Again with the lateness. Sorry!
So, I missed opening night of Curtains, but I did get to catch the Saturday night performance, which was great! There was an unexpected Act 2 visit from a bat that added to the somewhat creepiness of the Act 2 opener. Ironic: yes. Terrifying because there was a giant bat on the loose: also yes.
I digress.
Curtains is by far the best production I have seen this summer. Hands down. It puts Cockpit's earlier summer musical, Singin in the Rain, to shame. The cast is spot on at all times, the costumes are flashy, the sets are amazing (depsite one rickety staircase) and the show is just a hit, plain and simple. This, however, wouldn't be a review unless I go into crazy detail, so we shall start now.
One, Tom Wyatt knows how to put on a show. Tom directed/choreographed this production SO well. The book itself is a little weird at times, and some of the scenes drag, but that is the fault of the writer, not the director. The choreography is quick and impressive, especially when danced by the entire cast. He had a massive amount of things to do with this show. The script itself calls for tons of scenery, drops, props and special effects and Mr.Wyatt seamlessly works them all into this finished product. Bravo!
Two, THE COSTUMES! Wow. First off, I give the ensemble of this show a ton of credit. I feel like every time they reappear on stage, they are in new costumes, ranging from rehearsal clothes, to wild western outfits, ballgowns, can can dresses and more wigs than you can shake a stick at. Though shaking a stick at a wig will make you look like a crazy person. My only qualm here is James Fasching's billing as the Costume Designer. I've seen his work in the past, and it has never been this impressive. This leads me to believe that most of the costumes were pulled from stock and that some of the fancier pieces (most of the gowns and fancy dresses for the girls) were rented. Maybe a title like "Costume Coordinator" would have been more fitting. Not to say he didn't design some of the pieces at one time or another, but these were re-used or rented. I may be wrong, but that is how I saw it.
Also, I must take time to give a thumbs up to Stage Manager Margie Lake for what I'm sure is an intense show to call.
Three, the cast. Outstanding to say the least. Every character was perfectly cast and each actor plays with amazing comedic timing and wit. The ensemble of the show isn't just an ensemble, and they are working their butts off. With a ton of scenes and dance work being done, they impress immensely.
Chuck Graham makes for a lovable Frank Cioffi, and has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first scene. He plays with a "good guy" nature and you really can't help but like him. Plain and simple, he was great!
Dori Watson is hysterical in her short-lived time on stage as the terrible Jessica Cranshaw. Watch for her in the kickline, she can't be missed.
Tom Burns works his small comedic bits FANTASTICALLY and stands out as an audience favorite. I couldn't help but watch him when he is on stage. He is a funny man, and he knows how to make you laugh.
Becca Vourvoulas makes a great Bambi, with a killer voice and even better dance moves. Props to her for pulling off a fantastic dance in an over-the-top beaded indian getup.
John Desmone steals almost every scene he is in as director Christopher Belling. He serves up amazing one liners with the pro comedic timing. Mr.Desmone never disappoints, but he is really put to good use in the production.
Amy Pierson is lovably ditzy as ingenue Niki Harris, whom Cioffi is infatuated with. Her beautiful voice and simple but effective acting choices make her time on stage worth watching. Spoiler alert: There was something terribly disturbing about seeing her with a gun in her hand. Disturbing yet laughable.
Of course, my standout. I always have at least one. Liz Boyer Hunnicutt OWNS the show as producer Carmen Bernstein. She is witty, sassy and she knows how to use it. She has a powerhouse voice, as anyone who has seen her perform knows, and frequently had the audience reacting most to her on stage. She is one of my favorite local actresses, and should NOT be missed in this role. She really knocks it out of the park (or theatre) in "Show People" and "It's a Business". Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!
One of my few complaints about the show were music related. At times, there were major tempo problems, which one reviewer blamed on the ensemble. To him I say: Really dude? The ensemble of this show is the hardest working I've seen in a while. They've been rehearsing for months and know the score and choreography inside and out. Any tempo problems fall on the Music Director and pit. The musicians follow the actors, and should be expected to keep up, which at times, they can't. Not to say that they do a bad job, but they need to learn how to find a tempo, and stay there. Actors on stage have enough to worry about.
So, as I warned, I went into detail. But unto you I say this: Curtains and Cockpit is a huge smash. Get your tickets for the last two weekends NOW! If you were impressed by Singin' in the Rain, you need to see the real "Show People" in Curtains. Cockpit has had an amazing season, with a killer closing show (pardon the pun. Read the synopsis from the Curtains entry if you want to know what I'm talking about). Acting, Singing, Dancing and all while trying to escape someone with a death wish for their show. No need for rain on stage when you have real live bats and an epic cast!
