JOYCE RUDOLPH
While the music and the lyrics continue to be a solid base for
"2nd Wind the Musical 2002," it's the actors who generate a fresh
spark to this revival at the Gene Bua Theatre in Burbank.
The story is about an acting coach, Teacher, who pulls together
three celebrity volunteers -- Cappy, Paaul and Valentine -- to help
him with a new program at Strawberry Fields Residential Treatment
Center. They attempt to teach three street kids, Adam, Lix and
Sabrina, how to turn their rage, fear and shame into positive energy
through acting.
In this well-paced, dramatic rock opera, each actor exhibits
tremendous strength in character portrayals as well as vocal
capabilities while performing the energy-laden songs.
As the cast changes from week to week, a recent production cast
Joshua Zeil as Cappy. He captured vividly a successful,
happy-go-lucky actor, hiding his drug addiction.
Riley Weston, returning to the role of Lix, gracefully transforms
from streetwise girl punk to a loving and caring woman who gains
purpose and direction.
As Paaul, Paul Caroul is dynamic as the pretty-boy model. Whether
he's singing or reacting to others' lines, he achieves a striking
presence.
The surprise of the show is the spunky and colorful portrayal
Anita Vasan gives to Sabrina, after she ventures out of her shell.
The song "Sabrina" not only is a chance for Vasan to show off her
versatility as a dancer and singer, but is a tremendous tribute to
Susannah Hall's choreography skills.
Also astonishing is Gene Bua playing Teacher. Battling with his
real-life back pain, the actor is tentative in his movements early
on, but as the evening flows, so does his energy and it's easy to see
that Teacher, both on and off stage, is the impetus to his students'
electricity.
At times, lines are rushed, but are easier to hear this time
around because of head microphones, even though they are physically
annoying.
The special effects, by Timbo and Bobby Richards, are awesome,
including a scene where snow is falling. The sound, by Emanuel Brule,
is much more enjoyable this time, and not so jarring.
Bua's inspirational music is complemented by his wife, Toni Bull
Bua's poignant and timely lyrics.
While characters' lines are sprinkled with a tinge of tough,
PG-13-rated language, it's not overly used but bluntly depicts the
real world today.
"2nd Wind" plays at 8 p.m. Saturdays through December. Tickets are
$25 with discounts available for seniors, groups and teens. Proceeds
