Steve Archer Communications

09/25/2019

07/22/2017

Review: The Little Mermaid
July 22, 2017
Lincoln, Calif.
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will steal your heart
LTC’s depth of talent impressive
BY STEVE ARCHER
VOICE OF LINCOLN
Opening night of Lincoln Theater Company’s (LTC) production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” left this reviewer smiling and impressed with the depth of talent brought to the stage of the Lincoln Civic Auditorium.
From the leads, played by Tabitha Jones as Ariel and Michael Budd as Prince Eric, to the supporting characters, such as Jose Antonio Gomez as Sebastian and Aleri Cubias as Flounder, and the ensemble there wasn’t a poor performance all night. I felt I was watching an all-star lineup of local, youth performers.
Budd and Jones were magical as the male and female leads and had a nice, natural chemistry between them. Also, both had pipes that, at times, seemed to overwhelm the sound system. Jones’ singing was clear, melodic and showed a nice range and ability to amplify. Budd seemed to keep his voice under wraps until needed, and then, wow he was really able to cut loose. He caught me by surprise the first time he opened it up.
Both Budd and Jones also acted convincingly, with Jones showing a lot of emotion in both facial gestures and body language. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is Jones’ first LTC production and I hope she is recruited for more.
Other cast members who impressed included: Cubias and Gomez, both of whom added the necessary comic relief; Tia Norwood as Ursula, delightfully evil and with an amazing stage presence; Alisa Hansen and Ayla Kubochi as Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s eerie eels; and Jordyn Muma as Chef Louie, who nearly stole the show with one scene.
And, talk about depth of talent, the six actors playing Ariel’s mersisters – played by Skye McNerney, Hailey LeRoy-Smith, Zoey Dennis, Emily Loutzenhiser, Grace Fiddler and Bianca Christiansen – delivered in all three areas: singing, dancing and acting. Christiansen was memorable as Marion the Librarian in the LTC production of “The Music Man,” and, if she tried out for the lead, I can only imagine how great the auditions were for the part of Ariel. One could clearly hear Christiansen’s voice stand out among the mersisters. All of the young ladies performed effectively together; singing and dancing.
I must commend director/choreographer Cindy Stanley for her great job handling the dance numbers – especially the ensemble numbers (such as “Kiss the Girl” and “Under the Sea” both of which featured the talented Gomez) and the ones featuring the mersisters, “She’s in Love” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” The choreography for both “She’s in Love” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” were reminiscent of 60’s girl groups such as the Supremes and Martha and the Vandellas.
Also, kudos to Peggy Schechter for a truly amazing job on costumes; from Ursula’s octopus to King Triton and all of the wonderful sea creatures, the attention to detail and color were a feast for the eyes. My wife and I were especially fond of the jellyfish, starfish and turtles.
I highly recommend the LTC’s production of Disney’s “the Little Mermaid.” Go see this fun and engaging musical if you are still able to get tickets.
The musical runs through this weekend, 7:30 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday, and continues with 7:30 p.m. shows July 28-29 and wraps with a 2 p.m. show July 30. The Lincoln Civic Auditorium is located at 511 Fifth St. Tickets are $15.50 general admission and $17.50 for reserved seating.
Before the start of the performance the LTC received a special proclamation from California State Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, recognizing the group’s efforts to stage live theatrical performances.
“I’m so excited about the amazing things the Lincoln Theater Company is doing for downtown Lincoln,” Kiley said. “They are providing an incredible opportunity for young people and doing so much for the character of downtown Lincoln.”
The LTC board of directors also presented two scholarships Friday night: the Isabel Santoro Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts ($500) was awarded to Hailey LeRoy-Smith and the LTC Scholarship ($250) was awarded to Grace Fidler. The scholarships may be used for singing, dancing or acting lessons or anything that improves the recipient’s performing arts skills.

