Last night I went to see the first of two productions of Pride and Prejudice that I have scheduled this year at Parker Theatre. As a huge fan of the novel by Jane Austen, I absolutely loved this particular adaptation! When Mr. Bingley (Tom Hohl), a single man in possession of a good fortune, lets Netherfield Hall, Mrs. Bennett (Eden Benson) immediately sets her sights on him as a possible husband for one of her five daughters. Bingley falls in love with the beautiful Jane Bennett (Jasmine Hohl) but her sister Elizabeth (Maryn Tueller) takes an immediate dislike to his friend Mr. Darcy (Spencer Hohl) because he is so aloof and disdainful. Elizabeth must overcome her prejudice and Mr. Darcy must overcome his pride for them to realize that they belong together. No adaptation can include everything but this one comes very close and I was really impressed with its faithfulness to the novel. I sat in the audience with great anticipation for all of my favorite quotes ("You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.") and I was not disappointed. One of the things I love most about the novel is that the characters are so well delineated and every member of the cast is perfect for their role, especially Tueller as Elizabeth because she is incredibly quick-witted and does a great job sparring with Darcy, Benson as Mrs. Bennett because she is hilariously overwrought when she insists that Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins and when she faints after learning of Lydia's elopement, Spencer Holl as Darcy because he is arrogant but also displays some vulnerability when he proposes to Elizabeth, and Tom Hohl as Bingley because he is so awkward when he dances with Jane. However, both Megan Heaps, as Caroline Bingley, and Tyler Hanson, as Mr. Collins, steal the show! I loved it every time Caroline tries to get Darcy's attention and I laughed out loud watching Mr. Collins dance at the Netherfield Ball. The set, featuring panels of board and batten walls, arches, and windows that slide on and off stage along with the addition of various Regency furniture pieces, is incredibly effective and I particularly liked how the panels are quickly used to create the different rooms in Pemberley during Elizabeth's tour. I also really liked the staging of scenes involving letters because they include voice-overs as they are written and read while the events described are acted out on stage. The period costumes are gorgeous (I love Empire waists), especially Elizabeth's gown at the Netherfield Ball and Lady Catherine De Bourgh's gown. I enjoyed this production so much and I highly recommend it to fans of the novel. It runs on Fridays and Saturdays through March 9 (go here for tickets).
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Pride and Prejudice at Parker Theatre
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Fiddler on the Roof at HCT
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Native Gardens at PTC
I attempted to see Native Gardens at PTC the week before the Sundance Film Festival started but after about fifteen minutes the performance was canceled. I was really sad because I wanted to see it but I didn't think I would have time to reschedule. I decided to squeeze in the matinee before my Sundance films yesterday and, even though it made for a really long day, I'm glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed it! Frank and Virginia Butley (Michael Kostroff and Kelly Coffield Park, respectively) are an older white couple who have lived in a historic D.C. neighborhood for decades and Tania and Pablo Del Valle (Katya Collazo and Tito Livas, respectively) are a young Latinx couple who have recently moved in next door. Frank spends most of his time on his ornamental garden with the hope of winning an award from the Potomac Horticultural Society. Tania has big plans for a garden made up of native plants indigenous to the environment which are accelerated by Pablo's spontaneous decision to invite his entire law firm over for a party in order to impress them. The Del Valles receive permission from the Butleys to replace an unsightly chain link fence between the two properties but they discover that the fence is in the wrong place and that they are entitled to two more feet. However, moving the fence will ruin Frank's garden just days before the important competition. The ensuing fight over the location of the fence becomes about who is "entitled" to the land with themes that are, unfortunately, incredibly salient today and it is as ugly as what we see on the news. What I loved most about this play is that it ends on a very optimistic note which gives me hope for the future! I also found the dialogue to be really funny and I loved all of the passive aggressive bits of business that happen between scenes, such as when Pablo throws acorns from their tree into the Butley's yard. The set, featuring the houses and back gardens of each couple, is outstanding because it really highlights the differences between them (the Butley's house has been extensively renovated and modernized while the Del Valle's house has been neglected for years). The attention to detail is a lot of fun, especially when the roots of the flowers can be seen when they are pulled and when stakes denoting the new fence location are placed in the ground. Finally, I really enjoyed the use of music during the transitions between scenes ("Shout" by Tears For Fears after a particularly heated argument between the couples made me laugh). I would definitely recommend this timely and thought-provoking play about the issues that build fences between people but the run has now concluded. PTC is presenting Bonnie & Clyde next beginning February 23 (go here for tickets).
