Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

WSU Theater

‘If/Then’ Review – Wright State University – One Woman, Two Paths

By

Wright State University delivers a terrifically acted and vocally stunning local premiere of composer Tom Kitt and lyricist/librettist Brian Yorkey’s thought-provoking yet conceptually challenging 2014 pop/rock musical If/Then.
Newly divorced urban city planner Elizabeth (dynamic Rachel Mary Green) is back in New York City and it doesn’t take long before she’s in Madison Square Park catching up with her old bisexual friend Lucas (charmingly quirky Sam Maxwell), a community activist, and her new friend and neighbor Kate (delightfully sassy Kat Rodriguez), a kindergarten teacher. When the time comes for Elizabeth to choose her next step, to search for true love as Kate suggests or embrace her professional ambitions as Lucas suggests, the musical simultaneously explores both paths. The joy, surprise and heartbreak of marriage, career, family, and friendships are ultimately bolstered by the core themes of choice and fate.

(left to right) Kat Rodriguez (Kate), Rachel Mary Green (Elizabeth) and Sam Maxwell (Lucas) appear in Wright State University’s local premiere of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s musical “If/Then.” (Contributed photo)

Kitt and Yorkey, best known for their 2009 Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal, create a highly intricate, predominately sung-through framework requiring the utmost concentration, especially since Elizabeth is referred as Liz (with glasses) and Beth (no glasses). There’s also the peculiar issue of the Liz path being more emotionally engaging primarily due to her loving connection with military doctor Josh (cheerful Eric Thompson), whose gentle, hopeful, humble, and understanding presence heightens the action as important issues of parenthood and duty intertwine. Nevertheless, in spite of inherent confusion and an overstuffed Act 2, both paths, fluidly guided with character-driven potency within the intimacy of the Herbst Theatre by director Jamie Cordes, offer intriguing approaches to addressing the central question: what if?

The last time I saw If/Then, during Broadway previews, Idina Menzel took the stage with notecards having received new lyrics that very day, so I admire Green’s ability to tackle a very complex and demanding role with effortlessly confident and fierce aplomb, marvelously culminating in a life-affirming, full-belting rendition of Always Starting Over. Rodriguez, flirty and fun, is also a vocal powerhouse, specifically leading energetic ensemble number It’s a Sign in addition to joining Green, choreographer Megan Arseneau (pleasant as Anne, Kate’s underwritten girlfriend) and Emily Eliasen (Elena, Beth’s underwritten co-worker) for the Act 1 standout No More Wasted Time. Thompson, one of the finest pop tenors in the Miami Valley, absolutely captivates in his renditions of You Never Know and the beautifully tender Hey Kid. Maxwell, in one of his most vulnerable portrayals, is especially strong opposite amiable Hunter Minor as David, Lucas’ boyfriend, joining forces for a wonderfully heartfelt interpretation of the driving duet The Best Worst Mistake You Ever Made.  The praiseworthy cast includes Dylan Tacker (career-driven Stephen) and ensemble members Amanda Astorga, Emma Bratton, Marcus Butts, Jessica Greenwald, Andrea Gutierrez, Jared Levy, Aidan Lord, Dean McKenzie, Jake Siwek, Anna Stanford, Jeremy Weinstein, and D’Kaylah Whitley.
In addition to the aforementioned Arseneau (instilling organic joy for It’s a Sign and The Moment Explodes among others), Cordes’ first-rate artistic team includes set designer Carleigh Siebert (projections are a plus), lighting designer Gabe Reichert (great evocative work), sound designer James Dunlap (superbly accenting a pivotal airplane sequence), costume designer Victoria Gifford (supplying cool, contemporary attire), and musical director/keyboardist Melissa Yanchak (accompanied by guitarists Jay Brunner and Joel Greenberg).

Some theatergoers may find If/Then too complicated to fully enjoy, but it’s a worthwhile experience nonetheless thanks to particularly superb vocal talent.

