Category Archives: Play Reviews

Young Frankenstein: A Review

Posted on May 13, 2013 | Leave a comment
Young Frankenstein at Sperkels Performing Arts Center

Photos by Eric Chazankin

Director Gene Abravaya has another hit on his hands! After a very long day I barely made it time to see this musical comedy. I’m glad I did as it was a fast paced, laugh-a-minute delight!

Based on the story and screenplay by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, this parody of classic horror films from the 1930′s became the award-winning 1974 comedy film Young Frankenstein. In 2007 it opened as a Broadway musical called The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein. Both versions were big hits. The Spreckels Theatre Company is preforming their version full of classic lines, crazy characters, running gags and musical numbers.

Young Frankenstein at Spreckels Performing Arts CenterThis talented assemble of singing actors stars Tim Setzer as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein and Jeffery Weissman as the hunchback Igor. They are a hit comedic team together. Add in Mary Gannon Graham as Frau Blucher, who is just a fun character to play with her accent and the horse whinnying gag running every time her name was mentioned. Then you have Allison Rae Baker as the sexy assistant Inga, Denise Elia-Yen who is Elizabeth Benning the tease of a fiancé, Braedyn Youngberg as The Monster, and John Shillington as Inspector Kemp and Harold the Hermit, along with a host of other dancing, singing villagers performing on a big stage with a live orchestra.

My favorite songs were Frau Blucher’s rendition of He Was My Boyfriend and Victor, The Monster, Inga & Igor singing and dancing Puttin’ On the Ritz, complete with top hats and tails. If you want to have a fun time and leave your daily cares behind for a few hours, I highly recommend this hilarious play as way to accomplish that.

Directed by Gene Abravaya
Music Direction by Sandy and Richard Riccardi
Choreography by Michella Snider
Set Design by Eddy Hansen
Costume Design by Pamela Enz

Young Frankenstein runs May 10-19, 2013 at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park

Tickets provided in exchange for review

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , ,

The Price

Posted on March 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

Play Review

The Price-Photo by Eric Chazankin

The Price-Photo by Eric Chazankin

The Price by Arthur Miller is an intriguing family drama that was first a Broadway play in 1968. It is now being performed at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma. The issues of love, regret, hurt, betrayal, death, and family favorites in this story are pertinent to any era. The four actors in this play did a great job of making me care about the story and what was happening on stage.

Samson Hood plays Victor Franz. He had a huge role and was not off the stage once throughout the play. He was very convincing as the worn out cop, tired spouse, and long suffering brother who’s now forced to sell the family furniture and deal with emotions he would rather have left alone.

Charles Siebert plays Gregory Solomon who is an old antique dealer. He gets unintentionally stuck in the middle of a family feud by being randomly picked out of the phone book to give a price on the furniture needing to be sold. He provides the humor with his Russian accent and many distracting side stories as he drags out the “deal” on the furniture.

Madeline Ashe plays Ester Franz, Victor’s wife. I felt her frustration with the whole situation, how she loves her husband yet doesn’t fully understand the family dynamics that lead to his self-sacrificing ways all these years. As his wife, she wants the best for him and thinks if he just retires, it would solve everything.

John Shillington plays Walter Franz, the brother of Victor. He spends the second half of the play trying to convince all that he is not a successful, self-serving jerk of a doctor who abandoned not only his father but his brother. Now after 30 years, he has seen the error of his ways and is back to make amends.

This play doesn’t answer any questions or solve any of life’s dilemmas. It does make you think though and it was definitely entertaining.  I wished Mr. Siebert had a bigger role as his presence lit up the stage.

Directed by Sheri Lee Miller
Cinnabar Theater March 22-April 7, 2013

The Price by Arthur Miller, Charles Siebert

Tickets provided in exchange for review

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , ,

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum

Posted on February 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

Play Review:

Photos by Eric Chazankin

Photos by Eric Chazankin

It has been awhile since I’ve been able to attend a play. This musical comedy was a good choice to bring my spirits up. A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, performed by the Spreckels Theatre Company was well attended on this particular Saturday evening performance. This was originally a 1963 Tony Award winning Broadway play which was also made into a movie a few years later. I’ve not had the privilege of seeing any of these previous versions. I found my first experience with this story delightful and entertaining. It seemed a little slow at first but that is the norm for most stories as one is introduced to the various characters. The second half picked up the pace and was quite comical as it moved towards the grand finale. Tim Setzer as Pseudolus had a huge role and was rarely off the stage for more than a minute or two.  Matthew Lindberg as Hero, Alan Kafton as Hysterium, and Matthew Proschold as Miles Glorious stood out in their roles as well.

