Review: RUTHLESS at Hackmatack Playhouse

If you missed camp this year, don't worry, it is still yours to enjoy with the Hackmatack Playhouse production of Ruthless. The show is chocked full of camp and kitschy humor, making for a perfect date night or family outing.

Ruthless is a show about a young girl, Tina Denmark played by Alison Schaufler, who wants to be the lead in her elementary school show. Her mother, Judy Denmark played by Linette Miles, begins as the ever-supportive parent. She wants nothing more but her daughter's happiness.

The show opens on Judy Denmark cleaning the house, and taking all of the calls for her daughter. Tina is getting ready for auditions when Sylvia St. Croix shows up at the door. St. Croix has taken special interest in Tina and wants to coach her for the audition. As the plot progresses we meet Allie Wing who plays Tina's teacher, Miss Thorn in the first act and Miss Block, a reporter, in the second. Also at the school is Louise Lerman, Tina's greatest rival at the auditions is played by Hannah Perry. The show quickens and soon Judy's mother comes to visit, Lita Encore played by Jerard-James Craven.

It is hard to say too much about the show without spoiling the plot, but there are some huge turn of events that wind them up in some fantastical scenarios.

First off, Linette Miles is unstoppable in this production. Every look, move, and line she delivers is absolutely impeccably right for the tone of this production. Miles holds the show together with the glue needed for farcical camp. What could be laborious comedy, looks easy because of Miles. Her voice is truly astounding in capability, varying from brassy belt to a beautiful legit. Simply, she is a tour de force and alone is worth the ticket price.

A great duo, Alison Schaufler plays a very young child, very well. She is cutesy and awkward in all the right ways. Schaufler has all of the energy and charisma of a seven year old, without it feeling arduous or clunky. She similarly transitions into her second act scenes smartly. She manages her character's arch skillfully and is a joy to watch throughout.

The standout talent of the night may have gone to Hannah Perry, who made a possibly forgettable, small role, fantastic. Her comedy is modern, astute, and discerning. She has added small bits throughout that make her sensational in every scene. Her first act scene with Schaufler executes flawless comedic timing and soars as one of the best scenes in the show.

Similarly, Allie Wing flexes her comedic muscle with acerbic wit. Wing has excellent one-liners, and bits with the audience that are gag-worthy. She is acutely intuitive as to what works in her character. It is a fantastic joy to watch her navigate both acts.

The overbearing acting coach, played by Jenn Batchelder succeeds and fails in her representation. Overall she plays one tone in her scenes, and sometimes that works brilliantly. Her voice similarly sounded gorgeous on some songs, but in her big second act number, failed her remarkably.

Lita Encore is Judy and Tina's adopted mother and is played by Jerard-James Craven. Craven walks the line of chaotic frenzy in his portrayal and while that sometimes work imaginatively well, it also sometimes feels excessive. His songs are sweetly sung in the most charming way. Overall he is a lovely matriarch and adds more camp to the silly fun.

The direction is smart which is imperative for a show like Ruthless. A. Nora Long uses the space to the best of it's ability. Similarly, she has extracted the comedy out of each actor with incisive potency. While some actors succeed more than others, her vision remains clearly imprinted on this production.

The set design by James-Jerard Craven is well-crafted for the space. Craven has created an aesthetically pleasing set with levels, stairs, and windows. The furniture is also indicative of the care he takes to each scene change.

The costumes are equally gorgeous and lavish. Costume designed by Rhonda Verges, she makes every look perfect for the actor.

Overall the show is just the perfect end to Hackmatack Playhouses' lively season. Treat yourself to head out to the farmlands of Southern Maine and see a wonderful show. It is a great way to finish off the Summer.

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