Category Archives: Reviews

October 23, 2013 · 1:20 pm

OF MICE AND MEN Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

OF MICE AND MEN presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Nov. 10. Read the show description.

If Cincinnati Shakespeare Company keeps this up, they may need to change their name to Cincinnati Classic Theatre Company. CSC follows OLIVER TWIST with another excellent adaptation of a literary classic, this time John Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN.

I want to start off by saying I am very impressed by Jim Hopkins’ and Jeremy Dubin’s versatility. Going from Bill Sikes and Fagin to Lenny and George really showcases their range and talent.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Joneal Joplin as Candy with Rufus. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Joneal Joplin as Candy with Rufus. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

The performances across the ensemble are top notch. Every character has their own clearly defined personality. The movement on stage is confident, natural and had purpose. Not once did I see anyone on stage out of character or not in the moment.

I liked how the energy of Charlie Cromer’s Curly was so different from the rest of the guys. There was great character rapport between Slim (Justin McCombs) and George (Jeremy Dubin). Ken Early as Crooks and Joneal Joplin as Candy brought hope and a quiet dignity to the roles. A good Lenny can make or break this show. Jim Hopkins brings a flawless and and totally believable Lenny to the stage. Maggie Lou Rader finds a great balance with the “hussy-ness” and loneliness of Curley’s wife. Other ensemble members include Randy Lee Bailey as Carlson, Marc Liby as The Boss, Zach Schute as Whit and Rufus as Dog.

Jim Hopkins as Lenny & Maggie Lou Rader as Curly’s Wife. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Jim Hopkins as Lenny & Maggie Lou Rader as Curly’s Wife. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

On top of his excellent direction, Drew Fracher’s stage combat is the best I’ve ever seen for a production OF MICE AND MEN. The scene in the bunkhouse was smart, well-rehearsed and very believable. The barn scene built naturally and the unintentional finality was quick and shocking. Great job by Maggie Lou Rader in physically committing to it.

Technically the show excelled as well with costume design by Madeline Greenwalt, lighting design by Sara Watson and sound design by Doug Borntrager.  Travis McElroy’s set design was simple yet extremely versatile. The set changes were well-choreographed and maintained the pace of the show. Since the changes were on the long side, I think it was smart to leave enough light to allow the audience to watch the changes in silhouette.  Good work by stage manager Alice Flanders and crew.

Ken Early as Crooks & Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Ken Early as Crooks & Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

OF MICE AND MEN is a classic story told with great heart and integrity. It is extremely well-done across all areas and stands as one of my favorite shows of the season.

Complete list of show times for OF MICE AND MEN.

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 16, 2013 · 7:28 pm

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Patricia Linhart as Alice Croll. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Patricia Linhart as Alice Croll. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Oct. 27. Read the show description.

It is easy to understand why the script for Gina Gionfriddo’s RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN was nominated as a 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Director D. Lynn Meyers successfully leads her five-person ensemble through this laugh-out-loud production.

At the center of the show is Catherine Croll. Her mother’s health scare sends successful academic Catherine back to her hometown and causes her to re-examine her life decisions. A drunk-dialing incident leads to a re-connection with her now-married college-mates, (ex-roommate Gwen and ex-love Don), causing all three to question the road not taken. Added to the mix are Catherine’s mother, Alice, and college student Avery who offer the perspective of different generations.

Jen Joplin as Gwen Harper & Hannah Sawicki as Avery Willard. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jen Joplin as Gwen Harper & Hannah Sawicki as Avery Willard. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

A college course on the history of feminism, led by Catherine, brings the four ladies together in several scenes. These class discussions offer some great character insights amid the laughs, and lead Catherine, Gwen and Avery to some life-changing decisions and their consequences.

The script is smart, funny and easily relate-able with a side of good-natured guy bashing. Many times I found myself laughing in commiseration with the characters onstage. And don’t be too worried about the feminism class in the show. The topics discussed (including social media and woman’s roles in slasher movies) are interesting, balanced and entertaining.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Charlie Clark as Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Charlie Clark as Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jan Joplin is spot on as over-reactive, stay-at-home mom Gwen. I enjoyed the differences in the character when Don wasn’t around to nag over.

Corrine Mohlenhoff’s embodies academic Catherine, the model of professionalism in her career, but un-trusting of herself in matters of the heart. 

Charlie Clark is fun as beaten-down, bread-winner Don Harper.

Hannah Sawicki is a treat as Avery Willard. Her comic timing is impeccable and she gives Avery a quirkiness that is fun and endearing. When a gem or three of wisdom does pops out of her mouth, it’s totally believable for the character.

Jen Joplin & Charlie Clark as Gwen and Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jen Joplin & Charlie Clark as Gwen and Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

I also enjoyed Patricia Linhart’s portrayal of Catherine’s mother. Alice’s calm demeanor and balanced perspective on life worked well as a counterpoint to the other ladies.

I found the relationships and interactions among the characters to be real and believable. I would have like to seen more of a change in the dynamic between Catherine and Don when Gwen wasn’t around. Maybe see  a bit more of that “college Don” charm during their early scenes.

