Through Sun 10/16
Ruthless! is a campy cult favorite about Tina Denmark (a tremendous triple treat Calista Zajac), the greatest song-and-dance sensation to ever hit the third grade. When her school holds auditions for Pippi in Tahiti, Tina proves she will do anything to play the lead — anything! This outrageous musical spoofs Broadway musicals such as Gypsy and Mame, as well as classic films such as The Bad Seed and All About Eve.
My first impression sitting in the audience was the set, designed by Aaron Benson, that reminded me of a classic sitcom set that blew up on stage and knocked over a can of yellow paint on the way. Fabulously framed with game-show realness, I thought to myself, “Oh, this is campy!” Duh. The design also offers an easy transition into a more upscale residence later on in Act II.
When I think of this cast, I imagine the stage being like a comedic cookie sheet, and each theatrical cookie baked at 350 degrees. Then, after they were dragged off the stage sheet, it would result in someone taking a month and a bottle of vodka to scrape off the cookie camp, which is a fabulous way to spend an evening watching this cast over act their way to heaven.
As I gaze at the picture above, I think I will present this fine collection of delight by height. Let’s talk about the tallest ship in the harbor, shall we? Firing on all cylinders is the fabulous Matthew Wright as Sylvia St. Croix. It is obvious that comedic timing and the ability to chew the scenery like carpenter ants at the White Party flows through Mr. Wright veins, just like blood and plasma. In makeup that would make John Waters proud, Ms. St. Croix looks like the result of Joan Crawford having a three-way with Milton Berle, Dame Edna and Divine (who had to leave early to catch the bus home). Way too much fun, and professionally delivered with virile fertile effervescence.
Lindsey Mitchell’s Judy Denmark is fantastic, as she presents her homage to Jekyll and Hyde, going from Stepford wife to Joan Collins getting ready to have a backers meeting for her new project. Mitchell has a voracious vocal range and can belt for days. She has great grasp of a bipolar character that smears the first act with syrup, and then slips into something more of a Norma Desmond style, where reading her Tony Award-winning raves grows tiresome. It’s great fun watching the switch and hearing those pipes.
Carla Petroski gives Lita Encore a relentless rampage of critique that would drive any sensitive actor to haul up in a practical aesthetics rehab in the Smoky Mountains. She Ethel Mermans her way into every scene with over-the-top fierceness and a set of cords that make retired men throw their hearing aids up in the air like a naval graduation ceremony.
Kate Leigh Michalski as Miss Thorn comes across like Rhonda Rousey in the ring, but in this case, directing a grade school production. She definitely drives a truck and blasts Tim McGraw on the radio, but Michalski is hilarious, especially when she announces her sexuality, even when you don’t ask. Add in some fabulous vocal prowess of her own, and she is a welcome addition to the mayhem. Brittni Shambaugh Addison as Eve, a little eager understudy from hell in development, is a nice addition. She brings her own devious plan in the foray, and also has funny moments that round of the cast in style.
Now we come to the grand prize winner of the evening, Calista Zajac as Tina Denmark. I know for myself at 11 years old, the only thing I could focus on was a shiny object. But Ms. Zajac is a focused tour de force in tap shoes. She is the demonic principle in this play and carries a lot of the show on her precocious shoulders. Zajac is fearless, as she exudes confidence whether she is singing, dancing or acting her little sweet face off. This Bad Seed turns in a brilliant performance, and I am sure she is on the radar for musical theater programs all across the states.
Directed by former artistic director of the Beck Center William Roudebush, he did a terrific job of casting and guiding the cast, but also knowing when to get out of their way and let these natural comedians take flight. There is nothing better then a good crash and burn to whip up the audience’s delight.
There isn’t much choreography in this piece, but Martin Cespedes provided appropriate movement. Musical director Larry Goodpaster and accompanist Bryan Bird offered dueling piano background music, which worked somewhat for the style. But I think it would have been so much more fun to hear a more orchestrated musical backdrop.
The lighting bothered me a bit, because it seemed like there were dark patches on actors’ faces in some areas of the stage. Also, the front lighting choice didn’t read as well for me when there was an open set. With the curtain drawn, it seemed fine. But overall it didn’t distract from the performance. Costume design by Aimee Kluiber was for the most part,dead on and popped beautifully. However, I thought that some of the dresses for St. Croix didn’t have a flattering fit and kind of just hung on her in an odd way. But not enough to alter ANY of the fun. The sound design by Carlton Guc was right on point.
“Hold your cards, we have a BOGO!” This coming weekend Beck Center is offering two for one. Get on that.
Mufasa rating: 4 out of 5
Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm, Sundays @ 3pm
[Written by Kevin Kelly]
[Photos by Kathy Sandham]
Lakewood, OH 44107