Top Ranked reviews from Parkview Critics
Kacy Shelton on Kickapoo's "Murdered to Death"
A country estate owner and her young niece, an alcoholic butler, a cheating colonel and his wife, a snooty attractive woman and a shady French artist, a bizarre old woman, an unappreciated constable, and finally an inept inspector are all shoved in a house when a murder takes place. Kickapoo High School takes the spectators on a hysterical expedition in their production of Peter Gordon’s Murdered To Death.
In this comical whodunit, several peculiar characters start to arrive to a party. When the manor’s owner is suddenly murdered, an inexpert inspector takes control. Everybody seems to have a motive, but when the inspector realizes the murderer isn’t finished yet, it becomes a hilarious race to unmask the criminal before everyone meets their doom.
Adam Barksdale’s (Inspector Pratt) energy and commitment were truly remarkable. As he sniffed the wall as he made his first entrance, the audience immediately erupted with laughter. He flaunted peculiar mannerisms and was delightful to observe as he frolicked, stumbled, and flung himself about, commanding the stage.
Each character brought unique qualities to the performance and had a firm understanding of their complex roles. Andrew Magnus (Bunting) demonstrated an amusing, monotonous, sluggish voice and quirky smirks that kept the audience giggling. Cameron Skaggs’s (Colonel Charles Craddock) perverted expressions and thoughtful stance were amusing. Ashley Bench’s portrayal of Joan Maple was ideal. Her scratchy, rancid breath caused shrill screams and distorted faces among her fellow actors. Her consistently intrusive manner was delightful. Each actor flawlessly spoke with an accent. Especially notable were Gerald Sherwood’s (Pierre) and Rebecca Claborn’s (Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington) ability to alternate accents at the drop of a hat.
The limited seating was mere feet away from the stage, resulting in an intimate relationship between the audience and the actors. From the crackling fire, to the majestic horse paintings, to the suspended chandelier, the set was a perfect representation of a country manor house in the 1930’s. Although it was sometimes difficult to see the actors when they were sitting or on the floor, the actors projected nicely and it was never difficult to hear.
With side-splitting interactions, eccentric and complex characters, and a brilliant set, Kickapoo High School deserves many rounds of applause
Lauren Johnson on Central's "Once On This Island"
A strike of lightening, a storm of people, a little girl crying out in fright, and the story begins of Central High School’s Once on This Island, a tale of the young girl Ti Moune and her fight to prove that love can conquer death. Tony Award nominated for Best Musical, along with seven other Tony nominations, this show will really take you back to the Jewel of the Antilles, where chaos is never far away.
As the show begins, a wide mass of colorful characters flowed on stage, all working seamlessly together in the opening number “We Dance”, capturing the audiences fascination just as the show began. Then, when a flood strikes the island, the gods save a little orphan girl, by sticking her in a tree away from the crashing waves. The little girl then gets raised in a loving peasant family and grows up to become the beautiful Ti Moune (Imari Stout).
Ti Moune pleads to the gods that despite her being a peasant that she can meet a grand homme, and the gods simply laugh at the ridiculous idea. However, Erzulie the Goddess of Love (Aubrey Smith) gives Ti Moune her wish because she believes that love is more powerful than any other element. Papa Ge the Demon of Death (Brandon Looney) disagrees and they make a bet of which is more powerful: love or death. And so they send out Daniel Beauxhomme (Micah Scroggins) in a car crash where Ti Moune can go and take care of him and end up falling in love.
The ensemble in this show worked together so well with smooth transitions and beautiful exotic dancing throughout every scene. Although the stage could sometimes become a bit crowded, the power of the amazing teamwork strongly overcame it. The show had an amazing chorus and leads who truly captured the essence of their characters.
Imari Stout was wonderful in the role of Ti Moune, always having the audience routing for her side to win the boy who stole her heart. In numbers such as “Waiting for Life” that she sang her heart out into and “Ti Moune’s Dance” where she amazed the audience with her dancing grace. The chemistry between her and Micah Scroggins was so believable that you ended up falling in love with him yourself.
Aubrey Smith certainly had an amazing voice and motherly strength throughout the show truly tugged on your heartstrings. Brandon Looney also feared the audience with his cackling laugh and amazing character and always had a wonderful stage presence. Additionally, Agwe the God of Water (Micah Williams) impressed the audience with his sure-fire character in the show stopping song “Rain” with beautiful rain dancers that made you feel like you were in a real rainstorm.
Although there were microphones glitches, it was hardly noticeable with such a wonderful performance. The lighting almost always set the mood for a different scene without being too distracting and the revolve on the set that changed depending on their new location was smooth and effective.
It is clear that Once on This Island was a success and was very enjoyable for everyone to watch. The cast of Central High School should be proud and applauded for a job well done.