Carol Worcel

Brooks comedy comes ‘Alive!’ at ATI

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By John Lyle Belden

One of the cool perks of being Associate Artistic Director of Actors Theatre of Indiana for Darrin Murrell is that he gets to direct the incredibly fun musical, “Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein,” adapted by Brooks from his classic comedy film with Thomas Meehan. All songs are also by Brooks, except for the famous scene with Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”

Murrell was overjoyed to have Ben Asaykwee in the title role, as well as Craig Underwood as the Monster, both adept at the necessary physical comedy. Asaykwee’s resemblance to Gene Wilder from the movie is less an impersonation than a reminder that both seem to have been touched by the same muse, hilariously delivering bluster, intelligence, and mischief, capable of being simultaneously the romantic lead and a slapstick clown.

One doesn’t have to have seen the film to follow this show, or have more than a rudimentary knowledge of the Frankenstein legend (Brooks’ approach was more a tribute to Universal Pictures monsters than the Mary Shelley novel). Movie fans will recognize many scenes and characters, though.

Professor of brain science Frederick Frankenstein (Asaykwee) – pronounced “fronk-en-steen” – discovers he has inherited his infamous grandfather’s castle in Transylvania. He goes there to settle his estate, met at the train station by servant Igor (John Vessels, Jr.), an odd man with a migrating back hump who has hired an eager young assistant, Inga (Sophie Jones), for his new master. At the castle, we meet horse-frighteningly eccentric housekeeper Frau Blucher (Julie Lyn Barber). Finding the laboratory and his grandfather’s notes, Frederick insists he won’t repeat any abominable and dangerous experiments – until, of course, he finds the right body and brain.

Meanwhile, there is concern in the village that a new Dr. Frankenstein is in residence. Inspector Kemp (Eric Olson), whose previous encounter with a reanimated creature literally cost him an arm and a leg, is determined to keep such events from happening again.

Frederick’s fashion-forward fiancé Elizabeth (Megan Arrington-Marks) will also arrive, just as hijinks get into high gear. 

As in the film, the Monster (Underwood) stumbles upon a Hermit (Adam B. Shapiro) who is blind and lonely, but he does get a song.

Other roles are covered by James Garrett Hill, Drew Kempin, JoBeth Hilton, Hannah Boswell and Natalie Fischer, with Emily Chrzanowski on hand as understudy.

Few frights, but a lot of laughs and double-entendres in Brooks’ bawdy style, with a few asides taking aim at popular monster-movie tropes. This being a “horror” show with song and dance numbers, indulging in silliness fits the milieu perfectly.

Vessels has fun with his character, delivering a nice homage to the late Marty Feldman with a bit of his own flair. Olson, well disguised by Kemp’s facial hair and costume, embodies the character perfectly for maximum comic effect. Jones’s Inga is winsome as the sidekick who is always smarter than she lets on, caring enough to let distracted Frederick catch up to her true affections. Barber nicely menaces and deadpans as Blucher, contrasted with the wild emoting over her “boyfriend.”  Arrington-Marks gives the full measure of self-obsessed Elizabeth, as well as her change of heart.

Even when dangerous, Underwood as the Monster doesn’t come across as monstrous – just a big guy (with Abbie Normal’s brain) very confused at waking up from the dead. Also, fire bad.

Nathan Perry is musical director; choreography is by Carol Worcel; and Kevin Casey is stage manager. The castle scenic design is by Jay Ganz (note the gargoyles), with props designed by Christian Condra.

Performances of “Young Frankenstein” run through Nov. 9 in the intimate confines of The Studio Theater at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel. For info and tickets, go to atistage.org or thecenterpresents.org.

Musical blast from the past by ATI

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By John Lyle Belden

Every era has both its triumphs and struggles; they were also years which those who grew up in tend to remember fondly. For some of us – and many of our parents – that was the 1960s, a time of big changes, big hair, and a lot of great music.

