Category Archives: Reviews

July 17, 2015 · 10:32 am

IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?!?!? 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.

Shawn Toadvine, Rebecca Braun, Kara McLaughlin & Nathan Henegar.

Shawn Toadvine, Rebecca Braun, Kara McLaughlin & Nathan Henegar.

IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?!?!? presented by GoodPeople Theatre Co. through July 11. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Locally we’ve always had a thriving theater community. In fact, we continue to add companies faster than we lose them. A growing trend over the last few years has been local playwrights having or making the opportunity to bring original works in front an audience.

Adding to that list is IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?!?!?, a series of five vignettes. Three were written by Cincinnati-native Mollie Amburgey, who also directs. Will Bonfiglio supplies the script for the other two.

The strongest piece for me was “The Unlikely Philosopher” by Amburgey. Actors Shaun Toadvine and Becca Braun have a fun chemistry as two singles who meet after a mix-up in the laundry room. I would have liked to have seen a touch more charm, and a hint of swagger from Toadvine’s character. Also well-done was “Going in Blind,” featuring Nathan Henegar and Kara McLaughlin as two singles set up on a blind date by their mothers. A nice chemistry between the two, but the blocking was a bit stagnant.

Bonfiglio’s “Miss Connection” went in a direction I didn’t expect, which was fun, but the “punchline” got lost in the audience’s reaction to the guys’ entrance, in part due to that wig from the Donald Trump collection. 🙂 Just be sure to hold when the audience is having a good laugh. In “Love at First Swipe” I would have liked to have seen a characterization other than the gay stereotype. There is a broad diversity in the gay community, and having one, of the couple, be more of a “guy that likes guy” may have made for a stronger performance. After all, opposites attract.

Overall a nicely done undertaking. With a running time less than a hour, the show was light on content for the ticket price. Just something to bear in mind in any future endeavors.

My rating: 3.25 out of 5

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June 24, 2015 · 5:55 pm

MURDER BALLAD Review

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

MURDER BALLAD presented by Stone on a Walk Theatre

MURDER BALLAD presented by Stone on a Walk Theatre

MURDER BALLAD presented by Stone on a Walk Theatre through June 27. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Saturday performance.

John Leo Muething lauches the sophmore summer season of his Stone on a Walk Theatre with the musical MURDER BALLAD. As the title implies, someone is going to be killed, but this isn’t a “who done it?” It’s a “who’s done in?”

This rock opera employs a small four-person cast of strong singers. Katrina Reynolds impresses as the Narrator. I enjoyed her “front man” persona and she established a fun dynamic with the audience. I liked how Lauren Carr gives Sara a underlying sadness that influences her character’s decision-making. Luka Ashley Carter does well as Tom and has a nice chemistry with Carr. I wouldn’t mind seeing Tom a bit more domineering to Sara at the beginning of the show, and see that return near the end. Montez Uma rounds out the cast as self-made man Michael. Uma brings a more positive energy to the show and handles the role well. The finale/curtain call had a great attitude and energy to it that you should carry through your final weekend of performances.

This was my first trip to Simple Space, a storefront reclaimed as a small (600 sq. foot) event space. A long and narrow room, the show is smartly staged along the long wall. Having the audience that close can be a bit intimidating and I sensed that at times. There were moments when it seemed as if the cast was unsure where to set their gaze when singing out. At times their focus was the wall above our heads or even at the floor. With the intimacy of the space, looking at the audience seemed to work best.

Muething does good work in the staging of the production, and the performances felt right emotionally. There were times when the blocking seemed confined. As if the awareness of the space limitations keeps you from using all the space you do have. With the seating in the round-ish, I would have like to seen more dynamics in the performance. Hard stares, longing looks and emotional pain can be effective, but only if the audience can see your face. Using a bit more body language, shifting your stance or taking a motivated step to change the angle on stage can open you to more of the audience. Just something to think about for this venue.

I believe the music tracks, which sounded good, were of recorded musicians and not synthesized. Orchestrations are credited to Justin Levine. The tracks worked well, but I did find a couple of the transitions between songs to be a bit abrupt. The volume balance was good for the bulk of the show, but I struggled hearing soloists in a few of the quieter moments.

