Gainesville Theatre Review

15/02/2025

President Donald Trump, co-President Elon Musk, members of the Trump administration, and Republican lawmakers have all been going on record to say that Trump should simply ignore court orders that block his unlawful orders. But it’s a move that would...

02/09/2024

The Hipp’s “Perfect Arrangement” Close to Perfect

The Hippodrome Theatre opens their 52nd season with “Perfect Arrangement” Topher Payne’s clever comedy about two couples literally hiding in the closet to protect themselves from the likes of McCarthy era government agents. One of the primary problems in the play is that two of the four main characters are State Department employees who have been highly successful routing out communists and co**ie sympathizers. So successful in fact, they are now charged with exposing and firing deviants and perverts in the government. This new job assignment hits entirely too close to home where the guys and the girls publicly are married but share a loving same s*x relationship in adjoining town houses. Their perfect arrangement is under threat and that is where the drama explodes while still providing plenty of laughs and comic relief.
The cast is perfectly marvelous. Peter Kendall and Sydney Kollas are delightful as the Martindales while Lauren Nordvig and Connor Matthews are captivating as the Baxters. Each of the actors handle both the comic and dramatic elements of the play with skill and ease. The situation that the four leading characters find themselves in makes their lifestyle entirely too mental and emotionally difficult to handle because of the amount of concessions and compromises they are forced to endure. Ultimately they come to the realization that sometimes things don’t work out. Cynthia Beckert steals the show as Barbara Grant. Beckett is dynamic as one of the State Department victims who has a prior history with one of the leading characters that complicates matters bringing tension to a feverish pitch. Her performance is focused, energetic, and mesmerizing. Pearl Moss plays the irritating Kitty Sunderson annoyingly quite well and Matthew Lindsay brings approppriate gravitas to the role of Theodore Sunderson the head honcho of the State Department's investigative unit.
Tim Altmeyer directs “Perfect Arrangement” deftly with an abundance of cleverness and skill. The play is well paced and the audience audibly reacts to the twists and turns of this delightful comic yet important and powerful play. “Perfect Arrangement” is an ideal production to open the season.
All the technical elements were executed with artistry and grace from Mihai Ciupe’s scenic design, Robert P. Robbins’ lighting design, Erin Jester’s costume design, and Amanda Yanes’ sound design.
“Perfect Arrangement” is running now through September 22. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for “Gainesville Theatre Review”

31/05/2024

http://youtube.com/post/UgkxzWlSo7U9HOTC0XDmvUCZWUsGfqrjt1-V?feature=shared

Hit the 👍 if you agree that they should be impeached immediately!

30/03/2024

“White” is fun to watch!

The Hippodrome’s current production of the James Ijames play “White” is fun to watch as four characters navigate issues of art, equity, diversity, inclusion, LGBTQ+ as well as individual identity and cultural appropriation issues. These issues may seem overwhelming in today’s political environment yet through a comic lens the playwright takes us on a humorous and engaging journey. The play follows Gus, a successful young artist who has high hopes to be included in an upcoming show at a prestigious museum. This year’s show is going to feature under represented and diverse artists and since Gus is white learns he is ineligible. Gus plays the victim role to the hilt even when he is told he might be included in next year’s exhibit. Patience is a virtue and Gus has very little. His lack of patience, sense of privilege, and massive victim mentality sets the play in motion.

One again, the Hippodrome Theatre has assembled a talented cast under the spirited direction of Ryan Hope Travis. Nick Bublitz plays Gus with gusto, verve, and effective entitlement. Nathaniel P. Claridad is Gus’s partner, an energetic English teacher who plays the foil to Gus and the others’ wild endeavors effectively. Katie Haeuser plays Jane, the museum curator with delightful icy self assurance and sophistication. Chasity Hart is wonderful in the triple role as Vanessa an aspiring actress, Diana the muse and Balkonae a newly created artist. Erin Jester has created absolutely fantastical costumes for Diana and Balconae so Chasity Hart can take powerful command of the stage. At one point Chasity declares “I am a damn delight!” Is she ever!

The well-paced production keeps the audience absorbed in the characters’ situations as they develop. Tim Dygert’s predominately white set is the perfect environment so all the characters pop under Robert P Robins expert lighting.

