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Grand Hotel - The Musical

Hillbarn Theatre

September 7-October 1, 2006

Avg. Event Rating (4.4 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Come, spend a night or two in the world’s most opulent, extravagant hotel. Perhaps you will find your fortune there, perhaps you will find true love, perhaps all of your dreams will come true…perhaps. . . It is 1928. The world is between wars, the stock market is booming, Berlin is the center of high life, and optimism rules the day. Inspired by Viki Baum’s period novel, book writer/playwright Luther Davis (Kismet, Timbuktu!) collaborated once again with the prolific, distinguished composer-lyricist team Robert Wright and George Forrest (Kismet, Timbucktu!, Magdelena, The Anastasia Affaire). Together, they created a seamless musical that boasts an engaging, non-stop book and a powerful score that is sure to sweep you away with all of the lavishness of the 1920s. The story, performed without an intermission, intertwines a cast of eccentric characters through a series of fateful encounters. Passing through the golden light and dark shadows of The Grand Hotel is the fading, still-beautiful Prima Ballerina; the charming young Baron, out of money, riding on his looks; the ambitious Hollywood hopeful; the mortally ill bookkeeper, meeting society before his grave; the honest, hardworking father-to-be; and the doctor, whose cynical tone foreshadows the looming depression. Grand Hotel richly contrasts comedy, tragedy, glitz, and realism and is sure to captivate both your actors and audiences.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $17-$30

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  September 7-October 1, 2006

  Times:
  Thurs-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2pm

• Venue Info

  Hillbarn Theatre

  1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404

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• Parking Info

  Parking is free.

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "Sign me up!"
    Review posted by: concierge from Anytown, AT 55555, Oct 20, 2006
    

    John Kirman's direction, Joe Duffy's choreography and Greg "Suds" Sudmeier's musical direction made this one of the best ensemble shows I have ever seen-there or anywhere. How they got 30+... Expand

    John Kirman's direction, Joe Duffy's choreography and Greg "Suds" Sudmeier's musical direction made this one of the best ensemble shows I have ever seen-there or anywhere. How they got 30+ people on that gorgeous intimate stage to tell a very complex story was sheer genius. I haven't been that entertained in years!! This is community theater at its very best. I am signing up for a season subscription because I can't wait to see what else they will delight me with!! Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "Strong to to bottom!"
    Review posted by: Joe from San Jose, CA, Sep 25, 2006
    

    I've seen a couple hundred local shows over the past fifteen years, and I consider it a nice night if one or two people really stand out and the rest just hold their own. Every lead in GRAND HOTEL--... Expand

    I've seen a couple hundred local shows over the past fifteen years, and I consider it a nice night if one or two people really stand out and the rest just hold their own. Every lead in GRAND HOTEL-- top to bottom-- nailed it, and the ensemble was terrific too. You don't have much time to catch this production, so get your butt up there! You won't regret it. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "sunday at the grand"
    Review posted by: Ms. Martha from millbrae, Sep 17, 2006
    

    i was lucky enough to get a ticket for "grand hotel" on sunday. i heard it was a good show, but i was surprised when i saw this professional level show at a community theater. The cast is so large... Expand

    i was lucky enough to get a ticket for "grand hotel" on sunday. i heard it was a good show, but i was surprised when i saw this professional level show at a community theater. The cast is so large it's hard to pick out my favorites. i especially liked mr. otto, a very talented flamechen, the melancholy ballerina, the nasty businessman, who i also felt sorry for, the mysterious doctor with the great voice, the ballerina's assistant with her lovely songs done so well, and the wonderful tenor, the baron. i also liked the two male dancers, very energetic and the ballroom dancers who moved wondefully well too. the concierge and his assistant were truly fine and also the two businesmen who helped the ballerina. this show was a treat. thanks for presenting this delightful play. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "Grand Musical"
    Review posted by: the boys from San Francisco, Sep 16, 2006
    

    What an amazing show! The 2 hours flew by. Great singing and acting. I couldn't believe so much talent from such commited actors! A must see!

    What an amazing show! The 2 hours flew by. Great singing and acting. I couldn't believe so much talent from such commited actors! A must see!

