Category Archives: Reviews

September 30, 2015 · 7:18 am

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Sara Mackie as Frankie.

Sara Mackie as Frankie.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE presented by New Edgecliff Theatre through Oct. 3. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Saturday performance.

I’ll give you three reasons why FRANKIE AND JOHNNY is such an excellent production: Jared Doren, Sara Mackie and Dylan Shelton.

Mackie and Shelton are excellent as the titular duo. Their characters are believable and instantly relate-able. The two have a great chemistry together and handle the emotional flow of the show naturally. It’s easy to become emotionally-invested in their story.

Dylan Shelton as Johnny.

Dylan Shelton as Johnny.

For me, Frankie is Mackie’s best performance to date. The emotions and reactions that play across her face, and her body language, speaks volumes for the character. Frankie is likable and charmingly-awkward with an over-guarded heart.

Shelton is also very impressive. He has created this great persona for Johnny. A reformed bad boy with the heart of a poet, which he wears on his sleeve. There is this moment late in the show, where in his pleading with Frankie, and the emotion is just coming off him in waves.

Sara Mackie as Frankie & Dylan Shelton as Johnny.

Sara Mackie as Frankie & Dylan Shelton as Johnny.

Doren’s direction of Terrance McNally’s excellent script appears effortless. The blocking is natural and motivated. The emotional flow of the show is pitch perfect. The scene work is focused and balanced. The entire performance is completely genuine.

Frankie’s apartment looks great. Designed by Rachel Kuhl with Jared Earland serving as master carpenter (which included building, dis-assembling, moving and reassembling the set due to the venue change). Prop master Mary Gascho gave Frankie a believable world to live in. My only quibble about the set would be the width. It seemed a bit over-sized for a New York apartment that Frankie could afford as a waitress.

Dylan Shelton as Johnny & Sara Mackie as Frankie.

Dylan Shelton as Johnny & Sara Mackie as Frankie.

The radio show segments, courtesy of sound designer Jim Watson and performed by Joe Hornbaker, were very well done. Lighting designer Glen Goodwin handling of the “night” scenes worked really well. I also enjoyed the sunrise coming through the window.

Overall, a beautifully realized second-chance-at-love story.

My rating: 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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 22, 2015 · 8:26 am

THE FULL MONTY Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Richard E. Waits, Matt Welsh, Christopher deProphetis, Matt Kopec, Peanut Edmonson & Jamie Cordes. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Richard E. Waits, Matt Welsh, Christopher deProphetis, Matt Kopec, Peanut Edmonson & Jamie Cordes. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

THE FULL MONTY presented by Human Race Theatre Company through Oct. 4. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

A strong, six-men ensemble leads this fun and entertaining production, solidly directed by Joe Deer.

Christopher deProphetis nicely handles the role of Jerry Lukowski, the proud and quick-to-anger single father. He is the one who comes up with the crazy get-rich-quick scheme to strip. The scenes with his son Nathan (played by Peanut Edmonson) go a long way in softening the character. “Breeze Off the River” was nicely done and a favorite ballad of the show.

Tracey L. Bonner, Adam Soniak, Scott Stoney, Sonia Perez, Richard Jarrett, Gina Handy, Scott Hunt & Andréa Morales. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Tracey L. Bonner, Adam Soniak, Scott Stoney, Sonia Perez, Richard Jarrett, Gina Handy, Scott Hunt & Andréa Morales. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Matt Welsh is excellent as Jerry’s best friend and partner in crime, Dave Bukatinsky. Welsh gives the everyman character a vulnerability that the audience responds to. Both scenes with wife Georgie (Leslie Goddard) were touching and I found myself rooting for them as a couple.

Jamie Cordes gives high strung, former-manager Harold Nichols alot of heart. Like Dave, Harold’s biggest vulnerability is failing his wife. When his struggle to keep up appearances finally fails, the scene that follows with wife Vicki (played by Sonia Perez) works well.

Richard E. Waits is fun as Noah “Horse” T. Simmons, the oldest member of the dance crew, comically struggling to live up his nickname and dance with his trick hip.

