Category Archives: Reviews

March 17, 2015 · 11:30 am

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER 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.

Joanna Howard as Molly and Josh Landay as her father, Lord Leonard Aster, as they prepare to set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Joanna Howard as Molly and Josh Landay as her father, Lord Leonard Aster, as they prepare to set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through April 4. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

“It’s supposed to hurt. That’s how you know it meant something.” -Molly Aster to Peter Pan

Did you ever wonder how Peter Pan came to live in Neverland? Or how Hook’s hand-losing encounter with a crocodile actually played out? These questions and more are answered in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, a bright and boisterous prequel to the story you already know.

Black Stache (Tom Story, second from right) threatens Fighting Prawn, the leader of the Mollusks (Arturo Soria, right) as Smee (José Restrepo, left), Mrs. Bumbrake (Andy Paterson, second from left) and Alf (Nick Vannoy, center) look on. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Black Stache (Tom Story, second from right) threatens Fighting Prawn, the leader of the Mollusks (Arturo Soria, right) as Smee (José Restrepo, left), Mrs. Bumbrake (Andy Paterson, second from left) and Alf (Nick Vannoy, center) look on. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The shows boasts a strong ensemble across the cast. Personal favorites include: Joanna Howard, who is perfect as precocious Molly Aster; Tom Story as the over-the-top scene-chewing villain Black Stache; and Jose Restrepo as his much put upon sidekick, Smee. I also enjoyed the comedic work of Andy Paterson as both Mrs. Bumbrake (smartly paired with Nick Vannoy as Alf) and the Teacher.

A 12-member cast invites you to discover the Neverland you never knew. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

A 12-member cast invites you to discover the Neverland you never knew. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The script itself was a mixed bag for me. I felt that the first act was a bit long and the story really didn’t gain much momentum until act two. There were comedic elements that I enjoyed, such as the use of alliteration, Black Stache’s ongoing malapropism and the word choice for the native tongue of the Mollusk Islanders. Conversely, the broad humor, groan-worthy puns, somewhat predictable choices of anachronisms and the plot stretches to explain elements of the Pan mythos left me…meh.

Black Stache (Tom Story, second from right, with Noah Zachary) strikes a threatening pose as Smee (José Restrepo, left), Mrs. Bumbrake (Andy Paterson, second from left) and Alf (Nick Vannoy, center) look on. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Black Stache (Tom Story, second from right, with Noah Zachary) strikes a threatening pose as Smee (José Restrepo, left), Mrs. Bumbrake (Andy Paterson, second from left) and Alf (Nick Vannoy, center) look on. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The show is creatively staged with lighting and set and prop pieces. The suspended stars was a great lighting element and I enjoyed how they were used throughout the production. The costumes, designed by David Kay Mickelsen, were also a highlight.

Overall the show is fun and entertaining, but I never felt emotionally connected to the story. That being said, the opening night audience responded more strongly to the work than I did. The show is definitely worth the trip for Peter Pan fans.

My rating: 4.0 out of 5

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March 2, 2015 · 3:56 pm

LITTLE WOMEN 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.

(Clockwise from top) Maggie Lou Rader as Jo, Kelly Mengelkoch as Meg, Courtney Lucien as Amy, Annie Fitzpatrick as Marmee, and Caitlin McWethy as Beth. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

(Clockwise from top) Maggie Lou Rader as Jo, Kelly Mengelkoch as Meg, Courtney Lucien as Amy, Annie Fitzpatrick as
Marmee, and Caitlin McWethy as Beth. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

LITTLE WOMEN presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through March 21. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

A cold February night brings the March Family to the stage at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Director Sara Clark has assembled a talented and strong ensemble to bring these characters to life.

When some of the cast were playing the younger versions of their characters, I felt they pushed a bit too hard and the performances didn’t come off as honest. The characterizations did grow stronger as the play progressed. For me, the family became cohesive with the news of their father’s illness.

Maggie Lou Rader was engaging as strong-willed Jo. I enjoyed Caitlin McWethy’s Beth, who was the only one who could calm Jo’s forthrightness. I would have liked to have seen some physical or verbal reaction by Jo at the end of the scene where Jo is reading to Beth in the bedroom.

Justin McCombs as Laurie & Courtney Lucien as Amy. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Justin McCombs as Laurie & Courtney Lucien as Amy. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The pigtails and fingers-on-chalkboard voice of young Amy nicely transformed into a worldly and educated young woman as played by Courtney Lucien. I thought the deepening of Amy and Laurie’s relationship come together naturally. Also well-handled was the change this caused in Jo and Laurie’s (Justin McCombs) relationship.

Nicholas Rose as Professor Bhaer & Maggie Lou Rader as Jo. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Nicholas Rose as Professor Bhaer & Maggie Lou Rader as Jo. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

I thoroughly enjoyed Nicholas Rose as Professor Bhaer. His performance was charming, sweet and I found it quite easy to see the attraction between Bhaer and Jo. Abby Rowold is convincingly old and bitter aged-up into the role of Aunt March. I was confused by the gender-bending casting of Frank Delaney as Aunt Carol. For me, it was more distracting than a strong comic element.

