'ZANNA DON'T' GAY HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

ZANNA DON’T – GAY MATCHMATER CARRIES WAND

This hilarious musical got it start 'Off Broadway' and is now making it West Coast premiere in San Francisco.  

And you thought that High School Musical was fun. Well, wait until you see this High School Musical at The New Conservatory Theatre. Here we are at ‘Heartsville High School’ where the Gay Kids are popular and they rule the school. And one of the most popular teens is Zanna, a teen matchmaker, who carries around a magical wand to bring romance to couples all over the campus. He matches boys with boys and girls with girls. But, Oh my god! – Something terrible happens, the captain of the football team and a girl fall in love. What are they crazy?  “First thing you know – they’ll be trying to force opposite marriage down our throat”! – sez one of the actors. 

The book, music and lyrics, are written by Tim Acito. The score that is mostly talk singing, works pretty well. There are a couple of standout songs that are really great, especially “Do You Know What It’s Like?” The costumes are eye popping pink. Zanna wears pink sneakers. This musical is so full of fun impishness, that it is hard not to like it. Hey, where else would you find a High School where a Chess player is more revered than the Football player? The musical is not preachy, it’s just fun to see what might happen if Gay’s ran the High School, as opposed to the way it is most everywhere, where heterosexuals call all the shots.

The choreography by Stephanie Temple is charming and marvelously entertaining. It’s cool stuff, with show stoppers like “Ride ‘Em”; and “Be a man.” The director -- F. Allen Sawyer, has given us a terrific flawless show. The singing is a little weak now and then. For a soft-rock musical like “Zanna Don’t” is – I suggest that some Mike support might help ramp up the power, giving it that extra edge.

THIS CAST HITS THE BULLSEYE IN ‘ZANNA DON’T’. Price Adam Troche Jr. as Zanna rules the stage. He’s “Sparkle Plenty” and terrific!”  Brian J. Patterson (Tank) shows great range in acting. He will be seen soon in “Realty T.V. Movie.” Timitcio Artusio (Mike) “Is a real treat.” Keep your eye on him – he’s on his way up. Rodney Earl Jackson (Buck) is a real Jack of all Trades. He morphs into many characters with gusto. “Jackson is fascinating from beginning to end!” Also first rate are Stephen Foreman, Cindy IM (Great Singing talent), Katrina Mc Graw and Miquela Sierra. “Powerhouse performances from all!”

AT THE NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) - trademarked-

WINNER!!!  WINNER!!! WINNER!!!

IT HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT ACTOR GABRIEL MARIN HAS WON THE BEST ACTOR AWARD FOR THE PLAY 'BUG' AT THE SF PLAYHOUSE IN SAN FRANCISCO, AND HAS RECEIVED THE Lee Hartgrave FAME AWARD. TO SEE PREVIOUS WINNERS -- GOOGLE: Lee Hartgrave Fame Awards.     

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