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GEORGE AND MARTHA: TONS OF FUN Comes to The Rose Theater, Now thru 3/17
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 01, 2013
Hippos George and Martha may seem like opposites, but they can't help making each other howl with laughter in George & Martha: Tons of Fun, today, March 1-17 at The Rose. Even the best of partnerships have their rough spots, and when George gets caught trying to read Martha's diary, and then refuses to let Martha in his secret club, the two stop talking. Can they find a way to save their friendship? Find out in this hilarious musical about the ups and downs of friendship, told with the help of a Crocodile, Pig and Dog.
"The overall message is that friendship isn't easy, but it's worth the trouble." said Director Stephanie Jacobson. "There are themes of privacy versus secrecy, and how important it is to encourage and support the efforts of your friends. Whether it's Martha showing up for George's balloon launch, or George learning about ballet so that he can appreciate Martha's dance classes, they're always there for each other."
Jacobson and The Rose put a dazzling vaudeville look and style to the adaptation from the books by James Marshall (author of Miss Nelson Is Missing). An opening orchestration has been recorded on the organ--a collaborative effort by musical director Jerry Brabec and Organist Scott Foppiano. The Rose is home to a historic 3/21 Wurlitzer pipe organ similar to the one that was installed when the building first opened in 1927 as the vaudeville house known as The Riviera.
The pacing of the jokes in the script present a seamless transition for the vaudeville seg- ments, with a marquee sign for each new scene--much as Marshall presented a title page for each of his stories.
"Sherri Geerdes, the costume designer, is doing a wonderful job of incorporating the 1920's style," said Jacobson, "We're also incorporating a Foley table--a sound effects station like they used in old radio shows. Think coconut shells for horse hooves and slide whistles when something gets dropped."
Along with the jazzy sound effects, Rose actors bring an upbeat, catchy style to the caberet songs. Kevin Ehrhart brings out all of George's fun-loving, sensitive, practical- joking spirit, while Walter Shatley captures Martha's organized, bossy nature and wicked sense of humor. Croc Andy Saladino, Dog Dan Chevalier and Pig Lauren Krupski-Carlson serve as a boisterous chorus of friends for musical numbers and play side roles like waiter, mail man, model for George's painting and ground crew for George's epic balloon flight.
After their duet, "Without You," George and Martha realize they want to be friends again, but how will the sensitive dreamer George and the nurturing, practical Martha confess their feelings? The answer lies in Martha's pea soup and the arrival of George's secret clubhouse.
"I think this play is important to share with families because it shows how best friends can sometimes hurt each other's feelings," said Jacobson. "And even though it is hard, they can forgive and forget and their friendship can be even stronger than before."
George & Martha: Tons of Fun will be presented today, March 1-17 at The Rose with shows on Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7 pm, Sundays at 2 pm. The musical runs 60 minutes with no intermission, and is best for ages 5 and older. Tickets are $18 and reservations required. Call (402) 345-4849 or purchase online at www.rosetheater.org. Discount ticket vouchers are available at all area Hy-Vee stores for $14 each.
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