A plus plus plus!
Theatre Fanatics
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Review- 13 at Tidewater Players
Ok...I am fully aware of how late this review is. Oh well. Tidewater Players in Havre de Grace has 3 summer camps every year for kids and teens that last for 2 weeks each, and at the end, they put on a show. Seems normal enough for a theater-related summer camp right? Not quite. Instead of doing boring, fairytale-esque shows that parents sit through solely because they have to, Tidewater puts on full productions, which gives these kids a chance to really "put on a show". To think that most shows rehearse for 6-8 weeks before opening, it is amazing that these camps essentially get 10 days to learn an entire production and put it up for an audience.
I attended one of the 5 performances that Tidewater Teens put on. This year, they did Jason Robert Brown's "13" about a boy trying to plan the perfect Bar Mitzvah, only to find out that his mother is relocating to the middle of nowhere, when he was used to the crazy streets of Manhattan. The show itself deals with the general pressures of being a teen in America, but JRB really puts his spin on it with creative songs and clever lyrics, and turns it into a coming of age story that will entertain adults as much as their teen counterparts. The show ran for a short period on Broadway, but was really built for community theatres and regional theatres as a chance for young actors to get a shot at playing real roles in a show. Tidewater pulls it off impressively, and I enjoyed myself, for the most part.
Now, I will say that the 2 things I didn't enjoy were Tidewater's billing of the show as "The Northeast Maryland Premiere of 13". I've noticed that the theatre itself has what seems like a slight obsession with being the "first" to do things. Unfortunately, Red Branch Theatre Company of Columbia, MD opened and closed the show before Tidewater did. Just because you do it first, doesn't mean you do it best. Let your work speak for itself, I say. Northeastern MD premiere or not, 13 was a hit. But it wasn't the fact that they were the area premiere that did it. Secondly, the H.E.A.T. Oh. My. Gosh. It was literally a sauna in there, and I'm not kidding in the least. I looked like I'd just run a 5K race by the time I left, and all I'd been doing was sitting and fanning myself as much as I could with my program. I know Tidewater has been having this issue for a while, but since the space is owned by the city, I think they need to force the mayor of HdG to hold a few board meetings in there and then try to tell them that they don't need a new air conditioning unit. I give SO much credit to the cast and creative team for putting up with that heat for 2 weeks straight. I'm honestly a little surprised that no actors, directors, stage managers, or audience members didn't faint. It was out of control, and that theatre deserves better, if you ask me. It will be hard to draw people in when there is a potential to have a heat stroke.
Anyways, on to the real review. I will say that 13 was literally one of the best shows that I have seen at Tidewater in a while. I loved "Spelling Bee" as well, but the fact that this awesome musical featured a cast of all teenagers, I was astounded. The sets were simple and used flats to create different classrooms, bedrooms and even a movie theatre setting. It was nice to not be distracted by them. Being that Tidewater is so small, the lights can't really be commented on, since there aren't many to begin with. Direction/ Choreography wise, Richard Mahoney does a great job. It seems like he pushed these young actors to explore these characters, which have more depth than the average coming of age story characters do. He used some of my favorite dance moves from the Broadway production, while still putting his own spin on things, and using the rather large cast (there were 13 kids in the Broadway show, 30 in this production) and using the space very well. The small pit was perfect for the score, with Lisa Wood rocking out on drums and giving the show a great rock feel.
As always, I have standouts from this production. Conor DeVoe, whom I loved in PFT's High School Musical, gets a star turn as Evan Goldman, the lead of the show. First off, DeVoe should be commended because it seems like he never leaves the stage during the show, and in that heat, that is a feat in and of itself. He does a superb job. He sings, acts and dances the part amazingly, and just gets better as the show goes on. He was, by far, the most impressive and talented member of the cast, and carries the show beautifully. I'm not sure what the producers of the Broadway show were doing while casting, because I enjoyed DeVoe here more than I enjoyed the rather nasaly singing of the original Evan on Broadway. His voice sounds awesome, and he never falters during the show, and I saw it at night, after a matinee earlier in the day. Conor has a very bright future ahead of him, so keep your eye out for him. Big things have got to be headed his way.
