AN IDEAL HUSBAND Reviews
Phil----Maynard
The Cannon Theatre has gone Wilde again with its early spring production of An Ideal Husband. This delightful show was well cast and directed by Tatiana Ivan. It had the same beautiful over the top set designs and costumes we have come to expect from the Cannon Theatre. Jacob Moore and Ian Dowell performed admirably in their respective roles of Sir Robert Chiltern and Lord Goring but it was the amazing supporting cast that delivered the scenes and performances that captivated me the most. Most notably among them was Will Dalley in the role of Lord Caversham. Wilde's dialogue and sentiment for Lord Caversham toward Lord Goring is somewhat repetitive and a performer could easily reduce this character to a monotonous rant. Instead Dalley's stage appearances kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what he would do next. He conveyed each line with an originality and vital nuance that lifted the character off the page and delivered him to the audience bursting with life and energy. Lida McGirr was great fun as Lady Markby. During one challenging monologue-like scene that seemed to take up half an act with little character movement she kept the scene alive with great comic timing and by creating a sense of varied setting as she moved us back and forth in her mind between the past she knew and the present she criticized. Andrew Harrington as Phipps had only brief moments on stage but in those moments was able to paint a thorough picture of the resigned state of punctilious passive aggressive obedience he has in his relationship with Lord Goring. Sonya Richards gave a playful portrayal of the controlling but whimsical Mabel Chiltern. As Mabel she captivated us with an embodiment of a sort of harmless danger in just the right mixture that really could lure the un-lurable Lord Goring and perhaps some of the audience as well. Her character adjustments based on who was on the stage with her in a given moment were also masterfully done. An Ideal Husband will go into the archives as another Cannon Theatre success. Be sure to see it before it goes, by getting out to one of the remaining shows this weekend or next.
Stephen----Littleton
I loved the show last night! This is my favorite of Wilde's plays, and the performances by the individual actors were excellent.
Jessica----Worcester
I had a wonderful time with my family going to see my sister Sonya Richards in the play, "An Ideal Husband" at the Cannon Theatre in Littleton, MA. Everything and everyone was excellent! I loved it all! I would definitely recommend going to this theater and seeing this play!
REVIEWS
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MURDERED TO DEATH Reviews
Ina----Norwood
I am in the car going back home after seeing the Cannon Theater's production of 'Murdered to Death', and I decided I could not wait to get home to write this review. (I'm not the one driving, so don't worry)
The first thing that stood out was the incredible professionalism and craft quality of the cast. It felt as if I was watching an off-Broadway production, as opposed to a community theater. It was jaw-dropping amazing. I kept wondering how they were able to find someone as perfect for the role of Inspector as Mr Ed Bernard: awkwardly tall and slender, with a face that doesn't need to utter a word for you to begin laughing.
Other characters stood out as well, and it would be a disservice to all if I only highlighted a few. All I can say to others out there looking for a good time to head down to Littleton and come see this play. It was a very fun date and I hope we can head out here to see more of what they got to offer.
Also, the cast was kind enough to pose for a picture with me and my friends on the stage at the end of the show. Thank you for being such great sports!
The first thing that stood out was the incredible professionalism and craft quality of the cast. It felt as if I was watching an off-Broadway production, as opposed to a community theater. It was jaw-dropping amazing. I kept wondering how they were able to find someone as perfect for the role of Inspector as Mr Ed Bernard: awkwardly tall and slender, with a face that doesn't need to utter a word for you to begin laughing.
Other characters stood out as well, and it would be a disservice to all if I only highlighted a few. All I can say to others out there looking for a good time to head down to Littleton and come see this play. It was a very fun date and I hope we can head out here to see more of what they got to offer.
Also, the cast was kind enough to pose for a picture with me and my friends on the stage at the end of the show. Thank you for being such great sports!
Phil-----Maynard
The Cannon Theatre continues to outdo itself and tonight was no different. "Murdered To Death" was just plain fun. A great selection well executed by cast, crew and director. I have seen most of the cast in other productions and this was a night filled with best performances in a strong ensemble cast with no weak links. As great ensembles do the cast played off each other cohesively as a group with each having special moments to call their own. They kept a solid momentum throughout. Even in this terrific cast Becky Fleckner gave a stand out performance in her supporting role as Constable Thomkins. Real, consistent, and nuanced in her portrayal she commanded the stage like a pro and played expertly off Ed Bernard's deliveries with comic ease and poise. Bravo to all on a great show well done! I'm looking forward to the next Cannon Theatre production.
Ginny-----Marlborough
Not your typical "whodunit"! All the actors delivered top notch performances, and I was truly drawn in from the very beginning. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments: Inspector Pratt is endearingly incompetent, Miss Maple is innocently cunning, and all the characters keep you giggling while at the same time keeping you transfixed to find out who the culprit is. And the production itself - costumes, set, sound - all were outstanding. But then I'd expect no less from The Cannon Theatre. Can't wait for their next show - they never fail to please!
Beth-----Hawthorne, NY
Saw my brother in Murdered to Death last night at the Cannon Theatre in Littleton......what an awesome job he did as Inspector Pratt!! I laughed so hard!!
BLITHE SPIRIT
Jim-----Nahant
We attended opening night of Blithe Spirit and thoroughly enjoyed it. Frankly, we don't attend "community theater" as a rule, but this production was theater as it should be. The acting was uniformly good and, in one case, outstanding. We had never seen any of them before and did not know what to expect.. We knew it was by Noel Coward and that it would be witty but, at the end of a long week, we didn't even look up the synopsis.The first thing we did upon returning home was to email friends and urge them to attend.
