Non-Registered Critics: Melinda Schupmann
HELLO DOLLY
Though by modern standards the plot and sentiments of Dolly are far from politically correct, star power takes center stage, supported by an ensemble that adds the requisite humor and goofy charm…
The show is full of froth, and love triumphs as expected. The cast and ensemble meld together as perfectly as one would hope, which is not always the case in touring shows.
42ND STREET
Directed with precision by David F. M. Vaughn, the 40-member cast sings and taps with high spirits and sparkle. With over eighty wigs and a hundred costumes, the production numbers, enhanced by Corey B. Hirsch’s fine musical direction, often dazzle.
THE HUMANS
There have been hundreds of plays written about family dynamics, sometimes even set, as this one is, in an apartment around a dinner table. This play is a notch above the pack, and it is notable for its naturalistic style and dialogue that packs a subtle punch. It is utterly believable, sympathetic, and its humor guarantees that it will be a theatrical staple illuminating the human condition
The 39 Steps
Summer is a perfect time for light comedy, and ICT delivers a delightful homage to Hitchcock and the mystery genre. It’s a familiar tale, but as played by the four actors, it becomes fresh and entertaining.
CLYBOURNE PARK
The ensemble tackles the characterizations zealously, and Norris’s long, slow curve eases us into the diverging issues as we discover the anxieties and dilemmas facing this diverse group. Director Matt August handles both the wit and drama of the story with a fine touch, allowing each character to shine.
Daddy Long Legs
This production is an idyll in the canon of musical theater. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it follows Webster’s book much more carefully than several other adaptations, including the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. Touches of humor and the right amount of romantic tension make this production a durable choice for ICT’s 33rd season of Hope, Humor, and Heart.
ALADDIN
This touring production has all the flash and dazzle required to ensure audiences will enjoy it and can appeal across a broad spectrum of ticket buyers.
Arsenic and Old Lace
In these days of graphic storytelling, Arsenic and Old Lace is a welcome foray into a gentler time. Kesselring’s happy ending with a twist comes as a neat conclusion to a production that has an enthusiastic ensemble enjoying themselves with a willing audience along for the ride.
