IndyanaTekkie
06-03-2006, 12:56 AM
The title basically says it all! WOW! What a show! All the hype on here about being ready and how well it's been going through rehearsals wasn't all talk. The cast, the staff, the crew, the pit have one hell of a show here!
I was fortunate enough to be a part of the SOLD OUT OPENING NIGHT house tonight, and I must say I was completely impressed. I've read the script before and thought it was okay, but seeing it come to life, I was floored on how well they did. They were so believable onstage, it felt as if we were in the scene with them, not many shows I've seen (or done) have made me feel like that.
Shane Arthur, who portrays the town Sheriff Joe Sutter did a phenomenal job in his Indianapolis community theatre debut. His voice was very smooth, and you couldn't help not smile whenever he smiled onstage. Very captivating guy! For a guy new to community theatre, he did very well!
Susan Page Freeman plays Hannah Ferguson, the owner of the Spitfire Grill. She handles this role very well. A tough old broad with a very sad, brooding secret that when it comes out in Act Two, you begin to understand why she was the way she was. It definitely grips at your heart strings, especially during "Way Back Home"
Kari Ann Stamatoplos, plays nosey postal worker Effy Krayneck. First off, LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE HER! She definitely had fun with this role. I haven't seen a show yet that Kari Ann has been in that I haven't enjoyed. A lot of actors that I see in multiple shows I see them and bits of previous characters from different shows, but with her, I always see someone completely different than the last. Definitely the perfect choice for this role.
Hubby Tony plays The Visitor. Congratulations Tony for getting onstage in a theatre show! Your lines were phenomenal, you didn't miss one. ;-) Seriously though your face and body language was enough to make me understand and know everything. You did great man!
Joe Urban plays the Cruel husband Caleb Thorpe. This man can SING!!! Joe I don't think you realize how good you really are. You have a great instrument there Joe. "Digging Stone" when I first heard the CD was not my favorite song, but listening to it live and with all you put into it, it became one of my favorites from the CD. And yes, you did have lots of applause after your number. You were so believable as the cruel ass of the show, when you grabbed Shelby I heard a person in the audience go "Shit, he's gonna beat the hell out of her". You were that believable. Who'da thunk it? He can Act, He can sing (harmony too), watch next we'll find out he's one hell of a dancer. Congratulations Joe!
Ch-Risty Walker plays Caleb's wife Shelby. The moment she walks onstage I felt as if she was the type of wife who always backed down to whatever her man said, and if she said one peep, that she'd probably get slapped. Seeing her grow into a self-sufficient strong woman throughout the show was great. Seeing her stand up for herself, was fabulous. And boy can she sing too! The last time I had the pleasure to see her onstage was back when I subbed for Side Show when she was in the Ensemble and one of the Harem girls. Her voice is flawless
Finally, K-Risti Wilkinson! WOW! I had no idea girl can sing and act like that. I've always seen her do dance musicals (42nd Street, Chorus Line) and never really got a chance to hear her true voice. It is indeed a treasure. Scott definitely got it right when casting her. She plays parolee Percy Talbott. I could listen to her sing for hours!
Scott Robinson was correct with this cast. They all were very believable. Assistant Director Elizabeth Scoble should be proud of I:7 :D All in all, the show flowed very smoothly. Aaron Bailey's set was beautiful (As always) and I can't believe all "The Colors of Paradise" that were tied up. LOL That's crazy. And of course, Joanne Johnson's lights were so on the money. I always know that whenever Joanne lights a show, its going to look amazing. Don Drennen gave the perfect atmosphere with sound. I loved all the outdoor effects, it really completes the look and feel of it. Val did a great job on costumes *HOORAY FOR PLAID LOL* Stage Manager Dawn Frick and ASM Katie Leavell did a great job tech wise as nothing caught my eye or took too long at all. The music was amazing, Kudos to John Sparkman and Matt Tippel!!! It's no wonder they got a Huge Standing Ovation tonight, they fully deserved it!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
All in all, this is a show you should definitely go see! Definitely call for reservations b/c once it gets out how good this show is, I'm predicting sold out houses again. I would go see it again, but my shows call! Go see it again for me everybody, you won't be sorry!!
