The Pirates of Penzance at The Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre
By Julia Exline– October 15, 2011
The Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance,
- Theatre. Photo by James Cullum.
a two-act operetta that was first produced in December of 1879, and still proudly remains in production to this day, beautifully directed by Kevin D. McCormack.
The gem of this production was the downright silly dance moves choreograp
hed by Elizabeth Gillespie. From impressive jumps and slapstick leaps to a precise chorus line, the dancing was a pleasure to watch. I especially loved when the pirates formed themselves into a ‘ship,’ and proceeded to ‘sail’ across the stage during the entertaining “Oh, Better For to Live and Die.” The acting was also wonderful, and a special nod to Terry Barr, whose lively portrayal of the wimpy-but-proud Pirate King makes my personal list of favorite performances of the year, specifically in the number, “With Cat-Like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal.”
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Julia Exline graduated from Longwood University in 2009 with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Creative Writing. She is delighted to be involved with the Maryland Theatre Guide, as it allows her to bring writing back into her life. Julia enjoys browsing used book stores and collecting rare, out-of-print children’s books.
Photos: The Pirates of Penzance at the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre
Pirates, Romance and the Model of a Modern Major General
- By James Cullum October 11, 2011
Got a spare evening this weekend? Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirate’s of Penzance” at the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre will make your feet tap, and you’ll genuinely laugh at the silliness of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best shows. That’s really saying something, since actors at small venues often miss cues and punchlines. Not this time.
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For a full stomach and solid entertainment, Patch recommends “The Pirate’s of Penzance” at the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre. The show runs until Nov. 27.
Nunsense at Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre
By Julia Exline – August 8, 2011
Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre presents Nunsense, Dan Goggin’s popular and wacky musical comedy, directed by Hans Bachman. Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre itself is an intriguing establishment, with a rustic atmosphere that contains lots of character and unique pieces of art. Before the production, the cheerful staff (made up by cast and crew members) bring drinks as you enjoy a buffet-style dinner, containing an impressive variety of tasty food.
Back Row L to R: Kristen Jepperson (Sister Mary Amnesia), Betty Ann Maher (Sister Mary Regina), and Diane Pollock (Sister Mary Hubert). Front Row L to R: Julie Sowers (Sister Robert Anne) and Kyna Hollis (Sister Mary Leo). Photo courtesy of Lazy Susan Theatre.
The set, constructed by Eric Redmond and Philip Viar, resembles a middle-school theater stage, complete with the Grease logo splashed across the wall, which, the Sisters explain, is the work of the schoolchildren that they did not want to upset. Mismatched props such as a jukebox, loveseat, bar stools, and an exercise bike complete the set. Jeanne Forbes playfully designs the lighting with colorful spotlights that follow the characters. At times, the spotlights jump around the stage and have to be called back by the characters, who teasingly inform the audience that the light tech is also the school’s archery teacher. Jesse Forbes and Gregory Lee round out the mood as effective sound technicians. Seamstress Mildred Fritzinger is successful in dressing the women with proper nunnery attire.
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About Julia Exline
Julia Exline graduated from Longwood University in 2009 with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Creative Writing. She is delighted to be involved with the Maryland Theatre Guide, as it allows her to bring writing back into her life. Julia enjoys browsing used book stores and collecting rare, out-of-print children’s books.
Nuns just want to have fun
The show is also an mélange of song, dance and comedy, including ballet, tap, jazz, wacky props and comedy numbers. Oh, and the singing is divine.
After the poisoning of 55 nuns of the Order of the Little Sisters of Triangle by cook Sister Julia Child of God, the remaining nuns put on a fundraiser to bury the last four sisters. Such is the plot of “Nunsense”, the live musical comedy that opened on Friday, June 8, at the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre.
Spoiler alert: Each of the sisters has a secret desire to be in show business, and the internal conflict pits their religious vows against personal ambitions. Underneath the habit they want to be stars!
- By Stacy Shaw
Stacy Shaw, Lorton Patch, 7/9/11
Big River at Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre
By Teal Ruland – June 20, 2011
With the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War this year, Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre’s production of Big River, directed by Jeffrey Davis, couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. Big River is based on Mark Twain’s popular 1884 novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The musical version with book by William Hauptman followed along quite faithfully. I really enjoyed the score and lyrics by Roger Miller, as well – the bluegrass, gospel, and country styles were great for the story, and many times I found myself tapping along to the beat.
Walking into the Susan’s front foyer, I couldn’t help but smile at the wildly eclectic décor. A neon jukebox machine was sandwiched between a large brick fireplace and a carnival wagon, and Tiffany-esque mood lamps also added character. There didn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house/dining room, as there was expansive three-level seating, mostly in front of the stage. The stage stretched across the front of the dining room, and painted sliding panels of trees and forests slid back to reveal distant mountains, which offered a scene change option. A wooden raft, posed at a slight incline, was positioned center stage.
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About Teal Ruland-
Teal is a recent Penn State grad with degrees in music and English. A lifelong performer, she was very active in the Penn State Opera Theatre, as well as PSU’s oldest co-ed a cappella group, None of the Above. She enjoys dancing up a storm, eating fancy cheese, the color teal, jogging, cooking, and traveling. She is currently looking for her first full-time opportunity. View all posts by Teal Ruland →
Me and My Girl
Reviewed October 19th, 2010 By Laura & Mike Clark • Oct 27th, 2010 • Me and My Girl by L. Arthur Rose and Douglas FurberMe and My Girl is a musical with book and lyrics by L. Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber. Similar to My Fair Lady, Me and My Girl tells the story of a cockney lad who suddenly inherits an earldom with all the trimmings. He must give up his ties to his old life, which include his girlfriend, to learn how to become a refined gentleman. This is a funny, lighthearted comedy with the right touch of song and dance to make you smile.
Review the full review here
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a show that grows on you
Curtain Calls, Maggie Lawrence, Theater Columnist
Published: August 13, 2009
She can bring you wealth, fame, and the love of the one you adore. All it costs is a little (OK, maybe a lot) of your blood. Or at least someone’s blood. She’s Audrey II and she’s the potted sensation of Mr. Mushnik’s skid row florist shop, the result of an ill-advised purchase by Seymour, the shop clerk. Orders are pouring in, bodies are starting to disappear, and Audrey is getting bigger, hungrier, and more demanding every day.
Directed by Hans Bachmann, the “Little Shop…” at Lazy Susan turns its intimate space into a virtue, with front row patrons almost in the lap of Audrey II. Especially strong casting choices abound, and while two of the roles are played by alternates, the ones reviewed are the ones that were playing on Saturday night.
