Critic Badge Reviews

 It's been far too long since I've written, but I found my misplaced books and realized: I've seen so many things this summer that would qualify for this badge! Many of these shows were performed at a local theater that my friends often perform at, and I love how many opportunities there are in my own community!

Agatha Christie's Mousetrap

I attended this show in May of 2024, going to see a good friend perform. Having seen the movie See How They Run, I had an idea of the plot twist that might be coming but was still surprised overall. The cast and crew did a wonderful job putting on the performance and their hard work was extremely evident.

If I could change anything about the show, I probably would have told the actors to not go for an entirely British accent - there were a number who struggled and it would have felt less distracting if everyone had gone with a "posh" sound rather than trying to be explicitly English - however, it is entirely possible that that was a stipulation of being able to put on the show, which I know is something that exists for shows that must have rights purchased in order to produce.

I loved the set build - you could tell that the team put a lot of heart and soul into making the set gorgeous, and the cast was top notch - I was guessing the entire time "whodunnit"!

The Lady Demands Satisfaction

Who doesn't love a little bit of stage combat and cases of mistaken identity! Truly, the show had so many funny moments, it was a true delight to watch. The play was originally written as part of a contest put on by a stage combat group of women in the Chicago area, and seeing a strong female cast kicking butt and putting their skills on display was so cool, it made me wish I had auditioned for the show!

I honestly don't know what I would have changed from what the director created, it was such a great put together group and cast.

The Ponies Improv

There is a local improv troupe in my city that performs regularly at other community theater locations, and I was invited to go to a show in July that they put on. I loved the Whose Line style of improv, with suggestions from the audience. Overall, you could tell that the cast was really able to gel together and work off of one another. The trickiest part of the show was them juggling all the people who showed up to watch and not having enough seating! Because they work in community theater spaces, what they're working around changes from show to show, and watching their flexibility in that is very impressive.

Dolly Parton's 9 to 5

Another show at the local theater, I really enjoyed this one. I think my favorite small detail was in the opening dance, when they sang "working 9 to 5" they moved their arms as if the audience was looking at a clock at that specific line. I also LOVED the attention to detail that was put in to the clock on the office wall - it was set in such a way that the clock would hit 5:00 by the time the show hit curtains. Very clever!

There were a few moments of dance that felt a little disconnected, where some dancers were doing something very technical and everyone else was not. I think if I had been in a directorial position, I probably would have adjusted so everything felt more cohesive.

Olivia Rodrigo in Kansas City

Last but not least, I was able to attend Olivia's concert in Kansas City! The show was very entertaining. I loved the connection she had with the audience overall - there was one point she was on a crescent moon suspended above the audience that went out in a half oval over the audience over the course of 2 songs - a great way to get closer to your fans in a visually interesting way!

I didn't love all of the dances that were performed, mostly because the style was very jerk-y and different from my own personal preference, but the performers all did great.