Theater Review: Trish LaRose Delights With Musical Life Story

I ended my previous review of “Come on-A My House” with “Can’t wait to see this show again!” And I did just that; I went to see it again on its closing night last fall. It’s that good. So imagine how excited I was that Cape Rep decided to bring the show back so Cape summer visitors could enjoy it as much as we all did last year. The show is even more delightful and emotional now than it was previously. We were in tears by the end. So for those of you who didn’t read my review last fall, here it is again. Same creative team, same knock- it-out-of -the park experience. Get your tickets today!

Trish LaRose is one of those rare performers who has that “it” quality. True theater aficionados know of her and would go see her on a stark stage; she’s that good, that entertaining. She’s not only talented, she’s authentic, nice and smart. LaRose knows the most valuable lesson anyone of talent knows: surround yourself with stars!

So when she conceived this show, her life story, she wisely invited top-notch musicians, two of our favorite Cape Rep performers — Jess Andra and Anthony Teixeira — and a gifted creative team to bring it to life. The result is spectacular.

“Come On-A My House,” a Rosemary Clooney song (based on an Armenian folk tale of welcome) is the perfect title for LaRose’s show. From the opening, West Side Story’s “America,” to selections from every genre (jazz, rock, Broadway, doo-wop, standards, the blues and more), you feel welcome and know to just sit back and enjoy. The three sing, dance and perform their hearts out all to the big band sound of these fine musicians: musical director Michael Dunford on the drums, with Misao Koyama commandingly on the piano, Andy Troyanos wowing us on the guitar, the talented Mark Van Bork on guitar, Rich Hill on bass, Peter Murray mastering the woodwinds, and Steve Ahernon and Joe Mongelli both on trumpet duty. It’s showstopper after showstopper, over 20 numbers, and each bringing thunderous applause on opening night.

LaRose has had quite a life. And her storytelling through song is the perfect venue for her. It’s a memoir set to these carefully selected songs. We laughed, we cried and we cheered. LaRose’s ability to relate to her audience was never more evident. As you take in where she came from and what she’s experienced, she seems to be talking to you directly, which she is. LaRose interacts throughout the show with the audience, either with a smile, an aside or a gesture. I swear she winked at the gentleman in front of me.

I tried to pick a favorite number or two for this review, but it’s literally impossible to just highlight a couple. Each is great. So allow me to just list a few of the many standout numbers. LaRose alone on “Broadway Baby,” “Guess Who I Saw Today,” “Somewhere” and “Feeling Good”; Teixeira and Andra with LaRose on “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Chapel of Love.” Some of the geographical locations of LaRose’s life are summed up in “Native New Yorker,” “Only in Miami” and “Ol’ Cape Cod.” And these are just a few of the numbers that made the audience clap and whoop! Bryan Knowlton’s choreography was spot-on, and executed with panache by the three.

Not only will you have fun at this show, it appears everyone involved is having fun, too. The creative team outdid themselves. Under Maura Hanlon’s direction the show is seamless and segues beautifully from one storyline to the next. Stage manager extraordinaire Tori Mondello kept everything in order. The set is reminiscent of old Hollywood staging with a round chaise lounge and satin drapes designed by Ryan McGettigan embellished by Daisy Long’s lighting design and Christopher Blood’s sound design, along with audio contributions from Lindsey Clont and Steve Welsh.

This is a show not to be missed. I can’t wait to go see it again!

Caption:

Trish LaRose, Anthony Teixeira and Jess Andra. BOB TUCKER/FOCALPOINT STUDIO PHOTO

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DETAILS:

"Come On-A My House"

At Cape Rep Theater, Route 6A, Brewster

Through July 14. Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

No performances Tuesday June 25 or Thursday July 4

Information and reservations: 508-896-1888, www.caperep.org