Friday, January 19, 2024
The Foreigner at HCTO
Friday, January 12, 2024
SIX at the Eccles
Friday, December 22, 2023
Mamma Mia at the Eccles
Saturday, December 16, 2023
A Christmas Carol at HCT 2023
Last night I attended my fourth and final performance of A Christmas Carol this season at HCT. I have seen this production dozens of times (I always joke that I have seen it so many times I could probably stand in for any role if needed) but it is a sentimental favorite and it just wouldn't be Christmas without it. The portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge's redemption after visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this show is so familiar to me by now but it is this familiarity that makes me love it so much! I eagerly anticipate all of my favorite scenes, especially when Marley's Ghost appears to Scrooge rattling his many chains, when the Ghost of Christmas Past appears to Scrooge from behind a scrim, when the guests dance during Mr. Fezziwig's party and Fred's party, when the Ghost of Christmas Future dramatically reveals Scrooge's name on the tombstone, when an ebullient Scrooge catches Bob Cratchit coming in late the day after Christmas, and when Tiny Tim exclaims, "God bless us, every one!" Many actors return year after year in the same roles (such as Stephen Kerr as Scrooge, Chase Peterson as Fred, Matt Kohler as Marley's Ghost, and Kaden Caldwell as young Ebeneezer) and I look forward to seeing them again. However, this year there were a few new actors (at least new to me because the show is double cast) and I really enjoyed seeing them make these familiar roles their own with a new interpretation, particularly Anthony LeRoy Lovato as Bob Cratchit, Taylor J. Smith as Christmas Present, and Koryn Sobel as Belle. Another element of this particular production that I especially love is the inclusion of Christmas carols in the narrative by an octet (Melinda DeBirk, Jennifer Riley, Keri Vance, April Kerr, Doug Wadley, Maxx Teuscher, Nathanael Abbott, and Alex DeBirk) and a violinist (Suzanne Chapman). My favorites are "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella," "Silent Night" (the entire scene with the poor wife singing this song is incredibly affecting), "Wassail, Wassail," "What Child is This?," and "Sussex Carol." I also really love the sets (this production has the most elaborate sets of any I've seen) because the attention to detail with Scrooge's Counting House, Scrooge's Bed Chamber, Fezziwig's Factory, Bob Cratchit's House (two stories!), Fred's House (the giant Christmas tree!), the Rag and Bottle Shop, and the Graveyard is amazing! I loved it last night just as much as I did the first time I saw it and I'm sure it will always be one of my Christmas traditions. It runs on the Sorenson Legacy Jewell Box Stage through December 27 (go here for tickets) but act quickly because most shows are sold out (the best availability is for matinee performances).
