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Guest Review of Urinetown By Todd A. Heywood Urinetown, The Musical is one of those ambitious Broadway musicals that community theaters should be careful in tackling, but Holt Dimondale Community Players has created an overall satisfying production. I have seen this show a couple of times, and I am always enamored of the story, the crazy twists, and profoundly silly scenarios. All three combine together to tell a compelling morality tale that turns the traditional "revolution" musical (think Les Miserables) on its head.
I would bet most of us have seen the movie, many of us have seen the play, and all of us have seen the clip where Stanley yells "STELLA!" "A Streetcar Named Desire" is an American classic, and I jumped at the chance to see it at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea. Tennessee Williams's tale about life in the south just after World War 2 has many issues that still ring true today. The story begins at the home of Stanley Kowalski and his wife, Stella. When Stella's sister, Blanch DuBois, arrives at their small home in New Orleans, the classic drama unfolds. Since the audience already knows the story, this is a tough show to do and the cast here does it well. Matthew David is excellent as Stanley. He resists any temptation to imitate the man who created the role so many years ago while still bringing that almost hidden piece of vulnerability to Stanley in the same way Marlon Brando did. Charlyn Swarthout is Stella, and she does well playing out the conflict she must deal with between her husband and her sister. Michelle Mountain has the toughest role as the troubled Blanche. While she does well through most of the play, there were a few times when she could not be heard. This was especially a problem when she was on the floor, or facing another part of the audience. This one gets a good 3 out of Fordyce and is well worth the drive to Chelsea. The show runs through March 21.
Getting to the Purple Rose was Half the Fun (posted Feb 28) Thanks for the invite, and if they do a trip again to the theater I urge you to join us. I got some pics of the fun on the bus and at lunch. Click here to enjoy "Spring Awakening" High on Energy
Right now at Wharton Center, you can celebrate spring a little early with "Spring Awakening." This Tony Award Winner is set in Germany in 1891. It begins when Wendla explores the mysteries of her body, and wonders aloud where babies come from. I give this one a very good 3 out of Fordyce. But be warned if you plan to see it before it leaves MSU on Sunday: There is nudity, sex, bad language and very adult themes in this show. IT IS NOT for youngsters or those who are sensitive. "Tape" Records a Good Performance at LCC
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I am always amazed at the talented young people we have in Mid Michigan and I loved watching them Friday night as they put me in their sights. It was the "All of You Review" from All of Us Express Children's Theater. The object of the show was simple: young actors followed us around at our jobs and then wrote a parody skit and performed it in front of a large audience. Well, come to think of it, that doesn't sound simple, but these kids made it look simple and fun.
LightVisions was Lansing Community College’s annual spring dance concert. I joined the audience for the Saturday night show and was treated to an enjoyable evening that featured faculty and guest artists the ever wonderful group of LCC dance students. Director Roberta Otten included a variety of dance genres such as ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop,. I especially enjoyed "Til Tap Do Us Part", a clever number set to the tune "Here Comes the Broad" a variation on Mendelssohn's Wedding March from Brian Seltzer. While it might make Mendelssohn spin in his grave, it made the whole audience spin at Dart Auditorium. I give this show a good 3 out of Fordyce. But it was a one weekend only event, so I am sorry you missed it. But check back here for the many other offerings LCC brings to the community. I always have then listed.
Rating: 3 1/2 Pennies (out of 4) 
No musical is safe from good-natured ridicule in Gerard Alessandrini’s Forbidden Broadway. After a Fund Raising dress rehearsal and two preview nights, this show officially opens Friday Night. 
Holt & Dimondale Community Players are presenting the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Urinetown, The Musical this week and next. 
For Tickets click through to the Purple Rose Web Site 
The Lansing Community College Theatre Program is presenting"Tape," the story of three former friends meeting in a Lansing motel room to deal with their unresolved past.| Georgex | xxxKate |
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For Opening Night Pictures, Click Here
To hear Jack Ebling and Jim Fordyce talk to the Emily Sutton-Smith, Click here
"Color Purple" has Slow Start, Big Finish (Feb. 5,2009)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
After a weather delay, "The Color Purple" arrived in East Lansing. The musical from the book and movie of the same name debuted at Wharton Center tonight.
The story focuses on the lives of black women from the 1930's and moves forward in time. It is told through the eyes of Celie. She is a poor, uneducated, unattractive young woman who, at fourteen, is abused and impregnated twice by a man she believes to be her father. She is separated from her sister, and the man who becomes her husband hides letters that are her only contact to the outside world. Along the way we meet her friends and family and watch as they all "grow up" and change.
Kenita Miller is excellent as Celie; she plays the part perfectly and has a voice to die for. The outstanding member of the supporting cast is Felicia Fields, who plays the rotund and strong-willed Sofia. I was also delighted to see show biz veteran Adam Wade as Ol' Mister. While I am sure Mr. Wade does not remember me, I met him in the studio on a few occasions way back in 1975, when he was the first African American host of a game show. He was the star of "Musical Chairs" on CBS. I knew his announce,r the late Pat Hernon, and dropped by to watch on several occasions. I will bet if I check in my studio I probably have one of his records (on vinyl). He was a wonderfully talented singer and performer back then and he has only gotten better with age. (UPDATE: I go to chat with Adam Wade before the show left town. The intereview is below)
This show works hard to set up the story, and I found the first act very long and sometimes tedious. Fortunately, the second act is faster and much more upbeat. It leads you to the pleasant ending.
My seat was in the grand tier, which is Wharton Center's name for the steep, less expensive seats in the balcony. The last time I sat there was for "Chicago." Since then I have wondered if the bad audio was a factor of that show or the seating level. I now know it was the show. The audio upstairs was crisp and clear. The second level does make the show hard to see. I used my opera glasses to see the wonderful expressions and emotions of the actors. I would have missed those without help. Seeing the dances from above was a mixed blessing. I could easily tell when there were missed steps, which happened in two dances. Also from the top angle, you can see the cables lying across the front of the stage, and you learn quickly that the lighting for the show is done with the downstairs audience in mind.
I will give this show a good 3 out of Fordyce. But a caution if you go: spend the extra to sit downstairs. You will be glad you did.
"Color Purple" Star Talks to MIentertainment (Feb. 5,2009)
"The Color Purple" arrived in East Lansing with Adam Wade as one of its stars.. I was also delighted to see show biz veteran Adam Wade as Ol' Mister. While I was sure Mr. Wade did not remember me, I met him in the studio on a few occasions way back in 1975, when he was the first African American host of a game show. He was the star of "Musical Chairs" on CBS. I knew his announce,r the late Pat Hernon, and dropped by to watch on several occasions. He is a wonderfully talented singer and performer back then and he has only gotten better with age. I was right, he did not remember me, but I was able to say hello we chatted with Adam Wade before the show left town. The interview is below.
A MIentertainment Radio Extra!
Click here for Jim's Interview with Adam Wade
Wizard of Oz is Great Community Fun (Feb. 7, 2009)
Rating: 3 Paws out of 4
Note from Jim:
This is Wally, the Wonder Dog, our special golden retriever who reviews family flicks. He insisited on revewing "The Wizard of Oz." He is a presonal friend of one of the cast members named "Toto."
What a fun night I had watching “The Wizard of OZ” in Owosso. The community players there did the show we all know and love. Owosso is so cool. They filled just about every seat to support their friends and neighbors. I think half the kids in town were on stage as Munchkins and Poppies. They were so cute. Kristen Martin is Dorothy (you may have heard Jim and Jack talking to her on the radio). She was so sweet and nice, and she loves her dog. Jenny Martin was so beautiful as Glinda, and the guys who played the Scare Crow, the Lion and the Tin Man were all very funny. Helen Griffus was the mean old Wicked Witch of the West. She was so good in her role I wanted to get on stage and help Toto bite her. And Toto was played by “Sammy.” He is a Mid Michigan resident who lives with his family, the Schaufelbergers.
This show was pretty good. There were a few “oops” moments with lighting and staging and maybe a missed line or two. I also thought the show was a little long at three hours. But that should not stop you from seeing this show when it runs again next weekend. After all, it is a community theater of volunteers working hard to entertain friends and neighbors. Go show them you appreciate their efforts. I did and give it three paws out of four!
For Opening Night Pictures Click Here
To hear Jack Ebling and Jim Fordyce talk to the Cast, Click here
Starlight Dinner Theatre presents "Accommodations" (Feb. 7, 2009)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
I was off to the Starlight Dinner Theater Saturday night to see the latest show from Linda Granger and her talented cast and crews. After a delicious buffet dinner the sold out crowd was treated to “Accommodations” This funny show takes place in 1973 in New York City. It is the story of a college student, Tracy (Joseph Baumann,) wannabe actress Pat, (Angela Dill) and runaway house wife, Lee (Linda Granger) being thrown together as roommates in a tiny Greenwich Village apartment. When husband Bob (Chris Klaver) gets added in to the mix and you have a recipe for great comedy. The show starts off just a tad slow as the characters are set up, but then it takes off from there. Some of the jokes and ideas are a bit dated, but this cast pulls them off without a hitch. The set is authentic and the show was technically perfect. Dill is the standout in this cast as she plays the young dumb actress who keeps changing her character all thorough the show. Hat’s off to her costumer Jan Ross for creating her outlandish outfits and kudos to Ms. Dill for using those costumes to make her character. This is a cute show and worth the price of you dinner just for the scene where they all Pat and Bob get drunk. You will laugh you polyester off. I give this one a good three out of Fordyce. If you want o see one of the few remaining shows next weekend. I suggest you get your reservations in now. The show I saw was a sellout, not uncommon for “Starlight”
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Waverly East Middle School. Reservations are required if you choose to do both dinner and the show, and tickets must be pre-paid. Ticket prices include dinner and the show for $30, $25 for seniors (62+) and students 22 and under with a valid student I.D. Show-only tickets are also available for $15 and can be purchased at the door. Reservation check-in is from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Starlight Dinner Theatre at (517) 243-6040 or email starlightdinnertheatre@yahoo.com. You may also visit the website at www.starlightdinnertheatre.com.
INSTA-Cam Reviews of: "Accomodations"
We asked: What did you think of the show and what was your favorite part?
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See What's UpNext at:
Miss Daisy Drives Home a Hit (Jan. 30,2009)
Rating: 4 out of Fordyce
We all expected magic and we got it.
Carmen Decker is now onstage at the BoarsHead Theater in downtown Lansing in "driving Miss Daisy"
Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play that was also made famous in a movie of the same name is the story of Daisy Werthan.
After crashing her car her son hires a Chaiuffer to drive the ederly woman around and she is forced to give the keys to Hoke Coleburn, a reserved but proud black man. You watch as an unlikely friendship develops that lasts 25 years.
Carmen Decker does not star as Miss Daisy.
She IS Miss Daisy. There is a reason she is called the first lady of Lansing Theater and she shows it in this show. Five seconds into the play you fall in love with her and that love affair lasts the entire 90 minutes. Ms. Decker has perfect timing, perfect stage presence and does not miss a line or a beat.
James Bowen, Carmen Decker & Bruce Bennett
She is on stage with two other fine actors who draw from her and perform flawlessly. James Bowen is Hoke and he is so good you want to ask him to drive you to the store, and Bruce Bennett has the perfect mix of emotions and expressions to play Daisy’s son, Boolie.
Adding to this show is a simple set, that does its job well without being intrusive, and great music to put you in the mood as the show begins and the scenes chage. Speaking of scene changes hats off to director Katie Doyle for not just making this cast lkook and sound great on center stage. When you go, notice how they all stay in character as they enter and exit. It is sublte but adds a lot to the show.
If you haven't guessed already, this show gets the perfect four out of Fordyce.
"Driving Miss Daisy” runs through February 15.
Ticket reservations may be made by calling the BHT Box Office at 517.484.7805.
A MIentertainment Radio Extra!
Jim Fordyce went Backstage during rehearsal and got to talk to James, Carmen & Bruce
Bruce Bennett talks about "Driving Miss Daisy"
James Bowen talks about acting in a show where you age right on stage:
Carmen Decker talks about playing "Miss Daisy" again at BoarsHead
"Tick, Tick, Boom!" Very Good Show (Jan. 30,2009)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company is currenlty showing Tick, Tick, BOOM! This is Jonathan Larson's autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and dealing with being the last of the baby boomers to hit that mark .
There is pressure from his girlfriend to settle down and get the house in the country and pressure to get a real job.
Drew Fifield, plays Jon, the only actor without multiple roles. Jocelyn Scofield, is his girlfriend and other female characters and Sam Zikakis plays his friend and several other roles. Zikakis is better at changing roles than Scofield. He is convincing, she tends to look like the same person in another hat or sweater. The story is very dated and it will make you realize how different things are today. The band is great and the sound and lights in the unusual setting of the Creole Gallery are well done. The stage is also set up so everyone can see from the flat floor. Tick, Tick, BOOM gets a good three out of Fordyce. It run suntil February 7 at the Creole Gallery, located at 1218 Turner Street in Old Town Lansing. For tickets visit www.peppermintcreek.org or call 517-927-3016.
Get out the Aspirin for a"Snapshot" Headache (Jan 28)
Rating: 1 out of Fordyce
The pre-show publicity said, "Some of today’s hottest playwrights have combined forces to create an evening of scenes and monologues, inspired by a single photograph. Using only Lee Friedlander’s 'Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, 1969' as their inspiration, the playwrights have written thought-provoking material that ranges from broad comedy to compelling tragedy."
Well, the tragedy part was right.
First of all: Too many playwrights spoil the stage. This show has no clue where it is going, and has absolutely no continuity; quite frankly, some scenes have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with Mount Rushmore. There is an act where they are looking for car keys in the snow.
Second: The staging is awful. I am not a big fan of the "Arena Theater," which is a fancy name for a dark basement where MSU makes its students perform. While it should be shut down by the "Theater Police," in this case there was no effort made to even pay attention to where the audience is in this poor excuse for theater in the round.
Half the time the cast has its back to you, and when they are facing you, the lights are also shining right into your eyes. It was like a scene from a bad cop flick where the lights are pointing to get the criminal to talk. Problem is, your audience is not criminal. I left with Excedrin headache number 23.
There are a few nice moments in this play, but if the lighting didn't spoil them, the sound did. There was one scene where two of the actors sing and dance about a bomb threat or something. I can't tell you how it turned out because the accompanying music was blaring so loudly out of the speaker near my seat thatI could not hear the singing or the dialog.
Snapshot, is directed by assistant professor of acting and movement Chaya Gordon-Bland, so now you know one person to blame. And MSU says this is a collaborative effort with the Michigan State University School of Journalism and the Kresge Art Museum. Someone must tell me why the "J" School and the Art Museum were involved. It didn't help.
If you check back in the archives, you will see that most MSU Theater Department Shows generally get favorable reviews from me, so we will give them one pass this time and give them one out of Fordyce.
Tickets for Snapshot are available from the Wharton Center Box Office by calling 1-800-WHARTON, or visiting the website at www.whartoncenter.com. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students.
Performances are in the Arena Theatre in the lower level of the Auditorium on the MSU campus at the corner of Farm Lane and Auditorium Road. Free parking is available adjacent to the theatre. Snapshot performances are January 28 and 29, and February 4 and 5, at 7:30 p.m.; January 30 and 31, and February 1 and 6 at 8:00 p.m.; three matinees are available on Sunday, February 1 and 8, and Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 p.m.
"Sunshine Boys" and Company Shine (Jan 24)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Now on stage at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing is The Sunshine Boys. The Lansing Civic Players are bringing us this timeless classic this weekend and next.
The story that has been popular on stage and on screen lets us meet the aging vaudevillian team of Willie Clark (Steve Shelton) and Al Lewis (Charlie Ogar), who over the course of 40 years grew to hate each other. After not speaking to each other for 11 years, Clark is convinced by his talent agent nephew, Ben (Mike Stewart), to recreate their famous “Doctor” sketch for an upcoming TV special.
Shelton and Stewart are wonderful as Lewis and Clark, while their scenes together ar lots of fun, you will also enjoy the reactions of the rest the cast as they deal with these two eccentric old men. Stewart is superb as the nephew and is so good you believe he is really a relation. But the main reason for going to this show is to see the famous "Doctor" sketch. And this group did it as well as could be, from the one liners to the technical help dealing with the comedy duo to the frustrated TV producer (real life LCP producer, Gary Mitchell) they all bring the scene together.
But you all want to know about the sexy nurse... Don't you. Laura Croff dons the white costume and let's just say, she is an exciting presence on stage. Watching he is worth the price of admission.
The last scene has another nurse played by Marni Darr Holmes. She gets kudos for having to follow the fake nurse, by playing a very real one.
This show had a few minor line flubs and a missed lighting cue, but it still gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce. Go and enjoy it.
For tickets call the Lansing Civic Players box office at 484-9191 or go to the Lansing Civic Players website at www.lansingcivicplayers.org.
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure is Fun at Riverwalk (Jan 18, 2008)
Rating: 4 out of Fordyce
Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson and the evil Professor Moriarity are all on stage at Riverwalk Theater. The show is called "sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. Tanya and Kevin Burnham star in this 2007 version of the 1899 play by William Gillette and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Holmes faces a chilling mystery involving a kidnapped diva, scandalous letters, and London’s seamy underworld. Kevin is wonderful as the Sleuth form the past and he does not miss a line, a step or a cue. Tanya as the radiant Diva lights up the stage and will bring a smile to your face. While The Burnhams are a delight as they always are, their supporting cast members make this show outstanding. Terry Jones is perfect as Doctor Watson and Mark Zussman is so good as Moriarity, you want to jump out of your seat and smack him. And special mention for James Houska as Sid Prince (and his other two walk on roles) and hats off to Addiann Hinds who directed this talented cast for a show that gets a perfect four out of Fordyce.
This show which runs again next weekend, Jan 22-25 Don't miss it .
To see Pics From Backstage Click Here
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Williamston High Does Great with Little Shop of Horrors (Jan 17, 2008)
I was asked by the gang at the Williamston High School Drama Club to come see "Little Shop of Horrors" this weekend. If you missed it, you missed a treat. What fun and great enthusiasm from these kids. For some it was their first time on stage and they did great. I had flashbacks to my days in high school and remembered what fun it was. Now you know my policy is no officials reviews of High School Plays for many reasons, but I can sneak in a line here that the efforts of all of our local high school students. They study their lines, build their sets, do lighting, sound and sell tickets and put on a show with the love and support of their parents, teachers, fellow students and friends. That effort always gets a perfect four out of Fordyce! Keep up the good work! And please make sure MIentertainment knows about your upcoming shows. I might drop by if enough of you ask me to.
Checkout the Photos from After Friday Night's Show. Just Click
"Legally Blonde" Full of Blonde Highlights
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
"Legally Blonde" the musical is now on stage at Wharton Center, and I must say opening night was an enjoyable mixture of pink, penal codes and pooches. If you aren't familiar, this show is the same story told in the movie by the same name, but with song and dance. When her boyfriend dumps her, Elle Woods gets into Harvard to follow him and get him back, but things don't happen that way. This is a delightful story, but the movie tells more of the tale. The musical is pared down, but none the less lots of fun.
The big delight this week is that theater goers to Wharton will see Laura Bell Bundy play Elle. When the scheduled star, Becky Gulsvig, hurt her foot last week, the woman who brought the part to Broadway came to the rescue and filled in. Having this happen is like being a law student and when you get to class you learn your professor is sick and Clarence Darrow is the substitute teacher. While you are concerned about your teacher's health, you don't miss 'em. Bundy is perfect in the part. But the cast who is on stage with her does a great job, too.
Two big productions numbers, The Whip Exercise DVD and The Irish Dance, are both perfect. Unfortunately, the technical end of the show had a few flaws. There are huge columns on stage that moved when they shouldn't and a missed lighting cue at a critical moment. So this one only gets a very good three out of Fordyce.
