THEATER REVIEW: ‘Silence! The Musical’ @blankcanvastheatre by Kevin Kelly

silence-the-musical

Thru Sat 11/5

In the Academy Award-winning film The Silence of the Lambs, rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling matches wits with the brilliant but insane cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer known only as Buffalo Bill. Clarice must face her own demons and race the clock to unlock Lecter’s clues before another innocent girl is killed and skinned by Bill.

The movie had millions of people, here and abroad, on the edge of their seats. The movie was also a critical success and scored Academy Awards in all the top five categories: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Adapted Screenplay. So it should come as no surprise that this is a great story that should be a musical. Thank you. Exactly.

But, yes it happened. Blank Canvas Theatre, under the inimitable artistic direction of Patrick Ciamacco, has chosen another perfect vehicle for his loyal and crazed fan base, this time directed by Jonathan Kronenberger. There is nothing better then putting on your silly pants (size 14), crack open a beer, and sit back in a cushy theatre seat and laugh your ass off. Mission Accomplished.

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This show is full of demented parody, with actors playing it straight with material that begs that the fourth wall is broken, while screaming “This is a hot mess!” Leading the parade is Kelly Strand, who portrays Clarice Starling.  I was blown away by her comedic talents. In her first two lines of dialogue, she establishes that this ride is going to be amazing. Her Jodie Foster diction is out of control fun. She is completely fabulous in her portrayal, her vocal chops, her comedic chops, her dancing chops, seriously, I was covered in chops by the end of the night. What a tremendous find and performance.

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The other half of this hot date night of Clue is Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played with psychotic flare by Brian Altman. He is one of the most versatile actors in Cleveland with the ability to interchange comedic and dramatic sensitivities beautifully, all while harnessing a strong voice. He does not disappoint here at all. His character doesn’t get to completely physically lose it in this production, but his mindfucking tour de force is over the top. Whether he is attached to a sliding window unit or famously hauled around on a dolly, Altman is in top form and makes a wonderful sparring partner for Strand.

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Buffalo Bill — now, this is one screwed-up dude. Kidnapping chunky women, starving them, hiding in a well hole in a house, and then making them rub lotion on themselves so he can skin them alive and wear their skin. If that doesn’t call for a bottle of Jack, I don’t know what does. Well, sucking the bottle dry is Joe Virgo. He is fearless as a performer, and it pays off in this role, especially when tucking is required, which luckily was listed as a special skill on his resume. It is a rather manic role, and his portrayal is fun to watch, although at times a little Folinoesque. Virgo is blessed with immense charm on stage, and his unbridled joy of performing is evident at all angles.

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B J Colangelo is hilarious as Catherine. She is a triple-threat powerhouse who is on the verge of exploding all over the theatrical canvas. So I am thrilled whenever she is featured in a stage production. She plays every overwrought emotion with perfection, and makes a histrionic situation, seem like a cartoon frame. She turns in a great featured performance.

The rest of the cast fills out the characters with zest and insanity. Trey Gilpin plays about 150 characters every year, and he doesn’t stop here. Every role is silly, fun and dorkable. Dr. Chilton is my favorite. Mitch Manthey brings his talented presence to the foray with a fine voice and able comedic chops, portraying Crawford and Papa Starling. Tonya “I’m just fucking with you, girl” Broach is a scream, and she explodes in a sparkly blue dress (hotttttttttttt) that will have you screaming Hallelujah and looking for a collection plate by the end of her song.

 Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski kills the character of Senator Martin with a rendition of “My Daughter is Catherine.” When the song is over, you are so drained with laughter, that if anyone ever says “Catherine” to your direction, you’ll probably slap them. David Turner (Pembry), Connor Reese (Dream Lecter), and Kat Glover (News Anchor) finish out the strong company.

This musical is fun. But I would say that the more you are familiar with the movie, the more you will enjoy this show. Also, make sure you know that is a sarcastic parody of the movie, so make sure you put on your silly pants, as I said before.

Jonathan Kronenberger’s direction is well thought-out, manic and fun. Heidi Herczeg provides a musical backdrop that seems a bit thin, but probably scored that way, but played with zest. Choreographer Katie Zarecki serves up some fine hoofing on a small stage, which requires elevated creativity. Stage manager Brittany Gaul called a fine show. I thought the vocal sound was a bit muffled for many, but not with Sniadak-Yamokoski. She was the clearest voice in the pack. Jenniver Sparano provided excellent costuming, as is her robust reputation. Lighting design by Cory Molner was good, but I would love to see more color used on stage. Patrick Ciamacco’s set design was creative and not overbearing, which made for swift scene changes.

This show will rise or fall based on the audience. The more the audience lets go, the more the show will elevate. If you have seen the movie, don’t miss this. If not, see the movie, and then get a group and have a blast watching this petri dish of laughs.

[Written by Kevin Kelly]

[Photos by Andy Dudik]

Showtimes: Thursdays-Saturdays @ 8pm, Sundays @ 7pm

 Tickets: $18 General Admission

440-941-0458
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