THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONg

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONg

at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, Boston MA

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONg is the Tony-Award winning London import now touring across America. Currently enjoying multiple extensions in New York, PLAY introduces an amateur theatre company attempting to produce a murder mystery.

As the title suggests, what can go wrong will go wrong in this relentlessly hilarious production that opened Wednesday evening in Boston MA. 

Anchored by the deliciously dry Evan Alexander Smith, portraying the play-within-the-play’s director and star, the audience is welcomed by his charm. He is paired with a stellar cast who re-examines the argument for a Tony Award for Outstanding Ensemble. 

Scott Cote, Peyton Crim, Brandon J. Ellis, Angela Grovey, Ned Noyes, Jamie Ann Romero, and Yaegel T. Welch display not only impeccable timing and precision, but also ultimate trust with and dependability on one another. It is truly impressive to witness the actors sustain this level of physicality as well their characters’ attempts to remain professional and under control.

Director Matt DiCarlo has choreographed the ultimate Schadenfreude meets Noises Off! on acid.

Then we have the well-deserving Tony-award winning Set by Nigel Hook. Not only has he created a set that looks like it was built by a local theatre troupe, but also it must endure the treatment it receives during each performance as well as convey safety to the audience members.

One of the reasons why PLAY works so well is the script penned by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. Despite the title, they manage to keep the show from being a one-joke wonder by peppering it with word play, on-stage drama, missed cues, and organized chaos. Yes, there is plenty of physical humor, and all of it very creative and original.

Another reason why the play succeeds is because there is actual script within the show! And in spite of – or maybe because of – the action, we can still follow the murder mystery and are never truly distracted!

Those of us who perform in the theatre can certainly relate to occasional hiccups that sometimes occur during performances. One hopes that it would never reach this extreme!

This English farce will certainly have you laughing – or at the very least smiling – for over two hours, because it gets everything right!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at ARTS AFTER HOURS

Based on the film of the same name, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS with Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Music by Alan Menken, receives an outstanding makeover at Arts After Hours in Lynn, MA.

It is the story of Seymour, a meek botanist who discovers a “strange and unusual plant” and sees his life change in ways he could never have predicted.

Jason Hair-Wynn effortlessly brings to life Seymour’s idiosyncratic personality. His physical humor and dedication to the role are a joy to watch.

Amanda Raponi portrays Audrey’s vocal characteristics and her deep-rooted pain perfectly. Her “Somewhere That’s Green” is beautifully devastating.

Mr. Mushnik is played by the charming Paul Stickney who expertly balances both his love for and frustration with Seymour.

Tristyn Sepersky, Ali Sarnacchiaro, and Alice Vaught set the scene and anchor the production as Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette respectively. It is so much fun to watch them interact with the other characters and audience patrons.

Orin Scirvello, D.D.S. is perfectly cast by Kent Walters. He knows how to play the dentist who is both rebel and psychopath as well as multiple roles and keep those characters unique and funny.

Then we have Audrey II. Nick Raponi literally embodies the infamous plant in a way this pundit has never seen. What a thrill it is to witness and enjoy his untraditional approach to the role. Mr. Raponi takes the concept and runs with it at full speed. His interactions with Seymour are as humorous as they are creepy. Well done!

Director Samantha Gambaccini intelligently plays homage to the original material and films of the 1950s by showcasing the over-the-top dramatic flair of the day. She updates the material by including the audience in portions of the production and adding some inside sight gags. Clearly, Gambaccini recognizes that with every comedy, there needs to be some drama or reality to ground it so the humor works. This is evident in the turn-on-a-dime moment in the ensemble number “Skid Row.” Underneath the laughter is much pain, and we feel how each of the characters ache and yearn to get out of their individual situations.

Costumer Designer Kay Marsella has created an impressive color palate for the production. A great example is the changing of the outfits for the girl group to properly reflect what is happening in each scene, and of course, Audrey II!

Lighting Designer Michael Clark Wonson establishes the drama and intensity throughout, especially in the musical numbers.

Set Designer India Lee has created a beautiful set, reminiscent of the films of the 1950s.

Music Director Shane A. Stecher has captured the essence of the music of the day, particularly early pop and doo-wop.

Sound Designer Dave Simmons has properly balanced the music and dialogue and has created some impressively real sound effects.

One of the joys of seeing live theatre at Arts After Hours is to see the interpretation of shows and productions that are already audience favorites. It is their unique approach such as the current production that keeps live theatre thriving and satisfy our hunger.

artsafterhours.com