Matt Kopec is very sweet as naive and gawky Malcolm MacGregor. The relationship between Kopec’s Malcolm and Ethan was handled well.

Matt Welsh, Matt Kopec, Josh Kenney, Christopher deProphetis, Jamie Cordes and Richard E. Waits. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Matt Welsh, Matt Kopec, Josh Kenney, Christopher deProphetis, Jamie Cordes and Richard E. Waits. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Josh Kenney is over-the-top fun as Ethan Girard. Kenney has so much energy, that at times he was performing a bit too much over the rest of the ensemble, stealing focus.

Deb Colvin-Tener was fun as Jeanette Burmeister, the feisty piano accompanist. She did come off a little one-note for me. The character voice used seemed to limit her vocal variety.

Tracey L. Bonner, Gina Handy, Leslie Goddard & Andréa Morales. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Tracey L. Bonner, Gina Handy, Leslie Goddard & Andréa Morales. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

I also enjoyed how the character of Jerry’s ex-wife was handled. As played by Jillian Jarret, she keeps Pam from becoming bitter or nagging. It easy to believe the Pam and Jerry once had feelings for each other, and that Pam’s main goal is keeping their son happy.

The ladies of the ensemble, Tracey L. Bonner, Handy, Leslie Goddard and Andréa Morales, strut their stuff early in the first act with the women-power number, “It’s a Woman’s World.”

The band sounded great under the direction of Sean Michael Flowers.

Christopher deProphetis, Jamie Cordes, Matt Welsh, Josh Kenney, Richard E. Waits, Matt Kopec and Deb Colvin-Tener. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Christopher deProphetis, Jamie Cordes, Matt Welsh, Josh Kenney, Richard E. Waits, Matt Kopec and Deb Colvin-Tener. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

The choreography by Dionysia Williams fit the show and was well-managed by the cast, but it didn’t hold any surprises. There were a few times, particularly with Keno’s (Richard Jarrett) strip tease, where the choreography felt confined to the counts of the music. The spontaneity of the numbers was missing.

The set design by Dick Block worked well and I enjoyed the versatility of it, with the rotating platform and the storybook walls. The only scene that didn’t work for me was the Nichols’ home. The set pieces used didn’t read as affluent.

Richard E. Waits, Matt Welsh, Josh Kenney, Christopher deProphetis, Matt Kopec & Jamie Cordes. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Richard E. Waits, Matt Welsh, Josh Kenney, Christopher deProphetis, Matt Kopec & Jamie Cordes. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Early in the show, when Jerry & Dave are stuck hiding in the bathroom stall, it might have been fun to see their feet react to the less than complimentary things being said about them. I was surprised to hear “You Walk with Me” sung so powerfully at the graveside. Don’t get tme wrong, the number was handled well by Kopec and Kenney, I was just surprised by the belting.

Overall a solid, heartfelt musical featuring a entertaining and charismatic cast.

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.

1 Comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 18, 2015 · 7:53 am

CYRANO DE BERGERAC Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

CYRANO DE BERGERAC presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Oct. 3. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Jeremy Dubin gives his strongest performance to date in the demanding title role. Confident and insightful, Dubin is captivating to watch. I enjoyed how De Bergerac’s bravado is played more as a statement of fact than bragging. His devotion to Roxane is complete and selfless.

Caitlin McWethy as Roxane, Grant Niezgodski as Christian, and Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Caitlin McWethy as Roxane, Grant Niezgodski as Christian, and Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Caitlin McWethy’s Roxane is genuine as the women touched to her core by Cyrano’s words. The scenes where she shares her mis-directed love for Christian (Grant Niezgodski), with her distant cousin and confidant, are heartbreaking. Jared Joplin creates a great villain as Comte de Guiche. It is his desire for Roxane’s affection that sets the tragedy in motion. Billy Chance is extremely fun as the baker-patron of poets, Ragueneau.

