items tagged with Brian Cowing

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightfully entertaining musical comedy that I wouldn’t mind seeing over and over again, as Friday’s performance of director Tommy Iafrate’s production was funny, touching, and energetic, serving as an exceptional rendering of the musical’s charm, wit, humor, and high level of enjoyability.

Among Bye Bye Birdie’s signature numbers is the show-tune staple “Put on a Happy Face,” and barring one intentionally, gloriously sour exception, the cast for the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre’s winning and energetic production of this Broadway warhorse has done just that.

The scenic design for the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre’s Into the Woods is deceptively simple – basically a half-dozen white drop curtains hanging ceiling to floor, with a few stone steps decorating the otherwise bare stage. But don’t be fooled: Like a rabbit being pulled from a hat, something truly magical emerges from this production’s minimalist-by-necessity façade.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors kicks off with the promise of a lot of fun. The opening, titular doo-wop number is full of spirit (aided by choreographer Brian Cowing’s homage to ’50s-era backup singers) and is well sung by the trio of street urchins – played by Monique Abry, Heather Botts, and Nyla Watson – who showcase impressive solo belt voices and tight harmonies. With my head bopping and my lips longing to sing along, I believed I was in for a raucous good time during Friday’s performance. However, the Showboat’s production wilts as the carnivorous plant at the center of the action grows.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre’s The Drowsy Chaperone is fantastically fun. Of course, it helps that the book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, and the music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, are filled with amusing lines, scenarios, and situations. It also helps that this summer’s Showboat cast is so talented, appearing in one impressive production after another, including Thursday night’s performance.