by Shirley Lorraine

Big River a Memorable Journey

The prolific humorous storyteller Mark Twain’s characters Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer and others come to life on the Rubicon theater stage. Adapted from Twain’s writings, Big River explores Huck and his slave friend Jim’s journey on the Mississippi searching for freedom. The book by William Hauptman and down-home music by Roger Miller has earned the show numerous awards as well as audience’s hearts.

From the opening sounds of crickets and bluegrass/country the familiar characters emerge, spinning the yarns on which most of us grew up.

This tale centers on Huck Finn, a restless teen who yearns for life beyond his drunken Pap and best friend Tom Sawyer and rag-tag gang of wanna-be tough guys. Huck decides to join the family’s slave Jim in a river adventure by faking his own death. The two encounter many trials on their journey, including befriending two aging hucksters, the Duke and the King.

Along the way Huck learns many valuable life lessons including the value of honesty and doing the right thing, no matter what the consequences.

The Rubicon’s production arose from director/choreographer Kirby Ward and his wife Beverly’s desire to bring the musical to Ventura. In keeping with the ongoing relevance of the story, language has been preserved from the original that may be uncomfortable for some, but which is vital to the telling of the story. Kirby keeps the action moving along with creative staging and choreography. I could almost feel the pages of the story being turned as it unraveled before me. The music is engaging throughout, fitting perfectly into each chapter of the tale.

Many in the large cast play several roles, adding to the storytelling aspect that is so critical to the production. The addition of background projection adds to the scenes to bring the picture to life. Even the on-stage musical accompaniment gets into the act, with several musicians taking active roles in the story itself.

The cast is superb throughout. Leading the action is Josey Montana McCoy as the irascible Huck and David Aron Damane as Jim, larger than life in both presence and voice. Together the two-produce vocal magic.

Broadway actress Teri Bibb plays Miss Watson and other characters, with Rubicon company everyman Joseph Fuqua handling the character of Pap and more. His rendition of Miller’s song Guv’ment is a highlight.

Standout performances are given by Larry Cedar and Richard Hebert as the hucksters who present themselves as royalty with outstanding comedic timing. Nick McKenna, one of Tom’s gang and more, shines as Young Fool singing Arkansas with pluck.

Additional fine performances are given by Cassidy Stirtz as Mary Jane/Fiddler, Brandon Ruiter as Tom Sawyer, Renn Woods as Alice, who delivers some fine gospel, and Clarinda Ross as the Widow Douglas. There is not a weak player in the cast or orchestra.

Big River is an experience in high quality theater, intimate storytelling and ongoing themes that are as relevant today as ever. Ventura is indeed fortunate to have the Rubicon in our midst.

Big River runs through November 10. Performances are Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m. (talkbacks follow the Wednesday evening performances) Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Rubicon Theater, 1006 E. Main St, Ventura. or (805) 667-2900 for tickets. Prices vary. Make reservations soon as many shows sell out.

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is the sequel the the 2014 Disney box office hit, and centers around Aurora’s planned wedding to Prince Phillip, which would help to bring peace between fairies and man and bring together the kingdoms of Ulstead and the Moors. Though this seemed great cause for celebration and supported by King John of Ulstead, Queen Ingrith was not pleased with their plan to marry and set out to undermine their upcoming wedding through ruthless and diabolical deeds. Released by Walt Disney Pictures, Directed by Joachim Ronning, Written by Linda Woolverton, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster and Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, Elle Fanning as Aurora, Harris Dickinson as Prince Philip, and Robert Lindsay as King John.

A call was sent out throughout the land to attend a grand celebration at the castle of Ulstead to honor the upcoming marriage of Aurora and Prince Phillip, but when the fairies and other forest beings came it was actually a trap set by Queen Ingrith to kill them all.

Quite by accident, Maleficent discovers the Dark Fae, which is the hidden kingdom of her original people, and learns that she is the last of the Dark Fae to carry the Phoenix power of those born in her bloodline. It was up to Maleficent, with the aid of Aurora, Prince Phillip and the Dark Fae to rescue them all, though it took Maleficent channeling her Phoenix power to win the battle.