If/Then concludes Sunday, March 3 at 2 p.m. in the Herbst Theatre of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Dayton. Act 1: 80 minutes; Act 2: 60 minutes. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students. Call (937) 775-2500 or visit wright.edu/theatre-tickets.

‘Curious Incident’ Review – Wright State University – Boy Wonder

By

Inquisitive autistic British teenager Christopher Boone, an introverted lover of math, rodents and the Rubik’s cube, overcomes adversity with empowering fortitude in Simon Stephens’ compelling 2012 drama The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, currently receiving a terrific regional collegiate premiere at Wright State University in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center.

Colin Hodgkin as Christopher Boone and the cast of Wright State University’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. (Contributed photo)

 

Colin Hodgkin as Christopher Boone and Katie Sinicki as Judy Boone in WSU’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. (Contributed photo)

Based on the 2003 novel by Mark Haddons and directed with deft sharpness by Marya Spring Cordes, Curious Incident places the audience directly into the brilliantly busy and detailed mind of Christopher (an exceptional Colin Hodgkin), who is determined to figure out who killed his neighbor’s dog, Wellington. He faithfully records his findings in a special book, which serves as the narrative focus for the show’s play-within-a-play framework often recounted by his supportive teacher Siobhan (Kaitlyn Campbell, warm and pleasant). But in a savvy twist, his fascinating detective pursuit becomes so much more than a search for truth about Wellington. There are hurtful secrets and lies to unravel within his own family requiring him to shed his innocence and take matters into his own hands, leading him beyond his comfort zone for the first time in his life in spite of the fact he’s fearful of touch and distrusts strangers due to his condition.
Stephens’ script is wordy, quick, complex, and sophisticated, which isn’t unusual for contemporary British dramas.

Colin Hodgkin as Christopher Boone in WSU’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. (Contributed photo)

Nonetheless, Christopher’s seemingly impossible journey remains engaging and often riveting, which is a testament to Cordes’ ability to illuminate the play’s emotional intricacies while simultaneously grasping its multi-layered scope/structure. Her excellent cast, which has received superb dialect coaching from Deborah Thomas, brings depth and nuance to their roles as well as a clear understanding of the world they inhabit, often moving around the stage with mechanical precision. The aforementioned Hodgkin, who never leaves the stage in a tour de force of psychology, physicality, specificity, and stamina, offers a powerful, educational look at the sensitive nature of autism, especially from an emotional and behavioral standpoint. His enthusiastic curtain call delivery of Christopher’s mind-blowing problem solving is also impressive. Justin Mathews is heartbreaking as Christopher’s conflicted, disgruntled, angry, and abusive father Ed, whose overprotective influence backfires as his son grows more curious and courageous. Katie Sinicki, luminous as sassy Nora in Cordes’ production of Brighton Beach Memoirs at the Human Race Theatre Company last season, is dynamically effervescent and heartfelt as Christopher’s complicated mother Judy, unable to handle the pressures of marriage and parenting but willing to reconnect regardless. MacKenzie Kasbaum, Josh Beasley, Eric Thompson, Mark Antony Howard, Hailey Marshall, and Isabella Andrews supply strong variety in various roles from police officers and neighbors to train station guards and relatives.

In addition, the production’s marvelous technical team includes scenic designer David J. Castellano, costume designer Courtney Michele, lighting designer Matthew P. Benjamin, fight choreographer Bruce Cromer, composer Darryl Robbins, and sound designer James Dunlap. Benjamin, Robbins and Dunlap particularly bolster the play’s evocative atmospherics.

Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards including Best New Play and five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Play, Curious Incident begins WSU’s 39th season on a resounding high note.

 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time continues through Oct. 7 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Oct. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 30, Oct. 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. There will be a special talkback following the Sept. 30 matinee. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 70 minutes. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $15 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500 or visit www.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information. Also, WSU is partnering with SISCA to promote animal adoption in the Dayton region. If you are interested in adopting the dog featured in the production, or any pet, please contact the SICSA Pet Adoption Center at (937) 294-6505.

