Theatre- 2011

THE WORLD OF
JERRY HENDRICKS

Repercussions of a collector

admit one

Theatre 2011

Photo	Date	Name	Theatre	Location	Rating
Photo	01-21-11	Lucy	Delaware Theatre Company	Wilmington, DE
"A mother reunites with her 13 year old autistic daughter" did not unrealistically raise expectations for a moving and thoughtful night at the theatre, but it was nonetheless. Interesting thesis that autism may be the next evolutionary leap, was far fetched, but intriguing. (review)

Photo	01-28-11	The Glass Menagerie	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
Not as depressing as expected, primarily since it was so well done. Top notch performances again form Michael Gotch and Kathleen Pirkl Tague, and Carine Montbertrand in an unusually subdued role. (review)
Photo	02-18-11	All The Kings Men	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
Probably my all time favorite PPTP production when done about 10 years ago. This scaled back version, again directed by Adrian Hall, wasn't as satisfying. Performed in one night, rather than two, with a smaller cast and stage. Keeping the Randy Newman songs was a good call, but while the nudity was subtle and relevant the first time, it was forced and unnecessary this time (one reviewer found a lot more unnecessary) The casting was perfect. Mic Matarrese was an easy choice for Willie Stark, and although I've generally been unimpressed with Matthew Simpson, he did a competent job handling the lead. Andrew Goldwasser and Sara Griffin, my class favorites, and were outstanding as usual.
Photo	03-01-11	Young Frankenstein	DuPont Theatre	Wilmington, DE
Overheard in the lobby were some who didn't see the movie but still enjoyed it, but it definitely helps if one is already a Mel Brooks fan. As with The Producers, many lines were repeated verbatim and were usually just as funny. I did squirm though at the sophomoric sex jokes, being embarrassed for the young girl in front of me. Cory English as Igor was especially good and was gracious enough to come into the audience during a technical glitch when the sound board crashed. The director also came out and said the show must go on, so did the final few acts "old school" acoustic. Somehow it added to the charm of the evening. Joanna Glushak as Frau Blucher and Synthia Kink as Inga were also very good.
Photo	02-14-11	Blithe Spirit	Delaware Theatre Company	Wilmington, DE
While the witty dialog was enjoyable, the set impressive, and the acting acceptable, it somehow did not seem to jell. Meghan Colleen Moroney stole the show as Madame Arcati and Sarah Doherty was a delight in the small role of Edith, but the leads were often wooden. (review)
Photo	04-08-11	The Good Doctor	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
I was surprised to hear Anton Chekhov and Neil Simon used in the same sentence, but the pairing worked well. Simon took many of Chekhov's short stories and blended them into a single paly. Usually funny, but occaionally poignant, most hit their mark. Topping the serious side was a musical duet between Kathleen Pirkl Tague and guest artist Drew Brhel. On the other extreme, Carine Montbertrand contiued her string of outrageous over-the-top performanbces in A Defenseless Creature skit.
Photo	04-22-11	Chasin' Dem Blues	Delaware Theatre Company	Wilmington, DE
I like the Blues, the story of Paramount Records was interesting, the singers had good voices, yet it felt too manufactured and inauthentic. As one reviewer points out, it was also needlessly individually amplified resulting in a sureal sound.
Photo	04-29-11	Way To Heaven (Himmelweg)	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
A unique slice of the Holocaust, but any time spent on the Holocaust is uncomfortable. A play within a play where the "residents" of the "resort" of Theresienstadt put on a show for the Red Cross to imply that all was well. Bare set, but clever lighting and another fine performance by Mic Matarrese as the Commandant. (review)
Photo	05-04-11	O Beautiful	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
The PTTP Class of 2011, and the first REP cycle go out with a bang. An original play, topical yet timeless issues dealt with fairly and provocatively. Using nearly all the players, plus a number of quests, made for a lively production with numerous seamless set changes. An ultimately sad tale, but filled with humor and thoughtful scenes. Sara Griffin completes her degree with a stunning performance, Michael Gotch was a perfect Jesus and Caroline Crocker excelled in the minor roles of Joan of Arc and the slutty mother. (review)
Photo	05-28-11	Prarie Home Companion	Wolf Trap	Vienna, VA
After 3 years of attending the dress rehersal, we finally got to see the broadcasted show. Guests included Roy Blount, Jr. and The Wailin' Jennys. The Memorial day show concluded with a rousing encore of The Star Spangled Banner.
Photo	09-30-11	Little Foxes	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
Usually find it difficult to enjoy watching dysfunctional families in which most of the characters are unlikable, but somehow, this one was different. Except for Regina, the others got what they deserved in the end, so perhaps that made it acceptable. No PTTP class this year, but two of last years graduates joined the professionals for this years first production. (review)
Photo	11-13-11	Beakman On The Brain	Grand Opera House	Wilmington, DE
Took Jack to his first Grand show to see the somewhat past his prime, TV science guy doing a new show on the brain. A few good jokes and tricks we could bring home for the family.
Photo	12-02-11	Noises Off	REP -Thompson Theatre	Newark, DE
A bawdy, slapstick farce, possibly the funniest thing PTTP/REP has put on. Impeccable timing and pratfalls. All the regulars did a great job as usual, and were joined by guest artist John Tyson in a hilarious doddering drunk role.
Photo	12-27-11	The Lion King	Hippodrome Theatre	Baltinmore, MD
Jack's first Broadway show as we celebrated my birthday in Baltimore. It only took us 14 years to finally catch this show and it lived up to all the hype. We were all well aware of the story, and had even gotten a taste of the show at Disney World two years earlier, yet it was still a thrill to see it. (review)