"MUSKETEERS" FUN FOR ALL
By Carrie Moore, Custer County Chronicle
All for one and one for all – so say Athos, Porthos, Aramis and ... Sabine? The final performance of the Black Hills Playhouse’s 65th season began Thursday, Aug. 2, with the fun-for-all play “The Three Musketeers.” This performance is filled with fun moments, edge-of-your-seat sword fighting and catchy dialogue.
“The Three Musketeers,” written by Ken Ludwig (who also is the author of another Playhouse performance, (“Lend Me a Tenor”), is based on the novel written by Alexandre Dumas.
The story revolves around the infamous trio and their friend/Musketeer-in-training, D’Artagnon. D’Artagnon, played by Tim Huggenberger, leaves his home and family in the countryside to live in Paris in hopes to join the elite Musketeers, the royal guards and protectors of King Louis XIV and his wife from scandal and Cardinal Richelieu. D’Artagnon leaves his home, but not without his sister Sabine, who shares her brother's ambition for glory and disguises herself as a male servant accompanying her brother.
Huggenberger plays an earnest D’Artagnan and proves to be quite talented with his sword. Choreography for “The Three Musketeers” began a few weeks ago, but Huggenberger performs so well he makes his swordplay seem effortless.
It’s hard not to love Huggenberger’s performance of D’Artagnan. Ian Borden (Athos), Alex Ghattas (Porthos) and Patrick Beasley (Aramis) have great chemistry as Musketeers and also have an ease when it comes to dueling with their swords.
There’s as much humor as drama, with Porthos’s (Ghattas) musings on the era’s baffling religious politics – “So now Christians are fighting each other about how much Latin they can use in church?” – a particularly entertaining aside.
Jeff Kingsbury shines as evil Cardinal Richelieu, set out to destroy the Musketeers and break up the Queen and King. However, an evil Cardinal is not complete without a henchman to do his bidding and Sarah Imes as Milady fills that part perfectly. She embodies evil as she sets to tear apart Sabine, D’Artagnon and his lady love Constance.
Jason Reuter, Marcus Angelo Langseth, Samantha Barboza and Joie Bauer also shine as Rochefort, Treville, the Queen and King Louis, as well as many other characters they play during in the performance. While they may play two or three other characters throughout the performance, you wouldn’t know it with their Chameleon-like abilities to perform a totally different role. The best would have to be Langseth’s performance as an innkeeper, which threatens to steal the show and leaves everyone laughing.
The many duels and sword fights had the audience on the edge of their seats, thanks to master fight director Ian Borden. The scenic design, done by Christian Boy, successfully resembled quaint spots in Paris, including the town and the King’s palace. Costumes were designed by Brenda Winstead, who had a real eye for color and sophistication – right down to the buttons and fastenings of the Musketeer’s costumes.
“The Three Musketeers” had something for everyone – drama, love, witty dialogue, adventure and good old fashioned values – the perfect performance for families to see. Hurry and see the final performance of the 2012 Black Hills Playhouse season– or there may by a duel for the last seat!
Drowsy is full of energy
By Carrie Moore
Custer County Chronicle
There's no chance of becoming drowsy during a performance of the Black Hills Playhouse’s current production, "The Drowsy Chaperone.”
That's because director Dan Workman, musical director Mary Lou Torrey, choreographer Patricia Downey and an energetic cast keep this parody of 1920s Broadway musicals moving at the rapid, joyful pace that befits the lively, lovely songs and sketchy storyline typical of musicals of that time. In keeping with the musical tradition, “when a couple endures pain, they sing and dance, not endure.”
"The Drowsy Chaperone," a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, begins with the Man in the Chair reflecting back on the wonderful, mesmerizing era of American musical theater, when the plot of a musical was just a way of getting from one song to another. He then shares his beloved vinyl recording of this play with the audience members, who are transported back through time to watch all the delightful silliness unfold. Throughout the play, Man in the Chair continues to encourage audience members to visualize the cast and scene of the play. Soon the play bursts to life with the opening song “Fancy Dress,” which introduces the characters and storyline.
The play begins with preparations for the wedding of Broadway star Janet Van De Graff (Paige Hauer) to non-theater-person Robert Martin (Patrick Beasley). To make sure the bride remains separate from the groom on the day of the wedding, the title character, the Chaperone (Samantha Barboza) has been employed.
The play also follows stories between wedding hostess Mrs. Tottendale (Irene Handren-Seals) and her loyal employee Underling (Jason Reuter); Broadway producer Feldzieg (Richard Scott Breen), who is desperately trying to find a way to stop the wedding to keep Janet in show business, and wanna-be actress Kitty (Tarryn Lynn Rouse), as well as two gangsters disguised as pastry chefs (Addison Heeren, Tim Huggenberger); and the Chaperone and self-proclaimed Latin lover Aldolpho (Charles Goitia). There is also an appearance by Trix (Kendra Bolan), the female aviatrix who saves the day toward the end of the play.
