Cheryl Thornburg
Sun News
No Strings Theatre Company's musical offering
"A ...My Name is Alice" is a lively, laugh-filled review guaranteed
to cure the mid-winter doldrums. Director larrychandler has found
four talented comedienne/songstresses who put their all into the
various skits and songs.
Though the show is billed as "a compilation of songs, poems,
and monologues that portray the pains and pleasures of womanhood
from that first real date to the loss of a husband," it is not
a show for women only. The men in Friday's opening night audience
found plenty to laugh about as well.
Because it consists of numerous comedy sketches and songs, cast
members get to really show what they can do.
Anna Lenhardt, a New Mexico State University junior demonstrates
incredible versatility, stunning the audience with the haunting
ballad, "The Portrait," charming them with the delightfully funny
"The French Song, " and tickling their funny bones in "Honeypot"
and "Hot Lunch."
Lynda Abshire shows a real flair for comedy and delivers some
memorable renditions of "For Women Only Poems." Area poetry recitals
may never ben the same. She also creates the Kindergarten Teacher
from Hell, in a hilarious skit with Lenhardt in "Welcome to Kindergarten,
Mrs. Johnson."
Anastasya Sevanchko, an Onate High School senior, has an exquisite
voice and shows great promise for a stage career. She shines in
"I Sure Like the Boys" and "Friends" with Lenhardt. She recently
played the White Witch in the Las Cruces Community Theatre production
of "Narnia."
Michelle Ewing, who demonstrated her comedic talents in Las Cruces
Community Theatre's "Sylvia," shows that she can also sing in
this show. Her solo numbers are "Good Thing I Learned to Dance"
and "Demigod." Her best work, however, is in the skit "Hot Lunch."
It and a few other segments such as "Honeypot" are a bit bawdy
and may not be suitable for young children - but they're outrageously
funny for adults.
The music director/pianist is Ken Oberheide and the technical
director is Peter Herman.
"A...My Name is Alice" continues today at 7 p.m. with other performances
Friday, Feb. 16 and 23 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24 at
8 p.m., and Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb 18 at 7 p.m.
and a special matinee on Sunday Feb 25 at 2:30 p.m.
To make reservations for any of these showings or for more information,
call the Black Box Theatre at 52301223 or visit their website
at www.zianet.com/nstcbbt/.
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