There’s still time to release that holiday tension, as Blank Canvas Theatre is running “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical” now through December 22, 2012.
Read the REVIEW by clicking HERE.
Recently, director Patrick Ciamacco gave Examiner.com some insight into this tantalizing production.
Kate Miller: Patrick, why did you pick THIS show?
Patrick Ciamacco: I had heard the music years ago and actually enjoyed all of it. When I was deciding our season, I looked at this winter time slot and kept brainstorming what "holiday" shows could work in our space. It seemed to be a short, very predictable, perhaps overdone list. I then asked myself, "What is a holiday show?” When I answered that question, for myself, I found that a lot more shows could fall into that category that may not normally stick out in one's mind. I also wanted to provide Cleveland audiences with a break from the norm. “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical” just seemed perfect for what I wanted to do. It's an incredibly entertaining show containing some great songs, high energy dance numbers and hilarious comedy - all within a short, 90-minute evening. That's a perfect holiday evening if I ever heard it! Besides, the holiday season is about giving... and there is plenty of that (and receiving) in “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical”!
KM: How did you approach this production? Campy fun or "find the real layers of the characters"?
PC: As a director, this one of the toughest shows I have done. The subject matter alone is so different it makes you think outside the box (no pun intended). We walk the line of campy fun while darting over it at times. It should be fun and slightly campy for the audience... but for the actor and their characters it needs to be rooted in a real place. The minute the actors are playing the comedy or playing for the audience, we'll lose the humor. There is a fine line with these scenes being funny while somewhat sexy... and them just being uncomfortable for the audience! Remember this is based off of a 1978 porno. Not many people sit through an entire porno. I wanted to create a show that didn't leave audience members wishing they had a remote to fast forward to "the good stuff"!
KM: What should audiences expect in the way of, um, the "topic"?
PC: Well, I do not recommend this show for anyone under 18 years old. While it really isn't worse than anything you would see on prime time television, it does suggest a lot nudity and sex. Audiences can expect the plot of the porno but with music, comedy, dance and a little heart. Everything done in the show is tasteful and most of all fun. If the idea of suggested acts of sex makes you uncomfortable, I suggest you grab the kids and head down Detroit for a more family friendly show. However, if you are feeling a little adventurous, leave the kids with a baby sitter and head on down to Blank Canvas Theatre for a night you won't soon forget!
KM: Give me a quick plug for why Cleveland (and the world!) should come see your production of DDD!!!!!
PC: Because of its subject matter, most theaters are afraid to touch this production... and might not for a long time. This is the Cleveland premiere of this production, so it may be the one time it's done in this area. This production features a 1/10 scale football field set, three versatile male actors playing over 12 characters, five sexy and talented women as our cheerleaders, an amazing 4-piece band, 70's themed costumes and as many laughs as we can fit into a 90-minute show! It will be a night of entertainment that might be just what you need to release that... holiday tension.
Although it does NOT contain actual full nudity or sex, “Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical” is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 years old. It runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 7:00 p.m. through December 22, 2012.
Blank Canvas Theatre at 78th Street Studios is located at 1305 West 78th Street, Suite 211 in Cleveland, OH 44102. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased by visiting http://blankcanvastheatre.com/purchase-tickets/.
Blank Canvas Theatre provides professional quality productions, placing emphasis on entertainment at affordable prices. For more information on Blank Canvas Theatre, visit www.blankcanvastheatre.com.
###
Do you have a Cleveland area performing arts story or event? Contact Kate Miller at KateMillerExaminer@yahoo.com. For consideration, please introduce yourself before forwarding your release or launching your pitch.
Comments