Dazzling at B& B Is Deadly

           The hysterical classic  "Arsenic & Old Lace" opened at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre to a very appreciative audience. It is the humorous play that promotes drinking poisonous elderberry wine as a lethal health hazard.

          The play centers around  the elder Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, who put lonely men at rest permanently with their fatal wine . These two are enjoyably portrayed by Karen Pappas  as Abby and  Gerri Weagraff as Martha. The sisters have three distinctive nephews. One, Mortimer, 
 is a theater critic endearingly played by David Schmittou, who comes through with flying colors in one of the most difficult comic leading man roles.

          Another is Jonathon  grimacingly played by Jeff Stockberger who is at the height of his evilness  in the menacing , maniacal Boris Karloff role. His side kick is Eddie Curry  as the incompetent Dr. Einstein. Curry is in top form playing one of his favorite comical roles. There is not a bit of Peter Lorre in his character.

          Teddy is the third nephew. Douglas E. Stark is wonderful as this deranged luna tickle nephew who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt with all his famous retorts. This very talented cast is full of splendid people. Lisa Ermel plays Elaine and makes more of her part than just another love interest. Darren  Murrell and Josh Stark impress as the two law enforcement officers. So did  Jim Habeggar and  Adam  O. Crowe doubling in two lesser roles.

          I must mention the banter between Jeff Stockberger and the two old ladies as to who killed the most.  It was delicious. When it was declared a tie at twelve Eddy Curry concluded the Brewster sisters were just as good as Jonathon.

          This tremendously entertaining play was written was written by Joseph Kesselring who has authored some other plays but none hit the jackpot like "Arsenic & Old Lace" which was based upon a very unusual true story. Congratulations to B&B for putting on such a marvelous classic.

MARVELOUS ACTING AT CIVIC

          The  Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre's Halloween gift to the community is the dark play, "The Woman in Black". The script by Stephen Mallatratt is based upon the novel by Susan Hill. This three character play has the title character taunting  the other two in this ghost story, a spooky tale of a ghostly visitor. The two men actually carry the show as the woman in black played by Sara Mark is slightly more than a walk on.

          Now here is when it gets a little complicated. Arthur Kipps, wonderfully performed by Dan Scharbrough, wants his mysterious story told. With the Actor beautifully played by John Michael Goodson, it is decided that the best way to tell the story is in play form. So as the play progresses John Michael Goodson  plays the part of Kipps while the talented Dan Scharbrough  plays all the other parts. The play demands much from these two actors as basically it is a two character show which  means immense memorization.

          Directed by Robert J. Sorbera  "The Woman in Black" is very unusual theatrical fare. The expert set and lighting design by Ryan Koharchik was ghostly effective. This play closes November 10th, 2012.

Simon and the Oaks

             A fine Swedish film with English subtitles, "Simon and the Oaks", comes to the Keystone Arts Cinema. This film is based upon the novel by Marianne Fredriksson. It is the story of two boys coming of age in Sweden during World War II. The marvelous screenplay is by Marnie Blok. The appropriate musical score is composed by Annette Fochs. The excellent cinematography is by Dan Laustsen, while the project is under the expert direction of  Lisa Ohlin. 

          Because Swedish Jews were fearful of what the Nazis would do to them the story can be said to center around anti-semitism.  But actually it is about two completely diverse cultures colliding and exploding. Farming and carpentry compete against fine arts, literature and music. At times this film gets syrupy like a soap opera. I must warn you that there is a very sexually explicit scene if this sort of thing offends you.

           Talented Swedish actors abound in this motion picture. Bill Skarsgard plays the title role of (the older) Simon while his Jewish friend (the older) Isak is portrayed by Karl Linnertorp. Helen Sjoholm is Simon's non Jewish mother,  while her husband Erik is Stephan Godicke. Jan Josef Liefers is Isak's Jewish father, Ruben. Simon's real mother, Olga, is played by Lena Nylen. This is the best film I have seen in this genre in a long time.

          This film opens October 26th at the Keystone Arts Cinema in Indianapolis. 

"NUNSENSE" IS JOYFUL

          "Nunsense" now playing at the Beef  & Boards Dinner Theatre is a joy to behold. It is amusing, funny, wonderfully sacrilegious and complicated "punsense".