Elise Starkey tackles the role of Patrice, Evan's best friend and potential girlfriend, wonderfully. She acts with a true passion and is believable and doesn't falter. For someone so young, she was giving me some incredible character choices. She has a beautiful voice, albeit not one fully suited for Patrice's INSANE vocal notes. I don't think any transitions into her head voice were a bad choice on her part, more a bad choice on the Music Director's part for not finding suitable alternatives for her. I hate when an actor or actress is made to look bad because they aren't given alternates to notes that won't come out right. Elise sounded amazing either way.
Gannon Webb plays Archie, Evan's other best friend, who walks with canes, due to his physical disability, and Gannon plays him very well. He nails the deadpan comedic bits of the role, and still has the audience feeling for him in his more tender moments.
Other cast standouts included Kelly Vaughn as Lucy, the central villain of the plot. She has a surprisingly strong voice and sounds incredible in her songs and acts the role PERFECTLY. I loved every moment of her on stage, and can't wait to see where she goes next. She was the real hidden gem of the cast. Eddie and Malcolm are played by Josh Starkey and Jordan Hoffman, and were audience favorites and played the dim witted sidekicks to Joe Hetterly's Brett very well. Stephanie Meadowcroft is lovely as the pretty yet not-so-bright Kendra, and sounds beautiful in her vocal pieces.
I will say that, as the show was written for 13 actors, the addition of the ensemble was inevitable once community theatres could perform it, though I feel bad for them being underused most of the time. They are transitioned well into the scenes and songs that they were a part of, though. As always, with any production, there were the ones who constantly pulled focus for one reason or another, but that is expected. The only numbers that I wasn;t a fan of were "Being a Geek" which was cut from the Broadway production for obvious reasons, though DeVoe does with it what he could and "Bad, Bad News" which was not as effective as I've seen it done before and filled with some wonky high notes.
All in all, the production was fantastic, even though the heat was near unbearable and I give it an A! Congrats to all who worked on the show! I loved it!
I attended one of the 5 performances that Tidewater Teens put on. This year, they did Jason Robert Brown's "13" about a boy trying to plan the perfect Bar Mitzvah, only to find out that his mother is relocating to the middle of nowhere, when he was used to the crazy streets of Manhattan. The show itself deals with the general pressures of being a teen in America, but JRB really puts his spin on it with creative songs and clever lyrics, and turns it into a coming of age story that will entertain adults as much as their teen counterparts. The show ran for a short period on Broadway, but was really built for community theatres and regional theatres as a chance for young actors to get a shot at playing real roles in a show. Tidewater pulls it off impressively, and I enjoyed myself, for the most part.
Now, I will say that the 2 things I didn't enjoy were Tidewater's billing of the show as "The Northeast Maryland Premiere of 13". I've noticed that the theatre itself has what seems like a slight obsession with being the "first" to do things. Unfortunately, Red Branch Theatre Company of Columbia, MD opened and closed the show before Tidewater did. Just because you do it first, doesn't mean you do it best. Let your work speak for itself, I say. Northeastern MD premiere or not, 13 was a hit. But it wasn't the fact that they were the area premiere that did it. Secondly, the H.E.A.T. Oh. My. Gosh. It was literally a sauna in there, and I'm not kidding in the least. I looked like I'd just run a 5K race by the time I left, and all I'd been doing was sitting and fanning myself as much as I could with my program. I know Tidewater has been having this issue for a while, but since the space is owned by the city, I think they need to force the mayor of HdG to hold a few board meetings in there and then try to tell them that they don't need a new air conditioning unit. I give SO much credit to the cast and creative team for putting up with that heat for 2 weeks straight. I'm honestly a little surprised that no actors, directors, stage managers, or audience members didn't faint. It was out of control, and that theatre deserves better, if you ask me. It will be hard to draw people in when there is a potential to have a heat stroke.
Anyways, on to the real review. I will say that 13 was literally one of the best shows that I have seen at Tidewater in a while. I loved "Spelling Bee" as well, but the fact that this awesome musical featured a cast of all teenagers, I was astounded. The sets were simple and used flats to create different classrooms, bedrooms and even a movie theatre setting. It was nice to not be distracted by them. Being that Tidewater is so small, the lights can't really be commented on, since there aren't many to begin with. Direction/ Choreography wise, Richard Mahoney does a great job. It seems like he pushed these young actors to explore these characters, which have more depth than the average coming of age story characters do. He used some of my favorite dance moves from the Broadway production, while still putting his own spin on things, and using the rather large cast (there were 13 kids in the Broadway show, 30 in this production) and using the space very well. The small pit was perfect for the score, with Lisa Wood rocking out on drums and giving the show a great rock feel.