In the end it’s discovered that the Queen Ingrith actually poisoned the King and admited to making up a story to demonize Maleficent, who was not guilty of any wrong doing, but a hero in a sense that served as godmother and raised a human child Aurora making her Queen of the Moors in an effort to aid in bringing peace between Ulstead and the Moors.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is quite the visual spectacle and viewers will easily find themselves lost in the realms of the Ulstead kingdom and the fairy forest. It also has many wonderful lessons regarding acceptance of diversity, the power of peace, and the importance of family however it is defined, and uses clever humor and witty dialog to keep viewers entertained throughout.

Rated: PG (for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and brief scary images)
118 minutes

by Shirley Lorraine

Moorpark’s “Mermaid” Enchanting

High Street Arts Center in Moorpark has done it again. The company consistently brings high-quality talent to their stage with every production. Now open is the enchanting stage extravaganza The Little Mermaid.

This Disney adaptation, based on Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless tale, is a lively, colorful, fun romp under the sea with a happy ending. With book by Doug Wright and music by eight-time academy-award winning composer Alan Menken, audiences will exit the theater smiling and singing.

Anderson’s morality play directly targets children of all ages – mind your parents, be true to yourself, listen to your friends, beware of unscrupulous figures and weather the struggles of life.

Ariel, the youngest of seven daughters to King Triton, is a free spirit with a golden voice and a penchant to obey her desires rather than her father. She witnesses a shipwreck and is immediately smitten by a handsome sailor who turns out to be a Prince. She decides that what she really wants is to be human.

A typical teenager, however, she rebels against her father’s strong and protective hand in order to pursue her dream. Against the advice of her closest friends, Sebastian the Crab and Flounder, a young fish who admires her, Ariel succumbs to the magic of her evil aunt, Ursula. Along the way lessens are learned and misunderstandings are mended.

She discovers the pitfalls of pursuing the unknown as she fights to adapt. However, in true Disney fashion, her dreams are ultimately realized, and everyone lives happily ever after.

This production is outstanding. The cast is superb. They are aided by a spectacular setting designed by Chris Bell, complimentary choreography by Wendy Babb and creative, colorful costuming by Barbara Mazeika and Raquel Karoly. In short, it is a full package of visual delight. Director Dana Marley-Kolb uses the entire theater and all the actors to excellent advantage.

Ariel is delightfully portrayed by Charlotte Green; whose beautiful voice and graceful movements bring her character most believably to life.

Her sidekick, Flounder, is embodied by young Theo Chambers, who is one to watch. His clear voice, excellent diction and enthusiastic performance made him a stand-out.

The pivotal role of the irascible crab Sebastian is held by the scene-stealing Vincent Perez, who displays comedic acumen, dancing and vocal skills par excellence.

There are almost too many outstanding performances to mention because they are all top-notch. Notable performances are given by David Gilchrist as Grimsby, Cameron Liljervist as Prince Eric, John Gaston as King Triton (who doubled as musical director), Erin Fagundes as seagull Scuttle (a tap-dancing power ball of energy), Noah Terry as Chef Louis and Alison Rosenblum as the evil Ursula the Squid.

The ensemble showcases many skills with numerous actors playing several roles.

Clearly the entire cast is having a blast being under the sea. The audience falls under the spell from the opening notes to the grand conclusion.

If you are looking for a production that will enchant young and seasoned alike, this one is it. The show runs through November 17 and is expected to sell out. Reserve your seats early.

The Little Mermaid, High Street Arts Center, 45 E. High Street, Moorpark. Tickets online at www.HighStreetArtsCenter.com. (805) 529-8700. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

by Shirley Lorraine

Ruddigore Right for the Season

Apropos for the month of October, the Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Repertoire Company brings a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operetta, Ruddigore, or The Witche’s Curse to the stage at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks through October 20.

Generations of titled gentlemen, a long-standing family curse, ghosts, mad woman and eerie goings-on, the fast-paced actions give many opportunities for the actors to overact with studied sincerity.

