Review: SHINING IN MISERY at Capital City Theatre
The best thing under the dome-see it from Feb 23-March 5.
From "Carrie" to "The Bazaar of Bad Dreams", Shining in Misery a King Sized Parody, covers it all. People from Castle Rock, Derry, and even as far away as Jerusalem's Lot, are raving about this amazing show! Sponsored in part by World Premier Wisconsin, Capital City Theatre, has really embraced their desire to give voice to new works.
This fun frolic (Book by Colleen Duvall, Music by Andrew Abrams and Lyrics by Mark-Eugene Garcia) takes a look at the goings on in the famed Overlook Hotel. Here we find our caretaker Jack (Jonathan Wagner), his wife Wendy (Madeline Glenn Thomas), their son Danny (Benji Heying) and Danny's nanny Annie (Gail Becker) have just run a 1958 Plymouth Furry off the road and rescued its occupant, Writer Paul Sheldon (Cody Gerszewski).
Having to deal with everything from a cat that keeps reanimating to a rambunctious St. Bernard, this cast takes you on a romp through so many Stephen King references even this die hard fan lost count. And all the while never taking itself too seriously. The show pokes fun at itself and its own campiness numerous times, giving just enough of a knowing nod to the audience to not quite break that fourth wall.
The songs are catchy and kitschy, a great combination. From not so obscure references like the song "Greener Mile", To the campy "My Name is Andy Dufresne", the entire score was entertaining, including the nod to Jesus Christ Superstar, playing upstairs at the same time. Admittedly, I walked out singing "Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying".
While some of the "bits" seemed forced, and there were plenty of obscure references, the show works on multiple levels. For the casual, and the die-hard King fans there is more than enough to keep you on your toes. For those who have no idea who Stephan King is (My partner falling into this category) rest assured there is enough singing, dancing, action and plot to keep you highly engaged.
Go, see this entertaining musical, but don't try to catch all of the references, you'd have to be faster than Tom Gordon to do that.
Shining in Misery - A King Size Parody runs through March 5 at Overture Center for the Arts. Tickets cost $45 and are available at www.overture.org.
From This Author - Scott Rawson
Scott Rawson: A founding member and current Artistic Director of CAB this being the second theater company he has begun, the other being R.A.V.E. (Rogues and Vagabonds Entertainment) which was sold... (read more about this author)
Review: SHINING IN MISERY at Capital City TheatreFebruary 25, 2023
From “Carrie” to “The Bazaar of Bad Dreams”, Shining in Misery a King Sized Parody, covers it all. People from Castle Rock, Derry, and even as far away as Jerusalem’s Lot, are raving about this amazing show! Sponsored in part by World Premier Wisconsin, Capital City Theatre, has really embraced their desire to give voice to new works.
Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Wows At The Overture CenterFebruary 22, 2023
The last time I saw this show live I was a young man. It affected me on a very visceral level. That was back in 1993, the twenty-year celebration. Ted Neely and Carl Anderson starred as Jesus and Judas, respectively. Now, thirty years later, we are at the fifty-year celebration. I was a bit trepidatious about this new modern adaptation. I shouldn’t have been.at did our critic think of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at The Overture Center?
Review: AIRNESS at Forward TheaterFebruary 6, 2023
I did not attend Foreword Theater’s Airness on Saturday with any intention to review the show. In fact, I said to my partner, “It will be nice to just see theater again without it being my job.” Yet here we are. The reason for the review is simple. I want you to see this show. did our critic think of AIRNESS at Forward Theater?
Review: HADESTOWN at The OvertureJanuary 25, 2023
The dancing was well choreographed, although, many numbers were very similar, presumably noting the tedium of the underworld. The use of the rotating stage was well executed, and the overall energy was high. In the end, although disappointed by the book and lack of passion between the two main couples, I was glad to have seen it. id our critic think of HADES TOWN at The Overture?
Review: COME FROM AWAY at The Overture CenterNovember 18, 2022
What did These 12 actors have created the most perfect professional ensemble show I have ever seen. There was no stand out star of this show, there were no pro or antagonists. There was only circumstances and stories. Often reviewers say things like, “This is not a show to be missed!’ “Catch it while you can!” and other such things, so I won’t. But I will tell you that you will be missing out on some of the best theater I have seen. So, get your tickets, it’s only “90 minutes without an intermission” and worth every second. This is a show I personally hope to see again and again.
