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Amelia’s Journey Dazzles Audience

By Matt Makowski

When Doug Schenker decided to create a musical about Amelia Earhart, he says he knew very little about her. For Schenker, like most people, Earhart was a superstar aviatrix who vanished into rumor and myth. Now, 18 years after the inception of his idea, Schenker has cultivated a much more human and substantial image of the legendary “Lady Lindy.”
Schenker’s latest version of “Amelia’s Journey” was performed at Severna Park High School Auditorium on June 21. The script has gone through a number of revisions over the past three years, and for the first time the 21-piece Londontowne Symphony Orchestra set the score live. Were it not for the occasional silhouette of the conductor, the musical performance could have passed for a well-mixed and mastered recording. And was it not for the play being vividly lit - and of course in full color - the acting performances could have passed as a Howard Hawkes silver screen gem.
Scott Tanski played the part of GP Putnam, Earhart’s promoter and eventual husband. Tanski has mastered that anachronistic rapid-fire delivery from the early years of the talkie and brought it to the stage with purpose and a convincing confidence.
From the onset it becomes clear that Amelia, diversely played by Mary Spencer, would have had a much different journey had it not been for a fated meeting with Putnam. The story line follows the non-linear and somewhat surprising path of fame that surprises anyone with just a passing knowledge of Earhart.
Quiet, yet bold, determined and focused, Earhart broke barriers long before Rosie the Riveter exclaimed, “We Can Do It!” But this play merely nods in the direction of feminism; at its heart is a complicated relationship teetering between business, more business and occasional pleasure.
Earhart’s fame is in no small part due to the handy work of Putnam. Through publicity stunts, a connection to the White House, and just the slightest bit of affable immorality, Putnam thrusts Earhart into international celebrity. After stardom, during the hunt for the next chance he suggests an around the world trip.
It is the suggestion of this expedition that triggers the always-confident Earhart to reveal a timorous character. Of course, nobody could have known how founded those fears were, but the confidence of two characters like Putnam and Earhart working together would never have let dread overwhelm nerve.
History lesson aside, the purpose of this production was to beautify the community. It was produced by the Association for Severna Park Improvement Renewal and Enhancement (ASPIRE) and Executive Director Pat Troy spearheaded the event.
“I felt this production would be just great to bring to Severna Park and saw ASPIRE as the vehicle to do that,” said Troy, adding, “I found the music captivating and memorable… it spoke to me in a profound way. [The song] ‘The Journey's Not Over’ speaks to the cycles of human accomplishment.”
The proceeds will go toward the funding of the final three murals along the B&A Trail that are part of the Severna Park Mural Project. In addition, community groups who sold tickets retained $5 of each ticket sold. In all, 14 groups participated in conjunction with ASPIRE.

Quite a Week of Theater June 2008 cover story

Baltimore Sun July 2005

by Mary Johnson

'Amelia's Journey' - a musical about the famous female pilot - emerges
brighter and tighter on the second try.

July 29, 2005

Based on the life of America's most famous female pilot, Amelia Earhart,
the musical Amelia's Journey continues tonight through Sunday at
Chesapeake Arts Center's Studio Theatre, where it premiered last July.

After some fine-tuning at five shortened performances at Colonial Players
during First Night Annapolis, and with more revisions at recent CAC
rehearsals, the current version is tighter and faster-paced than last
year's, and is enlivened by well-executed, stronger choreography and
stronger supporting players.

Annapolis attorney and composer-lyricist Doug Schenker's original musical,
with book supplied by his friend and collaborator Linda Page, was a
sold-out hit at the premiere run, boasting a score that moved the action
forward, memorable characters and solid storytelling. These qualities
remain, with a more exciting and better-performed score. Notably,
Schenker's song "Spread Your Wings" and his longtime music collaborator
John E. Starr's "You're Mighty Lucky to Have Met Me" both sounded better
than remembered.

The current production again benefits from the talent of musical director
Anita O'Connor. Director Christy Stouffer adds energy and life to the
story, and her choreography adds sparkle. Stouffer also plays the role of
pilot Annie Page to perfection. Schenker serves as producer, with his
friend Starr serving as music arranger and performing on the recorded
soundtrack with Gerry Kunkel.

