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REVIEW: Anything goes in Ryan Landry’s ‘The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show’

Posted on January 3 by The Sleepless Critic

Three chrome microphones, two slaying reindeer and one Mrs. Grinchley describes just a fraction of Ryan Landry’s wild tale as The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.

From ugly holiday sweaters to antler ears to twinkling light necklaces to candy cane shirts, it was a festive and dynamic crowd that attended The Rocky Horror Menorah Christmas Show. Refreshments and merchandise were available at the theatre and envelopes were taped to the back of each seat for donations.

TURN AROUND: Taryn Lane as Janet and Eric McGowan as Brad, Briana Scafidi, Alex Davis, Kaedon Gray, and Spookey as the Snow Cone Dancers Photo by Michael von Redlich

The Gold Dust Orphans are known for delivering their own take on vintage films indicated by the retro black and white tube TV which illustrated each theme that was happening onstage through various film montages from Bambi to The Shining. This is The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a holiday twist, but do not expect to hear the songs known from the popular film. Though the story’s characters, a portion of the costumes, and set up are similar which included the signature glittering lips, A Rocky Menorah Christmas Show featured original music with a jingle bell twist by Tad McKittrick and Tim Lawton parodying a number of popular songs by Patti Smith, David Bowie, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler, Taylor Dayne, Joe Cocker and the Go-Gos.

Welcome comedic local references varied from quips about North Shore Massachusetts accents to local landmarks to host puppets ‘GBH’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan bringing clever humor to their signature banter. Additionally, The Brookline Sisters, a vintage trio of glittering backup singers in red, green and yellow composed of Tad McKittrick, Lizette Morris and Gina Carmella, acted as commentators and semi-narrators throughout this production.

To be clear, never been a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in any of its various forms. After several attempts, still not a fan. Rocky Horror Picture Show is considered a cult classic, but in the Tim Curry-iness of it all, Clue is the preferred cult classic in this critic’s book.

BRAD&JANET: Eric McGowan as Brad Keebler and Taryn Lane as Janet Winky Photos by Michael von Redlich

Sure, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 film was risqué and banked on shock value not particularly relevant to the story and this show is similar in that regard. The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show focuses on two Christian elves decked out in fluffy pink and blue that spring a flat on their sled and their only hope is to get help at a mysterious and ice laden castle. Janet, depicted by Taryn Lane, is an insufferable, demanding, melodramatic, and superstitious know-it-all while Brad, portrayed by Eric McGowan, is a henpecked, timid, and dimwitted follower.

Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley dons convincing green makeup and depicts the mastermind of this particular operation accompanied by ghoulish companions Kiki Samko as maid Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Butler Gift Wrap. Though at first this Grinch can be a mean one, Murphy’s Grinchley is a candid and bawdy creature that runs the moral compass of this zany universe. Political and religious ribbings and commentary run as amok as this lusty and at times darkly humorous tale takes shape.

GRINCHLEY: Kaedon Gray and Briana Scafidi as the Snow Cone Dancers, Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley Photo by Michael von Redlich

Directed by Kiki Samko and choregraphed by Briana Scafidi, the cast collectively delivered strong vocals and are skilled dancers especially in the athleticism and impressive stunts performed by Spookey in a Speedo and sunglasses featured in 20^th Century Boy. This semi-immersive and interactive show occasionally breaks the 4^th wall and the characters sometimes are not limited to the stage.

FUCHSIA & GIFTWRAP: Kiki Samko as Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Gift Wrap Photo by Michael von Redlich

The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show is fast paced, but especially in the second half, starts to lose focus and hits a fork in the road in more ways than one. From a dirty Santa to blow up astronauts to demons to ghouls to tap dancing reindeer to a blow up yellow monster, anything goes and this cast does not leave much to the imagination. While the show does not seem to take itself seriously, when it does toward the end, its strong message seems a strange extra in this wild parody.

The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.

REVIEW: It’s a great time for sleuthing at Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Clue: On Stage’

Posted on June 12 by The Sleepless Critic

During a dark and stormy night, a group of strangers are required to gather in a mysterious mansion under puzzling circumstances. The real reason for the gathering is just one of many twists and turns in this famous dark and comedic murder mystery.