05/21/2017

Review May 20, 2017
Lincoln Theatre Company’s Junior Choristers steal the show
Disney musical adventure fun for all ages
BY STEVE ARCHER
OF THE VOICE OF LINCOLN
It wasn’t Aladdin who stole the show Friday night at the Lincoln Civic Auditorium.
No, it was the Lincoln Theatre Company’s (LTC) Junior Choristers that stole the show on opening night of a “Dazzling Disney Musical Adventure; music from the great Disney movies.” Armed with the brightest smiles and an infectious enthusiasm, the LTC Junior Choristers lit up the auditorium every time they took the stage.
Don’t get me wrong, the LTC Choristers put on a great show with many fun and inspiring performances – such as Jackie Wilson singing “Cruella DeVil” and Mary Jo Garrison singing “He’s a Tramp” – but it seemed like every child in the Junior Choristers was smiling through each song and those smiles added light and buoyancy to the performance. Among the adult numbers, I started grinning as soon as I heard accompanist Candy Rainwater play the opening notes to “Cruella DeVil.”
I also enjoyed John Griffin’s rendition of “Bella Notte” which also included director Eric Rainwater on guitar. A longer rendition would have been welcomed by this reviewer; the pacing, emotion and chemistry between the Rainwaters and Griffin made for a magical, if short, number.
Another member of the Choristers I could have listened to at greater length was Peggy Schechter, the treasurer of the LTC and wife of LTC President Paul Schechter. Peggy Schechter sang “Poor Unfortunate Soul,” from “The Little Mermaid,” and I was taken aback by the power and clarity of her voice. Schechter displayed range, emotion and a natural stage presence. It was really fun to see her entertain the room.
Among the Junior Choristers’ numbers, my favorite was “I See the Light,” from “Tangled,” featuring soloists Grace Fidler and Dylan Whitehead. It was a sweet rendition and really captured the emotions of young love.
I also enjoyed James Kubochi’s rendition of “The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers.” His energy, enthusiasm and stage presence made this number delightful and fun. He seemed to be enjoying himself on stage, which made a fun song better.
Other highlights of the evening included the Junior Choristers singing “Never Smile at a Crocodile” and “Hakuna Matada,” as well as the Choristers performance of “Colors of the Wind” and “Strong.” However, it felt like soloist Joy Dickman may have been holding back a little in the rendition of “Strong.” Also, I felt the version of “Kiss the Girl” could have benefitted from a more upbeat tempo.
After watching both the LTC Choristers’ Holiday show and Disney musical adventure, I can confidently recommend future performances. I can’t wait to see what they will put on stage next.
The LTC Choristers will stage a final performance of “A Dazzling Disney Musical Adventure today at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Civic Auditorium, 511 Fifth St.

LTC recognized by city council
Before the performance the LTC was recognized by Lincoln Mayor Peter Gilbert, City Councilmen Dan Karleskint and Stan Nader, and City Manager Matt Brower for both the work the group has done in renovating and improving the Lincoln Civic Auditorium and for the entertaining performances the group has produced.
“Peggy and Paul have put together a group of people who have done a wonderful job,” Gilbert said. “The city council voted unanimously for this proclamation, which made us particularly happy.”
Paul Schechter also announced that auditions would begin this week for the LTC production of “The Little Mermaid.” For more information call 916-409-7030.

