THE WIZARD OF OZ -- Rushford Society of the Arts & Priaire Fire Children's Theatre

playwright(s): Daniel Nordquist & Deborah Pick
directors/actors: Ben Ratkowski & ErinRose Sincevich

The classic Baum story brought to life by elementary school students.

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First, I do find it interesting that L. Frank Baum is not credited at all anywhere.  He did write the novel that this was based on, after all.

Second, I generally do not think much of this kind of theatre.  I suppose, in some ways, it's better than no theatre at all, but most of these kids have a totally wrong perception of what theatre is.  I know this for a fact as I have directed some of them after they've 'graduated' out of Prairire Fire and in to real theatre.  Most of them are in for a really big surprise.

That out of the way, I did have an enjoyable time at this production.  There were some cute parts, though some of the lead actors definitely over-acted.  I also didn't enjoy the 'extra' characters (Winkies and Traders).  But for the characters that did a good job, they did a very good job.  I think that this type of production definitely sets people apart -- the talented, out-going, from the nots.

THE 13 CLOCKS -- WSU Department of Theatre & Dance

WSU Performing Arts Center Main Stage
story: James Thurber
script: Frank Lowe
director: Vivan Fusillo
cast: Tyler Brown, Matthew Matuseki, Kate Billison, Charles Wallace, Kristin Payette, Lucy Urban, Ryan Hawkins, MaKenzie Birchell, Ryan Stefani, Kelly Jo Vanderiet
Set/Lighting Designer: Peggy Sannerud
Costume Designer: Cynthia Jennings
Sound Designer: Ryan Hawkins

Thurber's fantasy tale of a prince, trying to win the hand of a princess, but first he must succeed at the Duke's required quest.

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It was nice to see Vivan's work on stage again. The creative spirit is still alive and this entertaining play certainly captivates the youngsters.

Cynthia Jenning's costumes and the make-up design is wonderful. Creative, simple, yet memorable.

Mr. Hawkins is quite wonderful as Gollux. His command of his body is perfect for a Vivian children's play. His lanky frame helps him define the character.

A fun evening!

ENCHANTED APRIL -- Jon Hassler Theater

playright: Matthew Barber
director: Matt Sciple
cast: Ellen Apel, Karen Weber, Katie Guentzel, Meri Golden, Dale Pfeilsticker, Alan Sorenson, Nathan Surprenant, Jane Hammill
set design: Erica Zaffarano
lighting design: Benjamin Hain
costume design: Kari Olson
sound design: Carter Martin


In 1920s London, two middle-aged women from the same church find that they are both seeking relief from the endless rain and their unsatisfying marriages. Pooling their resources, they rent a villa in Italy and set about finding two other women to travel with them and share expenses. Accompanied by a young socialite and a snooty dowager, the ladies find rejuvenation under sunny Italian skies. When their husbands unexpectedly arrive on the tranquil scene, chaos and comedy ensue!

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It's hard to believe that this play (not this production) was a Tony nominee. There are SO many problems with the script. I plan to read the original novel and watch the films, if I can, to compare.

With a script that seems so ... wrong ... it's hard to judge the rest of the production, but I'll try.

The direction didn't help much. The entire first act played at one, even pace, and while slightly elevated, the second act also mostly played at an even pace. Opportunities to bring some energy into the show (the appearance of the husbands) was generally squandered. Mellersh's amusing bath incident was a lively and enjoyable side-track, but really it was the only one.

Ellen Apel as "Lottie," the motivating character behind it all, was quite good. She seemed to posess the appropriate amount of wide-eyed wonder. Her attempts to copy the 'modern' were delightful.

Karen Weber's "Rose" was morose. While important to see her in an unhappy situation at home, we never really saw any spark in her. Nothing to lead us to believe that Antony could really fall for her, and certainly no reason for her husband to suddenly, and without any reason, spurn his lover.

We know the least about the 'modern,' Lady Caroline (played by Katie Guentzel) and yet she seems to be a pivotal character. This leads to nothing but difficult choices for the actor and director. How do we keep her mysterious and yet so important? Here is one of the areas in which the script simply doesn't help. We don't really know why she's fallen for Rose's husband and we don't know how she so easily seems to fall right in to Antony's charms. And of course there's her drinking 'problem.' Is it important? You might think so, since it's so pointedly portrayed, and yet ... well, it goes nowhere.

Dale Pfeilsticker appears to be a wonderful character actor, but I can't help wonder if it was the right choice. He is so unusual that we like having him on stage, and yet...how is the marriage between this character and Lottie's unique character, possibly boring?! It would seem to me that Mellersh needed to be a much drier person.

Meri Goldem, as "Mrs. Graves" was wonderful. She managed both the dry, Victorian, old lady AND the changed, relaxed, personna quite well.

The others were all quite good, though the script and direction kept them mostly unremarkable.

The set was efficient, though perhaps a bit sparse (particularly Act I). The costumes fine.

I was hoping for a bit more, on this, my second visit to the Hassler. Though not a terrible production, it wasn't what I was looking for, and likely not as good as it could have been.