Note: In light of the fact that I have now seen four different versions, some friends have asked me which was my favorite. I can honestly say that I liked all four of them for very different reasons. Parker Theatre's version is incredibly dramatic, Terrace Plaza Playhouse's version is fun and lighthearted, HCTO's version is the most authentic, and HCT's version is comforting and familiar.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
A Christmas Story at the SCERA Center for the Performing Arts 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023
A Christmas Carol at HCTO 2023
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Christmas in Connecticut at PTC
Last night I saw the musical Christmas in Connecticut at PTC and I really enjoyed it. Most theatre companies near me produce A Christmas Carol, Elf The Musical, A Christmas Story, or White Christmas this time of year and, while I love these shows (I will be seeing them all this holiday season), it was refreshing to see something new and different. Liz Sandor (Alyse Alan Louis) is a young and independent writer living in NYC while trying to find a publisher for her column about tomorrow's woman. However, when she meets with Dudley Beecham (RJ Vaillancourt), an editor from Yardley Publishing, she is persuaded to write a column about living on a farm in Connecticut as a traditional wife and mother using the pen name Liz Lane even though it is a lie. The column becomes popular with housewives all over the country as well as with servicemen fighting in World War II because it reminds them of the homes they left behind. When Alexander Yardley (Gerry McIntyre) receives a fan letter from Jefferson Jones (Christian Magby), a war hero who has nowhere to go for Christmas, he decides to invite him to the farm. To avoid being exposed as a fraud, Dudley coerces his brother Victor (Eric William Morris) into letting them use his Connecticut farm and into pretending to be married to Liz. Chaos ensues when Victor and Liz take an immediate dislike to each other and when Yardley's suspicious secretary Gladys Higgenbottom (Tiffany Denise Hobbs) arrives determined to discover the truth. The story is as light and predictable as a Hallmark Christmas movie but it is definitely a lot of fun. It features memorable original songs and I especially enjoyed "Capital Idea" because Yardley is hilariously oblivious about the deception going on in his company, "The Ornament Song" because, even though it is really silly, it represents the chaos of trying to keep up the ruse (with fantastic choreography), "Remember What's At Stake" because Victor and Liz declare how much they hate each other (which obviously means that they will eventually get together), and "Recipe for Success" because Liz learns that it is always best to be your authentic self. The performances are delightful and I particularly enjoyed Louis because she has a beautiful voice and can belt out a song and I really appreciated the comedic timing of the entire cast as the hijinks get going. As always, the set is amazing, especially the two-story wood-paneled farmhouse decorated for Christmas, and the period costumes are distinctive. There were a lot of empty seats last night which is a shame because this show is charming as well as something new this holiday season. It runs at PTC through December 16 (go here for tickets).
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse 2023
Last night I attended the second of four productions of A Christmas Carol that I have scheduled this holiday season. This version, the musical Scrooge: A Christmas Carol at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse, could not be more different in tone from the dramatic interpretation I saw at Parker Theatre last week because it is very lighthearted and whimsical which makes it perfect for families. Ebeneezer Scrooge (Kim Florence) is still visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Jacci Olsen Florence), Present (Don Wilhelm), and Future (Cougar Spens) for the reclamation of his soul but he is a figure of fun who is ridiculed by those who owe him money rather than a villain who is feared. This version also features original music by Leslie Bricusse and my favorite songs are "Christmas Children" by Bob Cratchit (Jon Talbot), "December the Twenty-Fifth" by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig (Danny Hall and Carla Zarate, respectively), "Happiness" by Young Ebeneezer (Kelby Talbot) and Isabelle (Shae Wright), and "The Beautiful Day" by Tiny Tim (Lincoln Hall). As always, I was very impressed by the way the space on the small and intimate stage is used, especially with the large cast (many of whom are children), and the choreography is really fun and spirited! I really liked how all of the townspeople are featured in "Sing a Christmas Carol," I loved how the children make fun of Scrooge in "Father Christmas" (one of the littlest children was concentrating so hard on the steps and it was absolutely adorable), and I laughed out loud when Tommy Jones (Trey Cornell) dances of Scrooge's