*Friday night, March 21st, at the Pasadena Playhouse the new musical Mask made its debut to a packed house, EURweb was in the front row. The story is based on the Universal motion picture.
No we are not talking about the green faced guy Jim Carrey played back in 1996. But we are talking about the story of an extraordinary boy, who had a face that wasn't exactly easy on the eyes. The 1985 film version starred singer Cher and Eric Stolz.
Mask is a musical based on a true story of a young boy named Rocky (Allen Read) with an unusual facial disorder, and his unconventional biker mother Rusty (Michelle Duffy). The two of them battle through obstacles of life, which teaches each of them different lessons. Mask features a book by playwright and screenwriter Anna Hamilton Phelan (her films include Mask, Gorillas in the Mist and Girl Interrupted among others.)
The show opens with a festive musical number, by the wild biker gang known as "The Tribe" inviting you to "Come along for the Ride." Dozer (Michael Lanning), the leader of the tribe stands out in stature and in vocal prowess. Throughout the show you come to love his rugged yet humorous advice.
But among the favorites was the scene between mother and son, "Look At You," the emotional climax of the show. As Rusty runs through the carnival's room of mirrors, she's forced to see the damage her drug abuse had done to both her and her already alienated son. After the emotional mirror chase, the curtain dropped and the crowd roared.
Following the intermission, Rocky spends the summer as a camp counselor for the blind; it is here that he begins to take his first steps towards independence. Along the way, Rocky finds love and acceptance, only to be reminded of life's harsh reality when his love's parents do not approve of him. Rocky doesn't let that faze him and he returns home feeling more like a man than ever. Rocky's erratic journey to manhood continues on its way with wavering obstacles.
Speaking of obstacles, the stage designers sure didn't seem to have any problems with creating a set, which had a life of its own. Everything from the background sky, to Rusty's kitchen was made believable. The stage turned every corner of Rocky and Rusty's lives. As for the lighting, if you pay attention, you'll notice that the realist emotions are displayed in the dark.
Overall, show goers are in for an emotional (motorcycle) ride, that will stay with them forever. Audience members after the show expressed how much they loved the musical performance, and how amazing the acting itself carried them along.
Mask will be performed at the Pasadena Playhouse through April 20. Tickets are available by calling 626-356-PLAY, or online at www.Pasadenaplayhouse.org.