Amelia's Journey concentrates on Earhart's nine-year relationship with
publisher-promoter George Palmer Putnam, who in making her a celebrity
helped her attain her dream to fly around the world. Earhart was a naive
woman of courage and honesty when she met Putnam, who made her dream
possible by transforming her into a celebrity who reached beyond her
piloting skills. Initially annoyed at Putnam's brash manipulation of her,
Earhart gradually developed enough affection to marry him.

Above all, the current production is enriched by Mary Spencer, reprising
her role as Earhart. Spencer has her Earhart grow from an appealing,
innocent young woman to a sophisticated socialite hostess whose honesty,
bravery and earnestness about flying shine through. Spencer finds every
nuance of meaning within each lyric to add emotional impact to the musical
score.

Again in the role of Putnam, Scott Tanski seems stronger, with the right
mix of raw energy, forceful personality and warmth. He shines with a rough
charm in "You're Mighty Lucky to Have Met Me" where he is backed by
Stouffer's inspired choreography. Tanski conveys the complexity of
Putnam's devotion to Earhart, packing emotion in the duet "The Wisdom of
Solomon" that reveals the mutual profound affection this complex couple
shares.

The supporting players are strong, with Diane Ligon as Earhart's lifelong
friend Gwen Bowen conveying warmth and allegiance, while adding needed comedy.

Also adding comedy and authenticity, Elizabeth Lasner is a standout as
Putnam's secretary, Louise Applebaum.

Alex Campbell is an appealing Duke Munroe, Earhart's flying instructor,
and Walt League hits the right note as reporter-narrator Mike Harris, who
keeps the action moving naturally and smoothly.

Fred Taylor does well in the multiple roles of the sheriff, Putnam's
butler and an Irish mayor. Also playing multiple roles, Beth Terranova is
a standout as feisty dance captain Jonnie and is hilarious as a DAR lady,
with her energetic dancing a joy to watch.

With this production, Amelia flies higher than ever and is eminently worth
visiting.

copyright 2005 Baltimore Sun

Bay Weekly

by Dick Wilson

Singapore Airlines last month inaugurated a new scheduled direct flight between Singapore and New York. That’s not really big news these days, but Amelia Earhart’s 1937 attempt to fly a small airplane around the world was very big news at the time.

The story of Earhart’s pioneering attempt to become the first woman to span the globe has become the stuff of legend. The legend goes something like this: Earhart, possessing an overabundance of courage and determination, decided one day to fly around the world, so she climbed into her airplane and took off, disappearing into the vast Pacific Ocean. The real story, and the background leading up to the event, is much more complex and interesting.

Amelia’s Journey, at Chesapeake Arts Center, opened on July 16 to a sold-out house. This play is a musical, and the music is excellent, but the real delight is the discovery of the story within the play: a complex, convincing account of the profound consequences that result from the fateful convergence of two lives.

That Amelia had the qualities of courage and determination is without question. Devoted to aviation in a time when aviation was still in its adolescence and women didn’t do such things, she was a proficient pilot who had set several aviation records. But this play is, at its core, not about flying; it’s about Amelia’s nine-year relationship with George Palmer Putnam, the man who molded her into a legend.

As revealed by author and producer Doug Schenker, who spent more than a decade researching and working on this play, Amelia’s tragic story was fated from the moment she met Putnam, a publicist/promoter whom she would eventually marry.

Putnam (Scott Tanski) is the man who, through stunts and publicity tricks, makes Amelia into a national idol. What is important to Putnam is, in his words, to “make her an icon suitable for the age.” He succeeds; Amelia becomes famous the world over. Then Putnam asks Amelia to pilot an aircraft around the world, becoming the first woman to do so. Amelia agrees even in the face of suggestions (she has her own doubts on this score) that she lacks the experience and piloting expertise to accomplish such a task.

Tanski is brilliant in the role of Putnam, who exudes such an air of serene confidence that it’s obvious that Putnam always knows — even the audience thinks he knows — what’s best for everyone. Putnam is a masterful publicist with a genius for creating and exploiting publicity, and that’s what he does best. He observes reality and then reshapes it to suit his goals. The possibility that he’s not always serving Amelia’s best interests doesn’t seem to enter his mind.

