Review: Allen Contemporary Theatre's DISASTER: THE MUSICAL invites you to sing along in this hilarious comedy!
DISASTER! The Musical
Directed by Penny Elaine
Musical Direction by Caryn Fecht
Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes including intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: Some light flashes and explosions
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
Can a disaster be fun? More than you can possibly imagine. DISASTER! The Musical, the 2011 satirical jukebox musical, weaves all the best 1970's radio hits through all the cheesy disaster film plots of that decade. Allen Contemporary Theatre’s production hits all the right notes. Under the direction of Penny Elaine with Musical Direction by Caryn Fecht this large cast delighted a packed house on opening night.
The audience sang along, tapped their feet, laughed, and applauded throughout the evening. The play takes place on the “The Barracuda,” a floating casino boat and disco in New York in 1979. This reviewer wants to tell you every delightful moment witnessed, but also doesn’t want to tell you anything because you need to go see this show. Trust me!
Owner Tony Del Vecchio (Jeff York) has cut some corners to save money resulting in safety issues as natural disasters come in waves. Jackie Noelle (Laura Jennings) is a lounge singer and single mom, who sings for free hoping for a marriage proposal. Her twins Ben and Lisa (Elijah Ponce) see through Del Vecchio and prefer nerdy Professor Ted Scheider (Eddy Herring) who is a scientist specializing in natural disasters. All four actors bring exuberant comic skills and musical talent to the characters they create. Ponce as the twins singing “When Will I Be Loved?” as part of a trio with Jennings was hysterically funny.
Also on board are waiter Chad Rubik (Christian Black) and reporter Marianne Wilson (Shea McMillan) who once were engaged. Sister Mary Downey (Laura Alley) is a nun with a past. Levora Verona (Cheray Williams) is a disco singer with a crashing career and an adorable purse dog. Shirley Summers (Sherry Etzel) and Maury Summers (Jack Agnew) are a retired couple devoted to one another. Alley’s performance of “Torn Between Two Lovers” was a highlight. Etzel’s use of physical comedy in showing her character’s health issues and her tap dancing Morse code was another.
Rounding out the cast are Nathan Benson (Scott) and Brendan Tetter (Jake) as well as ensemble members Natasha Braun, Marc Dawson, Damian Gomez, Ian Grygotis, Sara Jones, Skyler Navratil, Sara Parisa, and Evelynn Wright. They are the chorus, the backup singers, the dancers, and backstage props and crew. Rustin Rolen serves as Stage Manager. Kudos to Costume Designer Shanna Threlkeld for amazing pre and post disaster costumes.
Choreography by Becca Tischer, Lighting Design by Martin Mussey, Prop Design by Jennifer Stubbs, Sound/Projection Design by Geof Dail, and Scenic Art by Kasey Bush helped showcase the onstage talent. There are so many more things I could share about ACT’s production of DISASTER! The Musical, but I will not. I don’t want to spoil the fun you will have when you settle into your comfortable seat and enjoy it all for yourself. Tickets are available thru the theatre’s website at www.allencontemporarytheatre.net. Performances continue on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through July 14.
Experience Live Theatre!
Glynda Welch
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