Theatre in Review

Monday, 31 August 2009 19:42

“Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical” is One Funny Adventure at Sea

Written by

PoseidonHilarity, madness, and good old-fashioned fun are high-flying in “Poseidon! The Upside Down Musical”, based on the book by David Cerda. Directed by Matthew Gunnels, Poseidon is the story about a ragtag group of “Poseidonites” who regularly get together to watch the 1972 disaster film The Poseidon Adventure.

 

 

Hilarity, madness, and good old-fashioned fun are high-flying in “Poseidon! The Upside Down Musical”, based on the book by David Cerda. Directed by Matthew Gunnels, Poseidon is the story about a ragtag group of “Poseidonites” who regularly get together to watch the 1972 disaster film The Poseidon Adventure. While dressing up as characters in the film, the Poseidonites go a little overboard (pardon the pun) as film enthusiasts go, and even reach the point of Trekkies, but that’s what makes them the dedicated die-hards they are. As the Poseidonites watch on, The Poseidon Adventure is brought to life with a fresh tongue-in-cheek approach that is brilliantly conveyed in its great casting and, of course, a strong, intelligent script.

 

The entire cast does a really good job at poking fun at the subtle, but trademark, characteristics of the film’s stars without making them overly ridiculous. In other words, they delivered the perfect amount of parody while keeping within the integrity of the original characters – and that’s what makes it so funny.

 

Being a musical, the songs were memorable, witty and well performed. Stand out numbers include “God Wants Winners” a satirical sermon by Reverend Scott and Belle Rosen’s very humorous “(In the Water) I’m a Very Skinny Lady”. The play’s author, David Cerda, is also responsible for writing its music and lyrics along with Scott Lamberty.

 

With a cast of over twenty, the difficulty is in mentioning the notable performances since everyone was so outstanding, including Cerda himself who starred as “David”, the “Too-Tanned Lady” in the magenta pants suit. Derek Czaplewski was excellent as “Reverend Scott” and Ed Jones was beyond funny as “Nonnie Parry” the catatonic female singer in the ship’s band. Beautifully capturing the “Borgnine” in Ernest Borgnine’s character “Lt. Mike Rugo” was Michael Hampton while Steve Kimbrough gave audience members a Shelly Winters to remember. Other performances to note were Elizabeth Lesinski as “Linda Rogo”, Andrew Swan as “Robin Shelby”, Megan Keach as “Lara” and Allison Lind as “Susan Shelby”.

 

Poseidon! An Upside Down Adventure is an enjoyable ride that gives show goers the feeling that they too are “Poseidonites”, if just for one night. Extended through September 27th, this is a show that is likely to bring you back a second time. This Hell in a Handbag production can be seen at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division.  Tickets are very reasonable and can be purchased at www.brownpaperticket.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. For more information on this show and other Hell in a Handbag productions visit www.handbagproductions.org.  From left- Robin and Susan Shelby (Andrew Swan and Allison Lind) wait with Linda and Mike Rogo (Trista Smith and Michael Hampton) for a sign of life. Phot by Rick Aguilar
Last modified on Tuesday, 01 September 2009 13:31

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.