Miranda McGee as Sallie Gardiner & Kelly Mengelkoch as Meg. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Miranda McGee as Sallie Gardiner & Kelly Mengelkoch as Meg. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Speaking of distracting, I had the same reaction to the technological additions (flat screen windows and projections) to the show. The concept is interesting, but perhaps better used on a more contemporary script. For me, the digital special effects intruded on the simplicity of the time period.

Small complaints aside, this is a heartfelt and entertaining version of the literary classic.

My rating: 4.25 out of 5

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February 20, 2015 · 1:15 pm

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY Review (GYTN)

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.

Sara White as Jean, Mindy Heithaus as Karen, Leah Strasser as Johnna, Nathan Neorr as Steve, Carol Brammer as Barbara & Kevin Crowley as Bill.

Sara White as Jean, Mindy Heithaus as Karen, Leah Strasser as Johnna, Nathan Neorr as Steve, Carol Brammer as Barbara & Kevin Crowley as Bill.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY presented by The Clifton Players & Untethered Theatre through March 14. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance. GYTN = Get You Tickets Now.

I purposely avoid watching motion picture versions of plays before I have a chance to see them on the stage. This production was my first opportunity to see AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. Aside from the show’s description, I went into Thursday’s performance with no foreknowledge of the play. And I’m really happy about that fact.

It’s perfectly understandable why this play by Tracy Letts won so many award, including the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2008 Tony Award for Best Play. The script is excellent.

At its core, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is about the destruction of a family and the audience is front and center to witness it. One event starts the dominoes tumbling, and it’s one bombshell revelation after another. Just when you think you’ve heard or seen the worse the show has to offer, there is another explosive scene. The drama also has some great comic moments that come about organically.

Kevin Crowley as Bill Fordham & Carol Brammer as Barbara Fordham.

Kevin Crowley as Bill & Carol Brammer as Barbara.

For me, the show has a bit of a reality TV feel to it. But unlike a normal guilty-pleasure, there is no screen to serve as a buffer. There is an intimacy to what is happening. And you are so close to it, that at times, there is this uncomfortable sense of being an intruder. But you still can’t turn away.

The three-act play has a run-time of 3 hours and 15 minutes with two fifteen-minute intermissions. It doesn’t feel like it. Not once was I compelled to look at my watch, because there is so much to take in from the performances. The ensemble, across the board, does outstanding work. This is a challenging and complex play and I feel that the actors treated it as such and met the challenge. For many of them, the characters are so different from the work that I have seen them do in the past, that it shines as their best.

Each character, and their relationships to each other, are clearly defined and believable. Beyond that, each character carries a burden of some kind that is a heavy influence on their traits and motivations. I found myself connecting emotionally to every one of them. The energy of it is palpable.

I really enjoyed the spiritual serenity Leah Strasser brought to the role of Johanna. The vulnerability of Carter Bratton’s Little Charles. The empathy I had for Kevin Crowley’s Bill. The disdain I had for the meanness of Christine Dye’s Mattie Fae. The sympathy for poor Ivy played by MaryKate Moran. Nathan Neorr’s “stranger danger” vibe. And my love/hate relationship with Carol Brammer’s Barbara where I’m calling her a bitch in my mind one moment, and feeling sorry for her in the next. The tone of Buz Davis’ opening scene as Beverly is spot on and I totally understood what his conversation with Johnna really was.

Christine Dye as Mattie Fae & Bob Allen as Charlie.

Christine Dye as Mattie Fae & Bob Allen as Charlie.

There are many powerful moments in the play. Bob Allen and Christine Dye’s final scene together. Mindy Heithaus and Carol Brammer’s first scene together and their final confrontation. Brammer and Kevin Crowley’s uncomfortable entrance and their final scene. The awkwardness of the conversation between Brammer and Reggie Willis as Sherriff Gilbeau. The encounter between Nathan Neorr and Sarah White is handled very well. White is totally convincing as a 15 year-old girl and I’m really glad she decided to commute from NYC for the role. Dale Hodges is amazing as trainwreck Violet and the dinner scene of her versus the entire family is pitch perfect. I also liked how the scene with the three sisters showed how the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree.

Another factor in the success of the show is Buz Davis’ direction. The scene work is amazing. Davis is also responsible for the set design, which affords six playing areas in the small space. Everyone who worked on this show should be proud of what they have achieved.

This production of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is one of those magical theatrical experiences that I will carry forever. It is superbly acted and emotionally engaging.  I hope you get a chance to experience it for yourself. It is a lengthy run, but the house size is small, so buy your tickets early and in advance.

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.

