If
you’ve been looking for the perfect “stay-cation” or “holi-stay”
to pull your family out of the hot summer doldrums, make your
reservations to see the latest from Circa ‘21 today.
There is something fun for everyone in this wholesome and sometimes
moving production at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse. Take the teenagers
and Grandma to see this one for plenty of entertainment-and possibly
some thought-provoking conversation on the way home. Now, the
poster and title are slightly misleading. This is not a family
car vacation story, but rather a poignant journey through life
itself.
The very talented cast of two young women — Erin Dickerson along
with Sandra D. Rivera — and two men — Tom Walljasper working
alongside Tristan Layne Tapscott — take us through different
family life scenarios both musical and otherwise.
Sometimes the plotlines are expectedly sentimental, like bringing
home the first baby and leaving the house you raised your family
in. But there are some pleasant well-acted surprises in Anne
Nieman’s production.
Tom Walljasper is the most talented and seasoned member of the
cast. His characters are rich and he steals every scene with
shameless flourish.
My personal favorite was his portrayal of an uppity preschool
administrator during “Inutero Interview” who does pre-natal analysis
of possible applicants. This scene would be hilarious anyway
but Tom Walljasper makes it just so much more fun!
His presentation of a Little League coach who never married but
considers the players his “kids” was right on. In “Coach Bob”
he makes you want to go say thank you to someone who taught you
as a child how to be a good person.
Erin Dickerson is as cute and perky as she was in “White Christmas”
earlier in the season. She played one of the Haynes sisters where
she displayed her awesome dancing and singing skills.
In this production, her impressive versatility is showcased from
her portrayal of an adopted teenager searching for her birthmother
on the internet in “I Know She’s Out There” to a retired Gramma
babysitting to help out her kids in “What Happened to the Good
Old Days?”
She is charming at any age but my personal favorite was her realistic
version of an overzealous mom yelling from the Little League
bleachers in “Batting Zero.” Believe me, you have seen someone
like this at every game!
Tristan Layne Tapscott appears yet again this season in another
Circa ‘21 production and by the time the show is over, it’s easy
to see why. Tristan’s versatility is on par with the rest of
the cast but he’s such a baby! A very talented baby.
His youth is most difficult to remember during his monologue
in “Inheriting Laura — accepting your DNA” where he plays an
Alzheimer’s victim in his 80s who has volunteered for a medical
study.
His portrayal is heart-wrenching as his character describes watching
his own mother’s deterioration from the disease. He expresses
fears about his own future in a tender yet humorous manner. So
sweet…
Finally, Sandra D. Rivera hails from Louisville — the latest
discovery by Producer Denny Hitchcock. Apparently, Louisville
boasts the only other dinner theater in the country where the
wait staff performs.
It seems Mr. Hitchcock saw her perform with the rest of the wait
staff and hired her that night. She is a treasure; both talented
and lovely. Her best number is “Cause I’m a Mommy” and maybe
it’s partially because it’s her own personal favorite.
Whatever the reason, she shimmies and shines her way through
the rousing scene; extolling the virtues and vices of Mommyhood.
One of the best things about the show is a three-piece band right
on stage featuring Musical Director Ron May on keyboards, John
Ladson II on percussion and Stephen Hopkins on bass guitar.
The musical score is nicely reminiscent of the music in all the
old Charlie Brown cartoons and really adds a special element
to this presentation.
“Are we there yet?” is a great way to lighten up your summer
load in a nice air-conditioned beautiful theater.
For those of you who have never visited Circa ‘21, here is a
brief description.
Upon arriving, you are directed to your table in one of the most
stunning theatres in the area. The stage set is always visible
and you begin to get a sense of what’s in store from the design
effects. This part is crucial to the experience for me and I
am never disappointed.
The ticket price includes a fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet
with everybody’s favorites so even your picky eaters can be satisfied.
There is a well-stocked bar and they create a new libation in
honor of every new production. A free one goes out to some lucky
audience member before each performance.
Once the meal is finished, you have the opportunity to order
a specialty dessert or coffee to enjoy either after the wait
staff performs or during intermission. This is where you can
really enjoy something special.
I recommend the Italian coffee…Mama Mia. See you at the theater!
•
When: Through September 13, 2008
Where: Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave Rock Island,
Ill.
Information: (309) 786-7733, Ext 2, or www.circa21.com
Jami R. Smith is a Clinton Herald advertising account representative.
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