By: Joseph Szalinski
Tragedy is perfect fodder for drama and comedy, depending on what you find funny. As the saying goes, humor is in the eye of the hurricane. In an era when misfortune is earnestly exploited for entertainment by podcasts and the like, why not yuck it up when luck sucks? Never forget that such an approach will garner a fair share of challengers who will explode in fits of rage, shaking like Californian fault lines, though. However, if you’re someone who gets their jollies from acts of God, you’ll enjoy Butler Musical Theatre Guild’s production of Disaster!, directed by Patrick Erkman, now running at the William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall & Production Center in Butler, PA.
Created and conceived by Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick, Disaster follows a colorful cast of characters aboard a floating casino that’s caught in the crossfire of a couple of calamities. The stranded lot onboard must band together to survive, suffering several setbacks, singing all the while. There’s romance, suspense, and a plethora of clever references. Irwin Allen would’ve loved it.
Much like the Cocoanut Grove, the cast is on fire! Phillip Ball is phenomenal as Professor Ted Scheider, the brainiac whose warnings go unheeded. What else are scientists for? Ball is not only equipped with great delivery but also impressive physicality. His fancy footwork on the balance beam is commendable. Contrasting Scheider’s morality is the sleazy casino owner, Tony Delvecchio, who oozes through scenes in his greasy glory, portrayed tremendously by Jerry Johnston.
Caught in the middle is the delightful Heather Check as Jackie Noelle, a lonely lounge singer and single mother who only wants what’s best for her family. And her love life. Liliana Morgan fantastically flip-flops between siblings Ben and Lisa. Despite the demanding task of playing two characters, Morgan does so with ease. The scene where the siblings sing a song with their mother is side-splitting. Katy Wayne and Bill Fisher delight as the dynamic duo of Shirly and Maury, respectively. They can perfectly balance sincerity and comedy, eliciting empathy one moment and laughter the next. Shirley is even plagued by an unusual condition, which Wayne leans into with gusto. Adding to the madcap campiness are a slew of other characters. Marianne Wilson, an ambitious reporter, is brilliantly brought to life by Sarah Dailey. Cory Pfahl goes all in as Marianne Wilson’s former beau, Chad, the woebegone waiter who sings his heart out. Liam Kilbourn terrifically tags along as Chad’s coworker and friend, Scott. Sister Mary Downy, a guitar-playing nun with a penchant for slot machines, is splendidly depicted by Tammy Erkman. Shelly Spataro is a trip as Levora Verona, dog-toting disco star who’s lost her shine. Rounding out the cast as Casino Guest and Staff are Sue Ann Aiken, Liam Kilbourn, Jim Klein, Rebekah Klein, Denise Johnston, Barb “BJ” Osche, RoAnn Romeo, and Liza Wick. Performances are heightened by the choreography of Patrick Erkman and Jade Klamer.
Cast rehearsal photo: From left to right: Tammy Erkman, Katy Wayne and Bill Fisher.This show wouldn’t be what it is without its soundtrack. Assisting the cast’s vocal stylings is an array of instrumentalists. Jessica Sanzotti and Ken Smith lead the band as music directors and keyboardists. The remainder of the outfit is comprised of bassist Marina Smith, drummer Karen O’Donnell, guitarist Joel DeMary, trombonist Jake Smith, and trumpeter Delaney Hindman. They are a ceaseless force sonically supplementing the onstage shenanigans.
Technical elements of this production are on point, with Barb “BJ” Osche overseeing things as technical director. Patrick Erkman. Erkman and Osche have designed a spectacular set, enlisting Tammy Erkman, David Halin, Jerry Johnston, Chip Marra, Vince Sanzotti, Eric Snyder, and Katy and Rachel Wayne to help with set construction and painting. Complementing the set are all the props, courtesy of Terri Cammisa and Gloria Lewandrowski. While they are employed ingeniously throughout the entirety of the show, there’s a scene near the beginning of the second act that is really gut-busting.
Costumes by Patrick Erkman and Lois Eury make things even groovier, with Tony’s security guard, Jake, having an exceptional get-up. Illuminating the stage is light operator Eric Snyder, who designed the lighting alongside Glen Bittner and Patrick Erkman. Rick McClean and Cole Trieste lend their talents as spotlight operators. Aside from his duties as a performer, Philip Ball managed sound design, peppered with sound effects masterminded by Mallory Lohnes and executed by sound operator Carl Floyd. Of course, all of this couldn’t operate as smoothly without the assistance of the running crew, comprised of Tracy Boyle, Bethany Kennedy, Barb “BJ” Osche, Rachel Rastall, and Lee Sparks.
William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall & Production Center is quite a quaint venue to see a play. Even though physical space is limited throughout the building, it doesn’t quell any decisions to stage expansive and ambitious events. Situated in the beautifully wooded Butler Memorial Park, it is a space worth visiting, even if parking can be a bit tricky.
Butler MTG is a wonderful company. While they have a monopoly on musicals in the area, aside from the occasional Hobnob production, they offer a selection of shows that can stand up to any staged elsewhere in Pittsburgh. Always a joy to attend, their shows demonstrate meticulous attention to detail that can only be executed by those totally in love with what they do. Featuring female-forward fare, the remainder of their season is set to be as entertaining as years past.
-JS
Disaster! continues its run April 24th, and 25th at the William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall & Production Center in Butler, PA.
