Stage Write

  After celebrating its 100 th anniversary last season, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre kicked off its next century of performance with the Broadway musical “Little Women”. The show is based on the beloved book by Louisa May Alcott, but it doesn’t stick strictly to the text. It wisely begins with the lead character, Jo March, away from her family in New York. Early scenes with the sisters can feel a bit slow and beginning it later in the story gives the show a stronger opening.  The musical incorporates some of Jo's stories into the performance. As she reads them aloud to her sisters or friends we see the adventures acted out on stage. The campy dramas provide laughs as her "blood and guts" tales come to life.  Julia Bonnett plays Jo March and it’s her role that truly stands out in this production. Bonnett is fiery and ambitious as the young writer. Her enthusiasm and temper sometimes get the better of her and it’s the character’s flaws that make the audience ...

If you’re already a fan of Monty Python, then seeing the current production of Spamalot at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre should be a no-brainer. For the rest of the theatre-going crowd don’t go to this musical expecting life-altering drama or lyrics filled with lines of wisdom. This is pure entertainment and it’s done so well. With numbers like, “The Song That Goes Like This” and “The Fisch Schlapping Song” it’s clear the show is focused on fun.    Robert Koharchik does an incredible job with the set. He recreates the Monty Python scenes from the French castle to the Camelot casino perfectly. The high tower windows on either side of the stage worked particularly well. A few awards for the show:   Best Dance Moves: Sir Robin Best Insults: The French Best Hair: Sir Dennis Galahad Best Use of Coconuts: Patsy  Best Jazz Hands: Sir Lancelot  Best Dramatic Performance: Tim the Enchanter  Just sit back and revel in the absurdity of the ...