I was REALLY thrilled with this show, folks! Apparently, I'm there a bit, considering bandleaders Matthew and Jennifer Hahn knew me by my first name before I could even show my ID. What can I say? I love local theater, and the deal NEOBuckeye got on opening weekend tickets was too good to miss, so I joined him and his lovely wife (and seven others) for the show.
We had a special treat at my table because we were having an early celebration of NEOBuckeye's birthday. Amy Lay, in full Marilyn Monroe garb, sang "Happy Birthday" and covered his head with red lipstick kisses. He still had them when we left that evening.
The biggest kudos I can give is to Katy Psenicka for her lush choreography. Normally there is one dance number and a little booty shaking during the songs. There were two major dance sequences and a third with two pairs doing the Lindy Hop (I think). Her work to "Oye Como Va" was what everyone THINKS they looked and danced like during Spring Break. There was also a modified version of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" to end the night and tempt everyone to come back for Back to the Garden.
The comedy was almost entirely spot on (come on, mess with this quote, Jimmy). A couple of sketches will probably tighten up over the next week. It's Spring Break, Charlie Brown had a slow start but kicked into high gear when little Sally brought her new boyfriend... from South Park. I was thrilled to see the return of two of my favorite characters, Buffy and Maureen (Katy Psenika and Julie Klein), as one tried to work at a bake sale while completely blotto. If the material is good and the characters are strong, bring 'em back! The same goes for young Jason's (Jimmy Mak) and Shannon's (Amy Lay) respective sketches. The other sketches were solid, although I don't think I will EVER think of the Easter Bunny the same way again...
Speaking of returning characters, Jym Ganahl made his return to Shadowbox via video. Watching him get excited about his Spring Break stories while the Shadowbox crew listens with horrified expression was a highlight. Some of the editing for the first couple of videos was a little choppy, but the material was solid and funny.
The music, the MUSIC! BillWho? is simply the best cover band in the central Ohio. Adding David Whitehouse's violin skills to Julie Klein's vocals was a brilliant move that made "Baba O'Reilly" a standout. "Rock This Town" was also a standout thanks to J.T. Walker's singing and the dancing around him.
I'm probably forgetting a gazillion details. Go see the show and remind me. Remember to say hi to CU performers jmak and d2thawhitey!
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