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