          The frivolous  plot of "Nunsense" revolves around the misadventures of five particularly different nuns trying to raise money to bury their four dead sisters who are cooling off in the freezer. Dan Goggin created this hysterical musical, writing the script, music and lyrics. This updated version I am sure Nancy E. Carroll had lots to do with. Not only did the extremely talented Nancy Carroll direct this show, she also restages the choreography and plays the leading role of  the Mother Superior Sister Mary Regina. But sincerely this is not a vanity show.


          Carroll has magnificent help from the other four nuns on the stage. Namely Amanda Butterbaugh as Sister Mary Amnesia whose voice can get a laugh anytime she wants, Mary Robin Roth  as Sister Mary Hubert, Lin Tucci as Sister Robert Anne and Laurie Walton as Sister Mary Leo. Anyone of one these terrific performers could steal the show, but they do not, having the sense of ensemble being more important. The ensemble of these five wonderful characters blend together so naturally. Each one gets their own particular time to shine in the sun or light if you prefer. All five have pleasant singing voices as well as uncanny senses of comedic timing. By the way, B & B's favorite witch, Lynne Perkins, steps into the role of the Mother Superior with her heavenly machinations for the last two weeks of the show.


          The set design by Michael Layton is good as well as the lighting design  by Ryan Koharchik. I also would be remiss if I did not mention that B & B's food is the best I ever had there. "Nunsense" is very amusing and entertaining. The popular musical "Chicago" will follow the run of  "Nunsense" which goes through to August 26th.

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Visits B&B

       
       No matter what great show you have seen at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre,  like "Chicago", "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers", "Singin' In The Rain", and "It's A Wonderful Life"  to name a few, their current presentation of  "The Wizard Of Oz" easily joins them. This Beef & Boards version of  "The Wizard Of Oz" is superior  to any other.


       It is possible you would think you might become bored due to the familiarization of the story and music, but that positively is NOT  the case. There is never a dull moment. Even with the familiarity you still can not anticipate what comes next. Enormous credit is due every member of the cast and crew.


       The glorious cast is full of tremendous talent. I have no idea where to start. Of course the main quartet (Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion) hold  this tremendous show together. Lisa Bark is terrific as Dorothy, who sings "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Doug King is perfect as the Scarecrow. His nimbleness is a beauty to behold. The Tin Man is Jeff  Stockberger, whose professionalism certainly adds to the production. The Cowardly Lion is brilliantly portrayed by Jayson  Elliott, who  sometimes gets big laughs imitating Bert Lahr's comedic character from the movie. I wish he would have done more Bert Lahr. He is hugely entertaining, especially his laugh.


       Trisha Shepherd as the Good Witch Glinda is superb. Aside from her television talent, she has a glorious voice and tremendous acting ability. She looks like a million bucks in her costume. Her first entrance flying over the audience is spectacular. Lynn Perkins is also eye popping as the Wicked Witch, especially when she melts. Her evil laugh can be heard down on the Circle. Deb Wims and Darrin Murrell  are very effective as Dorothy''s Aunt and Uncle. Even the little munchkins are impressive as well as the crows,  the soldiers, and the apple trees. Everyone contributes  to a wonderful show.


       The title role along with Professor Marvel is portrayed by the delightful Eddie Curry. Incidentally, his dog Gracie plays Toto, the dog. Eddie is so smooth on stage. He can play any role with aplomb. His expert direction along the excellent choreography by Ron Morgan makes for a super evening. Other crew members that deserve mentioning are Michael Layton for his set design, Ryan Koharchik for his lighting and especially Jill Kelly  for her costuming. This terrific show runs through July 15th. In my opinion every performance should be sold out.
       

IO'S "FAUST" FANTASTIC

          The  Indianapolis Opera  outdid themselves again with a spectacular rendition of  Gounod's "Faust". I have never seen a production like this. This was the best "Faust" I have ever experienced. Joachim Schamberger, the stage director, set and video  designer, was mostly responsible for this splendid event. His name will be repeated many times during this review. His special  effects were mind boggling and never interfered with the glorious music and singing. He directed this show with the audience in mind. He must have prepared months in advance. I will see any production his name is  associated with. Joachim Schamberger  is a man to be reckoned with, and a name that will be remembered.


      The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra played Charles Gounod's music brilliantly under the magic baton of conductor James Caraher. The Indianapolis Opera chorus was splendid under the direction of John A. Schmid. The costumes were magnificent under the auspices of designer Susan Allred.


