The Count of Monte Cristo: The Musical

Before I dive in, go see this, especially if you like the story! This is one of my favorite books of all time so of course I had to see it as a musical. The music is really good, though some songs had their climaxes in the middle instead of at the end leaving you wondering when to clap, which would be great with a little rework. Stay and The Treasure is You were two particular standouts as great songs that really linger with you afterward. Loved that Treasure sandwiched the story, great choice there. The cast puts on a great performance and their best faces despite some strange blocking and costume choices. The leads are all vocal standouts. Where I struggled was clear characterization. Franz comes out of nowhere as a primary a... full review

This is perhaps the most ambitious undertaking I've ever seen in the context of a fringe festival. It's a full-scale musical -- a Les Miz-sized musical, primed for a Broadway or West End stage. Pulling off a show of this scale scratch-style in a black box theater almost seems insane -- but these guys really made it work. If you can accept the Fringe context at face value (intimate space, limited resources), what you'll get is essentially a very good workshop of a show with epic potential. Despite the necessarily bare-bones staging, I could honestly see the whole thing clear as day in my head -- what this show WOULD look like on a huge stage, with full costumes & sets. And I sincerely hope that it eventually gets to that level. Dumas' classic... full review

Like some of the other reviewers here, I wasn't expecting much from such a small Fringe venue. This show pretty much blew the walls and roof off the place in its ambition, though, and the opening "night" (3:30pm) audience I saw it with rightfully ate it up. Who doesn't love a good revenge tale? The Count of Monte Cristo is exactly that, and here, the epic tome has been translated into a well paced two-hour romp through early 1800's Paris. Yes, you do have to use your imagination in this bare-bones black box setting, but the cast, and especially Matt Dahan's sweeping score make that very easy. Besides their amazing vocal talents, the players have also amassed a fairly decent array of costumes, and use every prop, wig, and long coat to... full review

This was my first musical and I completely fell in love. The cast was outstanding, the music was captivating and right on point with the scenes. I laughed and cried - my two most favorite emotions when watching or reading something. I want to make the time to see it again and I will definitely keep my ears open for more of Ms. D'Angelo's Work. I was entertained the entire time and wished it could have gone on the for the full duration it was originally created for. Can not say enough amazing things about this one! ... full review

You will NOT find a project more ambitious than this in the festival this year. The actors obliterate the singing competition of this festival with their Broadway-level chops. Some of the material is still in devopment (as most shows are) but that is NO reason not to see it and be inspired by it. Even as I see more shows this one has stayed with me as being a singularly mature and professional effort. Congrats Kelly and the Cristos!... full review

One of my favorite stories of all time goes musical! Excellent performances from a vocally astounding cast. The music was wonderfully composed and the lyrics were well written and clearly told the story. The writer Kelly D'Angelo does give a disclaimer in the program that the show has been abridged in order to fit in with fringe time constraints and as a result the story becomes slightly disjointed. I can't wait to see what happens when this piece is fully realized and ready for Broadway! ... full review

If this is the "abridged version," (according to creator, Kelly D'Angelo) I CAN'T WAIT to see the entire thing, Kelly! This classic story came to life beautifully - even with the restrictions of space and time! And I LOVED the music, Matt Dahan! It was perfectly matched in mood and tone to tell this story! What you two have created is just wonderful - and KUDOS to your performers! There was some SERIOUS talent on that stage. Bravo!... full review

Amazing show, and totally worth driving the four hours there and back to see it. I loved it!! Some of the singers could have been louder but otherwise I was in awe. The singers had wonderful voices!! Thank you for an amazing show!!!... full review

I was very impressed with the cast of this Fringe Show. Most of the cast was superior in their vocal range and quality.Initially I was concerned that it was going to be uneven and boring, but as it went along it got better and better. I am so looking forward to Kelly tweaking and getting more investors to put on a well funded show so that all elements, stage scenery, costumes, orchestra , are in place to present it at a big venue. It definitely deserves a future. The entire cast including one personal friend, knocked me out with their talent. good luck and keep truckin'... full review

[See the full writeup, with links, at http://cahighways.org/wordpress/?p=10393 ] Fringe festivals serve many purposes, all centered around the notion of having a low cost, short run production of some form of show. Sometimes the show is mature and just can be produced inexpensively. Sometimes the show is a simple artistic expression. Sometimes the show is the first step in a long journey for a production, allowing for audience and reviewer feedback as part of the maturation process. Understanding these varied goals is important to assessing a show, and particularly relevant to the show we saw Sunday afternoon at the Lounge Theatre (FB) as part of the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival (FB): “The Count of Monte Cristo: The Musical” (FB) (Kelly... full review