* The Apple Tree * The Music Man * The Pirates of Penzance * Oklahoma! * Carousel * The Most Happy Fella *
* The Pajama Game * The Prop Shop * Sweethearts Now and Then * Meet Your Mountain
* Don't Touch That Dial * The Hat Rack * Party of Eight * Musical Cheers * The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas *
OKLAHOMA!
This New York City production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic was produced by the Village Light Opera Group. Margaret's direction of the huge cast was praised by the New York Times: "One measure of strength is that this self-congratulatory allegory of American virtue doesn't seem unduly corny and quaint. Margaret Rose has staged Oklahoma! as a classically simple American fable." Oklahoma! was one of several shows Margaret directed for the VLOG; she loved working with the group and appreciated the opportunity to direct fully-staged, fully-produced musicals (with a 20+ piece orchestra!), right in the heart of Manhattan.
DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL
"Another mega-hit the size of Forever Plaid or Forbidden Broadway. Eric Rockwell and Margaret Rose haven't missed a trick with Don't Touch That Dial, and the sight gags alone will have you rolling on the floor," raved Bob Harrington in Back Stage. The show was created by Margaret and Eric, and played for an extended run as the late-night entertainment following evening performances of Forever Plaid at Steve McGraw's Supper Club on the Upper West Side. A zany romp through TV Land, Don't Touch That Dial was nominated for a MAC Award. Mr. Harrington continued, "Beyond the nostalgia, this is just great, silly, wonderful fun. Rockwell & Rose underpin it with a wry, ironic wit that puts some edge on the froth, making it unabashedly just what it is. And what it is is is hilarious."
MEET YOUR MOUNTAIN
Then titled The Donner Party, the world premiere production was Co-Directed by Margaret and Michael Laun. Hailed as "A win" by BroadwayWorld.com and "Visually stunning" by Jeff Hudson of NPR CapRadio, the show portrays the tragic story of ill-fated pioneers, but finds hope and inspiration in the tale. In additional to praise from the critics, the show prompted a buzz on social media, with fans posting comments like: "A powerful, moving story, and so well done!" and "I was so moved by the way this tragic story was told. Congratulations on making such a touching piece of theatrical art.”
CAROUSEL
"Not since the last two New York revivals, at Lincoln Center and City Center in 1965 and 1966 respectively, has Carousel been presented here on such a grand scale," wrote Ken Mandelbaum in Theater Week. The design team and production crew created a gorgeous setting, including an impressive working carousel. The show featured choreography by Bill Waldinger. The huge cast, led by amazing singers in the leading roles, brought the score and the story to life beautifully. The Daily News agreed: "VLOG's Carousel sounds and looks very good ... Margaret Rose's direction is eye-catching!"
THE MOST HAPPY FELLA
"A production of The Most Happy Fella that will never be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to see and hear it," according to Michael Portantiere of TheaterMania.com.
Margaret will certainly never forget this production, thrilled as she was to work with the astonishing depth of talent in the cast and the incredible music director, Ron Noll.
From Bill Zakariasen in the Daily News, "Margaret Rose's direction is appropriately energetic. A superlative presentation."
THE PAJAMA GAME
For Margaret, a great part of the joy of directing this Pajama Game was contributing to the mission of The Blue Hill Troupe. Hailing from all walks of life and spanning several generations, Troupers donate their time and energy to produce two full theatrical productions a year. And then, the best thing: the Troupe's net proceeds from ticket and advertising sales each year are donated to a New York City based charity.
Adjusted for inflation, the Troupe has raised over nine million dollars for its charity partners since its founding in 1924.
THE PROP SHOP
Co-Directed and Conceived with Eric Rockwell, The Prop Shop was written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of TADA! theater in Manhattan. A revue of TADA!'s greatest hits, the show also included a handful of original Rockwell & Rose songs to tie the plot together.
Ralph Sevush of the Dramatists Guild observed, "Its grand finale is not just a tribute to A Chorus Line but a meeting of magic and realism that results in a theme of self-esteem for kids... to find the dreams within themselves and make those dreams come true. It was, and remains, an inspirational moment for anyone of any age."
MUSICAL CHEERS
Co-created and Co-directed with Eric Rockwell, Musical Cheers was one of several revues written and directed by the team for the Timbers Dinner Theater in Mt. Gretna, PA. The show was an energetic potpourri of popular music from Motown to Broadway to Sinatra and more. "It's the kind of show that makes you wish you could sing and dance along," declared Beth Boyer of the Lebanon Daily News, "because from beginning to the end, the performance is delightful."
