All Shook Up

Wonderful fun from the start to the finish, this magnificent story of an outsider, a mechanic, a museum manager, a mayor, and a dead town looking for excitement kept everyone clapping and toe-tapping the entire night. A few things I noticed, since it was opening night over at the Fox Theater:

1. Dear SM - please tell your actors not to run past the scrim in the back during a serious scene. The big wave that ripples across is not a part of the show.

2. Dear Sound Guy - when people are on stage talking, you might wanna turn their mics on.

3. Choreography - I wanted more. There just wasn't enough in the movements and such to keep an audience engrossed or impressed. Really, Ricardo Aponte could have taken this show to a higher level with it's choreography.

4. Noticed a lot of applauding for the prominent black star, Sylvia, whenever she held a note, sang, moved, etc. Really - I've seen just as good if not better. Don't get me wrong: she deserved it. But it wasn't as big of a deal as the audience made it to be. But hey - that's the audience.

5. The show was very "Footloose" in its story, but it wasn't bad.

6. Totally love Dennis!! What a wonderful character and Mr. Dennis Moench did it justice!

7. Josh Franklin stood in for the lead male, Chad. Nicely done - very well displayed on stage. And nice, tight jeans.

All in all, an enjoyable evening at the Fox.

Love's Labour's Lost

Gotta hand it to the Shakespeare Tavern for making everyone forget about the horrible parking situation, the homeless people asking for money on the streets, and the traffic in Atlanta that never stops. Nestled in between the two busiest areas in town, Downtown and Midtown, The New American Shakespeare Tavern brings its guests below the surface and makes them forget their cares, forget the outside world, and indulge in some good comedy. Mary Russell is outstandingly stunning as the Princess of France. Her facial expressions were dead-on with the lyrical poetry of her words. Jeff McKerely did it again: comedy is definitely his forte. But unlike "The Thing About Men", we get to see more serious sides to this comedian. He can definitely work both sides of his character and the hard work he puts into his craft certainly shows. Props to the ever amazing Amee Vyas as she protrays a character of innocence that makes every woman in the theater wish they were of her youth and beauty again. There aren't words to describe Ms. Heidi Cline - other than "wow"! What a match for the every-comedic Jeff McKerely! The whole ensemble enticed the audience and kept everyone eager to hear the outcome of each individual on stage. Well done, Tavern! Well done!

Almost, Maine

What a cute show! It was definitely a wonderful read and cast superbly by Horizon Theatre. John Cariani took the worlds of "Northern Exposure" and "Men in Trees" and made such a delightful little town into a romantic comedy. Props to the very talented Chad Martin, Shelby Hofer, Jason MacDonald and Lala Cochran on their hilarious performances that touched everyone's hearts. "Almost, Maine" is a lovely little city with not a lot going on in it - until one night the Northern Lights lead everyone to their "destiny." It's a great show and it was a welcomed run!

February 23-March 25, 2007

The Most Massive Woman Wins and Barbie's Dream House

What a night! The Process Theatre did it again with Madeleine George's "The Most Massive Woman Wins" and Marki Shalloe's "Barbie Dream House." The first was a lesson for us all: women are beautiful, no matter what they look like. The harsh words that these characters heard growing up, being in relationships, and just walking on the street - harsh. Mean. Taking self-esteem early. And it's just hard to hear it, but it needs to be heard: women going to a lyposuction center to remove pieces of themselves that society hadn't gotten to yet. Very well done by the outstanding Stacia Kingston, the divine Mrs. Kara Cantrell, the ever-talented Amy Cain and the fabulous Fracena Byrd.

Barbie's Dream House was a shock - complete and necessary. Seeing the "real women" confront Barbie in her world and then for Barbie to experience "real world" problems ...amazing. What a slap in the face and a reality check! Nicely done, Marki!