My overall impression
One might hear the name the Count of Monte Cristo and immediately fall to silence waiting for the sound of trumpets in the distance and some gallant fanfare entrance full of jewels music and revenge. That is what this musical is. Upon entering we see a very minimal stage with a humble tone and earnest beginnings, it doesn’t even know its potential until the actors much like the Abbé Faria take it under their tutelage and show it it’s real potential, that it can be magnificent and powerful, that it is The Count of Monte Cristo. This turned from a small Fringe show to a large powerhouse performance, to which I only see bigger better things for this shows future. The music and story are eloquently written and pair wonderfully. Hats off to both Kelly and Matt!
The cast all compliment each other well with my favorites being Henry Kaiser as Abbé Faria, Mary Nepi as Valentine Villefort, and of course Anderson Piller as Edward Villefort. Henry could transport you with voice, not only was he a great singer but you could feel every image in his words and see him living the images himself in his eyes. Mary not only has a beautiful voice, but a great sense of comedic timing and irony which made me smile through out the show. Lastly little Anderson was as kids always are, a show stealer who for being as young as he was held his own with this all star cast.