       And now for the cast, which delighted the audience many times. First, I must admit there were two in the cast that just blew me away,  Kevin Short as Mephistopheles and  Sean Anderson as Valentin, Marguerite's brother. I have never witnessed a better Valentin than Sean Anderson, and that goes for Kevin Short also. He was graceful as he was powerful as the demonic evil sorcerer. He commanded the stage with menacing authority. Needless to say the devil stole the show. Kevin Short and Joachim Schamberger deserve Hoosier Oscars for their tremendous contributions to an exciting performance.


          Two scenes stood out and impressed me. There were many more I assure you. The waltz in the first act was gorgeous, and the dueling scene in the third act between  Faust and Valentin with Satan lending a helpful and fateful hand to kill Valentin was well maneuvered.


        I would be remiss if I did not mention the two leads. Faust was expertly played by Gran Wilson. His love interest was Marguerite, sung and acted well by Maureen O'Flynn. The trio (with Satan) in the third act was thrilling and sent chills up my spine


       Much congratulations to the Indianapolis Opera for such a  grand finale to this season. I am certainly looking forward to next season.

CIVIC'S "GUYS AND DOLLS" ENTERTAINING

       Civic's Director Robert J. Sorbera made the old chestnut musical, "Guys And Dolls" more palatable than expected. Naturally it was dated but who cares? What really saved this  production was the absolute familiarity of the music with such wonderful songs like "A Bushel and a Peck", "Guys and Dolls", "If I Were a Bell", "I've Never Been in Love Before", "Luck Be a Lady", and "Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat" to name a few. 


       Sarah Brown, the leading lady was played beautifully by Theresa  Koleszar, whose only fault was a terrific operatic voice which her role did not call for.  Opposite her was Nathanael Welch as Sky Masterson who seemed somewhat stiff at times in this romantic role. The person that impressed the most was Laura Lockwood, as Adelaide, especially in her musical  numbers, "A Bushel and a Peck" and her "Lament", when she infects the audience with her cold. J. D. Walls was funny as Nathan Detroit while  Dan Scharbrough was deliciously menacing as Big Jule. Craig Underwood and Troy Johnson were a very comic couple as Nicely-Nicely and Benny.


       The choreography  by the talented Michael Worcel was exceptionally lively. The costumes by Jean Engstrom matched the excellence of the unusual scenic  and lighting designs by Robert and Ryan Koharchik. Danna Sheridan had a lot do as she stage- managed the huge cast and crew.


        This Damon Runyon story was put to music by Frank Loesser,  who also created the lyrics. The book for "Guys and Dolls" was written by Jo Swerling  and Abe Burrows. It is no wonder this musical is a favorite and goes on and on being produced.

"THE MUSIC MAN'' SCORES

       "The Music Man" opened at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre to tremendous applause and accolades. The sold out house was very appreciative. For me the two standouts in this production were Katie Sina as Marian, the librarian whose voice and acting were super, and Will Hutcheson as Tommy, whose dancing and energy were simply spectacular.


       The costuming by Jill Kelly was beautifully appropriate, as was the skeletal scenery designed by Michael Layton. The lighting design by Ryan  Koharchik was equally good.


       However there were numerous small things that bothered me. The rapid fire delivery of Jeff  Stockberger as the Anvil salesman made him difficult to understand. One could not tell whether the leading man Harold Hill played by Curt Dale Clark was conning or telling the truth which could have been an attribute for his character. The lisp of the boy Winthrop  played by Abraham Rittenhouse was not  consistent. Douglas Stark as the Mayor and much of the rest of the cast missed many laughs due to the way they spoke the dated material. The usually talented choreographer Ron Morgan had uninspired dance maneuvers during the first act. This was much improved after the intermission. The thrilling finale was a surprise.   Children from the audience were dressed in  band uniforms holding brass instruments.


       I am looking forward to Beef & Boards next production, "The Wizard Of Oz" with director Eddie Curry in the title role. TV star anchorwoman Trisha Shepherd will be seen as Glinda  the good witch. Her counter part as the wicked witch will be reliable Lynne Perkins. Doug King  will be the Scarecrow as Jeff Stockberger will perform the Tin Man. This classic musical  runs from May 31 to July 15. A good time should be had by all.


       

OPERA AND THEMOVIES

The Indianapolis Opera presented one of their most ambitious projects, "Opera Goes to the Movies". This was a world's first. What the IO  put on was the first time anything like this had ever been contemplated. Film clips were shown on a giant screen, sometimes with a musical score, sometimes not. When there was background music it was operatic. Then live music came from the orchestra pit, and singers appeared on the stage. The transition was nothing short of miraculous. The smooth transitions from film clip to live music were magnificently seamless. The credit for this magic must go to a lot of talented people. Among them would be Derek W. Tow, the Visual Producer and James Caraher conducting the exciting Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, which sounded like the hundreds of talented musicians in a recording studio. The formula was simple. Film clip with musical score to live orchestra with singing performers.