coffin in "Thank You Very Much." I also liked how the Ghost of Christmas Present conducts Scrooge all around the theatre to get to the Cratchit house and Fred's house. Victorian London is brought vividly to life with a cobblestone street depicted on a backdrop with Scrooge's Counting House on a platform to the right of the stage and the entrance to Scrooge's house on another one to the left (I loved how Jacob Marley's face appears on the door knocker). Various set pieces are moved on and off stage and my favorites were Fezziwig's factory, Bob Cratchit's house (I loved the fireplace), Fred's house (I loved the Christmas tree), and the white silhouettes used to represent Scrooge's childhood with his sister Fan. The period costumes are beautiful, especially the gowns worn by the female guests at Fred's Christmas party and the robe worn by the Ghost of Christmas Present. Kim Florence's portrayal of Scrooge is more humorous than other productions I've seen (I laughed out loud during his rendition of "I Hate People") but his reactions to Isabelle's parting from Young Ebeneezer and to Tiny Tim's fate are incredibly poignant. Other standouts from the cast are Wilhelm as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Wright as Isabelle, Danny Hall as Mr. Fezziwig, and Lincoln Hall as Tiny Tim (he is adorable). The ensemble gives their all and it is very heartwarming because you can see the love they have for this community tradition. My only complaint with this show is Jacci Olsen Florence's portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas because it is really silly and the shtick goes on far too long (it seems to be a tradition because other members of the audience liked it more than I did). I really enjoyed this production and, as I previously mentioned, I think this would be a great holiday tradition for families. It runs Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays through December 23 and tickets may be purchased here.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
A Christmas Carol at Parker Theatre
Last night I attended my first of four productions of A Christmas Carol this holiday season at Parker Theatre. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing the reclamation of Ebeneezer Scrooge's soul by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future because it is such a beautiful story about keeping the spirit of Christmas in your heart all the year long. I really enjoyed seeing a new and different interpretation of this classic story last night. This version begins, rather unusually, with the death of Jacob Marley (Stephen Harmon) and I liked seeing his ghost haunt Scrooge (Mark Knowles) before he appears to him in his chambers because it is so ominous. There are some elaborate special effects used as he and the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Alina Smith), Present (Brinton Wilkins), and Future (Alina Smith) appear to Scrooge (the Ghost of Christmas Future is quite scary) and the lighting design is incredibly effective. I especially liked the use of a scrim, fog, and atmospheric lighting as Scrooge sees memories from his past and the use of low lighting, shadows, and silhouettes as he is shown a frightening possible future. I liked seeing all of the characters that Scrooge interacts with at the beginning of the show, such as a caroler (Caroline Jensen), a poor woman (Jasmine Hohl) and her child (Oliver Hohl), and his nephew Fred (Tanner Tate), return at key moments as if appearing in a dream to soften Scrooge's heart. I loved the staging of the romance between a young Ebeneezer (Spencer Hohl) and Belle (Isabelle Purdie) because the dance conveys everything they are feeling without saying a word and it is in sharp contrast to the later scene between them when she releases him. I also liked the staging of the scene where Scrooge learns the truth in the cemetery because having him open the coffin to see who is inside is so dramatic (and very different from how I've seen this scene portrayed in other productions). Knowles gives one of the best performances of Scrooge that I've seen because there is such a huge difference between the bitter old miser at the beginning of the show and the lighthearted character he becomes at the end. You can actually see it in his facial expressions and body language as he learns the lessons taught by the spirits. I was especially moved by his interactions with Bob Cratchit (Lucas Charon) who thanks him for his generosity (this almost brought me to tears) and with Fred and his wife Rowena (Jasmine Hohl) as he entreats them to allow him into their lives after his transformation. The sets and costumes are much simpler than those of other productions I've seen but they are still very effective at bringing Victorian London to life (I loved all of the street lamps). I am so happy that I found Parker Theatre, not just for this show but every one I saw this year, and I will be sure to make this production a Christmas tradition from now on. It runs on Fridays and Saturdays through December 23 (go here for tickets).
