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anthony
anthony newley
engaging
jon
newley
peterson
sensitive
splendid solo peerformer
willy wonka
brilliant
charming
director
entertaining
fast-moving
heartfelt
musical
musical theater
needs a bigger audience
performance
performed with style
showstopping
slick
storytelling
talented
tour-de-force
CHARLES ZIARKO
certified reviewer
June 30, 2014
tagged as:
Splendid Solo Peerformer
Pure Theatre at its best---a solo performance, augmented by a few props, supported by a splendid synthesizer accompaniment. "The Life of Anthony Newley" lends itself to this treatment, as he was himself a splendid solo performer, and a solitary man throughout his colorful---but rarely admirable---life. You may not LIKE Newley, but you can't help liking his song catalog, skillfully (but not chronologically) woven through the narrative of his 69 years. Jon Peterson takes command from the start, and after an hour-and-a-half brings the audience to its feet for an ovation he deserves! 100% recommended to anyone who appreciates literate theatre songs and compelling performers! ...
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PAUL WONG
certified reviewer
June 21, 2014
I have been a Newley fan for decades, and I would've enjoyed the songs even as a simple concert, but "He Wrote Good Songs" is so much more than an "and then he wrote" sort of show. Jon Peterson is a charming and entertaining performer, with the often famous songs resonating with Newley's tumultuous life in unexpected ways, illustrating his backstory in a very human and moving fashion. Excellent musical support is provided by Joshua Eli Krantz on the keyboard as well. As a friend commented to me after the performance today, "this show should be required viewing for anyone putting on a one man show to see how it should be done"....
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ANDREW BOYLE
uncertified reviewer
June 23, 2014
tagged as:
director
Really lovely and such a feat by Jon Peterson! I was easily drawn into the character of Anthony Newley through Jon's charming performance. Couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the character, who reminded me in much the same way as Joe Gideon in "All That Jazz". Director Gwen Hillier stitched it all together with finesse, seamlessly folding costume changes into the flow of Peterson's eloquence. ...
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