Category Archives: Reviews

May 8, 2012 · 12:37 pm

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM 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.

James Oblak as Skip, Will Selnick as Wally, Nick Laughlin as Denny & Lee Slobotkin as Eugene. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through May 20. You can read the show description here.

For DREAM, director D. Lynn Meyers has filled the cast with outstanding young talent. The four crooners that make up Denny and the Dreamers include Nick Laughlin as Denny, James Oblak as Skip, Will Selnick as Wally, and Lee Slobotkin as Eugene. Rounding out the cast is Cassie Levine as Lois.

Lee Slobotkin as Eugene & Nick Laughlin as Denny. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Vocally the men are very strong, and nail the sound of the period with solid harmonies and solos. Levine, the object of the boys’ attention, has a strong voice as well, but I did feel she pushed a little too hard on a few of her solos, bringing a brassy quality to her voice that didn’t mesh with the background vocals. Performance wise, Lee Slobotkin stands out as nebbish Eugene, bringing great energy and personality to the role.

Will Selnick as Wally & Cassie Levine as Lois. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Visually the wood-paneled and tile-floored finished-basement worked well as the backdrop for most of the action (set design by Brian c. Mehring, properties by Shannon Rae Lutz). My guess would be that some of the clutter under the basement steps included selected props from recent ETC productions. The costumes (designed by Reba Senske) and Patti James’ choreography completed the look of the era.

Nick Laughlin as Denny, Lee Slobotkin as Eugene, Cassie Levine as Lois & Will Selnick as Wally. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

DREAM seems to have a bit more of a book than the WONDERETTES outings and falls a little flat due to its predictability. The cast sounded so good though (thanks to music director Scot Woolley), that I would not have minded another song or three in the short second act.

Overall, for fans of doo-wop or fans of ETC’s recent productions of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES/WINTER WONDERETTES, odds are good you’ll enjoy the (mostly) boys’ turn in LIFE COULD BE A DREAM.

Click here for a complete list of show times, local media coverage and other reviews for LIFE COULD BE A DREAM.

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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April 20, 2012 · 9:58 am

REASONS TO BE PRETTY Review

Steve Early as Greg. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

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.

REASONS TO BE PRETTY presented by New Edgecliff Theatre through April 28. You can read the show description here.

Director Mark Seasmon leads a strong ensemble in this successful season closer for NET.

I think what I liked most about REASONS TO BE PRETTY was how my initial reaction to all four characters was totally different to how I felt about each of them by the end of the play. The fact that I went from point A to point B, without noticing (or feeling manipulated) during the show, speaks to the quality of the script, direction and the performances.

Steve Early as Greg & Rachel Mock as Steph. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Favorite scenes include the run-in at the restaurant between Greg (Steve Early) and Steph (Rachel Mock) and the “information hunt” between Carly (Mindy Heithaus) and Greg in the warehouse break room.

A few small observations from opening night:

As an actor, I think it’s very difficult to start a scene (much less a show) at the beginning of a relationship-ending argument. I felt that Steph entered a little too “hot” and limited how much room she had to grow the emotion in the first scene. I was also a little unclear, for me, as to why “the comment” was such a hot button for Steph.

Mindy Heithaus as Carly & Justin Baldwin at Kent. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

For Greg, I understand what you were going for in the first two scenes, it just felt that maybe you pulled back a bit too much. Energy level wise, you didn’t seem to be on the same plane  with Steph and Kent (Justin Baldwin).

Justin Bladwin is clearly having a blast being “that guy.” There was a couple of times when the pause between the end of a line and Kent’s vocalizations was just a hair too long, which seemed to throw Greg off it bit. While it’s totally in character for Kent to use this as a tactic to screw with Greg, I wasn’t sure if it was on purpose.

Steve Early as Greg & Mindy Heithaus as Carly. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

As I said, these are minor complaints on a well-done production with performances that I found to be natural, honest and believable. REASONS TO BE PRETTY is a very interesting commentary on contemporary relationships (including friendships) and how time and complacency can take their toll. Congratulations to the cast and crew.