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Elf The Musical at HCT
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
White Christmas at CPT
Last night I got to see CPT's delightful production of White Christmas with both of my sisters and it was so much fun! The three of us grew up watching the movie version because it was our mom's favorite so this show is very nostalgic for us. Broadway stars Bob Wallace (David Simon) and Phil Davis (Craig Williams) meet the Haynes sisters, Judy (Danna Facer) and Betty (Bailee DeYoung), and decide to follow them to Vermont where they have a gig over the Christmas holidays at the Columbia Inn. There they meet their former commanding officer from the war, General Waverly (Eric Millward) , who now owns the inn but is having financial difficulties due to the lack of snow. Wallace and Davis decide to bring their show, with a few numbers featuring the Haynes sisters, to the Columbia Inn and invite the soldiers from their company to a performance on Christmas Eve. Add a busybody receptionist (Melody L. Baugh) and a precocious granddaughter (Scarlett Burt) who want to be in show business, an overwrought stage manager (Ian Wellisch) feuding with a taciturn handyman (Nathan Burt), and love gone awry between both couples and you have a thoroughly enjoyable show full of big old fashioned song and dance numbers! The four incredibly talented leads do a really good job with the singing and dancing in "Sisters" (this is my favorite song in the show and my sisters and I are always ready to perform our version if the actresses playing the Haynes sisters are ever unable to go on), "The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me," and "How Deep Is the Ocean." The ensemble is fantastic and I loved the staging and the high-energy choreography in "Let Yourself Go," "Snow," "Blue Skies," "I Love a Piano" (I was especially impressed with the tap dancing in this number because it is pretty spectacular), and the iconic "White Christmas" (complete with audience participation and snow falling throughout the theatre). However, Burt absolutely steals the show with her adorable version of "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" and it brought the house down. The costumes (and there are a lot of them) are really fun and the sets are quite elaborate, especially the lobby and the barn decorated for Christmas at the Columbia Inn and the shimmering curtains in the Regency Room. This show has such a heart-warming message and it is sure to give you a big dose of Christmas cheer! It runs on the Barlow main stage through December 21 (go here for tickets).
Friday, November 17, 2023
My Fair Lady at the Eccles
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Sweeney Todd at the Empress
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
The Rocky Horror Show at PTC
I have been waiting for PTC's production of The Rocky Horror Show with great ANTICI.....say it.....PATION. I was able to see it last night and I had so much fun! This cult classic is a campy spoof of science fiction B-movies complete with an usher named Magenta (Ginger Bess) who introduces the story. While driving home on a rainy night, a young and naive couple named Brad (Alex Walton) and Janet (Alanna Saunders) get a flat tire and end up at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Jeremiah James), a cross dressing mad scientist from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy Transylvania, who is having a wild party with his entourage, including Riff Raff (Hernando Umana) and Columbia (Micki Martinez), to unveil his latest creation Rocky (Michael Dalke), a beautiful and muscular man designed to give pleasure. Hi-jinks (and a floor show) ensue! The Narrator last night (the role rotates between three different Utah personalities) was the popular former news anchor Randall Carlisle and he got some of the biggest laughs of the evening, especially with his references to BYU. The rest of the main cast is also outstanding with great voices and excellent comedic timing! James is perfect as Frank with all of his over-the-top facial expressions and I loved his flamboyant rendition of "Sweet Transvestite" and his surprisingly poignant version of "I'm Going Home." Walton provides a lot of the comedy as the nerdy Brad and I laughed out loud during "Damn It, Janet" and "Once in a While." The same could be said of Saunders as the prudish Janet because the physical comedy as she loses her sexual inhibitions during her performance of "Touch-A Touch Me" is a highlight of the show. The choreography is so much fun, particularly the iconic number "Time Warp" and the dazzling "Floor Show." I also loved how Frank's seduction of both Janet and Brad is staged and the ending of the song "Space Ship" provides a lot of laughs. The costumes, including corsets, garters, fishnet stockings, and high heels, are fabulously outrageous and the hair and makeup are very glam while the stage features a spooky castle backdrop (I loved all of the freestanding candelabras) with lots of quirky laboratory set pieces. A live band is also located on stage and they sound fabulous! Of course, what makes a live performance of The Rocky Horror Show so much fun is all of the audience participation! Even though it had been quite a while since I'd seen it, I remembered the words to the songs, when to use all of the props (prop kits are available to purchase for $5.00 online and in the lobby before the show), and most of the talk backs! I always think it is so funny to yell "asshole" and "slut" every time the names Brad and Janet, respectively, are mentioned. To be sure, this show provides a fun and raucous night out but, more than anything, it has a powerful message about acceptance that is needed now more than ever and I highly recommend it! It runs at PTC through October 31 with several matinees and late night performances (go here for tickets).
