Thespian Thoughts – 110 In The Shade – Theatre Review by Sandro Monetti
110 IN THE SHADE – “Charismatic… well done and fun.”
Theatre Review by Sandro Monetti
If you think the recent hot weather has been tough to cope with, spare a thought for the characters in this musical.
During a summer drought, members of a farming community are sweating about their futures and their crops as the temperature hits 110 in the shade.
But then hope walks into town in the form of a handsome stranger who pledges to make it rain – for the right price.
He also takes a fancy to the last single woman left in the community – instantly ending the drought in her heart.
The ‘rainmaker,’ Bill Starbuck, is a con man, of course, and many of his promises are as false as his made up name. But he is played with such charisma by Skylar Adams that you can’t help rooting for him.
David Crane as kind-hearted innocent Jimmy Curry is another standout performer who really elevates the show.
The problem with this old fashioned musical, first performed in 1963, is that it seems so dated and sexist now – presenting the woman characters as only good for cooking, cleaning and sewing and one musical number, The Hungry Men, is especially cringe worthy in that regard.
But it’s all so well done and fun that it wins the audience over and will send you toe tapping into the heat outside with a song in your heart and a smile on your face.
110 In The Shade
Presented by Actors Co-op
Directed by Richard Israel
At Crossley Theatre, 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA
90028
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2.30pm until June 15 2014.
Tickets $34 regular admission, $30 seniors, $25 students from 323 462 8460 or ActorsCo-op.org
CREDITS
Book by Richard Nash
Music by Harvey Schmidt
Lyrics by Tom Jones
Produced by David Scales
Cast (in alphabetical order) Nicholas Acciani, Skylar Adams, Emily Armstrong, David Crane, Alex Denney, Michael Downing, Julie Hall, Rachel Hirshee, Tim Hodgin, Jason Peter Kennedy, Mark Ostrander, Rory Patterson, Courtney Potter, Colby Salmon, Treva Tegtmeier.
Musical Direction – Bryan Blaskie
Choreography – Julie Hall
Scenic Design – Stephen Gifford
Costume Design – Vicki Conrad
Lighting Design – Mark Svastics
Sound Design – Cameron Combe
Stage Manager – Lauren Goyer
Publicity – Nan McNamara
Photos – Lindsay Schnebly
Brits in LA Book
Photo of Sandro by Dawn Bowery from the book California Dreaming: Brits in LA Book
Thespian Thoughts is a theatre review article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.
