Bewitching ‘Bell, Book and Candle’ a Sophisticated Retro Rom-Com

Bewitching ‘Bell, Book and Candle’ a Sophisticated Retro Rom-Com

By Lynn Venhaus

A supernatural romantic comedy is a surprisingly delectable sweet treat this holiday season. (Who knew?) Stylish and witty, “Bell, Book & Candle” casts an enchanting ensemble who appear to be having a jolly good time in this sophisticated retro throwback presented by Stray Dog Theatre.

When you think of witches, do those three macabre ones in “Macbeth” first come to mind, stirring a bubbling cauldron? Or is it the mean and nasty one in “Into the Woods,” with the haunting lyric “Witches can be right”? What about the unforgettable classic clash in ‘The Wizard of Oz” setting up sides with “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”

Perhaps the all-American witch Samantha Stevens of the beloved sitcom “Bewitched,” 1964-1972, who lived in the suburbs and pretended to be a normal housewife, changed perceptions from scary to fitting in.

But it was Gillian Holroyd who broke the mold on the Broadway stage in 1950 in playwright John Van Druten’s “Bell, Book & Candle.” He created the character and added all the ingredients to bewitch, bother and bewilder, including a black cat, magic spells, hocus pocus, romance and fantasy.

Gillian was a very modern woman with a glamorous life, ensconced in the tony Murray Hill neighborhood of New York City – only she had a secret. She practiced witchcraft. The play became a popular 1958 movie starring Kim Novak, James Stewart and Elsa Lanchester.

Claire Coffey as Gillian. Photo by John Lamb.

Claire Coffey personifies every facet of Gillian, looking classy and elegant in several chic outfits assembled by costume designer Colleen Michelson, then serious when she’s casting spells and hatching plots.

In her cozy and cosmopolitan apartment, she chats with her daffy Aunt Queenie, a busybody who finds out information one way or the other. Liz Mischel embodies the eccentricities of the character, and always bursts in, wearing colorful garb.

Gillian is intrigued by her new neighbor, polite and polished publisher Shepherd Henderson (Joel Wilper), and she finds out he’s dating a rival from her college days, expecting to get engaged. Before you can say abracadabra, this witchy woman arranges him to fall head over heels in love with her instead. It’s Christmas Eve, no less.

One wrinkle: Witches, in this supernatural tale, cannot fall in love or else they lose their power. Therefore, life gets more complicated, not less. How far can this relationship go without secrets being revealed?

The gallant and urbane Shep is as smitten as a teenager, as if a thunderbolt struck him, not thinking rationally, but he’ll eventually be confronted by reality. Wilper conveys both sides of Shep convincingly.

Claire Coffey and Joel Wilper. Photo by John Lamb.

Other characters factoring into the mayhem – her snarky, rakish brother Nicky (Victor Mendez), author Sidney Redlitch (Gary Wells) and her cat, Pyewacket. Nicky and Redlitch have collaborated with a book on witches in NYC, but Shep is highly skeptical.

Oh, what a tangled web she weaves, practicing to deceive, but without spoiling the plot, magic can work wonders.

Director Gary F. Bell keeps everything light-hearted and breezy, focusing on his cast’s ability to charm. Coffey and Wilper ground the fantasy as a twisty rom-com while the supporting players go a little wackier and broader.

Bell also designed the swanky set, and it’s a snazzy vintage collection of furniture and fashionable accents. Jude Hagene painted the attractive living room. Tyler Duenow’s lighting design gives the parlor a warm glow.

As always, Justin Been has selected a swinging soundtrack suited for 1950s high society with a merry touch of Rat Pack coolness.

While “Bell, Book and Candle” is traditional in structure, but not in subject matter, this is a bright bauble that is well-suited to comfortably and merrily entertain.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Claire Coffey and Victor Mendez. Photo by John Lamb.

“A witch never gets caught. Don’t forget that she has magic in her fingers and devilry dancing in her blood.” — Roald Dahl, “The Witches”

Stray Dog Theatre presents “Bell, Book and Candle” Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Dec. 5 through 21, with an additional performance at 2 pm on Sunday, Dec. 15. Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee in Tower Grove East. Box Office/Will Call opens 1 hour prior to performance. Tower Grove Abbey is a “general seating” theatre. For more information: www.straydogtheatre.org or call (314) 365-1995

Victor Mendez, Claire Coffey, Gary Wells and Joel Wilper. Photo by John Lamb.

High-Spirited Cast Makes ‘Clash Of The Titans’ Parody A Jolly Time

High-Spirited Cast Makes ‘Clash Of The Titans’ Parody A Jolly Time

By Lynn Venhaus
Funny and fast-paced, “The Clash of the Titans Live Parody” showcases an obliging cast goofing off as famous Greek mythology characters, from Zeus to the Kraken. This is not your high school literature teacher’s reference guide.

The good-natured production is full-throttle silliness, crafted by the Cherokee Street Theatre Company’s brain trust, and they have the skills and collaborative spirit of an improv troupe.