The play continues with Feldzieg, pressured by the two gangsters, hiring Aldolpho to steal the bride away from the groom in hopes of stopping the wedding. Aldolpho is misled by the Chaperone and he, in turn, convinces her to marry him. The rest of the play carries on with other characters dealing with their own problems, in addition with their roles for the Van de Graaf wedding.
All the while the play goes on, Man in the Chair “stops” the record to quickly discuss an actor or the point of the play. Kingsbury does this with humor and great comedic timing, leaving the audience rolling with laughter.
The beautiful and strong-voiced Hauer is perfectly cast as Janet Van De Graff, able to make the silliest of lyrics and the simplest of melodies bend to her charismatic presence. She is paired with Beasley as Robert Martin, who once again shines with his singing, stage presence and interaction.
Beasley, along with Ghattas as best-man George, once again show their great on-stage relationship, as they did in “Run For Your Wife” and “Godspell.” Beasley and Ghattas even break out into a tap dance number, which they learned from choreographer Downey.
While the two took rudimentary tap in their acting classes, Downey worked with them and made them shine.
Barboza, another strong voice, is perfect as the Drowsy Chaperone, as her huge stage presence makes the character unique. Barboza often throws one-liners at other cast members with great wit and humor and she looks fantastic in the vintage 1920s-inspired fashion, thanks to costume designer Steve Buechler.
One hilarious paring in the performance was of Mrs. Tottendale and her employee Underling. Handren-Seals played the confused widow perfectly while Reuter played his role with subtle humor. The two also perform a hilarious scene, mimicking classic Vaudeville routines.
It’s really hard to pick standout cast members when the entire cast performed their roles with humor, great timing and ease. From the two gangsters, Kitty the wanna-be actress, to Trix the aviatrix — everyone had the crowd laughing and tapping their feet to the music.
The scene was marvelously designed and fit with the two locations: The Man in the Chair’s apartment, as well as the swanky Van de Graaff home. The set was designed by Stephen Landon, who suddenly passed away during production on Sunday, July 8. The Drowsy Chaperone is dedicated to all of his hard work and loving personality.
The Drowsy Chaperone, which debuted on Broadway in 2006, has won two Tonys and has been shown in major productions around the world. The play will take the audience to a different world, leaving them with a tune in their head and a beat to tap their feet to. Don’t miss this play!
"The Drowsy Chaperone" runs from July 12-29, with evening performances Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 605 (255-4141) or (855) 584-4141 or visit blackhillsplayhouse.com.
Custer County Chronicle
There's no chance of becoming drowsy during a performance of the Black Hills Playhouse’s current production, "The Drowsy Chaperone.”
That's because director Dan Workman, musical director Mary Lou Torrey, choreographer Patricia Downey and an energetic cast keep this parody of 1920s Broadway musicals moving at the rapid, joyful pace that befits the lively, lovely songs and sketchy storyline typical of musicals of that time. In keeping with the musical tradition, “when a couple endures pain, they sing and dance, not endure.”
"The Drowsy Chaperone," a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, begins with the Man in the Chair reflecting back on the wonderful, mesmerizing era of American musical theater, when the plot of a musical was just a way of getting from one song to another. He then shares his beloved vinyl recording of this play with the audience members, who are transported back through time to watch all the delightful silliness unfold. Throughout the play, Man in the Chair continues to encourage audience members to visualize the cast and scene of the play. Soon the play bursts to life with the opening song “Fancy Dress,” which introduces the characters and storyline.
The play begins with preparations for the wedding of Broadway star Janet Van De Graff (Paige Hauer) to non-theater-person Robert Martin (Patrick Beasley). To make sure the bride remains separate from the groom on the day of the wedding, the title character, the Chaperone (Samantha Barboza) has been employed.
The play also follows stories between wedding hostess Mrs. Tottendale (Irene Handren-Seals) and her loyal employee Underling (Jason Reuter); Broadway producer Feldzieg (Richard Scott Breen), who is desperately trying to find a way to stop the wedding to keep Janet in show business, and wanna-be actress Kitty (Tarryn Lynn Rouse), as well as two gangsters disguised as pastry chefs (Addison Heeren, Tim Huggenberger); and the Chaperone and self-proclaimed Latin lover Aldolpho (Charles Goitia). There is also an appearance by Trix (Kendra Bolan), the female aviatrix who saves the day toward the end of the play.
The play continues with Feldzieg, pressured by the two gangsters, hiring Aldolpho to steal the bride away from the groom in hopes of stopping the wedding. Aldolpho is misled by the Chaperone and he, in turn, convinces her to marry him. The rest of the play carries on with other characters dealing with their own problems, in addition with their roles for the Van de Graaf wedding.
All the while the play goes on, Man in the Chair “stops” the record to quickly discuss an actor or the point of the play. Kingsbury does this with humor and great comedic timing, leaving the audience rolling with laughter.