As usual, another solid set and lighting design by Brian c. Mehring. I especially liked the incorporation of that generic slated fencing, so common in suburbia, into the set. “The grass is always greener on the other side…” indeed.

Overall ETC succeeds with this smart and funny regional premiere. A great show for a girls night out or a date night, as long as your guy doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Complete list of show times for RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN.

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 10, 2013 · 4:52 pm

SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Oct. 27. Read the show description.

The Town celebrate the return of music and a radio connection to the outside world in the aftermath of a brutal civil war that has torn their town apart. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The Town celebrate the return of music and a radio connection to the outside world in the aftermath of a brutal civil war that has torn their town apart. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

At times, Playhouse’s dark and powerful SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN feels more like a Grimm fairy tale than a fable. That isn’t a criticism or a complaint.

This world premiere of Martin Zimmerman’s thought-provoking and layered script is complimented by the smart and raw direction of KJ Sanchez.  It plays extremely well in the small Shelterhouse space and the strong ensemble pulls you in even closer.

I don’t think it was just me that experienced this “closeness.” The audience seemed equally involved. As the story progressed, the silence of the patrons became nearly complete as the final confrontation unfolded. We know it’s going to end badly, it’s a question of how badly and what form that ending will take.

Eugenio (Luis Moreno) encourages Moisés (Gerardo Rodriguez) to use his healing powers. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Eugenio (Luis Moreno) encourages Moisés (Gerardo Rodriguez) to use his healing powers. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The supporting actors, Ana Grosse as Belen, Gabi Mayorga as Monica and Luis Moreno as Eugenio, do excellent work. Grosse’s portrayal of Belen makes it easy to see why she was Moises’ world. Mayorga’s Monica matures naturally to meet the demands of her changing roles from newlywed to caregiver and mother. Moreno brings a sense of vulnerability and self-awareness  to Eugenio’s failings and attempt at redemption.

Mónica (Gabi Mayorga) and Luis (Arturo Sorio) discuss dreams for their future. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Mónica (Gabi Mayorga) and Luis (Arturo Sorio) discuss dreams for their future. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Arturo Soria’s entrance as Luis is all energy and swagger, which is perfect for the character. The character’s transition were natural and worked really well. Opening night, one of the middle Luis/Monica scenes seemed out of rhythm, but only briefly.

Gerardo Rodriquez is mesmerizing to watch. His performance as Moises is quiet and unassuming at face value, but at times it seems more a facade barely containing the raw emotions under the surface.  When you see the love Moises has for his wife Belen, you also seem to feel the love coming off the actor. The same is true for the character’s sense of loss and rage.

The confrontation between Moises and Luis is heart-wrenching. I did have sympathy (to different degrees) for both characters, and my hope for some form of redemption for each of them was represented on stage by Eugenio and Monica. Excellent work by all involved.

Belén (Ana Grosse) and Moisés (Gerardo Rodriguez) share a happy memory. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Belén (Ana Grosse) and Moisés (Gerardo Rodriguez) share a happy memory. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The simple set (designed by Wilson Chin) fit the fable theme well. The walls of the theater were adorned with cardboard, corrugated metal and windows. The stringing of the multi-colored lights between the windows (that could be lit from behind) gave a sense of openness to the village. Robert J. Auilar’s lighting design also added to the emotional impact of the show. The lighting for the soldier’s was appropriately unsettling.

Opening night, the emotional blow of two simple words elicited a strong, vocal reaction from the audience as many released the breath they didn’t know they were holding.

Overall, powerful stuff and damn good theater.

Complete list of show times for SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN.

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 1, 2013 · 11:53 pm

MOBY DICK REHEARSED Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

MOBY DICK REHEARSED presented by Northern Kentucky University through Oct. 6. Read the show description.

The cast of MOBY DICK REHEARSED

The cast of MOBY DICK REHEARSED

Northern Kentucky University Theatre and Dance kick off their 2013-2014 Season with a well-done production of Orson Wells’ MOBY DICK REHEARSED.

The set was very-well done. It took me a few minutes, after being seated, to remember that I was in the Stauss Theatre, NKU’s black box. The constructed stage and proscenium looked great, right down to the footlights. The set pieces also worked well in form and function. I look forward to seeing more work by scenic and properties designer Emily M. Graver in the future. A small issue, I would have liked to have seen the bottom of the painting raised off the floor, so it could have been seen a bit better as it was pieced together.

Nothing sells a show more than an ensemble fully-committed to what they are doing on stage. In that regard NKU’s season opener succeeds. Their hard work was especially evident in both the first act church scene and in the second act’s hunt for the great white whale. It was nice to scan through the ensemble during these scenes and see the individual character choices and reactions. Wes Carman as Starbuck and Kat Moser as the Stage Manager were personal favorites.

At times, I did have issues with the line delivery. MOBY DICK REHEARSED is a very wordy show and it might help if you give the audience a chance to process what is being said. Several of the monologues could use some well-chosen pauses or tempo changes to keep us in the moment.

Several of the monologues were delivered out to the house, but I was unclear if the actors were breaking the fourth wall. If you were, and trying to engage the audience and pull them in, it might help to shift where you are looking from the back wall.

