Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

I had a chance to sit down with Round Town Players and discuss the Tennessee Williams Classic "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" http://roundtownplayers.com/

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Christmas at any Cost

Mary and I sit down with Art Monster Productions to talk about Christmas at any Cost....did I mention ZOMBIES!

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Rocky Horror!

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This Episode is Rocky Horror From Imagine Columbus Productions!

Hairspray Imagine Columbus

Mary and I Sit down with the Director and a couple cast members of Imagine Productions Hairspray!!!
http://www.imaginecolumbus.com/

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Avenue Q

Avenue Q: Imagine Productions 

Music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Book by Jeff Whitty. Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.

At the opening we meet Princeton (Steven Carnahan), in a graduation cap and gown, who wonders what he is now going to do after graduation. On a dilapidated street in an outer-outer borough of the city, Brian (Carl Stolzenburg) and Kate Monster (Michelle Winberry) both agree that life is not treating them fairly. He is unemployed; she is single. Joining in the chorus are embattled roommates, Nicky (Brand Boring) and Rod (Todd Holland); Brian's Japanese fiancée, Christmas Eve (Emma Harvey); and finally Gary Coleman — yes, that Gary Coleman (Lena Haleem) — who's the neighborhood's superintendent. He helps new arrival Princeton get an apartment, then the hilarity ensues. 

I would like to first thank Imagine Productions of Columbus for inviting me to review one of my favorite shows, and they could not have found a more welcoming or warm space with Wall Street Night Club. The first thing you will notice is the grand facade of a New York City Apartment Building as far away as possible from Time Square and Manhattan as you can get. It is inviting and just a bit grody, with subtle graffiti and a trash can that could very easily house a “Grouch.” Imagine did a wonderful job with bringing the PBS, Sesame Street vibe to this little nook in the heart of downtown Columbus. 

The Thing that makes Avenue Q, a wonderful and believable satire on real life is the Sesame Street vibe, the Adult life with puppets and songs to teach how to accept ourselves, accept each-other, learn how to love and find our purpose. This Cast gives a huge unified voice, and always on key! Vocally this show is very close to the original and at first I was annoyed with the choices to “mimic” the original characters voices...but each player found their own voice within themselves and pulled me out of my angst “they are just copying the original mood” a feat not easily done. 

For this show to succeed it must become a believable entity, and the most important way to do this is with the puppets, by making them an extension of the actors themselves we are allowed a glimpse into our own reactions and you will find yourself not looking at the actor but that fuzzy little monster on their arms. The cast as a whole did a wonderful job at this though some of them had a bit of a repetitive streak in their movements, one stood out above all else. 

Michelle Winberry is our Kate Monster and not only does she have a booming voice that shakes the house even without a microphone, she has a rare ability to give an inanimate object life. Alongside her is a stellar cast of fun and quirky original people. 

Steve Carnahan as Princeton, is just shy enough, just unsure enough, and just bright eyed and bushy tailed to give us a good performance. Playing a character a bit down played can allow the others to shine, and in a show full of puppets...the straight man has to be a little under-toned.

Carl Stolzenburg as Brian, the “Late Night Comedian” is just that. He is a caricature of real life. Very much your live guest host on the Muppet Show. Always there with a smile, a joke or two and shirt that just mind blind you. Carl gives a great performance. 

Todd Holland as Rod, the closeted homosexual puppet (a line I never thought I would write). It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone who knows just the right pacing and mannerisms to make Rod just gay enough to not be too sure and just gay enough that when we find out...it’s laughable. Todd’s performance is highlighted by his best friend, and perfectly timed. 

Brandon Boring as Nicky, plays off our other characters so well and his almost Kermit the Frog voice and unkempt look showed me just how lucky I am to live alone! Don’t let Brandon’s last name fool you he is far from boring truly an outstanding performer. 

Mark Walker as Trekkie Monster...made me feel dirty In The Best Way! I refuse to say more about it, you have to see it yourself. 

Emma Harvey as Christmas Eve is (in my best Charlie Chan Impression) Wonderfur...so Sirry...and gives a Grand Performance.

