Theater Review: The Phoenix Theatre: The Open Hand

Guest Review: John Simmons

The Open Hand Phoenix Theatre Now Through May 14

Robert Caisley’s The Open Hand is a play filled with surprises – and that may be part of its undoing.

The play opens simply enough with two friends, Allison (Leah Brenner) and Freya (Julie Mauro) lunching at an expensive Asian restaurant. When Freya rushes out to a super-important job interview, Allison is stuck with a check she cannot pay because she can’t find her billfold. Suddenly, a dapper middle-aged stranger named David Nathan Bright (nicely played by Charles Goad) appears and gives Allison both the money for the check and an umbrella for the rain that is pouring down outside … all without asking for a thing in return.

After that, The Open Hand becomes a play in three parts. Part I channels the comic banter from classic sitcoms (the old Dick Van Dyke Show comes to mind) where we learn about the trials facing Allison in her relationship with her talented-but-edgy boyfriend, Todd (Jeremy Fisher), and Freya in her relationship with her laid-back-but-unhappy boyfriend, Jack (Jay Hemphill). Allison, in particular, struggles with expressing her emotions and accepting love from others. She also has a birthday fast approaching … but Allison never, ever celebrates her birthday.

A chance meeting in the park with David Nathan Bright and Allison’s decision to invite him to her “not-birthday” party (two of the play’s somewhat awkward contrivances) lead us into the play’s hilarious and dramatic Part II. David’s seemingly endless affability and generosity lead to feelings of suspicion, jealousy and, finally, anger among his fellow party-goers, as they try endlessly to discern his “real” motives. Here, The Open Hand asks a great question: Have we become so insecure and competitive as a society that we can no longer accept simple acts of kindness from one another? Are we that cynical?
That question goes unanswered, as the play’s closing act moves it away from being a comedy of manners and more towards a story about personal forgiveness. Allison’s birthday-averse behavior and emotional rigidity, it seems, are the results of a traumatic event from her past, an event that is so traumatic (and, like other plot twists, somewhat contrived) that it almost feels like “too much”.

Phoenix’s The Open Hand is a marvelously well-told tale. The cast are all excellent, and Jeffrey Martin’s revolving set − which does quadruple duty as a restaurant, two city apartments and a townhouse – is a wonder to behold. It’s just that, with one too many plot twists on the part of the playwright, you may find yourself wanting a more satisfying resolution to the tale.

Images: Phoenix Theatre

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for hospitality, travel and luxury businesses, P.R., and tourism groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Monty Python's Spamalot

Based on "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," the spoof, "Monty Python's Spamalot," continues in Indianapolis through June 29 (Click here for show times and tickets) at the Athenaeum, 407 E. Michigan St.

Apparently, according to those who read this column, there is something sorely lacking in my life having never seen any Monty Python film or Spamalot.  Well, that has changed now.

The review of the BobDirex production was a must for me ~ even without the insistence of hecklers on FB and Twitter. Simply because of the lineup and knowing Kenny Shepard is choreographing the comedy of blunders. The cast list is a who's who of Indy theater favorites: Charles Goad, Paul Hansen, Claire Wilcher, Sally Scharbrough, Dave Ruark, Danny Kingston and Pete Scharbrough.

New to me (but worth keeping track of) is Ben Asaykwee of Cabaret Poe at Q Artistry.

The cast, as a whole, is so enjoyable you feel as if you, the audience, is in on some fabulous practical joke and for a couple of hours are immersed in hilarity times 10 ~ at a silly, sophomore level. It is fun and portrayed with the professionalism one expects from this level of talent to produce.
Each pairing ~ Goad/Hansen, Wicher/Goad, Asaykwee/Kingston, et al ~ plays out with supreme rhythm and without missing a beat, no matter what the circumstances. There is no need to highlight only or or two actors, as is usual, when the entire cast shines.

Bottom Line: Spamalot is easily going to rank in the "Must See" lists of everyone and I won't be surprised to see an encore production required.

Images: Zack Rosing

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Phoenix Theatre A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked

A Very Phoenix Xmas 6:

Our Goose is Cooked
 December 1-23, 2011

Indianapolis – The Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis will produce A Very Phoenix Xmas 6: Our Goose is Cooked as its annual alternative holiday production from December 1-23. Conceived and directed by Bryan Fonseca, producing director, this show is a tribute to variety shows of the past and includes humorous and poignant sketches, traditional and not-so-traditional holiday music and dance numbers. 