I also felt that in several of the intense scene, the cadence of the speakers seemed to pick up speed as lines switched from actor to actor. In the climatic confrontation, the sound-effects began to overpower Ishmael, causing him to almost yell, further distorting the lines.

Speaking of the sound effects, I was a little confused by the decision to go from on stage effects and musical accompaniment to recorded sound effects and underscoring.

NKU_Moby Dick Rehearsed

Wes Carman as Starbuck, Chris Darnell as Captain Ahab & Chandler Taylor as Ishmael.

The costumes, designed by Ronnie Chamberlain, were nicely done and appropriate to the time period. I did find the beard and hat combination for ship owner Mr. Peleg, made him look a bit like Tevye from “Fiddler.” Also a reminder men, that hats should come off when you come indoors in the opening scene. This would also keep the Actor Managers face from falling into shadow when he is in front of the stage.

Overall a well-done and entertaining production that keeps the audience involved in this classic tale of obsession.

Complete list of show times for MOBY DICK REHEARSED.

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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September 26, 2013 · 12:57 pm

GHOST THE MUSICAL Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Steven Grant Douglas as Sam & Katie Postotnik as Molly. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

Steven Grant Douglas as Sam & Katie Postotnik as Molly. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

GHOST THE MUSICAL presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Oct. 6. You can read the show description here.

The good news is that the opening night audience at GHOST The Musical enjoyed the production alot more than I did. The not-so-good news is it doesn’t take much to enjoy the production alot more than I did.

To be fair, this is a new, non-equity, technically-demanding production with only one week under its belt. It’s still very rough around the edges.

The best thing about the show are the voices. All four leads (Steven Grant Douglas as Sam Wheat, Katie Postotnk as Molly Jensen, Carla R. Stewart as Oda Mae Brown & Robby Haltiwanger as Carl Bruner) sound great…when you could hear them. At times they were overpowered by the orchestra and/or background vocals.

Douglas and Postotnik have a very short amount of time to establish their relationship. In such a big venue as the P&G Hall, we need to hear the emotion in their voices but they haven’t quite reached that point yet. I’d also encourage Sam to explore a bit more vocal variety as there is a whole ‘lotta yelling going on.

Carla R. Stewart as Oda Mae Brown and cast. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

Carla R. Stewart as Oda Mae Brown and cast. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

Stewart as Oda Mae Brown was a highlight of the show. Her performance seemed more comfortable in the scenes outside of the psychic parlor and she had a fun and believable rapport with Sam’s ghost. Opening night a wardrobe malfunction (well hair-accessory malfunction) turned “I’m Outta Here” into a one woman battle with a plastic bird. Stewart struggled valiantly without missing a note or step and the audience was rooting for her the entire number. Personally, I was hoping she would bring it out with her for curtain call.

Katie Postotnik as Molly, Steven Grant Douglas as Sam & Robby Haltiwanger as Carl. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

Katie Postotnik as Molly, Steven Grant Douglas as Sam & Robby Haltiwanger as Carl. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

The video elements worked well at times, especially for several of the special effects. The opening sequence through the city is great. Unfortunately the video technology is overused to the point that many times it’s just moving “white noise” that interferes and distracts from the action on stage.

Katie Postotnik & Steven Grant Douglas, Ghost the Musical Tour. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

Katie Postotnik & Steven Grant Douglas, Ghost the Musical Tour. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

The special effects when they worked were impressive. The three onstage deaths worked very well as did the scene in Carl’s office. The slow motion effects in the subway car were great, but the shift in perspective (and perhaps a timing issue) gave away the stage magic. Oda Mae, in rushing from the bank to Sam & Molly’s apartment, stopped somewhere to don a large black cloak. It’s need was a bit too obvious. I was also confused why the “evil deaths” video effects didn’t match. It might also be fun to see them dragged offstage feet first, screaming and clawing at the air as a homage to scenes in the movie.

The ghosts in the ensemble could use a bit more liveliness. Give the audience some fun, quirky characters to watch, especially since they are serving as the comic relief. Some of the spirits have had decades to go a little squirrelly. Physical elements, such as giving Orlando a strut that Oda Mae can mimic, would add a visual element to the characters and to the possession.

Robby Haltiwanger as Carl and cast. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

Robby Haltiwanger as Carl and cast. Photo by Joan Marcus 2013.

The biggest disappointment for me was the choreography by Ashley Warren. Boring, confused, repetitive and under-polished, I believe I saw the same combination result in a dancer collision in both acts. At times it looked like the ensemble of “Fame” dancing in the streets with no relationship to the story line of GHOST. Choreographing for the stage is a different animal than for music videos and commercials. For being set in modern day, the costumes didn’t really help in establishing the time period.

Overall an uneven production that will benefit from two weeks in the same venue. Cleaning up the timing and technical problems should be a priority. The cast has worked hard to get GHOST on the road. Now they need to start having fun with it. Fans of the movie should find enough nostalgia for an enjoyable evening. Also be prepared to have “Unchained Melody” stuck in your head for the next week. 🙂

Click here for a complete list of show times for GHOST THE MUSICAL.

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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