Overlook a glitch or two and grab one of the few remaining tickets to this one and have a blast. This will probably be the last time you will be able to say you saw Ms. Bundy play Elle and you will also love the UPS man and two delightful dogs.
For Some Photos from Opening Night Click Here
"Some Girl(s)" Interesting Character Study (Dec 12 , 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company is now presenting Some Girl(s)! This is the story of a single man's odyssey through four hotel rooms as he flies across the country to see his old girlfriends before he marries his lastest flame. This is not a bad story and is well presented with Brian DeVries, in the starring role. He is "Guy" the guy who is on the trip of a lifetime. Devries is on stage from start to finish and does not miss a step as we learn what a creep he is. We are with him in the hotel rooms as he visits, "Sam" (Samantha Seybert ), "Tyler" (Angela Mishler) "Lindsay" (Dana Brazil) and "Bobbi" (Heather Lewis.) While all four actresses give very good performances, my personal favorite was Ms. Brazil, who portrays the older of the past flings and does it with a perfect mix of style and sarcasm. This one gets a good three out of Fordyce. And hats off to the PCT folks for staging this one so everyone could see. That was an issue with their last show, which has been corrected for this performance.
Some Girl(s) runs December 11 – 14 & 18 - 20, at the Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner Street in Old Town Lansing. All shows begin at 8pm, except the first Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students/seniors). For more information and to order tickets call 517-927-3016.
"Grease is the Word" Again (Dec 10 , 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Grease! It is an American legend. First it was a musical on Broadway, then a smash hit film in the 70's that most of know by heart and now, the hybrid of both that tours the country bringing smiles to the faces of audiences everywhere. The current road company has pulled into Wharton Center for the week and they did not disappoint us. The young cast is full of energy in a version that has been reworked since its last trip to East Lansing a few years back. American Idol winner Taylor Hicks has star billing in this show, just as Frankie Avalon did last time. His part as the "Teen Angel" is short and he does it well. I loved his spectacular entrance, but I know he won American Idol, so I could have lived with out the cheap references to that. A harmonica part added in and a character from the 1950's ad libbing a line about her voting for him was a cheap way to put in a commercial. The real stars here are Eric Scheider and Emily Padgett who are Danny and Sandy. He jumps right into his role of the tough guy with the soft interior and does it well, Ms. Padgett has a beautiful voice, is a fine actress and makes a wonderful Sandy. And yes, she looks good in the "Your the One That I Want" outfit. This one is almost perfect, but it loses a few points for the "A.I." ad, a few missed audio cues and some scenery problems, but It still gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce and I highly reccomend a trip to the Wharton Center this week. The show runs through Sunday. My pal Bon Hoffman says there are still a few tickets left, so give the box office a call and enjoy a fun break from Christmas shopping and see Grease
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"Christmas Belles" is Light Holiday Fun (Dec 6, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
My weekend of holiday fun began with the Christmas sequel to “DEARLY BELOVED.” The Futrelle sisters are back at the Starlight Dinner Theater for “CHRISTMAS BELLES," but they are not in a festive mood. Jane Goebel is back as a cranky Frankie. She has just the right edge as she plays the very pregnant and way-overdue-with-twins future mother. Emily English is back as Twink. When we last left her, she was jilted and bitter; now she is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And once again we love Linda Granger as the hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye. She is charged with putting together the holiday pageant at the Tabernacle of the Lamb. Needless to say, things go wrong and the dysfunctional family from Fayro, Texas, takes us on another funny romp.
There are great lines in this show and a cast that has the skill and timing to pull them off. Cathy Hansel Edgerton is back as the mean old Patsy. She is one of two scene-stealers with her rendition of the Christmas story while feeling the effects of pain pills. Gordon Hicks is charming as Ray Chisum. He is scene-stealer number 2, with his rendition of the same tale from a night some 200 years ago. By the time this show is done, we have an engagement, another Futrelle sister, and a sing along. You will leave with a smile, but there are a few flaws in this one. I caught a few flubbed lines and a staging mistake or two, but this one gets a good three out of Fordyce. It runs again next weekend, but make your reservations early. This one was sold out last weekend and I am told the last two remaining shows are filling up fast.
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"Firehouse Follies" now at LCP (Dec 6, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
I know I may have a little conflict since technically i am in this play, but I have to let every know how much fun the Holiday show is from Lansing Civic Players.
"Fire House Follies" is a take off on the annual Christmas TV shows from days past. You remember... Every year Dick Van Dyke, The Cleavers, Carol Burnett and all the rest did a holiday show. In this version, we go to the Holiday party of Felice and Navi Dodd. They live in suburbia with two kids, tangled Christmas lights, a wacky neighbor and a host of friends and relatives dropping by. There are the in-laws, the piano player and the diverse couple who drop by to explain Chanukah and Kwanzaa.
This show is pure and simple holiday silliness guaranteed to make you laugh. The large cast is very good. Adam Sanborn is tops as the Dad and Tarrin Miller is a delight as his lovely wife. Hats off to Keith Wing who being the shortest member of the male cast, got to play the little boy. After the show have him show you his braces. And everyone in the audience seemed to love Mark Hubert and Bob Shaw as the two flamboyant Hair Dressers, whose wives can never make the party. This show is an original production from the wonderfully creative minds of Rob Roznowski and Tony Sump. My hat is off to them for their creative genius without being too serious and I thank them for inviting me to join this production.
This one gets a good three out of Fordyce and if you are wondering where I come into all of this. I was the TV announcer, who shows up on the old TV in glorious black and white introducing the show and pitching the products. Boy did I have fun!
You have one weekend left to see this one, so click on the Holiday page for ticket information
"Hymns & Carols" A Strange Holiday Twist (Dec 6, 2008)
Rating: 2 out of Fordyce
The Holiday show at the BoarsHead Theatre in downtown Lansing is an offbeat musical play called "Hymms & Carols." Paul Slade Smith, the author of the wildly funny "Unnecessary Farce" penned this retelling of the Christmas story in a modern setting. The donkey is replaced with a Greyhound, (bus, not dog), the shepards listen to I-pods and King Herod has media advisors. Imagine the Hippies of the 60's grow up and meet the three wise men and you've got the idea.
In my opinion , the idea didn't work. I just could not get into this untradtional view of the Christmas story in a show that has mood swings. It goes from funny to serious as if the writer could not decide if it was supposed to be a comedy or a drama.
Now, that being said, when it is funny, it is very funny. The scene where the King's advisors were worrying about his media image on CNN was side splitting, as is the scene where the angel comes to the department store dressing room to talk to Mary about her impending motherhood. A dramatic scene about the Massacre of the Innocents that will bring a tear to your eye.
Technically, the show is perfect with a great set and lighting, a strong cast that can both sing and act and wondeful musical direction from Mid Michigan's own John Dale Smith. If non tradition is your thing, you might like this better than I did, but I can only give this show 2 out of Fordyce.
"Every Christmas Story" a Holiday Delight ( Nov. 29, 2008)
One of the delights of the holiday season over the last few years is watching "Every Christmas Story Ever Told" at the Williamston Theater. The premise is simple: three actors are poised to bring the audience "A Christmas Carol" but decide it has been done more than enough, so they start talking about other holiday classics. Before you know it, they are acting out everything from "The Nutcracker"and "The Star Wars Holiday Special" to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Its a Wonderful Life." Joseph Albright, Aral Gribble, and Chris Korte are back for year number three, and they are once again a perfect trio of fun to bring us this lighthearted romp through Christmas past, present, and future.
As it did last year,
this show gets a perfect four out of Fordyce for a great story, a whole lot of silliness, and a flawless performance. For those who have not enjoyed this show, I recommend that you see it! For those who have seen it, go again, because there are new scenes and jokes added. "The Macy's Parade" skit was my favorite! But get your tickets soon. Some shows are already sold out.
"Frost/Nixon" Good Show with a History Lesson (Nov. 4, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
While we waited for the polls to close and the votes to be counted, I was among the crowd gathered at the Wharton Center to see the story of another president. "Frost/Nixon" is the tale of how British talk show host David Frost got the first interview with President Richard Nixon after he had resigned from office. Alan Cox plays Frost and nails the role. He was the talk show host I remembered who got the interview everyone wanted and got Nixon to admit his wrong doing. Stacey Keach plays the former president and while he did a good job, he took some getting used to. Maybe that is because I was there for Watergate and met the former president on a few occasions and knew exactly how he looked and talked. The generation gap between me and the younger members of the audience was striking. A few commented that they learned a lot watching the show about a time they had not lived through. I got the impression they thought Keach did a better job than I thought. This show has very simply staged and uses music and a video screen to set the mood and change the scenes. It is an effective tool to keep the show moving. History buffs and political junkies will love this show; the rest will find it a good, entertaining 90 minutes. I give it a good 3 out of Fordyce. "Frost/Nixon" runs through Sunday.
GUEST REVIEW:
by Kevin Hile
Frost Nixon is definitely for those who are fascinated by Watergate and President Nixon. Written by British playwright Peter Morgan, it is, in the great tradition of UK theater, very talky. I have no problem with that. Many great plays have very little action. The problem comes with the fact that there is no narrative tension in the play. We know, of course, that Nixon (Stacy Keach) left the presidency in disgrace; we know that David Frost (Alan Cox) gets the interview; we know that life goes on after the interview. Not only that, but the characters at the end of the play are pretty much the same as they were at the beginning—thus, no significant character growth. The only thing that remains, then, to recommend the play is the writing, acting, and staging. The staging is minimal, so there is not much to comment on there, so that leaves acting and writing.
Since this is a historical play, I must assume that what occurs in the televised interview with Nixon is pretty true to fact—although I was too young at the time to remember it. Morgan, then, must contribute to the off-camera dialog, and here I would say he does a yeoman’s job. I especially enjoyed the conversations between Nixon and Frost, most notably a middle-of-the-night phone call Nixon makes to Frost before their last interview which is quite telling into Nixon’s character. There are a few chuckles, mostly won by Nixon, who comes off correctly as a highly complex man psychologically. Keach does a great job in capturing the body language and facial expressions of Nixon, and I was actually relieved he did not try to do an impression of Nixon’s voice, which I think would have been more distracting than beneficial. I must say, though, that I was quite annoyed by the character of Jim Reston (Brian Sgambati), the intellectual who has written three books slamming Nixon and is driven to “get Nixon” because the president had been pardoned and didn’t go to trial for his crimes. Reston comes off as whiny, simpering, smirky, and thoroughly unpleasant; he made me want to route for Nixon, even though Nixon was the criminal here. This is not the fault of Sgambati, but rather of Morgan’s writing; I’m not sure that he wanted me to dislike Reston, but that was the end result for me.
Frost Nixon is a useful play to watch if you were not around during the 1970s—or were too young to remember—to watch the drama unfold. It offers insights into the character of Nixon for those unfamiliar with the man, but if you were around at the time the play offers nothing new or informative. So, I would recommend Frost Nixon mainly to younger audiences who can tolerate a slow-moving play and who are fascinated by politics.
"Almost Maine" is Almost Perfect (Oct. 29, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Hurry to this one, because like many MSU Theater Department Shows, "Almost Maine" only runs for a brief time. This clever John Cariani play is directed by Angela Wendelberger. It is a collection of scenes that deal with love, reconciliation and connection. We meet the people from the little town of Almost, Maine as the northern lights pass over to reveal a quirky take on romance. This is a modern version of "Love American Style" with a great ensemble cast of young MSU students who are a delight to watch. They are on cue, know their lines, deliver them well and have the high energy level needed to do this show. The scene changes are especially amusing and very well done. The only negative here is there were a few times an actor blocked my view of action on the other side of the stage. That makes this show Almost Perfect, so this one gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce. Go have a nice night out for less than the cost of a movie and encourage our young talented Spartans.
"All Things Childish:" Fun for Grown Up Kids(Oct. 26, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
The wild comedy "All Childish Things"' has hit the stage in downtown Lansing. Set in Cincinnati, this riotous comedy follows three childhood friends and one girlfriend as they try to commit the crime of the century ... robbing the warehouses of Kenner Toys where the mother load of "Star Wars" figures can be found.
Dave, played by Jason Richards is a computer programmer and avid "Star Wars" fan, plans the heist from his mother's basement (where he still resides) with the help of Max, Carter and Kendra. When things go awry, friendships are tested and each faces the most important decision of his life. . Needless to say, this is a silly show but very enjoyable. Lots of laughs, plenty of "Geek" jokes and some great sight gags. But the play also has drama and emotion built in and sends a few messages about our lives and loves along the way.
Jason Richards in
"All Childish Thing"
photo courtesy of
Trumpie Photography
The cast here is very good. The all important timing is there, as are the expressions and movements that geeks need to be true geeks. Richards is a frequent visitor to BoarsHead and this play showcases another dimension of his talents. Aral Gribble excels as the sensitive and loveable Max, while Keith Allen Kalinowski doubles as Mamma and the Big Man for twice the fun.
This show also features a great set. So good, I asked to be taken backstage to see how it was set up. With great lighting, and sound effects You do believe you are in the basement .
This show gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce.
“All Childish Things” runs Wednesdays through Sundays until November 9, 2008. Ticket prices are between $12 and $30. Ticket reservations can be made by calling the BHT Box Office at 517.484.7805. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Information can also be acquired by logging on to www.boarshead.org.
The theater is located at 425 S. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI., 48933.
"Born Yesterday" Still Good Today (Oct. 25, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
(Revised Version To Correct Actor's Name )
Garson Kanin's classic comedy "Born Yesterday" is now on stage at the Riverwalk Theatre in Downtown Lansing. Susan Chmurynsky did a wonderful job directing the story of Harry Brock, a man who brings his ex-chorus-girl girlfriend to Washington, where he’s making crooked deals with government big-wigs. Embarrassed by her lack of social graces, he hires an investigative reporter to educate her. What she learns about history, politics, and Harry’s true nature changes everything. This is one cute show that although a little bit dated (It takes place in the 1940's) has a message we all hear loud and clear today. Lansing favorite Doak Bloss plays Harry. He easily changes himself into the brash, annoying junk yard owner you will love to hate. Emily Aslakson Himebaugh plays the girlfriend who starts out as a dumb blond and finishes up as the girl in the know who unravels the whole plan. Joe Bauman is amusing as the reporter/teacher and Jayke Pell once again plays a great politician on a mid michigan stage. This time he is the corrupt senator. Phillip Himebaugh plays the Bell Hop and aside from a good performance, I owe him a shout out for inadvertantly confusing him with another actor in an earlier version of this review, This show gets extra credit for a great set from Craig Smith and his crew giving this show a good 3 out of Fordyce.
This production is a part of Cooley Law School's "Stages of the Law" event
It runs Oct 23-26 & Oct 30-Nov 2. Got to the Riverwalk Theatre website for tickets
"Dracula" a Deadly Slow Show (Oct. 26, 2008)
Rating: 2 out of Fordyce
“Dracula” is the current offering from the Lansing Civic Players and I really wanted to like it more than I did for many reasons.
I love the story of the vampire, it is Halloween time and
I have heard how hard everyone worked on this show. But that was not the case. You probably know the story: A young lawyer, Jonathan Harker (played very well by Ian Griffin), is assigned to assist Dracula in the purchase of property in England.
Once in Britain, Dracula begins his reign of terror. One of his first victims is Lucy best friend of Jonathan’s fiancee, Mina . Mina, Jonathan and their companions— bond together to destroy him. The cast here is adequate, although there were several missed lines when I saw the show Sunday afternoon. Garrett Clinard is Dracula. He has the voice and the inflection down but his costume was awful, and he had more make up on than a bad drag queen.
In this version, the way the Bram Stoker Novelist was presented was a big part of the problem here. The chapters are strung together in short scenes that become one big long play. The first act is an hour and 45 minutes long and as intermission came, I heard many comments in the lobby about that being much too long to set up the premise for a show we all know the ending of. After an intermission, there is another hour of story that fortunately moves along better than the first act and wraps up the story. But three hours is a long way to wait for a stake through the heart, so this one only gets 2 out of Fordyce
The show runs again October 31-November 2 at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing.
For show times and ticket pricing information call the Lansing Civic Players box office at 517-484-9191 or go to the Lansing Civic Players website at www.lansingcivicplayers.org.
"Doll House" Dated and Slow Moving (Oct. 17, 2008)
Rating: 1 out of Fordyce
The season opener at Icarus Falling is A Doll's House by Henrick Ibsen. This is the story of a young woman who has secrets from her husband. As the play progresses, we learn what she has done and watch here story book life unravel. This show is not what I expect from IF. The troupe is known for offbeat and different plays. This is neither. It is a dated classic that does not stand the test of time. By today's standards, what this woman does is a minor infraction and certainly not worth all of the fret and worry it causes. Mark Gmazel plays the husband who is supposed to be very annoying, and he is. But he acts like a bad imitation of "Q" from "Star Trek."
Amy Winchell plays wife Nora, and she is no better. She overacts and acts like Larraine Newman doing a bad SNL skit. By the end of this tediously long, 3-hour show, I hated most of these characters and really didn't care how it ended. The only bright spot in this is Michael Hayes as Dr. Rank and Jordan Olson as the sweet daughter . Both do well and each one gets half a die, giving this show only 1 out of Fordyce. I hope Icarus Falling goes back to the stuff they do best.
This show continues October 23, 24, 25 & 26 at Woldumar Nature Center. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. & Sundays 2 p.m.
Woldumar Nature is at 5739 Old Lansing Road -- 2 miles west of Waverly -- upstairs in the big white barn
Tickets are $10 ($5 for first time IF guests).
"Under Milk Wood" a Boring 2 Hours (Oct. 17, 2008)
Rating: 1 out of Fordyce
The Black Box offering from Riverwalk is"Under Milk Wood." This is a Dylan Thomas work that is more reading than a play. The cast appears on stage at the Creole Gallery and proceeds to read us this play. They are all hidden behind music stands and are for the most part impossible to see. When you do see them, they look bored. I had trouble staying awake for this; I guess they did too. I will say, though, that the group does a good job of reading and going from character to character, but they look awkward on the few occasions when they move on stage and "act" out part of the play. This one only gets 1 out of Fordyce. If you want to see it, the show runs again next weekend at the Creole Gallery in Old Town.
Come to the Cabaret at MSU (Oct. 13, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
On stage for another all-too-brief run at the MSU Department of Theater is the classic Broadway musical "Cabaret". This is Christopher Isherwood’s story about a social club in Berlin as the NAZI's are coming to power in Germany. The "story within a story" is a most difficult work to perform and requires a strong male lead. Fortunately, they found one. The very talented Rusty Broughton (pictured left) excels as he welcomes us to the Cabaret as the flamboyant host, then switches back and forth between that role and that of the American author. He makes the gender-bending role look easy. He is to be applauded for the amount of hard work he must have put into this flawless performance. All the songs you know are there. You will love “Willkommen” and "Cabaret". Brougthton does a phenomenal job with "Money, Money." Jennifer Shafer plays Sally, and while I thought her performance was good, I was a little disappointed in her rendition of "Maybe This Time." I would liked to have seen a little more energy.
Rob Roznowski, head of acting and directing for the MSU Department of Theatre, led this cast well, and Choreographer Mark Ruhala made sure the dancers were bright, cheery and, best of all, together. I did not see a missed step all night. This is a good show and well worth your time. It gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce.
Remember this show only runs through Sunday, which is a shame. I still do not understand why these shows have such short runs. Maybe if Wharton Center cut the rent they charge their own school's Theater Department, the students could stay on stage for two weekends.
