December 8, 2017
The Production:
Elf Jr.
Presented by Tates Creek Middle School
At the Tates Creek High School Auditorium
Photo by Daniel Roberts
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“It’s Almost Christmas And I’m Singing!”
Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without the humorous story of Buddy the Elf! Join the Tates Creek Middle School students, under the direction of Ryan Briggs, with music director Nicholas Breiner, and get into the holiday spirit! The beautiful sets and brightly-colored Elf costumes will have you singing “Fa La La” in no time flat! Buddy (Alex Losch) leads the cast in a happy-go-lucky portrayal. Although I would argue that his speaking voice is sometimes gruff, his diction is good with nicely delivere...
June 30, 2017
The Show
Shrek The Musical
Town Hall Productions and Campbellsville University
at the Russ Mobley Theater (1 University Drive)
Photo by Renee R. Dobson
"Can I just say? That was incredible!"
This production of Shrek (directed by Jason Garrett with choreography and music direction from Cassie Lucas) will call forth your attention and dedication as a knight beckons his noble steed to accompany him on his quest. Many hands join together to bring us a musical that is classic (and unclassy!), magical, touching, and entertaining throughout. In some shows there comes a moment where things move along too slowly and the audience may get momentarily bored. In Shrek, that moment never comes. From start to finish, this show will have you laughing, cheering, clapping, and gagging on the fumes.
Photos by Renee R. Dobs...
June 23, 2017
The Production
Disney’s The Lion King Jr.
Presented by the Summer Academy 2017
at the Woodford Theatre
Photo by Emma Becker
Prideland, My Land
The cast and crew of the The Lion King Jr. certainly have a lot to be proud of. From the crawling ant to the leaping antelope, these children, under the direction of Vanessa Becker Weig and team, take the audience on a journey that will not soon be forgotten.
The production begins with Kennedy Johnson commanding the stage as Rafiki. Johnson has a sweet vocal tone that accomplishes the job of sage storyteller quite well, although I kept finding myself wanting more from her… That is, until the final section of He Love In You, in which her full vocal power is unleashed. And then I found that it was worth the wait. What a powerhouse delivery from Johnson and company!
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May 16, 2017
The Production
Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Presented by the fifth grade students of Dixie Magnet Elementary School
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The Beauty Of It All!
I always have a wonderful time at Dixie Elementary. Music Teacher/Director Crystal Peters does a lovely job with her students, training them to sing in tune and to speak loudly and clearly, with lots of expression. This is no small feet when you are directing fifty 5th graders on a stage in the school's cafeteria.
The show starts off strong with clear and expressive narrators (Brandon Dansby, Cash Doolin, McKenna Jones, Gustavor Ortiz-Steicher, Zared Taylor) filling us in on the cursed Prince's history, while Sean Rogers as the Prince and Ariana McPherson as the Enchantress provide polished pantomime acting to create visual interest. Kara P...
April 25, 2017
Photo by Sydney Carter
"Shut the front door and slap my butt with the screen!"
Bring It On At Dunbar High School is a must-see show this Spring. I mean, seriously, cancel your weekend plans and go see it. And then bring friends back with you the next night because you just have to see it again. Expect to have your mind blown by the caliber of talent exhibited by these high school students, including cheer stunts and some seriously great music that only Lin-Manuel Miranda can provide. Please note that this production is rated PG-13.
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“I Got You Like Pokemon and Pikachu!”
Photo by Sydney Carter
Besides the incredible stunts (coached by Pam and Craig Carter) and the dynamic ensemble scenes at Jackson High, my favor...
December 13, 2016
The Show
Science Rocks at Dixie Elementary School
Presented by the 4th Grade Students
This musical is accompanied by 30 Science Exhibits for a hands-on learning experience!
Good Chemistry
Music and Science combine to teach and entertain the audience in this 45 minute production at Dixie Elementary. I saw the show this morning, and let me say, I haven't had that much fun since Schoolhouse Rock! Mrs. Peter's 4th Grade music classes do a wonderful job bringing scientific concepts and experiments to life through music, actions and dance, signs and other visual presentations. As a whole, the very large ensemble is attentive and committed while actors and soloists are doing their parts. I was pleased to hear so many kids singing so exceptionally well, especially considering that there were around 85 of them...
December 8, 2016
The Production
Elf Jr. at Dunbar High School
Note: Some of the roles in this production are double-cast. I can only comment on the actors that I have seen.
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Lighting Up The Stage
The most compelling aspect of this performance is the strength of the leads and supporting characters. Jimmy Rutherford as Buddy has a strong stage presence and makes entertaining acting choices. Also a good singer, he lights up the stage wherever he goes. Jamie Bradley as Jovie is a strong leading lady with excellent belting skills. Her "Never Fall In Love With An Elf" will have you clapping and cheering as she moves seamlessly from full belt to mix. Emily and Michael Hobbs (in this cast Maddie...
December 3, 2016
The Production
A Christmas Carol (straight play)
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Ray Hollenbach, Sarah Durham, Andrew Ward, and Kelli Stanfield
Presented by Town Hall Productions and Campbellsville University
Not Your Mamma's Christmas Carol
Town Hall Productions and Campbellsville University have joined forces to bring us an updated version of the classic tale by Charles Dickens. In this modern adaptation, we find a straight-laced and temperamental female Scrooge (Sarah Durham) sitting in her office at her laptop computer. The revamped dialogue works well to tell the story, without being pretentiously modern. I especially enjoyed the nod to "Miracle on 34th Street" towards the end of the play, and the use of the television in the office scenes. Although set in modern times with update...
December 2, 2016
The Production
Elf Jr. At Woodford Theatre (275 Beasley Drive, Versailles, KY)
Presented by the Woodford Theatre Young Artists
Polished Til It's Sparkle-Jolly-Twinkle-Jingly!
In my experience, any show directed by Vanessa Becker Weig is a well-oiled machine. This production is no exception. From expert blocking, to excellent comedic timing, to well-organized scene changes, this show has a seamless flow that instantly puts the audience in the Christmas Spirit. The musical direction by Alyssa Sturgill includes clean harmonies and solid cut-offs. Jordan Guffey's choreography is precise and entertaining. The impressive ensemble adapts easily from elves to New Yorkers to young professionals. And that’s precisely what they are! These middle and high school aged Young Artists are proficient from start to...
October 19, 2016
Introduction
Hello Musical Theatre enthusiasts! This being my first article, I would like to include some background on why I decided to become a Musical Theatre Critic. It all started with a production of Little Women in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The production was absolutely inspiring - but more on that later! After the show, I left the theatre thinking, I wish there was a way to give back, to fully express the gratitude an audience has for a great show. And then I thought, "well why not!"
Why not do just that? Why not take the opportunity to express to the cast and crew, and to the public, the joy of sharing in a community that has so much to offer in the way of wonderful theatres, wonderful companies, and wonderful shows! The posts on this page are my personal opinions, and although I may bring...
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Vanessa Davis
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Vanessa Davis is a private instructor in voice, piano, guitar, and music theory. She has been teaching music in the Lexington Community since 2005.