David Edward Perry - Page 6

'Evita' is a hybrid rock & opera musical interpretation of the life journey of actress turned 'spiritual leader of Argentina' Eva Peron (Yael Reich). Her saturation of power, extraordinary wealth, and status grows heavier. Bringing with it heartache and self-discovery.

'A Red Plaid Shirt' is fun comedy with many surprises woven into the play.The chemistry of the cast is a highlight. The polished comedy timing of each of the actors gives cadence to shows like 'The Honeymooners.' The heart of these characters make this look at retirement enjoyable for all ages.

This lively production of 'Savannah Sipping Society' showed it's never too late to make old friends or to try something new.

J'Mel Davidson held a very special light. He was extremely giving and quick to talk with great enthusiasm. He gave so much of that light to the world. He is a true testament to the power of laughter. His body may be gone. But his creative light still shines on in all that enjoyed him.

Walt Disney would turn over in his grave if he saw 'Wonderland Wives' at Theatre Downtown. That's the point. It is supposed to break apart the crystal slipper. This is a in your face comedy poking fun at the idea of perfect princesses in the family friendly genre. This is a fairy tale full of raunchy characters with very real issues. 'Wonderland Wives' is a comical and bawdy tale of what happens after the final words in the storybook saying 'And they lived happily ever after'. It's saturated with puns, one-liners, and language that would make any magic carpet blush. These Disney princesses act more like very-desperate housewives instead of storybook icons. Buddy Thomas's writing cleverly balances an uncomfortable comedy found in these iconic storybook characters dropping shock value vocabulary. It's definitely not for children. It's bawdy, trashy and campy fun. The characters display language and behavior that you may not indulge in regularly. But dang it if you cant click away from laughing so much.

'Guys and Dolls' is based off of a string of short stories by writer Damon Runyon. His forte was tales of the seedy underbelly of the New York City crime scene of the 20's and 30's. The cast has a list of colorful characters that chew up scenes. Director Victoria Boyce brings to life the stylized and hilariously dated criminal underworld to life.

'The Three Musketeers' is high adventure for all ages . Director Brandon Bruce delivers great theater combined with a high-energy stunt show. You are treated to dazzling sword fights, combat acrobatics, and a dramatic plot with interesting characters performed by amazing actors. This classic story is rich with the spirit of adventure, friendship, honor and romance.

'Once Upon a Mattress' is a comical retelling of the 1835 fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, 'The Princess and the Pea.' This fun song and dance show is reminiscent to the films like 'The Court Jester' starring Danny Kaye. Overall the production is a fun comedy representation of the real story behind this classic fairy tale.

'Godspell' is a rock and roll expression of the story of Jesus's adult years without thumping a Bible over your head. If religion is Kryptonite to you, don't worry. This is rocking musical theater not a Pentecostal sermon. The touching music of the show highlights love, obtaining inner peace, embracing who you are.

'Mamma Mia' brings touching ballads, tight harmonies and rocking dance numbers. The entire cast is beaming with much joy and pride in what they are doing up on stage. It's impressive production with vibrant energy. Audience erupts into cheers and applause during each of the chart topping hits by ABBA. Looking around the audience you can see faces enjoying the production and the memories in the music.

'Well' is set up as a one-woman show that just happens to have a cast of other people. Lisa (Holly Croney Dikeman) is filled with questions and observations around her sickly mother Ann (Carole Armistead). Lisa enters into her own internal production to find the answer to why some people get sick and some get better.

'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead' brings laughs along with some deep reflections into the pool of probability. The play takes off like a rocket with consistent fast paced, pithy dialogue. This production is a cerebral buddy comedy/tragedy with a delightfully theatrical flair.

'Shirley Valentine' is a captivating tale of a 'woman of a certain age' who finds herself reclaiming the wonderlust of her former self. Dolores Haddock flawlessly goes in and out of multiple characters in extended monologues with an effortless, natural presence. Hydock skills as a master storyteller add a striking level of relatability and honesty in the performance.

Red Mountain Theatre Company's enchanting production of 'Disney's Beauty and the Beast' is uplifting for adults and children. The high quality of creativity took me by the hand and led me through the story as if it was my first time seeing it.

'The Sunshine Boys' has laughs and smiles that harken back to the golden age of television. This production gives life to great characters and snappy deliveries. They capture the magic in Neil Simon's writing and invite you to 'ENTER!'

'The Diviners' is packed with layered personalities leading toward unexpected emotions. The warmth of the play is found in its endearing characters and well thought out storyline. This high caliber production is worthy of a visit before the rain washes it away this weekend.

'Smokey Joe's Cafe' is a show stopping revue celebrating the legendary music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. 'Stand By Me,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Charlie Brown,' Poison Ivy' and many more hits are booming from the voices of this powerful cast.

'The Foreigner' is hilarious comedy set in a fishing lodge that is 'way back' deep in them Georgia woods. If you're not familiar with southern terminology, 'way back' is a further distance than 'there yonder.' Misdirection leads a handful of colorful characters on a three day weekend with nothing being the same afterwards.

'The Red Velvet Cake War' captures all of the drama and love found in family get togethers. No matter what side of the Mason-Dixon line you are from. The charm of the play is its hodgepodge of southern sweetness, sass and shenanigans. It is a silly, lighthearted play, seasoned like a southern sitcom set in good ol' Sweetgum Texas.

'Always a Bridesmaid' is a witty and fun comedy to enjoy with good friends. On one hand, you can relate to the bond these friends share. But mainly you can lean over and tell them during moment of hilarity, 'See, that's exactly what how your act sometimes!'