​THE WIZARD of OZ is indeed a Wiz of a Wiz - great fun for the entire family - and an impressive partnership between two theatres, each celebrating its 30th anniversary: Riverwalk Theatre and All of us Express Children’s Theatre. 

The entire ensemble of adults and kids did a great job delivering this favorite fable. Standouts were Logan Moon as the Emerald City Guard; Brennan McKone as a very animated, unwittingly brainy Scarecrow; Gary Mitchell as the tender-hearted Tin Man; Dale Wayne channelling a touch of Burt Lahr as the reluctantly courageous Cowardly Lion; Rocky Heuft as Professor Marvel/Wizard bringing likable con-man befuddled wisdom; and Kat Koehn as the gleefully evil Wicked Witch of the West. But the real star was Hallie Ackerman as Dorothy. Her earnest presence, deft dog management, lovely singing, spirited dancing, consistent energy and pace tied the show together.

The true Wizard of this production is Tom Ferris, director and jack of all trades, set, sound, scenography… and managing a huge cast of 36 kids, 16 adults and one dog. It’s a wonderful conglomeration of all ages, sharing this classic with the audience. Kudos to choreographer Fran Ludington for imaginative but simple, effective choreography, that suited the skills of some very new dancers as well as the more experienced. Music director James Geer had them all singing their hearts out to the prerecorded music.

The All-of-us Express Guilds put many kids to work on costumes, props, scenery, sound, and lighting. Lighting was dramatic, led by crew head Cody Skalmowski. Costumes were plentiful and imaginative, led by Nina Crumpton and Kris Maier. Amelia Rogocka led the makeup team. The Ferris-designed set was based on many movable pieces, built in the Riverwalk Scene Shop and transported to Hannah Center with the help of College Hunks Hauling Junk. (Not to imply this set was “junk”; CHHJ haul all sorts of wonderful as well as terrible things.) The set was well juggled by backstage crew and  fulfilled the demands of the show in colorful, creative and expedient ways. Sometimes cast members were part of the scenery.

This family musical continues through May 5, at HANNAH COMMUNITY CENTER 7pm Fridays, 2 and 7 pm Saturdays and 3 pm Sundays. Adults aged 18+ $12; children $10. General Seating; arrive early for best seats. For tickets call 517-333-2580 ext. 0 or go to http://www.showtix4u.com

ON GOLDEN PONDwowed the opening night audience at Starlight Dinner Theatre - standing ovation worthy. This excellent script has been revised/shortened by the author, Ernest Thompson. It still is not a short show, over two hours--but the time sails by because these actors feel so authentic. 

Marty Underhill has discovered his irascible side as Norman, starting out grumpy and depressed, but with that redeemable warmth that blooms through under the sometimes impatient but loving eye of wife Ethel, well played by Laura Stebbins. Norman is obsessed with death as his birthday approaches. 

The troubled relationship between Norman and his daughter Chelsea (Lisa Castle) adds another layer to the story, as she arrives with her dentist boyfriend Bill (David South) and his son Billy (Phineas Reed). Lisa is wonderful in this complicated role. So is Phineas, who grew from surly to charming during his stay with Norman and their bonding fishing trips. 

As dad Ray, David South was an excellent surprise, new to theatre, but inhabiting his role like an experienced actor. Director Linda Granger has brought him up to speed to blende with her talented ensemble. Bobby Maldonado, as Charlie the mailman and erstwhile boyfriend of Chelsea could be called “comic relief” but he is still a real and believable member of this Golden Pond Community.

Also notable was Jim Lorenz’s “see-through” set, constructed by Jim and Bob Gehrls. It included all the accoutrements of a realistic “up north” cabin with invisible walls that showed the natural outdoor setting beyond. 

Don’t miss this heartwarming and often funny play. It paints a relatable portrait of people dealing with the complications of family, mortality, and love.

On Golden Pond continues through May 5. The dinner is a tasty chicken rice dish at 6:30 - and “show only” tickets are also available. Details at http://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com

​Okay… not unlike Shakespeare, Greek Tragedy is a little beyond my mental capabilities and theatrical tastes. That said, The Bacchae on MSU’s Wharton Center Pasant Stage is impressive; I can respect it even if I didn’t like it. 

The production is a mash up of Greek Tragedy and Kabuki Theatre — very stylized and powerful — and also confusing if you’re not familiar with the myths and gods of Euripides’s day (405 B.C.) Dan Smith’s dramaturg note is helpful, but not enough for me to completely follow the plot. Let’s just say Dionysus is pretty good at revenge and the promised tragedy is artistically delivered, with the help of a well crafted prop. 

Director David Furimoto is an expert in Asian theatre forms and techniques. This was an empowering acting exercise for the students, as some testified in the talk-back that followed. All were committed to the intensity of this disciplined presentation. Beautifully painted turning panels set the Asian scene and the costumes were elegant and stylized. Traditional music and drumming also enhanced the production. The performance runs about an hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. 

I've just been alerted to a complete plot summary on MSU's website that  will be a good preparation read for future audiences.  http://theatre.msu.edu/files/9015/5509/8192/Bacchae_Plot_Summary_and_Explanations.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2Q5vgkTNzXKxcElYJrGC_Znn3A4auanJxy5Hw9aICpOFPLUgdymgvOFck
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The Bacchae continues through April 21 

http://theatre.msu.edu/productions/past-seasons/20182019season/bacchae/

Those of you who sawTelling: Lansing,in 2016 at Peppermint Creek, which brought military veterans’ stories to life, will not be surprised by the power and intimacy of this latest “Telling” -Under the Same Moon; Lansing. It’s another theatrical creation written by Jonathan Wei, playwright and founder of https://thetellingproject.orgThis show is a unique form of documentary offering true, personal, uplifting tales with world-wide perspective.

The performance is an hour-long intermingling of five immigrant/refugee stories describing extremely divergent pathways to Lansing. It helps us recognize the creative space and freedom that we can too often take or granted in America. This fascinating piece of theatre allows each refugee/immigrant to tell his/her own story in a well crafted, dramatic way, under the direction of Blake Bowen. 

Devices such as shoes, projected photos and maps, dramatic blocking sound and lighting help bring us into the lives of these five: Dilli R. Chapagai from Bhutan, Lana H. King from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Celia Mengran Li from China, Amelia M. Rogocka from England and Yusuf Sultani from Afghanistan. This project was developed with the help of the Lansing Immigrant and Refugee Resource Council.

The stories range from childhood show-biz, to being chased out of the country by the Taliban, to 16 years in a refugee camp to experiencing the bombs of war and more.Folks at the talkback were impressed and touched by the sincere performances of these five.

Other interesting refugee stories in poster form are on display in the Peppermint Creek Lobby - also can be seen at http://refugelansing.us

The Same Moon: Lansing continues through April 21. It was quite full opening night, so reservations would be a good idea. 
http://www.peppermintcreek.org