Lena Haleem as Gary Coleman Whatya-Talkin-Bout...it gets old...No it doesn’t, at least not with Lena she is an energetic breath of fresh air. Also who doesn’t like learning a little german from a child star of the 80’s?

Annie Bobbitt as Lucy the Slut, she...won’t let you look away. I loved Annie’s interpretation because every step she takes makes you look at her...I am not sure how to describe the bustiness of a puppet...let’s go with mountain peaks! Truly a funny and Slutty performance.

Lisa McNally and Eric Neuenschwander as the Bad Idea Bears, at one point had me wanting to yell no Kate Monster don’t do it! Like I used to watching children’s t.v. with a little bit of improvement on overall timing these two actor’s will be a highlight of devilishness the Avenue Q crew needs! 

and Finally the Crew including, Director: Corey Notman, Assistant Director: Andrea Klinker, Music Director: Tim Valentine, Stage Manager: Katie Poole, Choreographer: Nikki Rehmert, Costumer: Jackie Farbeann and Puppet Designer: Joel Gennari. Congratulations on a well rounded and unified vision of this comedic show! There was a unified direction there that rivals some other shows I have recently viewed in the area Great Job. 

Grab your tickets today from Imagine Productions before the show sells out.

Show times are:

Wednesday, June 20 – 7:30pm (18 and up)

Friday, June 22 – 7:30pm (18 and up)Saturday, June 23 Sunday, June 24 – 5:00pm (Friends & Family Performance, Under 18 Allowed) Wednesday, June 27 Friday, June 29 Saturday Sunday, July 1 – 5:00pm (Friends & Family Performance, Under 18 Allowed) 

Location

Wall Street Nightclub 144 N Wall St Columbus, Ohio 43201

The Big Picture

Raconteur Theater Presents “The Big Picture” A collection of Shorts By “Mark Harvey Levine, he has had over 800 productions of his plays around the world, at theaters such as The Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, City Theatre of Miami and The Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis. His plays have been produced in Australia, Canada, England, Brazil, South Korea, The Netherlands, Germany, Morocco, South Africa, Switzerland and the Czech Republic” and now Columbus Ohio.

Raconteur staged this series of scenes at Club Diversity located just off of German Village downtown. Overall the vibe is fun, pleasant and welcomed. The seating is a welcomed change with options for table and single chair seating. I should tell you full disclosure there were twelve scenes in this series and though not all of them were masterpieces, some were quite wonderful. I would like to focus on these standout scenes and there respective actors. 

A Fit of Pique: In short this scene can be describe as a romantic comedy gone horribly wrong. We first meet Annie (played by CarmenScott) and her annoying companion and sister Lisa (Played by Jessica Studer) Annie’s newest Doting Boyfriend Rich (Played by Greg McGill) and our Flamboyant wait-staff (Played by Thanh Nguyen), and soon learn that “Suffering women are truly the most beautiful” Carmen Has this amazing transformation before our eyes almost wolf-like and horrifyingly unnatural, Though I loved Carmen’s delivery and execution I would advise her towards overacting to pander to laughter as it caused quite a break in her performance. Lisa (Jessica) was the truest definition of the “Annoying Sibling” I was truly annoyed by her constant picking and attacking, but in a good way My biggest applause goes to her use of dead pan cupcake eating, Marvelous. Rich (Greg) Our hopeless romantic, I enjoyed Greg’s choices in delivery and development and his constant use of “you are perfect for who you are” it felt dare I say genuine. Waiter (Thanh) played his part well and knew his place, but playing “The Gay Waiter” doesn’t have to mean “Larger than the action” 

A Birthday Party: Jen (Jen Barlup) Breaks the fourth wall while sitting on a park bench “awaiting her first date” sounds simple right? not...at...all! Jen brings this comical script to the next level. Going beyond dialogue itself and giving a full well rounded picture of a ‘desperate woman looking for her man’. One of my favorite scenes from this show. 

