Tuesday, May 4, 2010

"Perfect!"

Posted by Billy Christopher Maupin
That's just one of the many kudos for Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern's Butterflies Are Free by Leonard Gershe. And it runs for only two more weeks! Here is a sample of quotes from the five stellar reviews:

STYLE Weekly's Mary Burruss writes:
"clever script, stellar performances"

"audience laughter is constant"

"Bloch and Martin have a sparkling chemistry that’s fun to watch. Martin brings charm and believability to the ditzy yet sweet Jill."

"Mrs. Baker’s strong, if misdirected, maternal devotion is deftly captured by Johnson, whose Eartha Kitt-like voice lends appropriate strength to the role."

HERALD-PROGRESS' Dan Sherrier writes
"the perfect blend of comedy and drama"

"absolutely hilarious"

"talented cast and great direction"

"[Martin] brings the show to life"

"[Conyers] arrives late in the game but still manages to contribute some good laughs."

"Script? Excellent. Actors? Excellent. Direction? Excellent. Set, lighting and costumes? All excellent."

"The reliably solid Barksdale is at its best in Butterflies are Free."

Julinda Lewis, freelance correspondant for the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
"wonderfully detailed set"

"[Bloch] proves irresistible"

"Johnson is strong, subtle, commanding and hilarious, all at once."

"Butterflies are Free is smart, funny and immensely enjoyable."

WCVE's John Porter says:
"Butterflies Are Free is a good, solid, funny show."

Kristin Jimison from RVANews:
"the strength of the small cast shines under the taut direction of Billy Christopher Maupin"

"Butterflies is a delightful, refreshing comedy with just enough drama to tug at your heartstrings. Smartly executed and full of absolutely charming performances, it’s a perfect way to spend a spring evening."

Don't miss out on your chance to catch this smart, fresh, warm comedy!

[Photos by Jay Paul]

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

There seems to have been a great deal of press and buzz for Butterflies Are Free, which I'm sure is well deserved. Is there any reason why IS HE DEAD? seems to be getting less attention?? There was not so much as even a ad in this most recent STYLE.

Thespis' Little Helper said...

Is He Dead? is has sold beyond expectation, a lot of which because it's marketing budget has been spent wisely and is now spent.

Butterflies Are Free on the other hand, while quite a terrific show is in Hanover and is needing a bit more help. (Please note that neither was there an ad for Butterflies in this week's STYLE).

Due to our very modest marketing budget, we put the money where it's needed.

We're also in a very unusual situation, because as of next weekend, we'll have four shows running at the same time.

So, how about you go see both and chime in on what you think of each?

Anonymous said...

Perhaps, in the interest of fairness, you could publish quotes and/or links to some of the great reviews that "Is He Dead?" has received as well...

Style Weekly: http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=C52573AFBF044AE3A0FE71766B7AE26A

Richmond Times Dispatch:
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/entertainment/theatre_arts/article/DEAD18_20100417-222403/338167/

Joan Tupponce (couldn't find it at WCVE, but it is published here):
http://www.myvmagazine.com/index.php/One-Woman-s-View-Entertainment-Travel/Theatre/review-of-is-he-dead-barksdale-theatre.html

Thespis' Little Helper said...

We're not quite sure about fair to whom as the show continues to sell exceptionally well.

Thank you for sharing the WCVE review and the STYLE review that was just published yesterday.

Thank you for sharing those great links!