leading ladies play review

They are currently performing "Scenes from Shakespeare" on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. But mostly the inane antics and all that cross dressing stuff keeps the 2 ½-hour play lively. All that happens in about the first 20 minutes. It involves two Shakespearean actors who find themselves in the Amish country of York, Pennsylvania, mounting Shakespeare plays. The set design is by Stephanie Polhemus, costumes by Alicia Kot. Black-and-white areas balance well with strategically placed splashes of color and Alicia Kot’s costumes. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Adrienne Walters, left, and Samantha Ricci will play men who pretend to be women in “Leading Ladies,” March 7-24, 2019, at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. Share on Facebook. His attitude, swag and feigned innocence couldn’t be better. Head to a local reading and signing at 7 p.m. at Fact & Fiction, 220 N. Higgins Ave. MCT's presents "Leading Ladies" It is on our standby list. The play, a co-production of the Alley Theatre (Houston) and The Cleveland Play House, premiered in … Share on Twitter. And (s)he roller skates! Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2008. Theater review: ‘Leading Ladies’ is silly good fun, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). 3.0 out of 5 starsSome Like It Hot meets Tootsie. Samantha Ricci, as Leo/Maxine, and the adorable Adrienne Kaori Walters as Jack/Stephanie do everything in their power to keep the action moving, sometimes making quick changes between their male and female roles in a matter of a few seconds. Cappuccini’s slinky silver gown is well nigh perfect. Directed by Darren Katz, the play opened last week, with matinee and evening performances scheduled through Dec. 10. Donadio has crafted a rhythm in which the beats punch at the right time and keep our attention despite a fair amount of verbose dialogue. Salem Players, the Catonsville-based theatre company recently presented Ken Ludwig’s hysterical farce, “Leading Ladies.” Salem Players is celebrating its 40 th season this year and this is a worthy addition to their repertoire. The Nevers Review: Sparkling Leading Ladies Aside, Joss Whedon's HBO Drama Is Just Reheated Buffy Season 7. When “Maxine” and “Stephanie” first show up at the mansion to claim their inheritances, they’re wearing costumes from their theater days: Maxine waltzes in as Cleopatra while Stephanie swoops and sways as an ethereal Titania from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – complete with colorful butterfly wings. His musicals include Crazy for You and An American in Paris. Download the app or watch online. Join StageAgent today and unlock … Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies - Various Artists on AllMusic - 1999 - On a Monday night in September 1998, PBS's Great… That decision sets up a delightful comedy of errors (through March 8 at Georgia Ensemble Theatre). This film presents highlights of a concert given on 28 September 1998 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The cartoonish-looking set by Stephanie Polhemus works, too. Silliness is actually kind of Ludwig’s signature way of writing plays, so this one, while not as well known (or as well written) as two of his other farces, “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo,” somewhat follows the same structure. Leading Ladies characters breakdowns including full descriptions with standard casting requirements and expert analysis. Share on Twitter. Bloodworth, as Leo/Maxine, gives us a character to root for despite his nefarious motives. Email her at joanneengelhardt@comcast.net. Robin Bloodworth (left) and Allen Dillon play Shakespearean actors, wannabe Hollywood stars, partners and female impersonators in “Leading Ladies.”. Ken Ludwig is perhaps best known as the author of the wildly popular LEND ME A TENOR--and as the author of the singularly uninspired MOON OVER BUFFALO. Keep books like this coming, Chad Dundas," Kirkus wrote in a starred review. Email the author. HBO, Reviews, Television News, The Nevers. Silliness personified is a succinct way to describe the Ken Ludwig creation called “Leading Ladies,” playing through March 24 at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. ... We’re essentially watching the Potentials storyline play out all over again, except this time, we know more of the girls’ names. RELATED STORIES. Watch your favourite shows for free as seen on Channel 7, 7mate, 7TWO and 7flix and explore our collection of 7plus exclusives. Read more. Caroline Ficken and Casey Gardner dazzle as Leo and Jack’s love interests. AtlantafarcegeorgiaGeorgia Ensemble TheatreKen LudwigKenny NortonLeading Ladiestheater, For advertising and sponsorships, email David Wright at david@artsatl.org, Caroline Ficken (left) is Meg and Casey Gardner is Audrey in the Ken Ludwig farce "Leading Ladies" at Georgia Ensemble Theatre through March 8. Director James Knipple deserves credit for trying to move things along because sometimes the dialogue starts to meander … as does the audience’s attention. As Jack, he lacks charm and feels too young for the role. For the main characters in Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies, deception is the only option. That decision sets up a delightful comedy of errors (through March 8 at Georgia Ensemble Theatre ). Now they're making a comeback, Ask Amy: I'm usually very discreet, but I think my friend should hear this secret, DMX's 'curse': Tricked into smoking crack at 14 