The beautiful and strong-voiced Hauer is perfectly cast as Janet Van De Graff, able to make the silliest of lyrics and the simplest of melodies bend to her charismatic presence. She is paired with Beasley as Robert Martin, who once again shines with his singing, stage presence and interaction.
Beasley, along with Ghattas as best-man George, once again show their great on-stage relationship, as they did in “Run For Your Wife” and “Godspell.” Beasley and Ghattas even break out into a tap dance number, which they learned from choreographer Downey.
While the two took rudimentary tap in their acting classes, Downey worked with them and made them shine.
Barboza, another strong voice, is perfect as the Drowsy Chaperone, as her huge stage presence makes the character unique. Barboza often throws one-liners at other cast members with great wit and humor and she looks fantastic in the vintage 1920s-inspired fashion, thanks to costume designer Steve Buechler.
One hilarious paring in the performance was of Mrs. Tottendale and her employee Underling. Handren-Seals played the confused widow perfectly while Reuter played his role with subtle humor. The two also perform a hilarious scene, mimicking classic Vaudeville routines.
It’s really hard to pick standout cast members when the entire cast performed their roles with humor, great timing and ease. From the two gangsters, Kitty the wanna-be actress, to Trix the aviatrix — everyone had the crowd laughing and tapping their feet to the music.
The scene was marvelously designed and fit with the two locations: The Man in the Chair’s apartment, as well as the swanky Van de Graaff home. The set was designed by Stephen Landon, who suddenly passed away during production on Sunday, July 8. The Drowsy Chaperone is dedicated to all of his hard work and loving personality.
The Drowsy Chaperone, which debuted on Broadway in 2006, has won two Tonys and has been shown in major productions around the world. The play will take the audience to a different world, leaving them with a tune in their head and a beat to tap their feet to. Don’t miss this play!
"The Drowsy Chaperone" runs from July 12-29, with evening performances Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 605 (255-4141) or (855) 584-4141 or visit blackhillsplayhouse.com.
Godspell leaves viewers spellbound
By Carrie Moore
Custer County Chronicle
The 67th season of the Black Hills Playhouse continued with its first musical, ‘Godspell,” based off from the off-Broadway with lyrics written by Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz.
The musical revolved around a group of nine persons in different points of their lives and the messages and parables from Jesus. “Godspell” recounts the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love and features popular hits, such as “Day By Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well” and “Turn Back, O Man.”
The play starts with the voice of God declaring his supremacy. Soon after, the rest of the company enters and begin to sing about their philosophies, representing a philosopher from years ago, such as Socrates, da Vinci and Martin Luther. Soon, John the Baptist, played by Alex Ghattas, calls the room to order and begins to perform a service. While Ghattas is baptizing the company, Jesus, played by Patrick Beasley, enters and asks to be baptized. In stead, Ghattas asks to be baptized by Jesus, who simply responds he came to “save the people.”
Throughout the first act, Beasley explains different parables while the company acts them out in a humorous, heartfelt and subtle way. Beasley uses parables of judges, tax collectors and Gospels of Matthew and Luke and stories of the Pharisees and Gentiles. He also teachings the laws of offering sacrifices at the alter and repaying debt. The company also learns how to love enemies, not make a show of religion and the importance of communion.
In the second act opens members of the company question Jesus’ authority after he declares “this as the beginning.” The company then performs more parables and songs while Ghattas’ character is no longer John the Baptist, but Judas Iscariot. The act ends with Jesus’ betrayal, leaving the company members to deal with the fallout.
What made “Godspell” so powerful and entertaining was the subperb acting by Beasley, Ghattas and the entire cast: Beasley, Ghattas, Samantha Barboza, Kendra Bolan, Charles Goitia, Paige Hauer, Addison Heeren, Tim Huggenberger, Carly Schneider and Emily Vortherms. Beasley’s performance as Jesus in “Godspell” and Stanley in the playhouse’s first play, “Run for Your Wife,” shows how versatile this actor is and how convincing he portrays his characters.
However, the best part of the play was when the entire cast sang. For many, it may be intimidating to sing platinum-selling songs that have been on Billboard charts, but the cast could very well be Broadway performers. Each musical number was entertaining with the right amount of humor.
In addition to high caliber songs, “Godspell” also featured work from professional designers. Val Light from New York City designed the set, most of which was conceived through the Internet before Light arrived in Custer, while Ronnie Chamberlain, from Alabama, designed the costumes and Anthony Pellechia, the assistant professor of lighting and sound at University of South Dakota, set the lighting.
“Godspell” will leave the audience spellbound and amazed with the brilliant acting and singing, the design and look of the set and the lessons the play teaches.
Don’t miss this legendary musical. “Godspell” runs until Sunday, July 8, with performances Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Carrie Moore
Reporter/Photographer
Custer County Chronicle and Hill City Prevailer
Chronicle: (605) 673-2217
Chronicle Fax: (605) 673-3321
Prevailer: (605) 574-2538
Cell: (269) 861-1106
reporter@gwtc.net
