On an ONYX1 related note is this article by Advocate reporter Justin Morrison:
Musical captures essence of 1970's 'Take Me Back' inspires audience to follow hopes. Issue date: 9/24/08
The play examines the aspect of having a firm idea of one's goals and taking the steps needed to achieve them, no matter how simple or complex they may be. (Erik Verduzco / The Advocate)
"Take Me Back" the musical transported the audience back in time with original music, reminding people to always chase their dreams.
Held in the Knox Center on Friday and Saturday night, "Take Me Back" offered up the story of Wendell, played by Faron Griffon, who put his dreams on hold for the sake of his family.
"(Wendell has) a good heart, but there are two sides," Griffon said, "The sensitivity and the fire."
Thirty years after his first attempt at stardom with the rhythm and blues group Onyx, Wendell gets a second shot at his dream when someone digs up their old record, writer and producer Karen Basey said.
He then decides to chase after the dream he gave up long before, she said.
On opening night, the show sold over 120 tickets, according to the Box Office, with proceeds going to the West Contra Costa County nonprofit organization Girls Incorporated.
"I thought for the most part, it was well put together," audience member Keeley Williams said.
The singing was well executed, she said, and flowed well with the story.
"I really like Star, (played by Ria) her singing was excellent," Williams said.
She also said there was a nice dynamic between the musical and comedic sides of the play.
Humor was intended for comedic relief from the classic musical portions, director David Sonnier said.
The classic musical portions consisted entirely of original pieces from the actual 1970s group Onyx, he said. The pieces were chosen for their reflection of a particular mood in the musical, as well as their originality.
The play was divided into three settings, in which the story unfolded across four acts.
Two of the areas were chosen for their familiarity The third was the home, important to the development of Wendell, he said.
"(The home scenes) demonstrate him dealing with a dominating wife and his career," Sonnier said, "as well as his failure to reach his artistic potential."
Even though there is the serious side to the play, it was also intended as a chance for the audience to just relax, unwind and enjoy the show, Griffon said.
"We are not immune to the things going on (in the world)," he said.
It was Griffon's intention that the audience walked away with a firm grasp of their dreams.
Regardless of what it might be, they should leave and take a step toward fulfilling them, even if it is as simple as just wanting to be a good parent, he said.
Overall, both Griffon and Sonnier thought the program went well, with only a few minor issues that required some tightening.
"It went well considering the time we had to work in the theater," Sonnier said.
Contact Justin Morrison at jmorrison.advocate@gmail.com.
Justin Morrison - The Advocate
(Sep 24, 2008)