“Beehive: The 60’s Musical” presented by Actors Theatre of Indiana, gives us more than 30 hits from the decade, with emphasis on songs sung by women – from “It’s My Party” to “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Our guides through this time of feminine revolution are six outstanding singers: Rachel Dudt, Riley Francis, Michaela McGarel, Kayla Perry, Kria Rangel, and Abigail Storm, who also acts as host. They are backed by a live band, led by Greg Wolff. The show is directed and choreographed by Carol Worcel.

There are a couple of scenes with direct impersonations of the original singers – done very well – but mostly the emphasis is on heartfelt renditions that sound like we remember coming from our transistor radios. On occasion there may be some audience involvement, such as providing names for “The Name Game,” and throughout we are encouraged to clap and even sing along.

In all, this is just a fun evening of music that still entertains and inspires, even decades later. For the Boomers who remember, or those of other generations who love swinging to the oldies, there are two more weeks of “Beehive,” Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 10-14 and 17-21, at The Studio Theater of the Allied Solutions Center for The Performing Arts in downtown Carmel. Get info and tickets at atistage.org or thecenterpresents.org.

ATI employs legendary workplace comedy

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By John Lyle Belden

The corporate glass ceiling has a few more openings these days, but women still relate to the frustration of the 1980 movie, “9 to 5,” which made lifelong friends of its stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, who wrote and performed its iconic theme.

The story, which Fonda brought to film after hearing the plight of admins in the ‘70s, got new life as a Broadway musical by Patricia Resnick with more songs by Parton in 2009. And now, Actors Theatre of Indiana have put it to work at the Studio Theatre in Carmel through May 11.

Set mainly in the offices of mythical Consolidated Industries in 1979, and keeping the plot beats of the original film, Judy Bernley (Devan Mathias [Fonda’s role]) is enduring her first day at work – ever, thanks to being dumped by her philandering husband. She is put under the tutelage of supervisor Violet Newstead (Judy Fitzgerald [Tomlin]), who is still considered “just a secretary” despite seniority over many of the men, including “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” company VP Franklin Hart (J. Stuart Mill). The tyrannical Mr. Hart is served by personal assistant Roz Keith (Cynthia Collins), an obsessively devoted toady who spies on the others for him, and secretary Doralee Rhodes (Abigail Storm [Dolly]), who constantly deflects but puts up with his blatantly sexist shenanigans while getting no respect from others due to her “backwoods Barbie” accent and looks, but mostly from the rumor she’s banging the boss.  

To set the scene, Ms. Parton herself appears on a screen to introduce the show and its principal trio. The opening number is a breakdown of the theme song, energetically propelling us into their “way to make a living.”

We also meet Grace Villegas, Jaddy Ciucci, and choreographer Carol Worcel as secretaries Maria, Kathy, and Margaret (the “old lush”). Deb Wims is Hart’s oblivious wife Missy, and plays a member of the secretarial pool. Tim Hunt is accountant Joe, who is sweet on Violet. Kenny Shepard portrays Dick (appropriately), Judy’s ex, while Fletcher Hooten is Josh, Violet’s teenage son; Shepard and Hooten also appear as members of the company’s all-male executives, along with Peter Scharbrough as rising star Bob. Scharbrough later cameos as the Chairman of the Board. Jacob A. Butler plays Dwayne, Doralee’s sweet and supportive husband.

The plot brings Judy, Violet, and Doralee together in their mutual hatred of Hart, and after a then-illicit evening with a rather strong dose of pot during which they relate – and we see gloriously performed – their revenge fantasies, they inadvertently find themselves actually acting them out. So, at intermission, Hart is chained away in his own home by the women, who next must figure out how to keep the company running with him gone (the easy part) while working out the means to keep their own freedom (hilarity ensues).

Mathias and Fitzgerald make familiar roles their own while Storm adds her go-getter spark to the lady in the big blonde hair and support bra. Mill takes his tyrant up a comedic notch from the film, aided by his hilariously cheesy company photograph (props design by Casey Clouser). Collins nails the role of Roz. Hunt is sweet as smitten Joe, who helps save the day but gives credit where due.