Amelia (Mary Simmons) knows that she’s being manipulated and protests mightily but to no avail. Simmons portrays a woman of ambition and good sense whose emotional turmoil allows Putnam to have undue influence on her decisions. Simmons is a deep study as Amelia wrestles with her feelings toward Putnam, disliking him at first, then allowing love to take root.

Simmons and Tanski work together in a way that leaves no doubt that these roles are portrayals of real people who have human failings. It is a joy to watch these actors develop their characters synchronously; they are like airplanes flying in perfect formation, turning, climbing and descending as one. (I couldn’t resist the simile.)

The 12 songs, most of them written by Schenker, are all original. I found this catchy music on par with many proven Broadway productions. Most of the pieces are fresh, generating feelings that are appropriate to the play’s soaring theme. I particularly liked “Spread Your Wings,” “The Journey’s Not Over” and “Fly Through the Universe with Me.”

Amelia’s Journey is a serious work deserving serious attention. The play and music capture the essence of a tragic story that took place at a time when the unlimited potential of human flight was becoming part of the national consciousness.

Concept by Doug Schenker. Book: Linda Page. Producer: Doug Schenker. Director: Eloise Ullman Lyrics: Doug Schenker Music: Doug Schenker and John Starr. Musical arrangements: John Starr. Music Director: Anita O’Connor. Choreographer: Vicki Smith.

copyright 2004 Bay Weekly

Baltimore Sun

by Mary Johnson

July 22, 2004

Klieg lights were the only thing missing from the sold out world premiere of Amelia's Journey Friday at Chesapeake Arts Center's Studio Theatre. Greeting arrivals were composer-lyricist Doug Schenker, playwright Linda Page and director Eloise Ullman, who created the musical based on the life of aviator Amelia Earhart and her husband-promoter George Palmer Putnam.
The opening performance got nearly everything right, including a score filled with songs that move the action forward, a talented and well-rehearsed cast, the innovative and expansive use of theater space, the aura of authenticity in the characters, authentic period costumes and a great art deco door.
Solid storytelling devices include radio broadcasters and reporters relaying historical news bites that help propel the action seamlessly, and the intense audio drama of Amelia's final transmissions from the plane.
Schenker, who first developed the Amelia concept, credited director Ullman for casting and directing the show. Ullman additionally proved so skilled at networking that she attracted highly proficient tech people from the ranks of Colonial Players, who donated their time and talents. From music director Anita O'Connor to leading lady Mary Simmons with a chorus in between - all testified that it was Ullman who drew them into the production.
Page has created a first-rate script that holds audience attention from the first scene to the last, coming full circle with news of Amelia's disappearance.
Contributing to the high level of professionalism are O'Connor, who does her usual excellent job as music director, and Vicki Smith, who brings her unique sparkle to the choreography.
As Amelia, Simmons has a commanding, serene stage presence and enough acting skills to become the character in all her human multi-dimensionality. Simmons sings well and invests genuine feeling into the lyrics. She possesses an innate grace that serves her well in the dance numbers. She also undergoes a major transformation from plain young woman to sophisticated hostess, and is every inch the iconic aviator in authentic flight garb.
Initially, Scott Tanski doesn't quite fit the society mega-mover image of George Palmer Putnam, but he is believable in the demanding role through his dynamism and forceful personality. Tanski also sings well, although at times he is a bit loud for Simmons' Amelia, resulting in occasional balance problems. But Tanski cannot be faulted for his chemistry with Amelia.
Among the outstanding supporting actors, Jud Wegner is attractive as Amelia's flying instructor Duke Munroe, dominating the stage and revealing perhaps the best voice in the cast. His "If You Were Mine" is a showstopper.
Janene Borandi gives a strong performance as Amelia's lifelong friend Gwen Bowen, and Christy Stouffer is terrific as fiesty female pilot Annie Page.
Amelia's Journey continues at the Chesapeake Arts Center's Studio Theatre at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday. For tickets call 410-636-6597.
Copyright © 2004, The Baltimore Sun