​Farce of Habit is another multi-joke confection at Starlight Dinner Theatre, in the wacko mode of Tropical Pickle last summer at Over the Ledge. (My not-so-secret suspicion is that this show is Pickle actor Michael Hays’ revenge on Pickle director Bob Robinson as each was subject to a range of silly indignities in his respective role onstage — to the copious laughter of both audiences.) 

The Hope Jones Wooton trio of authors has redesigned their crazy quilt of convoluted, formulaic, groaner jokes and sight gags. This cast was challenged by losing two previous actresses cast as the offended young wife, Jenna, to health issues. Kudos to Erin Barger who stepped in with only a week and a half of rehearsals and did a great job. These “roll-backs” to fold a new actress into the mix challenged the rest of the cast’s time to develop that ridiculous momentum necessary to keep us from thinking too much between jokes — but that momentum is mostly there, souped up with a good dose of hysterical energy, and will only get better throughout the run.

Wanelle and D. Gene Wilburn (Angela Dill and Chris Goeckel) own the “Reel ‘Em Inn” fishing lodge in the Ozarks. They are dealing with hubby’s yen for fishing and scratching and wife’s addiction to caffeine — not to mention dealing with their guests: an offensively sanctimonious celebrity talk-show-host Jock McNair (the excellent James Houska) who is being stalked by his estranged, menopausal wife, Barb (the all-purpose Jean Burk) - and endearingly bewildered guest Huddle Fisk (Bob Robinson) looking for adventure—not to mention a barn full of nuns, only one of whom appears onstage: the intimidating Sister Myrtle Agnes (Diana Lett.) 

Cop sister Jan Ross adds her wisecracks and guns, pursuing an axe-murderer-on-the-loose, and sporting a remarkable “undercover” costume in act two. Sean McKeon is adorable as Jenna’s community-theatre-addicted husband, Ty, understudying many roles and making punch-line entrances in several fun costumes. Kudos to costumer Susan DeRosa.

Kudos also to Bob Gehrls (set design/construction) and Linda Granger, Christina Clark-Cassady and Evon Anderson for all the “lodge-y” decor and props. Sound Designer Darryl Schmitz also added appropriately corny effects, aided by lighting design (Jim Lorenz/Philip Benedict).

Farce of Habit continues through November 5
Friday and Saturday: Lobby Box office opens at 6 pm. Dining Room opens at 6:30 pm.  
Dinner 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.  Show begins at 7:30 pm.  
Dessert Sunday matinee:  Lobby Box office opens at 1:00 pm, Desserts are served at 1:30 pm.  Show begins at 2 pm.
Waverly East Cafetorium located at 3131 W. Michigan Ave. Lansing, 48917. 
RESERVATIONS: Dinner and Dessert reservations are required 3 days before the show.  Please call 517 599-2779
Dinner Regular $36.   Seniors (62+) and Students (13-22) $33.  Children 12 and under $20.
SHOW ONLY:  Regular $15. Seniors (62+) and Students (13-22) $14.  Children 12 and under $13.
VISA and Master Card accepted
72 hour notice required by phone (517.599.2779) to receive a refund.  
http://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com

I was expecting a lot from this wonderful script and wonderful cast — and I was not disappointed. THE HOME TEAM is a home run… Wait, that should be touchdown? WhatEVer… Despite being set on the day of the MSU/U of M football game, it’s not as much about sports as it is about family, and the confusing but profound nature of love and identity. You will laugh — and maybe cry as well.

Director Emily Clark told me that the author of this intriguing, surprising script, Kim Carney (who was at Riverwalk last night for a talkback after the Resolution Services Center fundraiser performance) has given her seal of approval to this production and plans to bring her family back to see a future performance. There’s a thumb’s-up that trumps mine!

The entire cast is excellent and authentic. Gini Larson is the maternal but militant mother; Heath Sartorius is the pesky but perceptive little brother; Erik Grill is the complex, dad-infused big brother; Joe Dickson is the brother in love; Erin Hoffman is the questioning sister, and Shannon Bowen is the endearing but challenging girlfriend from “that other school.” Each of these actors is on top of his/her game. Their synergy is impressive.

As Director Emily says in her Director’s note: “I hope our show sparks conversation about (and perhaps a little more acceptance of) all people — regardless of what we may see as characteristics of the opposing team."

Do not miss this show. It has humor and heart, delivered by a true stage family.

THE HOME TEAM continues at Riverwalk Theatre through October 29.
7pm Bargain Thursdays ($8/$10) and 8pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun.

http://www.riverwalktheatre.com

​THE BODYGUARD at Wharton Center starts with a bang — literally — followed by a production number with enough volume and light to fill a stadium. I was a little relieved when that settled down to a less invasive level — but it was effective in establishing the larger-than-life celebrity of superstar Rachel Marron, played by impressive understudy Jasmin Richardson, since Deborah Cox is under the weather. Jasmin usually plays endearing but doomed sister Nikki, and that role was beautifully filled by the talented Dequina Moore.

The 2012 Musical is based on the 1992 Whitney Houston film, with the new book by Alexander Dinelaris focusing more on the Rachel character than on her bodyguard. Still, that pivotal role was well played by the charming, macho Judson Mills. Rachel’s son, Fletcher, was adorably embodied by Flint native Kevin B. Jones III, who has a great voice and some cool dance moves. (Fletcher is played by Sebastian Maynard-Palmer on Wed, Fri, Sat. matinee and Sun. evening.) 

This is a bit of a juke box musical, incorporating many Whitney Houston hits interspersed through the romantic but tense tale of the superstar and the bodyguard assigned to protect her from an ominous stalker. The story ends with the wistful but powerful “I Will Always Love You” — and is followed by a killer curtain call, featuring superstar Rachel and the impressively acrobatic male dance team, sure to leave the audience on its feet and dancing/singing along.

The Bodyguard continues through October 22 at Wharton Center.
http://www.whartoncenter.com

​GIDION’S KNOT is a double-barreled tour de force by two excellent actresses emotionally eviscerating themselves in a cheerful fifth grade classroom. 

Sara Frank-Hepfer is the teacher dealing with an unexpected “conference” visit from a Janet Colson, whose son has committed suicide. The show starts with awkward politeness and escalates through a gamut of emotions, building a picture of what happened and why. Director Erica Beck, assisted by Rose Cooper, set up the cars on the emotional roller coaster of Johnna Adams’ powerful script, and these two actresses are up for the 70-minute ride. (no intermission)

If you’re looking for theatre as an escape from the cares of life - DEFinitely head to Starlight's  sure-fire fun Farce of Habit (www.starlightdinnertheatre.com), but if you dare to go through a beautifully crafted emotional wringer with two powerful women, don’t miss Gidion’s Knot. 

Gidion’s Knot continues through October 22 - 8pm Saturdays and 2pm Sundays at the Robin Theatre; $15 at the door or via http://eventbrite.com
http://www.ixiontheatre.com