THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 3, 1994 TAG: 9406020159
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 21 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANKE OTTO-WOLF, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: 940603 LENGTH: Medium
The setting is rural Georgia, and 32 of what are perhaps Harry Chapin's finest country songs provide a make-you-feel-good atmosphere.
{REST} This version of the Gospel is an all-around wholesome production of the ``Greatest Story Ever Retold.''
It is hilariously funny and provides some fine ``actin' 'n' singin' '' accompanied by a live band - fiddle and all.
Picture John the Baptizer, portrayed by Thomas E. Ryan, raging among the town folk swinging a toilet plunger above his head. Ryan managed to give John a dramatic mixture of Robin Williams and Ernest Angley.
And then there is Tony Hale. Hale's character comes to life by his sheer being. Hale's body language cancels the spoken word. Powerful facial expressions makeone feel with and for him; his agile, graceful movements depict laughter as well as drama. He needs no prop.
Excellent performances by Tom Menneffee as jovial Jesus, by Faith Rodman with her clear-voiced, touching lullaby and even the sometimes shaky ensemble numbers, make this production a fine example of the professional caliber being produced at Regent's Performing Arts School.
To round out this fine student production, Scott Kirk delivered smartly detailed stage direction, and the visually appealing scenery was designed by multi-talented Thomas E. Ryan.
by CNB