Director Gene Abravaya shared his vision of the future for Spreckels with a group of us before the play. He hopes to see Spreckels become one of the main performing theaters in Sonoma County, someplace that people young and old will think of first when they say, “Where can we go for some good entertainment?” With the great talent pool of actors he has to choose from in this area, I see that as a very attainable goal. Now it’s up to us to help get the word out about this wonderful venue. I am looking forward to the next production this group puts on. But in the mean time, I recommend seeing this show before it’s over.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The ForumThis play is for teens and up. While there is nothing offensive in the story line, I think the story and humor would be over the head of younger children.

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Burt Shevelove and Lary Gelbert

Directed by Gene Abravaya
Music Direction by Sandy and Richard Riccardi

Feb. 8-17, 2013
More info: Spreckels Performing Arts Center

Tickets provided in exchange for review

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , ,

Review: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Posted on March 12, 2012 | 1 Comment
Brick & Big Daddy

Photos by Eric Chazankin

Review by Kim Murphey

March 9 was the opening night for the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. This play is the 1974 revised version dealing with  family characters and their sexuality, death, greed and alcoholism, all taking place on the night of Big Daddy’s 65th birthday party.

It’s been many years since I’ve seen the 1958 movie version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof that starred Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, so my recollections were hazy at best as to the differences between the two versions. Today there are many things that are ok to talk about openly  and language that is tolerated now that would not have been in the 50′s, so it was obvious as I watched the play what the differences were between the two.  Listening to my fellow seat mates discuss their opinions of the changes during the intermissions was also interesting when  comparing a classic done in a different way.

This play features Charles Seibert* as Big Daddy, Jenifer Cote as Maggie, Clint Campbell as Brick, Kate Brikley* as Big Mama, Tice Allison as Grooper, and Beth Deitchman as Mae.

Jenifer Cote as Maggie seems to have the lions share of the lines throughout the play, especially in the first scene where she is basically carrying on a conversation with herself as her husband Brick is working on getting drunk and not listening to her much. As the play progresses, other family members enter and leave the conversation  as we come to understand the dynamics of this big southern family. They are all dealing with their own various disappointment in life as they digest the information that the family patriarch Big Daddy is dying and how the estate may or may not be divided when he passes.

Charles Siebert, who is a famous theater, movie and TV star and director, plays Big Daddy. He is perfect for this role with his commanding voice and dominating presence. I could easily imagine him running a Southern plantation and this family. I thoroughly enjoyed his character and the whole play. 

*This actor appears through the courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the U.S.

6th Street Playhouse
Directed by Michael Fontaine.
For Mature Audiences
March 9-25, 2012
Tickets between $15-$32

 Historical Railroad Square in Downtown Santa Rosa.

Tennessee Williams, 1958 movie of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Charles Siebert

Tickets provided in exchange for review

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Review: The 39 Steps

Posted on January 9, 2012 | Leave a comment
39 Steps-5151

Photos by Eric Chazankin

Review by Kim Murphey

Opening night of the play “The 39 Steps” at 6th Street Playhouse was sold out. We all were treated to a fast paced, hilarious show directed by Craig Miller, starring Adam Burkholder, Paul Huberty, Larry Williams, and April Krautner.

Having never seen the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie or the Tony Award winning Broadway play, I had no preconceived ideas of what the story was about. I was in for a treat. This comedic show with multiple characters played by the talented four person cast was non-stop from the second it started. Watching Paul Huberty and Larry Williams change characters right in front of your eyes by switching hats and accents (and sometimes clothes) was funny and convincing at the same time, two very talented guys. The “action” scenes were done well too, the train chase scene being my favorite.

This story was originally written in 1915 by Scottish author John Buchan, the first of five novels about an all action hero with a surprising knack for getting out of sticky situations. It was later adapted as a radio show, three movie versions, this comedic theatrical version which started in London and moved on to Broadway and a BBC TV series.

Interested in a good evening out? See this play from Jan. 6 -21 at 6th Street Playhouse. Tickets are between $10-25.

Historical Railroad Square in Downtown Santa Rosa

Alfred Hitchcock, John Buchan

Tickets provided in exchange for review


→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Review: A Christmas Story

Posted on November 21, 2011 | 1 Comment
A Christmas Story

photo by Eric Chazankin

Review by Kim Murphey

The opening night theatrical performance of “A Christmas Story” was November 19th at 6th Street Playhouse. The director Bronwen Shears and the cast of seven children and four adults did a wonderful job telling this story, keeping the audience smiling throughout.

This play is based off of the classic motion picture A Christmas Story, which came out in 1983. The idea for the movie was taken from three short stories that were written by Jean Shepherd and published in Playboy magazine in the 60’s.