 

‘You Can’t Take it With You’ – Wright State University – The American Family

By

The delightfully chaotic Sycamore household remains a charming portrait of unconditional love and appealing diversity as evident in Wright State University’s lighthearted and attractively designed staging of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s 1937 Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy “You Can’t Take it With You.”

(left to right) Kyle Krichbaum (Mr. DePinna), Mackenzie Kasbaum (Essie Carmichael), Christian Henderson (Donald), Jeremy Farley (Ed Carmichael), Logan Kitchens (Paul Sycamore), Danni Hepp (Penelope Sycamore), Zach Fretag (Boris Kolenkhov), George Heddleston (Tony Kirby), Katie Sinicki (Alice Sycamore), and Isaac Ingle (Martin Vanderhof/Grandpa) are featured in Wright State University’s production of “You Can’t Take it With You” (Photo by Erin Pence).

In the midst of the kookiness at the center of this character-specific romp about a close-knit family with big personalities and zany hobbies is a thoroughly engaging love story merging two distinctively opposite families. The bond between middle class Alice Sycamore (cute and coy Katie Sinicki evoking 1930s nuances) and her Wall Street boyfriend Tony Kirby (dashing, amiable George Heddleston) absolutely holds the emotional core of this relatable if overstuffed classic together as their relationship blooms, fractures and heals. When Tony’s uptight parents visit the Sycamores for dinner, situations turn prickly and uncomfortable (Alice scolding her family for their odd behavior always stings), but the truths that arise from misunderstanding give value to the show’s embrace of universal acceptance.

Director Joe Deer, in his first non-musical outing for WSU, keeps the pace brisk and the comedic timing sharp overall, specifically staging a joyful Act 2 finale complete with fireworks and confetti. However, there are a few offbeat moments when laughs are forced or completely over-the-top, notable miscues particularly apparent in Christine Fiala’s erratic take on alcoholic diva Gay Wellington. Even so, Deer coaxes strong portrayals from many principals. Standout work extends to a terrifically heartfelt Isaac Ingle as Grandpa Martin Vanderhof (whose unique views on income tax and living life to the fullest are hallmarks of the script), Danni Hepp as Penelope Sycamore (her savvy handling of the play’s significant “personality game” is a highlight), bubbly Mackenzie Kasbaum as aspiring ballerina Essie Carmichael, adorably square Jeremy Farley as Essie’s husband Ed, Kyle Krichbaum as eccentric Mr. DePinna, the imposing Zach Fretag as passionately earthy artist-instructor Boris Kolenkov, the wonderfully resonate duo of Kenneth Erard and Heather Cooperman as the Kirbys, Kennedy Cook (a senior at Stivers School for the Arts) as dutiful Rheba, and Christian Henderson as Rheba’s boyfriend Donald. The cast includes Alexia Vlahos as Grand Duchess Olga Katrina, Logan Kitchens as Paul Sycamore, Nick Wasserbauer as Henderson, Thomas Sheffer as G-Man, Jake Siwek as Mac, and Dean McKenzie as Jim.

Additionally, Deer’s fantastic artistic team includes scenic designer David J. Castellano (his handsomely detailed and colorful set is a character of its own), costumer Courtney Zimmerman (providing eye-catching period outfits), lighting designer Jennifer Watson, sound designer Silas Sheckels, dialect coach Deborah Thomas, and properties master John Lavarnway (supplying an authentic printing press).

At a time when our great nation is wounded by tragedy and divided by policy and presidency, “You Can’t Take it With You” represents the best of America. After all, we are our better selves whenever we can accept each other’s differences and unite.

 

“You Can’t Take it With You,” dedicated to Dr. Mary Donahoe, Professor Emeritus, continues through Oct. 8 in the Creative Arts Center Festival Playhouse of Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. The production runs 2 hours and 35 minutes with two intermissions. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 students and seniors. For more information, call (937) 775-2500 or visit liberal-arts.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/box-office.