As always, I have standouts from this production. Conor DeVoe, whom I loved in PFT's High School Musical, gets a star turn as Evan Goldman, the lead of the show. First off, DeVoe should be commended because it seems like he never leaves the stage during the show, and in that heat, that is a feat in and of itself. He does a superb job. He sings, acts and dances the part amazingly, and just gets better as the show goes on. He was, by far, the most impressive and talented member of the cast, and carries the show beautifully. I'm not sure what the producers of the Broadway show were doing while casting, because I enjoyed DeVoe here more than I enjoyed the rather nasaly singing of the original Evan on Broadway. His voice sounds awesome, and he never falters during the show, and I saw it at night, after a matinee earlier in the day. Conor has a very bright future ahead of him, so keep your eye out for him. Big things have got to be headed his way.
Elise Starkey tackles the role of Patrice, Evan's best friend and potential girlfriend, wonderfully. She acts with a true passion and is believable and doesn't falter. For someone so young, she was giving me some incredible character choices. She has a beautiful voice, albeit not one fully suited for Patrice's INSANE vocal notes. I don't think any transitions into her head voice were a bad choice on her part, more a bad choice on the Music Director's part for not finding suitable alternatives for her. I hate when an actor or actress is made to look bad because they aren't given alternates to notes that won't come out right. Elise sounded amazing either way.
Gannon Webb plays Archie, Evan's other best friend, who walks with canes, due to his physical disability, and Gannon plays him very well. He nails the deadpan comedic bits of the role, and still has the audience feeling for him in his more tender moments.
Other cast standouts included Kelly Vaughn as Lucy, the central villain of the plot. She has a surprisingly strong voice and sounds incredible in her songs and acts the role PERFECTLY. I loved every moment of her on stage, and can't wait to see where she goes next. She was the real hidden gem of the cast. Eddie and Malcolm are played by Josh Starkey and Jordan Hoffman, and were audience favorites and played the dim witted sidekicks to Joe Hetterly's Brett very well. Stephanie Meadowcroft is lovely as the pretty yet not-so-bright Kendra, and sounds beautiful in her vocal pieces.
I will say that, as the show was written for 13 actors, the addition of the ensemble was inevitable once community theatres could perform it, though I feel bad for them being underused most of the time. They are transitioned well into the scenes and songs that they were a part of, though. As always, with any production, there were the ones who constantly pulled focus for one reason or another, but that is expected. The only numbers that I wasn;t a fan of were "Being a Geek" which was cut from the Broadway production for obvious reasons, though DeVoe does with it what he could and "Bad, Bad News" which was not as effective as I've seen it done before and filled with some wonky high notes.
All in all, the production was fantastic, even though the heat was near unbearable and I give it an A! Congrats to all who worked on the show! I loved it!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Curtains!
Happy Opening to Curtains! I'll be attending tonight and posting my review tomorrow. IF you know anything about the show, it is ironic to be a "theatre critic" writing a review about it, due to the plot. Either way, I heard GREAT things about the show from last night, so I'm excited to see it! Break a leg everyone!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Show Announcement: Curtains!
Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre Presents:
CURTAINS
THE MUSICAL COMEDY WHODUNIT
Directed and Choreographed by Tom Wyatt
Show Times:
July 23, 24, 30, 31, August 5, 6, 7 at 8 pm
July 25, August 1, 8 at 3 pm
Tickets are priced from $12-18
Can be purchased at the door or online:
https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=2025
There is a preview scheduled for tomorrow night, but it has already sold out, so I'd suggest buying tickets in advance.
This is sure to be an amazing show. From what I've heard, the cast is full of some of the best the area has to offer, and I know that Mr.Wyatt knows how to put on a show! Expect a review during the first weekend, most likely after opening night.
I've posted a short synopsis below. A lot of people don't know much about this show, but I caught it on Broadway, and it is HYSTERICAL! The script is witty and quick, the music is good, old-fashioned camp and the dancing always impresses!
Curtains unfolds backstage at Boston's Colonial Theatre in 1959, where a new musical could be a Broadway smash, were it not for the presence of its talent-free leading lady. When the hapless star dies on opening night during her curtain call, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi arrives on the scene to conduct an investigation. But the lure of the theatre proves irresistible and after an unexpected romance blooms for the stage-struck detective, he finds himself just as drawn toward making the show a hit, as he is in solving the murder.