Performances are in the Fairchild Theatre in the Auditorium on the MSU campus at the corner of Farm Lane and Auditorium Road. (Note to house management: It was very warm in the theater. That was the number one comment I heard at Intermission. Normally the folks are talking about the show.) Free parking is available adjacent to the theatre. Cabaret runs October 14, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m., October 17 at 8:00 p.m., October 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 8 pm, and October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets for Cabaret are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, by calling 1.800.WHARTON, or visiting the website at www.whartoncenter.com. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students.
Click Here to See Photos from the Wednesday Night Show and the Audience
Leaving Iowa is a Treasure (Oct. 3, 2008)
Rating: 4 out of Fordyce
I caught the very first preview of the season opener at the Williamston Theatre last night and I will say right up front that you want to get your tickets to this show RIGHT NOW. This intimate theater is kicking off year number three with Leaving Iowa by Tim Clue and Spike Manton.
This is a warm, nostalgic comedy about a man who returns to his childhood home in the Midwest following the death of his father. On his quest for the perfect place to scatter his father's ashes, he relives the family vacations he spent trapped in the backseat of their station wagon and runs into a strange cast of characters and situations.
Using a very simple set that consists of four stools and an occasional table, Tony Caselli directs a small group of talented people who must change from "now" to "then" right in front of the audience. Hugh Maguie and Ann Mirandaas are wonderful as Mom and Dad, but John Lepard and Teri Clark Linden will just amaze you as Don and his Sister. This pair goes from being adults, in some scenes, to being little kids in the car as easily as most of us change our clothes. They are believable, fun and a delight to watch. Also in the cast is Bruce Bennett. He plays so many parts I lost count. He pops in and out as everything from the short order cook to the kids' Uncle. Like Lepard and Linden, he changes easily from role to role. Bennett is also a pivotal character in the final moments of the show, which will make you smile and maybe shed a tear while you are doing it.
The audience's reaction at the preview included lots of laughs, and those looks and nods of agreement as we saw ourselves and our families. So if you are a mom, a dad, a son, a daughter, or even a relative, friend or a complete stranger to the others on the highway of life, you will want to see this show that gets the perfect 4 out of Fordyce. Hop in the car and ride along in that back seat. You will be glad you did.
Kronkie Komedy Komes to Starlight (October 4, 2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
I caught the Starlight Dinner Theatre’s opening production of the season tonight and enjoyed a nice meal and a good laugh with the John Patrick comedy “Opal’s Baby” , Directed by Linda Granger October 3, 4, 10 & 11, 2008
It is the story of Opal Kronkie, a middle-aged recluse, lives in a an old house at the edge of the dump. Opal collects things from the dump and then resells them from here over stuffed, yet surprisingly quaint house.
When a family of con men and women come by looking for a tire, the group led by Norman (Dave Dunckel), convinces Opal that they are "kin folk" his daughter in law is about to give birth to the last of the Kronkie line. - It is of course all a scheme to swindle Opal . But she is not as dumb a she seems and as the old saying goes.. Hilarity ensues..
Jane Zussman is wonderful as Opal. She does well as she steps in and out of the play to keep the audience updated. A clever way to move the action along that helps bring us a surprise ending. Opal’s best friend Rosie is played wonderfully by Winifred Olds. Kate Stevens is the daughter in law and Jason Carlen is the dumb son. They both seem to have a good time with their parts, but the scene stealer is Granny played by Mary K. Hodges-Nees. She is on stage a lot and has only a few lines, but what she does with her expressions and movements helps give this show a good 3 out of Fordyce
"Opal's Baby" continues next weekend and if you want a fun lighthearted evening, I highly recommend it.
And a quick shout out to the set designers. Opal's house was just great!
Dinner 6:30 pm/Show 7:30 pm Waverly East Intermediate 3131 W. Michigan Ave.
Tickets $30/$25 for seniors 62+ & students 22 & under with valid ID
Show only (no dinner) $15
Reservations required. Please call 517 243-6040,
www.starlightdinnertheatre.com
Mamma Mia is Sweet 16 (Sept.30, 2008)
Mamma Mia here I went again. I was in the audience at Wharton Center tonight for the opening of the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. This was the 16th time I have seen this, and yes, it is my favorite show. But I like it much more when it is done right, and this cast and crew DOES IT RIGHT.
It is the story of Donna, an independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island. For her daughter's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends, Rosie and Tanya, from her old singing group, Donna and the Dynamos. But daughter Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna’s past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 21 years earlier.
The traveling cast that has come to East Lansing to entertain us this week is one of the finest I have seen, and I should know; I am an expert. From the dancing and singing to the lights and sound, the show was technically perfect. The wild production numbers like the "Flipper Dance" (sung to "Lay All Your Love on Me") and "Voulez Vous" had the audence jumping in their seats and applauding wildly.
Susie McMonagle was charming and vibrant with just the perfect edge to be Donna. Geoffrey Hemmingway, the young actor I had the pleasure of interviewing before the show, was wonderful as Sky; and Martin Kildare was fun and full of energy as Bill Austin, one of Donna's confused suitors. Adam Michael Kaokept was just plain fun as Pepper, especially when he got to show his stuff with Tanya (Michelle Dawson) as they sang "Does Your Mother Know." But Kittra Wynn Coomer is the stand out in this cast. She plays Rosie, the singer turned cook book author, who has gained a few pounds since her singing days. She is, bar none, the best actress I have ever seen in this role. Her acting is a perfect mix of dialogue, facial expression and gestures that can't be beat. You will love her when she sings "Take a Chance on Me."
You will also love the spectacular finale to this great show. Go ahead, jump up and down, dance with your neighbors in the seats around you and applaud wildy.
We did in our audience and you will to.
Pop Quiz: What is 16 divided by 4?
Why it is Four out of Fordyce! A perfect score for this perfect version of my favorite show.
Grab a friend and grab one of the few remaining tickets before this one is sold out and you get left out.
For Opening Night Pictures Click Here
Dates & Times:
September 30-October 5, 2008
Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30pm
Friday at 8:00pm
Saturday at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
Sunday at 1:00pm & 6:30pm
Tickets: $73.00 - 33.00
Jim Talks with:
One of the Stars of Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia Guest Reviews:
From Kevin Hile:
October 1, 2008
I was a fan of ABBA back in the days when people got their tunes off of vinyl scratched by a needle, and I can tell you that this musical sure brought back happy memories. It's funny to me, though, that back in the 70's people made fun of ABBA, but they had many fans who enjoyed the guilty pleasures of their bouncy electronic vibes. I still recall the Saturday Night Live sketch in which Lorraine Newman sneered, "No. Ewww" when offered a chance to listen to ABBA, and now people are flocking to see their musical!
This is the first time I've seen the musical and I was pleased that it more than met my expectations of a fun time. I won't repeat the obvious that was in Jim's review, except to say that this cast was fantastic: full of energy, they all danced superbly and sang beautifully. I particularly enjoyed Michelle Dawson and Kittra Wynn Coomer, who not only did all of the above do a T, but also are wonderful physical comedic actors.
Don't go to Mamma Mia if you're looking for a heavy plot. This isn't Les Mis or Waiting for Godot. This is a joyful, lighthearted, silly, nostalgic romp all tied up in a glittery spandex bow. Release your fear of guilty pleasures and go and have some fun! You will not regret seeing Mamma Mia in this outstanding production!
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
The Owosso players brought "The Taming of the Shrew" to town and I needed a lot of reasons to be impressed and I was. I traveled to Owosso which is just a delightful place, but it was a half hour ride from Lansing and there was friday night traffic and my allergies were bothering so I was a little tired and a bit cranky. But I settled in my seat and the curtain went up on the Shakespearean classic
"Taming of the Shrew" is directed by local playwright Jim Hill who did a great job motivating his cast and staging the story of the woman who has a little trouble with personal relationships.
Jessica Dryer and Arnie Davis star as the feuding couple Kate and Petruchio and they are great. T. William Ladd as Hortensio and Michael McClung as Gremio are wonderful. These sets on this show were simple yet effective and the scene changes were handled well. Hats off to Helen Griffus and her helpers for great period costumes!
There were a few scenes that were a little slow and a few lines that got lost because of a lack of diction and the make up on some of the men was a little bit too heavy. They might want to lighten it up just a little next weekend.
This Show gets a good 3 out of Fordyce, and I hope everyone in Owosso and our surrounding mid Michigan communities drop by to catch this show. The turnout was a little light Friday night. OK, I know, there was football and the Presidential debates, but there are two shows next weekend and even if Shakespeare isn't your cup of tea I am reminding everyone that this is community theater. Your friends and neighbors volunteer their time and efforts and the only pay they get is your support and applause.
The show runs through October 5th in the Owosso Middle School Auditorium. Click on the Ad above to get your tickets Rounding out the cast: .Adult tickets are $17.00 ($15 plus a $2 Capital Rebuilding fee.) Children's tickets are $5.00.
To purchase tickets, make reservations, or for further information, please visit the OCP Office (114 E. Main Street) or call (989) 723-4003. The office is open 10 am to 2 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday & Thursday and Friday 12-2 & 4-6.
Jack and Jim Talked Live on WILS Radio
with the Director of "Shrew" Click Here to Listen
Peppermint Creek Goes to the Dogs (Sept. 26, 2008)
Rating: 2 out of Fordyce
The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company opened its 2008-09 Season Thursday night (9.25.08) with "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a teenage blockhead! " This show is loosely based on the characters from "Peanuts" They are grown up, in high school and all have a variety of drug and psychological problems. It begins when when CB's beagle dies from rabies after eating a little yellow bird. That is when CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. This was billed as comical and timely and I guess it is. The cast did a very good job and there are some funny moments, but I found the story line offensive and totally unreal. The show plays in the PTC's new space at Creole Gallery and that was my biggest complaint about this show. Events that took place on the stage were easy to see, but there were lower stages added and a short staircase. The people in the first two or three rows apparently could see all the action, the rest of us tried our best by craning our necks and twisting in our seats. The couple behind me were whispering about the bad sight lines throughout the show, while a guy in front of me just seemed to give up after failing to find a way to see it all, In my case looking at a reflection in a glass frame that was on the wall helped out some, but I figure I couldn't see about 30 % of the show, especially one of the end scenes where I guess C.B. must have sat down or stretched out on the stage to deliver some of his final lines. The lines sounded good, but I can't tell you if he was crying or smiling or reading off a cereal box. This one only gets 2 out of Fordyce. Since PTC will be at Creole all season, I hope they will consider the sight problem and keep the action up on the stage where it belongs. Dog Sees God runs September 25 – 28 & October 2 – 4, 2008. All shows will be performed at the Creole Gallery, located at 1218 Turner Street in Old Town Lansing. All shows begin at 8pm, except the first Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students/seniors). For more information and to order tickets visit www.peppermintcreek.org.
Additional Notes on this Show: (9/28/08)
Our good theater friend Jane Zussman, (who by the way is starring "Opal" which open this week at Starlight,) sent this message about this show which included comments from the director about the problems seeing the stage. I know Chad Badgero well and I believe he and the company will do their best to change things around for next weekend to improve the view from the seats.
"(This show) has been criticized for poor sight lines. We were lucky enough to sit in the front row and found the "cartoony" touches and the extra platform and "special effect" to be, well, effective -- but Director Chad Badgero told me the blocking has been altered somewhat (more standing up?) in deference to the people in the back rows. I've seen Peppermint Creek shows in most all their many gypsy locations -- now the Creole Gallery -- not the "perfect" spot -- but the place to be for lots of good, intimate shows this season.
--Jane Zussman
"Well" is Well Worth a Trip to MSU (Sept. 14, 2008)
Rating: 4 out of Fordyce
The Michigan State University Department of Theatre opened its 2008-2009 season tonight with Well. This is an autobiograpical play from actress, playwright, and Lansing native Lisa Kron. The story looks at growing up in the Westside Neighborhood of Michigan's Capital City during the racially turbulent 1970s. The play goes from funny to serious and back again with no effort at all and it actually goes from actors doing the play, to actors interacting with each other with that same ease. With " mother" right onstage we are treated to interaction with the cast as she and Lisa explore their relationship thinly veiled as a play. At times mom disrupts the evening’s performance much to the delight of the cast and the audience, and much to the chagrin of daughter, Lisa. Sam O'Neill is outstanding as Mom and Dana Benson (both pictured above ) is wonderful as Lisa. She has the task of inviting the audience in and carries us along with this marvelously complicated show. Our two stars have help from four talented young people who play a variety of roles, including themselves. Amanda Westrick, Rashida Morris, Alex West and Phil Ashbrook were all superb as they moved quickly from scene to scene and character to character. This cast deserved the big round of applause they got at the end of the opening night show which gets a perfect 4 out of Fordyce. Don't miss it.
Well runs September 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m., September 19, 20, and 26 at 8:00 p.m., and September 21, 27, and 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the Auditorium Arena Theatre.
Tickets for Well are available from the Wharton Center Box Office, by calling 1.800.WHARTON
Adult tickets are $12
Student tickets are $8.
"Rumors" Opens Civic Players 80th Season (Sept. 14, 2008)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
The Lansing Civic Players opens its historic 80th season with Neil Simon’s classic comedy “Rumors”. This hilarious farce takes place at the townhouse of the deputy mayor of New York, who is hosting a dinner party to celebrate his tenth wedding anniversary with three other couples. But the party never begins because the host has shot himself—it’s only a flesh wound—and his wife is missing. This begins two hours of farce that is very funny and well played by the cast put together by award-winning director/actor Rick Dethlefsen. Timing is the word with farce and this cast has it. The lines, the looks and the lunacy of it all equal laughter. While the entire ensemble cast is fun to watch, I especially loved Amy Winchell as the very hung up and stuck up Cassie, and Philip Himebaugh as politician Glenn Cooper. And a hats off to my pal Gary Mitchell, who does a great job playing Officer Welch. There are a few slow spots in this and there was a minor audio problem when I saw the Sunday matinee, but while this show is not perfect it does get a really good 3 out of Fordyce and is well worth a trip to East Lansing
The show dates runs through September 21 at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing (located at Abbott Road and Burcham). For show times and ticket price information call the Lansing Civic Players box office at 517-484-9191 or go to the Lansing Civic Players website at www.lansingcivicplayers.org.
"Little Shop of Horrors" a Fun, Off Beat Show
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce (Sept. 13, 2008)
Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing is opening its season with the musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” The story of Seymour, Audrey and the man-eating plant Audrey 2 is bizarre, to say the least, but one most people seem to enjoy. This tale is quite the undertaking for a small theater like Riverwalk, but they pulled it off. First kudos go to the set and tech people. Those of you who saw my TV story a few years back when “Shop” was at Wharton may remember the behind-the-scenes look we were given that showed just how complicated working the plant and matching it to the voice is. The Riverwalk gang did not miss a beat.
Candance Stanfield is the voice of the plant, and this is the first time I have ever heard a woman do the role and it was a great change. Joe Quick is a stand out as Seymour and when he sings “Suddenly Seymour” with co-star Patricia Smyka it is magic. The two were perfect together. My pal Mark Zussman did a good job as the plant shop owner and Chad Dekatch portrays Orin, the sadistic dentist. Dekatch was good, but I thought he overplayed it just a little. I was also a little disappointed in the the singing trio who are an integral part of this show. While the three young women sing well, they are not together in their dance steps. This show gets a good three out of Fordyce, so grab your weed killer and head for Riverwalk next weekend and enjoy.
BoarsHead Opens Season with “Permanent Collection” (Sept. 7, 2008)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
The Cast of "Permanent Collection": Alan Bomar Jones (left) Gary Houston (center) and |
Questions of race, representation and art will are all raised in the season opener at BoarsHead Theater. Now through September 28m Thomas Gibbons’ drama “Permanent Collection" is on stage in downtown Lansing. The story made me squirm a little and think a lot which is what I believe Gibbons wanted his audience to do. During intermission I was involved in one conversation about discrimination and profiling and over heard another. My only problem with this show is it drags a little in the first act and after a great second act, it seems like the author wasn't quite sure how to wrap it up, so there is an awkward fast forward in time to try to pull everything together. In my opinion it almost cheats the audience of seeing some of the story. This show gets a good three out of Fordyce. It runs through Sept. 28. Get your tickets before they sell out. |
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"Raisin" is a Good Show with a Great Message (posted 8-8-08)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Right now at Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing, the players are bringing us "A Raisin in the Sun." Lorraine Hansberry's landmark drama is the story a working-class black family who are trying to decide how to spend a $10,000 insurance check. Mama’s is played dream is to make a down payment on a house in a white neighborhood, while her son Walter Lee dreams to invest in a liquor store. A Raisin in the Sun debuted in 1959. It was the first play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, as well as the first play with a black director. (Lloyd Richards). I t was nominated for four Tony awards in 1960 and was made into a film in 1961. That is a huge amount of entertainment history to be up against in this revival, but the cast does it well. Carolyn Thornton holds this show together. She is a delight as Mama. Guy Stockard is Walter Lee and plays it perfectly as he captures the anger, the frustration and the love his character shares with his family and the audience. Angela Davis is good as his wife Ruth and young Gavin Hoskins makes his local stage debut as their son, Travis. You can tell this young man worked hard to get his lines and character just right. I hope to see him in future shows. There were a few flubbed llines and some akward scene changes, but under the direction of Wanda Wright Gilkey, you get a very good show that gets three out of Fordyce
.A Raisin in the Sun" runs Aug 7-10 & 14-17
For show times and tickets, go to the Riverwalk Theatre web site
Romeo and Juliet is Good Shakespeare in the Park
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Romeo and Juliet opened Friday night and although I had seen some rehearsals I saw the whole show Sunday night in Hunter Park in Lansing. I am very glad the company decided to do the traditional version of the show set it's original time period. A simple set in the park and costumes from the era gathered with the help of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival took us back to Verona where it's time to start the family feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. You all know the story, Romeo M. falls madly in love with Ms. Juliet and the survey says "trouble". The supporting cast in this show is very good. Matt Land brings Benvolio to life. Ben Hancock (pictured left) nails Friar Laurence and Lindsay Palinsky is great as Tybalt. The standouts in the cast are Toby Hemker is as the bold and brash Mercutio, and Erin Cline as Petra, a character with few lines, which means Cline must bring the servant character to live with body language and facial expressions. I will give a most improved award to newcomer Colin Ragan. I saw him audition and watched him in a rehearsal and what I saw on "stage" showed just how far he has come. Shout outs to Justin Lippi who played the violin for the show. I wish there had been more musical interludes from him. I liked the dance scenes, really enjoyed the drunken party and was impressed that in this open setting the actors remained in character as they were walking around the audience to get to the back stage area. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the title characters. Logan Emlet is Romeo and Seneca Shaffer was Juliet. Emlet was the better of the two, but he needs to slow down his delivery and savor his role. Ms. Shaffer had trouble delivering her lines and the lines she remembered were for the most part mumbled without feeling. She needs to concentrate on her delivery and DICTION . All in all this a pleasant evening in the park from a theater company that hopes you love Billy Shakespeare as much as they do. For those Shakespeare lovers who want the real thing in its traditional form, I will give this one a good 3 out of Fordyce. The rest of you may not like it as much, but like I said it is a pleasant night in the park.
You have 2 more weekends to see R & J. August 8, 9,10, 15, & 16 with a rain date scheduled for August 17. The production takes place in Hunter Park, and will begin promptly at 6:30 each night of the production. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and picnics. The production is rated PG-13 for violence and implied sexual content and sexuality. The show will be free, but donations will be accepted
Joseph Not as Amazing as it Could Be (posted:8/1/08)
Rating:
2 out of Fordyce
The Holt and Dimondale Community Players is now presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I caught the musical retelling of the “coat of many colors” bible story about Joseph, son of Jacob, his eleven brothers, and his rise to fame and fortune on opening night at Holt High School.
