Glittering Heart and Soul
By Paul Atreides
Author, playwright, and Theatre critic at EatMoreArtVegas.com
The opening and closing line of The House on Watch Hill, a new musical by Richard Oberacher and Robert Taylor making its stunning premier at Vegas Theatre Company, is profound. "I am the age I am…and I am the age I am."
Though the play takes place in the summer of 1984, those words are true for all of us. We all carry the marks and scars of our formative teenage years: our first crush and budding sexuality, winning and losing friends, successes and failures. As Oberacher (music, book, and lyrics) and Taylor (book and lyrics) write in the program, "You will find yourself in here. Somewhere."
The premise is simple: A bunch of school kids decide to create the greatest haunted house Cincinnati has ever known, one to rival the famed Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. The score contains 80s-inspired songs that not only conjure but capture the essence of a coming-of-age tale.
With nine actors on a completely bare stage, director Daz Weller brings this glittering piece to a beautiful life. He's infused it with all the heart and soul to be found within the book and lyrics and never misses a beat.
In an actual ensemble show, the cast is made up of seven young actors and two grown-ups who take on various adult roles. As Adult in the Room 1, Jason Collins turns in an especially touching turn on "Another Lie," as does Christine Hudman (Adult in the Room 2) when she sings a very wise and heartfelt "Growing Up" to Young Patrick (Sean Driscoll). (Though I really wanted her to hug Patrick at the end of that number!)
Sean Driscoll (Young Patrick), Ashley Grubbs (Kristen), Nick Katopodis (Tim), Adrian Madamba (Paul), Madison Morseburg (Young Jennifer), Rashida Makeda (Joy), and Luke Martin (Jason) play the group of "weird kids" facing the challenges of transitioning from Junior High to High School. They're all very talented, and their voices blend well.
Driscoll and Makeda are true standouts. Makeda has a strong, sure voice and really knows how to deliver a song, and her comedic timing is impeccable. It's rare to find an actor of any age you can't watch when they're on the stage. That's Driscoll. In addition to talent, something about his stage presence draws you in and holds you there.
The production values here are top-notch, particularly in the final scene of the haunted house. Lights, sound, music, movement, special effects, costumes, and makeup all infuse together for a delightful experience. It culminates in a stunning aerial adagio performed by Luke Martin.
By the team that wrote the Tony Award-winning Bandstand, whether it's spooky ghost season or not, this is one you won't want to miss. Hustle on over.
What: The House on Watch Hill
When: 7 pm Friday to Saturday
2 pm and 7 pm Saturdays Oct 12 and Nov 2
5 pm Sundays
Through Nov 2
Where: Vegas Theatre Company
1025 S. 1st St., Suite 110
Tickets: $31 - $47.99, Fees included (www.theatre.vegas)
Grade: *****1/2 Irresistible
Producer: Vegas Theatre Company; Artistic Director: Daz Weller; Director: Daz Weller; Music Directors: Shane Jensen, Anthony Brindisi; Choreographer: Josh Berg; Aerial Director: Kerren McKeeman; Scenic Design & Puppets: Whitney Lehn Meltz; Lighting Design: Scott Orlesky; Costume Design, Co-Puppet Design: RuBen Permel; Sound Design: Jake Harrell; Production Stage Manager: Jinay Reitze; Stage Managers: Kate Leonard, Sabrina Christensen