I understand the decision to forego programs. But if you are going to refer patrons to your website for bio information, you may want to be sure that all cast members (poor Montez 🙂 )and production staff are listed and complete.

Overall a solid, enjoyable musical with a talented and charismatic cast. It runs about 90 minutes with no intermission. The intimate space allows for 35 seats per performance, so you may want to get tickets in advance. Fringe festival patrons will feel right at home.

My rating: 3.75 out of 5

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June 22, 2015 · 6:26 pm

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Review

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

Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through July 5. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Cincy Shakes closes out their very strong 2014-2015 season with this outrageous and funny farce.

Matthew Lewis Johnson returns to the CSC stage in the role of Francis Henshall, the titular “one man.” Johnson does well in making Henshall a lovable buffoon. He has great comic-timing and builds a fun rapport with the audience. I enjoyed the high energy and the physicality he brought to the character. I wouldn’t have minded seeing the character a bit more grounded and perhaps, literally eating the scenery may have been pushing a bit. 🙂

Cary Davenport as Alan Dangle & Courtney Lucien as Pauline Clench. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cary Davenport as Alan Dangle & Courtney Lucien as Pauline Clench. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Also turning in a great comic character is Jeremy Dubin as poor, mistreated Alfie. Visually, I immediately thought of Tim Conway’s classic “old man” character, but Dubin gives Alfie a great personality of his own.

Other favorites included Carry Davenport as wanna-be actor Alan Dangle, (who does double-duty as a leading member of the show’s house-band, The Shakes), Courtney Lucien as his clueless fiance Pauline Clench and Justin McCombs as [Guvnor] Stanley Stubbers. The audience participation was also a highlight and a fun surprise.

Cary Davenport as Alan Dangle, Courtney Lucien as Pauline Clench, Nicholas Rose as CharlieClench, Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall, Geoffrey Barnes as Lloyd Boateng & Miranda McGee as Dolly. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cary Davenport as Alan Dangle, Courtney Lucien as Pauline Clench, Nicholas Rose as Charlie Clench, Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall, Geoffrey Barnes as Lloyd Boateng & Miranda McGee as Dolly. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

A strong ensemble rounds out the cast. Thanks to them and director Brian Isaax Phillips, fun bits and zany character choices abound. From Charlie Clench’s laugh (courtesy of Nick Rose) to Miranda McGee’s no-nonsense Dolly with her questionable taste in men.

With so many locations to depict, set designer Sarah Beth Hall does a great job of creating a versatile set to meet those demands. I was a bit confused by the choices made in the painting the set. It didn’t seem to evoke the time-period of the show very well for me.  It was very smart to use The Shakes to keep the show’s momentum and energy up during the scene changes.

The house band “The Shakes” performs throughout the production: Jeremy Dubin, Kelly Mengelkoch, Cary Davenport & Josh Katawick. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The house band “The Shakes” performs throughout the production: Jeremy Dubin, Kelly Mengelkoch, Cary Davenport & Josh Katawick. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Overall, over-the-top and laugh-out-loud fun. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. Ticket sales were so strong, that the addition of two matinees was announced opening night. If there are any tickets available, Sat, June 27 at 2pm is probably your best shot.

My rating: 4.25 out of 5

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June 17, 2015 · 4:30 pm

THE PRODUCERS Review

Mike Sherman as Max Biaystock & Spenser Smith as Leo Bloom. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Mike Sherman as Max Biaystock & Spenser Smith as Leo Bloom. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

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

THE PRODUCERS presented by Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre through June 21. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Sunday performance.

Cincinnati Landmark Productions welcomes patrons to their new and beautiful venue, the Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, with a solid production of the musical comedy, THE PRODUCERS.

