Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre
  • Announcements
  • Events Calendar
  • Auditions
    • Audition Calendar
  • Reviews
  • Theatres
  • About the G.L.U.T.
    • E-mail List
    • Contact

Farce of Habit

10/27/2017

0 Comments

 
​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

0 Comments

The Home Team

10/19/2017

0 Comments

 
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


0 Comments

The Bodyguard

10/17/2017

0 Comments

 
​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


0 Comments

Gidion's Knot

10/14/2017

0 Comments

 
​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


0 Comments
<<Previous

    Reviews

    Read more about Jane and the creation of the G.L.U.T. on the "About G.L.U.T." page.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    All Of Us Express Children's Theatre
    All-of-Us Express Children's Theatre
    Blue Light Players
    Grand Ledge HS
    Homegrown Productions
    Ixion Ensemble
    LCC Dept. Of Theatre
    Mid Michigan Family Theatre
    MSU Dept. Of Theatre
    MSU Summer Circle
    MSU Summer Circle Theatre
    MSU Summer Circle Theatre
    Okemos HS
    Over The Ledge
    Owosso Community Players
    Peppermint Creek Theatre
    Peppermint Creek Theatre
    Renegade Theatre Festival
    Riverwalk Theatre
    Riverwalk Theatre
    Starlight Dinner Theatre
    The Studio Performing Arts Center
    Wharton Center (MSU)
    Williamston Theatre

    Post Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    RSS Feed

This G.L.U.T. site is © 2014-2019.  All Rights Reserved.

All included and re-posted content is © by it's respective owners and used with permission.  Nothing on this site may be reprinted without the express written consent of the site owners and the owners of the content.  All information is deemed reliable at the time of publishing.  Visitors should confirm all information with the theatre before making any plans or arrangements.

This G.L.U.T. website is created and maintained
by Aaron Herrbach, under collaboration with
Jane Shipley Zussman.
Content updates provided by Jane Shipley Zussman.

Would you like to be an assistant webmaster?
Contact Jane!


Contact the Webmaster | Contact the Publisher
Google Services Login