The Third Howl

Now, Theatre Decatur has definitely produced some excellent stuff in the last year and a half, but "The Third Howl" needs some help.

1. The choreography was awful. It was just so mindless and wandering and the actors looked so uncomfortable with it. They would even correct themselves on stage and actors should be confident in their stuff in order to entertain.

2. The actors have blocking off the stage and in the isles and such - with no lighting. So, lots of dialogue and running around and the audience can't see them. Very confusing.

3. The darling actor named Mark Feldman plays Louie - an older, Jewish -owned mutt that runs with the pack. Mark is very focused, very believeable and such a treat to watch as he goes through the story.

4. The set is incredible - very well done, very good use of the space. Props to set designer Archie Sands.

5. Repetition in the show - every new scene started out the same way and after a bit of time, the audience gets it already. The audience is waiting for something new on every new day. Repetition with the naps was unnecessary too. With light changes and blocking, we get that they're tired and about to nap.

6. Poor Hoover, played by Zach Solomon, and Lamont, played by Jacob Wood - there was a scene in which Lamont asked about the squirrels and Hoover responded with an explanation and then Lamont asked the same question again and Hoover continued on with the show. Poor thing. It's hard when you black-out on stage and another actor has to cover for you.

7. The point of the story was just too late in the show. Grab the audience's attention soon or you lose them later in the act.

8. The actors were shining stars every time they were center stage. Especially Sally Cat played by Jennifer Hendrickson. What a doll and what a voice!

All in all please support Theatre Decatur as better shows are coming in 2007.