Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Onstage Atlanta
through August 13, 2016

This musical version of the great film hit the stage in New York in 2005 to somewhat limp reviews. But, it has toured well and been locally produced to many appreciative audiences. And, this is one of the best productions done by Onstage Atlanta.

The story is about a couple of scam artists working the rich folks in a town called Beaumont-sur-Mer, on the Riviera. Lawrence Jamieson (Darrell Wofford) is the local A-list con artist who can come off as a Prince, a famous physician, and anything else that will get the job done. And he lives quite a good life. He gets a warning that some competitor called The Jackal, is seeking to invade his turf. But, nobody knows who it might be.

Then Lawrence spots a Yank named Freddy, (Daniel Pino) who is a playing for peanuts when he could be going for gold. Lawrence wants Freddy to hit the road but he declines to do so, and winds up becoming apprenticed to Lawrence. Not an easy job; as Freddy lacks many assets. Finally, these two guys make a bet, which provides that the winner keeps the turf and the loser leaves town. Of course, all hell breaks out.

Andre (Adam Bailey) is Lawrence’s man servant. He sees some things and smells some things which could be a problem. But, even his loyalty can’t solve all the problems.

There are three fair ladies involved who become the objects of adoration and exploitation. Jolene (Hannah Lake Chatham) is an oil heiress from Oklahoma, ans she comes off like a Dolly Parton when they do the Oklahoma song and dance number. Muriel (Abra Thurmond) and Christine (Misty Barber) are the other two problems. Especially Christine; but I can say no more lest you never saw the film or can’t recall what happens. Let’s say that these scammers observe the P T Barnum business plan and they just want to Give Them What they Want, so they can get what they can.

Directed by DeWayne Morgan, with a fine cast, a very workable set, and a live band off-stage; this show opened to a sold-out house and should enjoy a great run. It certainly is a winner and a load of fun. Tickets and times at OnstageAtlanta.com

The Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare Tavern
through July 10, 2016

If you enjoy the work of The Bard and oft prefer comedy over tragedy, then hurry up and get in town as this one closes out their summer comedic series next weekend.

Very possibly one of the most confusing of his works, this is one of those which must have inspired others such as Moliere in later years; as so many of the players assume roles in their quest to find money and love. The story is an exercise of confusion, so don’t feel poorly should you lose your way a bit. I’d try to explain it to you fully, but it’s easier to just look it up in Wikipedia and try to recall all the facets of the plot while you enjoy the show. Or, just go and have fun.

The basic plot line is that this chap named Baptista (Doug Kaye) is a well-off gent in Padua. He’s got two daughters, and he’d like to see them wed. Alas, in those days twas the eldest who should first marry before the younger. Oops. Problem . . . his older daughter, Katherina (Dani Herd) is one tough broad, and not a happy camper. No guy in his right mind would want her. Her kid sister is Bianca (Kristin Storla) who is the object of desire of more than one man. And, they manage to induce Petruchio (Matt Nitchie) to go after the shrew by letting him know of a healthy dowry. And the action ramps up.

Needless to say, every time the characters think everything is working just fine, a door opens or somebody shows up and the you-know-what hits the fan. But, unlike Romeo and Juliet, things actually do work out in the end, and nobody dies. Under direction by Jeff Watkins, the cast of more than a dozen members of this resident company do their usual first-class job.

They’re playing to sold out houses, so you may wish to act with haste. If you’ve not been to the Tavern before, it is downtown on Peachtree Street, and you can park at a discount in the hospital garage across the street. They are a real tavern, and they do serve up pub grub with aplomb. So show up at least a half hour afore the show begins and get a pint and whatever and enjoy the evening. More info and tickets are at ShakespeareTavern.com

Big River
Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square
through July 10, 2016

The musical with a book by William Hauptman adapted from Mark Twain’s works, made it to Broadway in 1985 with music and lyrics by Roger Miller.
It enjoyed a run of more than 1,000 performances and scored many Tony’s, including Best Musical, Book, Score and Lead Actor. I may be jaded, but thought it might have been a slower year than when Cats, Les Miz and Annie hit the boards; and Phantom didn’t come on until the next season.

Like Porgy, the story is set in the South during the bad old days. But it also has some of the P.T.Barnum sort of schtick in Act II, as well as some great song and dance numbers. What was most impressive about this performance is how this new theatre company, under the direction of Emil Thomas brought everything together in a manner that totally satiated the audience.

This young man, who is the Artistic Director, has done some terrific work and brought together a cast of 27 players, under the direction of Laura Beth Tanner. The costuming and choreography is spot-on. The fight scenes and prat falls work fine, and the canned music is synched well. Huck is played by Jake Pearce and his black raft-buddy, Jim, is LaMichael Hendrix. Alan Phelps plays the sotted father of Huck.

The story line is basically everybody trying to get on in life, and get away from a life that sucks to one where the sun often shines. I don’t know if Samuel Clemens actually addressed the issue of rafting against the tide in his books.

The score isn’t one that you may leave humming, but it works to tie the issues together. My favorite is when the young fool sings Arkansas. Carson Shearer is the fool and his presentation is just splendid. The two con artists are played by Andrew Berardi and Nathan McCurry, and they promote the townies into paying to see the Royal Nonesuch with one boob and one eye.

It was such a loss when the former theatre company had to close down 4 years ago, and it is so good to see such an energetic young company starting up in the same facility. It makes you truly appreciate all the work which goes into staging such a production for only 8 performances. The next show will be Hamlet, coming in September and directed by Emil Thomas. For more info and tickets to Big River, visit their website at TheatreInTheSquare.net