Playtime in Laguna

It was definitely playtime last weekend, and I don’t mean a romp to the local bars -- rather, I refer to the pleasure of experiencing “The Sound of Music” Friday and “Bad Dates” Sunday.

Creativity and talent were alive and flourishing at No Square Theatre’s “Sound of Music” production. Every detail was interwoven to create a memorable experience. The cast and their superb singing and acting, the gorgeous set design and the hilarious antics of mother Margaretta, played by Linda Haylett, all deserve “snaps” (snaps can be likened to kudos -- reference “Legally Blonde” or ask someone who was in a sorority.)

Goody-bags filled with props prompted the audience to participate in hilarious spot cameos and a rousing sing-along; it made everyone roar with laughter.

“It was so much fun; I’m not one for musicals, but it was hysterical,” Lynn Epstein said. “The cast had such talented voices; the nun choir voices reached the heavens. I think Julie Andrews would be proud. I was smiling from beginning to end. A No Square performance is always going to be more than what you bargained for.”

Dave Schaar was pulled front and center to do a bit; he’s never shy -- how can any “Lagunatic” cast member be?

“I thought it was brilliant -- Rocky Horror done via Julie Andrews,” Schaar said. “Audience participation made it a hoot. The voices were phenomenal, and the set was wonderfully done. It was excellent. The audience was jumping in and having a ball.”

“Enchanting,” Ryan Lenhardt said. “As a long-time lover of this musical, I would say that the cast and crew paid a fine homage to this classic. The hills, and my heart, were alive with the sound of music that night.”

*

It’s too bad the run of “Bad Dates” is over. It’s the best play I’ve ever seen. I had high expectations because of all the positive buzz around town, but the performance managed to exceed what I expected.

In this one-woman comedy, Beth Broderick portrayed Haley Walker, recently divorced with a teenage daughter (not seen onstage). Haley is getting back into the dating game.

Her character, who has an obvious shoe fetish, engages the audience in a series of tales describing her woeful dating experiences and interesting happenings in her life. The production of “Bad Dates” was both hilarious and moving.

“I thought it was absolutely superb -- the writing, acting, everything. There was not an extra word or extra movement,” Lola Gillebaard said. “To watch someone dress and undress onstage was a masterpiece. Beth Broderick was one of the most talented actresses I’ve ever seen.”

Hank and Lola Gillebaard said that the play was very believable.

“What they did with the props and everything was extremely impressive,” Hank said. “I liked her from the beginning, which is very important.”

“There are very few real comediennes. Not only was she talented, she was funny too; she had the gift,” Lola said.

Jeff Mourer said “Bad Dates” was an awesome experience that everybody who dates can relate to.

“Though it was through the perspective of a straight woman, other people could relate even though they don’t fit into that category,” Mourer said. “While the play was predominantly a comedy, the audience really had the opportunity to empathize with the character, feel her heartache and identify with the dramatic portions.”

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