The Big Picture: Shall we say the Life and Death of Crayons. The show has a good premise and humorous outcomes, but it was one the weaker shows of Act 1: I felt like the Energy was there and was there in abundance...but excess energy needs control and distinction. This Cast of Colors included Peach (Molly St. Cyr), Olive Green (Amy Drake), Sky Blue (Julie Flynn), Burnt Sienna (Chris Martin), Copper (Catherine RInella) and Lemon Yellow (Ayla Strinaman). 

Act Two was shared with some wonderful scenes as well, One of which was 

Shades: The interesting study of color and emotion, all taking place focused around a colored cube, essentially the same scene 6 times reran with different shades and emotion. The three Strongest actors of the evening were featured in this singular piece, Freda (Jenn Barlup), Rick (Andy Batt) and John (Stephen Woosley). my only complaint for this show was its flow, stopping every other minute to make simple changes in direction and props I would advise against this to make it a natural flow, simply work with the space and move objects as need be. 

A Walk in the Ocean: the simultaneous ending and continuing of a relationship, all in the setting one mile in the middle of the Deep Blue Ocean Bill (Thanh Nguyen) and Karen (Jill Ceneskie). These two actors have great pacing I especially was taken with Jill’s emotional cues and switches, from happy to annoyed to skeptical to understanding. I do believe that Thanh has a romantic leading man hiding in him somewhere, I would advise him if he is going to play the romantic lead to butch it up a bit, being “outgoing” is a great thing but it can be a crutch in these scenes, dig deeper. 

A little Fresh Air: Man (Andy Batt) stops in the park with his newborn “giving mommy some fresh air”. This short starts out a bit rough and tumble, with Andy clearly exhausted from many sleepless nights, and it develops into this excessively sweet and wonderful father-child piece. Protector/Provider and Comforter. Andy almost had me to tears towards the end when the Child holds his hand and he simply says “You can always hold it...if you like”. 

I was quite pleased with the over-all production, Though I would warn against accepting the final matinee as a reason to loose focus, some of the scenes not mentioned here are lost because of focus. Always play a show as it is the first and last time you will ever play it, and you will have the kid of theater and company people will flock to see every time. I wish to thank Raconteur for inviting me to review this fun-filled show, I hope to be invited back for their next undertaking. 

Black Coffee

Bread and Circus Theater presents "Black Coffee, a play by the British crime-fiction author Agatha Christie (1890–1976) which was produced initially in 1930. The first piece that Christie wrote for the stage, it launched a successful second career for her as a playwright. Hercule Poirot and his friendArthur Hastings are summoned to visit a famous physicist, Sir Claud Amory, but they discover on their arrival that he has been murdered. The plot revolves around a stolen formula, with Poirot deducing which of Sir Claud's house guests/family members is the killer."  
Bread and Circus’ newest location is 3013 W. Broad St. at Westgate Ave., sharing an intimate setting between the walls of an art gallery. This fanciful parlor is brought to life for us with a tiny, but fantastic, set. A few concerns were raised when the robin's-egg blue tiled floor was exposed in areas where rugs did not cover. I also caught more than one occasion when fellow attendees and myself were gasping as the walls would bow in and out from lack of upper section support (I’ve been told there was no way to secure said issue).  My last note, not complaint, was the use of the "Producers Seats." Both community and professional theaters often offer patrons priority seating to raise friends and funds. This is not a bad thing, but I did hear more than one complaint from new viewers who were there to support friends and family, that the "Producer's Row" blocked 80 percent of the show's action. I half agree with this sentiment since the space is small and the action, focused mere feet from the front row, was next to impossible to see. 

Overall, the production was enjoyable. The main issue with this show is not the dialogue (though a bit labor intensive and dry, but witty), but the action, It is mainly Move stage right, sit, deliver four pages of dialogue, insert witty joke and dry humor here. I would have liked to see more movement within the staging, to increase the feelings of unease and desperation. The purpose, however, in this production was served. The “WhoDunnit” ran rampant after Act 2 amongst the audience. A side note to the costumer: I would advise a bit more research into jewelry and accessories for this period piece--men would not have have worn modern watches with blue faces and metal bands.