This is a fun show with lots of lively music. But as much as this show is this group may have bitten off a little more than they could chew with this one. Most of the problems were technical. The biggest one was not being able to hear. The microphones on the narrators sounded like an old transistor radio and made their crucial part of the performance almost impossible to understand. A comment I heard several times at intermission. One characters mic didn't work at all, and there was lots of buzz about that. The problem was while we talked about it during the break, someone should have done something about it BEFORE the show resumed. There were also several other mic problems and several missed lighting cues. But on to the good and very good. The musical numbers and the dances were high energy and a lot of fun and the costumes were perfect. The set was kept simple, a plus in this small theater. The "very good" was the choice of recent CMU graduate Eric Rohman as Joseph. This fine young performer held this show together with his acting and his singing. And fortunately, his mic worked. I hope the gang can fix their technical glitches and make this a much better show for the rest of its run. As it stands now it only gets 2 out of Fordyce
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on the Holt High School Margaret Livensparger Theater stage on Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm , and Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2, at 7 pm. Shows continue the following weekend, Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9, at 7 pm with a matinee on Saturday, August 9 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors, and are available at the Holt High School Community Education Box Office, 5885 Holt Rd., Holt, 694-3411, or at the door. See HDCPTheater.com for more details.
"Alice" is a Fun Frolic and it's Free
Rating:
4 out of Fordyce (posted:7/23/08)
Grab your lawn chair and head to the amphitheater right out side the Dart Auditorium this weekend and enjoy "Alice in Wonderland" This story that kids of all ages love is the latest offering in Lansing Community College's "Summer under the Stars" series. Alice (Courtney Raunch) is there to take us to Wonderland. Once we arrive we are treated to a large cast of characters who come to life right from the pages of the storybook. The cast is all good, but Andrew Bailiff is the standout as the Cheshire cat. He helps narrate the tale often from his perch above the action. He grasps the essence of the character and makes him so believable you will want to pet him. Even when he is just waiting for his line, he stays in character and enjoys the action with you. David Brown and Brian deVries are perfect as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and you are going to just love Matt Brickner as the Mad Hatter. The show is done on a simple set that works incredibly well and the whole thing hinges on the perfect costumes made under the supervision of Charlotte Deardorff. Grab the kids, your friends and anyone you know who likes to smile or need to smile and bring them to this show which gets the perfect four out of Fordyce. But don't be late for this very important date. The show only runs through Sunday night July 29. It begins at 8 pm and it is FREE, but they do pass the hat for the LCC Scholarship fund, so please be generous. I know several young people who would not be attending class if it was not for the generosity of our community.
I took some pictures and a snippet of video. Click here to enjoy them.
Into the Woods a good effort, but too much for its young cast. (posted:7/23/08)
Rating: 2 out of Fordyce
The show currently on stage at the Ruhala Center is "Into the Woods." The students there are performing the Tony award winning musical that weaves the tales of Jack and the beanstalk , Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, into a one giant and somewhat confusing story. The adults at Ruhala brought the show in an original modern setting complete with cell phones and computers that works OK. The show features some catchy music by Steven Sondheim that I have listened to before sung by the adult cast. That is a significant problem here. Much of the complicated songs and dialog are lost in spite of the inexperienced actors valiant efforts. The numbers were they sing together in a chorus are strong and wonderful, but some of the solos were strained and hard to hear over the orchestra. There were many nice moments in the show, Anna Radway is outstanding as Little Red Riding Hood. Ruhala veteran Jena Rachelle Kelly makes a fine ugly, then sexy witch and Tess van Egeran is great as the cow! When you see the show, watch for her facial expressions. On the male side of the cast is young Jordan Ruhala. He is the narrator and excels using talent that I suspect is inherited. He reminds me of Ricky Schroeder in his "Silver Spoons" days. Jackson Taylor is the Giant, I think he was trying to imitate "The Terminator" but it didn't work. Another Ruhala regular, Jordon Walling, is good as the Prince and Eddy Lee, who I have never seen on stage before is great in his supporting role . I guess he must be new at Ruhala. If so, I look forward to seeing him again. Another problem with this show is a lack of men meant the woman had to play male roles. Painting on sideburns and a moustache doesn't do the trick. A couple of scenes made me wonder if I had stumbled on to an old I Love Lucy episode. This was especially obvious with Lexi Moeller playing the Mysterious Man. I will now turn that comment into a platform for change. HEY GUYS!! Ruhala Center is not just a place for girls. Acting and Singing and Dancing is Fun. Take my word for it and give it a try. I can only give this show 2 out of Fordyce, but I always give young people who work hard to learn their craft and have the guts to try something new a perfect four out of Fordyce. There are only a few tickets left to this show which runs through the weekend. Call 337 0464 to see if you can still get a seat.
Wicked is A Wonderful Story,
This Cast Not as Good Last Years (July 17,2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Wicked is back at Wharton Center.
One year after its sell out run last July, the show about what happened before Dorothy arrived in Oz has returned for an extended run through August 14. Many people missed it last year and If you did, I highly recommend this show. The story is clever and you will enjoy as the tale unfolds in front of you with song, dance and great dialog. But those coming this year will not get the perfect show that we saw last year. This cast was just not as good as the one we loved during the summer of 07. The audience on media night was witness to a wardrobe malfunction. That was such a rare occurrence it was almost a treat and you probably will not see it again if you see the show a thousand times. The actress playing Glenda (Katie Rose Clarke) rolled with the event made a small joke and the show went on. Sometimes those things can’t be helped. What can be helped is the fact that some dancers were not together and missed steps and Ms. Clarke overplayed the Glenda character. It was almost like she was playing the lead in “Legally Blonde’ She should dial it back a notch or two and it will be a better performance. So this one is not perfect, but it does get a good three out of Fordyce. If you haven’t seen this show, treat yourself. Those of you who saw it last year, you may be a little disappointed, but if you are one of those among the huge legion of “Wicked” fans like my pal Jack Ebling, go have some fun. Wharton Center did what we all asked and brought the show back. Let’s thank them with a sellout.
To hear Jim & Jack talk about the Wicked Wardrobe Malfunction Click Here
IMPROV-ABLE LIVES is Fun in the Park (July 19,2008)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Do yourself a favor and head for Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge next weekend for one of the two remaining shows of IMPROV-ABLE LIVES. This is a unique sketch comedy show from the offbeat gang at the Ledges Playhouse. They start with a few premises and let the show go where it ends up. How does it all work? The audience helps!
I got to go on stage and make some suggestions for skits and trust me it is great fun.
Director Kevin Burnham is the Master of Ceremonies as he steers a cast that includes his lovely wife Tanya, Mark Bethea, Melanie Cherry, Luke Elder, Michael Hays, Ben Holzhausen, and Julie Linderleaf. This talented ensemble rolls with everything that is thrown at them during improv time and does some really clever prepared sketches. If you go, get ready to let loose in a performance that is for mature audiences who aren’t easily offended by some adult stuff. And don’t be afraid to participate when called on. That’s how you can make sure this show continues to get a fun three out of Fordyce. The last two shows are Friday (7/25) and Saturday (7/26) at 8 pm
The Ledges Playhouse is located in Fitzgerald Park, in Grand Ledge
Tell them at the entrance that you are coming to the playhouse and you park free
For more information call: 944-0221
"Full Monty" is Fresh and Delightful Again!
Rating: 4 out of Fordyce (July 10,2008)
Back
by popular demand with your five favorite stripper hunks
from last fall and a new one is "the Full Monty" at Riverwalk Theatre! And they are delightful again. I caught the show opening and being a theater critic, I was looking for any hint that this cast had any of the tell tale signs of lack of enthusiasm of doing the same show again. NOPE!
If anything this show has a little more drive and excitement. I loved it as much if not more than last September's version, and that makes my job easy. Just read the review from last fall below because it all still holds true, except that I hope Jace Mc Cloy is now in the sixth grade There is only one major cast change from last year's production Sineh Wurie plays Horse Simmons and he does it so well. There were a few other minor cast changes including one new wife, cause last year's was expecting. The new cast members blend so well with the actors who were onstage for the second time around, this one gets another perfect four out of Fordyce. If you missed this show last fall, don't make that same mistake. Call Mike at 482-5700 and tell him I said he has to squeeze you in of the remaining performances. But do not wait. The show only runs through July 20 and it is almost a sell out.
Tickets On Line
Warning: Adult Language & Nudity
The Full Monty is Full of Fun (September 2007)
On
stage right now at the Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing is
“The Full Monty”. This is a musical that features
steelworkers who lost their jobs and decide that since the Chippendales
make money stripping, they can too. The problem is they don’t
look like the typical male dancer, but set out on a mission to
glorify the working man. This endearing story from Terrence McNally
takes us into the lives of these men who are proud and strong,
but show us they can be sensitive too. With Music and Lyrics
by David Yazbewk, this show is a treat from one of our great local
community theaters. A lot of hard work went into it and it shows.
There is a large cast of guys and gals and they all work well
together, so this is one of those reviews where I hate single
out anyone, since they all make this show a success Those who
go will enjoy Ethan Link and Anthony Sump. They are paired perfectly
as Jerry and Dave, the two guys who come up with the idea to perform.
Director Veronica Wing Quick did a wonderful job and she was smart
to grab talented local actors Joe Quick and Keith Gracia Wing
as Malcolm and Ethan. OK, she is married to one and the other
is her brother but she made the right choice keeping it in the
family. Keith, who played in Godspell a few months
back is one of my favorite local actors and Joe is a talented
young man who overplays the Malcolm character just the way he
is supposed to. Kerry Waters is perfect as Jeanette, the
hard driving show biz matron who helps the guys. Jace McCloy is
Nathan. This 5th grader from St. Gerard School charms the pants
off all of us.
Up until this production, I had only scene “The Full Monty”
on large Broadway type stages. The intimate RWT setting
added a dimension to this show I had not scene before. The audience
couldn’t help becoming part of the finale. Most of
us were hooting and hollering right along with the “on stage
audience” . I know I had fun and that means this show gets
a perfect four out of Fordyce. It has something for everyone except
the kids, this one is recommended for adults only..
"Monty" Guest Reviews
from Jane Zussman:
I was kind of afraid MONTY couldn't "survive its legend" being revived after last fall's success -- but it has survived and THRIVED -- a wonderful show with heart and humanity that goes beyond the bare-all gimmick. The previous wonderful "Georgie" (Kari Surbrook) and "Horse" (Jesse Glenn) were not available due to pregnancy and a new job, respectively -- but their replacements, Kelly Stuible and Sineh Wurie ably stepped in and kicked it up a notch. (Let's just say, "Big Black Man" was a show stopper.) The voices are great; the orchestra is great; the choreography is great; the scene changes are smooth and quick. Tony brought an understated sincerity all of us "body-challenged" folks could identify with; Joe was both pathetic and powerful; Keith was a bundle of energy; Jeff and Jennifer were both funny and touching; Kerry was hilarious (a new wig for each scene) and Jace was once again adorable (the little potty mouth! haha) And of course, the estranged and convincing Kat Kooper and Ethan Link -- and the ever-lovely Ryan Fuller... (Oh, I tell myself I'm not going to mention individuals because I'm afraid to not be "fair" and leave someone out. But they are ALL excellent... not a weak link in this bunch.) Kudos to director Veronica
from Tom Rico:
"The Full Monty" Puts the Cool in a Cool City
A bustling crowd criss-crossed past the front window of The Nuthouse tonight while I ate dinner with some co-workers and their spouses. Some people were heading to Common Ground Music Festival. Some were obviously heading to Oldsmobile Park for a ball game. And others, like us, were heading to Riverwalk Theatre to catch the opening night of “The Full Monty.” It almost seemed for a moment that Lansing was a cool city.
We paid our dinner tab and scampered down the street – it was 10 minutes to curtain.
I had never seen the musical “The Full Monty” and sitting in the audience waiting for the show to begin I could not recall seeing the film, though Ruth claims we had. I’ve always liked the Riverwalk Theatre as an intimate venue and I generally knew what the play was about, but I didn’t have any preconceived notions about the production. As it turned out, the cast of “The Full Monty” gave an energetic performance and, for this night, put the cool in a cool city. The weekend production will be high quality alternative to Common Ground or baseball – I highly recommend this show. The show runs next weekend, as well, July 17th - 20th. Don’t miss it.
Talley's Folley a Delightful Play (posted:7/5/08)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
Now through August 3, you can head to The Williamston Theatre as the gang there ends the 2007-2008 season with the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Talley’s Folly by Lanford Wilson.
I caught the show the other night and I have to say was tired after along day and thought about catching the show some other night, but I had my seat reserved and the folks in Williamston ALWAYS make me feel so welcome with their hellos and smiles, so that perked me up as I walked in to see the most elaborate set I have ever seen in that small theater. I was told by director John Lepard, it was built off site, tucked in and assembled there. That set is the old boathouse on the Talley property where the action takes place. It is 1944 in Missouri. First we meet Wayne David Parker as Matt Friedman. He sets the stage for a little while and then his is joined on stage by the only other member of the cast Sally Talley played by Kate Peckham. We follow the tale of this unlikely pair who deal with all kinds of obstacles that block their happiness. Their different religious backgrounds, her odd family and a secret that comes out in the final moments. The two actors are engaging for this 90 something minute play. You really like them both are interested in what they have to say to each other and us as the audience. It has a few slow moments, but it is well worth your time and gets a good three out of Fordyce. Hats off to Bartley Bauer for the set and Jeremy Winchester for the the lighting that worked so well with that set
The show runs through Sunday, August 3. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at eight o’clock, Saturday matinees are at three o’clock Sunday matinees are at two o’clock.
The Williamston Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional live theatre company, located in downtown Williamston (exit 117 off of I-96) just south of Grand River. Additional information about the company, current season and founding members is available online at www.williamstontheatre.org or by calling (517) 655-SHOW
Wonder of the World is Wonderful (posted:6/26/08)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
Catch it quick.. The first summer under the starts show from the Theater Department at Lansing Community College only runs through Sunday only. Opening night moved indoors after a rain shower, but weather permitting, the other performances should take place right outside. “Wonder of The World” is an odd comedy about Cass, a woman who learns she is married to a man with a sexual deviation and leaves him. She takes off for Niagara Falls, meets a drunk woman named Lois who brings her own barrel to take the plunge, has an affair with the captain of the “Maid of the Mist” boat and then runs into the unusual couple her husband hires to find her. Then, he shows up. The show is funny, but honestly the end is dumb. It is like the author ran out of stuff to do. But the cast does a great job, especially since opening night got forced inside and I am sure they were geeked and rehearsed to be out of doors. Kellie Stonebrook is a delight as Cass, while Alec Nagy comes off a little whiny as her husband. I am not sure if the show was written that way or that’s they way he and/or the director interpreted the role, but he could have had a little more energy. Tod Humphrey is good as the captain, and Samantha Seybert is amazing as Lois the drunk. But the stand out in this show is Marianne Chan. She plays 6 parts and is great in all of them. You always know it is one talented actress, but you are also astonished as she changes characters. You will laugh out loud as she plays three waitresses in the same scene. It is worth a trip to LCC just to see her and to watch “The Newlywed Game” scene. I give this one a good 3 out of a Fordyce. Head for downtown Lansing and revel in this free show. It is for Adults only, so leave the kids home.
For More Pictures of This Show, Go to the Photo Album
Summer Circle Season Ender Sizzles (posted:6/26/08)
Rating:
4 out of Fordyce
It is you last chance this weekend to catch the third and final show of the Summer Circle Theater at MSU. The current play on the banks of the Red Cedar just outside the Michigan State University Auditorium is “Number the Stars”
The story takes place during the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, the Nazis closed down Jewish-owned businesses and began the round up of the Jews for relocation to concentration camps. Danish freedom fighters of all ages risked everything in daring, hurried rescue attempts of the entire Jewish population.
Young Annemarie (Kristen Barrett) and Kirstie Johansen (Ania Piecuch) face soldiers, interrogation, fierce dogs, personal danger, the loss of loved ones and their own fears as they try to help their friend Ellen Rosen (Caitlin Inman) escape across the ocean to Sweden and safety.
Of the three “Summer Circle” plays, this is the most serious and unlike the light hearted comedies we have watched over the last two weeks, I think this was the most challenging for the actors and the crew. My hat is off to director Bill Gordon for getting these young people ready for this one. The whole cast kept the energy up for week three and performed flawlessly. Barett is the stand out in this one as she portrays the young woman who doesn’t understand all about the Nazi take over, but realizes how dangerous the Third Reich is how she must do what she can. I will say now that Ms. Barrett gets a special “4 out of Fordyce” for her performances over the last three weeks. She has played three totally different characters in three great shows and did not miss a beat. I know we will be seeing more of her. My kudos to her do not take anything away from the other performers. Michelle Meredith was amazing as Mrs. Johansen and David Wendelberger was sincere and moving as Mr. Johansen. Hazen Natzmer was serious yet compassionate as the resistance fighter and Phil Ashbrook played his best role of this series as he brought Uncle Henrik to life. The Nazi soldiers were also very believable, but there was some very intellectual, non judgmental discussion in the audience at intermission about having an African American actor (Alex B. West). Mr. West was perfect, but many asked if there were blacks in Hitler’s army. I am not sure but this will lead me and maybe others in the audience to research that one. Hitler was not known for his acceptance of any one different. It is well documented that he hated Jews, and wasn’t found of homosexuals and the gypsies who roamed Europe, so maybe this casting choice was a well placed irony, not lost by the sophisticated crowd that turned out. This one gets a perfect 4 out of Fordyce. Do not miss one of the two remaining performances. It is a great way to end this fabulous annual MSU Theater tradition.
Girls in 509 Fun but not Perfect (posted:6/19/08)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
Summer Circle Theater began week number 2 with "The Girls in 509" Most of the students we saw last week are back again to take their stage, sets, props and incredible talents outside for another evening of fun.
"The Girls in 509" is the story Aunt Hettie, a wacky, wealthy Republican, has been holed up for 26 years in a once fashionable hotel in New York City with her young niece. They have been there since 1932 when Herbert Hoover lost the election to “That Man”, also known as FDR, and they have vowed to remain secluded until a Republican is elected. But the old hotel is being demolished and the women must be removed.
The press gets wind of the situation and so do the politicians, the city welfare department and the lawyers. As everyone tries to get to the them, we learn their story in a plot line that takes pot shots at they system and makes you realize things don't change that much. Michelle Meredith is the stand out in this cast as Aunt Hettie. She plays the aging socialite with grace, charm and humor. Caitlin Inman is great as the niece and Phil Ashbrook is charming as "Old Jim" the desk clerk. Alex B. West plays dual roles as the party bosses, but does little to change as he goes from republican to democrat, the subtle change from red tie and hankie to blue is amusing. And Hazen Natzmer who was so wonderful last week in several parts in "Red Herring" over does it just a little in this show as he plays the affected attorney.
While this show is not quite as good as "Red Herring", it is an enjoyable 2 hours and well worth your time. It gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce. Don't forget these shows only run through Saturday night. More info is below in coming attractions.
Red Herring is a Colorful Hit (posted:6/11/08)
Rating:
4 out of Fordyce
One of the great joys of summer in Mid Michigan is Summer Circle Theater. Season 48 kicked off tonight on the banks of the Red Cedar River. For those who have never been to these shows, Summer Circle is outdoor theater under the stars next to the MSU auditorium. The complete summer schedule is below in the coming attractions so you can mark your calendars now. The students take their stage, sets, props and incredible talents outside and treat us to an evening of fun. The summer fun was the brain child of Michigan State University professor of theater Frank C. Rutledge of East Lansing, He left us on Feb. 19 but I am sure he was smiling down on opening night as the play "Red Herring" took the stage. This is a cute story based on those cheesy detective stories so popular in the 1940' and 50's.
