There is no way Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II could top themselves after creating the musical based on "The Trapp Family Singers". This musical "The Sound of Music" looms high as the world's most beloved musical.
First of all, it was a delightful surprise to see Suzanne Stark on the Beef & Boards stage again. As the Mother Abbess, she proved she can still belt those songs out the way she used to. She has lost not one iota of talent since playing her majestic title role in "Kiss Me Kate" years ago. It was wonderful hearing her voice again. A talent like hers should not be wasted nor ignored.
Of course the show revolves around Maria, fantastically portrayed by Cara Statham Serber. Nobody could take command of the stage away from her. The stern and whistle -blowing Captain von Trapp was played by David Schmittou who had the difficult task of being charming at the same time. He pulled it off without a hitch.
His seven children were delightful on stage. Thomas Whitcomb, Kennedy Martin, Isaac Herzog, Madison Moll, Lucy Neal, Emma Rogers and especially Hillary Smith as Liesl, who had a voice like a breath of springtime, made up this glorious family.
Eddie Curry can add to his enormous resume of outstanding characters the role of Max which he played magnificently. Sarah Hund played the role of Elsa (Maria's rival) with dignity.
Adding to the cast were Jeff Stockberger, Nicholas Jones, Paul Nicely, and Ken Klingenmeier.
The spirits were kept high by the rousing musical tempos provided by orchestra conductor Kristly Templet. The scenic design by Michael Layton added to the evening's enjoyment, as well as the costumes by Jill Kelly.
The person in charge of the casting deserves an A Plus as well as director Elizabeth Stark.
Usually familiarity breeds contempt. In this "The Sound of Music " there is plenty of familiarity and absolutely no contempt. I have seen over 50 productions of "The Sound of Music" and this Beef & boards productions is the best one yet.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
"9 to 5 the musical" SURPRISE HIT AT B&B
Who expected "9 to 5 the musical" to be such a great entertainment at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre? Not me, I readily admit. I thought I knew the story, but I was wrong. I was thoroughly engrossed on what was happening on stage,just like the rest of the audience.
This show was snappy, vibrant and full of energy. It had a completely different feeling than what I expected. This show is different, wonderfully different. The music and lyrics are by Dolly Parton. The clever book is by Patricia Resnick.. The show is based upon the 20th Century Fox motion picture, but is far more exciting.
So many deserve credit for creating such a wonderful atmosphere, In no special order I shall mention the crew. Director Eddie Curry pulled out all stops, leaving no dull spots at all. Ron Morgan's choreography was interesting and imaginative. The scenic design by Michael Layton was just what this show needed. The lighting design by Ryan Koharchik was brilliant.
And now to the extremely talented cast headed by three incomparable ladies, Annie Edgerton as Violet, Crystal Mosser as Doralee and Sarah Hund as Judy. As magnificent as these three were there were two more ladies that deserve huge credit, Joanna Krupnick as Roz the lovesick secretary and Deb Wims as Margaret the drunk. Andrew Lebon played the maniacal boss with relish. He reminded me of the comic John Cleese with his long legs. I would love to see these marvelous six performers in more Beef & Boards productions. I was really impressed with these enormously talented people. In this production each one had the opportunity to shine and show off their enormous talent.
I cannot reiterate enough how unusual and different this show is. It runs through to March 24th. I certainly would strive to see this wonderful entertainment. You will be surprised as much as I was.
This show was snappy, vibrant and full of energy. It had a completely different feeling than what I expected. This show is different, wonderfully different. The music and lyrics are by Dolly Parton. The clever book is by Patricia Resnick.. The show is based upon the 20th Century Fox motion picture, but is far more exciting.
So many deserve credit for creating such a wonderful atmosphere, In no special order I shall mention the crew. Director Eddie Curry pulled out all stops, leaving no dull spots at all. Ron Morgan's choreography was interesting and imaginative. The scenic design by Michael Layton was just what this show needed. The lighting design by Ryan Koharchik was brilliant.
And now to the extremely talented cast headed by three incomparable ladies, Annie Edgerton as Violet, Crystal Mosser as Doralee and Sarah Hund as Judy. As magnificent as these three were there were two more ladies that deserve huge credit, Joanna Krupnick as Roz the lovesick secretary and Deb Wims as Margaret the drunk. Andrew Lebon played the maniacal boss with relish. He reminded me of the comic John Cleese with his long legs. I would love to see these marvelous six performers in more Beef & Boards productions. I was really impressed with these enormously talented people. In this production each one had the opportunity to shine and show off their enormous talent.
I cannot reiterate enough how unusual and different this show is. It runs through to March 24th. I certainly would strive to see this wonderful entertainment. You will be surprised as much as I was.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
"THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY"
Ken Ludwig's humorous play about snooty country club golf tournaments, "The Fox on the Fairway", is playing at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Ludwig is also known for his comic plays, "Crazy for You", "Moon Over Buffalo", "Twentieth Century", "The Game's Afoot", and "Sullivan and Gilbert". But Ken Ludwig is most famous for his brilliant witty comedy, "Lend Me a Tenor", produced on Broadway by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It seems Ludwig keeps striving to match the success of "Lend Me a Tenor" but just cannot get over the hump.
His plays all have a touch of "Lend Me a Tenor", because Ken Ludwig is a very witty man, but none are as entertaining. "The Fox on the Fairway" was surprisingly disappointing due to the enormous expectation of a Ken Ludwig play.
Director Robert J. Sorbera pulled out his humorous shenanigans to make the show entertaining. His signature was all over the production. The set and lighting design by Ryan Koharchik were very unique as usual. The special effects were extraordinary, especially toward the end of the show when a golf tournament was in progress.
Jean Childers-Arnold plays the ingenue with gusto. Lynda Goeke exudes authority in her role as the wife of Parrish Williams whose country club snobbery gets the best of him. Geoffrey McKinney plays the juvenile with the same amount of gusto as his counterpart. Melissa Mellinger plays the femme fatale with just the right sexiness. But the one who really impresses with his energy and characterization is Paul Ellis, whose outrageous costuming helps his flamboyance.
"The Fox in the Fairway" end its runs February 23rd. The Civic climaxes its season with the musical, "Into the Woods", starting April 26th.
His plays all have a touch of "Lend Me a Tenor", because Ken Ludwig is a very witty man, but none are as entertaining. "The Fox on the Fairway" was surprisingly disappointing due to the enormous expectation of a Ken Ludwig play.
Director Robert J. Sorbera pulled out his humorous shenanigans to make the show entertaining. His signature was all over the production. The set and lighting design by Ryan Koharchik were very unique as usual. The special effects were extraordinary, especially toward the end of the show when a golf tournament was in progress.
Jean Childers-Arnold plays the ingenue with gusto. Lynda Goeke exudes authority in her role as the wife of Parrish Williams whose country club snobbery gets the best of him. Geoffrey McKinney plays the juvenile with the same amount of gusto as his counterpart. Melissa Mellinger plays the femme fatale with just the right sexiness. But the one who really impresses with his energy and characterization is Paul Ellis, whose outrageous costuming helps his flamboyance.
"The Fox in the Fairway" end its runs February 23rd. The Civic climaxes its season with the musical, "Into the Woods", starting April 26th.
Monday, December 31, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, October 29, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 17, 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.
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.
Monday, July 23, 2012
"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 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)