The VCGCRC has offered all the famous pair’s works over the past decade plus and they are always a delight to behold. Under the expert tutelage of the dynamic duo of John and Rebecca Pillsbury, singers and actors take on the vocal challenges provided by the operettas.

As in all G&S’ works, the plot is highly stylized, great fun is made of many stereotypes, and all comes out well in the end, usually in unexpected ways.

The rich Murgatroyd family have been cursed by a witch whereby the current heir must commit a crime a day or endure a death by torture. A legion of ancestors have all befallen the same fate. The eldest son, Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, decides to fake his death and reinvent himself as a peasant, leaving his unfortunate brother, Sir Despard, to carry the curse.
Sir Ruthven, now known as Robin Oakapple, falls in love with a lovely maiden, Rose Maybud, but cannot reveal his true identity. With a cadre of professional bridesmaids ever at the ready for some nuptials, Rosebud turns to her trusty etiquette book for advice.

Meanwhile, Robin engages the services of his foster brother recently back from maritime service, to approach the fair maiden on his behalf. The two fall instantly and madly in love.
Misunderstandings prevail and a wedding is planned. Sir Despard is apprised that his brother lives, and Sir Ruthven must once again assume the role of the cursed Murgatroyd. Despard is then free to marry his long-time love, Mad Margaret.

Much haunting ensues when ancestors come to life from portraits on the wall in the second act. The ghosts help resolve the family’s plight and in the end all is well. And there is more to the plot to complicate, delight and confuse.

The lead role of Sir Ruthven is ably carried by company regular Gary Saxer, who has perfected the art of rapid-fire vocal patter required in a G&S production. A trio of Saxer, Emma Hall as Mad Margaret and Mark Goldstein as Despard is a highlight of the second act. Laura Barrows handles the role of the sweet Rose with a beautiful voice. Perhaps because of the vocal range, I found the men’s singing easier to understand throughout while still enjoying the purity of the women’s voices. Perusing the general plotline beforehand is highly recommended as there are continual twists and turns to follow.

A fine setting and outstanding musical accompaniment set this show apart. Do yourself a favor and go enjoy this delightfully different production.

Ruddigore, Theatre on the Hill, Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 381-1246, www.hillcrestarts.com. Tickets are $25 adults, $19 children/students/seniors. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Abominable

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Abominable centers around a young determined female protagonist named Yi (Chloe Bennet) who finds a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai and sets out to return it to it’s home, Mt. Everest, which is why she named the Yeti Everest. Yi is constantly challenged during her heroic quest by a wealthy investor named Burnish (Eddie Izzard) and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) who have their own plans to reap financial reward from capturing Everest. Through this epic adventure, Yi learns that with the help of Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), and Everest’s special gifts revealed along the way, that anything is possible. Released by Universal Pictures, Written and Directed by Jill Culton, and starring the voices of Chloe Bennet as Yi, Tenzing Norgay Trainor as Jin and Albert Tsai as Peng.

Director Jill Culton conveyed conservation messages through the film regarding exotic animals and the importance of them living in their natural habitat. There were insightful lesson learned throughout the movie, such as Peng’s comment regarding Everest being connected to nature like Yi was connected to her violin, as well as plenty of adult commentary, like when Burnish questions out loud the integrity of his plans regarding Everest upon recognizing his unique, exotic status.

Chloe Bennet (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) was perfect in the role of Yi, as was Tenzing Norgay Trainor as Jin and Albert Tsai as Peng, as the animated characters were actually almost identical to the real actors and played a huge role in the realism of the animation – worth the visuals here to show what I mean.

The real star of this animated masterpiece is writer-director Jill Culton, who studied at the Character Animation program at the California Institute of the Arts, where she later taught animation. She’s been in the animation industry for 30 years and previously worked on other well know animated movies including Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life, Curious George, Open Season, Open Season 2 and Hotel Transylvania. Colton began working with Deamworks Animation on Abominable in 2010, stepped off the project in 2016 and another team took over, then came back to direct the movie.

