REVIEW: Gaslight Theatre show packs American punch

Gaslight Theatre, that theatrical favorite on Broadway in Tucson, has opened its summer season with a patriotic musical production that makes one proud to be living in the good ol’ USA.

“The Adventures of The Freedom League of America or Tights Make Right” is just what this country needs to add a little laughter to our lives and a little flash of Spandex to our souls — as scary as that picture may be.

In the very opening of the show our stalwart heroes announce that they are “patrolling the world,” keeping it safe for all man and womankind! That scenario sums up most Gaslight productions. The cast sings their All-American red, white and blue hearts out in this musical, showing off the talents of this outstanding ensemble.

You’ll meet larger-than-life characters in this show — like David Orley as Zagoor, ruler of the Wrebulons.

Donning below-the-shoulder stylish dreadlocks, Orley as the villainous ruler, is as good as bad gets. His distinctive voice lends itself to a variety of characters, but it’s ideal for this lout who wants to control the world and beyond.

Joe Cooper, as Vlort his sidekick and a Wrebulon storm trooper wears a baseball cap backwards and sports a Volkswagen hubcap as his armor breast plate. His performance is full of Joe Cooperisms - the breaking up, the corny jokes, the ad-libs. It’s Cooper as his best and the audience loves him for it.

The bad guys are Armen Dirtadian as Franklin Tremble the evil industrialist set on taking over the city of Giantopolis and Betsy Kruse-Craig as Galaxia, queen of Wrebulon. They are wonderfully evil and terribly tall! This duo dominates the stage when they strut their stuff. We welcome back Kruse-Craig after a too-long absence. She is one of the best villainesses we have seen in a while, plus she wears her big hair well.

In fact there is a lot of big hair in the production. Mega Girl sports mega blue locks resembling cotton candy with a flip.

And it seems everyone has jobs on the side too.

The good guys, Todd Thompson as mild-mannered reporter Brent Baxter of the Daily World, later turns into Mega Man. Deborah Klingenfus as Lady Liberty also goes by Alexia Archer. Daily World reporter Lil Lark, played by Sarah Vanek, becomes Mega Girl before the end of the show and has the big blue hair to prove it. Mike Yarema as The Streak doubles as Space Fleet’s Capt. Jack Rogers and Charlie Hall plays Professor Quest, chief scientist at Space Fleet. And, yes, they save the world as they dance and sing their way to victory.

One of the outstanding highlights of “The Freedom League of America” is the music under the direction of Linda Ackermann. It showcases the voices of each of the very talented cast members. We both thought the delivery was outstanding - loud, raucous, clear, booming and bringing cheers and applause as loud as we have ever heard at a theater.

A special Shooting Star award to Charlie Hall as the hero scientist and his version of “Good Lovin’” by The Rascals. Hall can not only sing, but he’s a smooth dancer as well with a great set of dimples. He will be appearing with fellow actor Mike Yarema at the Gaslight July 13 and 20 in the Blues and Soul Explosion featuring The Blues Brothers and the Bad News Blues Band. Gotta go!

The Gaslight crew did their usual top notch job in “The Freedom League of America” with special effects such as a space ship flying over the audience with Mega Man in tow. Costumes, choreography, sets - all at Gaslight’s high standards.

This is a show not to miss. So, in the dog days of summer, drive up to Tucson, sit in a cool theatre and watch a most cool show.

Oh, and do stay for The Gong Show Olio which follows the main presentation. Joe Cooper is at his best as Chuck Barris, the ever frantic emcee. What fun - Charlie Hall as a bumble bee singing La Bamba, Deborah Klingenfus singing “I Dreamed A Dream” gives Britain’s Susan Boyle a run for her pearls.

Roberta Konen has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Emerson College, Boston. She has also acted and directed for more than 27 years.

Review

“The Adventures of The Freedom League of America or Tights Make Right” written and directed by Peter Van Slyke runs through Aug. 22 at the Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd.

Call the Box Office at 886-9428 for show times and ticket reservations or visit: www.thegaslighttheatre.com.