Review from showmag.com
In a most delightful Mother's Day performance, the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival staged Melodies In Motion. at the newly renovated Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park. The program featured five talented singers -- all with a different style -- all with glorious voices.
Fay Hauser-Price wrote the production and served as Mistress of Ceremonies, introducing each performer in poetic form, the gist of which honored women directly and motherhood, indirectly.
Fahnlohnee, born in Liberia and raised in the United States, opened the program with a "spiritual opera". It was strong, sensitive, and sweet. Sonya Maddox followed, accompanied by Phil Upchurch on guitar and Curtis (Smooth) Grey on harmonica. "From the Moment You Stole My Heart", a lovely ballad, came through most beautifully. On the upbeat was "I Deserve Better Than This," an angry anthem spelling out the many ways 'he done her wrong' and vowing she was finished with him. Grey added his flashy musical touches.
Tata Vega, a Motown recording star and well-known gospel performer with Andre Crouch, has a big voice and "brought the house down" with her spirituals and her humor. Pointing to her immense stomach, she said, "Lord, please let all this be glory!" Her powerful voice reflected the glory of the higher power within.
Carla Renata followed with her set of three songs, "No One Else On Earth," "Crazy," and "Tell Me Why I Haven't Heard From You." She sang in both the Patsy Cline and Reba McIntyre mode and was quite effective in both. Carla was featured in the Los Angeles production of "The Lion King."
Closing out the show was Dawnn Lewis of TV's "A Different World". Her style, manner, and soft words of affection for both the audience and the Lord were deeply appreciated by the large audience attending. Her songs, "Keep On", "Til I Reach My Highest Ground", and "Someone to Watch Over Me" received rapt attention and a burst of applause. She and Tata were the crowd's favorites, hands down!
All mothers in attendance were given petite rose corsages. A brief explanation of the purposes and functions of the L.A. Women's Theatre Festival was provided. And a lovely reception awaited everyone at the concert's close. A more melodious Mother's Day gift would be hard to find.
For further information on the LAWTF call them at 818-760-0408.
Melodies In Motion The Madrid Theatre Canoga Park One performance only on Sunday, May 8, 2005 2:00 PM $30