“White” is running now through April 14. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for “Gainesville Theatre Review”

30/01/2024

The Hippodrome Theatre is kicking off the new year with the powerful musical drama “Next to Normal.” The Pulitzer Prize winning musical was only the eigth musical to win the prize for drama citing the show as “a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and expands the scope of subject matter for musicals.” From the moment you enter the theatre you realize that something special is going to happen. Mihai Ciupe, scenic designer has created an environment filled with tension and suspension creating a wonderful backdrop for the story we are about to witness. Robert P. Robbins’ lighting design enhances the emotional impact using throbbing moving lights throughout the musical. Hipp Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge has assembled a wonderfully talented cast with voices performing the soaring rock score with ease.

Terra C. MacLeod as Diana is mezmerizing as the suffering mother trying to keep herself and her family together on this emotional roller coaster ride. MacLeod’s dynamic portrayal takes us on her journey through the mental health system with both humor and desperation. David Patrick Ford as Dan the husband and the father is powerful yet sympathetic as he plays his part to also keep the family together. Josslyn Shaw as Natalie the teen daughter shines as she tries to carve out her place in this family dynamic. Connor Neun plays and sings son Gabe with appropriate adolescent angst. Noah C. Yager is charming as Henry, Natalie’s would-be boyfriend. Rounding out the cast is Gregory Buckheit, effective as two doctors exemplifying the ups and downs of mental health treatment and focusing on whether or not it is an exact science.

“Next to Normal” is an important yet difficult musical that tugs on the heart strings of the audience. We get to empathize with these wonderful characters as each one sings solos, duets, and group numbers that draw us into their highly volatile world. Ending on a hopeful note, “Next to Normal” is running now through February 25. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for “Gainesville Theatre Review”

13/03/2023

I loved the Hippodrome’s “Native Gardens.” If you are looking for a fun evening in the theatre run to see it. Close to perfection, “Native Gardens” is an uproarious contemporary comedy filled with laughs of all kinds. Playwright Karen Zacarias makes us laugh at her characters, ourselves, and the crazy world we live in. Two sets of neighbors engage in a generational battle that illuminates the human condition with insight, self reflection, and humor. The cast is outstanding. Kevin Rainesberger and Nell Page Rainesberger soar as Frank and Virginia Butley, the longtime home owners in the stately neighborhood where the action takes place. It is a satisfying pleasure to watch two actors, husband and wife in real life, spar with each other and their younger counterparts in their adjacent backyards. Kevin and Page are mesmerizing from Kevin’s physicality while gardening and Page’s comic attempts at feminine logic. Hippodrome newcomers Marco Adiak Voli and Alea Figueroa, as Pablo and Tania Del Valle, are just as wonderful to watch as their older neighborhood counterparts especially as they immerse in a battle of the s*xes.
Director Kristin Clippard sets a terrific pace and keeps the laughs coming all night long. Clippard handles all the play’s contemporary political and cultural issues with aplomb leaving the audience with pleasing smiles from ear to ear. The technical aspects of “Native Gardens” are similarly perfect. Mihai Ciupe’s dual backyard setting is outstanding providing two distinctive environments. Amanda Nipper’s sound especially the latin touches were memorable. Erin Jester’s costumes and lighting by Robert P. Robbins complete the evening’s excellence. Performances of “Native Garden” run now through March 26th. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for “Gainesville Theatre Review”

Theatre + Cinema + Art

13/03/2023

I loved the Hippodrome’s “Native Gardens.” If you are looking for a fun evening in the theatre run to see it. Close to perfection, “Native Gardens” is an uproarious contemporary comedy filled with laughs of all kinds. Playwright Karen Zacarias makes us laugh at her characters, ourselves, and the crazy world we live in. Two sets of neighbors engage in a generational battle that illuminates the human condition with insight, self reflection, and humor. The cast is outstanding. Kevin Rainesberger and Nell Page Rainesberger soar as Frank and Virginia Butley, the longtime home owners in the stately neighborhood where the action takes place. It is a satisfying pleasure to watch two actors, husband and wife in real life, spar with each other and their younger counterparts in their adjacent backyards. Kevin and Page are mesmerizing from Kevin’s physicality while gardening and Page’s comic attempts at feminine logic. Hippodrome newcomers Marco Adiak Voli and Alea Figueroa, as Pablo and Tania Del Valle, are just as wonderful to watch as their older neighborhood counterparts especially as they immerse in a battle of the s*xes.
Director Kristin Clippard sets a terrific pace and keeps the laughs coming all night long. Clippard handles all the play’s contemporary political and cultural issues with aplomb leaving the audience with pleasing smiles from ear to ear. The technical aspects of “Native Gardens” are similarly perfect. Mihai Ciupe’s dual backyard setting is outstanding providing two distinctive environments. Amanda Nipper’s sound especially the latin touches were memorable. Erin Jester’s costumes and lighting by Robert P. Robbins complete the evening’s excellence. Performances of “Native Garden” run now through March 26th. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for “Gainesville Theatre Review”

20/10/2022

“Running Mates” at the Hippodrome Theatre is a delightful and light hearted look at contemporary politics. The incumbent mayor of a small town in Georgia is secretly recorded and his words are blasted on social media featuring his misogynistic rant at a men’s club. Once his wife hears what he truly thinks about women every feminist nerve in her body wants to put her husband in his place. What better way than to run against him in the upcoming election. The ensuing comedy is a funny battle of the s*xes featuring the two candidates and their wacky campaign managers. Throw in a couple of young idealists and you have all the ingredients for a wonderfully comic political stew.