04/23/2017

Review
“Alone Together” a touching look at family
Lincoln Civic Auditorium upgrades shine
BY STEVE ARCHER
OF THE VOICE OF LINCOLN
Impressive is the first word that comes to mind as I recall the Lincoln Theatre Company’s Friday night production of “Alone Together,” a comedy by Lawrence Roman.
It is difficult to decide if I was more impressed by the performance of Susan Gillespie or by the recently finished Phase I of the Civic Auditorium Development Plan. As I am a people-person, I will go with Ms. Gillespie’s performance.
The play, directed by LTC President Paul Schechter, is a poignant and funny slice-of-life look at adult children moving home to live with their parents.
As Helene Butler, mother of three sons and a recent empty-nester, Gillespie’s delivery of lines and movement about the stage was natural and uninhibited; I really felt like I got to know a little bit about Helene Butler and her hopes and frustrations. Whether arguing with her husband George, played by Ken Reiss, or trying to understand her son Elliot’s behavior, Gillespie gave a strong emotional performance that, I expect, many mothers will appreciate.
Gillespie and Reiss also demonstrated good chemistry and I especially liked two scenes; a cozy moment between the couple at the beginning of Scene II of Act I and a fight between the couple in Scene III of Act I. I felt both scenes gave a good portrayal of the spectrum of married life and both actors gave effective and emotional performances.
Parents will likely recognize situations from their own families peppered throughout the performance.
And, Gillespie and Reiss generated lots of laughs, as the play is full of funny situations and terrific lines. It seemed like Gillespie got the most laughs but I think Reiss got the bigger and louder laughs – particularly at the end of Scene I of Act I, right after the last of the couple’s sons has left the house for college.
Casting of the three sons – Keith, played by Charlie Mullennix; Michael, played by Vik Verma and Elliot, played by Jonathan Ball – seemed accurate and all three seemed quite natural in their portrayals. All three have issues and I found the dynamics of the relationship between Michael and Elliot interesting and exact. The two did a good job displaying the camaraderie and rivalry of siblings.
Also, both Verma and Ball did a nice job of portraying characters that are not necessarily likeable – which I find to be a sign of good acting. As I noticed my emotional reaction to Elliot and Michael I realized Verma and Ball had both really gotten into their characters. It is one of the many delights of community theater productions to get that emotional connection to the actors.
Genevieve Schlosser, as friend-of-the-family Janie Johnson, gave a fun and funny performance and I expect to see her in future LTC productions. She showed the same energy and enthusiasm in the LTC’s recent production of “The Music Man.” Her delivery and comic timing are surely an asset to any show.
For me, “Alone Together” was a funny and poignant glimpse into family dynamics and the relationships between parents and children. I feel the production accurately showed some of the very real hopes and disappointments all parents feel at some time.
Both my wife and I also commented on the terrific set design by Wendy-Jean Iannico and all of the attention to detail.
As far as the venue goes, this is the first LTC performance completely free of any sound difficulties. All of the actors’ lines were clear and uninterrupted by feedback or microphone cut-outs. The lighting was also top-notch.
Before the performance Schechter welcomed the audience to the “new Lincoln Theatre Company.”
“This is the first performance in the recently completed Phase I restoration of this beautiful building,” Schechter said. “Phase II will turn this into a first-class performing arts center.”
Included among the improvements planned for Phase II are: a dressing room, a curtain and an expanded stage. I thoroughly enjoyed the Civic Auditorium’s new feel and look forward to future LTC productions as the venue receives more attention.
“Alone Together” runs through April 30 at the Lincoln Civic Auditorium, 511 Fifth St., with performances scheduled for: 2 p.m. April 23 and April 30 and at 7:30 p.m. April 28 and April 29.

03/04/2017

Lincoln Theatre Company hits all the right notes
Local youth shine in “The Music Man”
BY STEVE ARCHER
OF THE VOICE OF LINCOLN
Trouble in River City spelled fun this week with the opening of the Lincoln Theatre Company’s production of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.”
The production runs through March 5 at the Lincoln Civic Auditorium, 511 Fifth St., Lincoln.
The LTC’s Young Performers’ Production, directed by Peggy Schecter, featured a cast of 35 local young singing and dancing to several classic musical numbers. The opening night show was full of enthusiasm and joy and free of any obvious mistakes or missteps.
Sound for “The Music Man” was the best of any LTC production I have attended and is likely due to new sound equipment. The new system did justice to the beautiful singing voice of female lead Bianca Christiansen, who played librarian Marian Paroo. When Ms. Paroo sang it reminded my wife and I of a Disney princess
I cannot say enough about the power and purity of Christiansen’s singing. Her highlight’s included “My White Night,” and “Goodnight My Someone.”
The civic auditorium also has a new light system which really highlighted the terrific sets, designed by Lee Basham. Mr. Basham is the a full-time volunteer at Lincoln High School where he designs and builds sets for the school’s dramatic productions. All of the sets and props for “The Music Man” were extremely well-detailed and effectively set up each scene.
In addition to a remarkable singing voice, Paroo had nice stage chemistry with male lead Spencer Sanders, who played Professor Harold Hill – a notorious travelling salesman. Paroo and Sanders sang and acted well throughout the production and I appreciated the range of expression Sanders displayed with just a smile or a nod. These two young performers anchored the musical and provided a steady stream of smiles.
Actor Nick Pham, who played the part of Mayor Shinn, and actress Genevieve Schloesser, who played the mayor’s wife Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, provided loads of laughs with their portrayal of River City’s power couple. Fun to watch Pham and Schloesser succeed each time they took the stage.
Also, all of dance numbers – choreographed by Jeff Teague – went of without a hitch. It was impressive to see featured dancers Sam DeCarlo, Jules Felt, Autumn Hardin, Jillian Hardin, Madison Hardin, Jason Johnson, Trace Landrum and Stephen McConnell perform. In particular, the dance scene in the library, during “Marian the Librarian,” was quite good.
Good timing, stage presence and chemistry were displayed from the first scene; where travelling salesmen on a train engage in an argument well-tracked to the sounds of the rails. Credit director Schecter and her cast for repeatedly bringing out the potential this classic musical holds.
Among the musical highlights were the timeless “Seventy-six Trombones;” the hilarious “Shipoopi;” and “Till There Was You.” I enjoyed the performance of Sam Hendrickson, as Marcellus Washburn, an associate of Professor Hill. He was one of the main singers in the “Shipoopi” number.
It was also fun each time the Barbershop Quartet – David Abrahams, Alex Hall, Kevin Nelson and Dylan Whitehead – had their turn on stage. Getting caught up in the story – one of my favorite musicals – I forgot these four were cast for their roles on purpose and I was reminded how fun it is to listen to a good barbershop quartet. It was nice piece of Americana that is frequently underrated.
A cameo appearance by Lincoln City Manager Matt Brower, as a custodian pushing a broom, was the only confusing piece of the play.
The LTC’s production of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” was terrifically executed and a great performance for all ages. Schecter, Teague, the cast and all of the volunteers that made “The Music Man” come to life in Lincoln should be proud of themselves and I look forward to the next LTC production.