Last year, Ryan Reynolds announced he would star in a new Clue film reboot for 20^th Century Studios which, like a lot of reboots, seems unnecessary since the 80’s film Clue is an enduring cult classic. The popular Parker Brothers board game (now owned by Hasbro) has been revamped a number of times as a board game and has been translated into various forms of entertainment including a live Scavenger Hunt and interactive dinner theatre. This is one mystery that people have been anxious to solve for generations. Having seen the 80’s film many times over as well as played the popular board game, this is the first time seeing it done live onstage.

The Players of ‘Clue: On Stage’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Directed mischievously by Weylin Symes, Greater Boston Stage Company continues Sandy Rustin’s Clue: on Stage live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA through June 25. Clue: on Stage is family friendly, but after all, a black comedy murder mystery which has its dark turns. The violence is not gruesome, but like the Parker Brothers board game, probably most appropriate for kids ages 8 and up. This show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Clue is a great murder mystery farce, but it really takes a cohesive cast led by famous butler Wadsworth to make this production simmer. Recent Elliot Norton Award winner Paul Melendy is just the man for the job not only bringing a unique twist to resourceful Wadsworth, but by fostering a new take on the character as does Bryan Miner as Mr. Body. Tim Curry will always be THE Wadsworth, but Melendy makes this refreshing interpretation his own while keeping Curry’s core characteristics still intact right down to his playful eyebrow lift and smirking grin.

Paul Melendy as Wadsworth and Maureen Keiller as Miss Peacock Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Whether in moments of scheming or over thinking, the cast has compelling chemistry as funny and fascinating adversaries. Genevieve Lefevre makes a mischievous Yvette while Jennifer Ellis is pitch perfect as Miss Scarlet creating a wonderful balance of sophistication and dry humor. Maureen Keiller portrays chatty, nervous, and panicky Miss Peacock. Wearing signature black glasses, Miss Peacock’s character could be interpreted as shrill and abrasive, but Keiller’s distinct comic timing makes Miss Peacock one of the funniest parts of the production.

L to R: Paul Melendy as Wadsworth Bill Mootos as Colonel Mustard and Genevieve Lefevre as Yvette Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

In a classic mustache, Bill Mootos brings comic wit to somewhat dim witted Colonel Mustard while Mark Linehan as Professor Plum and Stewart Evan Smith as squeamish Mr. Green both bring an enigmatic quality to their characters.

Sara Coombs is a good Mrs. White, but would have liked Mrs. White to be less soft spoken and more humorously cryptic. From stern to silly, Katie Pickett juggles a number of memorable roles as the story unfolds.

Paul Melendy as Wadsworth, Stewart Evan Smith as Mr. Green and Genevieve Lefevre as Yvette Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Whether in Miss Peacock’s spectacular blue and green glittering dress, Colonel Mustard’s military garb, Miss Scarlet’s vampy red dress, Yvette’s classic French maid costume, Wadsworth’s coat and tails or Mrs. White’s jet black furs, costume designer Deirdre Gerrard creates an elegant and vintage look authentic to each of the character’s iconic personas.

Paul Melendy as Wadsworth and Jennifer Ellis as Miss Scarlet Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios

Keeping its vintage 50s charm, Clue on Stage’s set by scenic designer Katy Monthei injects some similarities to the 80s film cult classic from the haunting and soft glow at the iconic mansion’s enigmatic front door to the comical and sophisticated portable set pieces. Lighting designer Jeff Adelberg and sound designer Caroline Eng work overtime to seamlessly and simultaneously up the ante on suspense, humor, and drama through the evolving lighting from foreboding to revealing to flashing to playful while the sound design transforms from sinister to lively to jolly.

The show’s innovative blocking and moving staging is a riot as it cleverly makes the most of every inch of the space with its transformative style and the cast’s ‘athletic’ movements choreographed by Alexander Platt and Cait Zweil.

Sandy Rustin’s fun and comical script is no rehash of the film adaptation, but delivers fresh humor without leaving out some of the iconic quotes and scenes from the 80s film. Revisiting Clue was such an entertaining experience that I would gladly see it again.