Indy area stage legend Suzanne Fleenor directs. Stage managers are Duane McDevitt, assisted by Kayla Richardson. Guy Clark’s costume design evokes the era without edging into loud fashion. Jay Ganz designed a clever and functional modular set that allowed for smooth desktop transitions.

The fairly daring-for-its-time show that set the standard for modern workplace comedy is a still-relatable joy and gentle reminder to value everyone who has to punch in at 9 (or, from my experience, 8) to 5. Performances are at the Studio Theatre in the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel. Info and tickets at atistage.org and thecenterpresents.org.

Musical mystery madness at ATI

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By John Lyle Belden

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents “Whodunit: The Musical” by Ed Dixon, a musical theatre comedy treatment of an early-20th century murder mystery in a style something like a Carol Burnett Show sketch.

As long as you keep this in mind and adjust expectations accordingly, you should have some fun with this felonious farce, loosely inspired by the classic (serious) mystery novel, “The Circular Staircase” by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Some liberties were taken with plot and characters, giving the show twists of its own – even the program book can’t be completely trusted.

In 1931, spooky happenings at remote Sunnyside Cottage have scared off the entire staff except for head butler Thomas (John Vessels Jr.), just in time for the arrival of vacation renter Carrie (Judy Fitzgerald) who arrives with her personal maid Liddy (Cynthia Collins). Soon they are joined by Carrie’s niece Sally (Logan Hill), who has brought a friend from school – a man! Call him Jack (Jacob A. Butler). Things eventually go from awkward to scary when, after the lights go out and are restored, the portrait of Sunnyside’s deceased owner, Mr. Armstrong, is found destroyed and a crowbar – and an expensive cufflink – are discovered on the stairs. Thomas suggests calling the police in the morning, but that becomes sooner when, after all had gone to bed, a dead body is discovered in the middle of the floor.

This rather loose stiff is Reggie Armstrong, the owner’s estranged son – who had also been romantically stalking Sally and framed Jack for embezzlement at his work. Detective Jarvis (Eric Olson) arrives, trusty magnifying glass in hand, to search for clues. It turns out that nearly everyone had an issue with Reggie, and everyone has a gun. Before this mystery is solved, there will be another body, the fortune-telling cards of Zara the groundskeeper, and several song and dance numbers including, “It’s Harder to Move a Body,” and “A Dark and Stormy Night.”

Eventually, though, a Mysterious Stranger will appear to reveal all.

The campy capers are made entertaining by an excellent cast. Fitzgerald takes all the absurdity in stride, including the over-the-top British accent of fellow ATI co-founder Collins. Butler shows interesting versatility; Olson masters the melodrama; and Hill’s performance includes some award-worthy overacting. Vessels, like his character, is master of this madhouse. Julie Lyn Barber is director, with choreography by Carol Worcel, and musical and vocal direction by Brandon Vos.

Discover “Whodunit” through Feb. 16 at The Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel. For tickets and info, visit atistage.org or thecenterpresents.org.

ATI presents romantic pen-pal predicament

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By John Lyle Belden

Easing us out of the Spooky Season and into the Holidays, Actors Theatre of Indiana presents the classic musical, “She Loves Me.”

With book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (who would next write “Fiddler on the Roof”), this “Holiday Love Story,” based on a 1937 play by Miklos Laszlo, so perfectly fits the template of the modern rom-com, it even inspired one – the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail.”

In 1930s Budapest, Maraczek’s Parfumerie opens with a sales staff that includes anxious yet jaded family man Sipos (John Vessels), hopeless romantic Ilona (Nathalie Cruz), suave ladies’ man Kodaly (Eric Olson), shy yet competent Georg (Jacob Butler), eager delivery and stock boy Arpad (Ben Friessen), and Mr. Maraczek (Darrin Murrell) himself. Business is brisk this summer day, but there is uncertainty that the new musical cigarette boxes will sell. The boss bets Georg its price that at least one box will – then Amalia (Sophie Jones), a headstrong woman seeking a job at the shop, persuades a customer to gladly buy.