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "excellent show"
    Review posted by: Maria B from san fran, Sep 15, 2006
    

    What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't familiar with this show. It's a joy from the intense opening moments through the touching finale. It's filled with wonderfully evocative music and staging. The... Expand

    What a pleasant surprise. I wasn't familiar with this show. It's a joy from the intense opening moments through the touching finale. It's filled with wonderfully evocative music and staging. The singing, dancing and acting were all very professional. Some of the standout performers sre: David Martin as the dashing Baron, Bobbi Fagone as the aging but lovely ballerina, Tracy Chappone as her dedicated and patient "lady in waiting", a charming Ron Simonian as the man looking for life at "the Grand", Steve Schwartz as the troubled and eventually troublesome businessman, and the vivacious Erica Wyman as the movie star wannabe caught up in a real life drama. The other smaller speaking parts were also exceptional in their roles. Bravo to the cast and crew!! Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "A GRAND"
    Review posted by: MICHAEL Y. from SAN FRANCISCO, Sep 14, 2006
    

    I LOVED THIS SHOW. WONDERFULLY ACTED BY ALL THE EXTRAORDINARY PRINCIPALS. LOVELY SINGING AND DANCING. REMARKABLE DIRECTION AND CHEOREOGRAPHY. FOR A COMMUNITY THEATER TO MOUNT THIS COMPLEX SHOW SO... Expand

    I LOVED THIS SHOW. WONDERFULLY ACTED BY ALL THE EXTRAORDINARY PRINCIPALS. LOVELY SINGING AND DANCING. REMARKABLE DIRECTION AND CHEOREOGRAPHY. FOR A COMMUNITY THEATER TO MOUNT THIS COMPLEX SHOW SO PROFESSIONALLY, IT SAYS A LOT FOR THE RICHNESS OF OUR LOCAL TALENT. THANKS TO YOU AT THE HILLBARN FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THIS TALENTED ENSEMBLE. GET TICKETS NOW!! Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "See you at the Grand Hotel!"
    Review posted by: Lightside Critic from San Francisco, CA, USA, Sep 14, 2006
    

    I saw the matinee last weekend and thought it was a highly entertaining production with excellent voices, top-notch choreography and clever staging. The cast, each one of them, full-well deserved the... Expand

    I saw the matinee last weekend and thought it was a highly entertaining production with excellent voices, top-notch choreography and clever staging. The cast, each one of them, full-well deserved the standing ovation they received, for these people gave it their all. It is obvious that many hours of hard work went into pulling this one off, and for that, I cannot be the slightest bit critical of anyone or anything. Imagine people volunteering to do theater, and it being this good. Amazing! The very impressive set is brought to life by wonderful lighting effects, and the gorgeous music never stops filtering into and through this Grand Hotel. Don't miss it! Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "Did we see the same show?"
    Review posted by: HiddenCritic from Bay Area, CA, Sep 11, 2006
    

    I'm surprised by the other postings; The show I saw was uneven: a couple standout performances mixed in with a healthy dose of average ones. Nothing that I would rate 4+ stars! The cons:... Expand

    I'm surprised by the other postings; The show I saw was uneven: a couple standout performances mixed in with a healthy dose of average ones. Nothing that I would rate 4+ stars! The cons: Despite decent voices, David Martin (Baron) & Bobbi Fagone (Elizaveta) were painfully miscast as lovers: totally unbelievable. The orchestra seemed to be in constant competition with the vocalists, and the mics were sub-par. What you got was a barrage of grainy, crackling sounds at the most important moments of the show. Often it was almost unbearable. John Kirman's casting was uneven and his direction of this convoluted piece was messy and erratic, which didn't help to clarify it. The pros: Tracy Chiappone (Raffaela) was a welcome relief whose voice fit perfectly with her elegant & understated performance. Erica Wyman (Flaemmchen) was delightful. Gary & Kevin Stanford (the Jimmys) were a total knockout, performing clean and crisp choreography by Joe Duffy. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "Amazing!"
    Review posted by: S. Sonet from San francisco, CA, Sep 10, 2006
    

    A must see for theatre lovers! It has everything. Beautiful design. Wonderful choreography and amazing music. Many touching stories intertwine and unfold before the audiences eyes. Get a ticket NOW.... Expand

    A must see for theatre lovers! It has everything. Beautiful design. Wonderful choreography and amazing music. Many touching stories intertwine and unfold before the audiences eyes. Get a ticket NOW. It is wonderful. Collapse

  • Event Name: Grand Hotel - The Musical
    "Grand "Grand Hotel""
    Review posted by: Anonymous from San Francisco, CA, Sep 09, 2006
    

    Great show. Recommend it highly. It moves. Some wonderful voices. Good dance. 2 hours of quality entertainment.

    Great show. Recommend it highly. It moves. Some wonderful voices. Good dance. 2 hours of quality entertainment.

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