Caitlin McWethy as Roxane and Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Caitlin McWethy as Roxane and Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Director Brian Isaac Phillips uses every inch of space available to him. The staging is well-focused and dynamic. Designer Andrew J. Hungerford provides a versatile set. It transforms into a theater, a battlefield and a covent, just to name a few of the settings. The platform stage left worked well, but it read more pier than balcony to me.

Kyle Brumley as Carbon de Castel-Jaloux and Caitlin McWethy as Roxane. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Kyle Brumley as Carbon de Castel-Jaloux and Caitlin McWethy as Roxane. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The costumes and wigs are impressive and added to the richness of the production. My favorite was the bold fashion choices of the ill-fated Carbon de Castel-Jaloux (Kyle Brumley).

The nose prosthetic for Cyrano looks very good. From my seat, it appeared natural in its design and application. I did notice that in some of the night scenes, the lighting reflected differently off his face than off the appliance.

Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano and Cadets. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Jeremy Dubin as Cyrano and Cadets. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Opening night, the show did break the three-hour mark, but it didn’t seem overly long. The script is strong, and I had not realized that I didn’t know how Cyrano’s story ended. I felt that the pacing was steady, but it struggled to gain some energy, some bounce. This steady pace worked against the final scene, delaying the emotional payoff the audience has been waiting for the entire show.

Dubin’s captivating performance leads a strong cast in this romantic-tragedy of unrequited love.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Cincy Shakes continues their season with another classic, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Bruce Cromer as Willy Loman. I fully expect sell-out run so purchase your tickets early.

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 15, 2015 · 4:32 pm

THE SECRET GARDEN Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Mary Lennox (Caitlin Cohn) finds the key to her aunt’s long-abandoned garden. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Mary Lennox (Caitlin Cohn) finds the key to her aunt’s long-abandoned garden. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

THE SECRET GARDEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Oct. 3. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

In a word, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s THE SECRET GARDEN is stunning. The synergy of the various facets of this production creates a magical night of theater.

Giant, handwritten pages, hanging and stacked on the floor serve as the play area. I enjoyed the simplicity of the design by Nareelle Sissons. Hidden elements and pieces managed by the cast add to the surreal quality. I also enjoyed how any use of color popped off the stage. The lighting design by Matthew Richards smartly helps define location and mood. The costume design by Leon Wiebers easily evokes the period and I enjoyed the bold color choices.

Chambermaid Martha (Charlotte Maltby embraces Mary Lennox (Caitlin Cohn) with her vision of a brighter future. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Chambermaid Martha (Charlotte Maltby embraces Mary Lennox (Caitlin Cohn) with her vision of a brighter future. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Performances are strong across the entire cast. Caitlin Cohn is incredibly believable as 10-year old Mary Lennox. Kevin Earley’s emotionally-damaged Archibald Craven (Mary’s uncle) is mesmerizing. Gayton Scott is charismatic and fun as Martha, chambermaid and confidant to Mary.

Music director Sariva Goetz fills the theater with the rich score and vocally the numbers soar. “Lily’s Eyes” sung powerfully by Archibald and Neville (Adam Monley) nearly stopped the show opening night. The staging of “Come Spirit, Come Charm” was very powerful and effective. Brandi Burkhardt sings beautifully as Lily. Her duets, “Come to My Garden” with Collin (Anthony Frederickson) and “How Can I Ever Know” were personal favorites.

Archibald Craven (Kevin Earley) wanders in the night as his late wife Lily Craven (Brandi Burkhardt) and the Dreamers observe. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Archibald Craven (Kevin Earley) wanders in the night as his late wife Lily Craven (Brandi Burkhardt) and the Dreamers observe. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Director/choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge evokes performances that are so emotionally true, the audience cannot help but be swept up in the story. The staging was imaginative and focused.

The one element that seems out of place, to me, is the use of the giant puppets very early in the production. It was unclear to me what they were supposed to represent. Additionally, since the show is so simply staged, the puppets seemed overly complicated and out of place.