With her costing him money, then taking a job alongside her at the store, Georg and Amalia bicker. They can’t stand each other. However, each has also privately written lonely-hearts letters to an anonymous lover – of course, unknowingly, each other. As the calendar turns to December, the “dear friends” decide to meet in person, at a café notorious for romantic rendezvous. What could go wrong?

Butler and Jones are nicely cast as the sweet and sassy secret (to each other) lovers, whose angry sparks generated at work hide a flame growing in spite of itself. Vessels gives dignified charm to his Hungarian everyman that contributes to the comedy without stealing scenes. Likewise Cruz, who in her Act II solo makes being barely literate sound like an adventure. Friesen, whose character has the same last name as the original playwright, makes an interesting catalyst to several scenes while cheerfully playing the maturing lad making his way in the world. Olson gives us a bad boy in both the playful and eventually literal sense, breaking hearts and making scenes with panache. It was good to see Murrell, a steady hand both on stage and off (as ATI’s Associate Artistic Director), as the good-natured but firm – and troubled – boss.

Customers adding little touches of fun in the shop, and appearing in other roles, are Elizabeth Akers, Cynthia Collins, Terrance Lambert, Josh Maldonado, Carrie Neal, and Brett Mutter, who has a wonderful turn as the café head waiter.

Note that it’s not all fun and romance, as subplots include infidelity and a moment of self-harm. But true to romantic stories throughout the ages, all will be well in the end.

The show is directed by Richard J. Roberts, who is also resident dramaturg at Indiana Repertory Theatre. Thus, he found this story interesting as a look into the relatively carefree atmosphere of Eastern European cities in the years before World War II and the strife that followed. Unlike the air of denial that permeates “Cabaret,” this reflects more of a genuine joy that – especially from our perspective – is worth celebrating though (or because) it can prove fleeting.

Choreography is by Carol Worcel, with music and vocal direction by Nathan Perry, and Jessica Greenhoe is stage manager.

For those who enjoy watching the journey from meet-cute to “I do,” or need an idea for your next romantic date, may I suggest “She Loves Me,” performances through Nov. 17 in The Studio Theater at The Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Carmel. Get info and tickets at atistage.org or thecenterpresents.org.

Phoenix shines with ‘Bright Star’

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By John Lyle Belden

A show like the musical “Bright Star” brings with it a lot of expectations.

It is co-written by the legendary Steve Martin (with singer-songwriter Edie Brickell), a connoisseur of the absurd, even as a playwright (see “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” “The Underpants”). But if one recalls the spirit of his film “Pennies From Heaven,” Martin also loves the innocence of a feel-good musical. And “Bright Star” delivers with its upbeat attitude (the title is also the third musical number) and just an edge of drama – sort of an “Oklahoma” set in the Carolinas. Wendy compares the feel to “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou.”

We are alerted to the fact that this is based – loosely – on a true story. But, I would advise one not to read the story of the Iron Mountain Baby, printed in the program, until after you see the show, as it makes the plot more predictable than it already is. Besides, the true events happened in earlier decades, and in Missouri. “Bright Star” is a fictional tale (with the luxury of replying to “oh, that couldn’t have happened” with “it actually did, once”) taking place in Hayes Creek, Asheville, Zebulon and Raleigh, N.C.

In addition, there’s the burden of living up to being a Broadway hit. Considering it’s the Phoenix Theatre launching the local premiere, and the standing ovation by the packed audience at Thursday’s preview, this expectation has been well met.

At the end of World War II, Billy Cane (Ian Laudano) comes home from the Army to find his Daddy (Joey Collins) and childhood best friend Margo (Betsy Norton) waiting for him, but his mother passed on. Billy aspires to be a writer, and gives his essays to Margo, who runs the local bookstore, to edit for submission to magazines. He decides to take his best works and deliver them by hand to the Asheville Southern Journal – a fool’s errand, as copy editor Daryl (John Vessels) is a strict gatekeeper. But senior editor Alice Murphy (Molly Garner) sees something in this young man, and agrees to read his work.

