Review: Theatre Workshop of Owensboro Kills it with Sweeney Todd
As first published in the Green Gazette đ
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Gazette-KY/167798635931
review: Theatre Workshop of Owensboro Kills it with Sweeney Todd
Entertainment Desk – Steve C. GG Staff
Owensboro (GG) – Stephen Sondheim is a sadist. That he is a talented-as-all-get-out artist and is considered one of the true giants of theatre is a given, but if you have ever tried to tackle any of his work, you know what I mean. His work is considered to be some of the finest theatre of the modern age but, make no mistake… It is HARD stuff to pull off.
So, when Theatre Workshop of Owensboro announced that they were going to stage this production, quite a few, including this reviewer, worried that it was just too darn hard for a community theatre, even a good one, to produce. In a nutshell, we were wrong.
TWO has some incredibly talented people within her ranks, plenty of them, but doing Sweeney justice requires more than talent. It takes some top-shelf vocal CHOPS to get it done.
Quite a few TWO regulars were among the cast. First, Thad Mayhugh as Sweeney was fantastic. Anyone who is familiar with Thadâs work would expect him to do a wonderful job, and he did. He is a very talented vocalist and as fine an actor as you will ever find in community theatre. He really should be a well-paid professional actor somewhere. He is the Education Coordinator at TWO and they are extremely lucky to have him.
Lynn Roberson as Mrs. Lovett was alternately charming and diabolical in her role. Her real-life husband David was vocal coach and played Pirelli. The Robersons each performed all of their roles very well and I was particularly amazed at Davidâs vocal range in the impossibly demanding Pirelli role.
The balance of the regulars, particularly the veteran actors also did excellent work. George Fleming as Judge Turpin was wonderful, his duets with Sweeney were as good as it gets on any stage, at any level, anywhere. Period.
Josh San Miguel and Jeremy Scoggins were both perfectly cast as young Tobias and the despicable Beadle Bamford. Those who held down the considerable work of the Company also rose to the occasion in fine fashion. As I stated before, the vocal skills required to sing this score cannot be overstated and they did an outstanding job.
The orchestra in a production like this is always faced with a tall order. There is never enough rehearsal time and even finding the musicians to perform in a show like this can be a demanding task. All in all, they complimented the cast well.
Fans of TWO should already be aware of Fred Eiras and his previous work as a set designer/builder and he did not disappoint with Sweeney. This was a magical set and it definitely transported the audience into Sweeneyâs grisly world.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the best part of the production for me. There were 3 totally unexpected âfindsâ in this show. First is a newbie for TWO in Grant Shepherd. He was an ideal Anthony. He is young and was unknown to TWO prior to auditioning, but he stepped into Anthonyâs shoes and filled them well. He will most certainly be welcomed back. Lauren Brown Calhoun (Beggar Woman-Lucy) is no stranger to the stage but has been understandably devoting more time as Mom to her young children than gracing a stage somewhere with her amazing voice. I hope the rest of the cast will not be offended, certainly no offense is meant… but, to hear the sheer quality of her incredible voice rise up, out of an otherwise very fine company, and really shine was an unexpected and absolute joy.
Speaking of unexpected and absolute joys… I have known Emily King, who played Johanna, for several years. Sheâs a good friend. I have known her to be a fine actress and have seen her in several productions. I had no idea however, she had such a wonderful voice. During the opening night performance, as the entire cast was hitting their marks so well and Stephen Sondheimâs Sweeney Todd was taking shape on the TWO Opryhouse stage… I was no longer being drawn in by the show, I was now all the way IN… Then, Miss Kingâs hidden voice was unwrapped like a gift hidden for far too long under the Christmas Tree and took the entire show to another level. Not bad for a show where the were killing people all over the place. Sure as heck killed me.
My hat is off to the entire TWO company, Brian Luedloffâs direction with Kevin Clarkâs and Pablo Gallesteguiâs assistance, was spot on. Having done such a fine job with Sweeney, I would venture to say that this company is capable of doing virtually any show they set their collective minds to do. Iâll buy a ticket and you should too. You have an incredible theatre company in your midst, they deserve no less than the complete support of their local arts community. Donât be the last ones to find out about TWO.
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10 Questions with “The Madd Scientist”
Recently James Lowe from Kickacts Magazine sat down with one of the very exciting artists on the scene. The following is a written interview we conducted with the artist while they were working on their next CD and Tour. First off
I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busey schedule to talk to us here today, as i know our readers have been requesting us get you in here some how some way. You folks have been described by your fans as internet
sensations in this interview we will attempt to figure out how this artist became such a great performer and what they have going forward.
1. Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and your band and were you can be found at on the web.
My name is Tha Madd Scientist. I am a beatmaker, producer, artist and songwriter. I reside in Oklahoma City Ok. Iâve been recording for a while but I just released my first mixtape in early 2011. I can be found on www.reverbnation.com/ThaMaddScientist. I can also be found on www.twitter.com/maddscientist_3 and www.facebook.com/MichaelAndersonMaddScientist
2. Who are your musical heroes, influences & why?
Michael Jackson is the top musical hero for me. He made timeless music and surpassed all of his peers with unparalleled creativity. He also made ridiculous money!
3. Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in playing music? Any pitfalls they should avoid?
I would advise any newcomer to first get your music copywritten. Secondly, learn as much about music business as possible. Thirdly, be sure the people you surround yourself with have your best interest in mind. The music business is primarily based on exploitation so position yourself to where you donât lose in the long run.
4. Do you have a greatest gig story youâd like to share?
My greatest gigs are the ones I dream about in my sleep.
5. On the same token as the above question. How about a âworse gigâ ever story.
I donât feel like I have a worst gig story. Although most of my shows have been for promotion which is a strain financially I feel every show should be taken advantage of to gain new followers and connections.
6. Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of boobs?
I love to read, exercise, and watch TV shows about nature, history and travelling.(If thatâs considered a hobby).
7. What do you think about the present music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
I think in OKC we are moving in a positive direction. There are more local artists being played on the radio and doing shows. I would definitely like to see a lot more artists make it to the next level. Iâm confident that is coming in the near future.
8. Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldnât expect to hear… Like their hobbies or something like thatâŚ
Itâs just me
9. Hypothetical situation. Youâre stranded on Gilliganâs island and you get to hook up with only one of the girls⌠Is it Ginger, Mary Ann or Mrs. Howell and why?
Wasnât Mary Ann the smart one? If so thatâs the one that will keep us alive!
10. # 10 is called âShout It Out Loudâ. Itâs were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and âSHOUT IT OUT LOUDâ!
To all those who donât know who Tha Madd Scientist is check out my music on www.reverbnation.com/ThaMaddScientist. My mixtape is available on the site. Please join my mailing list and donât be shy, I am down to earth and love hearing from my fans and just people in general.
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