Ithaca
The Production
Gutenberg! The Musical!
June 10 - July 12, 2009
116 North Cayuga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Cast: Karl Gregory as Bud
Tyrone Mitchell Henderson as Doug
Directed by: Rachel Lampert
What's the Word?
It's a dream cast and Lampert has staged them brilliantly - in all-out, high-energy, fast-paced mayhem (the guys sometimes wear six caps at once, switching between roles at lightning speed). Henderson embodies the noble but ill-fated Gutenberg, among other parts (like the much-abused Young Monk), and Gregory shines as the devilish Monk and a trio of Rats that honors "Avenue Q" by way of "Sesame Street." -Ithaca Journal
Despite having very little respite, Gregory and Henderson lose no momentum through the many dance breaks and exhaustive character changes. The quality of the show and the nature of its affection toward its audience make it a splendid summer diversion and a fine conclusion to another season at the Kitchen.
The Trip
What: A 12-hour day of crazy
Where: A 2004 Ford Taurus
When: July 11, 2009
Why: Insanity
Photo by Dave Burbank
What's Our Word?
An incredibly whirlwind production, this show hit the mark at every turn, all the way from the costuming (Bud’s music note shirt and high-wasted pants) to the heartfelt emotion from actors Karl Gregory and Tyrone Mitchell Henderson.With spastic choreography, a real-life mechanical pencil sharpener, and different colored hats for Gutenberg, Monk and Helvetica, no stone was left unturned-- and it showed. Bud and Doug might be clueless when it comes to showcasing a musical, but director Rachel Lampert is no fool. The energy and comedy coming out of the Kitchen Theater made it seem like we were seeing the show for the first time. Fantastic.
Grade: A