Four Performances this Week: Thur, Fri, Sat at 7:30 PM, Sun 2 PM
One audience member wrote: “My boyfriend and I attended “Red Herring.” …. this was an AMAZING PERFORMANCE! The acting was top notch, the comedy aspect was spot on and it kept us interested the entire time. It lasted about 2 hours which I believe is perfect. I highly recommend it for a date night!
At the James Lee Community Center Theater- 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church
Best Seats Online Here or At the Door
DcMetroArts.com reviewer Sophia Howe says:
“Red Herring at the Providence Players is a delightful mix of murder mystery, romance, and broad farce. A noir of the 1950s, it reminds us vividly of the joys, sorrows, and nightmares of that period. Red Herring is a genial tribute to what seemed like a simpler time. It is rewarding entertainment for all.”
“At first, we are introduced to Frank Keller (Patrick David), a broad-shouldered, strong-jawed G-man, and his girlfriend, fellow investigator Maggie Pelletier (Liz Mykietyn). David gives a fine performance; he has a lived-in look and brusque authority which works well with his character. Mykietyn is outstanding as the world-weary but ever-hopeful Maggie.”
“Next, we see a young couple watching the McCarthy hearings. The girl, Lynn (Charlene Sloan) seems enraptured with Senator Joseph McCarthy; it turns out that he is her Dad. Her devoted mother (Tina Thronson), is unaware that her daughter has secrets; for example, Lynn’s fiancé, James Appel (Christopher Crockett) has an unpatriotic occupation. Crockett’s acting has a subtlety and flair which makes his performance a pleasure to watch. Lynn is an unlikely Radcliffe girl but Sloan gives us a pitch-perfect portrayal of winsome desperation which draws us to her.”
“[Spy] Andrei Borchevsky (James McDaniel), is having a torrid affair with his landlady, the widowed Mrs. Kravitz (also Tina Thronson). Both performers are versatile and engaging.”
“The smaller roles are all well played. Jayne L. Victor’s reaction during the melee at her wedding gown boutique is especially entertaining. Amanda Ranowsky (Dr. Kasden/Witness) Julie Janson and Andra Witt (Bartender/Announcer) and Michael Bagwell (Major Hartwell/Sen. McCarthy/Airport Announcer) all enter into the spirit of the production with brio”
“Director Beth Hughes-Brown provides many comic touches; a couple of FBI agents in raincoats and hats patrol the audience before the show starts. A scene in a bridal shop turns into a hilarious screaming match. The music ranges from dark private-eye Guy Noir–like instrumentals to 50’s TV intros to Sinatra. Technical elements are very well executed. Robbie Snow’s costumes are ideal for the period; John White’s set design utilizes two moving set pieces on either side of the stage, which works well for the structure of the piece. The physical production complements the writing beautifully. Lighting Design (Chip and Jimmy Gertzog) and Sound Design (Khalid Mohammed) are up to the same high standard.” Read Sophia Howes full review on DCMTA
Remaining Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Final Sunday Matinee 2:00 p.m.
June 12
At the James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church