It's hard to do a true review of this season for Gaslight Theatre. For one, I directed two shows. While there are some ego-maniacs out there, I try hard to not be one of them. For my shows, I will instead give some general feedback about my thoughts on those shows. Secondly, I seem to have been given this great power to piss people off. Thank goodness for free speech, those that appreciate (whether they agree or not) my perspective in an effort to improve their craft, and the fact that I have always been an outsider.
Keep in mind, the season has 3 shows remaining; Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, Much Ado About Nothing, and Hairspray.
1. Red, White, and Tuna - I have never seen any of the Tuna productions, at Gaslight or elsewhere. Ginny Shipley and Dave Abbott have always performed them in the past, so I imagine that this is more of the same. If you liked them before, you'll like them now.
2. Til Beth Do Us Part - already wrote a review. Keep up. :) I was impressed with the new blood on the stage.
3. Night of the Living Dead - also wrote a review already. I'm a zombie fanatic, but this didn't do for me personally, what I hoped for.
4. A Suessified Christmas Carol - I did not get to see much of this show. I can say that I loved the colorful dynamic set (including the color choices) and the return of a few MIA actors to the stage made me happy.
5. The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood - this was the teen show for the season. This was a case of a lousy groan-worthy script, but one which proved how talented the teens are. Standouts; Joshua Beebee (as Will Scarlet, a merry man)- never seen him on the Gaslight stage before but he was strong and could really be one of the better actors in the right parts and the right director. Blake Recknagel (as Little John) - the energy and timing this guy brings to the stage is unmatched. This kind of comedic timing, especially in a teen, is rare to find. He is not what I would have expected, physically, for Little John, but he was such a joy to watch I didn't care. Kimmy Carris, Morgan Carris, Tori Plunkett, and Katherine Jones (as the Fawning Ladies) - possibly my favorite characters in the show. The almost silent improv they provided as extras tickled me unlike anything else in the show. They were having fun, but completely in character. There were other good actors on stage as well; a few choices that I would have cast differently and a bit more directing, but it was the onstage talent that saved the show from being a boring teen romp.
6. Becky's New Car - arguably the best show of the season. It was a stunning look at marriage and choices and consequences. It was high energy, but focused and controlled. Jill Paterson as the title character was phenomenal, remaining engaging throughout the performance. Kay Shaughnessy proved to be a stunning new actress, taking on the role of "Ginger." It was a pitch perfect delivery and every move she made was picture-worthy. Jason Maly as "Walter", Becky's tempting love interest, gave his usual reliable performance. I found Jonathan Suttmiller (playing Becky's son) to be relaxed and natural. He came in just weeks before the show opened replacing a lively and charismatic young actor, but Suttmiller managed to make it blend in with the story organically. Becky's husband (Steve Whitaker) was likable and funny, though something kept me from fully believing that they were married.
7. Distracted - my show. Can't review it other than to say that I got most of what I was hoping for out of the show and performances. I had several actors that were new to the stage and they held it together. I was disappointed in the turn out but also didn't have the time to devote to publicity.
8. Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp - also a disappointing turn out, that was mostly my fault. There were some crowd favorites, but the cast and I had so much fun and I think the audiences did too.
9. Shakespeare In The Park - have not seen it yet, but it will be returning to PEGASYS television this season.
10. Hairspray - Not perfect, but one of the best musicals I have seen. It was energetic and wonderfully cast. Even the extras were entertaining! Elizabeth Lewis, Jaden Dillon, Rynn Day, Tom Barger, Katherine Jones, Chelsea Hunter, and Dave Abbott were standouts (which was a difficult thing because that cast was on fire...especially in Act I). Dawn Hegwood deserves an honorable mention for her fantastic vocals. She had undeniable talent and I could see the "actress" inside of her fighting to the top. She is new to the stage and nerves were there (but only noticeable to someone that had been in her shoes, I think), but her first performance just showed how much potential she has. She's going to be amazing if she chooses to continue. It was an electric show that moved me in a way the big screen musical had not. Where the movie hinged on big names, this show was about skill, hard work, and heart.
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