The performers focus on the absurdity while trying not to break character, but hey, it happens. Using the framework mainly of the 1981 film and not the 2010 remake, they lean into the cheesiest elements of the pseudo-prestige epic that starred Laurence Olivier as Zeus, a young and virile Harry Hamlin as Perseus. Ursula Andress had one line as Aphrodite. (The reboot starred Liam Neeson as Zeus and Sam Worthington as Perseus).

The short version is that Perseus must prove his worth to his daddy, foil his stepmom, complete heroic tests, and battle Medusa and the Kraken all to save the lovely Princess Andromeda from a terrible fate.

For those wanting to refresh their Greek Gods and Heroes backstory, Perseus, the favored son of the god Zeus, has not only angered the sea goddess Thetis, but also fallen in love with Princess Andromeda. She had been engaged to Thetis’ son, Calibos. As Perseus goes on one quest after another, people come to a watery demise or are stabbed, or involved in other mayhem.

The adventure movie’s claim to fame is that it was the last film produced by Ray Harryhausen, the legendary special effects creator who was known for stop-motion animation. His Kraken did not disappoint!

One of the pluses about the company moving to Westport Playhouse for the last leg of their run is that they benefit from its large LED screen and are able to show panoramic scenes from the film that help visualize this odyssey – especially when the Kraken is released.

When that happens, the cast takes a moment to splash audience members with water, which is like a few raindrops falling on your head.

Because this company often uses the same repertory of players, the ensemble is a cheerful tight-knit bunch who wrings every possible laugh from these epic characters.

Ronald Dean Strawbridge goes for the gusto as imposing Zeus, while Ryan Lawson-Maeske shows off his acrobatic moves as the swaggering Perseus. Fox Smith has fun as both Hera and Medusa, complete with a daffy snake headtopper.

Patience Davis exaggerates Thetis as only Dame Maggie Smith could and Payton Gillam adds merriment as the sweet love interest Princess Andromeda and a sultry Aphrodite.

Perhaps the most playful in this madcap romp is Joseph Garner, feisty as Calibos and frisky as Bubo, no action too broad.

Supporting players include Nancy Nigh as Athena and Cassiopeia, Rob McLemore as Ammon, Stan Davis as Poseidon and Thallo, and Chuck Brinkley as King Acrisius and Hades.

Even you don’t remember the gods’ playlist or saw either movie, it does not matter. This is just all in good fun, and a terrific escape to watch some skilled performers clown around.

Company founder Suki Peters directed with a light touch and adapted the film to the stage with jokes in mind.

The technical elements are all first-rate, with Joel Wilper’s lighting design and Ted Drury and Morgan Maul-Smith’s sound design enhancing the Westport Playhouse production. The choice of pop-rock hits add to the high spirits.

Video designer Dan Foster seamlessly integrated the film footage to expand our vistas, and it really adds a pleasant viewpoint.

Costume Coordinator Kayla Lindsay celebrated the ancient period, accessorizing many riffs on togas to emphasize the parody. Stan Davis’s props were one of the highlights, adding to the ‘anything goes’ spirit.

Performances take place through June 1 Upstairs at The Golden Record, 2720 Cherokee, and June 9 through 17 at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. For more information: www.cherokeestreettheatercompany.com.

For June 16 and 17 performances, use promo code “kraken” to save $10 per ticket.  

Photo by Anastasiya Vasyuta and show poster by Stan Davis

Go for ‘Broke’ If You’re Game For a Goofy Good Time Parody

Go for ‘Broke’ If You’re Game For a Goofy Good Time Parody

By Lynn Venhaus

Even if you don’t earn a prize, you are still a winner for having attended “Broke: The Game Show Show,” a convivial interactive musical comedy parody.

Created by partners Liz Muller and C.E.Simon, this world premiere strives for a party atmosphere. Fortunately, the Saturday night I was there, a bachelorette party attended, ready to have a good time, as were the other audience members.

Muller deftly directed the inventive show with a livewire attitude in mind and kept the music direction peppy and light-hearted. The show has been extended from May 6 through May 19.

Ryan Myers and Ashley Rube excel as the two quick-witted actors in the show within a show. Myers is perfectly congenial as Hank the Host, with a dash of snark and swagger, while Rube is relatable as the more exasperated and pragmatic Alex the Technical Director.

Both are connected to the Improv Shop and other local theatrical endeavors, and their veteran improvisational skills are put to good use, as they keep the tempo lively and project a sense that wackiness will ensue.

It really is true that no two shows are the same, as the performers and contestants feed off the energy of the crowd. If you are not laughing at some of the antics, check your pulse.

During the goofy game show, people answer trivia questions for their shot to be a contestant on stage. And they have an appealing assortment of prizes to giveaway from generous local donors to give away, like tickets, meals, and fun outings.

But if you’d rather just watch from the sidelines, that’s OK – no one is forcing you to go onstage.

The experience is enhanced by the 30-foot LED video wall projections, and the “Broke” creators designed the slick video background to give it a professional game show feel – and the technical difficulties seem real. Joel Wilper has added effective lighting design while Lenny Mink and Wilper smoothly handled the sound engineering.