started lifelong addiction, Harriette Cole: They say my intended wife will never fully understand me. He had controlling obsessions with many of his leading ladies, including Madeleine Carroll, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Eva Marie Saint and Vera Miles. ... he used them to play dress-up. April 8, 2021 by admin 0 Comments. Some of the ladies offer songs with which they have been closely associated over the years, while others explore the road not taken. The scheming begins when two struggling Shakespearean actors stage their touring show, Scenes From Shakespeare, for an unruly and disenchanted Moose Lodge audience. Got that? Share on Pinterest. The Nevers Review: Sparkling Leading Ladies Aside, Joss Whedon’s HBO Drama Is Just Reheated Buffy Season 7. A lady part who is more than just - lady parts. But apparently Pennsylvanians haven’t been too receptive, so they are stuck in the town of York (which happens to be where the playwright was born) when they read that a wealthy spinster is on the verge of dying and is trying to locate her two long-lost relatives to give them the bulk of her estate. Under James Donadio’s direction, the actors display precise timing and enough restraint to keep the absurdity from going over the top. RELATED STORIES. But its storyline is likely quickly forgotten by the time audience members arrive home. If you know any of Ken Ludwig’s other work (Lend Me a Tenor, A Comedy of Tenors, Fox on the Fairway, etc. Leading Ladies had its world premiere at the Alley Theatre, Gregory Boyd Artistic Director, in association with the Cleveland Playhouse, Michael Bloom, Artistic Director, Dean R. Gladden, Managing Director, on October 15, 2004. Please try again later. Thousand Islands Playhouse: Loved Leading Ladies Play!!! With Julie Andrews, Nell Carter, Lea DeLaria, Linda Eder. As Florence, the frail, foul-mouthed, affluent woman tethered to a portable feeding tube on a rolling cart, Monica Cappuccini is amusingly impossible to deal with as she huffs and puffs her way in-and-out of scenes dragging her drugs with her. You may have to leave the Bay Area. Joanne Engelhardt is a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle and Theatre Bay Area. As Florence’s only real niece, Meg, Sarah Benjamin is syrupy sweet and winsome, though here she puts on too many unpleasant facial expressions. Hair and makeup designer Raven Winters makes Audrey as adorably winsome as Julie Jordan in “Carousel.”. An awkward sing-along and poorly delivered lines threaten the frivolous tone. Share on LinkedIn. This was read by our play reading committee and everyone thought it was a Great read. RELATED STORIES. Silliness personified is a succinct way to describe the Ken Ludwig creation called “Leading Ladies,” playing through March 24 at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. The Nevers Review: Sparkling Leading Ladies Aside, Joss Whedon’s HBO Drama Is Just Reheated Buffy Season 7. Ludwig’s major works include Leading Ladies, Moon Over Buffalo, The Game’s Afoot, Baskerville, The Sherlock Holmes Mystery and A Comedy of Tenors. {Correspondence to: rogermoorescubbyhole@gmail.com}. GET manages to present an entertaining Leading Ladies with a cast that mostly clicks. Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Many of these have been seen on CLE stages. Join us in the Cubby Hole this week as we chat to long-serving Bond Editor, John Grover. The Nevers Review: Sparkling Leading Ladies Aside, Joss Whedon’s HBO Drama Is Just Reheated Buffy Season 7. April 6, 2021 by admin 0 Comments The Shakespearean-style comedy "Leading Ladies" will premiere at the Theatre of Western Springs on Jan. 21. Share on Facebook. Where: Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. By Deirdre Parker Smith dp1@salisburypost.com They did it … The gimmick this time, however, is that there are bits of Shakespeare’s signature storylines and Shakespearean references: “Twelfth Night” dialogue, mistaken identities, men impersonating women, women impersonating men, long-lost cousins … you get the drift. Share on LinkedIn. Ficken’s chemistry with Bloodworth elevates the comic happenings, each building on the other’s work. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Kitty. As Stephanie, he shines. Leo (Robin Bloodworth) seizes on the chance to get the funds that he and partner Jack (Allen Dillon) need to chase fame in Hollywood. Eldred Gregory Peck (April 5, 1916 – June 12, 2003) was an American actor. Gardner gives Audrey the right mix of ditz, charisma and attitude. For the main characters in Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies, deception is the only option. When: Thursdays-Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets: $35-52, (650) 349-6411 or www.hillbarntheatre.org, Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. He was one of the most popular film stars from the 1940s to the 1960s. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. With Gemma Arterton, Gemma Chan, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey. Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. - See 294 traveler reviews, 21 candid photos, and great deals for Gananoque, Canada, at Tripadvisor. Leading Ladies is a comedy play by Ken Ludwig. Directed by Jessica Swale. It’s difficult to imagine how anyone but Justin Travis Buchs could be a more engaging, energetic and delightful Audrey. You might call it a cross-dressing comedy. A sneak peek backstage as the cream of British acting talent step forward to audition for that dream role. Quite a bit, judging from the audience response at the world-premiere run of "Leading Ladies," at Houston's Alley Theater. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Peck among 25 Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema, ranking him at No. Unfortunately for them, this elderly lady just keeps hanging on by the proverbial thread – and even seems to regain some of her strength as the play progresses. The situation isn’t ideal and, while waiting for a train, they learn about an ailing woman who wants to leave her estate to her nephews. It was directed by Ken Ludwig. 5.0 out of 5 stars Handy for travel! The beauty of "Leading Ladies" lies in its complex plot, superb dialogue, creative surprises and very funny lines. We also reveal our 007 leading ladies, delve deeply into Japan, review Flash Gordon and consider Phil's latest crazy Bond theory! Ludwig’s heroes (or heroines as the tale unfolds) are Leo and Jack, two out-of-work and out-of-money actors who have been touring the hinterlands of Pennsylvania with their “Scenes from Shakespeare” production. It would be easy to presume that "Leading Ladies," billed as a cross between "Some Like It Hot" and Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," is just another men-in-drag farce. April 7, 2021 by admin 0 Comments. Share on Pinterest. I’m only sorry it took me so long to discover this little gem hiding out in the Salem Lutheran church. The finale, especially, had the audience in hysterics with a tour de force of facial expressions, speed and blocking. The he/she split doesn’t work as well for Dillon. They decide to impersonate the nephews only to learn that the boys — Max and Steve — are really Maxine and Stephanie. Although most of the cast is satisfactory, at least two more deserve special recognition. The scheming begins when two struggling Shakespearean actors stage their touring show, Scenes From Shakespeare, for an unruly and disenchanted Moose Lodge audience. Ficken gives her endearing Meg a refined sense of power and a hint of independence that blends with Leo’s egotism. Plays like “Leading Ladies” are trifles, really, with no redeeming values other than to produce a chuckle or two. He has the warmth of a dear friend, with a swindler’s appeal. The opening scene outstays its welcome. Play review: 'Leading Ladies' By Staff Report. He’s happy to be laid off. The show doesn’t have much depth or leave you pondering a tough issue, but it makes a nice escape from the distractions of today. Directed by William Cosel. ),  you know that, well, hilarity ensues. The third play of the mainstage season runs until Jan. 31. Leading Ladies is a charming little farce written by Ken Ludwig. Still, the farce finds its footing when Leo and Jack reach the train station. 04/06/2021. He delivered their groceries for a year. Want a COVID shot now? Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. What would you do if you had a chance at $3 million? Directed by Eleanore Tapscott, this production at Vienna Theatre Company is sure to be a popular, audience-pleasing production. After that, it’s slapstick, heaps of costume changes, and more sexual confusion than anyone should have to witness. But most of the women’s costumes are ill-fitted to the women wearing them, and some are so tight the actresses look uncomfortable. Scott Solomon as Florence’s doctor pulls out his unique blend of talents and tricks, feigning sympathy here, showing a puppy-love face there, and generally just being fun to watch. In that respect, the Hillbarn production succeeds. Indeed, a couple of times both Benjamin and Ricci tugged at their dresses or pulled them down when taking a seat. Review: ‘Thunder Force’ lacks thunder, anything forceful, Italian restaurant: Walnut Creek Prima chef-owner taking over Berkeley’s Corso, Disneyland releases ticket prices and pricing calendar for April 30 reopening, Traveling to Disney Parks during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go, Ask Amy: I confronted my wife about her suitors, and I'm not happy with her response, Harry wants to be with royal family after Philip's death, but Meghan's wishes are less clear, Miss Manners: She doesn't realize the ring she wears was stolen from me, Costco's food courts have a cult following. Production of the latest … Nora Kelly’s attractively decorated set (Florence’s expansive living room) is quickly made to look like several other locations with some quick changes of furniture, often done by some of the actors themselves as they exit and enter. But because Ricci and Walters are female, the audience may occasionally have a problem trying to figure out why a woman playing a man dresses up as a woman. Not everything here works smoothly, though. Leo decides that he and Jack can easily dress in drag as the missing relatives Maxine and Stephanie and be there to claim some of the old gal’s dough. They are primed to take on the role of a lifetime, that complex woman, the strong woman, a woman for today. The Nevers Review: Sparkling Leading Ladies Aside, Joss Whedon's HBO Drama Is Just Reheated Buffy Season 7 By Kimberly Roots / April 6 2021, 11:32 AM PDT Courtesy of HBO If you enjoy farces, "Leading Ladies" offers an … Leading Ladies [Ludwig, Ken] on Amazon.com. (Photos by Dan Carmody), Review: Contemporary’s “Charles Williams” tells story of pencils, empowerment, despair, One Year Later: Eugene H. Russell IV eagerly looks to a return to the stage, In Our Own Words: Ryan Vo, stage and television actor. 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