Abominable is a heartwarming movie filled with amazing visual brilliance and magical adventure the whole family can enjoy. It’s ranked No.1 on the Top Box Office list grossing $21M it’s first week and look for it to win the Best Animated Movie at this year’s Oscars. I would recommend seeing it in Cinema XD, which offers trillions of colors on a colossal screen for you to be totally immersed in this spectacular animated adventure.

Rated: PG (for some action and mild rude humor)
97 minutes

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Ad Astra
1 out of 4 palm trees

When the government discovers earth’s solar system is on the verge of being destroyed, they call on astronaut Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) to save the world. Though proud to serve his country, Roy learns that the surges threatening to end humanity are due to the actions of an astronaut believed to be lost in space while on a quest to discover non-human intelligent life, who is also Roy’s father astronaut Clifford McBride. Released by 20th Century Fox, Directed by James Gray, Written by James Gray and Ethan Gross, and starring Brad Pitt as Major Roy McBride and Tommy Lee Jones as H. Clifford McBride.

After being briefed on the sordid details of his new mission, astronaut Roy McBride begins his ever long journey by taking a “commercial” flight to the moon where he encounters moon pirates on moon rovers who attempt to thwart his mission, but Roy’s rover survives the battle. Trouble continues on his shuttle to Mars when they receive a distress call and after bording have to battle man eating baboons in space, but with many dead and his mission partner severely injured, Roy remains unharmed.

On Mars, Roy records a message to his father and is immediately taken off the mission, his emotional attachment now being believed to be a psychological risk to himself and the mission. While there he meets SpaceCom base facility Director Helen Lantos, a Martian native who secretly shares more bad news about his father. Lantos’ parents were on the Lima mission with Roy’s father and were among those Roy’s father murdered when they tried to abandon the mission and return to earth.

Roy sneaks onto the ship sent to destroy his father’s ship, and ends up killing the entire crew to protect himself and continue the mission. Roy finds the Lima Project ship near Neptune and sets out to destroy it as it’s unstable malfunctioning anti-matter power source is causing problems throughout the solar system. He sets up the nuclear payload to destroy Lima and returns in spacesuits to his ship with his father, but Clifford breaks away in the transit and intentionally drifts off into space despite Roy’s efforts to save him.

Roy recovered the data from Lima and returns to his ship in his spacesuit using a panel from Lima to block asteroids as he flew through the rings of Neptune. Roy’s ship did not have enough fuel to return, so he used the nuclear blast from Lima to jettison him back to earth where he reconnects with his wife and himself.

Brad Pitt’s talents were underutilized in “Ad Astra” speaking in a monotone voice and acting robotic and emotionless the entire movie. The movie also drags on through scenes with long, uneventful periods spent traveling around, and seems unbelievable the amount of time spent flying around in space in only a spacesuit using unbolted panels to deflect asteroids.

I think the $88 million budget spent on this family drama in space could have been better spent if just donated to the space program, and if you’re interested in what’s happening in space, your time would be better spent enjoying an evening outside under the stars.

Rated: PG-13
124 minutes

by Sheli Ellsworth

The Ojai Art Center Theater is performing the original play Bless Your Heart through September 29 with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 2 PM.

The play Ojai Art Center’s own artistic director, Emmy winner Richard Camp wrote Bless Your Heart which explores the impact of religion, education and science in modern culture. Camp describes it as “a play about evolution and faith with a juicy dollop of Elvis Presley fandom . . .”

Set in 1998 North Carolina, a deeply religious family prepares for the wedding of 17 year old John David played by Chance Kelejian to the ditzy 18 year old preacher’s daughter played by KiSea Katikka. The festivities are dampened when John David’s stubborn mother, Martha—played by Susan Kelejian—refuses to be involved in the nuptials. After John David’s brother, Thomas—portrayed by David Nelson Taylor—arrives, the family’s dynamic goes into further free fall. The educated Thomas brings his liberal, science-based ideas into the already turbulent situation and when John David’s estranged preacher father—JD played by veteran actor Michael Holden—arrives, things go from bad to worse.

