What the Theater Critics are Saying
World Premiere, Sarasota, FL - Oct/Nov 2007

?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? has taken its first step toward Broadway. You can catch this epic musical drama at the Asolo Theatre if you?re willing to beg, steal and borrow. The smash hit is already completely sold out. I?d never read the novel but found myself wrapped up in the redemptive story of Sydney Carton and the heartbreaking love triangle between Carton, Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay. This Broadway-bound musical is on the right path, thanks especially to a handful of stirring Jill Santoriello songs, Michael Donald Edward?s brisk staging, Tony Walton?s ingenious scenic design and a strong company led by James Barbour, pouring his soul into a towering performance as Carton. He could get himself a Tony Award if he plays his cards right.

I wrote a post once about musical theatre composers who are not household names, but should be. After being swept into Jill Santoriello?s pre-Broadway production of A Tale Two Cities Tuesday night, I am certain she will skip inclusion in that post, and head directly to ?household name.?

Some of the best musicals are the ones that make you forget that you are sitting in a theater. The kind of shows that make the audience feel as if they are a bystander within the plot. Such is the case for Jill Santoriello's enchanting new epic, ?A TALE OF TWO CITIES.? This is an enthralling theater piece. Not one detail has been overlooked. There are too many touching moments, brilliant scenes and wonderful music to mention. Collectively, Derek Keeling, Jessica Rush and James Barbour's performances are well done for this epic. Natalie Toro is remarkable. While there is an urgent seriousness to the musical, there is plenty of comic relief - from the catchy one-liners of Lucie's escort Miss Pross, delightfully portrayed by Katherine McGrath, to Mr. John Barsad's weaseling antics, memorably played by Nick Wyman, to the humorous grave diggers who dub themselves "resurrectionists." From the talented cast of Broadway veterans, to the choreography, direction, costumes and spectacular scenery and lighting designs, this bound-for-Broadway "A TALE OF TWO CITIES" is more than impressive. It shines and stirs.

?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? is simply the best of times. It is wonderfully satisfying -- visually, musically, histrionically and narratively. It is also mightily pleasing. Tony Walton's grand sets are spectacularly eloquent. David Zinn's scores of costumes are marvelously conceived. Richard Pilbrow's expressionistic lighting creates a whole world of indignant fantasy. Michael Donald Edwards' direction is unthinkably excellent. The cast is exceptionally talented. Best of all is James Barbour. Jessica Rush has a marvelous instrument. Natalie Toro stuns us with her vocal quality. The songs have that epic quality that multimillion-dollar blockbusters require. They build to their ovations with real confidence. Santoriello's book is near perfect. I?ve seldom seen better work at the Asolo Theatre or anywhere else. Should you see ?A TALE OF TWO CITIES?? Absolutely ! It is a stunner.

'A TALE OF TWO CITIES' is a great experience. The new musical has a terrific cast, splendidly high production values and the pleasure of seeing a beloved classic come to life onstage. James Barbour is a powerfully charismatic presence. The staging is sumptuous. The scenic design is superb. The lighting is vivid. The costumes are lush. Author, Jill Santoriello, has done a skillful job.

The challenges of adapting a classic novel for the musical theatre are enormous. ?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? meets those challenges with considerable skill and artistry. The cast is outstanding. Praise must go to James Barbour who is superb. Acclaim must go to Natalie Toro who is simply riveting. Tony Walton?s scenery is impeccable. Richard Pilbrow?s lighting and David Zinn?s costumes are everything they should be. This is a Broadway contender.

? Does ?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? live up to all of its hype? In a word, yes. You have your classy story, a top-notch cast, and seamless direction all tied up in a beautifully mounted production designed by the legendary Tony Walton. It is a show that deserves a wider audience. In a demanding operatic style that sets almost all of the dialogue to music, Ms. Santoriello's achievement is considerable. Carton's plaintive ?If Dreams Came True? and the finale, ?I Can't Recall,? have hit potential. The Asolo Repertory Theatre?s opening night audience was wowed. Anti-hero Sydney Carton is perfectly captured by the powerful baritone of a rakish James Barbour, who kept reminding me of Russell Crowe. He is more than ably supported by a vastly talented cast, including Natalie Toro as the avenging Madame Lafarge, Jessica Rush as the virtuous Lucy Manette, and Derek Keeling as handsome noble who goes to London to escape his cruel relations. The large cast is crammed with perfectly cut jewels of portrayals in the supporting roles --- Craig Bennett as Jerry Cruncher, Katherine McGrath as Miss Pross, Nick Wyman as John Barsad, Joe Cassidy as Ernest Lafarge and Michael Hayward-Jones as Lorry. Tony Walton, who needs a special room in his house for the awards he has won over the past 40 years, has created a series of six two-story towers which glide across the stage to bring instant transformation from the Bastille to a fine house to a Paris tenement. If that is not enough, there's also a full-size horseless carriage and clipper ship. The entire creative cast excels. The musical staging (Warren Carlyle) is exuberant; the lighting (Richard Pilbrow), beautfully effective. Those aspects and the costumes (David Zinn) underscore each scene with skill and imagination. The show is mostly sold out. But any fan of thundering final curtains should try to grab a ticket.?

? It was the best of times for the Sarasota theatre-goers who witnessed the birth of ?A TALE OF TWO CITIES.? We were rewarded with an extremely well-crafted product that deserves a chance on the famed Avenue. Everyone in the cast contributed to the success of the piece. Each had an importance to the entire story. James Barbour?s rich baritone goes easily from somber themes to delightful points of self-deprecation. Natalie Toro?s powerful voice extracts all the venom from Jill Santoriello?s impressive score. The staging is magnificent. This is great, powerful theatre. See it now ! ?

?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? is excellent theatre. James Barbour is outstanding.

?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? brings Broadway to Sarasota. There is much to praise about this show. The direction is brisk and efficient. The musical staging is impressive. The large cast of glorious voices are lit in sumptuous hues that amplify their lots in life. James Barbour as ?Sydney Carton? captures your heart with his voice. Natalie Toro brings brute force and power to the vengeful ?Madame Defarge.? This is a show that will impress.

?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? is probably one of the most exciting things that audiences are ever going to see in Sarasota. And those audiences have been up on their feet immediately after the show every night. The musical is destined for Broadway.

?A TALE OF TWO CITIES? is a triumph. It is the best thing the Asolo Repertory Theatre has ever done. It is better than anything on Broadway. The show is sold out. So beg, borrow or steal a ticket. It?s that good.

"A Tale of Two Cities" was a theatrical experience. "Tale" contained the emotional power of "Le Miserables," the mystique of "Phantom of the Opera" and the charisma of "Cats," without borrowing from any of these. This was an American creation. This writer is predicting success for its run on Broadway and elsewhere.