Erika------Warwick, RI
We thoroughly enjoyed the psychic journey of Blithe Spirit! The Cannon Theatre is so homey that, as we watched the show in this hidden gem, we were completely enveloped in the story. I had seen Blithe Spirit some odd years ago but this production "wow-ed" with a cast that impressed me in how well they captured the dynamic personalities of the characters. We found ourselves laughing through the night at one-liners and physical comedies of the show. Our ride back to RI was spend recapping favorite parts and lines -- the evening was a "real rouser!"
SHE LOVES ME
Stephanie----Bolton
What a hilarious and professional production! We couldn't stop talking about it all the way home. I love that we have such amazing talent right here in our own backyard. My teenage son and daughter are still singing songs from the show. (They still sing songs from "By Jeeves".) The Cannon Theatre has proven to be delightfully family friendly and the shows are filled with humor that always has us laughing. Looking forward to the next production... and the next... and then next!
Marjorie-----Littleton
I don’t know where Shawn Cannon finds so many area actors of top professional caliber for the Cannon’s latest musical comedy. Neither do I understand how she designs that brilliant set on that small stage. What I do know is that if you should find your way into her zany Theater at the Common to see “She Loves Me” you will have a rollicking good time with the singing, music, costumes, story – the whole shebang!
Marjorie-----Littleton
I don’t know where Shawn Cannon finds so many area actors of top professional caliber for the Cannon’s latest musical comedy. Neither do I understand how she designs that brilliant set on that small stage. What I do know is that if you should find your way into her zany Theater at the Common to see “She Loves Me” you will have a rollicking good time with the singing, music, costumes, story – the whole shebang!
Arsenic And Old Lace
Maggie----Melrose
SC, you did it - AGAIN! We've come to expect a great evening of blended talent, humor & a cozy theater experience from your comedic productions. Last night's performance of "Arsenic & Old Lace" was no exception! Looking forward to my "first chance" @ your "Second Chance Revue" in Sept. ;~)
Linda----Boxboro
If you want to have an evening of pure enjoyment, by all means see Arsenic and Old Lace at The Cannon Theatre. The nefarious characters are well cast, the biblical quotes just a tad off, with just enough double entendres to keep you on your toes! John and I had a good laugh (several in fact) and a great evening all the way around. Don't miss a chance to see these thespians in action. They've done a fantastic job. I highly recommend you check out the website and see the show.
Rick----Chelmsford
Shawn Cannon's The Cannon Theatre is a great night out, for intimate, professionally produced local theatre. I have a ton of respect for the effort that she, her husband and all the actors put into their shows.
Susan M.----Acton
The play was great. We enjoyed it very much. As always, the actors were great and the costumes, set design, everything, was great.
BY JEEVES----Musical April 2011
Melissa G.----Westford
By
Jeeves was absolutely fabulous tonight! My parents and I had a
wonderful time- full of laughs for sure! :-) Fantastic job everyone! It
was very well done!
Catherine W.----Westford
We totally enjoyed the comedy and fabulous acting in "By
Jeeves." It was delightful! Not having heard of the musical, but having enjoyed
Charley's Aunt. This time we invited our twenty something son along with his
girlfriend. They loved it! They think they'd like to return with us for "Arsenic
and Old Lace" as they're not familiar with it, and we assured them it was a
classic. I am now trying to get a few friends together for the last weekend
performance, if they're not busy. I would not mind seeing it again in the
least.
Thanks for another wonderful performance!
Jane C.-----Littleton
Great show with a talented cast, both dramatically and musically. High
energy cast! Our party included a friend from London who was enchanted
by the whole experience including the venue, the play and of course the
great catered goodies. She thought the English accents were (British
understatement alert) "quite good". She had the cast autograph the
Cannon's postcard so the Cannon Theatre's reputation now will have
jumped the big pond. As in all productions at the theater if you sit in the
front row you get the added thrill of half expecting one of the actors
to land in your lap. P.G. Wodehouse would have had great fun at this
play.
Marjorie H.-----Littleton
What a blast! If you want to feel good about life, even in this
discouraging world, hurry up to the Cannon Theatre to see "By Jeeves." I
guarantee you will come out smiling.
Ernie S.
HURRAH HURRAH! Saw a production in 1996 in London and you matched them!
In ENERGY you beat them! The voices, the acting and everything rates
very high marks. Congratulations to ALL at the Cannon Theatre. As Jeeves
might say you're really TOO TOO MUCH!
Susan M.-----Acton
Just
saw By Jeeves tonight. It was a great show! Very funny. Excellent
cast. I had a great time! Perfect casting. I highly recommend it.
Cathymae C.-----Lynnfield
"By Jeeves"-----it was a jolly good time last night! The cast of
characters was well matched & FUN! Their expressions - priceless!
Their timing - flawless! Their voices - clear & well projected!
Their energy level - exhilarating! I love the intimacy of the "small
theatre" experience. Well done, SC! Looking forward to your next
production ...
Rob R.-----Lowell
By Jeeves was thoroughly enjoyable! All the actors sang and played splendidly, though the voice talents of Jeeves and "Stiffy" were especially enjoyable! Encore, encore!
SEE HOW THEY RUN
Phil B.-----Maynard
Thanks for a fun show! The kids loved it! It is great to have a place to bring them for family friendly live theatre. We'll be back for the next one. Keep it up!
