Category Archives: Reviews

July 25, 2019 · 4:20 pm

MISS HOLMES Quick Review

MISS HOLMES presented Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Aug. 4. I attended the opening night performance. 

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Kelly Mengelkoch is Miss Sherlock Holmes & Sara Clark as Dr. Watson. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The premise for MISS HOLMES is simple: What if mastermind detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted ally Dr. Watson were both women? The script by Christopher M. Walsh smartly handles the duo’s first adventure together, maneuvering the two through an engaging mystery while confronting the obstacles presented by the expected norms of womanly behavior in late 19th century England.

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Geoffrey Warren Barnes as Edwin Greener & Sean Hagerty as Thomas Chapman. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Guest director Jemma Alix Levy finds a great balance in keeping the characters true to their literary roots while acknowledging and challenging the social prejudices of the period (and sadly still today).

As Miss Sherlock Holmes, Kelly Mengelkoch balances the “arrogance” of the smartest person in the room with a self-aware vulnerability, recognizing the personal isolation caused by her intellectual pursuits. Equally engaging is Sara Clark as Dr. Dorothy Watson who follows Holmes down the mystery rabbit hole with equal parts awe and trepidation. Together, the two are a formidable and entertaining team to watch as their respect and admiration for each other grows over the course of the play. They are supported by the work of the strong ensemble, several of whom deftly handle multiple roles.

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Miranda McGee as Mrs. Hudson & Maggie Lou Radar as Lizzie Chapman. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Overall, a very satisfying adventure and I for one would love to see the continuation of their adventure if the opportunity should present itself.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

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January 25, 2019 · 10:14 am

RIPCORD Review

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Dale Hodges* as Abby Binder & Pamela Myers* as Marilyn Dunne. Photo by Ryan Kurtz

RIPCORD presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Feb. 16. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati kicks off the new year with a laugh-out-loud comedy by playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. His other well-know works include the book and lyrics for Shrek the Musical as well the plays Rabbit Hole and Good People, both of which have been staged at ETC.

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Pamela Myers* as Marilyn Dunne & Ryan Wesley Gilreath* as Scotty. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Well, that escalated quickly and by “that” I mean a not-so-friendly wager between hard edged, set-in-her-ways Abby (Dale Hodges) and spirited, glass-is-half-full Marilyn (Pamela Myers). While the roles may not have been written specifically for these two actresses, the casting is pitch perfect. Not only do they have the comedy chops for the roles, but the honesty they bring to the smaller, emotional moments is just as satisfying.

Caught between their schemes is resident aide Scotty played by Ryan Wesley Gilreath. Gilreath brings an easy likability to the role and more importantly the understanding patience of a caregiver.

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Pamela Myers* as Marilyn Dunne, Lisa DeRoberts as Colleen & Carter Bratton as Derek. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Rounding out the ensemble in multiple roles are Lisa DeRoberts, Carter Bratton, and Justin McCombs. DeRoberts couldn’t be any more perfect as Marilyn’s daughter Colleen. She matched her mother’s brashness and quirkiness in her own way and I would totally be up for a Marilyn/Colleen road trip sequel. Bratton has a fun turn as Colleen’s put-upon husband Derek. The two have a cute chemistry together, but I wouldn’t mind seeing his energy level a bit closer to her’s at times. The scene between Abby and her estranged son Benjamin (McCombs) was appropriately strained and uncomfortable with McCombs bringing a guilty vulnerability to the role.

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Justin McCombs* as Benjamin & Dale Hodges* as Abby Binder. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

The set and lighting design by Brian c. Mehring works incredibly well on two levels. First, the shared living space for Abby and Marilyn is visually a perfect, generic, modern hospital-esque room. It is immediately recognizable and instantly believable. The script has a couple of demanding scenes that take place outside of the facility which were handled with a creativity that impresses.

The costume design by Reba Senske worked well for the production. The choices for the leading ladies complimented their personalities. I enjoyed the variety of scrubs worn by Scotty as time progressed as well as the holiday-themed costumes which were appropriately unsettling. Although the space to personalize the room was limited, I enjoyed how the carefully chosen decor also reflected the style and personalities of Abby and Marilyn.

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Pamela Myers* as Marilyn Dunne, Lisa DeRoberts (background) as Colleen, Justin McCombs* as Lewis, Carter Bratton as Derek & Dale Hodges* as Abby Binder. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Overall, a satisfying production with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. A great showcase for these veteran performers on stage together for the first time.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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October 26, 2018 · 4:21 pm

Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Review

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Noah Weisberg as Willy Wonka and company. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY presented by Broadway in  Cincinnati through Nov. 4. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Broadway in Cincinnati opens its 2018-2019 season with a new musical version of the classic children’s novel. Premiering in 2013 in London’s West End, the musical closed after three and a half years before being reworked for the Broadway stage. There it ran for nine months beginning April 2017. This touring production launched last month.

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Noah Weisberg as Willy Wonka and company. Photo by Joan Marcus.

As someone who grew up with fond memories of the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, this new musical is a bit of a mixed bag. Three songs from the movie have been incorporated into this production: “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” and “Pure Imagination.” Mrs. Bucket’s ballad, “If Your Father Were Here” was my favorite of the new songs. That probably isn’t a fair statement as opening night was again plagued by sound issues. Any time the full orchestra kicked in, it became a struggle to hear the vocalists over the music. This happened most notably during the ticket winners’ intro numbers. Add in the heavy accents of the German Gloops and the now Russian Salts and the lyrics became unintelligible.

