The stage is so perfect for this show! I must say being front row was exhilarating – I still have my “I Heart Freedom” Poster. The show choice is wonderful for Signature, intimate, close and with a wonderful ensemble cast.
Will Gartshore and Erin Driscoll have adorable comic chemistry Bobby Strong and Hope Cladwell. His facial expressions are terrific and he’s got quite a voice! (And he's just so cute-stage presence included!) Erin Driscoll is hilarious – she uses this helium pitched voice and very damsel-in-distress mannerisms, which work beautifully. She reminded me of one of those heroines that was tied to the railroad tracks waiting to be saved by her hero. I am fully aware that this is a farce, but any show needs the least bit of a heart to succeed and while mostly funny, I feel like there could have been an ounce more seriousness when witnessing Bobby and Hope’s love for each other.
Stephen Schmidt as Officer Lockstock was show-stealing. His presence and delivery incredible, as was his comic timing. His voice boomed and his deviousness was perfection. (My personal favorite). Christopher Bloch as Cladwell B Caldwell is wonderfully sleazy, but I feel like he could’ve been more devious. Personally, I felt like Lockstock was more devious that Caldwell and the minion should not be more villainous than the master. I don’t want this to be mistaken – he was great – just not amazing.
Jenna Sokolowski was very cute as Little Sally, but I would have played the role a bit more like those little kids who keep asking questions. Though, Sokolowski was so endearing and heart-winning, so no major complaints.
Donna Migliaccio (did I get it right?
was a very funny Pennywise – she took “Privilege to Pee” and sung it with such a heart – she is a true comedian, because as a rule a comedian cannot look like they know hteir material is funny. The chemistry between her and Cladwell is so bizarre, but like most of the show itself, it works.
The ensemble is wonderful! Ever since I saw “Signature Sing Broadway in Ballston”, I must admit to having a little crush on the ever-talented Evan Casey, who played Tiny Tom. He does not disappoint and I think epitomizes the “No small parts” rule, as do Sherri Edelen and Thomas Adrian Simpson – Becky Two Shoes and Senator Fipp, respectively. Edelen just has such a magnificent presence, and her and Steven Cupo (Hot Blades Harry) were a dynamic pair on “Snuff that Girl.” Simpson was larger-than-life and terrifically oily – just loved watching him whenever he was onstage!
This was a fabulous night of theatre!!! I performed in a Brecht piece a few years ago, so that was wonderful for me to see the similarities. If you have the opportunity – go! “It’s a Privilege” to see this production!!!
Rosencrantz: "Be happy - if you're not even HAPPY what's so good about surviving? We'll be all right. I suppose we just go on."
- from Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Updated On: 8/23/05 at 11:55 AM
) Should I listen to/buy the CD first? Is it better to be surprised or are the lyrics so clever I should buy it? I'm so excited! 
