Charlie Chaplin spent most of his life in the limelight. In the new musical of the same name, Rob McClure as Chaplin gets his chance as well. But more on that later.
"Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin" is a musical retelling of the Little Tramp's life, similarly explored in the 1990s movie with Robert Downey Jr.
The stage musical does follow some of the same roads, but digs deeper into his childhood, making the decisions he's made in later life make more sense.
As a musical, the songs by Christopher Curtis help progress the story but are mostly forgettable tunes with the exception of the showstopping Hedda Hopper number "When It All Falls Down."
But as a show, "Limelight" is wonderful. Chaplin's rags to riches tale is interesting enough to sustain your attention for two hours but the storytellers itself catapult the musical to a higher plane.
Ashley Brown as Chaplin's mother Hannah starts us off on the right note. Her beautiful voice is only matched by her heartbreaking performance as a mother trying to keep her family together in difficult times.
Then there's Jenn Colella as Hedda Hooper. Her comic timing and deadpan delivery really sound like the famous gossip columnist she portrays. And then there's that voice. She brings down the house in her showstopping number and rightfully so. Not only does the woman have chops, but she she's very convincing in the role and has us buy everything she's selling.
But back to Chaplin. McClure as the Little Tramp himself delivers a Tony-caliber performance, bringing Chaplin to life. He embodies everything that is Charlie Chaplin - from the slapstick routines to the smallest gestures. He even is bold enough to take on Chaplin's signature walk and brave enough to be on stage when actual Chaplin film footage is being shown. McClure isn't afraid of the comparison as he IS Chaplin.
All-in-all, "Limelight" is a loving tribute to a movie star from an era long forgotten. Perhaps it could use a few more humable tunes...the score itself is almost as lush as some of the melodies that Chaplin wrote himself, but sometimes there's no differentiation from where one song ends and another begins.
"Limelight" plays through Oct. 17 at the La Jolla Playhouse, located at 2910 La Jolla Village Drive.
To get tickets, go to www.lajollaplayhouse.org.
My weekend was made even more exciting as I spent most of my time in San Diego. Every time I go to San Diego, I journey to a restaurant at 127 University. It's close enough to the gay neighborhood, but it's just one block out of the thick of things. And in that one block, things seem more peaceful and a better place to decompress. Fortunately and unfortunately, every time I go to 127 University I love the cuisine and the restaurant itself (a converted home) but every time I go it's a different restaurant altogether. So it's unfortunate that the other places before have closed, but it's fortunate that what new restaurant moves in is just as welcoming and worth the trip.
Currently, the Big Easy is the restaurant de jour at 127 University. I knew I'd like it before I even ordered. First I sat next to a four-some of frequent restaurant guests who seem to come every weekend....having their own little Mardi Gras, where the beads provided by the restaurant.
Then I learn from my new friends Fran, Steve, Lynne and Barry, that the chef was a finalist on Top Chef...so the food must be good. And it all proved true.
My new friends ordered everything on the menu so I was lucky enough to sample some of their items before mine arrived. And for brunch I was able to try their bacon beignets with maple syrup and their delicious, fluffy and giant biscuits and gravy. I was no longer finished with chowing down on my new friends meal that I forgot I had my own order coming. I think I made the right choice with the Andouille scramble with Cajun gravy. The eggs helped fight to spicy heat from the sausage and went down easily with that great gravy.
I even had the treat to meet owner chef Frank "The Bull" Terzoli. I forgot to ask why he's called the Bull...I wouldn't think he's more a bear. So our friends of furry men might find more reasons to enjoy the Big Easy.
But do go there. While I've loved everything at 127 University, I want the Big Easy to be the keeper. See them at www.thebigeasyrestaurant.com.
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