Area stages offer drama, musical, world premiere

GREY GARDENS

The classic 1975 documentary film “Grey Gardens” told the bizarre story of “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale, the quirky aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.

At first blush, this tragic tale of eccentric former socialites may not seem to be likely subject matter for a Broadway musical. Still, Doug Wright’s adaptation of “Grey Gardens” became a modestly successful tuner in 2006.

Under the direction and choreography of Nedra Dixon, the Unicorn Theatre has mounted an offbeat rendition that features top-notch performances from two of Kansas City’s pre-eminent actresses, Cathy Barnett and Kathleen Warfel.

The first act takes place in 1941, when the Beale family was at the height of social status. The second is set in 1973, when mother and daughter live in pathetic squalor in a decrepit section of their once immaculate estate.

Barnett portrays Edith, a wannabe vocalist who uses her social position to promote her iffy talents, much to the consternation of her daughter Edie (Lauren Braton) who also has theatrical aspirations. Edith’s meddling ruins Edie’s relationship with Joseph Kennedy (Brandon Sollenberger).

In act two, Warfel plays the elder Edith and Barnett takes over the role of the younger Edie. At this point, it’s obvious that the Beale family dysfunction is a result of Edith and Edie’s unhealthy emotional interdependence.

Scott Frankel’s music and Michael Korie’s lyrics in act one ably capture the feel of the pre-war years. Act two, which takes on a more ambitious “Sondheim” flavor, isn’t quite as successful.

While it’s more an intriguing experiment than it is a satisfying musical, the performances give “Grey Gardens” a curious allure.

 “Grey Gardens” runs through Feb. 28 at the Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. For information, call (816) 531-7529 or visit www.unicorntheatre.org.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Just how does one turn a sprawling Jules Verne adventure novel into a snappy, affecting stage play?

Writer/director Laura Eason knows that the answer lies in top-notch craftsmanship, a handful of versatile performers and a boatload of imagination.

The Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s inventive adaptation demonstrates that, with the right inspiration, virtually any story can be made into a gratifying work of theater.

In 1872, a wealthy English gentleman named Phileas Fogg (Lance Baker) makes a wager with another aristocrat that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.

The feat will either bring him to glory or ruin. He and his French butler Passepartout (Kevin Douglas) set out on this improbable journey using the era’s limited modes of transport.

A meddling Scottish policeman (Joe Dempsey) and an Indian damsel in distress (Ravi Batista) are among those who complicate their perilous journey.

Even without the hot air balloon some may recall from the movie version, this family-friendly show is a pleasingly buoyant bit of escapism.

“Around the World in 80 Days” runs through Feb. 14 at the Helen Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. For tickets, call (816) 235-2700 or visit www.kcrep.org.

LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI

It’s always heartening to see theater companies take a risk by bringing new shows to local audiences. That’s particularly true when it’s a world premiere.

“Life on the Mississippi” is The Coterie’s tune-filled stage version of Mark Twain’s affectionate recollections of his time as a cub steamboat pilot in the years just before and after the Civil War.

Price Messick plays the young Samuel Clemens, leading a likable cast that includes KC Comeaux, Logan Ernstthal, Stephen Eubank, Matthew Rapport and Katie Karel.

The book and lyrics by Douglas M. Parker and music by Denver Casado fit Twain’s autobiographical memory play, and Jeff Church’s direction is sure-handed as always.

“Life on the Mississippi” runs through Feb. 28 at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. For tickets, call (816) 474-6552 or visit www.coterietheatre.org.

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (1)

Write comment