As always, I would like to point out a few outstanding performers from this piece. It should be noted that, while not all of the actors are mentioned here, it does not mean their performances were any less important or valid. 

Sabina Thalheim (Lucia Amory): Thalheim has the rare ability of silky vocals. Her accent is a soft, sweet and inviting “homage to Mary Poppins" (an eavesdropped note from a fellow patron). She also has the rare trait to snap in and out of emotional vulnerability and close off to everyone. The show opens with her sitting on the parlor's couch amidst an emotional break down and, shortly after another entrance, acting as if nothing is on her mind--truly a rare and welcomed ability from an actress. You will want to keep your eyes peeled for what will come next for this wonderful local actress.

Doug Montanro (Hercule Poirot): Oozes French charm and fatherly guidance from the moment he takes the stage at the end of Act 1. I truly loved Montanro’s performance for the simple fact that he is the quintessential leading man of this show. And since the average arrogance of a leading man is not found in his performance, I applaud him for keeping his focus and playing the role to its truest intent.

John David Heisler (Edward Raynor): Is truly a snake in the grass, not just because of his bio in the playbill (filled with dubious intent), but because he brings us the (SPOILER ALERT) evil villain. Though he had quite an obvious tell in his half-cocked grin. I can look past this based on his skin-crawling performance. 

Leslie Robinson (Ms. Caroline Amory): Is quite the spectacle. Our spinstress complete with yarn and crochet bag. Though her performance runs border-line "over the top" and "pandering for laughter," at moments I was more than pleased with her take and deliveries. Caroline is one of the comic reliefs in the show and Robinson genuinely achieved this in her performance.

For the other members of the cast, it takes guts to perform Agatha Christie and, for successfully completing a run of this show, I congratulate you all. Though I would note that diction, accent quality and volume could always be examined under the microscope. Continue to round out these things, and you have a more than a stellar performance.

I look forward to more Bread and Circus shows and I humbly thank them for allowing me the opportunity to write a review for them. Keep your eyes open, dear readers, for the next show coming to Bread and Circus, the Shakespeare classic "Antony & Cleopatra." 

Happy 9/11 and other completely non offensive tales

Mad Lab Theater in downtown Columbus is a magnificent escape from your "Traditional Theater experience" and I was happily invited to this wonderful production. When first reading the title of this show, I thought.....I will probably be offended in some non-sensical patriotic way..... but in fact the writing style of Christopher Lockheardt allows us a wonderful glimpse into contemporary lifestyles and actions. in short the show can be described in the question "What is life?" Christopher "provides glimpses at the answer to that question in this collection of 7 of his short plays featuring everything from first kisses to beginnings and ends, breakfasts and card games, and a new way to celebrate". with the feel of an indie comedy/drama Happy 9/11 did not disappoint. Dear readers I always hate talking about an amazing show after it's production wraps because I feel like it is a "look at what I get to do and you don't moment"..... but I am allowing myself to be selfish here because this show may have topped of my season and it has a strong lead ahead of the pack!

The production as a whole is a simple understatement. and yes I do mean that in a non-sarcastic positive way, I love elaborate sets.....but when a show paints itself to be close to real-life. minimalism is the only path you can take! simple grey panels add depth and light pieces of furniture, a table here, chair there, even the use of a queen sized bed was masterfully placed. I applaud the set design team for their choices! Along the lines of set, music and transitions are quite important! Make or Break the show important! and the musical choices all suited the scenes and feel.

The Cast all did a wonderful job....and it is rare that I say that generally I can equate some annoyance to over acting or under acting, or even lack of believability. But...alas it felt as though this cast was hand picked from their own lives to give us a glimmer into the depth of their own reality. and it was moving and heart-felt. this show had a hand-full of individual "mini-scenes" in it and the list of accolades would be a mile long if I gave everyone an individual note so I wish to focus on those who's performances were and are still burning in my mind, but before I do that I want to say yet again a magnificent "WOW"! to all of you, thank you for bringing real life to the Columbus stage again!

