Playtime in Laguna

It was definitely playtime last weekend, and I don't mean a romp to the local bars -- rather, I refer to the pleasure of experiencing "The Sound of Music" Friday and "Bad Dates" Sunday.

Creativity and talent were alive and flourishing at No Square Theatre's "Sound of Music" production. Every detail was interwoven to create a memorable experience. The cast and their superb singing and acting, the gorgeous set design and the hilarious antics of mother Margaretta, played by Linda Haylett, all deserve "snaps" (snaps can be likened to kudos -- reference "Legally Blonde" or ask someone who was in a sorority.)

Goody-bags filled with props prompted the audience to participate in hilarious spot cameos and a rousing sing-along; it made everyone roar with laughter.

"It was so much fun; I'm not one for musicals, but it was hysterical," Lynn Epstein said. "The cast had such talented voices; the nun choir voices reached the heavens. I think Julie Andrews would be proud. I was smiling from beginning to end. A No Square performance is always going to be more than what you bargained for."

Dave Schaar was pulled front and center to do a bit; he's never shy -- how can any "Lagunatic" cast member be?

"I thought it was brilliant -- Rocky Horror done via Julie Andrews," Schaar said. "Audience participation made it a hoot. The voices were phenomenal, and the set was wonderfully done. It was excellent. The audience was jumping in and having a ball."

"Enchanting," Ryan Lenhardt said. "As a long-time lover of this musical, I would say that the cast and crew paid a fine homage to this classic. The hills, and my heart, were alive with the sound of music that night."

*

It's too bad the run of "Bad Dates" is over. It's the best play I've ever seen. I had high expectations because of all the positive buzz around town, but the performance managed to exceed what I expected.

In this one-woman comedy, Beth Broderick portrayed Haley Walker, recently divorced with a teenage daughter (not seen onstage). Haley is getting back into the dating game.

Her character, who has an obvious shoe fetish, engages the audience in a series of tales describing her woeful dating experiences and interesting happenings in her life. The production of "Bad Dates" was both hilarious and moving.