Other Desert Cities is a fascinating tale of family conflict, lies and facades (a tad reminiscent of August; Osage County, but a little more funny and a lot less long.) John Robert Baites' script brings estranged, troubled writer, Brooke (Shannon Rafferty Bowan) home for Christmas after a six-year absence, bringing a manuscript of her memoir that opens up a family wound the parents (Janine Novenske Smith and Michael Shalley) are determined to keep hidden.

Political divides, secrets and lies, false-front identities, and "the indentured servitude of having a family" are all explored in a way that begins with dark humor and descends into facing serious buried truths. The title refers to a sign at the turnoff on Highway 10 to Palm Springs (where mom and dad live) and how Brooke (Shannon) is tempted to keep driving on to the "other desert cities" beyond. Perhaps this suggests that she has "gone too far" with her memoir? This is a fascinating script that challenges stereotypes and reveals the humanity of each person. Director Chad Badgero has led this cast to the creation of five very whole characters.

Janine is both maddening and heroic in the challenging role of mother Polly with Michael Shalley as her Reagan-esque husband, avoiding conflict and truth as long as he can. Shannon is intense and convincing as estranged daughter, Brooke. Michael Banghart brings humor and a natural style, caught in the crossfire and pushed to take sides. Lela Ivey is a gem as mom's lovable, alcoholic, burnout sister.

Other Desert Cities continues at 8pm Fri/Sat and 2pm this Sunday only - and next week Thur/Fri/Sat at 8pm at the Miller Performing Arts Center6025 Curry Lane Lansing, MI 48911 - north off Miller Road, just west of the South Cedar intersection. $15 ($10 for seniors 65+)
www.peppermintcreek.org

Of course, Tom Klunzinger kindly wrote an early review of Tom Ferris's charming Sleepy Hollow at Riverwalk -- but today it passed the grandchildren test, as my two 5-year-olds and one 7-year-old enjoyed the classic tale and deemed it funny and "not too scary" (though there was some apprehensive lap-sitting involved.)

This is a fresh new script that's a treat for all ages (school age and up... maybe even the brave 4 year old?) and blends the elegant, period-piece charm of Washington Irving's story with the fast-paced, funny style of our modern kids' shows - including the popular "chase scene," this time with two wonderful horse-bike-puppets (designed and built by Tom Ferris, Leroy Cupp and Bruce Bennett.)

The "gently haunted village" in the Black Box stage is a theatrical bonus and entertaining "preshow," as audience members arriving early can follow the map on the back of their programs, interact with actors in period costumes, and then be guided through the tunnel to the main auditorium.

Alex Freeman was gallant and engaging as our host, Washington Irving. David Bolton was adorably gawky, gluttonous and fearful as Ichabod Crane, oblivious to the challenges of Brom Bones (Brett Robertson) who was brawny if not brilliant as the rebuffed bully. His "boys," Kyle Sodman, Robert Aultz, and Jason Herington, were an entertaining bunch. Mike Erwine and Kris Pecora were the cutest set of parents to Yvonne Gonzales, recently bumped up to the role of the sought-after Katrina, due to the sudden illness of Heather Harper. (Best wished to Heather; I'm not sure WHO will be playing Katrina next weekend, but both are lovely, and Yvonne charmed her way through the role as if she'd been playing it from the beginning.) Kudos to the all-purpose Tom Ferris who choreographed some fun slapstick moves, as well as adding his touch to all aspects of the show.

Parking can be tricky during the day at Riverwalk, since Impression 5 is open, but remember, you can park in the gravel lot at the end of the Museum-Drive loop behind the RE Olds Museum. Come early for best parking as well to allow time to tour the gently-haunted-village. Show starts at 7pm Fri; 2 & 4:30 Sat; and 2pm Sunday - The village opens about a half hour before each show. This is one the whole family will enjoy. Time to get properly revved for Halloween!

www.riverwalktheatre.com
482-5700

THANKS to another volunteer reviewer offering to report to you GLUT folk, when I can't attend my usual opening night. Tom Klunzinger offers his take on SLEEPY HOLLOW at Riverwalk now through the 27th. www.riverwalktheatre.com - 482-5700. General seating for this one - but reservations DO guarantee admission. Here's Tom's review:

Riverwalk's current attraction of "Sleepy Hollow" is first and foremost a children's show, but it's also much more than that: a unique "experience" in the village of Sleepy Hollow BEFORE the show, then a trip down the rabbit hole into the auditorium for the show itself.

And a fine show it is, with a fun script and excellent pacing by Tom Ferris, a literate performance by A.S. Freeman as (narrator) Washington Irving plus David Bolton as an appropriately geeky and gawky schoolteacher Ichabod Crane. As village hotshot Brom Bones, Brett Robertson conjures up the classic Gaston from "Beauty & the Beast."

Special note must be made of Yvonne Gonzales who stepped into the lead role of Katrina Van Tassel on THURSDAY NIGHT after Heather Harper was admitted to the hospital. Ms. Gonzales was charming and effortless as the village sweetheart, seeming as if she'd been doing the role for weeks.

As well, the many good villagers added to the evening's fun, particuarly in the exended dance(!) portion. And Chris Kennedy - an Okemos Barn veteran and Jeff Kennedy's mother(!) - has returned to CCP with a fabulous array of colorful period costumes.

Extra kudos to Carol Ferris for her concept and execution of Sleepy Hollow Village!

Oh, and, the many children present seemed to have lots of fun too.

Seating is General Admission ($7 adult, $5 children) AND you must allow a half-hour or so for the Village before the show, so arrive by 1:30 or 4:00 on Saturday, 1:30 on Sunday (or 6:30 next Friday, etc.).

T.E. Klunzinger

I'm a little embarrassed to send this on, since Mr. Winkelsten seems to have perhaps "over-appreciated" my two small but "punchline" roles — but he was kind enough to offer to be the "independent" GLUT reviewer, so...  ;-}   I appreciate his interest and writing skills!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love  - Review by David Winkelstern
 
If you made plans for next weekend and they did not include a visit to Starlight Theater: Cancel them.  Being anywhere else would mean you would miss the last chances to see their likeable world premiere of "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love."
 
Starlight's current lighthearted, lightweight play under the bright light of a "romantic" moon is a delight with some genuine highlights.   "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" has Saturday and Sunday night shows that will showcase a long list of talented local contributors; including the primary writer of this newsletter. 
 
After seeing Jane Zussman’s performance last Saturday, the good news is my comments about her acting won’t risk my being removed from her list.  I can honestly say Jane was a real scene-stealer who was a highpoint in both the New York and London scenes of the play that includes scenes in San Francisco, Dallas and Hawaii.  Out of the 22 amusing actors (many who also played dual roles) who took the ever-changing stage, Jane earned some of the loudest laughs and played characters the audience would easily remember.
 
The entire cast (smoothly directed by Linda Granger) offered many memorable performances that maximized the humor in a script by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten that sometimes had minimal real belly laughs.  “A Crazy Thing” also had occasional lines that were real gems that justified Starlight presenting a 6th play by the trio.
 
Better-than-average accents, sets, costumes, transitions, and sound helped make the fast-paced play a treat.  Everyone in the cast provided comedic characters who always suited the first name of the play.  Those who enjoy escapist silliness would be crazy to miss it.
 
Oct. 18 and 19 shows have dinner times at 6:30 in the Waverly East Intermediate cafeteria at 3131 W. Michigan Ave. with stage curtains opening at 7:30 pm.  Ticket information is at (517) 243-6040. Advance reservations required for dinner.www.starlightdinnertheatre.com