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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 27, 2007 - 33 The talents real -- the hair isn't in California Dreaming 2 By Rod Jerred OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Watching California Dreaming 2 at Stage West Mississauga is a lot like watching a live performance of the of the musical medley numbers on Canadian/American Idol, except with better talent, songs, costumes and wigs -- especially the wigs. According to the public relations people at Stage West, the talented cast of California Dreaming 2 wear a total of 45 different wigs during the show. The person responsible for all these wigs is Anne May -- she is listed on the second last page of the California Dreaming 2 program. It's not often that the person in charge of wigs rates a mention in a review, or the program for that matter, but it's fitting in May's case. The wigs help transform the 14 cast members into the nearly 40 singers and musical groups represented in California Dreaming 2. While the cast members may not always provide exact vocal imitations, the wigs and the costumes (each cast members undergoes about 14 costume changes) play an integral role in the impersonations. Case in point -- the blonde over-sized wig instantly turns Michael Lomenda into Daryl Hall. The '80s big-hair wig helps turn Kristen Peace into Nancy Wilson of Heart and Sonia Ndongmo is a Tina Turner clone thanks largely to her wig. There is also a broad use of multicoloured Afro-style wigs to turn the largely white cast of California Dreaming 2 into the all-black Earth, Wind and Fire group. Costumes also play a major role in the musical transformations and credit here goes to costume coordinator Sarah Plater. While California Dreaming 2 is a musical journey featuring songs originating the California recording studios from the '60s-'90s, it is also a fashion trip as represented by the performers of that era. From the worn jeans and faded plaid shirts and denim jackets of Dr. Hook to the 80s' mini-dresses of the Bangles, to the fish-net stockings of Heart's backup singers, nearly four decades of fashions are paraded before the audience. As for the cast members, it is difficult to pick one singular standout performer in the cast. An obvious crowd pleaser was Kevin White as Michael Jackson in Billy Jean and Thriller (also memorable for its group ensemble dance of the dead zombie back up dancers). While poking fun at Jackson, White also manages to remind us how entertaining Jackson was before he turned himself into gossip fodder for the tabloids. Ndongmo's turn as Tina Turner is also a fan favourite as she imitates Turner both vocally and visually by mimicking her trademark dance style. Peace proves to be one of the most versatile performers, covering songs from Ann Wilson of Heart, Grace Slick of Jefferson Starship, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Mama Cass, The Bangles and The Go-Go's. THOSE WERE THE DAYS: The colourful costumes and wigs help turn the cast of California Dreaming 2 into Earth, Wind and Fire at Stagewest Mississauga. Lomenda does a nice turn as Kenny Journey, Huey Lewis and the News, and music. Loggins in Footloose and Michael Santana. While perhaps not as Torontow hits al the high notes on Don't California Dreaming 2 is the fourth widely known as their Stop Believin' by Journey. in this series of musical revues at Stage American and British Oakville's Matthew Campbell, a veter- West. The current show was written and songlists, a revue focussing an of the British Invasion I and II and produced by the creative team Howard on the likes of Neil Young, the first California Dreaming, is proba- Pechet, Timothy French, Nevin Grant, bly more rock musician than theatrical and Bob Foster. stage singer. That is not meant as a critAfter focusing on Britain and icism. His style lends itself authentic California, maybe the creative team will covers of songs from Crosby, Stills and stay a little closer to home next time and Nash, Creedance Clearwater Revival, focus on the birth of Canadian rock Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, The Guess Who, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Bruce Cockburn, Triumph, Carole Pope, Teenage Head, the Spoons, Alanis Morrisette, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo and Bare Naked Ladies, just to name a few would be equally entertaining. California Dreaming 2: The Beat Goes On, runs until Feb. 18 at Stage West, 5400 Dixie Rd., Mississauga. Performances run nightly Tuesday to Sunday with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tuesday to Saturday nights include a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., curtain at 8:15 p.m. Sunday nights, dinner is at 5 p.m., curtain at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday matinees, buffet at 11 a.m. with curtain at 12:30 p.m. For tickets, book online at www.stagewest.com or call the box office at 905-2380042. Discover theDifference OAKVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL · An academic school where Christian morals and values are taught and modelled. · A student body that ranks in the top 10% on Canada's national CAT3 tests. · A science program that produces regional science fair winners every year. · Athletic teams that compete in 9 different sports, starting as early as Grade 2. · Extracurricular opportunities that meet the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual needs of all students. · Christian service involvement in the community. · A music program that trains vocal & instrumental groups who represent the school at different community functions. · Fully networked computer lab - networked computers in every classroom. · A family atmosphere with 275 students. · On-site before & after school care. Adventure Getaway! GETAWAY PACKAGE March Break Valid Mar. 9 -18, 2007 Many of our families come each year! See what all the fun is about! Book early as we sell out each year! $ · Two nights luxurious suite accommodation · Use of 3 storey indoor waterslide, pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre 349 95* Plus.....too many things to list! per package plus taxes 2 nights/family of 4 *See Box Office for details. Not valid with other promotions or discounts, subject to change without notice. March 12 - 16, 2007 BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Only 150 children per day maximum. For children 6-12 only Wizard School is · back by popular demand! A full day of · fun yet educational. Witch · and Wizard classes plus · lunch and snacks. Visiting · professors teach several science favourites from past · years plus new tricks! New magic show! Fortune telling/Spell casting/ Mind reading/Palmistry Alchemy (Wizard) science Wizard games Making magic tricks Make your own Wizard cape, wand and hat Plus a new show featuring "Ryan the Magician" $ 45 95 per child, per day, plus taxes Sat., Feb. 10 OPEN HOUSE 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs OF THE BLACK FOREST June Walker Rogers Saturday Lunch Performances March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14 Mar Break Lunch Performances March 12, 13, 15, 16 A play by MARCH BREAK 2007 $ At Oakville Christian School our mission is: "Nurturing Excellence in a Christ-Centred Academic Environment" Dinner Performance March 15 2895 per person, plus taxes Oakville Christian School 112 Third Line, Oakville (905) 825-1247 Buffet Lunch 12:30 pm Show 1:30 pm Buffet Dinner 6:30 pm Show: 7:30 pm ocsadmissions@ocsonline.org www.ocsonline.org BOX OFFICE 905-238-0042 or 1-800-263-0684 ONLINE BOOKING & TICKET PRINTING AT www.stagewest.com