Fortunately, Martha’s sister—brilliantly portrayed by true southern belle Julie Denny Hamann— keeps the laughs on track throughout the whole debacle.

Camp took on a controversial topic and made it fun and watchable. The acting is spirited and engaging; for anyone interested in Darwinism, God, or the matrimony of the two.

The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 S. Montgomery Street in Ojai. It opens 45 minutes before each show. Go to www.ojaiact.org for tickets. Prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and Art Center members, and $10 for those under 25. If you have questions, please call (805) 640-8797.

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Angel Has Fallen
2 palm trees out of 4

After a drone attack during a fishing trip that takes out his whole team, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning is accused of being the mastermind behind the assasination attempt on President Allan Trumbull, and sets out to clear his name while trying to protect president from the real danger that exists which is actually being carried out by those closest to him who he trusts and would never assume were involved. Released by Lionsgate, Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, Written by Katrin Benedikt, Robert Mark Kamen, Creighton Rothenberger and staring Gerard Butler as Mike Banning and Morgan Freeman as Allan Trumbull.

In “Angel Has Fallen” the saga continues with Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) serving as the most trusted secret service agent to now U.S. President Alan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) who is targeted by drones on a fishing trip resulting in only the two of them surviving the attack. Banning wakes up handcuffed to his hospital bed with his only concern being the safety of the president and learns that his DNA evidence was found at the scene and he’s the prime suspect in the drone attack.

After being arrested for the attempted assassination of the president, Banning’s convoy is attacked and he’s kidnapped by masked men who he overcomes and discover work for his military buddy and mercenary business owner Wade Jennings (Danny Huston). Jennings and his men also carried out the original attack on the president under the secret direction of Vice President Kirby (Tim Blake Nelson).

With the whole world thinking he’s guilty, and on the run able to trust no one, Banning elicits the assistance of his estranged father Clay Banning (Nick Nolte), who he finds in the woods having gone off the grid believing in government conspriacies after serving in the military when he was younger. Clay ends up having some unexpected clever resources to help his son Mike clear is name and save his family.

This film is the third in the franchise staring Butler and Freeman (who previously played the role of vice president), the first being “Olympus Has Fallen” released in 2013 and “London Has Fallen” in 2016 which received poors reviews both from the public and critics, some of which called the film “effortlessly racist” and “ugly, reactionary fear-mongering.”

“Angel Has Fallen” is more like a grown up version of Spiderman 3 without the costumes but the same hero becoming the hunted with very predictable storylines and character personas. The movie has the usual unbelievable millions of bullets fired at the hero who’s only minorly injured, the great friend actually being a lying, ruthless enemy behind the scenes, no suspense as to whether or not the hero would prevail and outside Nick Nolte’s great comedic relief found this action adventure to fall flat.

Rated R 114m

by Shirley Lorraine
Romantic drama explores grief

The current production at the Elite Theatre in Oxnard’s Channel Islands is a study in how grief affects us each in different ways. To Gillian, on Her 37th Birthday, by Michael Brady explores ways in which a widower is coping (or not), to the frustration of his family and friends.

To Gillian is a timeless play. At some time, all of us will be faced with the loss of a loved one. Psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross outlined the five stages of grief that everyone encounters – the multiple facets of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Not everyone experiences the stages in the same order. Some get stuck in one stage for a while before allowing themselves to move forward.

This appears to be what happened to David (Bill Walthall), who lost his beloved Gillian (Alyssa Carmen) in a boating mishap a few years before. He is unable to fully accept her death and spends much of his time having “conversations” with her. So much so, that he is oblivious to the needs of his teenaged daughter Rachel (Genesis Perez) and the teenaged infatuation of her friend Cindy (Sophia Fox). Gillian’s sister Esther (Jen Ridgway) and her husband Paul (Michael Adams) confront David, offering to have Rachel live with them until he faces reality. Paul and David have been friends for many years while Esther has been a thorn in David’s side.

