« “Corktown” a hometown show from a hometown theatre (includes interview with Guy Sanville) »

Rating:  4 out of Fordyce

Now playing at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea is Corktown. This is one of the most unusual plays I have ever seen and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The show was written by Michael Brian Ogden and, in an unusual twist, also stars Michael Brian Ogden. This man writes and acts well, and I was very pleased with a script that mixes the Godfather, Saint Patrick’s Day, and the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit all together in a tale of two hitmen in the Irish version of organized crime.

This dark comedy introduces us to Laurence (Ogden) and his partner in crime Joey (Matthew David). We meet them as they are running behind on their “to do” list of disposing bodies. There is conflict between the two that escalates during the show when a hit goes bad. That is all of the plot you get from me, but I will say this show is fun to watch, clever, and if you were to put on your special effect black-and-white glasses, it would have a film noir quality from days past.

Ogden and David are great. They play off each other like the buddies they are supposed to be. Also In the cast is Tom Whalen as Cobb, the Irish “Godfather,” and Stacie Hadgikosti as Jenny. Whalen fits the bill, and Stacie shows her acting talents in many ways that I can’t go into, lest I spoil the surprises.

This show has perfect timing, a great set, wonderful lighting, fantastic audio, and the most blood I have ever seen on stage as the characters sometimes find it necessary to shoot each other. The effects are real-looking without being gross, and they are pulled off without a hitch.
 
This show gets a perfect 4 out of Fordyce. I debated that rating with myself for a few minutes because the only thing I did not like about this show were some fight scenes that were played out in slow motion. It didn’t work for me. But some people in the audience were commenting about how much they liked it at intermission, so I am willing to give it a pass and give this show my top rating.

This is one fine job by director Guy Sanville for taking an unusual script and bringing it to life. One caution: This show has bad language, adult scenes, and violent acts.  It is not for kids or those who are easily offended.

This show runs through March 5. Don’t miss it! And if you would like to see it with PRTC founder Jeff Daniels, be sure to get tickets for the February 13, 2011 show. You will see the show at 4 pm and go to a party afterwards with Jeff at Weber’s Inn. Go to http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/ for more information.

Hear a MIentertainment Radio exclusive interview with director Guy Sanville, click below.

Corktown Interview