BWW Reviews: THE SORCERER is Full of Magic

With a unique staging and charming humor, the Lamplighters' production of "The Sorcerer" charms audiences. The enchantment only lasts for one week, however, with three performances, one of which has already passed.

The less popular, but immensely enjoyable Gilbert and Sullivan operetta contains the creators' well-known wit and gorgeous melodies. The thin, but sufficient plot follows the chaos that results when new couple Alexis and Aline hire a sorcerer to put a love potion in the tea at their wedding celebrations.

Chris Uzelac excels in his full commitment to character and comedy. His Sorcerer has the air of Jack Sparrow, Austin Powers and the Mad Hatter combined, with a convincing accent and handsome, villainous attire to swish about. At times, Uzelac fails to communicate his character's motives, and a lackluster, confusing staging of the character's final moments disappoints, but Uzelac remains the most memorable performer of the production next to Lindsay Thompson Roush's heavenly Aline.

Megan Stetson and Robby Stafford leave strong impressions as Aline and Alexis' parents, who have entertaining secret passions for each other. Both come with exceptional vocals and gratifyingly exaggerated acting. Robert Vann provides mostly-smooth vocals as the handsome Alexis. Rose Frazier has some trouble with her high notes and with freeing her voice up, but has an overall pleasant and youthful presence as Constance, a maiden with a crush on the local vicar. Kelly Powers shines in her few moments on stage as the outgoing and loving Mrs. Partlet, Constance's mother. Baker Peeples makes a strong Dr. Daly, the Vicar of Ploverleigh, and a solid ensemble consistently backs the notable cast.

Melissa Wortman's bright and colorful costumes pop against a limited set that finds the orchestra on stage with action in front, as well as behind on a small stage with curtain and scene-setting lighting by Robert Ted Anderson. Suprisingly, the minimized staging of the rarely performed operetta works well for Lamplighters. The cast animates the stage, and audiences can expect a fun plot frame added just for this exceptional production.

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THE SORCERER
Saturday March 23 at 8 PM
Sunday March 24 at 2 PM
at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco
http://lamplighters.org/

Photo Credit: Lucas Buxman

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