10/02/2016

Go see this play.

10/02/2016

Sylvia opens to laughs, applause
Lincoln Theatre Company production a success

BY STEVE ARCHER
OF THE VOICE OF LINCOLN

"Sylvia," the current production of the Lincoln Theatre Company, is a delightful and funny play about relationships -- between dogs and humans and within a marriage.

"Sylvia" was written by A.R. Gurney.

Featuring a cast of four, although Aaron Horne manages three roles, the play focuses on married couple Greg (Rick Schlussel) and Kate (Deni Scofield) and Greg's new friendship with Sylvia (Dawn Hartman), a dog he found and brought home. Greg and Kate are empty-nesters living in Manhattan and both are dealing with careers going in opposite directions.

Dog owners may get the most laughs out of "Sylvia," but the play does not rely only on the man-dog relationship, it will also successfully explores the issue of compromise in a marriage. Of course some of the biggest laughs come from the performance of Hartman as the title character. I suspect Hartman was the top student in any improv class she may have taken -- her dog mannerisms and habits were accurate and funny. From tail-wagging to walking around in circles to the simple adoration of her master, Hartman was the star of the show.

However, all four actors worked well together and displayed a great sense of comedic timing and chemistry, Comedy may be the most difficult art form and the four actors in "Sylvia" made it seem effortless and natural.

And, all four actors displayed a keen sense of stage presence and body language.

Schlussel, for example, made the best use of facial expressions and head movement -- getting laughs with an effective double-take -- and with wide open portrayals of wonder, enthusiasm and grief. His youthful exuberance when talking about his dog was convincing and sincere.

Horne, who pulled off the hat-trick, displayed a mastery of slapstick and physical comedy. Horne had an especially funny scene as Leslie, the androgynous therapist, where he received hearty laughs interacting with Greg and Kate.

Scofield's portrayal of Kate may seem unsympathetic to dog-lovers but that is testament to what a good actress she is -- she drew dramatic and comedic responses from the audience. She also convincingly projected resentment and tenseness in her opposition to her husband's new friend.

Clever running jokes included Kate's Shakespearean references, she's an English teacher, and Horne's character Tom's "I love books" t-shirt and self-help advice.

The play moved quickly under the direction of Diane Bartlett and I appreciated the sets designed by Wendy-Jean Iannico. Sound continues to be an issue at the Lincoln Civic Auditorium, 511 Fifth St., but improves with each production. Friday's opening night performance included an irregular and distracting hissing and popping sound. The performance includes a 15-minute intermission -- time enough to stretch the legs and visit the snackbar.

I laughed throughout the play and would recommend it to both people with pets and without. It is a worthwhile production.

Also, Paul Schechter, president of the Lincoln Theatre Company, announced before the show that the chairs would be replaced with newer more comfortable seats in 2017.

Sylvia continues at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 and 8 and a matinee show at 2 p.m. on Oct. 9.