BWW Reviews: BLOWN BY THE WIND - A 5 Star Hilariously Naughty Night

BWW Review: 'BLOWN BY THE WIND' - a 5 STAR ~ HILARIOUSLY -NAUGHTY NIGHT!

Script adaptation by T. SCOTT WOOTEN
Staged by Gary Allan Breul Musical Accompanist Michael Raabe
Monday June 17th 2013 at 7:30pm

'BLOWN BY THE WIND'...well, the title of this entertainment alone, set me up for what was to be a hilariously-naughty night! I was holding my sides from laughter, in hysterics. as tears rolled down my face. I could barely catch my breath.

*Note: Before you read the rest of this review, stop and call the box office, before the tickets are gone and there is another SELL OUT, like this past Monday evening's performance. YOU WILL THANK ME, I PROMISE!

'BLOWN BY THE WIND' is playing for two benefit performances only, (June 17th and June 24th), at the American Stage Theatre Company, in St. Petersburg, FL,; as a 'Prelude to Pride', Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project. Proceeds will benefit PWA (People with AIDS) programs at Metropolitan Charities of Pinellas.

This musical, mind boggling, entertainment event, is a spoof! A parody! A burlesque! ... based on the memorable classic, 'Gone With The Wind', adapted for this presentation by T. SCOTT WOOTEN. This 'gender-bender' story line is set in the deep south, during the American Civil War and follows Scarlett O' Hara and her romantic longings for Ashley Wilkes, who is married to his own cousin, Melanie. Scarlett decides to marry Rhett Butler, as the story unfolds. American Stage's version however, is filled with politically incorrect verbiage, profanity, and adult themed situations, all done tongue in cheek, for 'The fun of it!'. No offense is taken, by ANYONE. It is a Laugh-RIOT!

The cast is stellar! Any director couldn't ask for a more perfect line up of thespians! And these professionals are donating all of their time and talents, on their ONLY day off. Thank you... and BRAVO!

Tampa Bay favorite, Matthew McGee, stars as Scarlett O'Hara, with a rare combination of Bette Davis AND Joan Crawford qualities, reminiscent of the late, great, impersonator, Charles Pierce. From the moment Mr. McGee makes his entrance, complete in raven haired curls and pink floral, ante bellum hoop skirt, he commands the stage. His comic timing, physical comedy and madcap, wildly hysterical ad libs, is simply brilliant! He will have you guffawing. As Scarlett O'Hara, Mr. McGee has added yet another jewel in his theatrical crown. An amazing performance!

ShaRon Scott as Mammy, shuffled on stage in a beaded gown, spittin' and sputterin' at Scarlett and delivered a showstopping "Proud Mary".Joey Panek played a handsome and mischievous Ashley. His disco number had the audiences dancing in their seats.

As Mr. O'Hara, robust, Irish accented, Joseph Parra, came on like gangbusters and landed every laugh. His Aunt Pitty-Pat brought roars of laughter, from his mere presence on stage. When he started to giggle...it was all over hysterics.

Betty Jane Parks gave a winning performance as the slightly confused, love lorn, cousin Melanie. Her physical antics were a hoot!

Tall and handsome, Chris Jackson was terrific as Rhett. His subtle comedy style in comparison to his over the top cast members, made him even funnier in the role.

Bearded, Drag KING, Susan Halderman as Dr. Meade was outstanding. Miss. Halderman's beauty and shapely figure was well disguised under her suit and each time she walked on or around the stage, she provoked well earned laughs.

Pretty. Scott Daniel as Suellen, barked out his lines in a true jealous/witchie fashion. Mr. Daniel's performance was hilarious.

Jason Ellis as Careen, Ryan-Patrick Mclaughlin as Charles, and Jerid Fox as Boehner, did a great job rounding out as disturbed family members and friends.

Petite powerhouse, Sara DelBeato, vamped her way on stage as Belle. Miss. DelBeato brought the house down, belting out "Take a Trip Down South".

Kudos to the very talented staging by, Gary Allan Breul, keyboard accompaniment by Michael Raabe, properties by Jerid Fox, and costume design by Scott Daniel and Sarah Stark.

BRAVO! ~ a 5 STAR ENTERTAINMENT EVENT!

(for mature audiences only)

DON'T MISS IT!

American Stage Theatre Company is located at the Raymond James Theatre,
163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

Tickets: "Pay-What-You-Can" $15 advance ticket purchase (Suggested donation $10-$20 at the door.) For tickets, please call the American Stage Box Office at (727) 823-PLAY (7529)

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