I have long been a fan of Martin Scorsese films even though at times the gun violence seems to be a bit overpowering to my West Coast sensibilities. But in my mind it is his characters that shine through each of his movies, especially Travis and Iris in “Taxi Driver.” So when I heard Anderson Davis was directing FOR THE RECORD: SCORSESE – AMERICAN CRIME REQUIEM at the Wallis Annenberg Center, I quickly made my reservations for opening night. And let me tell, whether or not you are a fan of Scorsese’s movies, this is a musical extravaganza that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
The production is an immersive concert mash-up, where iconic music and moments from Scorsese’s movies spring to life with an epic soundtrack. The stage setting designed by Matt Steinbrenner and Kyle Courter is Marty’s Place, a four-tier venue on which the actors masterfully meld with audiences creating a scenic journey that begins as Travis Bickel from Taxi Driver (James Byous) mans a Lower East Side bar set in the orchestra pit. As the story continues, audiences are transported to an intimate, authentic New York Italian-style restaurant, where the characters gather around a large communal table, one not without conflict. Rising up, the restaurant seamlessly transitions into the Goodfella’s Copacabana Club and Casino’s Tangiers Las Vegas where several classic rock concerts take place, most notably when Dionne Gipson channels Tina Turner.
As characters rise through the physical space so do their positions in life from drunken degenerates at the bar to couples on dinner dates, the rich VIPs seated in the casino, to the Gods of Rock looking down on us all. Housing the band, the top-tier concert stage level rocks the audience with electric performances. I encourage you try and book a limited number of on-stage seating, as you will be placed right within the action and often called upon by the actors to participate in the story.
In the process, the evening highlights 40 years of Scorsese’s storytelling through films such as GoodFellas, Casino, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street and more, and includes doo-wop hits such as “Be My Baby” and “Chariot” and crooner standards including “My Way” and “Rags To Riches,” as well as classic rock anthems sung by the entire ensemble including “Comfortably Numb,” “House Of The Rising Sun,” and “Gimme Shelter” which are accompanied by fantastic lighting effects designed by Dan Efros and Michael Berger. Every song has been part of the soundtracks from several of Scorsese’s films and are noted as such in the program. I certainly applaud his taste in music! Musical Director Jesse Vargas and his band totally rock the score.
The stellar ensemble cast — drawing talent from the worlds of stage, screen and music — includes Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young (Broadway’s Jersey Boys), Tony Award-nominee Carmen Cusack (Broadway’s Bright Star), Pia Toscano (“American Idol”), Lindsey Gort (“The Carrie Diaries”), Grammy Award-nominee B. Slade, and For The Record alums James Byous, Dionne Gipson, Olivia Harris, Doug Kreeger (Broadway’s Les Miserables and The Visit), Justin Mortelliti, Jason Paige (“Original Pokemon Theme”) and Zak Resnick (Broadway’s Mamma Mia). Whether dressed to the nines or in gang-inspired get-ups inspired by Scorsese’s movie characters, each spectacular costume designed by Steve Mazurek with wigs and make-up designed by Cassie Russek assists these incredible triple threat performers in raising the roof each and every time they are featured.
To assist in the nightclub appeal of the show, and for the first time at The Wallis, patrons are encouraged to bring their drinks into the theater to raise their glasses in toasts along with cast members. And be forewarned, this production contains scenes with strong violence and very strong language, with several gunshots fired during the performance, so hold onto those drinks! This production also uses atmospheric haze effects, strobe light effects and herbal cigarettes. Not recommended for ages under 18.
Accompanying the show are pre and post-show gatherings on the outdoor patios, but the real star of the night is the incredible show taking place inside! With its perfect direction, staging, lighting, costumes, incredibly talented cast and wonderful music selections, this is one night of Scorsese you do not want to miss!
FOR THE RECORD: SCORSESE – AMERICAN CRIME REQUIEM performances continue at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in the Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills through Oct. 16, Tuesdays to Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 5 p.m. Single tickets are now available for $25 to $129. And remember to try to book onstage seating. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TheWallis.org, call 310-746-4000, or stop by in person at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Services at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills.
