"Love Makes the World Go 'Round" -- as the lead song of Carnival insists. Love -- by director, cast, and crew for this musical -- also comes through in a joyous, colorful production. Sarah Farnam not only looks perfect as the childlike young woman Lili who talks to puppets she believes real. Her sweet soprano hits both notes and emotional highs too. Brian Minyard's voice soars as well, while he tempers his characterization of the bitter, lame former dancer who manipulates the puppets who'll express the love he can't.
All "villains" should be like Jared Walker's Marco the Magnificent, the magician who charms Lili. Sure, he's always on the prowl, but he doesn't push too far, after all. Walker also shows Marco has as much to put up with from his lover Rosalie as does she with him. Lisa Katt Watson injects plenty of shrew into that woman, yet makes clear Rosalie really does love Marco. So what if she almost runs off with Doctor Glass (funny Berry Ayers), who turns out to be a vet, not M.D.?
All the featured carnival people are believable: Rolfe Winkler as Lili's first friend Jacquot; Michael Bajjaly as carnival boss; Robin Pazicni as the flirtatious Princess Olga stand out. A few Sarasota circus performers illustrate why this town is still associated with circus artistry. The ensemble are all one could wish for to illustrate the fun of carnival and the best of the people connected with it. They're wonderfully choreographed whether actually dancing or moving props or setting appropriate scenes. And what cute puppets!
A heartwarming plot, a musical delight, loving direction of lovable characters. What more can one ask of an after-dinner treat?
Opened:
February 27, 2007
Ended:
April 22, 2007
Country:
USA
State:
Florida
City:
Sarasota
Company/Producers:
Coastal Theater Productions
Theater Type:
Regional; Dinner Theater
Theater:
Golden Apple Dinner Theater
Theater Address:
25 North Pineapple Avenue
Phone:
(941) 366-5454
Running Time:
2 hrs, 30 min
Genre:
Musical
Director:
Robert Ennis Turoff
Review:
Cast:
Sarah Farnam, Brian Minyard, Rolfe Winkler, Jared Walker, Lisa Katt Watson, Michael Bajjaly, Kenneth Nelson, Robin Pazicni, Garie Jean Williams, Catherine Cain, Jennifer Wells Rowan, Berry Ayers, Eric Berkel (also Dance Capt.), A. Diniz, R. Johns, T. Lindamood, J. Linderman, K. Ohrenstein, J. Panek, V. Terreza Russo, J. Walker, D. Zoppe; Musicians: J. Visser, Don Sturrock, John Januszewski, Alan Jay Corey
Technical:
Set & Lighting: Michael Newton-Brown; Choreog: Jim Hoskins; Costumes: Jared Walker; Stage Mgr.: Alyssa Goudy; Prod Coord: C. Randazzo; Tech Dir: Trez Cole
Other Critics:
VENICE GONDOLIER Kim Cole !
Critic:
Marie J. Kilker
Date Reviewed:
February 2007
