Show Reviews

A-W-E-S-O-M-E Spells KLT’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

Posted on by carrieleighdickey

Special Report by Journalist Luscinda L. Dickey

Follow the hottest spellers, in musical theatre, on their quest for greatness. And, who will win? It might not be who you expect! To discover the answer, may I suggest a trip to Kernersville where the Kernersville Little Theatre (KLT) presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” artistic directed and music directed by Margaret “Maggie” B. Gallagher.

This all adult cast included many fun characters. I enjoyed how each had a different personality and flare. Leaf Coneybear (Jake Messina) was my favorite speller. To see an adult actor become a happy-go-lucky kid with a great sense of humor was very impressive. Plus Leaf was homeschool just like me! Logainne “Schwartzy” Schwartzandgrubenierre (Grace DiMaio) was another top speller for me. Not only did Logainne hold a lisp the entire show but she also was able to embodied a kid perfectly. And I don’t want to forget William Barfee (Michael Mickiewicz) a very nerdy speller with a kid like, resounding “I know” who “plans to grow up to be handsome.” I also really enjoyed the improv skills of Vice Principal Douglas Panch (James Crowe) and Rona Lisa Peretti (Steffanie Vaughan) as they interacted with four volunteer spellers picked from the audience.

To break up the dramatic and suspenseful spelling there were beautifully sung musical numbers accompanied by live musicians and entertaining dances. You could tell that each element had be carefully orchestrated by Maggie Gallagher.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is held in Fitzpatrick Auditorium at the Kernersville Elementary School. The “school smell” provided by the venue and the lack of air conditioning in the auditorium combined with the simple staging created the complete picture. I truly felt like I was attending a spelling bee!

KTL should be very proud to be bringing this production to the Triad.

https://kltheatre.com/

Show Reviews

You’ll never forget this performance!

Posted on by carrieleighdickey

Special Report by Journalist Luscinda L. Dickey

Erinn Dearth and Dan Beckmann—two shimmering, glowing stars in the theatre firmament—premiered Duet: A Fundraiser to Benefit Spring Theatre.

Duet was a hoot! Held on August 20 at the Reynolds Place Theatre in Winston-Salem, it was made up of musical theatre duets ranging from stirring love songs to hilarious comedic pieces. Included in the evenings program were songs from approximately 20 musicals. Not to give everything away, but some of my favorite renditions came from Ordinary Days, Easter Parade, Young Frankenstein, and Footloose. Despite slight glitches and delays with the sound system and projections, the show was perfect. Even when a song failed to come on at the right time, Dan and Erinn jumped into some oh-so-funny improv—a highlight from my experience. Topping of the night, Spring Theatre announced their 2020 season.

And guess what? The fun did not end last night: there is one more show this evening. Maybe you are a theatre person like me; maybe you are someone who wants to get involved with Spring Theatre; or maybe you are just looking for something spectacular to do on an empty Wednesday night—Duet has something for everyone. I definitely suggest this wonderful performance to you!

SpringTheatre.org

Reflections

Disney’s Frozen Jr. Inspires

Posted on by carrieleighdickey

Special Report by Journalist Luscinda L. Dickey

“Let it go!” sings Elsa, Ava Belle Jones, as snowflakes dance around her. “Let it go!!!” sing two little girls sitting one row from the back of the house. The moment could have thawed the coldest heart. Disney’s Frozen Jr., presented by The Little Theatre of Winston Salem, was full of such moments.

To see a group of actors retelling one of my favorite movies in musical form was delightful! There were the same characters and the same songs (plus some new ones), and of course, there was the same story. Though, being a condensed version of the full Broadway production, I found the flow a little choppy.

The set was limited due to the small venue, but I liked the way it was used. It was made of boxes that could stack and twist. Meaning that the set could be reconfigured using the same pieces for each and every scene leaving the stage with a different look.

All in all, some of my favorite elements included the perfectly matched costumes by Tara Raczenski and the toe tapping energy filled dance of “Hygge.” Plus, who could have resisted the warm hugs of Olaf, Caroline Mendenhall.

I believe that performances like Disney’s Frozen Jr. are necessary. Not only do they provide young actors and actresses like me with a wonderful chance to perform, but they also inspire the next generation of performers and theatre goers after us.

Thank you The Little Theatre for inspiring others.

www.ltofws.org

Show Reviews

Magic Graces the Stage with Spring Theatre’s Production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr.

Posted on by carrieleighdickey

Special Report by Journalist Luscinda L. Dickey

The moment the lights went up on the stage of Disney’s The Lion King Jr., the audience was transported to the colorful world of the African Savanna. The actors were just kids like me, but I laughed at the antics of Timon, Olivia Trauth, and Pumbaa, Emily G Cox; I felt like crying at the death of Mufasa, Sam Stowe; and I could sense the deep emotions of Simba, Kyle Brady.

The dancing, choreographed by Jordan Medley and Erinn Dearth, was awesome! From the sweeping waltz of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the rousing tap of “Hakuna Matata,” the audience was on its toes waiting for what was going to happen next!

There was so much to feast your eyes on! The lighting, designed by Dan Beckmann, set the stage for each scene. The three great boulders of Pride Rock moved around captivating you with ever the changing vista.

In total Disney’s The Lion King Jr. was an evening of fun, laughter, and pure enjoyment. Spring Theatre has truly breathed new breath into the circle of life.

SpringTheatre.org

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