Category: Reviews

Show reviews from local media

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Curious Incident review – ‘Live theater doesn’t get much better than this’

Theatre critic Cary Ginell saw The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time last week and absolutely raved about it. Here are some highlights:

“‘Curious Incident’ is a tour de force of acting, directing and production values that takes us inside Christopher’s chaotic mind, assaulting the senses with visual and sonic elements ranging from heartwarming to nightmarish. Live theater doesn’t get much better than this.”

“Although ‘Curious Incident’ is performed often in community theater, this particular production is to be singled out for its terrific production values, brilliantly guided by director Tanner Redman.”

“Rarely have sound and lighting design played such a large part in a show’s success.”

“[Brendan] Lynch’s characterization is nothing short of remarkable.”

“Avery Sierra-Valdes does a beautiful job in the role [of Judy].”

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time runs through Sept. 24, get your tickets now!

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Review – ‘Bee’ gets an A for superlative cast

Critics saw The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and can’t stop raving!

According to the Ventura Breeze, the cast members each “… gave distinct and delightful characterizations, tackling their individual shining moments with verve and enthusiasm.”

Cary Ginell at The Acorn says “Touching as well as madcap, “Spelling Bee” is a joy to watch and infinitely enhanced by William Finn’s charming, revelatory score. Conejo Players Theatre does the show justice with this exemplary production running through July 23.”

Extended for an extra weekend, Spelling Bee runs through July 23, get your tickets now!

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Review – Musical brings back the innocence of Elvismania

Theatre critic Cary Ginell saw Bye Bye Birdie on opening night and had a few things to say!

“Conejo Players’ current production, which opened March 25, uses a rich cast of characters to tell the story of an Elvis-like teen idol whose forthcoming induction is prefaced by one last publicity stunt, one that upends the lives of the frantic teenagers of fictional Sweet Apple, Ohio.”

“Brendan Lynch’s Albert is a manic-depressive who is either congratulating himself on his P.R. brilliance or wringing his hands over his client, who is basically a cardboard cutout in gold lamé.”

“Albert’s mother, Mae, has the most laugh lines of any character, and Eve Kiefer hits each one of Mae’s lines out of the park.”

“Devery Holmes does her usual superb job as director while hubby, Jim Holmes, and Shelley Saxer do a marvelous job with the singers.”

Bye Bye Birdie runs through April 11, don’t miss it!

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Review – Conejo Players heads down the rabbit hole in ‘Harvey’

Theatre critic Cary Ginell saw ‘Harvey’ on opening night and had a few things to say!

“How an actor portrays Elwood is central to any production’s success, and John Eslick provides a near-perfect performance as this polite and courteous fellow …”

“Judy Diderrich nearly runs away with the play …”

“Local veteran character actor Dale Alpert fits right into his portrayal of Dr. William Chumley …”

Harvey continues through Feb. 12, don’t miss it!

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Review – ‘Almost, Maine’ a shimmering look at love and loss

The Acorn newspaper came to see Almost, Maine and the reviews are in!

“… individuals were enchanted by the talent of the play’s six young actors, all of whom perform multiple roles in John Cariani’s series of romantic comedy sketches.”

Almost, Maine runs through Oct. 3, get tickets now!

Read the whole review here:
https://www.toacorn.com/articles/conejo-players-is-back-with-a-shimmering-look-at-love-and-loss/