From Broadway to Obscurity

Winnipeg Studio Theatre—PTE – Mainstage

In this one-man show, Eric Gutman presents his life story as an actor, starting in second grade when he is cast as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, gaining experience in various productions, and struggling through “constant auditions and rejections” in New York and other places.

A more apt title for this show might be “From Obscurity to Broadway to Obscurity”, as Gutman spends a fair amount of time relating his experiences as one of countless young actors competing to break into the business. Luckily, he eventually lands a role in Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. He does over 1200 shows, on tour and on Broadway, before giving it all up

Gutman ultimately spends less time focusing on the abandonment of his career to raise a family, than he does on his long path to recognition. As he does, he sings a variety of songs from well-known musicals, while providing an insider’s perspective on the struggle as well as success in his field.

Anyone well-versed in musicals will delight in all the references to them, but even those with less knowledge can still enjoy Gutman’s story and singing. A highlight of the show is the single time he picks up the acoustic guitar, and strums and sings the romantic ballad Gold (from the musical Once) in a folk-rock style, instead of singing along to pre-recorded musical accompaniment.

Konrad Antony