by Lisa Panzer
May we never go to Hell, but always be on our way! ~ Anonymous
Captain Nazmidran Tovi – Sloth (Nicole Wong). Photo by Lisa Panzer
Seven ‘see’ worthy captains gather for a final toast to their departed fellow captain, but never seem to stop hoisting – Arrgh! Each of these fantastically arrayed seafarers embodies one of the cardinal sins; Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath and Sloth. In an atmospheric evening full of ‘naughty-cal’ high-jinks, blunders and funny faux pas, these superbly sinful shiplords share their experiences through hauntingly performed sea shanties, taking the audience by storm.
Captain Ava Puppyfoot – Greed (Kayla Kulla); Captain Kassandra Vasiliki – Pride (Julia Bell); Captain Balthazar Karacut – Gluttony (Michael Benjamin); Bottom row, left to right: Captain Jaqui Bower – Lust (James Graves); Captain Vauquelin LaCriox – Wrath (Emmerich Gilliam); Captain Nazmidran Tovi – Sloth (Nicole Wong); Captain Sebastian Jackson – Envy (David Reyne)
Accompanied by string and percussion instruments, the buccaneer’s ballads are quite alluring. Clever lighting schemes, piratical props and occasional fog add another layer of élan to the production. There is some volunteer audience interaction, but no one is asked to walk the plank. Maybe next time…
Barnstormer’s variable multi-tiered stage is well utilized for the show’s scenes and song sets, allowing room for choreographed numbers, and ample acoustics. In addition to being highly entertaining, with cabaret style seating, BYOB including a well-stocked snack bar, the ‘castaways’ and crew make this captivating voyage quite comfortable. Yet, beware –- there be PIRATES!!
If You Go:
The Cardinal Sins: Shipwrecked
Barnstormers Theatre, 402 Tome St., Ridley Park, PA 19078
Remaining shows run March 7th and 8th, 8 PM
Tickets are available online at https://barnstormerstheater.ludus.com/index.php, in person at the door, or call 610-461-9969.
Next on stage is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast March 20-29