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This one takes place at the height of the McCarthy communist witch hunts as spies were everywhere and everyone was concerned about commies under the bed. The story is fast moving and clever and has some very funny lines along with some great physical comedy all taking place on a simple yet well designed set. The cast includes six actors playing many characters. All manage to change persona's easily as they go back and forth between scenes. While all were good, the standout in changing characters was Hazen Nastier. In addition to playing the male lead, he also plays several other characters including the absolutely strange Coroner. Kristen Barrett was a delight as Maggie, the hard working lady detective . And It is worth the price of admission just to see the confession scene. But wait. There is no admission. The shows are free, but you might want to put a few bucks in the donation box. When you have a great story, good actors, and a flawless free performance, I am legally required to give this show the perfect four out of Fordyce. Don't miss it. It only runs through saturday. And hang around after the show for some more fun as the Improv gang gives you more for your money. Oh that's right it is all free. One suggestion. Bring your lawn chair. I forgot the big blue stadium chair and had to sit in the bleachers. That won't happen again. I just put it in the van for next week..
Parallell Lives Funny but Uneven! (posted:5/23/08)
Rating: 3 Out of Fordyce
The gang at Icarus falling is now bringing us "Parallel Lives" .
Laura Croff and Sara Frank play 18 different roles in fifteen scenes in this whirlwind comedy.
Billed as "an open-minded sketch comedy" the skits range from clueless frat boys and catholic girls at confession to angels engineering the creation and seniors visiting a Vegan, Womyn's restaurant.
Croff and Frank are excellent as the move seamlessly from character to character and skit to skit. Croff has a Gilda Radner like quality that shines through in all the skits, but is especially evident in a skit depicting a woman's morning routine set to classical music. Frank reminded me of a cross between Louise Lasser and Kathy Griffin. She also glides easily from scene to scene and meshes with Croff to become one funny team
One of the skits I enjoyed was as exploration of whether the taboo of "that time of month" would disappear if men had to endure it. Other very funny skits were the girls at Christian camp and the Disney mothers support group. I had no idea the trauma Bambi's mother went through. We also met Betty White (Snow's Mother) and Ethel Mermaid (and you thought the little mermaid was an orphan). A few problems with this show. There are a few skits that drag on and I found the abortion sketch disturbing, and VERY out of place with he rest of this light hearted show. Icarus falling has had a problem finding a home. This show is in an empty storefront with a low stage that was hard to see from the 7th row where I was sitting, and the audience sits on the most uncomfortable metal folding chairs I have ever sat on. I was envious of the man who was sitting on a cushion. This show gets a good three out of Fordyce. Be warned it is for adults only
"Parallel Lives" are continues tonight (May 24) and next weekend (May 30 & 31). Shows are at 8 p.m. in the future Michigan Brewing Co. store front, 402 S. Washington Square Lansing. Tickets are $10 per person or $5 for IF Virgins. Reservations are encouraged for this critically acclaimed show. Tickets can be reserved by calling 517.290.4375 or emailing tickets@icarusfalling.com.
Annie Get Your Gun Hits the Target
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
The Broadway Classic, "Annie Get Your Gun" is the season ender now being presented by the Lansing Civic Players. I admit I love this show. The Irving Berlin songfest is a light fun story based on people who really existed. It is the tale of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show.
It all starts when Annie Oakley, played by LeAnn Dethlefsen beats sharp shooter Frank Butler played by Martin Underhill). Like most musicals of the era, the fall in love, split up, and then reunite. Along the way they sing those wonderful songs and the audience hums along and taps its toes amid some great laughs.
This show a lot of fun, thanks in part to strong direction from Erin Bennett and the great talent of Dethlefsen and Underhill. She IS Annie Oakley and belts out her lines and tunes as well as anyone ever has. Underhill is the perfect partner for her and sings his solos like there is no tomorrow. And when the two pair up for duets, it is magic. Among these treats is a perfect rendition of "An Old fashioned wedding" and a knock out version of "anything You can do I can do Better" Adding to the cast is Mark Boyd as a fabulous Buffalo Bill, Bruce Bennett as Pawnee Bill, and Kate Tykocki as a funny, yet scheming Dolly Tate. The there is gary Mitchell in two roles. He is good in the beginning of the show as the hotel owner, then changes costumes and comes back for a wonderful performance as the legendary Indian Chief Sitting Bull. With a good cast and two strong leads, the flaws in this show are easy to over look. There were a few technical glitches, a couple of missed lines and I was disappointed in the show's signature song "There's No Business Like Show Business". It was performed in lack luster fashion in front of the curtain with a disco light show flashing the stage that was quite annoying. This should be a show stopper that makes the audience applaud wildly, but in this version it is performed like and after thought. This one gets three out of Fordyce and is well worth the price of admission. You will smile and have a nice evening. The show dates are May 9-11 and 16-18 at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing. For curtain times and ticket price information call the Lansing Civic Players box office at 484-9191 or go to the Lansing Civic Players website at www.lansingcivicplayers.org.
Now would be a good time to remind you this is community theater from one of the many groups of dedicate people in mid michigan who volunteer their time and work hard to bring you the show. Their pay comes from your loyalty, smiles and applause. I hope when you go to this show or other local theaters you give them all a generous salary.
“Maidens, Mothers and Crones” Not For Women Only
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
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The Williamston Theatre, is now presenting the World While the Official Opening Night is Friday, May 16 The cast consists of the wonderful Sarah Benoit, |
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A Fun Trip to the Soady Camp, Takes us Back (posted:5/3/08 1:30am)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
(Photos by Danna Segrest, courtesy of Purple Rose Theatre Company) |
I have proabably seen half a dozen times. The incredibly funny show about is part of Michigan tradition. Now Jeff Daniels has brought us another chapter in the saga of the the upper penninsula's version of the Ewings: The Soady family. This show now at BoarsHead Theater is a "prequel" set 40 years prior to the original. The play tells the story of how Albert Soady, Jr. meets the love of his life, Big Betty Balou and takes her to the infamous deer camp. So after all these years, we get to meet the woman we only heard about in the original show. Charlyn Swarthout plays the future mother of Reuben and Remnar. She is amazing on stage with great presence, timing and physical comedy. Jake Christensen is young Albert Soady, Jr and does a good job of playing a younger version of a character we already know. Will Young is Grandpa who comes with the required "flatulence" and Wayne Parker rounds out the cast as the very strange "Salty" Jim. |
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While this show lacks some of the charm and novelty of "Moonlight" it is very funny and this cast does a great job and is obviously having a good time doing the show. The show also boasts the original set which was brought to Lansing from Jeff Daniels Theater in Chelsea in what I am told wa
"Leading Ladies" Leads to Laughs (posted:4/27/08 2:10 am)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Regulars know I like silly farces, but only if they are done right.. Well the latest offering from the Starlight DInner Theater is done just right. "Leading Ladies" is about two down on their luck actors, who learn about A dying wealthy old matron searching for her two long-lost nieces to inherit her fortune. Leo and Jack decide to pass themselves off as her nieces and then the fun starts. Director Linda Granger assembled a great cast for this one and did a wonderful job staging this show and working on the all important timing, which is what makes a good farce work. Chris Claver and Jonathan Stewart are marvelous as Leo and Jack who become Maxine and Stephanie. Bob Murell was the gold digging minister you love to hate, while Kat Cooper and Angela Dill played the real female leading ladies very well. I must mention the two "senior" members of the cast. Lansing are stage veteran Althea Phillips was perfect as the the dying aunt who who keeps coming back to life and George Duncan is hysterical as her old Doctor. Also in this show is a newcomer.Reid Schmidt is an LCC student who did a great job as the somewhat confused Butch. Great costumes also add a lot to this show, and only a few minor set problems detracted from my enjoyment. Add it all up and this one gets a very good Three out of Fordyce. The show runs again next weekend, and you all know Starlight sells out, so call for your reservations now.
"Stuff Happens" Long and Slow (posted:4/25/08 12:10 am)
Rating: 1 out of Fordyce
The new show from Peppermint Creek is called "Stuff Happens" The title comes from a response Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made about to the looting of Baghdad. The play starts at that now famous news conference in 2003, goes back in time and then moves forward. The problem here is, none of it works. Some of the area's finest actors were disappointing in this one. Doak Bloss, who I loved as John Adams in 1776, again plays a president, President George W. Bush. He sounds more like Ross Perot and plays him like a character from Hee Haw. Rashida Morris is unconvincing as Condeleeza Rice and Jeff Borger slips in and out of his British accent as he plays Tony Blair. Accents are a problem in this play, as the cast of extras portray characters from around the world. Most sound like bad cartoon characters and several are hard to understand. There were several people in the cast who flubbed lines, others moved out of the light, and whatever was going on back stage was heard loud and clear on stage. With the seating configuration to stage this one, my very uncomfortable tightly wedged chair had a post right in the way of the action to my left. It did allow me a perfect view of two audience members across from me falling asleep and others looking at their watches. I was checking the time too. This show runs almost three hours. It was like sitting at the railroad crossing waiting for a slow freight train to pass. Mercifully, the last car passed, the gates went up and I was free to be on my way. Does this play have a good side? Yes. It is a fairly true account of what went on in our government after we were attacked, and if you want to hear this account, or really like political plays, then grab a ticket. This one only gets One out of Fordyce.
Stuff Happens runs April 24 – 27 & May 1- 3, 2008. All shows will be performed at Perspective2, located at 319 E. Grand River in Old Town Lansing. All shows begin at 8pm, except the first Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students/seniors). For more information and to order tickets call 517-927-3016.
LCC Dance Show Great Entertainment (posted:4/19/08 11:30am)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
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If you did not head for the Dart Auditorium at at Lansing Community College t for the Dance Kaleidoscope this weekend you missed a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed LCC’s annual spring dance concert. These kids kicked up as storm on stage in a show that ranges from modern, to ballet and jazz to funky withc just about everything in between. And it all ended with that a spectacular finale that got your toes tapping. CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES & VIDEO OF: |
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You Will Want to Take a Stroll Down the Avenue Q (posted:4/15/08 11:30pm)
Rating: 4 out of Fordyce
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Yes you heard right, "Avenue Q" is now just a right turn off of Shaw Lane. The Broadway comedy is now playing at Wharton Center and I joined the opening night audience to laugh out loud and have a good time. This show is basically "Sesame Street" for adults. The set, the puppets, and the human actors remind you of the venerable children's show, but do not bring the kids. With songs like Everyone's A Little Bit Racist, The Internet Is For Porn, If You Were Gay and You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want, When You're Makin' Love, this is just for us grown ups. There is foul language, obscene gestures and puppet sex. This show is a blast, it is irreverent, while being warm and funny and amazingly clever. The puppets, the set, the lighting, and the use of "educational" videos, all mix perfectly with the live actors for two hours of pure magic. That magic includes an amazing dream sequence that "rockets" this show right up to a perfect 4 out of Fordyce. Do yourself a favor, grab some friends, and pick up some of the few remaining tickets for your stroll down Avenue Q. |
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I got to talk to one of the Avenue Q Stars. Click on the pic to watch the MIentertainmentTV interview. |
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The Dresser" a Good Show from Riverwalk (posted:4/17/08 11:30pm)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
It is a special weekend at Riverwalk Theatre in Downtown Lansing. Now through Sunday only, the troupe is presenting "The Dresser" The Dresser tells the story of a great actor facing the end of his career as his loyal dresser struggles to serve him Lansing theater legend Ken Beachler stars as the aging Thespian and does his usual amazing job. I am always amazed by how good he is, (except for those YMCA ads) and he does a great job here. Eve Davidson is wonderful as Her Ladyship and Kasie Flaherty is a delight As Irene. But James Houska, who portrays the title character, holds this show together. As Norman he is very believable as a man with mixed feeling about his boss and his co workers. He does this with a perfect balance of drama and comedy. Technically, this show is excellent as the stage is easily changed from the dressing room to the backstage area. Hats off Bob Gras and Joe Dickson for the set and the lighting. The only problem I had with this show is I didn't particularly care for the story. I found it kind of dry and a little slow. This is just my opinion and from what I heard in the lobby and the parking lot leaving the theatre, I am in the minority. This show gets a good 3 out of Fordyce.
"Babes" is a Great Reason to visit MSU (posted:4/10/08 11:30pm)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
“Babes in Arms” An old fashioned musical with an update is on stage now at the Wharton Center. Unlike the Broadway Series with professional paid actors on the main stage, this show is next door at the Passant Theater and is produced the talented MSU students. While not as lavish and polished as we might expect at Wharton, this show is a pleasant two hours with a talented cast of young people. In a case of art imitating life, the plot of this 1937 musical has a bunch of depression era young people wanting to put on a show. This common story line from the era is still fun and amusing and this cast does just what they are supposed to do with it: have fun! James Broughton and Stephanie Koenig are our stars and of course we all know what happens when boy meets girl in a musical. Enter the wonderful Annie Moss as Baby Rose, the child star who need to grow up and Lela Ivey as Mabel the older and wiser chorus girl who helps the kids, and hats off to Martin Underhill as the Sheriff who has a change of heart.
This show had to be a lot of work to bring to the stage. There is dancing, singing and dialog. The dancing is the strong suit in this show. The whole cast works together in unison and does not miss a step. Will Slanger Grant is a stand out with his dance duties, and in a show stopping number his dance partner Britttane Rowe-Rhodes easily keeps up with him The cast did a wonderful job with the classic songs Rogers and Hart wrote for this show like “My Funny valentine” “The Lady is a Tramp” and “Blue Moon” although “Blue Moon” was hard to hear, one of a few very noticeable audio problems. Aside from a few small errors, the mostly student cast excelled on opening night. This show gets a good three out of Fordyce. Enjoy it this weekend or next.
Don't Miss "The Mating Game" this weekend at LCC (posted:4/4/08 10:30pm)
Rating:4 out of Fordyce
I just got home from a musical treat. I saw the first show of "The Mating Game" The students enrolled in the Lansing Community College Performing Arts Department and some talented high schoolers brought this musical revue to the stage.
Directed by Janine Novenske Smith, this production from LCC’s annual musical theatre scenes class is a look at love, Broadway Style. You will hear songs from Company, Jekyll & Hyde, Hairspray, The Color Purple, Starlight Express, The All Night Strut, Wicked, Smokey Joe’s Café, Legally Blonde, and Sweet Charity. The 17-member cast just amazed me with their talent, enthusiasm and energy. And hats off to music director John Dale Smith and the Band! Go see why I give this gang a perfect 4 out of Fordyce.
Here is the thing, there are olnly 2 more shows left. So I urge you to enjoy one of them. Catch the show at 8 pm Saturday, (April 5), or Sunday, (April 6) at 3 pm in the Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing . (There is a rumor you may see Jack Ebling in the audience Sunday)
The show is Free, but they will ask for a $5 donation to benefit LCC Music Scholarship Fund. Dig deep and help. For more info, call the LCC Performing Arts Production Office at 517-483-1488.
If you are reading this Monday, you are too late. But let this be a learning experience.
First, you should check in to this web site more often than you do.
Second, the schools should run their shows more than one weekend.
Third, when you do miss a show, count on the MIentertainment.biz cameras to bring you sonme great photos, videos and audio interviews. JUST CLICK HERE
You Gotta Love the "Sugar Bean Sisters"(posted:3/28/08)
Rating:4 out of Fordyce
Right now at The Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing, you can have lots of fun by paying a visit to the Sugar Bean sisters who live in the swamps of Florida. This show, directed by Tom Ferris, is Mamma's Family meets the National Enquirer. Sadonna White, Carol Ferris and Jane Zussman play the trio of off beat siblings who look at the world through their own unique view of reality. Ferris plays the naive, religious sister, White is the sibling who ran away after everyone thought she died and Zussman is the stand out in this cast as the woman who is waiting for the return of the space aliens who landed in the swamp some 2 decades earlier. In addition to the family, Bishop Crumley and the angel drop by, both played by Mark Boyd and Mary K. Hodges-Nees is the Reptile Woman, a lady with a special relationship with the snakes and gators of the Everglades. This show was heading for a good three out of Fordyce, until the end. It was so amazing, it got the immediate upgrade to the perfect 4 out of Fordyce. It has more to do with the Criag Smith's set than the very funny actors. Go to the Riverwalk and see what I mean. The show runs through April 6th. Check out the details below, while you enjoy the wild picture of Jane. And if you click on the poster you be taken by the aliens to the RWT website.
"Souvenir" Bright and Fun (posted:3/23/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
Right now BoarsHead Theater in downtown Lansing is presenting "Souvenir.” The Stephen Temperley comedy is a co-production with Performance Network of Ann Arbor. It stars Naz Edwards as the eccentric Florence Foster Jenkins and Fred Love as her loyal accompanist Cosme McMoon. The play is loosely based on the career of the eccentric New York socialite who became a cultural legend for singing badly! I caught the show Friday night, and became part of the audience that braved the spring snowstorm. Edwards and Love are wonderful in their roles. Ms. Edwards excels in her part that she plays with a comedic offbeat style reminiscent of the great Carol Burnett. Mr. Love charms us as the reluctant partner, who steps in and out of the play to narrate it. His talent for singing and playing the piano adds to the delight of this play. This lighthearted show gets a good three out of Fordyce. Head for the theater for an enjoyable evening.
The production runs through April 13.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the BoarsHead Box Office at (517) 484-7805 or by logging on to www.boarshead.org
Updated Easter Story a Powerful Drama (posted:3/15/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
"Thunder at Dawn" is the current offering from the Riverwalk Theatre's Black Box Series. On stage through March 22, this is a powerful story of the crucifixion and resurrection. The biblical tale is told through the eyes of modern soldiers using present day weapons and terms. Although some may find this play controversial, the cast, under the direction of Bill Helder present the script well as they invite you in to the bar where most of the emotional charged action takes place. Three popular local actors play the main parts. Rick Dethlefsen plays the aging captain and Ben Holzhausen plays the sergeant with the hair trigger temper, and while they are both great in their roles, Joe Quick is the stand out in this show as the young naive private ordered to guard the tomb. This show gets a very good three out of Fordyce and is well worth an Easter weekend trip to the Creole Gallery in Old Town this Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. Call 517 482 5700 for your reservation.
"Algernon" Star Shines Bright Amid a Dull Cast (posted:3/7/08I
Rating:2 out of Fordyce
"Flowers For Algernon" is the current show from Lansing Civic Players. It centers on Charlie Gordon a 32-year-old mentally challenged man who takes part in an experimental intelligence-enhancing treatment. The experiment seems to be a great success at first, as Charlie rapidly develops into a genius, only to realize for himself that the experiment was fatally flawed, and he will just as rapidly lose his newfound intelligence. Adam Bright plays Charlie and is amazing as the man who goes from mentally challenged to gen ious and back again. He makes this character someone the audience can love and respect. He also makes the show. The rest of the cast is just plain dull. The doctors played by Lenny Wilson and Terry Hunt sounded like they were reading off cue cards. The lab assistant (Adam Carlson) over acted and I had trouble hearing Sarah Hauckas she played Alice. I think the land lady was supposed to have an Irish accent but it was hard to tell what she was mumbling and the scene changes in this show were awkward and forced the audience to wait. This one only gets 2 out of Fordyce and only because of Bright's fine acting, which by the way is enough reason to go see this show
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"Flowers for Algernon" runs March 7-9 & 14-16, 2008 (L) The cast of "Flowers for Algernon" |
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Williamston Theatre Full of “Hate Mail”(posted:3/6/08I
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
I caught the first preview of "Hate Mail" tonight (3-6-08) at Williamston Theatre, (122 S. Putnam in downtown Williamston.) This is a cute show about a photographer working at a gift shop in New York who receives a complaint letter from spoiled rich kid from the Minnesota,That letter launches us into the unusual; odyssey between Dahlia and Preston as they fall in and out of love. The tale is told by the two actors reading their letters and notes to each other. This could have been incredibly dull, but the actions, emotions and laughs are read into the missives, while to recipient reacts. Hallie Bee Bard and Aral Gribble handle those duties well and both are very believable in their roles and endear themselves to the audience. I am not sure if it was the paywrights' intention, but the show starts off a little slow, bur picks up quickly. Director Tony Caselli stages the action to fit the unique design of the theater This one gets a very good 3 out of Fordyce.