Mary Lennox (Caitlin Cohnt) spars with Dr. Neville Craven (Adam Monley) as housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Gayton Scott) and headmistress Mrs. Winthrop (Carlyn Connolly) look on. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Mary Lennox (Caitlin Cohnt) spars with Dr. Neville Craven (Adam Monley) as housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Gayton Scott) and headmistress Mrs. Winthrop (Carlyn Connolly) look on. Photo by Mikkie Schaffner.

Haunting and ethereal, visually strong with emotional and heartfelt performances, Playhouse’s THE SECRET GARDEN is an enthralling experience.

My rating: 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.

2 Comments

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 14, 2015 · 5:30 pm

LUNA GALE Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

LUNA GALE presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Sept. 27. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

A sure sign that you’re thoroughly captivated by a play? Being surprised when the lights come up for intermission. That’s what happened to me with LUNA GALE. The over-burdened and under-funded social services system serves as a backdrop for this powerful and thought-provoking play by Rebecca Gilman.

Brent Vimtrup as Cliff & Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Brent Vimtrup as Cliff & Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Annie Fitzpatrick is engrossing and emotionally pitch-perfect in the demanding role of social worker Caroline. The central character that is nearly ever-present on stage. In her first scene, you immediately know who Caroline is…a weary and experienced social worker, starting a new case for infant Luna Gale. And that is who she is, but as the play progresses new facets of her emerge that surprise and touch me. I’m inspired by her inner strength and saddened by her loneliness.

With young adult roles to fill, director D. Lynn Meyers has cast three of ETC’s 2014-2015 acting interns. I find it exciting to see these young actors get their first professional roles locally. It’s great to be with them as they take that next step in their careers with such strong performances.

Molly Israel as Karlie, Patrick E. Phillips as Peter & Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Molly Israel as Karlie, Patrick E. Phillips as Peter & Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

First is Molly Israel portraying Karlie, Luna’s drug-addicted mother, who I found very frustrating. The character, not the actress. With any vulnerability buried deeply behind a constantly-angry persona, I didn’t connect emotionally with her…apparently my compassion is tied to her effort. This lack of connection keeps me questioning the motive behind her decision at the end of the play.

Peter, Luna’s father, is played by Patrick E. Phillips. Peter is a people pleaser and that, in part, led to his drug use. The possibility of losing custody of Luna appears to be a wake up call for him. Phillips handles the maturing of the character over the two acts very convincingly.

Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline & Natalie Joyce as Lourdes. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline & Natalie Joyce as Lourdes. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Lourdes (Natalie Joyce) is one of Caroline’s cases,  who is aging out of the foster system by turning 18. I enjoyed how each of their scenes together had a different awkwardness to them. Joyce handles the growing distance between the two believably.

Kate Wilford is spot on as Luna’s maternal grandmother, Cindy. I liked her immediately as she fretted over the details of taking in Luna. That is, until she shared her (extreme to me) religious beliefs. Let’s just say that recent events in Kentucky have that particular nerve close to the surface. This revelation brings another theme to the narrative and can polarize your view of what is best for Luna.

Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline, Charlie Clark as Pastor Jay & Kate Wilford as Cindy. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Annie Fitzpatrick as Caroline, Charlie Clark as Pastor Jay & Kate Wilford as Cindy. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Brent Vimtrup is perfectly horrible as Cliff, Caroline’s passive-aggressive, condescending supervisor. Their interactions always turn combative and the intensity of their battle of wills is damn good theater.

Rounding out the cast is Charlie Clark as Pastor Jay. His performance pushed all the right buttons for me, and it’s probably better I don’t go into details about the why.

Kate Wilford as Cindy & Patrick E. Phillips as Peter. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Kate Wilford as Cindy & Patrick E. Phillips as Peter. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Brian c. Mehring’s rotating set is smartly designed, offering great versatility in creating the multiple (six if memory serves) locations. Property master Shannon Rae Lutz delivers believable spaces. Varies rooms include Cindy’s kitchen, Caroline’s office and the children’s play room. Great job by the stage crew who quickly and quietly took care of the changes.

Pulitzer-nominated script, excellent cast plus strong and sure direction make LUNA GALE a timely, emotionally-gripping and artistically-satisfying beginning to ETC’s 30th anniversary season.

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as