The 1960s Broadway (sort of a) hit Zorba comes to Reprise!/UCLA in an all
around excellent production. Marc Kudish, Judy Kaye, and Camille
Saviola are all superb in their leading roles. Yes, Kudish is at least a
decade too young to play "the Greek", but he acts and sings the part so
perfectly that one can forgive him his youth.  The role of Hortense, which
is almost unbearably precious as performed by Maria Karnilova on the
OCR, is funny and touching and heartbreaking in the brilliant hands of
Judy Kaye. And Camile Saviola is a powerhouse as the leader, and
almost unrecognizable as the woman who played Mother Courage at
Boston Court some months ago.

Some have said that Zorba "hasn't aged well."  Do they mean that it's
not as good as it's Broadway hit status would lead one to believe? That
its ideas or style are dated?  That Kander and Ebb's music is substandard?

Hmmm...  Though it's not the greatest musical ever written by any
means, I think it stands up quite nicely.  After a few listenings to the CD
prior to the show, I found the songs catchy (almost too catchy, I've got
Madame Hortense swimming around in my head even as I write this) and
the book does impart a valid message: live your life to the fullest, a
message which Niko learned by its conclusion.

I also liked Stan Chandler in the role of Niko.  A friend of mine
commented that he seemed "constipated" throughout much of the
play.  I think deliberately so. Chandler's got Niko's repressed nature down
pat. Nico is emotionally constipated. That's why his decision to DANCE
after Hortense's death is such a powerful moment.

Finally, the staging.  It's quite good indeed, and director David Lee has
made interesting and effective choices, both artistically and in a way
that suits the Reprise format (no sets, orchestra on stage.) The
ever-present actors surrounding the action become a Greek chorus,
observing, commenting on, and joining the action.  Their being onstage
in no way takes away from one's enjoyment of the show. I also liked the
way they were sometimes used as set pieces (watch for the way they
create a Victrola/a mine/an explosion) which fit the director's concept.

So...with the outstanding performances, great onstage orchestra, fine
songs, and compelling story (a good decision to do it as a one-act), this
Zorba is a winner.
MAY 2006, REPRISE, UCLA, LOS ANGELES.

--Steven Stanley