Opening Night is March 14 with the show scheduled to run through Sunday, March 30. But don't wait, catch one of preview shows between now and next next Friday. The tickets are discounted and the talk back with the director after the show is just plain fun.
Don't wait, the Williamston Theater is small and tends to sell out so click on the logo below to head to the WT website, pick a show, and get your tickets now. But leave the kids home. "Hate Mail" contains adult language and situations.
"Rabbit Hole" An Interesting Trip (posted:3/2/08I
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company is now presenting show of their Rabbit Hole! This award winning play is the story of Becca and Howie Corbett, a couple who have everything a family could want, until a young driver hits and kills their 4 year old son and leaves the couple drifting apart. The play stars two of my favorite local actresses, Laura Croff as Beeca and Addian Hinds as her mother. Once again both show us they can take a character and make them theirs. Brian de Vries is the stand out in this cast. He plays the grieving father with a the proper amount of restraint and emotion, that left you feeling his pain. Pain not only over the death of his boy, but for his wife’s suffering as well. Angela Mishler is good as Izzy, Becca’s wild sister and young Adam Schatler is perfectly cast as the guilt ridden teen who was driving the car. Peppermint Creek continues to perform at the perspective2 gallery in Old Town Lansing. In this case the troupe used the existing kitchen in the facility as part of the set, and built the rest of the Corbett’s home around it. It was a good idea that falls short. When action takes place in living room set people beyond the third row had trouble seeing, a comment I heard more than once at intermission. For that reason alone, this show gets a good (but not perfect) three out of Fordyce. It runs again next weekend (March 6,7 & 8) For more information call 517-927-3016.
The Rabbit Hole Cast
(l-r) Brian de Vries, Addiann Hinds,
Laura J. Croff, Angela Mishler
Guest Review of Rabbit Hole
Jane Zussman says: the Peppermint Creek show is Excellent -- a wonderful script (David Lindsay-Abaire -- 2007 Pulitzer Prize) wonderfully done.
It's surprisingly funny and entertaining considering the topic is "grief" -- but do bring kleenex if you have children, or grandchildren, or any kind of a heart, really...
Laura Croff's real-mother sensibilities bring a demanding role to life.
The whole cast is great; I particularly liked sister "Izzy" (Angela
Mishler) and Adam Schalter is a great newcomer (new to me, anyway.) Brian de Vries and Addiann Hinds — also great. Kudos to director Louis Balestra. Wonderful, home-like set utilizing the real-life kitchen in this Perspective2 location.
Miss Evers' Boys Superb! (posted:2/24/08I
Rating:4
out of Fordyce
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You may have already heard that Miss Evers' Boys is the show to see in town right now. The production at the Riverwalk Theatre in downtown lansing is in a word, superb. This is fictionalized account of the Tuskegee Experiment . |
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Monica Sanders is wonderful as Nurse Evers. She arrives on stage first as a narrator, then as a character. She holds this play together as we are taken on a journey from 1932 to 1972. She plays a warm caring character as she deals with the issues of the government's actions. Her "boys" are played by Markitwia Jackson, Guy Stockard, Bruce Wade, and Ralph Sims. While Jackson was my personal favorite as Wille, they all shined as they became characters you just love and respect for their humanity and dignity as they deal with their situation.
Keith Williams and J.D. De La Ossa play the doctors. One black and one white
and both trying to rationalize why it became acceptable to neglect the health care of four negroes.
Director Ken Beachler put this amazing show together and is to be commended on many levels. First, the cast he assembled is the perfect mix. All are fine actors. After the show I asked him if any of them had worked together before.They had not, but you would never know it. The cast, especially"The Boys" were a team to be admired. Another reason for this shows successes was the director's simple yet effective staging. Those who see me often at shows, ask me why I sometimes change seats at intermission. My reason is simple. I want to get a different perspective from another angle. A few rows can make a big difference in lighting, sound and of course, the view.
The Riverwalk Theatre has seating in front and on the sides and in this show Beachler was obviously careful to make sure the show was staged to make sure the entire audience was treated to a view that was worthy of this masterpiece. If you haven't figured it out yet, this play gets the perfect four out of Fordyce. Last weekend was a sellout and The show only runs one more weekend (Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2008) go to the Riverwalk website for tickets or call Mike at the box office and tell him I sent you.
To hear Director Ken Beachler talk with Jim about this play, Click here
Dearly Beloved Lots of Fun at Starlight (posted:2/9/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
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Evenings at the Starlight Dinner continue to be a treat here in mid Michigan. This time the troupe is bringing us "Dearly Beloved" one of those bittersweet southern comedy in the tradition of "Steel Magnolias" and "Fried Green Tomatoes". |
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Honey Raye (played wonderfully by Linda Granger) is the black sheep of the family and arrives home after a long absence with some secrets, while youngest sister Frankie (Jane Goebel) has a home grown secret of her own. These three women accomplish what they needed to do to make this play a success. They became the sisters. There was no point in this production where I doubted they were family. Their warmth and timing makes for a pleasant show with some great dialog and very funny lines. The supporting cast supplements this amusing show as the drama of the wedding unfolds. I loved Justin Waverly as the young seminarian who is about to perform his first wedding and Cathy Hansel-Edgerton as Patsy Price, the future mother in law you love to hate. There are a few minor problems with this show. It has a a few slow moments and some awkward abrupt scene changes but those should not be enough to stop you from getting one of the few remaining seats. I give this one a good three out of Fordyce.
For tickets call 243-6040, email starlightdinnertheatre@yahoo.com For further information see the web site www.starlightdinnertheatre.info
Murderers Bring Laughs to Boarshead(posted:2/3/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
BoarsHead Theater is now presenting Jeffrey Hatcher’s play Murderers. This is three one act plays rolled into one clever script as three murderers who are all connected to a Senior Retirement Home in Florida
BoarsHead co-founder John Peakes returned home to direct this show which has each of three actors on stage alone telling his or her story. Now while no one should find murderers funny. These tales are so far fetched and clever that you can't help it. and these players introduce themselves, and launch into a monologue that twists and turns and sets you up for the zinger ending in each tale.
Tobin Hissong starts it off as the man who plots against his Mother in Law. He does well in the role. Laura Merlington is lovely as the third character who bumps off those who are mean to the old people. Sandwiched in between these two talented actors is the first lady of Lansing Theater. Carmen Decker. The legend of the local stage is wonderful at Lucy Stickler, the woman who finds an unusual way to get even with her cheating hubby. All three actors are on stage by themselves and excel in their roles.
There are a couple of slow moments in this very long show, but that still rates it high on my list with a very good 3 out of Fordyce. So do yourself a favor and drop by the theater this month for a warm smile on a cold night from three killers.
The production runs through Feb 24. Ticket prices range from $10 to $25. Call the theater for tickets or click on www.Boarshead.org and click here to see pictures from opening night
"ART" at Williamston Theater Well Done but.. (posted:1/27/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
"ART" is the new show at Williamston Theater. This comedy by Yasmina Reza, won the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play Is the story of three friends. Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It's about five feet by four feet, all white with white diagonal lines. To his pal Marc, the painting is a joke. A third friend, the very meek Ivan is pulled into this disagreement. The play features a trio of the ffinest actors Michigan has to offer,John Lepard, Paul Hooper and Bruce Bennet. Under the excellent direction of Tony Caselli, these three actors do a fine job in the simple set that serves as three apartments. The set is another fine example of how this theater'screative people wisely use the limited space they have available in the intimate theater. The show moves along and the cast is very believable as the trio of guys who share each others lives on a regular basis. Their timing is good and the combination of funny and dramatic lines are all well delivered. My only problem with this show is I found the story line a little far fetched. Maybe I am missing some deeper meaning but I can't see where anyone would buy the painting and I can't see guys acting like these guys do. I give this one a good three out of Fordyce. Go see for yourself. . Head to the Williamston theater before Feb 17 and enjoy. Then let me knowwhat you think. Call (517) 655-7469 for tickets
Sideman at RiverWalk is Bittersweet (posted:1/27/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce
The Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing has "SIde Man" is on stage through February. 3.
This is a jazz memory by Warren Leight, directed by Susan Chmurnysky
Set in 1953 and traveling to 1985, this poignant play unfolds through the eyes of Clifford, the only son of Gene, a jazz trumpet player, and Terry, an alcoholic mother. Alternating between their New York City apartment and a smoke-filled night club.Thomas Slovinski as Clifford narrates the story of his broken family and the decline of jazz as a popular entertainment. He is marvelous and believable as the son with a few hangups from being raised by Mommie not so dearest and Dad who lives on another plane. Janet Anderson and Jack Dowd play the parents and both are good, but Janet does a better job of moving from time period to time period and mood to mood than Dowd does. The moving through time is a lso a problem with the other characters. The three band members and the singer/waitress are exactly the same in each scene, even though their roles span 40 years. The costume changes didn't convince me. But the melencholy story and the atmosphere of this show make up for a few shortcomings. I give this one a good three out of Fordyce To get your tickets head for the Theatre's Web Page
"Boeing, Boeing " is a Funny Farce..(posted:1/17/08)
Rating:3 out of Fordyce.
The number one requirement of a farce is TIMING and the latest offering from Lansing Civic Players does not miss a beat. The troupe is currently presenting "Boeing, Boeing". LCP veteran Althea Phillips directs this story of a well to do businessman who juggles three flight attendant fiancees with the help of his housekeeper. Bernard (played well by Rick Dethlefsen) successfully woos all three lovelies by making sure he dates women girls from separate airlines on different routes. This way, one is always home, while the other two are flying high. All goes along well until a friend (played by Chris Claver) shows up to visit. As Bernard boasts how he does it, storms change the flight patterns and yes, you guessed it, all three are in town simultaneously. That's when the fun starts. All of the typical elements of a farce fall into play. Jokes with double meanings, slapstick scenes as one door opens with one fiance entering ,just as another leaves, and the wisecracks from the housekeeper who is in on it all. That housekeeper is played by the star's real life wife, LeAnn Dethlefsen. In my opinion, she steals the show with well delivered lines and a perfect attitude. Kat Copper, Ann Glenn and Rachelle Garyet, play the ladies, all with their own charm, grace and wit. This comedy was written in the sixties and although a little dated, it wears its age well. The show loses points for some of the accents that are inconstant, but it gets a good three out of Fordyce and is well worth the trip to the Hannah Center in East Lansing for a evening of laughs.
A New Brain Will Fill Your Mind and Your Heart (posted:1/09/07)
Rating:4 out of Fordyce
 Sam Zikakis (middle) with the cast of A New Brain |
It has happened again: The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company has wowed us. The musical A New Brain with music and lyrics by William Finn and James Lapine opened tonight in Old Town. It is from the Tony-award winning authors of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee which by coincidence is also now playing at Wharton Center. Sam Zikakis stars as Gordon, the playwright who collapses into his lunch and awakes in the hospital with a serious brain problem. This true story follows his journey to recovery as he is hospitalized surrounded by his long time lover, his mother, and his agent as well as the doctor and the nurses. Mr. Zikakis is amazing in the lead role. He sings, dances and takes us into his coma with ease and grace. He is complemented by Nathaniel Nose as his lover Roger. These two become the most sincere, believable gay couple I have ever seen on stage. Janine Novenske Smith is fantastic as Gordon's Mother. Joining them on the small stage at Perspective 2 are Colleen Bethea, Eric Dawe, Donna Green, Edric Haleen, John Pizanis, Sidney Sauseda, and Danielle Silverman. This cast |
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works together with amazing precision taking us through this tale that includes comedy and drama mixed together with non stop singing and dancing. The only thing that I found disappointing here is the limitations of the small space the troupe has to work with. seeing these people with more room would have added to the enjoyment, but the cast and crew here, under the direction of Chad Badgero, took what they had and used it well. Hats off to the production crew for an excellent job and when you do a musical, you need music. John Dale Smith and the orchestra made sure we did not miss a beat in this show that gets the perfect Four out of Fordyce. A New Brain runs January 10 – 13 & 17 – 19, 2008. All shows will be performed at Perspective2, located at 319 E. Grand River in Old Town Lansing. All shows begin at 8pm, except the first Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $17 ($10 for students/seniors). Hurry and gets your tickets before this one sells out. Call 517-927-3016.
Spelling Bee is G-O-O-D (posted:1/08/07)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
I went back to school tonight for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". The Broadway Musical is the current offering at Wharton Center. This is a cute simple show where you watch the young adult actors playing kids who s-p-e-l-l. Add in a few folks who join in from the audience, a celebrity guest speller (opening night featured Monica Harris) and great one liners and definitions and the premise works. The jokes are crisp, clear and well delivered by the ensemble cast and very up to date. We had quips about the Iowa Caucus and a New Hampshire primary zinger before the polls closed.
This will never be one of the great musicals of all time, and I felt some of the songs bogged down the show, but most are bright and bouncy. There is the title song, The Magic Foot and I guarantee you will laugh during the mock intermission when Chip (played by Justin Keyes) laments about the hard problem that knocked him out of the stiff competition. Another outstanding cast member is Andrew Keenan-Bolger who delights us as Leaf, and becomes the father of one of the contestants in a "flashback type" sequence. There are several of these in this show and it is a great technique for telling the story. The set design is unique and kudos to the crew for a technically perfect show. I give this one a good t-h-r-e-e out of F-o-r-d-y-c-e
The Moonlight Shines at Boarshead! (posted:12/07/07)
Rating:
4
out of Fordyce
Now through the end of the month, take time to head to BoarsHead Theater the comedy “Moonlight and Magnolias.”
Loosely based on a true story, this play takes place in the office of Hollywood film producer David O. Selznick. “Moonlight and Magnolias” explores what may have happened when Selznick halted filming of the classic “Gone With the Wind“ in 1939. Frustrated with an unworkable script and a floundering director, Selznick calls in script doctor Ben Hecht and pulls famed director Victor Fleming off “The Wizard of Oz” to lend a hand. Selznick locks himself, Hecht and Fleming away with nothing but peanuts and bananas to fuel them until the ailing script is restored.
This is a funny play. Under the direction of a BoarsHead's Kristine Thatcher four talented actors entertain us with this "what if" tale. Tommy Gomez plays Selznick well adding just a little bit of craziness to the hollywood legend.. Nathan Hosner plays Fleming and Jonathan Wagner, who made his BoarsHead debut in “The People vs. Friar Lawrence,” is magnificent as Hecht. These three guys play off each other very well as the try to come up with the script for the film that is considered one ff the best movies ever made. From Scarlet to Rhett they mimic many of the movies characters and do a particularly good job recreating the "birthin' scene" When you add in the delightfully lovely Samantha Garcia popping in and out of the scene as Selznick’s secretary you have a funny two hours that will leave you smiling. If you are a big fan of GWTW like I am you will know why I give this a prefect four out of Fordyce. For extra enjoyment, I recommend you watch the epic again, then get your tickets and have lots of fun at the Boarshead. The show runs through the end of the month.
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The Cast of “Moonlight and Magnolias,” Now
playing at the BoarsHead Theater. Photos by Trumpie Photography. |
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EVERY
CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD!! (posted:12/13/07)
Rating:
4
out of Fordyce
Last season's smash hit at the
Williamston Theater is back and this year I corrected the oversight
I made in 2006 and did not miss it! I was in the opening night
audience for a big cup of holiday hilarity. The presentation begins
as we get ready to watch the Dickens Classic "A Christmas
Carol" and then one cast member balks and we go on the cast
what is billed as an "impromptu romp through the BHCs (Beloved
Holiday Classics)! " Joseph Albright, Aral Gribble and Chris
Korte are absolutely delightful as they take us from Frosty the
Snowman and a send up of Rudolph to the Peanuts Gang and Its a
Wonderful Life. Add in some off beat lessons about Christmas around
the World, and some audience participation and you get 2 hours
of Holiday Fun the gets the perfect Four out of Fordyce!
Here is the only problem with this show. My most excellent holiday
friend Chris P. at the theater told me during intermission even
though they have added a show, almost all the performances are
sold out.
SO,DO NOT WAIT! Click
here for the Theater's Web site and get one of the few remaining
seats.
Shocking Reindeer Tales will Make You Laugh (posted:12/15/07)
Rating:
3
out of Fordyce
Christmas is for kids.
Right? Not in this show. If you want some naughty adult fun check
out "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" when it returns
next weekend to the Creole Gallery in Old Town Lansing. In this
offbeat performance, scandal strikes the North Pole when Santa
is accused of sexual harassment and other unseemly activities.
Those closest to the Jolly Old Elf, the eight reindeer who pull
his sleigh, break their silence for the first time and tell all.
I have a warped sense of humor so I laughed out loud at this one.
While all the reindeer were good. James Houska as Cupid and Laura
Croff as the sexy Vixen were the stand outs. This show contains
adult language and brief deer nudity so it is for mature audiences
only. For Tickets and more information, scroll down to the Christmas
Tree, click on it and be whisked away to the Holiday Page
Spamalot Will Make You laugh A Lot! (posted:12/05/07)
Rating:(Almost)
4 out of Fordyce Now through Sunday, the silliness
of Spamalot is at Wharton Center. The regulars know I like the
movie this is based on, the classic comedy, "Monty Python
and the Holy Grail" Listeners of the Jack
Ebling show even heard me sing a few bars, so it was fun to have
my buddy Jack join me for this laugh fest. The story is the same
as the movie. The King recruits the knights and heads off on the
mission from God. This show takes the silliness of the movie and
adds in a bizarre twist of song, dance, and bad jokes that will
make you laugh so hard you may wet your armor. The show mixes
in send ups of Broadway and the shows famous to the great white
way. I was also pleasantly surprised how well the classic elements
of the movie were brought to the stage, almost a spoof of the
original. You will see the killer rabbit, the wagon of the dead,
the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch (it's one of the relics Brother
Maynard carries) and yes, they cleverly figure out a way to cut
the Black Knight to pieces. Outstanding in this cast is Esther
Stillwell who plays the Lady of The Lake with the proper attitude.
Then there is Patrick Heusinger an actor who plays several roles
including Lancelot, and you will be amazed by Christopher Sutton.
He starts as our narrator, plays three other parts, then finishes
the show as the Prissy Prince Herbert..
My only problem with show was something I noticed from my seat
on the left side of the auditorium. I could see back behind some
of the set pieces and it was a little distracting watching the
actors get in place for the next scene. So for that reason alone
it cannot get a perfect four out of Fordyce, but it comes remarkably
close. So bring out your dead, grab a Knight who says "NI"
and don't have a second thought about going to Camelot for Spamalot..
It is a silly Place.
