Fort Lauderdale News from Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Page 48

Entertainment 1 IC Furl Liiuili nluli' NVhv UViIwmIu), Nv. 30, 1977 'The Mikado' Proves Likeable In A Dinner-Theater Setting Theater Review "THE MIKADO" Revival of IMS Gilbert Sullivan operetta per-' formed by the National Light Opera 'Co. Kent, Ohio) at the Showtime Dinner-Theater. Dinner and show (matinees) to S14.9S A ByJackZink Entertainment Editor I It wasn't so long ago that jxt-Jformances of some Gilbert Sullivan "light opera, and especially of "The Mikado," were as thick as weeds on an untended lawn. But lately only one comes to mind in this area and that an ethnic adaptation.

So it's safe to say at this point "Mikado" in our midst represents a Jdistinct theatrical change of pace. to that a dinner-theater setting -and the experience would seem to I 'qualify as a phenomenon. A Which is exactly the case at the I Showtime Dinner-Theater. The first i three Gilbert Sullivan programs, i which opened last night, is as unlike-; ly a bi'ef 'n boards feast as you'll find, but a tasty one. No small i that, for "The Mikado" I is only the theater's second program since its debut Oct.

21. f. The National Light Opera Com-ijpany is a boisterous troupe of 25 'which gives the classic light opera 1 (venerable, but not reverential, treat- twosome in the male leads. Sally Wolf is a powerhouse Yum Yum in song, and lovable when smitten (either with her beau or herself). Beth Williams as the "bloodthirsty" Katisha is forceful in voice and portrayal, while important support is derived from Linda Far-quharson and Neal Roberts.

David Benson as the Mikado himself, however, is miscast. Despite the shortcomings, what the ensemble does for the for "The Mikado," and for Gilbert and Sullivan, is to make it all palatable to the general theater audience. With its increasing momentum in act two, the show is a generous, fun-loving experience. Yes, the tale is dated but in an interesting fashion. Its comedy, satire and wise cracking nature stands up well ill the 90-plus" years since its debut.

One need not worry over its operatic nature, nor its stylized presentation. 'To best enjoy it, sit back and resist the urge to be chic. Its narrative, though lumpy in spots, to smoother! over the long haul. In fact, one finds this production most erratic in its attempts to be topical. Some work fine; some are leaden.

The mixed success at this level is further evidence that W. S. Gilbert was an expert at digging for the natural human reaction. Within the framework devised between opening line and final bow, "The Mikado" needs no excuses to make sense. The music needs no introduction.

Arthur Sullivan's melodies are as frothy and enjoyable as ever. The action takes place on a towering, two-story set with gazebos flanking the stage to encompass the entire width of the theater. i4 ...111 .11 IHiIlijwJ 34 Charles Eanes and James Stuart, an engaging twosome in leading roles. the pzazz or the satirical thrust which runs so strongly through his compatriots. Though a creditable performance for its design, I think Stuart has missed a stitch here.

Stuart himself portrays Ko Ko, lord high executioner, with increasing bravado as the story develops. By show's end, he's an unabashed ham, and a good one. Add to that the company's stout backbone, Charles Eanes as the Poo-Bah, and you have an engaging this omission with robust chorus work. The finale to each act is a full-'hodied, musical treat. Sprinkled between are enticing solos, duets and trios from a vocally adept lineup of principals.

Oil opening night, John Miller as Nanki-Poo got off to an uncertain start with a voice clearly affected by the local climate. It did improve as the second act began, yet remained timid beside the contributions of his cost on. Nor does his characterization have intent. "The Mikado" does have a few blank spots but survives as a generally mirthful experience. The blankness is chiefly the result 'of a lack of instrumental depth.

With piano accompaniment this production if musically accurate, but there are when not even the most inspired keyboard rendition can fill the air as originally intended. Jessica Harper is at wit's end in "Suspiria" Mysterious 'Suspiria' Horror Fan's Delight "SUSPIRIA" Horror film centering around witchcraft. Stars Jessica Harper and Joan Bennett. Directed by Dario Argento. Rated R.

By Bob Keaton Entertainment Writer Cheap horror movies are as bad as South Florida cockroaches. They sneak around everywhere. And the really good horror flicks are rare. But if that's your thing, "Suspiria" is just what the devil ordered. It is hot for me.

Even though I don't like horror films, I respect the desires of those who enjoy them. But I don't think children shoulcj be allowed to see them. "Suspiria" is, of course, designed for one purpose, to frighten' the viewer as much as possible. It more than achieves its goal. It's so gruesome you'll be on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, and feeling chills zing down your pine.

Like all such movies, "Suspiria" is a gimmicky show. Therp are rainstorms, worms crawling everywhere, witchcraft, lightning, blowing wind, windows flying open, and even a bat. Writer-director Dario Argento hasn't missed a trick with this movie. Although he's often referred to as a disciple of Alfred Hitchcock, Argento himself more appropriately traces his origins to Edgar Allan Poe. i With "Suspiria," he has taken a very old formula, thrown in all the expected things, even a couple new ones, and tied it together in a neatly directed package making it very suspenseful.

The old things are obvious, from the bat to the windows flying open. The new things include a musical score, magnified in Jhe foreground of the sound track, which sounds like breathing or a pounding heart. This mixed with the strongly surreal quality of tbk picture greatly enhances the visuals. And in addition to all the horror. "Suspiria" evokes with its there's even a reasonably "well crafted plot.

Set in a dance academy in Freiburg, Germany, "Suspiria" focuses on an American girl (Jessica Harper) who goes there to study, only to discover all sorts of strange goings-on. These include a student being brutally stabbed, and then pushed through a skylight, a seeing-eye dog turning on its master, worms invading the bedrooms of all the students, and another student being savagely murdered. The American girl begins to put things together and uncovers the cause of the mysterious, evil happenings. Rather than reveal the shocking climax, suffice it to say that there's witchcraft afoot here and the student gets to the core of it. But not before you've gotten a fright which is worse than in any movie we can remember in a long, long time.

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