“The Producers is a delight”

Fantastic!

Irreverent!

Fabulous!

Risque!

Opening night has come and gone, and I am so glad that I went. I have done exactly what this site says not to do– and not been to the theater enough. As the curtain opened last night, I reiterated my pledge to attend every play this season. I am telling you so that I can hold myself accountable! That means every play will get a Flossip review.

Genny’s review was spot on, so I won’t recreate her her words. Everything she said about the lead actors is true, kudos to Shaw Thompson, Frankie Sullivan, Larry Chewning, and Glenn Gourley. I do have a few thoughts to add. I had to leave immediately after the play, so I didn’t get to meet the cast like I wanted to.

I saw the show opening night, and everyone was in top form. The orchestra was perfection, the excitement was contagious, and at times the crowd was almost hysterical with laughter. I watched each performer individually and was amazed at everyone’s perfect use of comedic timing through their gestures and expressions– even when the spotlight was not on them.

Kristen Owens shined as Ulla. Her part is as essential as Bialystock and Blum and she brings a radiance to the stage every time she appears.

However, with all of these fantastic leads, there is someone in the play that took a smaller role and turned it into a scene stealer. Watch out everyone, Ashley Costas is stealing the applause when she steps onto the stage. Her ability to hold her deadpan expression and self deprecating humor was phenomenal.

During intermission, a gentleman behind me said “Florence has no idea how lucky they are to have this theater.” He is so right. I was amazed by the lights, the theater itself, the sound, the cast, the CREW that helps make it all happen, the orchestra, the costumes… everything. I was well aware last night that I have absolutely no idea how one would make that all happen. Julia Saverance, the director, has absolutely won my highest regards.

From choosing the play to opening night… it is a momentous undertaking. The actors do this as volunteers, the crew volunteers… all because they want to make Florence a better place and provide us with laughter, tears, and a love for the theater.

Amazing stuff if you ask me.

Wait… don’t you need to call the Box Office?

(You don’t even need a phone book, the number is 662-3731)