What people are saying...
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REACH FOR THE "SKY"
Guys & Dolls
Lamplighter's Theatre
September 26, 2007
"Smyrna??? Is there really a theatre in Smyrna?
Can they be any good? I don't know that I really
want to drive all the way out there to watch
community theatre." Yes there is and yes they most
certainly are and yes you REALLY do and no it's not
as far as you think and yes you'd better call and
reserve your tickets for Guys and Dolls this weekend
before they sell out which they will likely do soon so
get to it right now – this means you. Do I make
myself clear? MORE - click
Guys & Dolls
Lamplighter's Theatre
September 26, 2007
"Smyrna??? Is there really a theatre in Smyrna?
Can they be any good? I don't know that I really
want to drive all the way out there to watch
community theatre." Yes there is and yes they most
certainly are and yes you REALLY do and no it's not
as far as you think and yes you'd better call and
reserve your tickets for Guys and Dolls this weekend
before they sell out which they will likely do soon so
get to it right now – this means you. Do I make
myself clear? MORE - click
Seuss & Shakespeare? Quite Decent Bedfellows.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Lamplighter's Theatre 20 February, 2007
Do not worry. I have not gone off the deep end. I am not endorsing a
marriage of Seuss & Shakespeare - although now that I've started to
think about it, if a company decides to hitch the two I would probably
come to the wedding. But I digress. I am actually speaking here of the
beauty of fancy language and how simply it can be understood and
even cherished when delivered well.
This is my second review here in Nashville of Much Ado about Nothing,
but, as it is one of my personal favourites, I had no quandaries about
watching yet another theatre company open its arms to a
Shakespearean endeavour. MORE-click
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Lamplighter's Theatre 20 February, 2007
Do not worry. I have not gone off the deep end. I am not endorsing a
marriage of Seuss & Shakespeare - although now that I've started to
think about it, if a company decides to hitch the two I would probably
come to the wedding. But I digress. I am actually speaking here of the
beauty of fancy language and how simply it can be understood and
even cherished when delivered well.
This is my second review here in Nashville of Much Ado about Nothing,
but, as it is one of my personal favourites, I had no quandaries about
watching yet another theatre company open its arms to a
Shakespearean endeavour. MORE-click
Subject: Guys and Dolls
...David thanks so much for that wonderful
opportunity.... We joined them at Razz'z for a great
dinner and then were treated to a memorable
theater experience.
The show was fantastic. truly , as I mentioned both
Lori and I have a long history with theater and this
was easily one of the very best community theater
plays we have seen. From the pleasant greeters at
the front door, to the curtain fall were were delighted
, entertained and galvanized by the performance.
So many theater companies forget that the purpose
of theater is to tell a story...and the cast and crew
did that efficiently and successfully. I was struck by
how committed to the play each performer was.
Usually in a play with a large ensemble cast you
spot standouts as well as people just standing
about. Was not the case with this show ..it was my
feeling that each cast member was fully plugged
into the show.
The leads were terrific..and Lori and I both felt that
as a whole the casts comedic timing was spot on.
Its wonderful to see a show where there is as much
going on between the lines as in them ...
We will be frequent visitors to this theater company
...
Thanks so much
...David thanks so much for that wonderful
opportunity.... We joined them at Razz'z for a great
dinner and then were treated to a memorable
theater experience.
The show was fantastic. truly , as I mentioned both
Lori and I have a long history with theater and this
was easily one of the very best community theater
plays we have seen. From the pleasant greeters at
the front door, to the curtain fall were were delighted
, entertained and galvanized by the performance.
So many theater companies forget that the purpose
of theater is to tell a story...and the cast and crew
did that efficiently and successfully. I was struck by
how committed to the play each performer was.
Usually in a play with a large ensemble cast you
spot standouts as well as people just standing
about. Was not the case with this show ..it was my
feeling that each cast member was fully plugged
into the show.
The leads were terrific..and Lori and I both felt that
as a whole the casts comedic timing was spot on.
Its wonderful to see a show where there is as much
going on between the lines as in them ...
We will be frequent visitors to this theater company
...
