RSS 2.0 FeedNovember 4, 2009, Theatre , theSTEADY
Dysfunctional dinner theatre for hipsters
Staged Readings is a unique way to experience your most beloved of movies. Actors, musicians and lighting crew work in an almost-improv setting. Producing Director, Beth Spencer's, troupe historically has selected only the most delightful of cult, or at least cultish, films. Past performances include such treats as "The Wrath of Khan," "This is NOT Spinal Tap" and "The Royal Tennebaums."
Staged Readings is a unique way to experience your most beloved of movies. Actors, musicians and lighting crew work in an almost-improv setting. The non-union acting company has put on monthly performances for the past 18 months and every performance has sold out (admission to the performances requires only a small donation). Producing Director, Beth Spencer's, troupe historically has selected only the most delightful of cult, or at least cultish, films. Past performances include such treats as The Wrath of Khan, This is NOT Spinal Tap and The Royal Tennebaums.
When asked about the preparation involved prior to the latest offering from Staged Readings The Lost Boys, Vi Tran ("Laddie"), explained, "the director picks out a movie and selects the actors. The company gets together for an informal screening of the film. We have one rehearsal the night before the show, and then, we're on."
Music Director, Cody Wyoming, added, "this structure keeps it fresh; it keeps it true to the way we started - just a bunch of friends with no lives getting together to do what we love the most."
Staged Readings was born out of Ron McGee's West Bottoms loft, initially as a way for actor/musician friends to expand on their favorite hobby - performing. As Staged Readings' popularity and audience members grew, performances moved elsewhere. Venues varied; however, the past six performances, including the latest - The Lost Boys, were staged at Westport Flea Market.
To call the productions informal would be an understatement. Do not expect a program. If you don't know the actors on stage, you are most certainly not cool enough to know them anyway. Move on and sit back for a terrific ride. These are professionals. In the case of The Lost Boys, easily half of the actors, musicians, and even the director were involved in The Coterie at Night's latest play Maul of the Dead. The remaining cast was as familiar as the audience members watching. If you've seen theatre in Kansas City in the past year, you've seen these professionals.
Halloween trinkets scattered the tables in the back room of Westport Flea Market. Not only did the already-close-knit audience enjoy attention from the acting company, bar and grill owner, Joe Zwillenberg, visibly happy with the show and the crowd, doted over each of his guests at intermission while Staged Readings conducted a small, but well-received costume contest. Spirits flowed freely both on and off stage, and the crowd and actors become more zealous as the performance progressed.
Cody Wyoming, music director, and his crew kicked off the night and kept the night rocking with classic Lost Boys soundtrack pieces. Actors began the performance by strolling across stage, touting black binders whose covers displayed names and characters. This was as organized as the performance would get; but through each unpredictable scene, the actors successfully told the story of two young brothers trying to get by in a town infested with vampires. Stands littered the stage to allow the actors to use their entire bodies as they read, quite literally, from the screenplay, and though working on an obviously low budget, the production's special effects showed immense ingenuity and at times, downright comedy.
Doogin Brown, without a doubt, dominated the stage in his depiction of younger brother Sam. It was hard to imagine he'd only rehearsed once; his depth of character was tremendous, and when he did venture out of character - when a line was missed or when a prop was awkwardly missing, his timing and creative retorts had the audience roaring. "This is an important part here, people!"
Other notables included Artistic Director, Matt Rapport, who played David, lead vamp, as well as Ron McGee (Lucy) and Matt Weiss (Michael) whose chemistry and banter slayed the crowd over and over. The Frog Brothers (this reviewer is not cool enough to know those actors by sight), a.k.a. vampire slayers, were also a delightful duo, and their antics were ceaseless.
The entire cast and crew worked in orchestrated chaos to generate an energy and excitement unmatched. It was a ruckus and an absolutely entertaining affair.
The greatness of Staged Readings truly resides with the actors - in their total delight with and brilliance in working in an almost completely improv setting. Under the direction of Kimberely Queen, Staged Readings' rendition of The Lost Boys was a train wreck of a great time!
Reservoir Dogs, directed by David Kiehl, is Staged Reading's next selection and plays on November 16, 2009 at Westport Flea Market. To find out more about Staged Readings, join their group on Facebook or shoot an email to stagedreadings@yahoo.com.
REVIEW
Westport Flea Market Bar & Grill
Staged Readings
The Lost Boys
October 26, 2009
817 Westport Road, Kansas City MO
Tickets available at door. Donations only.
Top Photo by Paul Andrews
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