Medieval musical makes its premiere

Huntington Beach playwright Joe Syiek has realized his dreams with

the world premiere of his original musical, “The Golden Dream,” on

the stage of the Huntington Beach Playhouse.

Syiek -- who wrote the book and lyrics for this elaborate and

ambitious project, set in medieval times in a fictional kingdom --

takes his story beyond the point at which most such epics end, into

the harsh reality that follows the “happily ever after” phase.

Set to the often-stirring musical score of Erik Przytulski,

“Golden Dream” reaches out to touch the hearts of its audience before

adding layers of frustration that effectively flesh out the

characters and add the Achilles heel of mortality. It is a robust,

dynamic production, superbly directed by Stephen Reifenstein.

At the outset, a young and fiery peasant, Alec (Dan Wozniak),

incensed by the tyranny of the king (Michael J. Keeney), vows to

overthrow him(there’s a good deal of vowing throughout the show).

When the king’s evil son (Nathan Hieger) kills Alec’s father, this

mission is ignited with a vengeance.

That the king is deposed and Alec assumes the crown is hardly the

climax of this show, nor should it be viewed as a plot spoiler. The

mundane duties of a ruler wear heavily on Alec’s shoulders, but the

old fire returns when a dark knight threatens the kingdom -- at last,

there are battles to be won.

Fifteen years later, the dark knight is still at large, and Alec

has married and fathered two young daughters, who grieve to see him

constantly off to the wars. Vowing (that term again) that this will

be his last battle, the young king presses on with his weary troops

for a final confrontation.

Wozniak delivers a powerful performance, both dramatically and

vocally, as the idealistic peasant-king, and just as effectively

depicts the ennui of those who wear the crown. It is an intelligent

and thoughtful interpretation of a conflicted character.

As the deposed king’s stepdaughter who initially resists Alec’s

ardor but eventually embraces him, Nickie Gentry displays flashes of

fire and a fine voice to match.

The vocal highlight of the show, however, is the richly defined

performance of the always-excellent Adriana Sanchez as a widow who

enters into a marriage of convenience with the king to provide her

daughter with a better life.

Paul Anthony Hanegan, who doubles as the minstrel narrator and

Alec’s strong if often steely right hand, delivers a terrific

performance. The art of melodramatic villainy -- complete with

cackle, sneer and ominous eyes -- is rendered with malevolent gusto

by Nathan Hieger as the deposed king’s son and avenging dark knight.

The production is backed by an exceptionally strong chorus under

Przytulski’s musical direction, as well as by choreography for

dancing and fighting by Edward Bangasser (though one wonders why only

the two main antagonists are equipped with shields as well as

swords). Even the playwright’s two children, Alex and Joanna, get

into the act, with the latter serving as assistant musical director.

The multifaceted setting -- designed and dressed by Andrew Otero,

who also created the fine costumes -- is an impressively medieval

background, though the frequent set changes often test the backstage

crew. Kiana St. Laurent’s lighting is equally effective.

“The Golden Dream” is a dream come true for the Huntington Beach

Playhouse, which has brought this difficult and demanding work to

fruition, realizing its achievement with a standing ovation on

opening night. It’s refreshing to see something new under the

theatrical sun.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “The Golden Dream”

WHO: Huntington Beach Playhouse

WHERE: Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach

COST: $20

CALL: (714) 375-0696

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.