Note: One of my fondest memories from participating in high school theatre is when a bunch of us climbed up to the catwalk and performed "Time Warp" at a late night rehearsal. It was so fun to perform it again last night at the end of the show.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
The Music Man at HCTO
Sunday, October 8, 2023
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Parker Theatre
Last night I saw the absolutely hilarious musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Parker Theatre and I had so much fun! I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud so much! This show features a play-within-a-play as a Victorian acting troupe performs The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens at the Music Hall Royale. Will Cartwright (Tyler Oliphant) is the Chairman, who acts as a narrator and master of ceremonies for the show, but he is also called upon to perform the role of Mayor Sapsea in the middle of the show with a script in hand. Leading man Clive Padget (Spencer Hohl) is John Jasper, ingenue Deidre Peregrine (Lisa Zimmerman) is Rosa Bud, London's most famous male impersonator Alice Nutting (Jasmine Hohl) is guest starring as Edwin Drood, the grand dame of the theatre Angela Prysock (Mary Parker Williams) is Princess Puffer, character actors Victor Grinstead (Brandan Ngo) and Janet Conover (Janzell Tutor) are Neville and Helena Landless, respectively, veteran Cedric Moncrieffe (Curt Jensen) is the Rev. Crisparkle, vaudeville duo Nick Cricker, Sr. (John-Tyrus Williams) and Nick Cricker, Jr. (Caleb Ceran) are Durdles and his Deputy, respectively, and bit player Phillip Bax (Jonathan McBride) is Bazzard (although he yearns for a bigger part and is eventually allowed to sing his original song "Never the Luck" as consolation). With lots of amusing commentary to the audience (some of which is ad-libbed), the Chairman introduces the characters as they appear and the narrative establishes that Jasper, Edwin, and Neville are all rivals for Rosa's affections, that Rosa is dismayed by Jasper's advances, that Helena will do whatever it takes to protect her brother, that the Princess Puffer has an unknown connection to one of the characters, and that the Rev. Crisparkle was once in love with Rosa's mother. After Edwin Drood disappears by the river, the Chairman reveals that Charles Dickens died when he got to this point in his novel and, since no one knows the resolution to the story, it is up to the audience to decide who the murderer is by voting. The show ends when the chosen murderer confesses to the crime! I really enjoyed the melodramatic element to the show, as if the audience is really watching a musical revue during the Victorian era, and I especially loved Spencer Hohl's over the top performance as an opium addicted Jekyll-and-Hyde like character (his facial expressions and exaggerated tics are hilarious) and Tyler Oliphant's perfectly delivered wisecracks and double entendres. I was also really impressed with Williams (the director of the show) because she had to step into the role of Princess Puffer at the last minute after the original actress broke her wrist and she hams it up spectacularly! The songs have a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta feel to them and my favorites are "Both Sides of the Coin" by Sapsea and Jasper, because it is performed faster and faster with energetic choreography, "A Man Could Go Quite Mad" by Jasper, because the physicality of this number is incredibly entertaining, and "Moonfall" by Rosa with accompaniment by Jasper, because it is a beautiful song with the added comedy of Jasper's love-struck responses to it. The set resembles an old fashioned music hall with floodlights and stylized backdrops and the costumes are beautiful. What makes this show so much fun is all of the audience participation beginning before the show even begins with the actors of the Music Hall Royale mingling with the audience and lobbying for their character to be chosen as the murderer. The audience is also encouraged to respond to certain elements of the show, such as the waving of hands when the name Edwin Drood is spoken, and, of course, the audience votes for the murderer as the characters stand on stage holding numbers. My audience voted for Rosa Bud but this is not a spoiler because every performance will be different (which makes me want to see it again!). I cannot recommend this show enough! It runs at Parker Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays through October 28 (go here for tickets).