For those of you out there who haven’t heard of this story, seen the movie, or wondered where the saying, “you’ll shoot your eye out” or the infamous “leg lamp” came from, see this play and you’ll finally understand. For the rest of us,

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp

Photo by Eric Chazankin

the story of 9 year old Ralphie Parker (played by John David Vozaitis) on a quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas and the daily life (sometimes very comical) surrounding him which involves his parents, younger brother and friends, is a trip down memory lane. The subplots involving Ralph’s parents & the “leg lamp,” the local school bully, and a various scenes from the schoolroom are all recreated on the stage. The story is told to us by the grown up Ralph (played by Mark Bradbury) as he remembers the best Christmas present ever.

This play is appropriate for all ages and is running through December 23.

Tickets are $15-$32
For more information
6th Street Playhouse close to the Historical Railroad Square in

Jean Shepherd,  Red Ryder BB gun, leg lamp, A Christmas Story

Tickets provided in exchange for review

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Review-Frankenstein

Posted on October 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

FrankensteinReview by Kim Murphey

The Independent Eye’s “Frankenstein” produced by 6th Street Playhouse

This is a “live theatrical animation” production of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. Three actors all dressed in black wearing masks of their own make life size puppets come to life with the dark story of man who is tormented by his mother’s early death and his decent into mental instability as he creates a monster that doesn’t need to be born, then he has to live with the consequences of his creation.

This is not a show for young children. I took my teen daughter who thought it was dark but then she likes dark stories. After the show we spoke briefly with the actors/puppeteer’s and got a closer look at the puppets that they had created themselves. They are very amazing faces that even photos don’t do justice.

If you like to listen to a dark tale on these cold October nights, then get on over to 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. All seats are $10 and the show goes through Oct 23rd.

Comment:

Kim—
Just quick note of thanks for your attending and reviewing FRANKENSTEIN. Much appreciated.
Cheers—
Conrad Bishop, The Independent Eye

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , ,

Kite’s Book: Tales of an 18th Century Hitman

Posted on October 2, 2011 | Leave a comment
Kites Book

Photo by Eric Chazankin

Review by Kim Murphey

The West Coast Premiere of Kite’s Book: Tales of an 18th Century Hitman started this Friday. Playright Robert Caisley was inspired partly by the O.J. Simpson trial and a few other famous trials held in the 90’s. Caisleys penchant for classical plays, costumes and sword fights had him set the play in the 18th century, another era famous for its public trials and executions that entertained thousands.

The talented cast of actors, including Rahman Darlrymple as
Black Kite-the Hitman, Clint Campbell as Will Carew, Ray Morgan as Emile
Ferriere-a renowned French executioner (the only comedic role) and many others, who brought to life the characters they portrayed with the conflicts of the time, witty dialogue and intense swordplay. There was a message in this play as well, speaking to all about crime, punishments and our justice system today. Directed by the accomplished Craig A. Miller, this play is running from Sept 30- Oct 23 at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa.

Rahman Darlrymple

Tickets were provided in exchange for a review.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , ,

Review: Kiss Me Kate

Posted on August 6, 2011 | Leave a comment
Kiss Me Kate

photo by Eric Chazankin

Review by Kim Murphey

Opening night of the musical Kiss Me Kate at the 6th Street Playhouse was well attended. This is a 1999 Broadway Revival Version of a musical that originally debuted in 1948 by Cole Porter who wrote the lyrics and music. The musical is a  play within a play, telling you the backstage story of the lives of the actors and crew as they perform Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shew. All the cast act, sing and dance their way through the approximately two and half hour show with many a comedic moment that kept the audience laughing. Taylor Bartolucci (Lillie) and Barry Martin (Fred) star as the main characters and they hold their own with great on

Two Gangsters

photo by Eric Chazankin

stage presence and singing. Some of the funniest and most memorable scenes though are those preformed by Jeremy Berrick and  Rahman Dalrymple as the two gangsters. They almost steal the show.

If you like musicals this is a show to see. Kiss Me Kate directed by Craig A. Miller at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa August 5-September 4

Cole Porter, Taming of the Shew, Craig A. Miller

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Review: The Mystery of Irma Vep

Posted on June 11, 2011 | 1 Comment
TheMysteryIrmaVep

The Mystery Irma Vep

Review by Kim Murphey

This campy play was a hilarious romp from start to finish. The Mystery of Irma Vep directed by Marty Pistone, staring Craig A. Miller and Ryan Schabach, who play all the characters including various women, men, a werewolf, a vampire and an Egyption mummy princess come back to life. They had so many quick costume changes and entrances from opposites side of the stage, that I can only imagine the chaos behind the scenes with the stage crew but it was well done and an interesting side to the play just to see how fast they could change or move from one side to the other. This play is a spoof on many other plays and it had the audience laughing almost continuously. It featured Janis Wilson as the live musical and sound effects person off to the left of the stage. She interacted with the two actors and the audience, similar to the way a silent film organist would have. I recommend this play to anyone who likes theater and comedy.

It is playing at the 6th Street Playhouse through June 26

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Play Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , ,