Act One's '13' is Near Perfection

By Darcie Flansburg
Real Critics Editor/Publisher

"13" is the kind of musical that young triple threat thespians would die to be in. It has everything from topical comedy to beautiful music, engaging characters to touching moments. Yet, dubbed as "A Grown-Up Musical About Growing Up," the show caters to adult audiences as well.

I had the pleasure of seeing the world premiere production of "13" at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 2007. I left that show humming the music for days after. On top of the catchy Jason Robert Brown lyrics, the show touches on teen angst without the cheesiness of "High School Musical" or having to delve into harsh teen realities like "Spring Awakening."

The story follows Evan Goldman in his move from New York to Appleton, Indiana, a few months before his Bar Mitzvah. In his new location Evan decides that he is going to make friends with the popular kids in order to make sure his Bar Mitzva is a hit, thus ensuring a smooth passage into manhood.

His journey teaches him a few things about humanity, what it means to be a friend, and what is really important in life, all with some song, dance, and hilarious teen encounters.

Having had such a great experience with the musical in the past, I was sure that no other production could compare. But Act One Theatre Arts' production of "13" was an excellent representation of this honest and heartwarming show.
Jessica Sharples' portrayal of the sweet and genuine Patrice was just the tip of the iceberg of this amazing cast. 
Sharples hit every note and used every moment on stage.

Patrice has some of the most touching, beautiful songs in the show – “The Lamest Place in The World” and “What It Means to be a Friend” – and Sharples rocked em’. The December 12 crowd was very supportive of the show, but Sharples' numbers always seemed to get some extra woots.

James Bowen played the crippled and clever Archie. Bowen had the perfect personae for the weak yet savy "freak." Archie is probably one of the most difficult characters to perform, not only because of the arm braces, but also the smart-alec, suave attitude coupled with girlish screams and a winning voice. Bowen accomplished all of this and then some.

Max D'Ambra was a convincing Evan. He was invested in each action, felt the emotion, and sang with verve and charm.

Kyle Hensley as Eddie and Marshall Briggs as Malcolm were hilarious together; The duo played off each other well. Anna Duchi was convincingly evil and selfish as Lucy.

And Ashley Zavala, Chloe Whalen, and Brooke Henton were vocally powerful as Charlotte, Cassie, and Molly. One of my favorite number's is "It Can't Be True," an update to the "Bye Bye Birdie" "The Telephone Hour." Well, Zavala, Whalen, Henton and Duchi brought it home with maturity and grace, while still being catty and childish. Job well done.

But the entire cast was incredible. One would think these kids were paid professionals.

Though I was happy that the company kept the show to two hours, I was sad to see some of my favorite numbers cut. But, really, they are all great numbers. And Director/Musical Director Sharon Duchi did an excellent job with the cuts.

The choreography was weak at times; it seemed almost too easy for the talented cast. And it was also unfortunate that there could not also be a live teen band (as it is often done) instead of the canned music.

I also would have liked to have seen the bios for all of these young stars in the program.

But these are minor discrepancies that were easily made up for with great lyrics, great characters, great vocals, and a very professional overall performance. I look forward to seeing more such work from Act One Theatre Arts. 



Act One Community Theatre, "13," 26111 Ynez Road Suite B-9, Temecula, Ca, www.act1theatrearts.com, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 through 19.

'A Christmas Story' is Sweet But Raw

By Darcie Flansburg
Real Critics Editor/Publisher

It's hard to criticize a show with adorable and talented children. Their presence on stage is often enough to make an audience member smile. And when the play is "A Christmas Story" the children also get to perform in a humorous and genuine manner.

Chino Community Theatre's production of "A Chritsmas Story" was performed well enough to be enjoyable. Opening night had its gliches, but what opening night doesn't? Some of these hiccups, however, were a bit hard to ignore.

The story follows Ralph Parker in his quest for the ultimate Christmas present -- an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range air rifle. But every adult that hears young Ralphie's plea has the same response -- "you'll shoot your eye out, kid!"

Ralphie is surrounded by a cast of characters. His father is stingy and easily-angered, while his mother spends her time trying to ease her husband and encourage her children in anyway possible. Ralphie's brother Randy doesn't know how to eat and is always hiding, and his friends Flick and Schwartz spend their time running from the class bully and daring each other to do crazy things.

The script in and of itself is enough to hold the audiences attention, but the young actors in this production performed beyond their years.

Andy Polder was born for the part of Ralphie. This was the 5th grader's first time on stage and hopefully not his last. He has a true talent, mastering the many facial expressions and smart antics of Ralphie Parker.

Patrick Gibbons played Flick to a tee. He performed with honesty and intention, which came in handy for the famous tongue stuck to a frozen pole scene.

Ryan Adams rounded out the trio of friends as Schwartz.

The friends had a natural chemistry together that was often broken up by Scut Farkas, the bully, played by Jayson Bender. Bender's charming headshot in the program is deceiving; the young actor is an excellent villain.

Bill Becker's portrayal of The Old Man, Ralphie's father, was another winning casting choice. Becker's entrances were classic, his bizarre cursing humorous, and his endearing moments very touching.

Where the production fell flat was in the tech. There were several instances where lights flashed on and off by mistake, or props were not set.

It was really unfortunate at the end of the show when Ralphie's father tells Ralphie that there is one last Christmas gift (the air rifle), but the prop was never placed on stage. Becker and Sarah Beth Hall (Mother) covered as best they could, but it was a situation that was easily preventable.

Despite minor shortfalls the production was heartwarming and very enjoyable. The decision to go outside the norm of Christmas show usuals was also appreciated. Therefore a theatre experience worth having.

Chino Community Theatre, "A Christmas Story," 13123 7th Steer, Chino Ca, www.chinocommunitytheatre.org, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 through 18, $15 for General Admission, $12 for students and seniors (55+).

The Cure for the Common Christmas Play

By Gabriel Morales
For the Real Critics Blog

Seen "The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)"? Like it? Love it? Well, fugeddaboutit! That show's got nothin' on it's frenetic holiday doppelganger, "Every Christmas Story Ever Told  (and Then Some!)" now playing at Inland Stage in San Jacinto. Imagine Robin Williams was cloned twice, all three went off their Ritalin, then their legion of personalities went on a crack-fueled mimic-a-thon of beloved holiday characters (B.H.C.'s), and you're half way there.

Frosty, Rudolph, Macy's, Dickens, Tchaikovsky, the Grinch, Charlie Brown, random audience members whisked on stage -- no one's safe in this hilariously irreverent torrent-of-haphazard-consciousness. A sugar plum rave, if you will. Nimbly directed by Marcy Wright, actors John Wesley Leon, Kristofer James and Gabriel Diaz are your madcap guides through this winter whirl-land. With on point impressions, impeccable timing, and absurdly stoic dance routines the trio are sure to leave your voice hoarse, smiling cheeks numb, and mascara running from irrepressible laughter.

Still hankerin' for your annual doses of "Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life"? No, worries. Act Two fuses their best moments into a whole that's greater than it's individual parts: "It's a Wonderful Carol," complete with George and Scrooge, Clarence and the Ghosts, Zuzu and Tiny Tim. And at a brisk 20 minutes it's certainly the funniest, and most bearable version of the traditional tedium that you'll ever see.

Whether you're suffering from the sniffles, theatrical deprivation or general holiday Scrooginess, laughter of course is the best medicine. So ask your doctor about a weekend prescription for "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)," the cure for the common Christmas play. (Not recommended for very pregnant women or people with severe heart conditions.)



ISC's "Every Christmas Story Ever Told" runs through Dec. 19 at the Esplanade Art Center in San Jacinto.