Contributed photo by Dylan Hernandez
Musical revue will run through Oct. 17 at Center Stage Theater in Fontana
By RUSSELL INGOLD
Published: Thursday, September 30, 2010 3:47 PM CDT
What should you do when you’ve got the blues? Consult “Five Guys Named Moe.”
And even if you don’t have the blues, the Moes will give you “Moe” than enough good reasons to go see their show.
Center Stage Theater in Fontana is presenting “Five Guys Named Moe” during the upcoming weekends, providing lots of nonstop entertainment thanks to terrific performances by its six stars.
Otha Womack (Big Moe), Desmond Newson (No Moe), Sherman McLaurin (Eat Moe), Ty London (Little Mo), and Andrew Johnson (Four Eyed Moe) comprise an energetic and harmonious fivesome in this production, which features the songs of jazz legend Louis Jordan.
The Moes magically come out of a radio owned by Nomax (Frank Holiday), a man who is sinking into misery because his girlfriend left him. Nomax is stunned by the sudden appearance of these wisecracking singers in his house, but eventually he starts to listen to their worthwhile advice, which is simply: Start thinking and stop drinking.
There’s not much of a plot to this musical revue, but there doesn’t need to be one because the audience gets swept away by the lively singing and dancing of the performers, while six background musicians add much to the festive atmosphere.
As with all Center Stage shows, audience interaction with the stars is a big bonus, and the Moes take it to a whole other level by starting a conga line midway through the show. Director Paul Edward Brown and musical director Sean Sooter make sure the fun factor stays high throughout.
Center Stage is bringing back this Tony Award-winning musical (which was originally presented two years ago) by popular demand, and it’s not hard to see why. The Moes deliver top-notch renditions of such songs as “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby,” “Caldonia,” and of course “Five Guys Named Moe.”
The only thing that is lacking about this otherwise well-written production is the dearth of a female perspective. It might have been nice, for example, to incorporate the character of Nomax’s girlfriend into some scenes. Or — maybe there could be a sequel: “Five Gals Named Mona.”
In addition to the “Moe” show, Center Stage offers fine dining, and I think this food prepared by executive chef Ron Sugapong is his finest ever. I loved the delicious chicken wellington, along with the tasty vegetables and top-notch cheesecake. Other entree choices include filet mignon, baked citrus salmon, and chef’s special pasta.
“Five Guys Named Moe” will run on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons through Oct. 17.
Tickets for dinner and show are $59.95 for adults, $55.95 for senior citizens (65 and over) and military personnel, and $31.95 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the show only are $28.
For reservations or more information, call (909) 429-SHOW or visit www.centerstagefontana.com
