REVIEW: Theater

Get ready to blast off as "Rocketmen," now at American Music Theatre, launches audiences into a world of exciting music and wonderfully talented singers and dancers.

"Rocketmen," featuring the music of superstars Billy Joel and Elton John, amounts to two incredible shows for the price of one.

Act 1 features the music of piano man Billy Joel, and the first 15 minutes is all Charles B. Ancheta, AMT's fabulous musical director, who opens the show with, appropriately enough, "Piano Man," followed by a medley of "My Life," "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" and "Movin' Out." He wraps up his set with "Uptown Girl."

Most of Joel's top hits are here. Angela Birchett, an AMT newcomer with a mega-voice, belts out "Big Shot," followed up by Michelle Mishler's fabulous rendition of "Just the Way You Are."

Michael Minor, in military uniform on a smoke-filled stage, gave a moving performance of Joel's salute to Vietnam vets, "Goodnight Saigon," and Todd Mitchell's well-sung version of "She's Always a Woman" was enhanced by the smoothly choreographed dancing of Travis Patton and Samantha Mitchell (Todd's wife).

As for AMT stalwart Wess Cooke, oddly enough, he spends the show playing in the band. Thankfully, his terrific voice is not completely left out, as he steps out a few times to sing "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "The Entertainer."

Act 1 has a real New York feel to it, with the set mostly in grays and blacks, with iron railings and the liberal use of chain-link fencing. A large, 3-D Brooklyn Bridge looms in the background. It all may sound drab, but it's not. And it works.

Act 2, the music of Elton John, is a total reversal from the show's first half. The blacks and grays are replaced by glittering lights and gaudy outfits, which are the trademark of the flamboyant singer.

As with Joel, most of John's hits are represented, and each one gets an excellent treatment, from the opening number, "Bennie & the Jets," to the flashy finale, "Philadelphia Freedom," written by John in 1976 to celebrate America's bicentennial.

Cooke does a wonderful rendition of one of my favorites, "Sad Songs," while another of my favorites, "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," is sung to perfection by Minor, who is assisted by dancer Patton and a park bench on wheels.

Minor and Patton, with dancer Angela Gaskins, also team up for a super rendition of John's tribute to Marilyn Monroe, "Candle In the Wind."

Birchett lets her great voice loose on "Your Song" and "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word."

Mishler's excellent "Honky Cat" is enhanced by dancer Andy Mills, wearing a cat costume. A very athletic addition to this cast, Mills rolls, walks on his hands and does backflips all over the stage.

"Rocketmen" was written, choreographed and directed by Angela McCormick and Carl Rajotte, both former AMT performers. Together, they have given an exciting new feel to the theater's original productions.

It's fresh, energetic and very snappily staged, most likely because McCormick and Rajotte know their cast so well, having performed with them. (Plus, Rajotte is Mishler's brother.)

Not to slight Brad and Jennifer Hammond-Moranz, who have been putting together AMT original shows since 1999 and will be back for the Christmas production. But there are times when new eyes and new ideas create a very positive change.

"Rocketmen" is an excellent example.

This superpowered show runs through June 6.

E-mail: lalexander@lnpnews.com