A word of warning for patrons offended by language. Playwright LaBute is not afraid to use swearing (and we are well into double digits by the end of the first scene), but it does serve a purpose. The show runs a bit over 90 minutes with no intermission.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for REASONS TO BE PRETTY. 

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the showor 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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April 9, 2012 · 7:49 pm

THE GRAPES OF WRATH Review

Justin McCombs as Tom & Sherman Fracher as Ma Joad.

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.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through April 29. You can read the show description here.

Everyone involved in the production brought their A-game and it shows. The effort and attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the production and elevates the entire work.

Director Brian Isaac Phillips leads the large, strong ensemble with a deft hand and clear vision. Sherman Fracher is incredible as Ma Joad, the family matriarch. The strength and determination in her performance are palpable, as if she can will the family to a better life in California.

Maggie Lou Rader as Rose of Sharon & Sherman Fracher as Ma Joad. Photo by Rich Sofranko Photography.

Solid work by Drew Fracher as Pa Joad, Jim Hopkins as Uncle John, Justin McCombs as Tom and Nick Rose as Jim Casey. I was also impressed with Jeremy Dubin’s range in portraying several supporting roles. For me, the most powerful moment of the show is Rose of Sharon’s (Maggie Lou Rader) transformation at the end of the play. The final moments, as the myriad of emotions play across her face, are near perfect.

Emotionally, favorite scenes for me include Tom’s homecoming, the end of Act I and the latter portion of Act II. I also thought the night scenes were very successful in invoking the uncertainly, apprehension and fear of the situations.

Nick Rose as Jim Casey & Jim Hopkins as Uncle John. Photo by Rich Sofranko Photography.

Andrew J. Hungerford’s scenic and lighting designs are extremely well-thought out and executed. The simplicity of the set pieces and the material choices created a great atmosphere for the play. The set also holds several surprises that I really enjoyed. Hungerford really puts the new LED lighting equipment through its paces. One thing that really stood out is the amount of control now available in lighting the set. Combined with Phillips’ blocking, it creates some truly memorable stage pictures.

Miranda McGee, Kelly Mengelkoch & Jeremy Dubin. Photo by Rich Sofranko Photography.

The addition of the house band during many of the scene changes worked very well. Great work from all band members and to Cary Davenport and Jeremy Dubin who arranged the music.

Extremely well-done emotionally, visually and technically. THE GRAPES OF WRATH is one of my favorite productions of the year.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for THE GRAPES OF WRATH. 

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the showor 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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April 4, 2012 · 11:00 pm

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON Review

Kellen York as Andrew Jackson. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

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.

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati through May 12. You can read the show description here.

So this is “a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious rock n’ roll soundtrack.” Yeah…it’s not really my thing. I mean, I’m not a fan of impressionism painting either, but that doesn’t make it an invalid style of expression. Many patrons in the audience enjoyed the show, but for me, it’s just not why I go to see theater. Amid all the chaos, I never found anything or anyone to connect to emotionally.

Chance Kilgour, Datus Puryear, Kellen York, Drew Bowen & Matt Hill. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

Visually the set design worked with its multiple levels and ramps. I liked the washed-out look of the flag background and would have like to have seen that continue across the Presidential seal on the center platform. It also would have been nice to have the motif of the set carry somehow to the band platform, especially since the band was incorporated into several of the scenes. Good work on the lighting as well. Both were designed by Andrew Hungerford.

Also nicely-done were the costumes (design by Noelle Wedig). A few didn’t quite mesh, but overall they worked well. The lead’s blood stained shirt and jacket were personal favorites.

Musically I felt there were a few rough spots. Singing with a live rock band is difficult and different from regular musical theater. Some of the harmonies were a little off, a few song entrances were muddy as singers didn’t start together and a soloist or two did come in flat. Soloists were also a little difficult to hear against the full band. A bump to the mics and a equal decrease in the band volume is an easy fix. I also thought ??? ???? [Verifying actor’s name -Rob] acoustic number was well done. BTW I did notice that the bio for the music director is missing from the program.