Stage Manager J. Myles Hesse keeps things moving swiftly, no matter what appears to be going awry (all scripted). The performance is at least 90% game show, with the behind-the-scenes story of the host and tech crew a personal subplot for character development.

The show is performed with one intermission, and drinks are permitted in the playhouse.

“Broke” is as advertised, a silly romp well-suited for diverting you from more serious world affairs – and produced with spreading good cheer in mind. Providing a communal good time is always a welcome endeavor.

“Broke: The Game Show Show” is performed every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through May 19 at the Westport Playhouse in St. Louis, with a 2 p.m. matinee set for the final day besides an evening show. It is recommended for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $30 and are available at www.westportplay.com. Groups of 10 or more can call 314-605-3799 for special rates.

Sunny Jennifer Theby-Quinn Is Looking for Love in ‘The 12 Dates of Christmas’

Sunny Jennifer Theby-Quinn Is Looking for Love in ‘The 12 Dates of Christmas’

By Lynn Venhaus

The promising new direction of the Westport Playhouse as a live entertainment venue bodes well for the future, and the one-woman holiday show, “The Twelve Dates of Christmas,” appeals to merry revelers.

Actor/playwright Ginna Hoben wrote this personal comedy that was first performed in 2010, and it’s a heartfelt and humorous chronicle of her dating hits and misses during a calendar year.

After starting out the mega-holiday season with Thanksgiving at her family’s home in Ohio, the lead character Mary must endure the humiliation of seeing her fiancé kiss his co-worker on national television during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is after he bailed on the trip, saying he was ill.

Oh, the horror of the life you expected vs. the real world is the gift that keeps on giving during the Christmas holiday and beyond. And those pesky female relatives that offer advice or judgment or know better.

Mary is an actress, and obviously a drama queen, sharing her rocky journey. The versatile Jennifer Theby Quinn dials it up to 11 sometimes to depict the jilted, bitter, and frustrated single woman. She does find the funny in the pathos – I mean, you kinda sorta must for survival.

She conveys a gamut of emotions, as she allows herself to jump back into the dating world. Some of the romances are weird, creepy, absurd, and comical, which leads to cynicism, but there are glimmers of hope – and more heartbreak.

The material lends itself to broad interpretations, and in its format, is not as polished as the Hallmark Channel rom-coms, yet there are nuggets of recognition in the hook-ups.

When fate intervenes in a good way, Theby-Quinn is at her best in the quieter, more touching moments — those heart-on-sleeve confessions, and revelations where she is at her most natural.

The genuine encounters with a charming little boy playing Tiny Tim in a production Mary is in are designed to tug at the heartstrings. And Theby-Quinn is effective in depicting the sweetness she experiences dealing with such an innocent 5-year-old. You can feel your heart melt as hers does (and she differentiates the characters well).

A sunny presence, Theby-Quinn is energized by the audience and works hard to engage them. To keep the show lively, director Lee Anne Mathews has kept her moving all over the stage so it’s not as boxed in as other solo shows.

That’s a lot of stamina for 90 minutes, and it’s a demanding run as well (nearly a month). She’s a tenacious trouper, familiar with the space, after playing Kate Monster in “Avenue Q” in 2019 and Fiona in “Flanagan’s Wake” in early 2020, then forced to shut down during the coronavirus lockdown.

Theby-Quinn is one of the most skilled performers in St. Louis, impressive in dramas, comedies, and musicals, earning two St. Louis Theater Circle Awards and multiple nominations.

She can plum more emotional depths, given tougher material, as these lightweight vignettes are designed to mostly elicit laughs and resonate. (But does an actress in the big city? Of course – because she’s as exhausted as other single women — “One hundred and twenty-five jackasses it takes to meet one decent man!” is my favorite line. We can all empathize).

Single women who have been unlucky at love and those who have had good relationships that didn’t work out, can understand Mary’s quest for Mr. Right. Perhaps the material would be more endearing if there was a guy to tango with, but Mary ‘s tasked with performing other characters (about a dozen) vocally, and that helps.

The snazzy production values – a large LED screen adds perky images and clever animated artwork from master video designers Margery and Peter Spack – help to open it and add to the storytelling, instead of having a boxed-in feeling that can typically happen in solo shows.

It was late in the run when I saw it, and the sound was distorted at times, but according to colleagues who had seen it on different nights, it was just fine, no problems.

Jacob Baxley incorporates a fine mix of songs to enhance the holidays throughout the year, and Dan MacLaughlin’s lighting design adds warmth. Liz Henning is listed as a wardrobe consultant, and that’s always a good sign. Lenny Mink’s and Kurtis Gibbs’ video editing and photography enhances the show, as does Joel Wilper’s work as an audio/video technician.

One can understand the desire for a crowd-pleaser at this crazy-busy time of year when everyone’s trying to have a joyous holiday season, and that this is a tad overzealous in trying to ramp up the jolly.

But the sincerity and goodwill evident both on and off stage works in its favor.


“The 12 Dates of Christmas” runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 at the Westport Plaza, in the Westport Plaza Business and Entertainment District. Because of COVID-cancellation at the run’s end, a special 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 30 has been scheduled and tickets available at the box office. For more information, visit www.thewestportplayhouse.com