Breakfast with Warhol: Michelle Batt and Michael Moore, this sinfully silent and dare I say....sexy and kinky play that ran throughout the entire show was one of my favorite highlights. Though I will say when the "fourth wall" is broken in a show within the first 35 seconds I tend to be wary....but I instantly fell for this witty and groggy couple who allowed us a glimpse into.....what I pray is a "rare morning" in the Warhol residence! the show started and ended on a wonderful note and I believe a lot of that is due to Michelle and Michael.

Your Kiss is on my list: Lauren Yobbagy and Sean Reid, this short scene is truly a live version of the quirky Indie romantic comedies I look forward to seeing in the movie theaters, simply starting with "you can kiss me.....if you want" to a complete stranger! and just the intensity of how things are built up between Lauren and Sean I caught myself even saying "is it getting hot in here"? but of course the writing again is simply brilliant. and the idea of remembering and never forgetting the kisses and intimate moments in your life no how many there are, is and should be important! fantastic!

Not Funny: Laura Spires and Joel Dickerson.....the only thing I can say here is the pun was worth the steak knife to the stomach! and Joel's comedic timing and dead pan rivals that of actors like Michael Cera! Laura wow....I would never make light of you after that performance, but what I loved about it was you chose to play her cute....bashful.....shy and deadly! beautiful choice.

Lie To Me: Melissa Bair and Stephen Woosley, this was my favorite piece of the evening. man and woman are presented to us in the aftermath of love making....discussing the intricacies of their affair. and of course as is the standard of stereotypes, the Woman is needy and the Man is quiet and leaving with no hint of affection.....but the tables are turned and we learn the Man is deeply in love, and Woman is using the situation for a carnal need. The balance of fear, loathing, love, sex and anger is so intricate that even just a little too off in one direction....the piece would have failed, but I still have chills just writing about the moment itself!

Last but not Least.......Happy 9/11: Ryan Fannon, Megan Corbin, Becky Horseman is sarcastic, cynical, funny and sad all at the same time, Satire in a live show is hard to accomplish it requires you to be like-able.....laughable....and hated all at the same time. and it is the hardest of comedies in my opinion and I was skeptical unti the moment when we are sung Happy Birthday.....or in this case Happy Tower Day......but the overall promise of the piece is taking your life from tragedy to comedy and these three more than successfully make this a reality!

Mad Lab Theater is a must visit this season, for after this night of Laughter, Tears and Inner Soul Exploration.....it would be a tragedy not to continue to visit again.

Arsenic and Old Lace, Worthington Community Theater

"Arsenic and Old Lace" at the Worthington Community Theater is a wonderful and entertaining experience. This classic farce is a play by American playwright Joseph Kesselring, written in 1939. It has become best known through the film adaptation starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra.

The play is a farcical black comedy revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic (Joe Cherubino) who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, NY, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves, Elaine Harper (Krista Wagner). His family includes two spinster aunts (Lorri Latek and Amy E. Hall) who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic,strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide; a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt (Rob Tromp)  and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts' victims); and a murderous brother Jonathan Brewster (Carl Novak) who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein (Jeff Brown) to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff. Of course what sets in over a night and the following morning is a dark humour filled night. 

On a technical note, the space itself though on the smaller side is a wonderful addition to my continual journey of the Central Ohio Community Theater Area (I look forward to more shows there). Though I was a bit confused at the use of doors for every area except for the kitchen and I caught my eyes generally moving to the "empty" space during times of lows.

I should preface this next section of this entry simply because I adore this show. Having been in it myself and having experienced it so many times, that I may be a bit picky. But dear readers keep in mind I loved this production for all of it's quirky and fun moments. 

The Cast as a whole each bring their own unique flair and performance to this piece. I would like to highlight my favorite actors and memorable performances for you, Keep in mind not everyone is highlighted in this review but every actor and actress has a new life being breathed into every word of the show. 

