I reviewed "The 39 Steps" at the American Heartland Theatre for KCMetropolis.org. This farcical adaption by Patrick Barlow took elements from the original novel and the Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The four person cast performed over 100 characters in a fast paced spy mystery full of slapstick humor. Read it here...
REVIEW in KCMetropolis.org: Symphonic Quixotic
I reviewed the music for the KC Symphony/Quixotic Fusion collaboration Symphonic Quixotic, a multi-media performance work with musicians, dancers, aerialists, visual and sound artists. Read the double review here.
REVIEW in KCStar: “Shakespeare in Song” with KC Chorale and Heart of America Shakespeare Fest actors
I reviewed the Kansas City Chorale's Sunday, May 15th concert of "Shakespeare in Song." They performed song settings of Shakespeare's text interspersed with dramatic readings by actors from the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival: Robert Gibby Brand, Merle Moores, Jon Rensenhouse and Cinnamon Schultz.
REVIEW in Kansas City Star: Karrin Allyson at the Folly Theatre
I reviewed singer/pianist Karrin Allyson for the final performance of the 2010/2011 Folly Jazz Series for the Kansas City Star. She performed a number of pieces from her latest album, 'Round Midnight, with an amazing band: Rod Fleeman (guitar), Steve Nelson (vibes), Gerald Spaits (bass), and Matt Wilson (drums).
Beer Me
Of late, I am unable to partake in one of my favorite pastimes: drinking. My husband has been very generous over the last few months by allowing me to smell his beer and wine, but even the heady aromas can't fulfill my desires. The past few days, though, have offered some beer -related distractions from my forced ascetic... Continue Reading →
Review in Kansas City Star: Kansas City Jazz Orchestra featuring Gary Foster
I reviewed the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra for the Kansas City Star. They performed with legendary musician Gary Foster, vocalist Kathleen Holeman and performed a tribute to Tony DiPardo, long time leader of the KC Chiefs Pack Band. This was the first concert under new artistic director Kerry Strayer.
Review in KCMetropolis: “Ben Franklin’s Apprentice” @ the Coterie Theatre
Playwright Laurie Brooks’ subtle mix of fiction and history (including a bit of modified history) craftily portrays the obsessive curiosity of one of America’s best-loved founding fathers, as well as the social environment of his time and the ongoing clash of religion with science. Directed by Kyle Hatley, the production was imaginative, inventive, and visually... Continue Reading →
Review in KCMetropolis: “Enchanted April” @ the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre put on a sweet little comedy of manners in Enchanted April. The production was enjoyable, but faltered at a few points, causing a somewhat lackluster show. The script was an adaption by Matthew Barber from Elizabeth von Arnim’s 1922 novel. Director Linda Ade Brand worked with a talented cast of veterans.... Continue Reading →
Happy Gillis Cafe & Hangout
Cuban: Ham, Swiss, Mustard, Pickles; Foccaccia; Grilled. Alterations made: Add lettuce, subtract mustard, trade swiss for white cheddar. Libby approval rating: AWESOME! Read up on their menu and specials.
REVIEW in KCMetropolis: Joe Lovano & Us Five
Filling the historic Folly Theatre with brilliant riffs and prolonged melodic concepts, Joe Lovano and Us Five were the latest installment for the Folly Jazz Series. Lovano has a heady, esoteric style of building sound, but his eclectic background meant Saturday’s performance was interspersed with Latin, swing, and bebop influences, allowing for accessible moments throughout... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 