Better Than Broadway

Kathryn has been to see another theatre show recently for “Better Than Broadway”. Well, not so recently actually. We apologize for the delay in getting this posted. We’ve been a bit busy around here recently with the new site launch!

This was my first experience at the Labyrinth Theatre; and what a nice little theatre it is. If only more religious organizations felt so drawn to the arts, and more churches so culturally minded, worship could take on a whole new meaning. Hats off to the Arapaho UMC. The auditorium itself was created in a dome shaped building that was probably once the sanctuary - nice acoustics.

The Last Five Years is a well written script about a couples whose marriage is ending after five years; told forward by one party and backwards by the other. My friend who came with me hated this aspect; but I liked it very much. It isn’t the same old “we dated, got married, messed up, now its over” thing. The direction was basic. Each character was stage left or right and only meet in the middle once. The set was terrible, it left for little movement and it drew the audience’s eye to the third character in the two character play: the orchestra. Especially the bass player/guitar player became part of the show every time she changed instruments. We all watched her with bated breathe when picking that big boy up. She also let us know every time the stage crew was coming out on stage. She watched them at all times. The orchestra was also so loud it was almost impossible to hear Ms. Whalen (Kimberly Whalen, Catherine) sing.

Speaking of Ms. Whalen, she is cute and likable, when one could hear her, but not quit compatible with Mr. Wischhusen (Theo Wischhusen, Jamie). Jamie and Catherine are the couple; they are cute and ready for a wonderful life, but the real world sneaks into their fairy tale. Mr. Wischhusen is a remarkable singer; go see this play just to hear him. He is so comfortable on stage and with the role of Jamie. Jamie isn’t supposed to be all that likable, but with his voice and his presence one cannot help but be charmed by him. We all know it takes two to tango, and cute Catherine (Cathy) gets so gloomy and dispirited, you start rooting for the cad.

The script is performed almost entirely by song, some are outstanding, especially when Jamie sings. “Shiksa Goddess” and “The Schmuel Song” are very catchy and memorable. Catherine sings a melancholy ballad called “Still Hurting”, that seems almost haunting, but the orchestra kept drowning out her voice. What a pity.

Go see this play, it is interesting and different, just ignore the third character that is on stage. Theo Wischhusen, Jamie, is worth
the ticket. There are only two performances left: Saturday March 10 at the matinee and evening. It is one to have coffee afterwards to discuss with your spouse or friend. It is one to talk about.

Kathryn

The Labyrinth Theare

1400 W. Arapaho Rd.

Richardson, TX 75080

The following theatre review was provided by a Calendee user. Kathryn had not been to the theatre in many years and was thrilled at the opportunity to attend this performance.

My return to the theatre was more uneventful than I had hoped but in general very pleasant. The Echo Theatre’s production of “String of Pearls” is a well written and a well performed play. The four actresses Elly Lindsay, Linda K. Leonard, Kristin McCollum, and Lulu Ward portrayed all 27 characters almost flawlessly. Even though it was announced at the beginning that one of the actresses was ill and was loosing her voice it didn’t change anything; we would have just assumed that the raspy voice was hers. It seemed to fit Ms. Lindsay’s main character Beth to a tee. This is an open and modern look at mothers, daughters, and their complicated relationships over generations. Even though it leans heavy to the feminine, the men in the audience seemed to enjoy the nuances as much as the women. The play is for mature audiences due to language and some lively sexual discussion. But overall it was an exceptionally entertaining experience. The seating arrangement of the theatre and music had the audience all in a buzz; all that was missing was a glass of wine. Good to back in the theatre again. Nice show Ladies!

Kathryn Wisdom

Calendee, LLC has rebranded and launched a new website, Better Than Broadway. This new website is dedicated to the fine arts. Better Than Broadway makes it easy to find all of the upcoming theatre, orchestra, ballet, and opera events in your community.