Abby Brewster: Lorri Latek, is the essential Abby firm and in Charge she is the less quirky of the two sisters, but the dialogue and pacing requires that of the Character. Lorri has a cool demeanor that allows her "Abby" to work her way into our hearts. and Lorri has a firm grasp on the dialogue and meaning in the words Abby lives. Her connection with Martha allows us to join in the moment of them being sisters for life. by each others sides. 

Martha Brewster: Amy E. Hall, is the polar opposite of her "Sister" Abby, she is a bit like a pendulum constantly in motion almost as if the world around her will cease to move if she equally stops. I loved that about her performance, because the script itself is quite funny, but without "little bits of action" it does allow itself to become a bit long. I would say though I loved Amy and Lorri's performance and relationship, They are playing Older women who have grayed over years they do come of as a "Bit to Spry" add a catch in the back or aching joints and you have yourself an unforgettable performance.  

Teddy Brewster: Rob Tromp, this is one of my all time favorite roles. Teddy is the essential loud/brash/look at me childlike member of this already "interesting" household and Rob's performance allows us a rare glimpse into Mr. Roosevelt's demeanor.  though Rob's choices are subtle, they are there. I loved his use of the stool as a horse galloping across the plains of the old west. His belief in "Who he is" is vital to the development of the story we must see Teddy and believe he is Mr. Roosevelt, or else the piece fails. I did however find one moment where I lost my belief in Teddy, when he is "scolded" moving to a corner like a child. Yes Teddy has a "Child-like" presence, but is not a child he is however "The President".

Elaine Harper: Krista Wagner the future wife of Mortimer Brewster, and a role that can come of as un-important and needy. Generally Elaine is played slightly mousey with a hint of "Church Girl" but Krista's choices allow us a glimpse of the "in charge" Elaine. I was surprised at myself a few times, at saying my, my Ms. Harper if your father The Reverend only knew. it was a bold move and one I am glad she made, keep your eyes peeled for Krista's moments and Mortimer's inability to notice a strong female presence. 

Mortimer Brewster: Joe Cherubino what is there to be said about Mortimer? Other than he like myself is a Critic and feels the way I do about certain shows. but Mortimer is one of the hardest roles in this production, he is the essential "Straight man" though his dialogue gets a bit over the top at moments he must remain calm and push the action forward. Joe does a good job at keeping the flow moving, though I would advise his "breaking moments" to be a bit more human. he has great facial features but I would use them a bit more sparingly. as I mentioned before he has to play dumb (not an insult, just how it has to be) to Elaine's advances and Joe nails that on the head! 

Jonathan Brewster: Carl Novak the role of a Villain is tricky, you have to be human and in-human at the same time. Carl does a wonderful Karloff-esque voice, but much the same as Mortimer facial expression can be the straw on the preverbal camels back. I am all for showing evil in makeup choice but I would advise against eyeliner for scarring lines especially if you are prone to touching your face a few times there were multiple smudges. Carl does do the one thing that is a necessity to the role.....he makes our skin crawl. 

Dr. Einstein: Jeff Brown, is the Gag character has the quirky kicks and the heavy accent.  though with accents you must be careful of diction! more than one time I caught myself curious of what was said. but overall I loved his take. 

Dead Body: Alec Koppes, it must be said when playing a "live" Dead person it takes skill to be limp and sit in a hot window seat for um-teen minutes at a time. Alec great job. 

The Rest: I would love to write an individual note for all of you but there are so many of you. you all did a fantastic job, and will succeed in theater as the years roll around for you. but I would advise you....to consider those in the cast you are complementing, over-acting can be a crutch and can cause a show to fail. I am all about personal choices in the spotlight, but remember why you are there and Laughter is addictive but....playing a role to it's strengths will earn you more recognition. Officer O'Hara I like the mustache joke....but a little less use of it and you will mesh with the show just perfectly. 

"Aresenic and Old Lace" at the Worthington Community Theater

Performances:

March 8 - 11th 8 p.m. T, F, S - 2 p.m. Sun

Tickets - $10 students/ seniors $12 adults

at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center - 777 Evening St. Worthington, Ohio 43085.

