3. June 2011 by admin.

F. J. Hartland

Civilization is what keeps us from all being Neanderthals.

But it’s just a very thin veneer according to playwright Yasmina Reza in her script God of Carnage, now playing at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre.  Scratch even gently—and you’ll see what’s lurking underneath!

Two perfectly civilized couples meet to have a perfectly civilized chat about an uncivilized incident involving both their eleven year-old sons on the playground.

The “chat” quickly disintegrates into a riotous funny farce as each character throws all etiquette and manners to the wind.  And the rum doesn’t do anything to make the meeting better!

Director Ted Pappas gives us a very fast-paced evening, filled with big belly laughs, clocking in at less than ninety minutes.

David Whalen is spot-on on the loutish husband who—when he isn’t glued to his cell phone—flat out admits his son is a “savage.”  And to him, that isn’t so bad.  After all, his hero is Spartacus.

Susan Angelo plays his nauseous wife with the cloying nickname “Woof Woof.”

In the role of Michael is Ted Koch, who confesses his is only pretending to be a liberal to please his wife Veronica.  He is all too thrilled to reveal that he belonged to a “gang” in his youth…and had to beat up another boy to gain admittance.

Stealing God of Carnage is Deirdre Madigan as Veronica.  She plays a woman who writes about art and Africa, buys tulips at $40 a bunch and is steeped in Dr Spock-like child-rearing.

Anne Mundell’s sleek and stylish set even fits with this idea of tearing away the veneer.  Ripping across this room, filled with shiny hardwood floors, crisp furniture and art books, there is a huge gash—revealing rough hewn logs.

Like her play Art, Reza uses a small cast, a single set, and lots of talking to make us question our core of values and beliefs. In less capable hands, Art and God of Carnage could be total bores.

Thanks to Pappas, his sparking cast and talented designers, this is a production not-to-be-missed.

God of Carnage continues through June 26.

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3. June 2011 by admin.

F. J. Hartland

Based on the movie with the same name, 9 to 5, The Musical harkens back to the days when women in the workplace were relegated to making coffee—not corporate decisions.

Three women, Violet (Dee Hoty), Doralee (Diana DeGarmo) and Judy (Mamie Parris), outwit their chauvinistic tyrant of a boss Mr. Hart (Joseph Mahowald) and turn their company around—for the better.

This is CLO’s first offering for 2011—and it jumpstarts the season on a high note.

Hoty, DeGarmo and Parris have amazing voices that soar!  And each woman creates a distinct persona.  Best of all, they have a real chemistry on stage that creates a believable camaraderie.

Also, each one gets a moment to shine.  Hoty sings and dances her way through “One of the Boys” with finesse.  DeGarmo brings irresistible charm to “Backwoods Barbie.”  Parris shakes the rafters of the Benedum Center with her powerful rendition of “Get Out or Stay Out.”

Dolly Parton (one of the films original stars) even makes guests appearances—providing video narration for the show.

Two of the featured cast members give most memorable performances.

Kristine Zbornik shines as office manager/spinster Roz.  (I apologize for the term “spinster”—but in those days, that’s how they were referred to).  Hopelessly in love with her boss, Zbornik is hysterically funny, particularly in the number “Heart to Hart.”

As the always drunken Margaret, Jane Blass knows how to land a punch line.  Staggering about with a multitude of pencils stuck in her bird’s nest of a hair-do, she is unforgettable…and makes an amazing transformation by show’s end.

Hats off to the chorus (which includes my old pal Janet Dickinson)!  Not only do they sing, dance and play multiple roles—they perform the numerous set changes smoothly and flawlessly.

And speaking of the set, it is beautiful and features a false proscenium that brings back many memories of the 1970’s.

The show is thin on conflict and things seem a little too “pat.”  And there are some transitions that don’t always ring true.  But this cast gives it 110% for all two hours and fifteen minutes.

Beware…the title song will be stuck in your head for days.  You’ll catch yourself singing it over and over—whether you want to sing it or not!

No, it’s not a great musical.  But 9 to 5, The Musical is an energetic evening of fun.

The show continues through June 5.

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