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Members of Wharton's
Inner Circle got a |
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Bless Yourself and Enjoy NUNCRACKERS
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce|
The Nunsense
Christmas musical starring the nuns you love, plus Father
Virgil, and Mt. Saint Helen's most talented students in
a "live" cable access TV special broadcast from
the convent basement is the Holiday offering from the Holt
and Dimondale Community Players. I braved the sleet Saturday
Night to catch the show.. Filled with typical Nunsense humor, the show features all new songs (including Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient are Us, and It's Better to Give Than to Receive) along with favorite Christmas carols and a "Secret Santa" audience participation. That audience participation was one of the highlights of this very funny show as Sister Amnesia (Marie Papciak) gives selected audience members selected "Holy" gifts. I suspect the woman who got the ruler is still teasing her husband. James Noble shines as Father Virgil, especially when he has to fill in for the Sister Julia, (Child of God) cooking segment. Kudos to the kids in the cast. We all enjoyed your performances and congrats to the band of nuns who played their hearts out and the back stage folks who created a wonderful set perfect for the 1970's time frame in which the show is set. I give this one a "Holier than Thou" three out of Fordyce! |
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photo by: Tammy Hamel |
Catch one of the
remaining shows Six performances, 7 p.m. December 6-8 at
Holt Performing Arts Complex Maurice Pernert Auditorium at Holt Junior High School, 1784 Aurelius Road, Holt. General admission tickets, $5 & $8, will be sold at the door or may be purchased in advance by calling 694-3411. |
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"Wife" is a Story to Treasure (posted:11/11/07)
Rating:
4 out of Fordyce
The new show from Peppermint Creek
Theater Company is a collaborative effort that stars just one.
The troupe is presenting "I Am My Own Wife" by Doug
Wright. Based on a true story, and inspired by interviews conducted
by the playwright over several years, "I Am My Own Wife"
tells the fascinating tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life
German transvestite who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught
and the repressive East German Communist regime.
JD De La Ossa is the only actor in this show. He plays Charlotte
and some 40 other characters. From the moment he arrives on the
intimate stage until the poignant ending, he owns the stage as
he tells this remarkable, compelling story.
While he is the only actor, he does not do this alone. This show
uses elaborate audio and amazing lighting to tell the tale. The
show is technically perfect. The behind the scenes crew did not
miss a cue, no easy task when you are trying to match a needle
drop on an old phonograph or the precise frightening pop of a
bomb dropping in World War II Germany. Director Louis Balestra
is to be commended for his vision that brings this show to the
stage. This one gets a perfect 4 out of Fordyce. This is a "Don't
Miss Show" so hurry and get your tickets "I Am My Own
Wife" runs again next weekend (11/15 – 17) at Perspective2,
319 E. Grand River in Old Town Lansing. All shows begin at 8pm
For more information an
"Arts
or Crafts " a Pleasant Romp (posted:11/11/07)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
A world premiere play at Michigan State University tries to answer the question: Arts or Crafts? I caught the preview Sunday night of this amusing play written by the MSU Department of Theater's own Rob Roznowski. The man who teaches acting and directing to the young theater students has given them a vehicle to ask some social questions, be creative and have some fun. The show is a compilation of vignettes. Each skit starts with a question projected on the screens above the stage. For Instance "Arts or Crafts? Sale or Sail? The players then act out a clever skit that tries to point us to an answer. My favorite was "Play or Plie" where football and ballet collide. While a few scenes dragged, the show moves along quickly and if you don't care for one skit, another comes along before you know it. In addition to the skits, there are some funny side trips that poke fun at the show itself . The plain yet amazing set allows the action to move along with wonderfully smooth transitions. This one gets a good three out of Fordyce.
Here is a hint:
Try your hand at the craft table during intermission. It could
have a big payoff at the end.
The show opens Tuesday at the Pasant Theater at Wharton Center.
Here is the
* After Thursday night's show there is an after show symposium where critics discuss their approach to reviewing shows. It seems they have invited just about all the local theater critics to participate except me. It is ironic, that one of the skits in this play pokes fun at On Line Critics vs. Newspaper Critics, but they only invited people who write for newspapers. So if you want to know how I review shows you will have to ask me.
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Starlight
Theatre is performing Tom Sharkey’s romantic comedy
“Amy‘s Wish” as it‘s second production
for the 2007-08 season. Some
people search for the fountain of youth and some people
find it by surprise. Recently retired and newlywed, Sam
Galway is flabbergasted when he attempts to deal with the
emotions of his “new” bride, Amy. |
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Their
Florida condo complex will never be the same as nosey neighbor,
Irma Pry, pushes the town’s Sheriff into a hilarious murder
investigation while romances blossoms for the younger Galway.
I did not see this one but plan to catch it when it shows again
next weekend November 16-17 .
I invited one of my favorite guest reviewers to give her take
on this show Click Here to
see what Jane Zussman had to say.
For
Tickets and your reservations: www.starlightdinnertheatre.info
"Doubt" Continues at BoarsHead (posted:10/27/07)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
Last Shows This Weekend!
BoarsHead
Theater will host the Michigan premiere of John Patrick Shanley’s
award-winning play “Doubt”
Set in a Catholic school in 1964, “Doubt” examines
the clash between a progressive parish priest and the conservative
nun who suspects him of taking an inappropriate interest in a
young male student. Nancy-Elizabeth Kammer plays Sister Aloysius
and Amy Fitts is Sister James and both do a good job. Michael
Joseph Mitchell is back at BoarsHead to appear as Father Flynn,
( You may remember Mitchell performed at BoarsHead in last season’s
productions of “Holiday Memories” and “Underneath
the Lintel.”) In this show he is outstanding the priest
under suspicion and Tiffany Denise Mitchenor blows the audience
away in her short but powerful appearance as Mrs. Muller. My Pal,
Jonathan Courtemanche is making his main-stage directing debut
with this production. We are good enough friends that I could
criticize him and he would understand I was doing my job. But
fortunately, there is not much to pick on here. Only a few minor
flaws that are easily overlooked making this one well worth your
time and I give it a very good 3 out of Fordyce
To
hear Mr. C. talk about the show click here
For Show times and Tickets . Go to The BoarsHead Website to get yours
Below:
Jim Fordyce (R) with Michael Patrick Mitchell (L)
after Opening Night of "Doubt"
Above:
Nancy Kammer (R) and Amy Fitts in "Doubt"
Photo by Trumpie
Head for Williamston and Have Fun on the Ice
Rating:
4 out of Fordyce
If
you want a treat head to the Williamston Theater over the next
few weeks and catch "Guys on Ice" The story of the ice
fishing buddies from Wisconsin is the season opener at the downtown
theater. I t is a charming musical that tells the story
of ice-fishing buddies from Northern Wisconsin who talk and sing
about life, love, and the one that got away. From their ice-fishing
shanty, long-time pals Lloyd and Marvin keep warm with a mutual
appreciation for good bait, cold beer, and the Green Bay Packers.
I caught it on the first night of previews, which always
makes theater management nervous because the show has never been
performed in front of an audience and there could be a bug or
two. Well there was no need to worry here.
The first night was virtually flawless and lots of fun. Bruce
Bennett, Joseph Albright and B.J. Love star as our trio of the
most loveable guys since I watched "Escanaba in da Moonlight"
The three are warm, funny and talented. The simple story takes
place in a realistic ice fishing shanty set as the guys interact
with funny lines, dancing and singing. While the actors are all
good, Albright is the standout.You will especially enjoy when
he sings "The King". This one gets a perfect 4 out of
Fordyce. Get your tickets to this now, because it is sure to sell
out.
Call 517-655-7469 for Tickets
The show runs through November 11
Salome Good Effort, But Over Produced (posted:11/04/07)
Rating:
2 out of Fordyce
The Lansing Community College Performing Arts Department is presenting Salome by Oscar Wilde, 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, now through Nov. 10 in the Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing
Salome
is a decadent tale of unrequited love and misdirected passion.
In this show director Lela Ivey took us to contemporary setting
but left the old language, something I never care for, just ask
Todd Heywood at Sunsets with Shakespeare.
I think this show was supposed be set in the 70's disco
era, but you are never quite sure. The hint is an out of place
Disco Number that began with a drag queen and featured dancers
who were not dancing together. I also can't understand why the
lights kept changing, why the stage blood looked like strawberry
Bosco and why the set was built with alcoves that the actors stood
in and delivered lines that could not be heard
The story is about a Herod, a powerful man at odds with Salome, his stepdaughter who has an obsession with a prisoner. Brian de Vries is very good as Herod and the stand out of this cast. Abby Murphy is Salome and over acts. By the time you sit through the theatirics, the story gets lost. Good try , but this one only gets 2 out of Fordyce.
This show is for adult audiences it contains violence and sexual situations
Tickets are $10, $5 for students, seniors and LCC alumni. Call 517-372-0945 to get yours. For More Information Click on the Ad at the Top of the Page
Cast Good, Plot Confusing in "Valparaiso" (posted:10/28/07)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
The first offering of the new season from
the gang at Icarus Falling is "Valparaiso"
IF is in its new home in a new home at Michigan Home Grown
Music located at 2312 E. Michigan, Once again this group is in
a new space and it is according to IF artistic director, Jeff
Croff, It is a work in progress. I am used to seeing the group
in usual spaces and it forces the group to concentrate on their
slightly offbeat shows and not the performance space. This is
something that endears this group to me and the community.
In
this story we meet Michael Majeski, a man made famous by a series
of mistakes which take him to Valparaiso, Chile instead of Valparaiso,
Indiana. The story takes us through all of the interviews he does
after the "drive by media gets a hold of his story. Michael
is played by veteran local actor Tom Klunzinger. His wife Livia,
is played by Gini Larson. Both are great and perform their parts
well. Amy Winchell is outstanding as "Delfina" the off
beat TV talk show host. (Imagine if Oprah and Jerry had a daughter)
Other cast members are good too, but the problem here is the script.
The first act is a repetition of the same interview done in different
forms. The second act is entirely made up of Delfina's TV talk
show. In this part of the show, we meet her side kick Teddy (Delightfully
played Richard Redman) and a chorus of flight attendants who do
two remarkably well coordinated offbeat speeches. Michael and
wife are the guests. While it all quite amusing to watch I am
still not quite sure what was going on or supposed to be happening.
So I will give this one a good three out of Fordyce.
You will enjoy it, but don't expect to understand it.
"Valparaiso" runs October 26, 27, November 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. in the former Dancing Crane Gallery, 2312 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI. Tickets are $15 ($5 for IF Virgins) and can be purchased during normal business hours or prior to performances. Reservations can be made via phone, 517.290.4375, or email tickets@icarusfalling.com. For more information call 517.290.4375 or visit www.icarusfalling.com.
Camelot is a lot of Fun (posted:11/01/07)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
At Wharton center right now through Sunday is “Camelot” Lou Diamond Phillips stars in this re incarnation of the Lerner and Lowe lassic Broadway musical set in King Arthur’s Court. Phillips is surprisingly good as the king, something I was not expecting. While he is not the traditional Arthur we have seen in this role over the years, he has a charming way about him and a stage presence that endears him to the audience. Matt Bogart is good as Lancelot, but the outstanding member of this cast is Rachel deBenedet as Guenevere. She plays the queen with the perfect mix of wit, sarcasm and enthusiasm, along with facial expressions that tie it all together. But the magic here has always been in the songs and the story. This is one of these “we all know the words and can sing along” shows which delight audiences. This one gets a good 3 out of Fordyce. Catch it before it leaves town Sunday.
Lansing Civic Players Present: Desperate Hours (posted:10/20/07)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
The
Lansing Civic Players are now presenting the suspense thriller,
The Desperate Hours.
Although this crime drama is a little dated, it does play well.
The show, which is set in the 1950's, revolves around three escaped
convicts who seek refuge in a suburban home, while they await
money from a friend. In the LCP version, the stage is split in
two, with the hideout house on one side and the police station
on the other. The action goes back and forth as the story and
the drama build. The beginning is a little slow and the transition
between sides is distracting as we watch actors waiting to go
on stage in full view of the audience. I am not sure if that was
intentional or missed lighting cues, but wither way a simple curtain
on the stage would have fixed it nicely. But don't let that stop
you from seeing this show. The cast is good. Jack Down and Mark
Boyd were excellent and Joe Dickson is not to be missed as the
mean and nasty leader of the escapees.
This
show get s good 3 out of Fordyce. It is on stage at the Hannah
Community Center in East Lansing, through October 28.For more
info and tickets go to
the Civic Players Web Site.
Sunsets
with Shakespeare Presenting:
"My
Name is Rachel Corrie"
(posted:10/18/07)
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
Right now at the Barn Theater at Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing, you can see "My Name is Rachel Corrie". Sunsets with Shakespeare and The Peace Education Center of Greater Lansing are presenting the one woman drama based on the writings and e-mails of American activist Rachel Corrie. She died at age 23 after being hit by an Israeli Army bulldozer in Palestine on March 16, 2003.
I saw the play at a preview Wednesday night and watched as Lindsay Palinsky and director Todd Heywood brought the story to life. It is a simple show that follows Rachel's life as a young American growing up in Washington State. Then,we learn of her political awakening during her activism in Palestine and get a first hand account of her activities there.
Performances of this play have been dogged by controversy and protestors in many cities including London, New York, Seattle. Apparently some people were upset over what is perceived as an Anti-Israel theme and did not go see things and then judge for things for themselves. Instead of letting others label things for them, people here in the Lansing area seems secure enough to go inside the theater, watch the story and then, make up their own minds. No doubt about it, this play does show a distinctly Palestinian side. But it is also a true human story and in spite of a few minor mistakes, Miss Palinsky captures her character well and is to be saluted for being the only actor on stage for two hours.
Go
see this one and judge for yourself. It gets a good 3 out of
Fordyce
Evening performances will be run on Thursdays through Saturday,
October 18-19-20, and October 25-26-27 the curtain goes up at
8. There will be Sunday Matinees pat 2 p.m. October 21
and October 28.
The Best Man Opens at RiverWalk 10/11/07
Rating:
2 out of Fordyce
Now
on stage at the Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing is "The
Best Man" The first of this year's "Stages of the Law"
series was
Written by Gore Vidal and is directed by Bob Grasm. This is the
story of the men who want their party’s Presidential nomination.
One is a ruthless and ambitious young senator, who digs up some
“dirt” which could destroy his opponent’s chances.
But the other uncovers equally damaging material. The play builds
as you wonder who will sink to to the lowest level.I was expecting
good things and this show was a little disappointing.
While I liked the story from the 60's, it is very dated. Our stars
are the two men who want their party's nomination for president.
Jeff Boerger is Secretary of State William Russel and Doak Bloss
is his political rival, Senator Joseph Cantwell.
These two men are good actors and carry the play, while
Judy Barber is very good as Mrs. Russell, the candidate’s
wife, but the rest of the cast falls short. There were botched
lines, dropped props and many lines are hard to hear, especially
from the reporters who are in a corner of the stage shouting questions
looking away from the audience. Jayke Pell plays the former president
who is quite the character with some very funny lines. At least
I think they were funny, because the front row was laughing. He
delivers many of them sitting in a chair looking down.
The one thing you can hear loud and clear is the upper platform
of the stage. When the cast was walking on that part of the set,
it was louder than a Sundance commercial and just as annoying.
The set changes take forever as the stage crew rotates the identical
hotel suites. We get it already; they are hotel rooms, just change
the campaign posters and move a few props. There was no need to
remake the bed and redecorate like an HGTV show between every
scene. The long set changes just added to the almost three hour
length of this play which was way too long to wait for the last
two scenes which do bring this play to its surprising conclusion.
This one only gets 2 out of Fordyce.
Pygmalion is Good. 10/15/07
Rating:
3 out of Fordyce
Only
one show left of "Pygmalion" and if you have nothing
planned for Tuesday evening, I highly recommend a trip to the
Fairchild Theater.
The Michigan State University Theater Department is presenting
the George Bernard Shaw classic about a lowly flower girl who
is transformed by Professor Henry Higgins. Yes, this
is the play that went on to become the musical “My Fair
Lady” but the play is more sarcastic and more cutting edge
than the softer songfest. In the MSU show, Daryl Thompson plays
Professor Henry Higgins. I am told this MSU master’s student
is using this play as his thesis and he is good as the teacher
of Eliza Doolittle, but at times I felt is was louder and more
abrasive than his character should be. I liked James Broughton
as Pickering be he too was a little bit much. The star of
the show was Jennifer Shafer. This MSU Sophomore was perfect as
Eliza Doolittle, cocky and brash in the beginning, lovely and
refined by the end. The rest of the cast was good, some playing
several parts and hats off the the crew, the show I saw was technically
perfect with snmooth scene changes and not a missed cue in the
bunch. This one gets a good 3 out of Fordyce. Remember the final
performance is Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 7:30p.m. "
To hear an interview with "Pygmalion"director Tommy
Gomez click here: 
The Full Monty is Full of Fun
On
stage right now at the Riverwalk Theatre in downtown Lansing is
“The Full Monty”. This is a musical that features
steelworkers who lost their jobs and decide that since the Chippendales
make money stripping, they can too. The problem is they don’t
look like the typical male dancer, but set out on a mission to
glorify the working man. This endearing story from Terrence McNally
takes us into the lives of these men who are proud and strong,
but show us they can be sensitive too. With Music and Lyrics
by David Yazbewk, this show is a treat from one of our great local
community theaters. A lot of hard work went into it and it shows.
There is a large cast of guys and gals and they all work well
together, so this is one of those reviews where I hate single
out anyone, since they all make this show a success Those who
go will enjoy Ethan Link and Anthony Sump. They are paired perfectly
as Jerry and Dave, the two guys who come up with the idea to perform.
Director Veronica Wing Quick did a wonderful job and she was smart
to grab talented local actors Joe Quick and Keith Gracia Wing
as Malcolm and Ethan. OK, she is married to one and the other
is her brother but she made the right choice keeping it in the
family. Keith, who played in Godspell a few months
back is one of my favorite local actors and Joe is a talented
young man who overplays the Malcolm character just the way he
is supposed to. Kerry Waters is perfect as Jeanette, the
hard driving show biz matron who helps the guys. Jace McCloy is
Nathan. This 5th grader from St. Gerard School charms the pants
off all of us.
Up until this production, I had only scene “The Full Monty”
on large Broadway type stages. The intimate RWT setting
added a dimension to this show I had not scene before. The audience
couldn’t help becoming part of the finale. Most of
us were hooting and hollering right along with the “on stage
audience” . I know I had fun and that means this show gets
a perfect four out of Fordyce. It has something for everyone except
the kids, this one is recommended for adults only..
Through
the weekend in the Arena Theater at MSU is “As Bees in
Honey Drown”. This is the story of an author who gets
lured in by a woman who promises fortune and fame and then the
fun begins. This show from the students of the MSU Theater
Department and the regulars know I applaud the young people
from our schools who learn the craft of live theater and bring
it to our mid Michigan audience. That alone should send you
all flocking to the theater. But in this case, you will have
the added joy of seeing young actors do a great job. Hazen
Natzmer and Danielle Silverman star as Evan and Alexa. Yes,
Hazen works for this website and is a friend of mine, but he
know I would never let that effect a review so I can truly say
he did a great job, as did Ms. Silverman. The other cast
members included Joel King, Kamaal Reffigee, Kati Della Mora
and Nastassja Whit all playing a variety of roles. They do quick
costume changes and get right into the next character. While
they all turn in impressive performances, out of the four, Katie
is the stand out for her versatility. The backstage crew
also did a good job. There are some negatives here. While the
story is engaging and funny, it is way too long. The show started
at 7:30 and didn’t end until 10. A long drawn out
opening sequence added very little to the play and could have
easily been cut and there were a few other scenes that could
have been trimmed. The Arena Theater has a stage in the middle
and the audience on four sides. I have never been
a fan of theater in the round and I would have preferred this
on a stage where the actors would be playing to the audience
and not worrying about who could see them. The arena’s
set up also allows the audience to see the players running behind
the seats to get to their next entrance. In one seen it spoiled
things because I knew which character was coming on next and
how she was dressed.
All in all this is a good show worthy of a trip to the theater
to enjoy the story and support the students who obviously pour
their heart and soul into being the best they can be. It gets
a good three out of Fordyce.
