'Present Laughter' funny, charming

Theater Scene column by Carol Moore

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, April 27, 2007

Whenever I review a play at Marian Theatre Guild, I wonder why the Guild only does two productions a year. While other community theater groups are using store fronts with makeshift stages and folding chairs, the Guild's 50-year-old theater is definitely user-friendly for both actors and audience, and their productions are consistently well done.

Noel Coward's "Present Laughter" is a drawing-room comedy. As the audience is being seated, Andrew Flores entertains with selections on the grand piano, an integral part of Martin Dybel's amazing set.

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'Coyote' intense, thought-provoking drama

Theater Scene column by Carol Moore

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, April 20, 2007

"Coyote on a Fence" is an intense drama set in and around a prison somewhere in the south. College-educated inmate John Brennan (Jim Henry), who edits a newsletter, "Death Row Advocate" from his cell, writes thoughtful obituaries of the recently executed, drawing the attention of New York Times reporter, Sam Fried (Eric Brant).

John finds his new cell partner, Bobby Reyburn (Karl Berner), a racist and unrepentant murderer, repugnant. In addition, he cannot understand why Bobby refuses to fight his execution. Bobby believes he is hearing the voice of God who told him to murder 38 people. He himself said that you should kill certain predatory creatures, like the coyote tangled in a fence, before they kill you.

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Talented local cast great in 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change'

Theater Scene column by Carol Moore

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, April 13, 2007

If you'd like to see a show about "everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit," then Footlight Players' production of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" is the show for you.

A series of light-hearted vignettes featuring stereotypical characters spoof our relationship rituals. A talented cast of six, Noel Carlson, Kathy Chase, Robert Komendera (who also directs the show), Mike McCalment, Mary Kaye Steele, Sherry Ver Wey and Christine Wiegand, assume all the roles.

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Head to the 'burbs' for over-the-top comedy

Theater Scene column by Carol Moore

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, April 6, 2007

Whether you're a mystery aficionado or not, you will enjoy "Something's Afoot," an entertaining spoof of the British country house mystery, playing at the Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace.

If you enjoy mysterious (and very funny) musical melodrama, with over-the-top stereotypical characters, booby traps, puns and double entendres, then this show is for you.

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Local talent shines in the spotlight

Theater Scene column by Carol Moore

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Friday, October 29, 2004 12:05 AM CST

Dear Times Readers,

My name is Carol Moore, and I'm your new theatrical reviewer. Let me tell you a little bit about me. I've been a communicator for many years, working in advertising, marketing, public relations, and writing. I've represented beauty queens and recording artists, as well as lots of businesses. My hobby is photography, and I love the arts! I don't remember when I fell in love, maybe in a (mercifully) brief appearance in "Cheaper by the Dozen", or an Art Appreciation course. It might have been the first time I listened to Mozart, the first time I saw a Monet, or the first time I understood the nuances of a play. Now I'll be sharing that love with all of you.

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Please send information about your upcoming theatrical events to Carol Moore by using this Email Form and use Theater News for the Subject.