage. At one point we have only eight persons on stage and we have 32 horses, and they do a ‘ballet’ together. They run, they walk, they dance together. And the horses are totally free. They have no bits or saddles, they are just there enjoying their time at play. Nowhere else will you ever see horses and people running and dancing together. For me, that’s a very moving moment, but it’s not the only one.”
There are awesome set pieces. A real merry-go-round appears to showcase an amazing acrobatic number. “Also, one of our many surprises is when the stage is flooded, in two-and-a-half minutes, and then the horses come out and play in the water,” says Latourelle. It’s a big splash. It’s run has been extended. For information go to www.cavalia.net.
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