THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 20, 1996 TAG: 9606200448
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Theater review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 46 lines
It's like having a lot of talented friends getting together and putting on a show just for you.
``A Bethel Home Companion - Flavors of Summer'' is as informal as you can get in theater - and quite entertaining.
Part one was offered two years ago, and met with enthusiasm and requests for another edition.
Part two boasts the same performers, with one exception: Trudy Kenyon has been added to the cast of characters.
She is a grand Kenyon, entrancing the audience with a lovely smile, obviously enjoying the opportunity to perform with her newfound friends working in the Bethel community.
They are singin'-dancin' friends with varying degrees of talent, but equally enthusiastic as performers.
Steve Casper is the emcee and, like Joel Grey in ``Cabaret,'' he also performs. His specialty is the upside-down fairy tale. These days Casper is doing ``Back and the Jeanstalk.''
Another specialist in the cast is Eugene Baker, becoming famous in the area for his fast-talking, tongue-twisting commercials.
A lot of commercials are heard and seen in ``Bethel Home Companion.'' None are yawners. They are clever, a lot of fun. Case in point: An ad for Bennett's Mill Bake Products includes a take-off on the old spiritual: ``When the Rolls Are Served Up Yonder.''
Straight ahead spirituals are also performed, songs like ``Amazing Grace'' are well and harmoniously sung by The Mostly OK Chorale.
Some songs are handsomely presented by Phil McMullan, Skip Jones and others. Vocals include ``The Rose'' and ``Summertime.''
There was one fuzzy puppy moment, McMullan singing ``September Song'' to his wife, Norma, who was in the opening-night audience. Shed-a-tear-time.
But the accent is on humor and some of the best comes as a result of Casper mingling with the guests during intermission. He finds out about them and uses what he knows to embarr - er - to kid them good naturedly.
Through it all, supplying excellent background and even more excellent solos are drummer Lynn Dale and show-stopping pianist-singer, Roy Darnall, with such upbeat oldies as ``Sweet Georgia Brown'' and ``Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone.''
The talk about ``A Bethel Home Companion'' is favorable. It is delightful and funny, a most enjoyable way to spend an evening. by CNB