Musically alive - a review

A unique musical with energetic choreography best defines California Repertory Company's "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well in Paris." Brel was a Paris cabaret entertainer during World War 11.

Set on an almost empty stage that evokes a war time bistro, five vocalists use Brel's songs to discuss themes of sex, love, pain and death. The songs sometimes tell complete tales, sometimes draw only on emotions to bring the audience into Brel's whimsica l yet sensitive personality.

Drama-logue award winning director Joanne Gordon ("Cyranno de Bergerac," "An O'Henry Christmas," "Dylan") welcomed the opportunity to bring Brel back to life through his music.

"It was a different experience with the pacing and emotion dictated by sound. The intellectual context of the lyrics stays in tune while the music pounds forward," Gordon said.

CalRep performers: Armando Jose Duran ("Cyrano ..," "Hamlet"), Jeff Paul ("Hamlet," "C.E.O."), Matthew Gitkin, Davis Mejia ("Much Ado About Nothing") and Monica Barnas wove their words and voices to create the play, although Duran clearly stole the show due to his strong vocals and stage presence.

"Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris," plays until March 9 in the CalRep theater.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased and reserved at the Arts ticket Office in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. For more information, one may call (310) 985-700.