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"From
razor sharp direction to the very fine performances to the
stunning design elements, I couldn't have been happier with
SummerStage's production of OPEN SEASON. During my time in
Charlotte, I came to learn and greatly appreciate Steve
Umberger's philosophy of nurturing new work and redefining
theatre. As a playwright, I found working with Steve and his
crew not only greatly rewarding but exhilarating."
-
Michael McKeever, Playwright
Open Season
"Four
out of Four Stars, A-Plus.
This
play is the funniest thing I've seen in years.
I do not remember the last time I laughed this
hard or this consistently. Rebecca Koon shines as Mallory Dupre, and Scott Helm is the perfect straight man to Koon and Graham Smith's rapier witticisms."
- John
Hartness, ArtSavant
"Michael McKeever's grandiloquent comedy is a hit The egos, the posturing, and the rapid-fire one liners
make this thespian dynasty irresistible."
- Perry Tannenbaum, Creative Loafing
'"OPEN SEASON' is a sassy tribute to Ferber, Kaufinan, and Hart. And the play evolves into a poignant,
modern (and still cheeky) familial valentine The play indicates that Michael McKeever's talent has reached
a higher plateau, and that he's learned how to successfully blend humor with pathos."
- Jack Zink, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
"Michael McKeever's tongue-in-cheek tale of a theatrical family is reminiscent of "The Royal Family" by
way of "The Osboumes." It is a hands-down comedic triumph, and it deserves to be a hit."
- Paul Gallotta, City-Link
"McKeever knows how to write brittle, snappy dialogue, but he also zeroes in on the heartbreak of a family
too busy basking in public adulation to tell each other, "I love you.""
- Hap Erstein, The Palm Beach Post
"A fine cast, excellent direction, plus a laugh filled script and an opulent set, all come together to make this
a fun evening in the theatre."
- Buddy Clarke, Entertainment News & Views
'"OPEN SEASON' is a riot right from the opening scene. The first act begins on that high note, and just keeps
getting higher. Laughs are plentiful, the pace is brisk, and the story intriguing. Don't miss
'OPEN SEASON.' It's not every day you get to see a play at the beginning of its long and happy future."
- Mary
Damiano, Express Gay News
'"OPEN SEASON' is a well-crafted play full
of zingers."
- Christine Dolen, The Herald
OPEN SEASON REVIEW FOR
CREATIVE LOAFING
by Perry
Tannenbaum
After running so smoothly in a reading stage production at Charlotte Rep's New Play Festival in February 2002, OPEN SEASON had me holding my breath as it bowed at McGlohon Theatre for Steve Umberger's new SummerStage enterprise. The addition of scenery and full production values hasn't always been propitious for New Play grads.
Rebecca Koon enters with groggy majesty through the double doors of Mallory's boudoir, and we're off. Pierced the the heart by the unflattering Medea photo, Mallory is ready to announce her retirement - for the fourth time. Her father, legendary stage icon Edmund Dupre, climbs in unexpectedly over her foyer, drunk and broke with a mimosa in his hand. The the negligent father proposes to move in with his high-strung daughter, the greatest catastrophe yet.
With Graham Smith as Edmund responsible for all these catastrophes - and even greater ones afterwards - and with Koon on the receiving end, each new blow of fate is cause for fresh laughter and rejoicing. By the end of their acrimonious reunion, Edmund is staggering off to an ER and Mallory, after checking herself carefully in a full-length mirror, is anxiously following. Worried more about the PR than her dad? You decide.
Papa's return is just one more episode in Mallory's endless saga, but eventually it marks a turning point for her son Christian, beautifully underplayed by Scott Helm. The moments when the three theatrical generations reach out to each other, amid their egocentric rollercoaster rides, are preciously brief. Umberger brings out their poignance superbly in his direction.
There are extra twinkles of delight in the minor roles. Andra Whitton has improved on her Alice, the nurse who adulates Edmund and tolerates Mallory's tirades. Then there's James Flieder, the recent Davidson grad, as young hunk Tony O'Neill. So young that Mallory herself is shocked to learn that she's slept with him.
Lot's o f fun, delivered with lots of class.