I was fortunate enough to be a part of the SOLD OUT OPENING NIGHT house tonight, and I must say I was completely impressed. I've read the script before and thought it was okay, but seeing it come to life, I was floored on how well they did. They were so believable onstage, it felt as if we were in the scene with them, not many shows I've seen (or done) have made me feel like that.
Shane Arthur, who portrays the town Sheriff Joe Sutter did a phenomenal job in his Indianapolis community theatre debut. His voice was very smooth, and you couldn't help not smile whenever he smiled onstage. Very captivating guy! For a guy new to community theatre, he did very well!
Susan Page Freeman plays Hannah Ferguson, the owner of the Spitfire Grill. She handles this role very well. A tough old broad with a very sad, brooding secret that when it comes out in Act Two, you begin to understand why she was the way she was. It definitely grips at your heart strings, especially during "Way Back Home"
Kari Ann Stamatoplos, plays nosey postal worker Effy Krayneck. First off, LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE HER! She definitely had fun with this role. I haven't seen a show yet that Kari Ann has been in that I haven't enjoyed. A lot of actors that I see in multiple shows I see them and bits of previous characters from different shows, but with her, I always see someone completely different than the last. Definitely the perfect choice for this role.
Hubby Tony plays The Visitor. Congratulations Tony for getting onstage in a theatre show! Your lines were phenomenal, you didn't miss one. ;-) Seriously though your face and body language was enough to make me understand and know everything. You did great man!
Joe Urban plays the Cruel husband Caleb Thorpe. This man can SING!!! Joe I don't think you realize how good you really are. You have a great instrument there Joe. "Digging Stone" when I first heard the CD was not my favorite song, but listening to it live and with all you put into it, it became one of my favorites from the CD. And yes, you did have lots of applause after your number. You were so believable as the cruel ass of the show, when you grabbed Shelby I heard a person in the audience go "Shit, he's gonna beat the hell out of her". You were that believable. Who'da thunk it? He can Act, He can sing (harmony too), watch next we'll find out he's one hell of a dancer. Congratulations Joe!
Ch-Risty Walker plays Caleb's wife Shelby. The moment she walks onstage I felt as if she was the type of wife who always backed down to whatever her man said, and if she said one peep, that she'd probably get slapped. Seeing her grow into a self-sufficient strong woman throughout the show was great. Seeing her stand up for herself, was fabulous. And boy can she sing too! The last time I had the pleasure to see her onstage was back when I subbed for Side Show when she was in the Ensemble and one of the Harem girls. Her voice is flawless
Finally, K-Risti Wilkinson! WOW! I had no idea girl can sing and act like that. I've always seen her do dance musicals (42nd Street, Chorus Line) and never really got a chance to hear her true voice. It is indeed a treasure. Scott definitely got it right when casting her. She plays parolee Percy Talbott. I could listen to her sing for hours!
Scott Robinson was correct with this cast. They all were very believable. Assistant Director Elizabeth Scoble should be proud of I:7 :D All in all, the show flowed very smoothly. Aaron Bailey's set was beautiful (As always) and I can't believe all "The Colors of Paradise" that were tied up. LOL That's crazy. And of course, Joanne Johnson's lights were so on the money. I always know that whenever Joanne lights a show, its going to look amazing. Don Drennen gave the perfect atmosphere with sound. I loved all the outdoor effects, it really completes the look and feel of it. Val did a great job on costumes *HOORAY FOR PLAID LOL* Stage Manager Dawn Frick and ASM Katie Leavell did a great job tech wise as nothing caught my eye or took too long at all. The music was amazing, Kudos to John Sparkman and Matt Tippel!!! It's no wonder they got a Huge Standing Ovation tonight, they fully deserved it!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
All in all, this is a show you should definitely go see! Definitely call for reservations b/c once it gets out how good this show is, I'm predicting sold out houses again. I would go see it again, but my shows call! Go see it again for me everybody, you won't be sorry!!