Tickets still available for Nov. 11-20
Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Monticello Opera House (MOH) production of the off-Broadway hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical zips at a fast pace through two acts of action that will have you tapping along with the tunes, laughing along with the earthy humor and reflecting along with the characters who take life's loves and losses in stride.
The TV talk show scene captures the flavor of gossipy intrigue that runs throughout the show and sets the audience up for a talk-show-style zinging reveal at the end.
Excellent vocals accompanied by live music combine with the genuinely conveyed emotions to make this show just the kind of engaging experience you want from live, local theater. The program includes a content warning because a bit of profanity slips through the lips of the residents of the Armadillo Acres trailer park as they hitch you up and take you along on what the show's official website describes as an “all-American musical odyssey through agoraphobia, adultery, hysterical pregnancy, strippers, huffing, electric chairs, flan,roadkill, toll collecting, spray cheese, guns and disco.”
Director Robert M. Nelson, a pianist and music director in Tallahassee and the surrounding area, tickles the ivory for this show, which is his first show to officially direct. He started out at FAMU's Essential Theater and is part of the traveling theatrical ensemble called “The FAMU Connection.”
JW, playing the central character of Betty, exuberantly commands the stage with strong vocals and sassy interactions with all around, including effective asides with the audience. Rounding out a dynamic trio of trailer park neighbors who coach each other through life's dramas from their folding aluminum lawn chairs are Jennifer Holliday (Linoleum), who plays the wife of a death-row inmate, and Aiko Austin (Pickles), a young wife dealing with infertility. Also central to the story are Jeannie, played by Nikkie Parker, and Norbert, played by Marc Cramer. This couple brings a heartwarming element to the show as their fears and yearnings complicate the story's plot by intertwining with the comings and goings of Pippi, played by Christy Ogle, and Duke, played by Cole Bowling.
The production team does a great job transforming the downstairs space at MOH into an intimate theater experience, devising clever methods for quick scene changes and engineering the sound boldly and clearly. Costuming, lighting and props effectively contribute to the show's fun. Kudos to Assistant Director/Production Assistant Barbie Nettles, Choreographer Grady Jefferson, Lighting Designer Todd Randall, Light Board Operator Adrianna Mayoral, Costume Designer Lyndsey Woods, Sound Board Operator Tessia Brookins and Set Designers Dale Austin, Nancy Austin, Marc Cramer and Barbie Nettles. Live music adds to show's fresh feeling, thanks to Conductor/Pianist Robert Nelson, Guitarist Christian Craig, Bass Player Jason Brookins and Drummer Javier Laurano.
Those who attend MOH productions regularly will be pleased to see familiar faces in new roles and new faces bringing their own energy to our local stage. And if you've haven't yet been to an MOH show, there's no time like the present to get your first ticket.
Tickets are available for Friday evenings, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees from Nov. 11-20.
Full cash/credit card bar will be available featuring premium beer, wine and cocktails.
Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., with the lobby and bar open at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m., with the lobby and bar open at 1 p.m.
Tickets cost $25 (discounts and upgrades are available) and may be purchased online at monticellooperahouse .org or by calling (850) 997-4242. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door for all performances.