Don't forget to check out the wonderful Art Gallery as well. 

"A New Brain" Gallery Players

The Gallery Players located in Columbus Ohio, is currently in their run of a quirky and dramatic musical called A New Brain. 

A New Brain is "An autobiographical Musical. Music & lyrics by William Finn: Jason Robert Brown (arr.) Book by William Finn and James Lapine A New Brain dealt directly with his own harrowing personal experience with arteriovenous malformation and the healing power of art. The hero, Gordon, worries that he may not live to complete his work. Finn wrote many of the songs soon after his release from the hospital".

I count myself lucky when I attend a Gallery Players Production. because the bar is always set high, the space alone is enough to take your breath away. This time a simple set was erected, plain white walls all at different angles allowing the audience to create their own perspective and of course with a cast of characters that include a singing, dancing, snarky frog it can be noted that your mind can go wild! and to each of the available wings we are thrust into a "workspace" for our hero Gordon, and then a "quaint italian bistro". The thing I will mention again that I love about this set is it's crisp white simplicity. Though this show included minimal lighting and use of space it worked for me. The overall Buzz about the show from the audience was a simple "I loved it" but a few critiques were shared along with myself, one of which was the tight feeling that can be attributed to the use of center stage direction. I feel like the movement of the show with a minimalist perspective created in the space can be broader then it was. But on another note the creation of an M.R.I. machine on stage with a camera inside was Brilliant! although I scoff at the use of projectors in stage shows for Prologues, Epilogues and Scene Changes.

But I digress, for we all know dear readers why you are here! The Performance....The Actors....The Singing....The Music! Truly there are far too many amazing moments to count in this production, and since there is no what you would call "Chorus" I want to take a moment and Dote if I may on the Cast as a whole and then of course share my thoughts on the individuals. I ran into a woman after the show and I will admit "I eavesdrop" it's a bad habit but one a critic cannot avoid. She said the one thing, I fervently believe is true "Gallery Players Actors are The Best Singers in Columbus"I could not agree more. The vocals were powerful and moving. Though there were moments of concern for me when the pit would drown out the Actors and when the annunciation was lacking, but when the Musical is Performed in a single Act, with little or no dialogue and made up of Thirty-Two individual numbers.....Yes you can call me Nit-Picky.

And Now The Moment You have all Been Waiting for.....The Actors!

and What a fantastic group! (time to dote)

Pamela Hill: Director of this outstanding production! all I can say here is "Directing takes heart, Risk, Patience and a few Pain killers (or booze, Your Choice)" and Whatever combination of this Pamela chose It worked.

Jeb Bigelow: Our Hero Gordon Schwinn, has a voice and face that powers it's way into our psyche. Jeb had some wonderful moments all of which took place in bed. the complexity of Gordon boils down to our ability to follow him in and out of his dreams or one might say delusions. If you are a follower of any point of theater you must and I emphasize MUST see Jeb's Performance.

Christopher Storer: Our Roger, who emphatically breaks our hearts and melts us with a smile. I have a rule to remain un-biased of a performer I refuse to cry, and it is nearly impossible to get me there. until this production. Christopher has one moment where he broke me and as I do not want to give away anything about the story all I will say is watch his Jacket. and the way he holds....no Wraps his entire being into it. A beautiful love story from a coat. This is what makes Storer one of the best actors I have ever known.

Denae Rall: Has a voice that can collapse the great wall of China! and the speed and diction that I never could have dreamed possible. but above all else Denae is "Believable" her affection towards her job and her friend Gordon mesh so well. and the Ventriloquist moment is unforgettable.

Eileen M. Howard: Gordons Mother Mimi Schwinn, is your beautiful conception of a Mother, when her child is suffering from a Terminal Illness, she remains composed and prepared "mother is going to make it alright" she is that pillar holding up the stronghold of her child's ailment. that is of course until we peel her away from her son and see the emotional break as she cleans his study. Eileen is much the Powerhouse singer, but she reserves her volume and replaces it with pain and hope. and when she is done....not a voice can be heard with the exception of a subtle "wow" from the women to my left.