Mike Sherman as Max Biaystock, Kalie Kaimann as Ulla & Spenser Smith as Leo Bloom. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Mike Sherman as Max Biaystock, Kalie Kaimann as Ulla & Spenser Smith as Leo Bloom. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Mike Sherman is smartly cast as the morally-questionable Max Bialystock. He handles the songs well and has good comic timing. Spencer Smith looks great for the role of unsatisfied accountant Leo Bloom and is vocally strong. Performance-wise, I didn’t have a good sense of what Leo was feeling (besides panicked). Even when dancing with his girl, the smile on his face was fleeting at best. Recent high school graduate Kalie Kaimann is a solid triple-threat as the beautiful and English-challenged Ulla. Christopher Wyllie is solid and very funny as discovered playwright Franz Liebkind. His character and German accent was solid throughout, although it did seem to disappear in the “opening night” scene. As Carmen Ghia, the “common law-assistant” to the “worst director in New York,” Gregory Bossler finds great balance in the campy, effeminate role. Ptich perfect is Tom Highley as the aforementioned director and closeted homosexual, Roger DeBris. The 17-person ensemble is solid and handle the vocals and choreography well.

The cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Speaking of choreography, overall the staging by Maggie Perrino worked well. Favorite numbers included “The King of Old Broadway” and “I Want to be a Producer.” I also enjoyed “Springtime for Hitler” but Hitler’s entrance was blocked by the ensemble standing too far downstage. I also had a sight line issue during “The King of Old Broadway.” When the actress sat on Max’s left knee, she blocked the view of his face for those of us audience right. And all we could see of her, was the back of her head. Moving her to Max’s other knee would have allowed everyone to see both their faces.  Just something to keep in mind for future productions. #newvenueproblems 🙂

Mike Sherman as Max Biaystock, Spenser Smith as Leo Bloom & Kalie Kaimann as Ulla. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Mike Sherman as Max Biaystock, Spenser Smith as Leo Bloom & Kalie Kaimann as Ulla. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Costumer Caren Young does great work in tackling this behemoth of a show. Favorite costumes include the “C building” dress, the German showgirl costumes and Ulla’s frock upon her return from Rio.

One ongoing distraction, for me, was that the two male leads, (and to a lesser extent Ulla,) had a habit of upstaging themselves.  Standing in profile to the audience with feet together, line delivery with their backs to the audience, reading onstage with their faces hidden behind what they were “reading,” and punchline delivery to the wings or other actors instead of out, are a few examples. Just remember that the audience is well, your audience.

Tom Highley as Roger DeBris as Hitler. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Tom Highley as Roger DeBris as Hitler. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Overall a fun and entertaining way to christen the city’s newest theater. I’m excited to see what they have in store for future audiences as they mature into their space.

If you want to check out the new theater this summer, you best bet may be their third and final production of their Summer Classic Series, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL. The full run of THE PRODUCERS sold out almost before the show opened. Ticket sales for their next production, 1776, are very strong with several shows already sold out and several with limited availability. You can visit their site here.

My rating: 4.0 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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June 12, 2015 · 2:58 pm

THE TRAMP’S NEW WORLD Review

Rob Jansen as The Tramp.

Rob Jansen.

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

THE TRAMP’S NEW WORLD presented by Diogenes Theatre Company through June 13. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Saturday performance.

It’s always exciting to see an actor come “home” to Cincinnati. Rob Jansen, a Cincinnati native, spent six seasons as a resident artist with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. During that time, he also performed with Know Theatre of Cincinnati (CORPUS CHRISTI, ANGELS IN AMERICA: PART I AND II) and the missed but not forgotten, New Stage Collective (DYING CITY).

Rob Jansen.

Rob Jansen.

Jansen, who also adapted and wrote the piece, is engrossing to watch. The comedy, energy and physicality he brings to the role does much to embody the iconic character. The endearing aspect of the character is there as well, but there were a few times when I felt his intensity in the performance overshadowed the childlike quality of the tramp.

I enjoyed the assortment of meager possessions the Tramp travels with. The audio/visual elements of the piece also worked well, especially the silent film. The intimacy of the seating also serves the show well.

I did feel that the show started off a bit sluggish, but once pass the “entrance,” the show enjoyed a nice, leisurely pace.

More of a performance piece than a performance, Jansen shines in this quirky and fun solo work.

My rating: 4.0 out of 5

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