William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead “A true and accurate account of the 1599 zombie plague” was stalwartly performed under the direction of John Lennox at LCC’s outdoor amphitheater, under various forms of duress and luck —JUST missing the rain which kindly restrained itself to occasional drizzle during the performance, but hurried the packing of lawn chairs as the drops increased at curtain call. Luckily it is a relatively short show, starting at 7 and ending at 8:20. The impending moisture forced the crew to initially remove sound and music equipment to keep it dry — but by intermission, someone rigged a speaker backstage, so we did have some music in act II. 

The other “duress” is my personal lack of appreciation for either Shakespeare or zombies. John Heimbuch’s script featured Shakespearean language and some fun references to famous lines in plays yet to be written. Shakespeare historians will doubtless find many gems in the script. 

Remy J. Patterson was a lively entertainer, with bells on, adding charm and energy. Quinn Kelly was the earnest Bard, himself - and Julie Linderleaf played a dramatic, demanding monarch as Queen Elizabeth. Bob Fernholz designed the “backstage at the Globe” set, and Kelly McNabb costumed them all in Elizabethan and/or zombie attire. Note that the zombies were not particularly grotesque or overly made-up; we recognized them by their stalking and biting — which was not too scary for kids.

William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead continues through Sunday at 7pm each evening. In case of REAL rain, they will move into Dart Auditorium. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. BYO lawn chair.
http://www.lcc.edu/cma/events/

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It was more than a three ring circus at MSU’s Summer Circle tonight (last night? by the time I got the picnic stuff unloaded… yawn) Definitely NOT a “yawn” but an impressive exhibition of creativity, talent, energy, stamina and focus on the part of the talented young actors. Not having that much stamina, myself, the reviews may be a little briefer than usual.

At 6:30 was perhaps my favorite: Playwright/director Rob Roznowski has done it again with a marvelous family road trip fable for children — but very relevant to us adults as well. The Amazing America Road Trip puts us in the car with a polarized family  experiencing familiarly amusing spouse/sibling conflicts The cross-country smorgasbord of locations and vacation encounters are very entertaining. Shelby Antel and Trevor Earley get extra praise for playing 18 wildly-diverse characters the family meets along the way. Set in the Vietnam/moon-landing era, it brings some historical perspective to today’s political climate, and maybe some hope for better listening, and an appreciation of both the protectors and the givers.

At 8 pm was Peter & Wendy, Jeremy Bloom’s streamlined, action-packed take on the familiar Peter Pan story. Director Deric McNish accentuated the weirdness and action. This imaginative version featured impressive fight choreography (Mike Merluzzi) - the flying choreography/gymnastics were wonderful - not sure if that was Deric or Mike’s doing. The show had a modern, feel, but echoed some of the traditional lines I remember from the old Mary Martin/Cyril Ritchard version we used to watch on TV.

At 10 pm was Bob: A Life in Five Acts by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, directed by Matt Greenbaum. This one is “mature audiences” - a strange and funny epic with a frantic pace as Bob (Grant Cleaveland) is born and abandoned in a White Castle bathroom and caroms through his five “acts” in search of greatness and meaning. As the Director’s note promises, there are "dancing, stage combat, funny wigs, spinning things, a Gershwin tune, and genuine human connection." The whirlwind of life stages is almost too much to keep up with but it is quite a ride.

NOTE: The “pre-show” puppet making was entertainingly led, engaging the kids with all materials in individual bags, and a wonderful coloring book that relates to the first show. Before the second show, cast members surveyed the audience for “happy thoughts” that later were incorporated into the show to facilitate flying.

Full calendar of events found at http://theatre.msu.edu/productions/summer-circle-theatre/

If you’re a fan of musicals, you MUST catch CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Based on the bizarre but true story of con artist Frank Abagnale, this show sweeps us into an whirlwind of song and dance with all the spectacle and beautiful voices you’d wish for — and it also reveals an unexpectedly uplifting relationship between the con man/boy and his nemesis. 

Brian Farnham stars as the elusive Frank, impishly transforming from forger to faux-pilot and faux-doctor and more. His voice is amazing and his charm and style make us root for him as he cons his way through life. FBI Agent Hanratty is played by Adam Woolsey, likewise an amazing voice and talent, growing in his frustration and ironic admiration for the con’s con-artistry. Bob Purosky and Meghan Eldred shine as Frank’s interesting and troubled parents, giving us a clue as to what sent Frank into his life of crime and escape. Taylor Rupp is impressive as the good nurse who wins Frank’s love and triggers his downfall. Laura Croff and Ben Holzhausen are effective in their brief but important roles as Brenda’s parents.

John Dale Smith’s orchestra is excellent, hiding behind the upper scrim; the set furniture is efficiently whisked on and off; the costumes are wonderfully retro 60’s (yay Kris Maier & crew, and thanks Mary K. Hodges Nees for the “counterfeiting-materials-hats; adorable) The 60’s style is enhanced by the retro hairdos (Rebecca Street). 

Director Jane Falion has once again masterminded a terrific show, also designing the simple, versatile set - and her super partner in crime is choreographer Karyn Perry. The dances are flashy and imaginative (with “Don’t Break the Rules” a real show-stopper). The cast has obviously put a lot of work into these numbers: Isaac Orr, Austin Elieff, Zachary Riley, Jeremy Leonard, Aja Jenks, Christine Ciucanu, Sarah Hayner, Kelley Lofton, Kristin Pagels, Nicole Ryan, Jenna Wojdula, Drew Birchmeier, Timothy Lawrence, and Alex Quinlan.

Make your reservations today (517-482-5700.) This hit is building to some sellouts for sure. Parking attendants directed us to the back parking lot behind R.E. Olds - not a bad walk on these warm nights! And be sure to GET YOUR SEASON TICKET AT THE SHOW - and get $10 off AND an Extra Ticket only available at this show. (See page 3 of your program for details.)
http://www.riverwalktheatre.com

And remember THE NUTHOUSE DEALS:  just around the corner from Museum Drive/Riverwalk on Michigan Avenue. They have created two specialty cocktails in honor of the show: the “Pan Am” and “The Clipper”. Also, if you show your ticket stub from Catch Me If You Can, you will receive 25% off your meal (excluding drinks) from June 8-18! 

(Tip, to avoid the possible parking issues, arrive early (Box office opens two hours before each show) so you can be an early-bird parker in the RWT lot, pick up your Catch Me tickets, and walk the two blocks to the Nuthouse for a pre-show meal/drinks. OR go to the Nuthouse after; it is open until midnight on Thursdays, 2 am. Friday/Saturday, and 11 pm Sundays.
http://nuthousesportsgrill.com


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