As usual, the Hippodrome cast under the skillful direction of Stephanie Lynge is terrific. The leading candidates played by Joy Lynn Jacobs and Matthew Lindsay are ‘stormy’ adversaries in this amusing sparring match. The supporting campaign managers played by Michelle Bellaver and Nicholas Perez-Hoop are a hoot to watch. The young idealists round out the cast. Andre Squerra as the yoga instructor is an audience favorite. Maggie Cramer brings stability and common sense to the role of the candidates’ daughter.

The production and technical values for “Running Mates” are delivered with artistry. Special recognition must go to Timothy J. Dygert’s handsome set that is the perfect backdrop and environment for this comedy. His attention to detail is meticulous.

Performances of “Running Mates” run through October 30. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for "Gainesville Theatre Review"

06/09/2022

Words and ideas matter. “Fahrenheit 451” is just as relevant today as when it was written almost 70 years ago. The Hippodrome Theatre has kicked off its 50th Anniversary season with a rousingly dramatic adaptation of the Ray Bradbury novel of the same name. Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which paper burns and the play is set in a society that not only bans all books but sets them on fire as well. Director Ralf Remshardt has assembled an exceptionally talented cast and has crafted a magnificent production that captivates his audience. The acting by the leading characters is spectacular. Niall McGinty, our firefighter hero portrays his complicated character with compelling mastery. David Patrick Ford, the fire captain reaches dramatic heights that soar. Together McGinty and Ford are mesmerizing when they are on stage together and sparks fly as their words and ideas bounce off each other and the theatre’s walls. “Fahrenheit 451” is the annual co-production between The Hippodrome Theatre and the UF School of Theatre and Dance and as such also features the work of both students and theatre faculty. Alexandra Rose Horton, a UF undergrad shines as the young heroine Clarisse and provides the spark that ignites our young hero Montag on his revolutionary journey toward startling change. Horton tales charge of the stage whenever she appears. She is a delightful sparring partner for her fireman while providing a mystical and whimsical counter point to the other characters in the play.

The physical elements for this production are superb. Mihai Ciupe’s scene design is outstanding. His standout setting makes the Hippodrome stage appear to be larger than usual. The video design by FIVE OHM brings an added dimension to the visuals. Robert P. Robins has created a lighting design that is stunning. Amanda Jones has done a fine job designing costumes that befit the time and place for our play. Jing Zhao’s original music and Amanda Nipper’s sound design are wonderful as well.

Today we face many politicians who want to remove and ban books from our library shelves. “Fahrenheit 451” provides us with a dystopian glimpse of what our future might hold if they get their way. Words and ideas truly matter. “Fahrenheit 451” both entertains and enlightens and is fun to watch.

Performances run now through September 18. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall
“Gainesville Theatre Review”

07/06/2022

"H***y Tonk Laundry" Opens at Hipp

The temperature is rising. The long hot summer in Gainesville is here and the hurricane season is off to an early start. So it must be time for the Hippodrome Theatre’s annual summer fun musical. “H***y Tonk Laundry” doesn’t disappoint especially if you are a fan of country music. The audience is transported to the Wishy Washy Washateria in rural Tennessee. We are first introduced to the laundry’s owner and boss Lana Mae, who is a wealth of southern witticisms and shares countless idioms during the two-hour production for every conceivable situation the two cast members encounter. She is a non-stop fountain of funny comebacks throughout the evening. Katie enters our scene as a new employee who has a lot to learn about doing laundry and also needs Lana Mae’s help with everyday life lessons. “H***y Tonk Laundry” is a fun filled evening of southern comfort complete with legal drugs, alcohol, and country music. Our characters each have their own cheating man problems and unfulfilled dreams that are shared individually and together in song. Each actor in this dynamic duo is given the opportunity to vocally shine. Together their duets excel and showcase choreographer Stephanie Lynge’s fine steps and movement. Director Tara Kromer keeps the musical moving along at a quick pace and gave each performer individual moments to take charge musically. Allie Seibold as Katie wows us with her renditions of “Independence Day,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Cleopatra, Queen of Denial.” Emily King Brown soars with the country classics “Stand by Your Man” and “These Boots Were Made for Walking.” The duets are both more than a little country and entertaining. Our two female leads are like Thelma and Louise “without the murder.” Many in the audience showed their involvement and appreciation with heads bobbing and toes tapping all night long.