Greater Boston Stage Company continues Sandy Rustin’s Clue: on Stage live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA through June 25. This show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: In these tough times, escape down Greater Boston Stage Company’s zany production of Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’

Posted on October 5, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

What are the 39 Steps?

Like so many Hitchcock creations, it’s complicated. However, though this Hitchcock production is presented during Halloween season, please don’t let that scare you away. The 39 Steps is based on John Buchan’s 1915 thriller novel by the same name, was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock into a classic British film in 1935, and adapted to the stage by Patrick Barlow. Though The 39 steps will certainly keep the audience on its toes, it has more than its share of comedic moments sure to deliver more laughter than frights.

Greater Boston Stage Company joyfully returned indoors to present Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller comedy mystery, The 39 Steps which continues through Sunday, October 10 at the Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 15 min including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

From L to R: KP Powell, Russell Garrett, Paul Melendy, and Grace Experience in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Directed imaginatively by llyse Robbins, this dynamic crime noir boasts plenty of vintage flair as well as adventure, romance, comedy, and suspense. However, what really makes this show such fun is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

KP Powell and Paul Melendy in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

The 39 Steps pay tribute to Hitchcock’s body of works with a catchy story while spoofing some of his most famous works along the way. Vertigo and Rear Window is just a portion of the Hitchcock Easter eggs run amok in this production. Some of the dark and witty humor from The 39 Steps call to mind humor likened to other murder mystery comedy classics including Clue.

Shelley Barish’s modest and multi-functional set design, Daisy Long’s mercurial lighting, and Andrew Duncan Will’s exceptional, carefully-timed sound effects play a pivotal role in some of the production’s most humorous scenes. Moveable set pieces transform each scene and costume designer Rachel Padula-Shufelt’s colorful gowns, dynamic wigs, and tweed and paisley suits enliven the production’s vintage noir atmosphere.

Taking on this production was no small feat for its four stellar actors who depict a total of 150 characters. However, they were more than up for the task as they sometimes cleverly and quite literally switch roles at the drop of a hat or within seconds. With impeccable timing and snappy chemistry, these dynamic performers bring to life a variety of accents and deliver a great deal of physical comedy while delivering sharp and at times quirky dialogue.

Russell Garett, KP Powell, Grace Experience, and Paul Melendy in a makeshift car in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Paul Melendy portrays Richard Hannay with a mix of bumbling and debonair charm. Set in Scotland, he is a man on the run after a chance encounter with a femme fatale in all her forms by Grace Experience, leading to a murder mystery. What Grace Experience does particularly well is though she depicts each character distinctly, they all have the same familiar strength, resourcefulness, and truthfulness as the tale unfolds. With Russell Garrett and KP Powell quite often after Hannay, it’s a madcap adventure with high jinx galore and likable characters that range from a ludicrous man with ridiculous eyebrows to a flirtatious and outspoken innkeeper. Some of the scenes are arbitrary and self aware and a couple of gags get a bit repetitive, yet fit right into the production’s silly charm.

From L to R: Russell Garrett, Paul Melendy, Grace Experience, and KP Powell in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Take a break from these difficult times and escape down Greater Boston Stage Company’s unconventional, madcap, and lighthearted The 39 Steps continuing through Sunday, October 10. Click here for more information, tickets, and for a closer look at Greater Boston’s Stage Company’s 22nd season.

REVIEW: The Boston Pops blended uplifting Bernstein tribute with sizzling footwork in ‘Dance to the Movies’

Posted on June 22, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

The Boston Pops turned up the heat as dancers from Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Got Talent as well as American Idol finalists joined Academy Award-nominee Lesley Ann Warren as Scott Stander presented Dance to the Movies on June 9 at Symphony Hall. Conducted by renowned Music Director Keith Lockhart and filled with memorable moments from some of Hollywood and Broadway’s most popular films, Dance to the Movies lit the stage as part of Boston Pops 133^rd spectacular season. Dedicated to legendary, Lawrence-born composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein’s centennial this season, click here for upcoming Boston Pops performances including details for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4.

