Matthew Banks

NEWS 4/3/12 7:00pm

To laugh or not to laugh, there is no question

By Matthew Banks

Alcohol, insanity and the witches from "Macbeth" take the stage in this year's impressive Wiess College Tabletop Theater production of "Hello, Hamlet!" A parody of "Hamlet," "Hello, Hamlet!" has become a Wiess Tabletop tradition since its inception in 1967, parodying the classic Shakespearean tale every four years. This year's play is a rendition of show-stopping "The Sound of Music" and "Chicago"-esque performances. Ophelia is even more insane, Horatio is obviously gay and the witches from  "Macbeth" show up at the whim of the playwright. Add jokes, hilarious songs and the drama that we normally associate with "Hamlet," and you have the makings for an entertaining experience.

NEWS 3/6/12 6:00pm

BakerShake production disappoints

By Matthew Banks

The Baker Shakespeare cast muddles William Shakespeare's script of The Winter's Tale in their 2012 production. The show's execution is weak overall, with poor technical choices and less than spectacular performances.

NEWS 3/11/10 6:00pm

Calling all Company!

By Matthew Banks

After two smaller productions last semester - Freshman One-Acts and The Moustache - Wiess College Tabletop Theater kicks off its spring season with its production of Company. A concept musical different from the plot-driven musicals seen in recent years from Wiess, Company excels musically but falls short of its full potential due to technical inconsistencies. Written by George Furth and Stephen Sondheim, Company follows Robert, a single, 35-year-old New Yorker, and his married friends. Opening with Robert's surprise 35th birthday party and moving into a series of short vignettes, the production brings into focus both a man's fear of commitment and problems facing a series of odd and memorable couples.