Wow! SRT has stepped up its game! I am so impressed with the cast they have put together this year. First of all, as I began to look through the program, I noticed that many of them are just stunning as far as looks go… I mean gorgeous! And secondly, they can sing AND dance. I’m talking “Triple Threats” here, people…. Did I mention acting? Yes, that too.
The show line up has something for everyone. They opened the season with Hairspray which I haven’t seen yet, but I’m looking forward to it after seeing Flea in Her Ear and Company, I know I won’t be disappointed. Flea in Her Ear is a bedroom farce filled with revolving doors, slapstick, mistaken identities, and an odd assortment of characters. It was originally written in 1907, but it still stands up today. It was sold out on opening night with a large group of people waiting for tickets, so call now for your reservations. It is a knee slapper! I think I actually guffawed a couple of times.
Not since my early days in San Francisco have I seen a cast so beautifully mixed as in SRT’s production of Company. I applaud James Newman for his role at the helm of this wonderful summer season. Company is a musical comedy, but I had tears streaming down my face as the main character “Bobby… Bobby… Bobby,” played by Nathan C. Crocker sang “Being Alive.” Company is all about marriage and the joys and frustrations of the institution. Since I’ve been married for over thirty years, it struck home to me. My husband and I held hands in the dark.
There are so many actors to list on the excellent side that I want to mention at least a few: Tiffany Denise Hobbs as Joanne, is my choice for stand-out of the season. Her presence was obvious to me from the moment she took the stage. She really knocked it out of the park with her version of “The Ladies Who Lunch.” I can’t wait to see what she does in Hairspray and The Piano Lesson. Amy, played by Sarah Crane, was delightful and didn’t miss a breath or a note on “Getting Married Today.”
The full season of SRT plays through August 13th, but don’t wait to get your tickets. Many shows are already sold out and even on a Thursday night the Burbank Auditorium was nearly full. This is the best deal of the summer!
Hairspray
Flea in Her Ear
Company
The Piano Lesson
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Summer Repertory Theater
707-527-4307
www.SummerRep.com