The multitude of movies included film clips from "Mrs. Doubtfire"  to "Apocalypse Now" and "The Blues Brothers" to "Moonstruck", "San Francisco", " Breaking Away",  "Life Is Beautiful " and "Bananas" plus more in the first part, which featured music by Rossini, Wagner, Puccini, Gounod, Offenbach and other composers. After intermission film clips from "Quantum of Solace", "Awakenings", "Philadelphia", "Guarding Tess", "Cape Fear", and the huge series of "The Godfather" films ended the concert. In this second half music by Puccini,  Mozart, Donizetti,  Mascagni and other opera composers were featured.


The singers all were fantastic. Davia Bandy, a mezzo soprano, along with three other melodic sopranos  Stella Zambalis,  Rachelle Gilmore and Angela Gribble filled Clowes Hall with their voices from heaven. The tenors included Jon Jurgens and  Mark A. Thomsen with baritone Mark Gilgallon, who all showed their  exceptional mettle.


The host was wise cracking comedian Phil Van Hest making his IO debut. He did not seem ill at ease, but very comfortable in spite of not being familiar with opera.


I do have a suggestion though, for the next installment, if there is one, and I most certainly hope there is. Shorten the number of film clips. Describe to the audience why this particular music was chosen, how it was chosen, and what it was supposed to deliver. 


I am looking forward to IO's next production in May, Gounod's thrilling opera, "Faust". 

CIVIC'S ''LEND ME A TENOR" IS GRAND

The Civic Theatre at the Booth Tarkington Theatre in the Center  For Performing Arts in Carmel needed a blockbuster play to introduce itself to patrons  and repeat audiences. It has just what the doctor prescribed, the hilarious bedroom farce "Lend Me  A Tenor". Audience reaction was stupendous. Over heard comments from audience members consisted of  "This is the funniest show  I have ever seen!" to "I could see this play over and over again."


So much talent contributed to this huge success. It was a combined effort of so many people. There was even oohing and aahing  at the gorgeous art deco set. The sound, lighting and costumes were excellent. The intriguing glue that holds the whole production  together is the incredible direction by Artistic Director Robert Sorbera. He should conduct a Master Class in physical comedy. Due to his expert pacing the show flew by with so many laughs my side hurt. Credit also must be given to playwright Ken Ludwig for his wonderful script.


The cast of eight divided evenly  ( four men and four women)  were delicious. Parrish Williams played Tito Merelli, the tenor who wasn't there. The reluctant substitute tenor Max was brilliantly portrayed  by Cody Carwile. The theater manager Saunders was played by Bill Book, whose treacherous comedy was stinging. Jamon Randolph had his funny moments as the Bellhop. Robina  Zink was Julia, the enthusiastic opera supporter.  Maria, the tenor's wife, was superbly played by Kimberly Ruse. Diana, the sexy actress/singer, was portrayed by the talented Lisa Ermel. Maggie, the romantic interest of Max, was nicely portrayed by Gracia A.Gillund. 
      This entertaining show closes February 25th. It is a show you should not miss. 

The Dixie Swim Club

"The Dixie Swim Club" at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is a very unusual work. Its cast of five talent women each has their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The characters are drawn beautifully.  The script  covers 33 years. The first act starts 22 years after they graduate from college. The second scene in the first act is five years later. The second act opens  another five years later with the second scene in act two a huge 25 years later. Unfortunately this very talented cast does  not age in acting, gesturing, costumes or makeup until the last scene when the performers wear grey wigs.


Sarah Hund is excellent as  Vernadette  who is accident prone and has a weak bladder. Jill Kelly also reveals her tremendous acting talent as Lexie, the egotistical one who is so in love with herself. Angela  R. Plank as Sheree,  the organizer and health food nut does a good job also. Rita Thomas as Dinah, the lawyer who has a drinking problem is very entertaining. Laurie Walton as Jeri Neal  portrays the ex-nun comically. J. R. Stuart directed this piece sometimes brilliantly, at other times flatly while still getting laughs. 
     This touching comedy is about friendships that last forever. It plays through to February 12th when the musical "Legally Blonde" moves in.