Jenna Lee: Lisa (the homeless therapist) Jenna's bio intrigued me as a "soon to be graduate of O.S.U." I can only see big things in her future. It is hard to play someone who in un-respected (like a homeless woman) and demand respect, it takes even more courage to break the fourth wall, and command an audience take her seriously and ask for change. not just the change in your pocket...Jenna you commanded my attention and you still have it. wonderful performance.

Wilma Hatton: Reba "the nice nurse" is the best example of comic relief, for a dramatic-comedy to work you have to have that one person who has the ability to keep us laughing and keep the moments "real". Good Drama takes us out of our everyday lives. but Great Drama reminds us of our own lives. and Wilma does that for us and this production.

Stewart Bender: Mr. Bungee (Yes he is the Frog from TV) I have a weakness for dry humour and sarcasm and dare I say Snarky-ness....and I can say without a doubt. that Stewart nailed it. and of course it can be said when a tall man rides on stage with a green bike covered in lilly-pads dressed as a frog head to toe and doesn't break during a performance....he is a genius (or has no funny bone, but I will stick with genius). When we get a reveal of his alter ego (the boss) it felt like he was one in the same. and how often have you wondered if Big Bird was a jerk in real life? well Stewart's take on Mr. Bungee lets us know just how dark the other side of Kids programming really is.

Doug Joseph: The Minister I have a soft spot for Doug, but don't take admiration as an excuse for what I am about to say. Doug has mastered comedic timing. and is an energy on stage that brings forth light to those around him. there were a few subtle moments and jokes the minister has that were missed and I wish to share one of them so you fellow readers can go see Doug's performance and laugh yourself stupid. When asking Gordon if he was "German-Protestant" Gordon Replies "No...German-Jewish" and if you didn't laugh at that you are brian-dead....ok off my high horse now. with all of this said and done Doug is a wonderful addition to this production and vocally smooth.

Amy Rittberger: The waitress, and Nancy The thin Nurse! I was very happy with Amy and her performance, and her vocals and dancing were solid. But I felt that the action was held back from Amy a bit. When we first meet here she is a loud bubbly fan-girl of a waitress and I loved it! and then we meet Nancy "The Thin Nurse" (the counter opposite of the waitress) a line that can make a smaller part unforgettable and of course it did. but I felt that it plateaued there, I believe Amy is on the right track and can play with the parts just a bit more!

Jon Schelb: Doctor Berensteiner, a difficult role to say the least. with words and conditions to explian to Gordon and his family that are five miles long! I enjoyed Jon's performance and his attachment to his own "children" in the show. but there were moments when his head was hung low and vocals were a bit to soft and drowned out by the orchestra. push that chin up and give us the confidence of a brain surgeon Jon and you will have them in the palm of your hand.

The last thing I wish to share is a massive round of applause for the Crew, Choreographer, Costumer, and everyone involved in this production. for as we say in the Theater. "a show is not made of just actors, it is made up of every breathing person involved" and without this fantastic crew keeping the flow and look alive. this show would not be the force it is.

As always Gallery Players throws you a curveball of a show. I Guarantee you will laugh, you will cry and you will walk away astounded.

Gallery Players Presents "A New Brain"
Showtimes for A New Brain, are Saturdays, March 3,10,and 17 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, March 4,11, and 18 at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, March 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Call (614) 231-2731 for tickets or visit 

http://columbusjcc.org/programs/cultural-arts/gallery-players/

An Introduction

My name is Christopher Johnson,
Actor, Director, Writer, Producer and Critic for the greater Columbus area. The purpose of this blog is to catalogue and review every available local theater and show possible. for the longest time reviews were coming from non-theater goers, and those who do not understand the complexities of the "Directing Styles, Actors Performances, and Design and execution" this is my Opportunity to give back. so sit back and enjoy. and if you have a show that needs a critical look and review. Contact me ASAP!
Your Perspective
Chris Johnson


Contact info
Email: actorsperspective@gmail.com