Charles Goad

This year’s show is no exception, with several sketches from various playwrights – both local and from across the country – that include Christmas, Hanukkah and a few other holidays thrown in.  “We have six excellent voices this year, so we are taking advantage of that talent by including several musical numbers and at least one a capella piece,” stated Fonseca.  “The cast this year includes four actors that have been in at least one Xmas show and a few that are new to the production. We are certainly proud to have Chuck Goad back at the Phoenix for this holiday season.” 

With the recent success of musicals Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, dance will be a bigger part of this year’s show. Choreographer and Dance Kaleidoscope performer Marielle Greenlee is working with the cast on special dance numbers.

“Every year, the dance numbers are among favorites with the audience, so we are pulling out all the stops for dance numbers this year,” said Fonseca. This year’s sketches include ones written by previous Xmas favorites Daniel Guyton and Mark Harvey Levine, as well as some new playwrights. 

The cast includes four veterans of past Phoenix Xmas productions: Scot Greenwell, Jason Gloye, Claire Wilcher and Gayle Steigerwald.  Rounding out the cast are Carly Kincannon and Abby Gillan (both recent cast members of Spring Awakening at the Phoenix) and Charles Goad, who is coming back to theatre after taking a break for over two years.  

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

December 1            Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 2            Friday(Producer’s Party) 8:00 pm
December 3            Saturday                      8:00 pm

December 4            Sunday                         2:00 pm

December 8            Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 9            Friday                          8:00 pm
December 10          Saturday                      8:00 pm

December 11          Sunday                         2:00 pm

December 15          Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 16          Friday                          8:00 pm
December 17          Saturday                      8:00 pm

December 18          Sunday                         2:00 pm

December 20          Tuesday                       7:00 pm

December 21          Wednesday                  7:00 pm  
December 22          Thursday                      7:00 pm

December 23          Friday                          8:00 pm  

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: $15 CheapSeats

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: $25 for adults; $15 for ages 20 and under

Group rates are available for parties of 12 or more.

During the run of the Xmas show, the annual Phoenix Holiday Silent Auction will be held in the theatre lobby. Auction items are displayed in our lobby for patrons to bid on before, during intermission and after the show.

Tickets: call 317-635-7529 or at phoenixtheatre.org.  All seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. The Phoenix Pub, located inside the theatre, offers beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and bottled water, as well as treats, and all refreshments may be taken into either theatre and consumed during the performance.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Beef and Boards-Hello Dolly

Hello Dolly, like a favorite pair of well-worn jeans, or a comfort food, gives you the warm fuzzies and bring back great memories. Now playing at Beef and Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Road, it reminds me of all the musical classics I have enjoyed over the years, the fun, frivolity and, of course, singing and dancing.

When Dolly Levi, portrayed by Iris Lieberman, sets her sights, and matchmaking skills, on wealthy widower Horace Vandergelder, played by Mark Goetzinger, the hilarity ensues.
Lieberman and Goetzinger are well matched, especially during the fast-paced restaurant Harmonia, scenes. Their rapid-fire interaction, ripe with frustration on tight-fisted Vandergelder's part and full of doubletalk on Levi's side, are the best parts of the show.

Having included in the cast two of my favorite Indy actors, made this show even more enjoyable.
Goetzinger, A Christmas Carol, Treasure Island, is a solid, subtle, quiet talent showcasing his vocals impressively with It Takes a Woman, and So Long Dearie. I was impressed by Goetzinger the first time I caught him, at IRT, opposite another of my Indy favorites, Charles Goad in The Fantasticks. I make a point of seeing any show he is in, making him a "Destination Actor."

John Vessels, whom I have crowed about since I first encountered him in B&B's Smoke on the Mountain trilogy, is truly a treasure for the audience and the theater. Never out of character, Vessels gives every ounce of marvelous ability he can, and brought delicious energy to the various roles he portrayed, including Judge and waiters' captain, Rudolph. He is also a "Destination Actor."


What is that, you ask? It's a term I use to describe the actors that we, as theater and movie attendees, search for in a casting list. When we see they are in a particular show, we make a point of going to see it; they are our destination. We benefit from their performance and the actor directly influences positively to the show's bottom line. Everyone is a winner.

Beef and Boards is celebrating 30 successful years under the guidance of owner, Doug Stark. Hello Dolly proves Stark knows exactly what his audience wants.

You can now catch me weekly at 6:56 a.m. and 8:56 a.m. on 93 WIBC's Saturday Morning News Show, giving a quick Gotta Go list of things to do in the Indy area, including restaurants, events, theater and films.

If you have an event you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I'll be right here, remembering It Only Takes a Moment.

*Photos courtesy of Julie Curry Photography, www.juliecurryphotography.com
--
This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.

IRT: A Christmas Carol

This time of year welcomes many venues to produce holiday shows. I was fortunate this weekend to catch a new-to-me one and one of my annual musts.

The Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Avenue, is serving up its fourth helping of holiday cheer in A Very Phoenix Xmas. A two-act menagerie of skits, with behind-the-scenes snippets during stage changes, took a fun poke at the holidays without being offensive.

There were many regulars, creating a warm sense of camaraderie with the actors and audience. The sidesplitting interaction between Sara Rieman (Shipwrecked) and Michael Shelton (The Pillowman) in the opening segment, Happy Hannu-Clog, is worth the ticket price alone.
A man with a shoe obsession, no relation to me, and his wife who attempts to explain how unnatural it is for a guy to go gaga over boots is an unadulterated delight.

Another standout piece finds Shelton and Rieman pairing up once more in The Forty-three Second Kiss, giving a glimpse into what happens after the office Christmas party.
Shelton and Amanda Lynn Meyer team up nicely in Death of a Snowman, a poignant moment
between a girl who has lost her mother and her snowman, who explains the circle of life in the coolest way possible.

To balance out the new, I went to, where else but, IRT for my annual dose of A Christmas Carol. Never tiring of the tale of why one should be kind and caring, IRT’s scaled-down, non-glamorous take continues to rank No. 1 in my book.

Turning in a solid performance is Mark Goetzinger as Marley’s Ghost, a role which, with Goetzinger, would definitely enhance the show with extended stage time and interaction with Scrooge.

David Alan Anderson’s portrayal as the Ghost of Christmas Present felt restrained, and I am unsure why the reins were held tight on this actor. The potential could well have been met if Anderson had been allowed to fulfill the enthusiasm of the character’s love of life’s joys and happiness.

The ritual of Christmas would be incomplete without Charles (Chuck) Goad at the helm of the cast as Ebenezer Scrooge. I asked the performer exactly what it meant to him to transform himself into Scrooge and, in turn, also become an annual tradition to holiday theatre-goers for the past 11 years. He replied that it is his dream role.

“It’s a great part because it has a unique emotional arc—the journey that Scrooge takes through misery and pain to love and joy is incredible,” he said. “I’m able to measure my progress as an actor in the part by continually looking for different and better ways than I’ve done it before. “In a way, doing A Christmas Carol is like being at the Fezziwig party. You can’t help but have fun. and fun is contagious.
Something happens in a theater under the right conditions that can’t happen anywhere else. A group of people come together and agree to empathize and to be moved by other human beings. That’s the tradition not just of A Christmas Carol or the IRT; it’s the tradition of theater. I’m honored to help pass that on.”

That philosophy explains why every year, instead of becoming stale and uninspiring, the performance seems to have aged…like a fine wine.

If you have an event or performance you would like reviewed, please contact me via e-mail at commnews@inmotion. net. Me, I will be right here, with my figgy pudding... whatever that is.

--This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in West Indianapolis Community News and West Side Community News in Indianapolis.

Theater Review: Phoenix Theatre: Shipwrecked!

At the corners of St. Clair and Park, tucked in among beautiful homes, sits a former church cloaking The Phoenix Theatre. Currently on stage is Shipwrecked! An Entertainment through November 8.

Goad as Louis de Rougemont

Casting Indy’s theater-pillar Charles Goad (The Fantasticks, The Merchant of Venice, A Christmas Carol) was more than enough reason for me to accept a review invitation.

For whatever reason, although normally known for its edgy, adult-themed productions, Phoenix has granted Indy with a monumental performance which is G-rated.

Don’t ask why, simply enjoy.

When they decide to offer a family-friendly production, they do it up right.

Another of my local favorites, Eddie Curry (The Producers, Don’t Dress for Dinner) portrays almost two dozen characters throughout the show proving his multi-tiered talent works on stages south of the pyramids. I had long fostered that particular hope and am pleased to see the fruition of my prayers.

Charles Goad and Eddie Curry

Using the less-is-more theory, the almost one-man show revolves around the story of a man who lives to tell about his exciting adventures on the high seas. Some step up to discredit him, but he holds tight to his story, giving the audience that last chance to believe in him.

There are not enough superlatives to honor the quality of actor portraying the lead character, Louis de Rougemont. Goad represents the best of the best in live theater and it is, as always with this gentleman, pure joy to watch him in action.

If you have never basked in the glow of the talent which is Charles Goad, then here’s your chance --- Don’t botch it.

Bottom Line: Whether you need to beg, borrow or empty your nephew’s piggy bank, get the fifteen Georges together for a ticket to this show. The immense satisfaction of money well spent will be your just reward. Shipwrecked! is quite clearly one of this year’s best values and should be required viewing for every school age child in the metropolitan area.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.