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February 18, 2015 · 4:26 pm

ANYTHING GOES 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.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney and Brian Krinsky as Billy Crocker. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney and Brian Krinsky as Billy Crocker. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

ANYTHING GOES presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Feb. 22. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Based on the audience’s reaction to opening night, if you are a fan of ANYTHING GOES, there is much to enjoy in this season optional offering. If you are not a fan of this old war-horse of a musical, it might be better to miss the boat.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney and Lexie Plath, Kaylee Olson, Annie Wallace and Gabriella Perez as Angels. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney and Lexie Plath, Kaylee Olson, Annie Wallace and Gabriella Perez as Angels. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Originally produced in 1934, this tour, based on the 2011 production, is the third revival. With tongue firmly planted in cheek, the comedy is very broad and maintains its 1930s sensibilities.

The biggest selling point of ANYTHING GOES for me is the music of Cole Porter. The orchestra, conducted by music director Robbie Cowan, was strong in bringing the rich score to life, but I did have trouble hearing the vocals during most of the up-tempo numbers. Familiar songs include the ballad, “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and comic duets like “You’re the Top” and “Friendship.” The act one finale and titular song, “Anything Goes” was a true highlight of the show. Also strong was “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.” For the most part, I enjoyed the choreography of director Kathleen Marshall across the show, although the jazz portion of “Gabriel” felt like it dragged a bit.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney and the company of ANYTHING GOES. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney and the company of ANYTHING GOES. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Visually the passenger costumes had some standouts and the lighting made for some great stage pictures. The main set of the ship was very white with little to break it up. Add the mostly white costumes of the crew and the daylight deck scenes become a bit monochromatic. The small-but-mighty ensemble was solid and impressive in the big production numbers. The leads were capable, but no one seemed to attack their roles and make them their own.

Mychal Phillips as Erma and the ensemble of ANYTHING GOES. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Mychal Phillips as Erma and the ensemble of ANYTHING GOES. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Overall the production felt a bit paint-by-numbers to me. All the elements were there and the final result is a mostly-satisfying production but it doesn’t gel into a blockbuster.

My rating: 3.75 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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February 17, 2015 · 10:00 am

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT 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.

Derek Snow as Tibbs & Mike Hall as Gillespie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Derek Snow as Tibbs & Mchael Hall as Gillespie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT presented by Falcon Theater through Feb. 28. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

“They call me, ‘Mr. Tibbs.'”

Falcon Theater brings a riveting production of the racially-charged murder-mystery, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, to the stage in Newport.

Derek Snow as Tibbs, Michael as Gillespie. Rich Setterberg as Tatum & Terry Gosdin as the Coroner. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Derek Snow as Tibbs, Michael as Gillespie. Rich Setterberg as Tatum & Terry Gosdin as the Coroner. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Derek Snow does excellent work as Virgil Tibbs, the detective who struggles to maintain his composure amid the near-constant bigotry he is subjected to. Equally engaging is Mike Hall as chief of police Gillespie as he struggles with controlling his own bigotry versus the responsibility of bringing a murderer to justice. Together the two play well against each other, both working toward the same goal and trying to prove to the other their worth.

Derek Snow as Tibbs & Simon Powell as Sam. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Derek Snow as Tibbs & Simon Powell as Sam. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Also very strong is Simon Powell in the role of Officer Sam Wood. I enjoyed the mentoring dynamic he developed with Tibbs, as well as how he handled the pressures of the townspeople’s attitude toward him for working with a colored man. It was interesting to see his response to this morph over the course of the show.

Tom Peters as Purdy & Allison Evans as Noreen. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Tom Peters as Purdy & Allison Evans as Noreen. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The remaining ensemble was very solid and did good work. Of those playing multiple roles, I found Terry Gosdin and Tom Peters to be really strong in distinguishing their two characters.

This production enjoyed solid direction by Ed Cohen with some very engaging scene work. I did find the scene where Tibbs is “attacked” to be confusing. For me, it was not clear what was happening or where it was taking place. I also felt there were a couple of times where the racially-motivated bigotry in the beginning of a scene almost completely disappeared by the end that scene, with the conversation becoming a bit too casual.

Dan Maloney as Pete, James Ball as Ralph & Simon Powell as Sam. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Dan Maloney as Pete, James Ball as Ralph & Simon Powell as Sam. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The costume design by Tara Willians, worked well and kept the look of the period for me. I would have liked to have seen Dee Anne Bryll (as Melanie), wigged or hair-styled to better reflect the era.

As staged, I found the set changes to be a bit time-consuming and overly complicated. The on-stage base and percussion was a nice concept during the scene changes, but it quickly became a bit repetitive. Also, since the music continued into the scene’s dialogue, I found it to be a bit too loud.

Dee Anne Bryll as Melanie & Rich Setterberg as Endicott. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Dee Anne Bryll as Melanie & Rich Setterberg as Endicott. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

During the final confrontation, the cast seemed less-than-conformable with the stage combat so the scene seemed a bit tentative. I did not see a fight choreographer listed in the program.

Overall, it’s a very well-done and intense production that is sadly, still timely given recent events. I understand that ticket sales are extremely strong, so you better act quickly to ensure a seat.

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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