We then get a look at Murphy’s past, and from there the story flows back and forth between the 1920s and ’40s, but Martin and Brickell’s plot – and director Suzanne Fleenor – don’t let things get confusing. Speaking of flow, the choreography, nicely done by Carol Worcel, seems to extend even to inanimate objects as furniture and setpieces on subtle casters seem to dance in and out of scenes as needed.

As a teen, Alice falls in love with Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Patrick Clements), son of Zebulon’s no-nonsense Mayor (Charles Goad). She is seen as the “black sheep” of her family, headed by her Bible-toting father (Paul Tavianini) and mother (Maryjayne Waddell), so it isn’t surprising when she gets in trouble. Jimmy Ray wants to do right by her, but the Mayor wants no scandal and takes matters literally into his own hands.

In Billy’s era, he has been accepted as a writer for the Journal, but struggles to find his voice – while also dealing with advances by Daryl’s assistant, Lucy (Ashley Dillard). Meanwhile, back in Hayes Creek, Margo wonders if a new dress will be enough to wake Billy up to her growing feelings for him.

All the plotlines come together in ways you see coming but are still satisfying. This is aided by some first-rate performances – Laudano as the happy optimist, Garner giving Alice deep wells of strength, Clements with his powerful voice and effortless manner, Collins radiating wisdom through his aw-shucks hillbilly facade, Norton as charming as ever as Margo, the antics of Dillard and Vessels that lend comedy relief without getting too silly, Tavianini’s firm hand reaching toward the light, and Goad’s grasping hand committing to the role of villain. Ensemble members also get their moments, including Kenny Shepard as the Mayor’s assistant, and Conner Chamberlin as Max – the lonely guy who has no shot with Margo, but can’t help trying.

An excellent band of strings and bluegrass instruments, led by Brent Marty at the piano, occupies the back of the stage like a natural part of the environment.

I’ve heard from the Phoenix, 705 N. Illinois St., that the show’s run – through Oct. 7 – is selling out fast. Call 317-635-7529 or visit phoenixtheatre.org.

Incredible ‘Cabaret’

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NOTE: As the Word/Eagle is in flux with the renaming and corresponding change in official website, John is still putting his reviews here.

By John Lyle Belden

The Actors Theatre of Indiana production of Kander and Ebb’s “Cabaret” is one of those “even if you’ve seen it before” shows that you absolutely should see.

And if you are only familiar with the Joel Gray/Liza Minnelli movie version of the musical, you haven’t seen it like this – as ATI and director Billy Kimmel opt for the “revival” version of the production. This perfectly suits the brilliant Ben Asaykwee as the randy Emcee (in the Tony-winning style of Alan Cumming).

Asaykwee struts and coos his way through the story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Eric J. Olson) and wayward English singer Sally Bowles (ATI co-founder Cynthia Collins) in Berlin just as the Nazis are seizing power. Collins is appropriately brash and charismatic and in great voice. Olson tackles an everyman role (though gay, or at least bisexual) with the perfect touch, our proxy to events that are at first unbelievable in a fun and entertaining sense, then chilled with approaching calamity.

Patrick Vaughn is smooth as the deceptively charming Ernst Ludwig, Debra Babich is strong yet sweet as landlady Fraulein Schneider, and Darrin Murrell as Jewish shopkeeper Herr Schultz makes you ache to know that such a wonderful man is unwilling to see the growing danger around him. Also notable are Judy Fitzgerald as working-girl Fraulein Kost, Nicholas Roman and Kenny Shepard as sensuous bookends Bobby and Victor (and other roles as needed), the BEAUTIFUL Kit Kat girls Nicole Bridgens, Jenee Michelle, Ashley Saunders and Carol Worcel (who also choreographed) and the BEAUTIFUL orchestra.

As history lesson, allegory, love story and brilliant entertainment, this show works on all levels. See it through Nov. 20 at the Studio Theatre (next to the Tarkington) in The Center for the Performing Arts, 4 Center Green, Carmel. Call 317-843-3800 or see www.atistage.org. Note there are a few table seats right next to the stage; inquire with the box office as to availability.

John L. Belden is Associate Editor at The Eagle (formerly The Word), the central-Indiana based Midwest LGBTQ news source.