Kellen York as Andrew Jackson & Kelsey Crismon as Rachel Jackson. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

There was some strong character work from several actors in the ensemble. Personal favorites included Matt Hill, Datus Puryear, Chris Wesselman & Tori Wiggins. Kelsey Crismon as Rachel Jackson found a great balance between her character and the chaos going on around her.

Overall I felt the book of the show was buried by all the “outrageous comedy and anarchic theatricality” layered on top of it. At times it felt more like a comedy sketch than a musical.

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON concludes KTC’s 2011-2012 season. I also attended GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES, ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S BIG GAY DANCE PARTY and COLLAPSE. Of the four, my personal favorite was the well-done COLLAPSE with a solid ensemble and a strong performance by Annie Fitzpatrick. COLLAPSE reminded me of the scripts that were produced by-the-then Know Theatre Tribe at Gabriel’s Corner. I miss that.

Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show, Know’s 2011-2012 season, 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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March 29, 2012 · 4:47 pm

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Review

Blake Hammond as Uncle Fester. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

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.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through April 8. You can read the show description here.

Let’s be honest. This is a musical based on a 1960s sitcom based on a comic strip. If you have a problem with that, you probably want to stay home. If you embrace it for what it is, you’ll have a fun, light-hearted and laugh-filled time.

There are strong voices and characterizations across the board. Present are Addams family members Gomez (Douglas Sills), Morticia (CCM MT ’99 alum Sara Gettelfinger), Uncle Fester (Blake Hammond), Grandma (Pippa Peachthree), now 18 year-old Wednesday (Cortney W0lfson), Pugsley (Patrick D. Kennedy) and ever faithful butler Lurch (Tom Corbeil). Newcomers (or is that new victims) include Wednesday’s beau, Lucas (Brian Justin Crum) and his parents Alice (Victoria Huston-Elem on opening night) and Mal (Martin Vindnovic). The show also includes cameos by Thing and Cousin It.

Sara Gettelfinger as Morticia and Company in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

[A few fun facts: In the television series, Uncle Fester was Morticia’s brother, not Gomez’s. Also, Wednesday was the younger Addams sibling and Grandma was referred to as “Grandmama.”]

Visually the production values are very strong. The exterior of the Addams family home and the tree on the hill overlooking the city were highlights for me. The use of flys and a curtain that divided the stage into two play areas help keep the show flowing along. One- or two- too-many ballads in the second act did slow the pace down a bit.

The Ancestors of THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

I really enjoyed the ensemble that serve as the pantheon of Addams ancestors. Fun characters and great costumes. When they made their first entrance on stage, I immediately thought of the “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” ghosts, another childhood favorite. Also very clever was Morticia’s “Tango de Amor” dress. You’ll know why when you see it.

Douglas Sills (Gomez), Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday), Brian Justin Crum (Lucas Beineke) and Martin Vidnovic (Mal Beineke) in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

A favorite number in Act II was Uncle Fester’s “The Moon and Me.” The staging was very imaginative, employing some great theater magic. Also peppered throughout the show are some fun visual gags, theater nods and pop culture references for all ages. Grandma has one of my favorite zingers in the show.

I was surprised that a few staples from the series were missing: the doorbell, the harpsichord and Lurch’s “bell” followed by “You, rang.” All minor quibbles.

Is THE ADDAMS FAMILY family-friendly? To answer that, I’ll defer to Shannan Boyer of Family Friendly Cincinnati. She took her two young sons to the show, and you can read her thoughts here.

Overall, fans of the television series will enjoy an evening (or afternoon) of nostalgic fun from the current Broadway touring production. My guest and I had a blast and snapped along.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley), Pippa Pearthree (Grandma), Sara Gettelfinger (Morticia), Douglas Sills (Gomez), Tom Corbeil (Lurch), Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday) and Blake Hammond (Uncle Fester) in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show (especially if you were unfamiliar with the television series) 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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