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Below is an excerpt from a review written by Marcia B. Siegel of the Boston Phoenix:
"Yo-el Cassell's movement is whimsical, fluid, inventitve and revealing. He is one of the few up and coming choreographers now-a-days who can easily combine abstraction and commercialism in one world, creating work that is totally his. While there are many influences from Mr. Hopper to Charlie Chaplin, Mr. Cassell’s work again is his alone; original and transfixing. Mr. Cassell and Mr. Klose have created a world that is accessible but at the same time artistic, dramatic, humorous, moving, transporting and best of all, self revealing. While it was seen off Broadway, the show definitely puts to shame any show that is seen on Broadway now-a-days."
Joe Kelley The Upper Room With Joe Kelley Radio & TV Show, WVOF writes:
"Upper Room" co-host Gi Dussault and I had the great honor to be invited to the premiere performance of the modern dance/musical "Moonlight Interior". Before relating the highlights of the show, let me extend my gratitude to the entire staff that was affiliated with "Moonlight Interior" and the Sande Shurin Theatre. You couldn't have met nicer and classier people. From the dapper gentleman greeting patrons in the theater entrance to Yo-el Cassell's dad (who is such a nice person and made Gi and I feel so comfortable and like stars even though we are everyday people), the kindness made such a great impression on us.
There was a nice cocktail hour with silent auction that was highlighted by a vocal performance by a classically trained singer. Jann Klose's band was sound checking in the stage area and the host of the evening made it a point to inform us that the show would commence in a short time. This touch of keeping us up-to-date is often taken for granted in concerts. But the "Moonlight Interior" staff knew how to treat people right. On to the show...
"Moonlight Interior's" choreographer and dancer Yo-el Cassell has created a phenomenal modern-day dance performance combined with the amazing music of Jann Klose and his stellar band. From the onset when Yo-el Cassell and his talented "Moonlight Interior" takes us through some pensive moods, the audience is in for a real treat. Cassell draws us in with so many different dances and emotions of love, introspection, humor and pure dance talent. The intimate Sande Shurin Theatre was a great venue choice for the "Moonlight Interior" debut. I felt so connected with the show as the dancers were inches away from the seats and were thoroughly expressive throughout. Cassell is a force to be reckoned with in the dance world as his "Moonlight Interior" creation is so refreshing in these days of quick-fix entertainment. I found myself driving home that night and the next morning trying to piece together some of the scenes in "Moonlight Interior" and I guess the nice thing is that each theatergoers will have their own interpretation of this choreographer's great art.
The dance performance was perfectly complimented by the NYC singer-songwriter Jann Klose and his standout band. Klose has one of the most soulful and distinctive voices in modern music and his song writing is just as superb. With a wireless mic and his guitar, Klose moved around the stage and sang some incredible songs that accentuated Cassell's dance vignettes. Let's hope a CD of these songs in is in the making.
I hope that "Moonlight Interior" sees a lengthy run in New York City and eventually goes on the road. It was an amazing show and certainly worthy of seeing widespread success.
Thanks to Yo-el and Jann and the "Moonlight Interior" staff.
Joe Kelley
Original Press Release (January 2005)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Leighton: 718-881-8183 / LeightonMedia@aol.com
MOONLIGHT INTERIOR—The choreography of Yo-el Cassell, Music of Jann Klose, April 14-17 at the Sande Shurin Black Box Theater
YC Movement Theatre shatters the alienation of our modern times with a collaborative piece, MOONLIGHT INTERIOR. Moving to the choreography of Yo-el Cassell and the music of Jann Klose, the performers seek to reveal the extraordinary within each of us. The evening length production will take place at the Sande Shurin Black Box Theater, 311 West 43rd Street, 6th floor in New York City, April 14-17. The Sande Shurin Theater is located between 8th and 9th Avenues, and near the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 and S subway stops. Show times are: 8 pm (2 pm Matinees on Saturday and Sunday), admission is $20 ($15 w/Student ID), with the opening night performance as a benefit for the YC Movement Theatre company for $50. The public can call 212-726-8060 for more information.
The show is directed and choreographed by Yo-el Cassell with a live musical score written and performed by collaborator, Jann Klose and his band. Cassell says, “There are many inspirations in this work, especially the artwork of Edward Hopper, whose paintings, I feel, are inspiration for the ‘interior’ in all of us—our own inner beauty.”
Dancer/choreographer/mime/actor Yo-el Cassell credits include The Virginia Opera, The Pearl Lang Dance Theater, Spencer/Colton, The American Mime Theater, PBS’s SHINING TIME STATION, Miramax’ CULTIVATING STILLNESS, a residency at Skidmore College and researching period movement for the movie CHICAGO and its director Rob Marshall. The BOSTON PHOENIX cites Cassell as a “choreographer with great invention and imagination with a fluid command of the craft of movement ... his work strikes an emotional punch.”
Originally from Germany, singer/songwriter/actor Jann Klose is equally eclectic. CLEVELAND MAGAZINE says his current EP, BLACK BOX is “a startlingly fresh blend of pop, blues, rock and jazz that provides the perfect showcase for Klose’s powerful, emotive voice.” Klose has performed throughout the world, he has acted and sung in the Broadway touring company of JECKYL AND HYDE, TOMMY at NJPAC and the JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR European tour. He’s developed a following for his original music, opening for Steve Forbert, Tish Hinojosa, Jorma Kaukonen (of Jefferson Airplane) and performing with the legendary Les Paul.
Cassell hopes to inspire people with this presentation, “Jann and I invite the audience into an intimate and enthralling environment of live music, dance and the theater of one's own imagination.”
Websites: www.moonlightinterior.com and www.jannklose.com