Tim Dygert’s scenery for the washateria that is past its prime is spot on. Robert P. Robbins vibrant lighting is dynamic especially when the wall of washers and dryers bounce for a lively light show. Erin Jester’s costumes are a hoot.

Summer performances of “H***y Tonk Laundry” are running now. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for “Gainesville Theatre Review”

Theatre + Cinema + Art

01/05/2022

The Hippodrome Theatre’s “The Revolutionists” is a Fascinating and Thoroughly Enjoyable Comedy

Lauren Gunderson has written a fascinating and compelling comedy about four women who are in their own right revolutionaries during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. This doesn’t sound like comedy material especially with the threat of the guillotine literally hanging over their heads. However, Gunderson has created a humorous evening with four amazingly interesting women who are as relevant today as they were a couple of hundred years ago. Once again, Hipp Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge has assembled an outstanding cast proving that The Hippodrome is first an Actors’ Theatre that brings to Gainesville again and again professional actors of the finest degree.

The cast as a whole is magnificent and as individuals they are terrific. Laura Hodos as playwright Olympe de Gouges is wonderful as the ring master of this comic spectacle. She playfully keeps the cast on their toes while handily commanding their utmost respect. Marissa Toogood is so very good as the young assassin Charlotte Corday. She captures the young Corday’s zeal with determination and flair. Danea C. Osseni is captivating as Marianne Angelle, the powerful free black woman revolutionary from Saint-Domingue, present day Haiti. Osseni portrays Marianne with skillful clarity and depth. Her performance is both insightful and riveting. This leaves us with Elise Hudson as Marie Antoinette. Hudson shines as the Queen. There is a sparkle here that is mesmerizing with this Marie Antoinette. Elise Hudson’s facial expressions are irresistible, alluring, and beckon to the audience. This Queen entices the audience and she holds us enthralled.

“The Revolutionists” invites us into the theatre for an evening of theatrical delights. The gorgeous set designed by Mihai Ciupe, the evocative and moody lighting by Robert P. Robins, and the fashionable costumes with traditional style by Erin Lester all add up to a feast for the senses.

“The Revolutionists”” performances run now through May 15th. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for Gainesville Theatre Review

14/03/2022

“Living On Love” is a fast paced comedy by Joe Dipietro currently on stage at The Hippodrome Theatre. Hippodrome Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge has the cast of six delivering laughs almost nonstop for the show’s two hour run.

The leading characters of The Maestro and La Diva are larger than life. Skillfully playing a classical symphony conductor, Alberto Bonilla easily captures and portrays the self-absorbed lothario Vito De Angelis, perfectly to a tee. The Maestro’s counterpoint La Diva is played by Hipp regular Kelly Atkins. As Diva Raquel De Angelis, Kelly Atkins attacks the role with a comically fierce intensity with great result. Both leads are fun to watch as they romp across the stage devouring the supporting cast members throughout the evening.

The two major supporting characters trying to get their star clients to complete their soon to be published memoirs are played by Kyle Brumley and Melissa Macleod. Hipp audiences will remember Kyle Brumley from his expert turn in “The Curious Incident…” Here Brumley is a ghost writer first trying to get The Maestro to settle down and provide anything that could be of use in a memoir. When La Diva enters all bets are off and he lunges humorously into the role of star struck avid fan. Melissa Macleod plays it straight as a young publishing executive fighting to be taken seriously both by her bosses and clients.

The two penthouse servants played by Jaden Waz and Noah C. Yager, both UF musical theater students, literally keep the show hopping along from the beginning to end.

Erin Jester’s costumes add an additional fun element to the comedy. The leads’ clothing is appropriately over the top. We wait for each entrance to see what the next scene will bring. Jester’s attention to detail is proven with the browns and grays used for the supporting roles as well as the matching intricacies for the servants’ uniforms.

Tim Dygert’s set of a glorious Manhattan penthouse is just that! It is both splendid and gorgeously appointed.

“Living On Love” performances run now through March 27th. Tickets can be purchased at TheHipp.org or by calling (352) 375-4477.

Kevin Marshall for Gainesville Theatre Review

Theatre + Cinema + Art