This ‘Night’ delivers classic rock with operatic punch
By Christopher John Treacy

Boston Herald
Saturday, June 2, 2007

“A Night at the Rock Opera” won’t change your life, but it will lift your spirits and entertain you for two-and-a-half hours - not so easy considering the average attention span wanes during a 30-second commercial.

        Basically a tribute to FM radio’s theatrical best, the show - which opened at Arlington’s Regent Theatre on Thursday and runs through next weekend - began in 1999 as an ode to “Jesus Christ Superstar” and has since grown in popularity and musical scope.
        Thursday’s first set brimmed with the energy of 23 local singers and musicians, dubbed the Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra, who carried out spirited renditions of tunes by The Who, the Beatles and Queen. The latter’s “Somebody to Love” was particularly graceful given its tricky vocal gymnastics.


        A top-notch backing band respectfully handled the classic arrangements, subtly tweaking them to keep things interesting. Guitarist Tony Savarino is a proven instrumental asset, and violinist Gordon Hill added unexpected accents. Co-producer/drummer Alan Ware delivered a sturdy rhythmic backbone along with Nick Warseck on bass.
        For the “Superstar” medley, Naoko Takamoto revealed deliciously bluesy chops during her take on “Everything’s Alright.” “With A Little Help From My Friends” proved an excellent vehicle for Lauren Anderson’s belting and Drew Kuhn’s soulful rasp, as well as his simultaneously hilarious and sexy gyrations.
        A run through side two of the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” made great use of the entire troupe. Leader Sal Clemente’s vocal prowess was most apparent during “Golden Slumbers.”
        The second half featured an amusing slice of an original rock opera, a true tale of a failed attempt at collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber cleverly titled “Will We Rock You?”
        While the lighting and choreography need improvement, it’s hard not to be taken in by the Ultrasonic rockers’ unabashed affinity for the progressive rock of yore. No band, no matter how large or accomplished, is going to meet expectations in tackling such mythologized music. The object is to do your best with what you’ve got - and “Night at the Rock Opera” has a lot.
        “A NIGHT AT THE ROCK OPERA”
        At the Regent Theatre, Arlington, Thursday night. Continues through June 10.