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Henry Boshart as Charlie Bucket & Noah Weisberg as Willy Wonka. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Performance-wise, I really enjoyed Amanda Rose as Mrs. Bucket. She had a lovely singing voice and it was easy to see where Charlie got his positive outlook on life. Tuesday evening Henry Boshart played Charlie Bucket and handled the demands of the role well. James Young was fun and charming in the role of Grandpa Joe. I did feel that Noah Weisberg has yet to find his footing in the role of Willy Wonka. Bigger and stronger choices would help in that regard. The show does sport a strong ensemble who handled the supporting roles (including the Oompa Loompas) and fun choreography very well.

The colorful costumes and intricate set pieces were visually interesting. The multi-media for the show was also hit-or-miss for me. For some scenes it added a fun visual element, for others its use seem to be an afterthought.

Overall, an entertaining but uneven musical with enough spectacle to keep audiences engaged.

My rating: 4.25 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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October 25, 2018 · 4:26 pm

THE MAN-BEAST Review

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Jennifer Joplin as Virginie & Jim Hopkins as Jean. Photo by Dan R. Winters Photography.

THE MAN-BEAST presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati through Nov. 10. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening weekend Sunday matinee performance.

Know Theatre of Cincinnati continues its 21st Season, FEAR ITSELF, with a new drama based on the 18th Century legend of the Beast of Gévaudan. Previously produced works  at Know by the playwright Joseph Zettelmaier include All Childish Things (2015) and Pulp (2016).

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Jim Hopkins as Jean & Jennifer Joplin as Virginie. Photo by Dan R. Winters Photography.

Many thanks to director Brant Russell for bringing together what may now be my new favorite on stage couple: Jim Hopkins and Jennifer Joplin. Together the pair are electric to watch as Jean and Virginie, a mismatched pair of social outsiders that find companionship and more in each other’s company. Despite their physical differences, Joplin’s character is every bit the equal to Hopkins’ Jean. Their performance styles are very compatible and their chemistry so natural that I almost forgot it was a monster tale. One small complaint would be that I did lose the dialogue a couple of times when Hopkins’ character bellowed quickly.

This intimate and engaging show works well in the Underground space. Russell makes great use of the play area and elicits great character work from the two actors. Every moment rings authentic and I found myself rooting for the unlikely couple. The choreography by fight director Jonn Baca gives the show a great physicality and is very convincing; no small feat considering how close the audience is to the action.

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Jim Hopkins as Jean & Jennifer Joplin as Virginie. Photo by Dan R. Winters Photography.

The set design by Andrew J. Hungerford is perhaps the most ambitious to date downstairs. I loved the weight of it with all the dark wood and stone. It was fun to see Jean constantly bump into items hung for the convenience of the much shorter Viriginie. The lighting design (also by Hungerford) and sound design by Doug Borntrager only enhances the atmosphere of the piece. I was also very pleased with the taxidermy designed by Mara Tunnicliff. Great to see items so essential to the plot executed so well.

Picky picky: When so much work is done to set the mood and period it was disappointing to see (and hear) the caster wheels used on one of the pieces. It was also mentioned to me that from some seats the lighting instruments were visible within the fireplace. It was such a great effect from my seat that I would hope every audience member would have the same experience.

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Jennifer Joplin as Virginie & Jim Hopkins as Jean. Photo by Dan R. Winters Photography.

Overall, an engrossing tale, smartly written and directed only enhanced by the wonderful performances of the two leads. A perfect tale for the season without the gore or body count.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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October 25, 2018 · 2:34 pm

MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY Review

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Andrew Fallaize as Arthur de Bourgh & Ayana Workman as Mary Bennet. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Nov. 10. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park continues its 2018-19 Marx season with an imagined sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. In this production, the focus shifts to the bookish middle Bennet sister, Mary.

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John Ford-Dunker as Charles Bingley, Andrew Fallaize as Arthur de Bourgh & John Keabler as Fitzwilliam Darcy. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Ayana Workman is endearing as Mary Bennet who is struggling to be recognized as the woman she is becoming and not as the young sister who was left behind. Bookish and factually blunt, she finds an intellectual soul mate in Arthur de Bourgh, well-played by Andrew Fallaize. The pair are supported by a strong ensemble. The closeness of the sisters and the connections between the extended family members work well and rang emotionally true.

Director Eleanor Holdridge does a great job of bringing these emotional connections and the humor of the script to the forefront. The production is nicely paced and well-staged. That being said, I did feel that Lydia Wickham was a bit too broad in the first act, coming off a bit more caricature than character. Arthur’s checked exit near the end of the show had him upstage of the set’s columns, blocking him from view for a portion of the audience.

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Ayana Workman as Mary Bennet, Maribel Martinez as Jane Bingley, Marina Shay as Elizabeth Darcy & Mia Hutchinson-Shaw as Lydia Wickham. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Visually the show is stunning thanks to the set design by John Coyne and the costumes design work of Helen Q. Huang. The wigs worked well for the most part although Arthur’s looked, well…like a wig from the audience and held the crease from his hat for most of the show.

Overall, a charming and funny romantic comedy that should appease Austen fans, but is easily appealing to all.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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