The musical features music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
CURTAINS
THE MUSICAL COMEDY WHODUNIT
Directed and Choreographed by Tom Wyatt
Show Times:
July 23, 24, 30, 31, August 5, 6, 7 at 8 pm
July 25, August 1, 8 at 3 pm
Tickets are priced from $12-18
Can be purchased at the door or online:
https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=2025
There is a preview scheduled for tomorrow night, but it has already sold out, so I'd suggest buying tickets in advance.
This is sure to be an amazing show. From what I've heard, the cast is full of some of the best the area has to offer, and I know that Mr.Wyatt knows how to put on a show! Expect a review during the first weekend, most likely after opening night.
I've posted a short synopsis below. A lot of people don't know much about this show, but I caught it on Broadway, and it is HYSTERICAL! The script is witty and quick, the music is good, old-fashioned camp and the dancing always impresses!
Curtains unfolds backstage at Boston's Colonial Theatre in 1959, where a new musical could be a Broadway smash, were it not for the presence of its talent-free leading lady. When the hapless star dies on opening night during her curtain call, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi arrives on the scene to conduct an investigation. But the lure of the theatre proves irresistible and after an unexpected romance blooms for the stage-struck detective, he finds himself just as drawn toward making the show a hit, as he is in solving the murder.
The musical features music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tidewater presents: 13
I am happy to announce Tidewater Players' Production of Jason Robert Brown's "13"!! They were kind enough to send this press release to me, and after some digging around, I have learned that one of my favorites from PFT's "High School Musical", Conor DeVoe, will be starring in this production as Evan Goldman. Unfortunately, I won't be there to write a review, and even though it only runs for one weekend, I'd still like it to be reviewed. So, if any of you readers will be there, shoot me an e-mail and let me know, and maybe one of you could write the show up for me! Get out to see this FANTASTIC show! I know the Tidewater Teens will do the show justice.
Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Dan Elish & Robert Horn
Directed & Choreographed by Dickie Mahoney
Musical Direction by Marji Eldreth
5 Performances Only
Friday July 16th @ 8:00pm
Saturday July 17th @ 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday July 18th @ 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Tickets
$10.00 Adults
$5.00 Children 12 and under
(plus online fees)
To purchase tickets and reserve your seats, go to
www.tidewaterplayers.com
and click the link for Seat Yourself Online Ticketing
Tidewater Players
The Community Theatre of Havre de Grace
121 N. Union Ave. 2nd Floor, Havre de Grace, MD
410-939-5046
Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Dan Elish & Robert Horn
Directed & Choreographed by Dickie Mahoney
Musical Direction by Marji Eldreth
5 Performances Only
Friday July 16th @ 8:00pm
Saturday July 17th @ 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday July 18th @ 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Tickets
$10.00 Adults
$5.00 Children 12 and under
(plus online fees)
To purchase tickets and reserve your seats, go to
www.tidewaterplayers.com
and click the link for Seat Yourself Online Ticketing
Tidewater Players
The Community Theatre of Havre de Grace
121 N. Union Ave. 2nd Floor, Havre de Grace, MD
410-939-5046
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Teatro101 presents: Side Show
Teatro101 is a new theatre company based out of Baltimore, that, to this point, has gained a ton of great reviews for their work. I have yet to catch one of their shows, but I'm excited for this one! I LOVE this show, and I'll try to make it to opening weekend!
SIDE SHOW AUGUST 12 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4
Music by Henry Krieger
Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell
Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet
and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the depression era of the 1930s, Side Show is a
moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. The original Broadway production, featuring Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner, was nominated for four Tony Awards and includes now Broadway classics like "I Will Never Leave You", "Who Will Love Me As I Am", and "You Should Be Loved".
A fresh concept, cast of 18, an intimate 60-seat theatre, and live orchestra promise to bring you the FREAK SHOW of the summer.
Limited seating. All tickets $20 General Admission. Available tickets sold at the door –CASH ONLY. NO CREDIT CARDS AT THE DOOR.
Only 12 Performances, so book early.
Thursday, August 12 at 8pm
Friday, August 13 at 8pm
Saturday, August 14 at 8pm
Sunday, August 15 at 3pm (The Only Exclusive Matinee Time)
Friday, August 20 at 8pm
Saturday, August 21 at 8pm
Sunday, August 22 at 7pm
Friday, August 27 at 8pm
Saturday, August 28 at 8pm
Sunday, August 29 at 7pm
Friday, September 3 at 8pm
Saturday, September 4 at 8pm
You can buy tickets through their website, which will likely be your best option.
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