The massive cast takes a bow at the conclusion of "Oliver!"

Community Theatre at Its Community-est

You had to get a strong hint by reading the Playbill at last night's performance of "Oliver!", Attic Productions' version of the 1960 musical by Lionel Bart.

Right there under "production staff" was the credit for "Kid Wrangler," occupied by one Alix Groth, who was uniquely qualified as the parent of four children in the show (Calla, the 6-year-old who chewed the scenery with preciousness, Eden, Emery, a fine Artful Dodger, and Judah). 

In perusing the credits, you would also discover that Katerina Yancey, who lives in Fincastle, where the theater is located, is noted  for her direction, in addition to marketing, set design, lighting design and poster/playbill art. Multiple job titles is a rallying cry for those in community theatre.

Like so many community theater productions, this version of "Oliver!" had both its charm and its amateurism wrapped in a single package. Microphones didn't work, actors mumbled or failed to project, scenes/songs were over-long, some singing voices weren't strong enough even when amplified. But those were offset by occasional striking performances (Madolyn Wurth's professional level singing, especially "As Long as He Needs Me"), energetic Calla Groth who drew an unusual number of "awwwwwww"s. Katerina Yancey's work on the sets and lighting were solid and her direction--with those 20+ kids and a cast of more than 30--was eyebrow-raising.

I want to make special note of the costuming team of Marsha Campbell and Heather O'Bryan, who had to outfit a cast that would be big for two plays. Their work was noteworthy.

Ultimately, it is community theater, and its failures are as easy to forgive as its successes are to savor. There were plenty of both.

The show is scheduled Thursdays and Fridays 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 2:30 p.m., through Sept. 3. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for groups or those younger than 18. Group rates are available, as well. Call 540-473-1001.

Mill Mountain Theatre filling up last night.

An Timely Look at a Little Girl and Books  It was a rollicking, laughing, boisterous nearly full house at Mill Mountain Theatre last night as MMT’s children and professionals let loose with their production of “Matilda the Musical.” It was a truly local production of the Roald Dahl work with 25 young actors bouncing, dancing and singing their way to crowd approval last night, as the play heads into its final weekend.  The busy group followed the choreography of Hector Flores, Jr. Flores Jr., who previously directed “In The Heights” at Mill Mountain Theatre.  For ticket information, visit millmountain.org or call the box office at 540-342-5740.  It is an especially appropriate production at this time in our region because libraries and books are being attacked and Matilda is a little girl of considerable intelligence (whether to be smart or pretty is a consistent theme) who loves books. (Thank you, Mill Mountain, for this gift.)  This is the story of Matilda’s question for education, which is supported strongly by her teacher, Miss Honey, and equally strongly opposed by the school’s head mistress, Miss Trunchbull, an outsized, hilarious, mean character who nearly steals the show several times.  Children love the absurdity of this presentation and laugh vigorously at Miss Trumchbull.  The Tony Award-winning play features stage veterans such as Ben Armstrong (Doctor/Ensemble), Alivia Brown (Ensemble), Carter Cecil (Ensemble), Drew D’Alessandro (Tommy/Ensemble), Rory Grant (Bruce), Emma Harvey (Ensemble), Elise LeGault (Ensemble), Sylvia MacNab (Ensemble), Eve McLoney (Alice), Belle McNamara (Amanda), Caroline Moledor (Mrs. Wormwood), Riley Parks (Ensemble), Ruth Parsons (Lavender), Amelia Raring (Matilda), Jadyn Rhodes (Ensemble), William Richardson (Ensemble), Ellen Riegger (Mrs. Phelps), Brent Saunders (Eric), Ruby Spence (Trunchbull), Jack Swank (Nigel), Natalie Thorell (Hotensia/Ensemble), Ann Marie Thorell (Ensemble), Lilah Vanke (Miss Honey), Holden White (Michael Wormwood), DeMarion Williams (Escapologist/Ensemble) and Cameron Wimbish (Mr. Wormwood).   Filling out the creative team for “Matilda the Musical” is Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Héctor Flores Jr. (Director/Choreographer), Bethany Costello (Music Director), Will Farris (Production Stage Manager), Tyler Osgood (Rehearsal Stage Manager), Ashlinn Blevins (Assistant Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), Addie Pawlick (Lighting Designer), Sarah Holsted (Props Designer), Jessica Gaffney (Costume Designer), Savannah Woodruff (Sound Designer) and Matt Shields (Director of Production). A digital program is provided by Marquee Digital.

 

 

 

 

 Mac and I go to the theatre

It was a lovely evening yesterday as my grandgirl, Mac (the artist formerly known as Madeline), settled into our seats (J 101 and J 102) at Mill Mountain Theatre for our first theatrical appearance in quite a while. Mac bought a new dress for the occasion and I wore the same old me, and we both enjoyed the heck out of the evening.

Mac wound up schooling me on theatre arts (I've only been reviewing theatre for 40 years, so I have a lot to learn) and enthusiastically talking about how much she wants to join the local theatre companies in the Roanoke Valley as she readies for college. 

Here are some photos of us (mostly her for obvious reasons).