Esther and Paul invite a young friend Kevin (Elisabeth Melcher) for a few days’ stay at David’s beach house in hopes he will see beyond his grief to a fresh relationship. Kevin was a student in one of David’s classes before the accident. Mutual attraction is acknowledged but David is fearful of letting go of Gillian’s memory.
As David copes with new feelings, he reaches out to Gillian’s spirit who encourages him to let her go. Tensions rise as the two teens feel unseen and unheard, the houseguest is put in an awkward situation and the in-laws put pressure on David to let go and move forward.

There are many moments of serenity, calm and reflection. There are also moments of anger, angst and confusion as each character copes with the reality of Gillian’s death and the need to continue living without her.

Bill Walthall, as the pivotal David, gives a solid performance laced with emotion. The ghost of Gillian as played by Alyssa Carmen provides a dose of practicality, sympathy and reality as she leads David toward the path of acceptance. Michael Adams as Paul injects playful humor into the situation, while Jen Ridgway as Esther counters with stern resolve.

This dramatic romantic effort is heartfelt throughout. Director Rolland Petrello has given relative newcomers an opportunity to take the stage next to seasoned actors, an ensemble that works well as a whole.

Certainly the theme and moments of reflection will strike different chords with audience members depending on their own circumstances in dealing with loss. The play reminds us to focus on the present and appreciate the people and life we are living rather than dwelling in our loss.

To Gillian on her 37th Birthday continues through September 15. Elite Theatre Playhouse, 2731 S. Victoria Ave, Oxnard. 805-483-5118 or www.theelite.org. $20 general admission, $17 seniors, students and military

Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse Now Open
by Shirley Lorraine

Tucked away in an industrial area of Ventura is a Speakeasy. The Speakeasy Project: American Roadhouse, that is. Billed as an underground evening of new comedies and live music, the interactive roadhouse atmosphere is provided by the Fractured Actors Theater Company.

New name on the community theater scene? It was to me although this is their second Speakeasy Project and other productions have been mounted.

Apparently, others were already in the know however, as most of the tables in Sweet Jay’s Roadhouse were already filled when I arrived. Libations were available, both complimentary and for purchase, and the place was already jumping.

The evening featured Sumter Skaggs and the Screamin’ Armadillos, a versatile band churning out country, rock and blues classics. A standout vocalist was Stella Ruby Rose (Shelby Figueroa) who not only belted out the tunes, she also played piano and guitar accompaniment.

The evening was a mixture of original one-acts plays depicting snapshots of American Life written by FATC’s producers, Jeff Ham and Shannon McNally Ham, and boot-scootin’ music from the band.

Stage crew deftly changed the minimal settings while the audience was enjoying the musical interludes. A large cast of actors assumed various roles in the one-acts, performing with enthusiasm. The Fractured Actors website decrees family friendly, but I would caution those with an aversion to cuss words (both in scripts and songs) to leave the kids at home. The one-acts, in my opinion, were placeholders for the music. Scripts were complicated and filled with what seemed to be comments on life while dancing around the subjects. Maybe it was just me, but I felt some interpretation was required. At least one act seemed unresolved to me.

A few of the actors were difficult to hear with soft, unamplified voices in stark contrast to the interim amplification of the musicians. For me, it was like when you’re watching TV and must turn the sound up but then the commercial comes on and you’re blasted with volume.

However, a few performers stood out with excellent diction, projection and confidence. Hudson Ham, the youngest of the group, shows promise. He was composed, articulate and had excellent timing.

Anthony Contreras and Benjamin Wilson each stood out in several one-acts as did the trio of Jeff Ham, Michael Lie Murphy and Karyn Noel in the second play titled Animal Behavior.

Overall though, the entire evening was different, enjoyable and lively. Although the black box theater utilizes space in the Ventura Vineyard Church on Palma Drive, the theater company is fully independent of the church, hence their hashtag #NotAChurchPlay.

The entrance is around the back, as a Speakeasy should be – through an unmarked door. However, the bouncer will check for your name on the list so be sure to reserve tickets/seats early. Seating is limited and the tables fill up fast.

This end-of-summer special engagement is a limited run ending August 31. It is a non-smoking venue, wheelchair accessible (mention the need when you make your reservation). Go and have fun.