Theatre Reviews

Helldrivers of Daytona wants to be a spoof of those corny 60’s rock films but its crude sexy references are neither sexy enough , raw enough or funny enough to raise the level of this show from the gutter. If audiences could understand the Broadway pop-rock singing from the boys, who must shout over the much too loud band, maybe more humor would emerge.

But, by far, this shows major flaw is with the girls. They all talk and sing with a silly squeaky high-pitched ‘chipmunk’ sound that is instantly hard to understand rendering the lyrics and much of the humor unintelligible. Few laughs throughout this production

Mamma Mia! is an amazing show in that it is immensely popular despite being a pop-rock score by ABBA of mostly forgettable songs. In a curious way, I enjoyed the event more for its charm and its feel-good elements. I was mesmerized by how much audiences enjoyed Mamma Mia! They simply went wild with enthusiasm throughout. Amazing, since it is full of average rock songs and the story is fine but not overwhelming. I guess audiences come to hear ABBA songs performed on nice sets by talented actors. I guess?

As I left the theatre, i asked myself who is the audience for this show? Jewish theatre patrons? Lovers of solo shows? I Do Today only contains one of the three elements that make solo shows work: a terrific performance by the actor (Carin Silkaitis was terrific and work hard to make the material work.) But, this show lacks the other two essential elements: no celebrity or historical figure and a strong comprehensive script.

Naperville turns into a cable TV original play filled with playwright invented wacky characters who seem to p layout their problems through too much caffeine. Candice want to sail and cut her grass despite her blindness. Howard quits his job in Seattle as he feels he needs to move back to Naperville to help his mother. Howard discovers that Anne is an old high school classmate that he had a crush on; Anne realizes the Howard (fifty pounds lighter) was her class mate. Sparks could fly?

While The Black Slot has a smart premise, problems stretch credulity as the plot unwinds. Further development of Tim and Beth’s relationship and the ending seems unfinished. But the satire of how regional theatres operate and their beliefs systems as to what and why their core audiences want to see on stage hit home for me.

This work sure has possibilities and with some re-writes, it sure could be terrific. As now presented, it sure has many smart moments. Justin Wade Wilson, as Tim and Amy Kasper, as Pam were particularly effective. The Black Slot is worth a look.