Thanks so much
| MURFREESBORO PULSE Guys and Dolls, highlight weekend at the theater Terry Mayo 04.OCT.07 I went to Smyrna’s Lamplighter Theatre Friday night, Sept. 28, not knowing what really to expect. I figured in my mind an old small church building (it does house an Assembly of God) with curtains hanging on clothesline wire and old wooden pews. What I got blew me away. Smyrna’s best kept secret needs to advertise in Murfreesboro a little more. A new modern brick facility with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, an orchestra pit, huge lobby and a seating capacity of 450 absolutely blew me away. Even more convincing, this was the fourth show and this production was sold out! Theatre patrons of all ages were enjoying, as I did, a most wonderful night of Guys and Dolls. With Greg Wilson directing, who made a special effort right before the show began to come introduce himself to me, this splendid play was in every way three hours of pure entertainment. The original play was on Broadway in the fall of 1950 for over 1100 performances, and it has not lost its luster or delivery. Nathan Owen as Sky Masterson, Steve Burkett as Nathan Detroit, Miss Catherine Birdsong as Sgt. Sarah Brown, and Miss Arwen Jones as Adelaide were most enjoyable to watch, all four being professional, comical, believable, and very talented. The ensemble of guys, dolls, crapshooters and save-a-soul missionaries were remarkable, their timing and blocking, and choreography being nearly perfect. There were almost 50 actors onstage in all, and I give kudos for this fine piece of work. What struck me as well, was the live orchestra between the patrons and the stage and ear-to-mouth cordless mikes, that the main characters had, that made the voices and songs impeccable. Mr. Wilson and Guys & Dolls: I loved you a bushel and a peck! |
Mousetrap is a Must-See
April 4 - 13 by Chad Young
It excites me when I discover a real gem in the local theater community, and I
was ecstatic to encounter Smyrna’s lovely Lamplighter’s Theatre during its
current run of Mousetrap. If you and your kids love a great “whodunit,” this
performance is a must-do on your family calendar.
This stellar murder mystery -- penned by one of the world’s best crime
writers, Agatha Christie -- is intoxicating from start to finish. It comes as no
surprise that the outstanding set design, orchestrated by director Nathan
Owen, required a 20-person construction crew to build. The keen attention
to ornate detail really pays off. I must admit, I wasn’t expecting something so
grand from a community theater housed inside a church. The impressive,
innovative stage design truly sets the tone for an incredible theatrical
experience that is fun, fun, fun!
Of course, what really makes or breaks a show is the cast, and this one is
phenomenal! It is inspiring to discover some of the region’s best-kept secrets
in the acting community, particularly Wilhelm Peters, who portrays the
flamboyant Christopher Wren. Peters owns his character on every count.
Masterful at conquering the British dialect, Peters also nails every nuance of
facial expression, and his comedic timing is impeccable.
Likewise, Greg Wilson’s portrayal of Mr. Paravicini also hits the bull’s eye.
This gent is a real pleasure to watch on stage, and the vigor he brings to his
role is crucial to the plot. Ronei Hardin’s Mrs. Boyle is brilliant as well. Hardin
successfully delivers her character’s snobbish, uppity persona with great
style and finesse.
Overall, most of the cast members do a fabulous job pulling off the British
accent (as does Wilson with his Italian character)…Adam Young playing Sgt.
Trotter..bringing a lot of energy and determination to his detective’s role.
Everyone in the cast delivers their characters in a way that places them all
under suspicion after the murder occurs, which presents an exciting
challenge to speculate the perpetrator.
April 4 - 13 by Chad Young
It excites me when I discover a real gem in the local theater community, and I
was ecstatic to encounter Smyrna’s lovely Lamplighter’s Theatre during its
current run of Mousetrap. If you and your kids love a great “whodunit,” this
performance is a must-do on your family calendar.
This stellar murder mystery -- penned by one of the world’s best crime
writers, Agatha Christie -- is intoxicating from start to finish. It comes as no
surprise that the outstanding set design, orchestrated by director Nathan
Owen, required a 20-person construction crew to build. The keen attention
to ornate detail really pays off. I must admit, I wasn’t expecting something so
grand from a community theater housed inside a church. The impressive,
innovative stage design truly sets the tone for an incredible theatrical
experience that is fun, fun, fun!
Of course, what really makes or breaks a show is the cast, and this one is
phenomenal! It is inspiring to discover some of the region’s best-kept secrets
in the acting community, particularly Wilhelm Peters, who portrays the
flamboyant Christopher Wren. Peters owns his character on every count.
Masterful at conquering the British dialect, Peters also nails every nuance of
facial expression, and his comedic timing is impeccable.
Likewise, Greg Wilson’s portrayal of Mr. Paravicini also hits the bull’s eye.
This gent is a real pleasure to watch on stage, and the vigor he brings to his
role is crucial to the plot. Ronei Hardin’s Mrs. Boyle is brilliant as well. Hardin
successfully delivers her character’s snobbish, uppity persona with great
style and finesse.
Overall, most of the cast members do a fabulous job pulling off the British
accent (as does Wilson with his Italian character)…Adam Young playing Sgt.
Trotter..bringing a lot of energy and determination to his detective’s role.
Everyone in the cast delivers their characters in a way that places them all
under suspicion after the murder occurs, which presents an exciting
challenge to speculate the perpetrator.