110 in the Shade...
Based on N. Richard Nash's 1954 play The Rainmaker, the Theater in the Round's production focuses on Lizzie Curry, a spinster living on a ranch in the Southwest, and her relationships with local sheriff File, a cautious divorce who fears being hurt again, and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, posing as a rainmaker who promises the locals he can bring relief to the drought-stricken area. Lizzy is an aging and arid virgin living in a dusty landscape who is as thirsty for a relationship as the parched town is for soaking rain.
This musical adaptation of the original Rainmaker uses lyrics directly from the source play and there are some fun, homespun tunes for the characters to have fun with. This ensemble cast does a great job with them all, from Starbuck's bellowing baritone, to Lizzy's melodious soprano, to the lively chorus...the songs are spot on and weave into the story line easily and naturally. Director Paul Reyburn did a superb job casting each role, designing tight movements and flow to fit the constraints of a small arena stage, and a rich yellow lighting that heats nearly every scene. Angela May, the music director, put together a wonderful quartet of players for the musical score. And, every actor, from star to choral member, gave it their all.
This musical adaptation of the original Rainmaker uses lyrics directly from the source play and there are some fun, homespun tunes for the characters to have fun with. This ensemble cast does a great job with them all, from Starbuck's bellowing baritone, to Lizzy's melodious soprano, to the lively chorus...the songs are spot on and weave into the story line easily and naturally. Director Paul Reyburn did a superb job casting each role, designing tight movements and flow to fit the constraints of a small arena stage, and a rich yellow lighting that heats nearly every scene. Angela May, the music director, put together a wonderful quartet of players for the musical score. And, every actor, from star to choral member, gave it their all.