‘The Commedia Puss in Boots’ at Maryland Ensemble Theatre (‘MET’) by Mike Spain


The Fun Company at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre has brought back the Commedia Troupe from last year’s wonderful production of The Commedia Pinnochio. This year it’s the cat with the sword – the entertaining presentation of The Commedia Puss in Boots, written by Lane Riosley, who also wrote The Commedia Pinnochio. Like the popular 2011 Puss and Boots movie, based on the character from Shrek, MET’s laugh-filled production had a clever, sword-handling feline Columbine (played by Caitlyn Joy), who has a hysterical duel with The Laundry Giant. And here, fancy footwear plays an important role.

Vanessa Strickland (Arlequin). Photo by Julie Herber.

Joining Caitlyn Joy are Reiner Prochaska (Pantelone), Vanessa Strickland (Arlequin), Geoff Huntoon (Punchin), Giovanni Strange (Scaramouch – the Miller’s son who inherits the feisty cat), and Lia Seltzer (Rosetta – the Princess). Everyone on the stage is having a great  time playing their multiple roles, which includes playing The Miller’s sons and guards. Director Julie Herber gets high-energy and funny performances from her talented cast, who are MET regulars and veterans.

The Commedia Puss in Boots is full of action and comedy. At the end of the play my daughter told me, “I love this play!” It is easy to see why she loved it. This cast wielding their swords is both hysterical and scary at the same time. There are great special effects, including a scene with an invisible tiger. The quest to free the other kingdom from the Ogre is also a grand adventure.

At the end the cast sang “Happy Birthday” to an audience member. The young fan appeared a bit shy and embarrassed. However, it was a great reminder the theater is a great place to celebrate a birthday.

The cast of ‘Puss and Boots.’ Photo by Julie Herber.

MET’s The Commedia Puss in Boots is the ‘purr-fect’ cat-tale for all ages. Both grown ups and children will have a lot of fun watching it.

Running Time: 55 minutes with no intermission.

The Commedia Puss in Boots plays on Saturdays and Sundays through January 6, 2013 at The Fun Company at Maryland Ensemble Theatre – 31 West Patrick Street, in Frederick, MD. For tickets, call the box office (301) 694-4744, or order them online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caitlyn Joy gets to portray the sword wielding cat named Columbine. Reiner Prochaska (Pantelone) and also portrays an elderly miller and a king. Arlequin is portrayed by Vanessa Strickland. Strickland has fun with her role playing one of the miller’s sons and several guard roles. Geoff Huntoon gets the role of Punchin and gets to play one of the miller’s son and guard roles. Giovanni Strange plays the role of Scaramouch and is the character who is the miller’s son who inherits the cat. Lia Seltzer plays Rosetta and the character gets to be the Princess who is the love interest in the tale.

 

Julie Herber directs a play that is full of action, comedy and is fun to watch. At the end of the play my daughter told me “I love this play.” It is easy to see why she loved it. This cast with swords is both hysterical and scary at the same time. There is clever, trickery created such scenes as the invisible tiger. The quest to free the other kingdom from the Ogre is a grand adventure. The cast members are the same actors one sees in the regularMETproductions. The director also directs bigger productions. Yes they have a lot of fun with the Fun Company but they still bring their talent to the productions.

 

At the end the cast sang happy birthday to an audience member. The young fan appeared a bit shy and embarrassed. However, it was a great reminder the theater is a great place to celebrate a birthday. This is a show you should take your child to see. Don’t have a child borrow someone’s child and watch this show. This cat tale is suitable for all ages and both grown ups and children will have a lot of fun watching it.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here