P.S. I realize some college students may have been attending their first play or they were forced to go by a teacher who wanted a report. Whatever the reason, it is VERY RUDE to be text messaging your friends during the show. I counted at least 12 people doing it. The next time you go to a play, have respect for the actors, your fellow students and the other members of the audience and shut off your cell phone and give the show your full attention.
Mrs. Warren’s Profession is a Boarshead Hit !
The
Boarshead Theater has opened its season with “Mrs. Warren’s
Profession” Movie and TV legend Paula Prentiss. She plays
the title role and her real life daughter Prentiss Benjamin
plays her daughter. In this story, from the pen of George Bernard
Shaw, Mrs. Warren runs a chain of Brothels across Europe.
While, the business brings her wealth and the attention of men,
it has estranged her from her now adult daughter who has developed
a whole different set of values while she was raised in expensive
boarding schools and college all paid for by Mommy. This is
a comedy with a very serious story line, something Shaw does
well. And the cast does it well, too. First of all, Paula Prentiss
is marvelous. She plays Mrs. Warren with style and grace and
wit and charm. She proves why she is a legend. Her daughter
has inherited her mother’s talent and developed it well.
She is a delight t watch and her scenes where she deals with
mom are a treat. Also in this cast is a young actor named Jack
Moran who plays Frank, the young rogue. He is charming to watch,
quick with his lines and is charged with being the most animated
character in this play and he does it well. When you add
in Lansing’s own veteran actor, Ken Beachler, along with
the talents of Gary Houston and Paul Murphy, you get another
must see hit from the Boarshead.
This ensemble cast was directed by James Glossman and helped
out by the unsung heroes backstage who mixed costumes, lighting,
sound and scenery in to a gets the blends together to get a
show that earns a perfect Four out of Fordyce. The show runs
through September, but don’t wait. Get your tickets now.
This show is sure to sell out.
Click
here to read a guest review of this show from MSU Theater Student
and MIentertainment.biz Intern Hazen Natzmer
After the show, there was an opening night party at the wonderful Cadillac Club in Lansing. I was invited to drop by and get some pictures with the cast and I got a bowl of Chef Brett’s marvelous Chili.
Plaza Suite Fun!
Congrats to the Lansing Civic Players on beginning season number 79. I joined the audience Saturday night for the troupe’s opening offering “Plaza Suite”. The Neil Simon comedy is actually three separate plays. The only thing they have in common is they take place in room 719 in the Plaza Hotel. The first act is about and an older couple trying to celebrate their anniversary amid problems with the relationship. Sue Chumurynsky plays Karen Nash, while Harlow Clagett plays her husband Sam. Chumurynsky is the better of this pair, I thought Mr. Clagett while a good actor seemed a little old and slow for the role. Act two is my favorite of the three. As Bob Murrell and Elizabeth Todd play Jessie Kiplinger and Muriel Tate. He is a now famous Hollywood producer from Tenafly, New Jersey and she is his old High School girlfriend who drops by to say “hello”. She obviously regrets some decisions she made earlier in life and apparently he does too, This pair plays off each other very well and brings us the highlight of this show. Act three stars Dan Pappas Susan DeRosa as a couple about to marry off their daughter. Only problem is: she is locked in the bathroom and won’t come out. As the unseen guests wait, we watch Mom and Dad tussle and play the blame game wit some very funny lines, delivered well by Pappas and DeRosa. The situation resolves itself in a unique way which I always have felt was a cop out on Mr. Simon’s part. It is like he got tired of writing near the end and came up with a simple solution. This one gets a good Three out of Fordyce. It runs through September 16 at the Hannah center in East Lansing. Go to the LCP website to get your tickets.
“American Life” wraps Season at Ledges.
My last stop of the weekend was the Sunday matinee of “Scenes from American Life”. The very talented gang from the Ledge’s Playhouse is wrapping up its summer season by performing the A.R. Gurney play through September 16 at the Playhouse located in Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. This play is a series of small skits, most only a few minutes long. Jane Zussman, Laura Croff and Tanya Burnham are the stand outs in this cast that has the daunting task of changing characters, scenes and costumes frequently. While the scenes are loosely tied together, this play is a little disjointed and while some scenes are compelling and/or funny. Others are confusing and pointless. The good thing here is like Michigan’s Weather. Give it two minutes and it will change, which is the beauty of this show. Catch this one before it goes. I give it a good three out of Fordyce
You Will Love I Hate Hamlet! August 2007
The
hilarious farce, I Hate Hamlet is on stage at the Riverwalk
Theatre in downtown Lansing.
The play is about an actor, whose TV show gets canceled and
much to his dismay, he is only able to land a part playing hamlet
in New York City.
I have a cameo in this one as the TV entertainment reporter.
(Now there's a stretch) so I really shouldn't review this show,
but if I did I would say this is one clever show with a talented
cast. Justin Hein is right on as our star, the tv actor done
in by low ratings.
Sandy Thomasson is a delight as his agent with the german accent
and the memory of days past. Sheri Silver and Erik Grill add
to the fun as the sexy real estate agent and the shallow producer,
while Kelley Peters plays the effervescent virginal girl friend.
While they were all fun, the stand out in this show is Bruce
Bennet as the ghost of actor John Barrymore. He takes us back
and forth from serious to funny with wit, charm and facial expressions
and body language that fits the role perfectly.
Oh, and my cameo was great too
Again since I appear in this play, I can't rate it, but if I
could it would get three and a half out of Fordyce. Almost perfect
For pictures of the cast click here. For
a guest review click here..
Sunsets with Shakespeare New Show August 2007
Through
next weekend at Adado River Front Park in Lansing, Sunsets with
Shakespeare is performing “Julius Caesar”.
Now let me say up front, this is one of my un-favorite
plays. I have never liked it, and consider having to watch
it about as exciting as paint drying. In this effort, the
gang at Sunsets opted to do the play in modern dress, but retain
the original language. Having a soldier in US army fatigues saying
“come hither” does not work. And casting an 11 year
old boy and an older woman as soldiers also does not work. Lots
of lines are lost in this show. It is obvious that some
of the inexperienced cast members are not skilled at working in
an outdoor setting with no microphones.
Now, the good points: Tom Klunzinger is marvelous as Julius Caesar
and Lindsay Palinsky does a fantastic job as Cassius. You will
have no trouble hearing or understanding these experienced actors.
The show moves along well, the death scenes, which are the hardest
part of this play to pull off, are all done extremely well. I
had no trouble believing Caesar had been stabbed at the end of
act one and the finale that involves all sorts of dead bodies
piling up was masterful.
And some inside notes: Since I am on the board of Sunsets with
Shakespeare, I can tell you that getting this show to the
park was not easy. There were several members of the crew who
got sick and how to bow out, so some actors and directors had
to step in at the last minute and quickly learn lines that are
not easy to ingest and understand on short notice. So that all
being said and remembering that this is a community theater of
volunteers who work very hard and got not a dime for their efforts,
I give this show a good 3 out of Fordyce and encourage everyone
to come and see the show. The cast and crew only ask that you
come and enjoy their free performance (and you might want to through
a few bucks in when they pass the hat at intermission)
Click here to see photos and the hear interviews with the cast
"The Foreinger" A Hit in Grand Ledge July 2007
A
cool night in the park was the perfect setting to go inside the
historic theater in Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge and enjoy a
night of theater. This playhouse seems to make everyone happy.
We all were visiting before the show started, while our hosts,
Kevin and Tanya Burnham made sure we all felt welcome.
The show began as Froggie (Michael Hays) and Charlie (Rick Defelethson)
show up at Betty's Lodge in the Georgia mountians and set us up
for the next 2 hours of fun. Froggie suggests Charlie pretends
not to speak english so he can have a quiet undisturbed visit.
But what he has, is anything but quiet. Betty (Maryilyn Steegstra)
makes him feel at home, while a cast of zanys say anything they
want to him, figuring he doesn't understand. This includes a plot
to rip off Betty, a preacher about to marry for money and a young
man named Ellard ( played wonderfully by Joseph Dickson) who is
hell bent on teaching Charlie his brand of english. The plot twists
and turns right up to the confrontation between good and evil
and a clever ending. You will especially enjoy Charlie's english
lessons from Ellard. That alone is worth the price of admission
and raises this play up to a perfect Four out of Fordyce.
Jane
Zussman reminds us:
THE
FOREIGNER continues through August 12.
7:30 pm Thursdays, 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays; 2 pm Sundays
In Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge (Tell the park-entry-booth folks
you're going to the theatre and you don't have to pay to get into
the park.)
www.ledgesplayhouse.com
679-1052 for reservations and to read Jane's Review of this show
go to the Guest Review
Page.
The Ransom of Red Chief is Fun
A
cute show now playing at The Riverwalk Theatre is “The Ransom
of Red Chief” The Play is an adaptation of O’Henry’s
classic story about a kidnapping gone astray. Con Artists Bill
(Chris Goeckel) and Sam (Gordon Hicks) decide to snatch Johnny
(Nic Roberts) from his rich Uncle. They grab the little brat who
proceeds to make their lives miserable. They send the ransom note
to Uncle Ebenezer who really doesn’t want the kid back and
insists they pay him to unload their victim.
This is a short, simple, funny play well directed by Mary K. Hodges-Nees.
It starts off a little slow, but gets going fast and has a great
ending. You learn to like Sam and Chris and realize they aren’t
so bad for a couple of misguided crooks and Nic Roberts is great
as Johnny. It is obvious this fifth grader enjoys his part. This
one gets a good Three out of Fordyce. Go and have a laugh. The
show runs again next weekend (July 19-22) call my pal
Mike at
482-5700 and he will get you tickets of go on line and order them
at www.riverwalktheatre.com.
Wicked is Wicked 7-07
Some
of you lucky ones have tickets to see wicked at Wharton Center
this week and next.
The story of what happened before Dorothy arrived in the Land
of Oz is a sellout. Although there is a lottery drawing to get
tickets.
I enjoyed this show immensely.
It begins with a scene we all know: The Wicked Witch of the West
has just been done in by a little farm girl from Kansas. Glinda,
the Good informs the residents of Oz that the green woman is gone.
In response to questions to her from the Munchkins, we are taken
back in time to the beginning and learn the WHOLE story. And believe
me, it is not what you thought. You will learn why the witch is
wicked and find out Glenda is not as good as first thought. There
is politics, social messages, rivalries and people looking to
better themselves at the expense of others. In the Wharton show,
Christina DeCicco is Glenda and Victoria Matlock is the Wicked
Witch. Both are marvelous and deserved the standing ovation and
roar of cheers the audience gave them. Barbara Tirrell is a delight
as Madame Morrible and P.J. Benjamin "IS" the Wizard.
Hats off to Brad Weinstock, who obviously has fun in his part
as Boq, the munchkin who loves the witch from the east. All the
actors in this show play characters we all grew up with. We know
them like family and any deviation from that would have been disappointing.
I am glad to say that was not the case here.
This is a great story, with fabulous acting and unbelievable staging
and effects that are technically perfect and guaranteed to amaze
you.
Wicked gets a perfect Four out of Fordyce
Godspell 6-07
Nestled
in the park in Grand Ledge you will find the historic Ledges Playhouse.
That was my destination Saturday night to see Godspell.
This is a show so big, The Ledges Playhouse Theater Company
and The Lansing Civic Players combined talents to bring us a an
updated version of the 1970’s musical that tells the
story of the gospel of St. Matthew in an unorthodox way. The update
was a good idea. In this version, street people hear and act out
the stories we all know. Keith Garcia Wing is the standout as
Jesus. The rest of the cast follows his lead and takes us through
the play with song, dance, humor and some very serious moments.
The ensemble cast does well and kudos to Laura Croff who once
again gives us her “gildaradneresque” charm and talent
to add an extra measure of pleasure to the show. I especially
loved the interaction with the audience. There is nothing quite
like joining in on the fun and the merriment. Hats off to
Director Kevin Burnham for conceiving this version and bringing
it to the stage and a round of applause for Jeff English and the
band, who sit on that stage during this show and help make it
well worth the trip to Grand Ledge. A perfect Four out of
Fordyce for this one.
All Night Strut 6-07
Back
for its second go ‘round at the beautiful Boarshead Theater
in downtown Lansing is “The All Night Strut” It was
a smash last summer and even better this year. The premise is
simple. You are in a night club in the big band era. First our
Musical Trio (John Dale Smith, Jonathan Smith and Justin Valla)
comes out and warms us up. Then, the Quintessential Quartet of
Jennifer Joan Joy, Sharriese Hamilton, Jason Richards and Ivan
Griffin join the party and we are off for two hours of musical
delight with the songs and dances of a bygone era. This
is the same cast and crew from last year and it is hard to believe
they could be better than they were in “06, but they
were! Maybe this second run made for a more relaxed setting
and a more confident Cast, but it was magic! This year there
are a few songs added and some more dancing. Last year I
said “Go See This show” and gave it the perfect “Four
Out of Fordyce”. If you saw it last year, go
see this show again. If you missed it last year, “GO SEE
THIS SHOW” Now, here is my problem. Since I gave it
a perfect “Four Out of Fordyce” last year and it is
better than last year, what do I do? Hmmm. OK! I’ve
got it. A new rating. It gets a “Fab Four Out of Fordyce”
for Perfection Plus. And I must add hats off to director and choreographer
Lance Roberts and the Boarshead crew for bringing us this fine
show. (For pictures of me and the cast, go to the “Photo
Album “. For your tickets to this show, click on the Boarshead
link on the scrolling marquee at the top of this page.)
1776
“It’s
a masterpiece I say”
That’s not just the first line from a song in 1776, it sums
up the theatre experience now on stage at Riverwalk Theatre in
Downtown Lansing. The gang there is presenting the historic musical
1776 until June10.
I squeezed into the sold out house Friday night (6-1) and was
blown away. The “Regulars” who have heard me on TV
(abc 53 Thursday at 7:30 pm) and with Jack Ebling (1320 WILS Radio
Friday 6:30 pm) know I have been in this show about 50 times in
my life, so I know it backward and forward and was ready to sing
along and act along and look for any flaws.. Well they weren’t
there! What I enjoyed was a stage experience almost as good
as the Broadway Production.
John Adams (Doak Bloss) starts us off by complaining about
Congress (a tradition that lives on in America) and then the lights
come up and the rest of the body sings for Mister Adams to sit
down and shut up. From here this musical treat takes us through
the months leading up to July 4th, 1776 with great acting and
singing.. This cast is well paced, fabulous to watch and above
all talented.
Charles Slocum charms us as Benjamin Franklin and the quiet Thomas
Jefferson is portrayed well Bob Murell. There are only two
women in the cast. Emily English shines as a character who
is not really there and communicates to her husband in thoughts
and letters. Michelle Rose appears as Martha Jefferson
who was charming as she danced and sang with Adams and Franklin.
Other notables in the cast are Dale Powell as Edward Rutledge
the representative from South Carolina who made sure slavery was
preserved before signing the Declaration of Independence. Mr.
Powell aces one of the most difficult chores in the musical, singing
a diddy about greed and politics, “Molasses to Rum”.
Young Zecharia Shrum brings tears to the eyes as he sings “Momma
Look Sharp” and Bill Durr brings a smile to all as Richard
Henry Lee. I must also mention the man who played the part
I did many an evening. Paul McKean Tarr, Junior did an honorable
job portraying Colonel Thomas McKean of Delaware, and I must say
I didn’t recognize my friend Matt Ottinger as Dr Hall from
Georgia. I am just not used to Matt in a powdered wig.
Hats off to the rest of the cast I don’t have space to talk
about and to Director Jane Falion. Ms. Falion did a great
job staging a musical designed for a bigger stage on the intimate
setting we call Riverwalk. It was a treat to watch.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, this show written by
the great Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards gets a perfect Four
out of Fordyce. That’s the good news. Now the bad
news, many of you may not see it since it is almost sold out.
My good friend Riverwalk office manager Mike Siracuse says
there are only a handful of tickets left. So call now and see
if he has one for you (517) 482-5700
AT BOARSHEAD IN LANSING
IT WILL BE SECOND WEEKEND OF "UNDERNEATH THE LENTIL"
MICHAEL JOSEPH MITCHELL STARS IN THIS ONE MAN SHOW WHERE A LIBRARIAN, CHECKING BOOKS DROPPED INTO THE OVER NIGHT SLOT, FINDS ONE THAT IS 113 YEARS OVERDUE...
THAT STARTS HIS JOURNEY TO UNCOVER ANSWERS ABOUT THE BOOK
NOW, I SAW THE SHOW OPENING NIGHT AND WHILE MISTER MITCHELL DOES A GOOD JOB AS OUR LECTURER, STORY TELLER AND STAND UP COMIC..
THE PLAY ITSELF WAS NOT MY CUP OF TEA..
HEY I WANTED TO FIND OUT WHO HAD THE BOOK FOR 113 YEARS..
SO IF YOU ARE EXPECTING A MYSTERY SKIP THIS ONE..
I GIVE IT TWO OUT OF FORDYCE.. BUT LIKE I SAID THIS IS NOT MY KIND OF PLAY SO YOU MAY LIKE IT MORE THAN I DID..
AND A TRIP TO THE BOARSHEAD IS ALWAYS FUN JUST TO SEE THE NICE PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE..
GREAT JOB AT DEWITT!
I MUST TAKE TIME TO THANK THE KIDS FROM DE WITT HIGH FOR INVITING ME TO BE THEIR GUEST TO SEE THEIR PRESENTATION OF CHICAGO..
IT WAS A GREAT EVENING.. THE CAST, THE CREW AND THE ADULTS WHO HELPED DID A GREAT JOB.. I LOVED IT.. IT WAS AS GOOD AS ANY VERSION OF THE SHOW I HAVE EVER SEEN AND THE STUDENTS WHO PUT ON THIS PERFORMANCE SHOULD PAT YOURSELVES ON THE BACK FOR A JOB WELL DONE..
SO AS THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDS TO THE CAST OF THE CHICAGO AND ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WORK SO HARD AT ALL THE HIGH SCHOOLS IN MID MICHIGAN TO BRING US SHOWS AND PLAYS ALL YEAR LONG
I GIVE YOU A PERFECT FOUR OUT OF FORDYCE
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER
5-14-07
Come Blow Your Horn and Saint Joan
THE LANSING CIVIC PLAYERS CONTINUE WITH THE CLASSIC
NEIL SIMON COMEDY, "COME BLOW YOUR HORN" THIS WEEKEND...
THE SHOW IS ABOUT TWO BROTHERS AND THEIR FATHER
WHO IS TRYING TO GET THEM TO RUN THE FAMILY WAX FRUIT BUSINESS...
I SAW THE SHOW SATURDAY NIGHT AND YOU WILL WANT TO SEE IT TOO...
WALKING INTO THE THEATER A GREAT SET AND MUSIC TAKES
YOU RIGHT BACK TO THE SIXTIES..
AND WHEN THE SHOW STARTS YOU ARE IMMEDIATELY DRAW INTO
TO NEIL SIMON'S STORY OF THE LOVEABLE YET DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY
FROM NEW YORK..
THE CAST IS ALL GOOD IN THIS ONE...
BUT THE STAND OUTS ARE MARILYN STEEGSTRA AS
MOTHER BAKER...
I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LAUGH OUT LOUD AS SHE DEALS WITH THE
TELEPHONE AND JOE QUICK IS OUTSTANDING AS YOUNGER BROTHER
BUDDY..
WATCH CAREFULLY AT THE END OF THE FIRST ACT..
HIS EXPRESSION AS HE ANSWERS THE DOOR IS PRICELESS..
THE CIVIC PLAYERS VERSION OF COME BLOW YOUR HORN GETS A
PERFECT FOUR OUT OF FORDYCE
PUT IT ON YOUR WEEKEND SCHEDULE
THE CURTAIN GOES UP FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 8 PM
AND SUNDAY AT 2
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