Boston Pops Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops_WT26691 (Winslow Townson)

Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops (Winslow Townson)

Before launching into Dance to the Movies, The Boston Pops performed a few remarkable Bernstein selections which included an urgent, masterful orchestration composed by John Williams, a piece first conducted for Bernstein’s 70^th anniversary called, To Lenny! To Lenny! The orchestration, with equal parts bursting triumph and quiet contemplation, set the perfect tone for this uplifting show. The Bernstein tribute continued with sparkling and upbeat Overture to Candide and the chiming, peerless orchestration of Bernstein’s spiritual Simple Song from Mass.

Boston Pops John Williams and Leonard Bernstein at Harvard Night at the Pops, June 6, 1989 (Donald Dietz)

Winner of 2017’s Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition and recipient of Harry & Marion Dubbs Brookline Youth Concerts Award, captivating violinist Haig Hovsepian, delivered a passionate and intense solo performance as he played Sibelius’s First Movement: Allegro moderato, from Violin Concerto in D Minor. An especially touching moment occurred when a couple of his proud family members rushed to the stage to congratulate him after he finished his piece.

The Boston Pops seamlessly tied in Bernstein’s tribute with a sensational film dance montage by Susan Dangel and Dick Bartlett, weaving in dance scenes from Risky Business, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Burn After Reading, The Greatest Showman, Pulp Fiction, Mrs. Doubtfire, My Best Friend’s Wedding and more to acclaimed dance songs from Bernstein’s musical masterpiece, West Side Story.

Puttin’ on the Ritz Photo courtesy of Hilary Scott

Boasting an enormously talented cast, Dance to the Movies offered vintage flair by Bair/Pututau costumes and sizzling footwork, taking on classic numbers like Puttin’ on the Ritz and Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend/Material Girl from the film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Hearkening to the age of Fred Astaire, dancers dressed in gold Lemay cocktail dresses and suits with coat and tails then delivered a double take of dancers dressed in Marilyn Monroe’s signature pink gowns with dripping diamonds respectively. A gorgeously sparkling fringed gown seemed to have a life of its own on Anna Trebunskaya as she swayed with Tristan MacManus to the spicy number, Cuban Pete from the film, The Mask.

Academy Award-nominee Lesley Ann Warren, a television and film veteran known for Cinderella and Clue, delivered a reflective Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and a flirtatious version of Blues in the Night from the film by the same name. Warren still has that charismatic charm as she engaged the audience.

Lesley Ann Warren in her Cinderella crown Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

Dance to the Movies tackled Broadway with dance melodies from Chicago and Grease, which featured a performance by American Idol finalist Vonzell Solomon singing Roxy Hart. Vonzell delivered a show stopping performance singing I’ll Always Love You from The Bodyguard before taking the stage with American Idol finalist Von Smith for a stirring tribute to the late Marvin Hamlisch including the songs, Through the Eyes of Love from the film, Ice Castles and The Way We Were.

Dance to the Movies takes on ‘Chicago’ Photo courtesy of Hilary Scott

One of the most impressive dance performances seemed a dangerous feat to the tune, Unchained Medley from the film, Ghost sung by Von Smith. Featuring Randi Strong and Jonathan Platero, it was a rapturous, athletic number recreating a scene from the film featuring remarkable flips and daring spins. Dirty Dancing’s iconic dance number, (I Had) The Time of My Life, featuring a trio of couples, was a beautiful display complete with The Lift.

American Idol finalist Von Smith Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

Dance to the Movies boasted Dancing with the Stars’ Tristan MacManus, Anna Trebunskaya, Magda Fialek, Anya Fuchs and Oksana Platero, from So You Think You Can Dance Jonathan Platero, Randi Strong, and Jaymz Tuaileva, America’s Got Talent’s Antonio Martinez, with Carl James Bair, Alisa Davtyan, Timothy Lewis, Kateryna Klishyna, and Tony Pututau. Click here to see where Dance to the Movies will appear next.

Dedicated to legendary, Lawrence-born composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein’s centennial this season, click here for upcoming Boston Pops performances including details for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4. Follow Boston Pops on Twitter and Facebook.

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