TJ's Theatre Reviews 25-26

Theatre Review: Neil Simon’s California Suite at Chautauqua Playhouse

I had an absolutely great time with this unique collection of four playlets (that’s the term) that all take place in one California Suite (thus the name) all in the 80’s. The aesthetic, costumes, props, and especially music really took me back and invited me in even if I was still less than 10 years old throughout it all. All four scenes felt unique and engaging in their own ways telling their own stories, often a mixture of humor and thoughtfulness. Congrats to all of the performers as well as the collaborative effort of having a different director for each of them.

I really enjoyed the third scene and the playful prodding between Michael Coleman and Deborah Bromley’s “Visitors from London.” Both were charming and used a variety of tactics as their character and with the additional “post award” scene, had the opportunity to demonstrate a wide range of emotions. The humor was then immediately ratcheted up to farce and slapstick (and I was here for it!) in the final scene “Visitors from Chicago.” Deni Scofield did an excellent job keeping the stakes up and acting as a catalyst to keep refreshing the scene. Teresa and Steve Gold were hilarious as the living embodiment of Deni and her husband’s frustrations and both committed to the idiocy of the situations whether clumsiness in a restroom or being wrangled on the floor. My favorite performance of the night was Rob Hayes who seemed to have so much fun effectively switching between rational and diplomatic to frustrated and manic. His transition during the early phone calls were particularly impressive. Add to that the physicality added into the scene and I tip my hat.

The show runs until February 1 and I highly recommend catching it if you are able to. Information for tickets can be found at: https://www.cplayhouse.org/index.html

Theatre Review: Sweeney Todd with The Stage

The crowd went wild for this one and it was fun to be at the closing performance and hearing audience members talking it up as many were seeing it for the second or third time. There were some great production choices and terrific performances.

I liked the set. There was a clear second level, then upstairs and still plenty of mainstage for the performers and a few set pieces. The painted walls worked well and the backstage had an intentional split or divide from dark to more light which was used at times for outdoor and indoor scenes in addition to any thematic elements. I liked the costumes. White suits really popped at the top of the show and there were some additional stand outs such as Mrs. Lovett’s. The choreography was also engaging. Early on there were some nice body rolls and isolations and later a really cool mass of people moving around with individuals popping up to deliver their lines or lyrics. The cast sounded terrific as well, so kudos to the music direction. The cast leaned into the humor and the audience ate it up.

The ensemble all were engaged and had nice lines and varied tempos during some moments where they enhanced a scene with their presence on stage. Because it happened right in front of me, it was awesome seeing Macie Pote twirling around slowly like one of those wind up ballerinas and getting nudged by the “scene” on stage and temporarily speeding up while staying in position and then getting back to her wind up doll speed. Duckie Linares sounded great as Johanna throughout and Angel Riley and Molly Pote as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett respectively had presence together while often purposefully bringing opposing energies. They both sounded great and had wonderful timing and delivery. 

Jordan Plumb was as terrific as Tobias Ragg. He has such tremendous physical and vocal control. He was able to mine moments of humor that the audience ate up with his expressions and consistent delivery. My personal MVP was Cooper Davey as Beadle Bamford. It felt like he straddled the line of humor and perceived threat very well and sounded great especially in his often underutilized “Parlor Songs” section. He had great timing, delivery, variety, and physicalization.

The show just closed, but congrats to all involved.

Theatre Review: A Christmas Story with Rocklin Community Theatre

Wow! From start to finish I was impressed with the thoughtfulness of the production and the talent of the performers. For those familiar with the story you’ll get all of your expected moments delivered with wonderful nods to the original, and for those of you who are not, you will get a fantastic story dripping with heart and humor.

I appreciated the balance of set and projections and use of spotlights and moments in front of the curtain to assist scene changes. They were smooth and the show maintained a nice, continuous fluid momentum. The costumes appropriately evoked the original, as well as the period, and then the fantasy elements all with equal aplomb. The orchestra sounded amazing as did the singing so kudos to all musical direction. I also loved the choreography. I thought there was good balancing of the various sub groups in the cast, there was fun story supporting elements, and everyone seemed comfortable and having a good time.

The entire cast really did seem to be enjoying the show and sharing the spirit. A great example was during “Ralphie to the Rescue.” There are costume changes, various dancing groups, melodramatic acting, and from seemingly every member of the cast. It was magnificent. Everyone should be incredibly proud of the show they are putting on. I wanted to share that I was particularly impressed with the ease and charm of Matt Metcalf who opens the show and narrates as Jean Shepherd. I was also delightfully surprised by Stacy Ferguson in my first time seeing her in a full show and absolutely nailing character, humor, and expressiveness as both Miss Shields the teacher, and Miss Shields the nightmare. I also loved the entire Parker family and dynamic. Liam Johnson was adorable as the young Randy, but more impressively, he was able to hit the comedic moments holding his arms up and having them rebound, and then later singing short phrases as part of a difficult song while also picking up pieces of a lamp from the stage (part of the show). Ralphie was spectacular and had nearly no breaks once taking the stage and Jude Gothhold was up to the task. The character and emotion was there, the comedic timing was immaculate, and the singing wonderful. It had to be a lot of fun playing alongside his mom, Kirsten Gothhold, who was equally spectacular as his Mother in the show. She sounded amazing and grounded so much of the heart in the show. She also acted as a foil at times to The Old Man played by Dan Armstrong who turned in yet another of my favorite performances in recent history. He has such an easy charm on stage, and continues to sound better and better, and I loved his ability to play a variety of emotions whether frustrated, heartfelt, zany, or even demented (also in a nightmare). Fabulous work.

The show might be sold out, but if not, I highly recommend you catching one of their final two performances this weekend. Tickets and info can be found at: https://www.rocklintheatre.org/tickets