Iron Mask the Musical: Reviews
The Iron Mask, A Critical Review.
Jimmy Bilenko,
8 January 2008
A few days ago, I was asked to go to a musical entitled The Iron Mask.
It is a musical tragedy with some comedy and romance mixed in,
but what had me worried, was that it was written by a 14 year author.
On top of that, they only rehearsed for two weeks! I will be honest,
I went in not knowing what to expect.
As it began, I realized that my fears were for naught.
The musical started by taking us into the heart of France,
with the famous D'Artagnan (Luke Stevenson) explaining
about the hard life of all the peasants (comically suggesting that the king takes 70% taxes).
Throughout the musical, Luke as D'Artagnan was the narrator,
essential for the comprehension of the story.
We then dove into the heart of the play, about a simple couple,
seemingly in love.
The starting song was both stirring and foreshadowing,
showing the undying devotion of Raoul (Tom Lew),
the hero of this musical, and yet portraying a wavering Louise (Tamuz Ellazam),
who seems to be ready to "settle" for him.
The play turned from romance into tragedy, but with a comic feel to it.
The actor playing King Louis (Jamal Blakkarly) seemed
like he was born for the part, playing a spoiled brat with ease.
He wanted the love of the hero's life for himself,
and as his song showed, what he wants, he gets.
Here we are shown a King, who only cares about himself.
The musical itself is brilliantly played out by the four young actors,
and the music written by the author set all the scenes perfectly.
The lyrics that the author wrote, were very touching,
and the actors themselves put their heart into the songs.
If I were asked to pick the star of the show though,
it would have to be Jamal Blakkarly.
His portrayal of the King was hilarious,
showing somebody who only wanted to amuse himself,
and to hell with everybody else.
Those few paragraphs are just a taste of what the musical is about,
but no review could do it much justice unless you see it for yourself.
Instead, I now want to turn your attention to Ross Unger,
the fourteen-year-old composer and writer.
At 14, it takes an immense amount of courage,
not only to write something, but to direct, create the right lyrics,
and make a musical that would have people talking for days.
Ross succeeded in doing just that.
The musical I witnessed truly seemed like it was written by a professional.
Somebody who's honed his talents for years.
It makes a person wonder, if Ross's FIRST ever musical is so successful,
just how far will this talented individual go?
I do not exaggerate when I say, he may just be the next Andrew Lloyd Webber.
I would like to conclude by saying, that everybody should keep an eye
on this talented young man, because there is no telling just how far his abilities will take him.
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