By Elle Alaina Ames & Jennifer Gotten
In a high-energy whirlwind of laughter, music, and brilliant staging, the Good Shepherd Players’ recent production of Lucky Stiff brought down the house. Directed and choreographed with flair by Carol Jean Clark and featuring fine musical direction by Francine Krasowska, the musical farce was a comedic goldmine brimming with unexpected twists, cleverly staged surprises, and nonstop laughs. Audiences were treated to an unforgettable experience that showcased the company’s talent and commitment to high-caliber community theater.
Adding to the immersive atmosphere, the theater was transformed into a cabaret-style setup, with decorated tables, comfortable chairs, and wine service that made the audience feel they were part of the show. This intimate arrangement enhanced the humor and lively energy, creating an engaging, up-close experience that had the audience fully absorbed in the madcap world of Lucky Stiff.
Clark’s direction and choreography were standout elements, with each scene flowing seamlessly into the next. The creative choreography was on full display in the show-stopping production number “Welcome Back, Mr. Witherspoon,” highlighted by wig and makeup designer Chanel Lancaster’s clever use of blacklight makeup.
The excellent four-piece pit under Krasowska’s direction kept the fast-paced evening moving. Sound quality posed occasional challenges, as some microphone issues led to uneven audio levels; however, these minor technical hitches did little to diminish the spirited performances and the enjoyment of the audience.
The cast, led by Andrew J. Sanchez as Harry Witherspoon, delivered superb performances that captured the essence of their quirky, lovable characters. Sanchez’s portrayal of the somewhat reluctant protagonist was both heartfelt and hilarious as he navigated a series of bizarre events with skillful comedic timing. As his love interest Annabel Glick, Mel Gumina was a delight, providing a romantic foil to Harry with her impeccable comic timing and powerful vocals.
Margaret McGarry as Rita LaPorta was a force to be reckoned with, bringing unrelenting energy and perfect comic timing to her performance. Her scenes were pure dynamite, balancing slapstick humor with a sense of scheming mischief. Greg LaNave as Vinnie Di Ruzzio added to the hilarity with his charismatic portrayal of a character constantly out of his depth, while Chris Dockins brought suave confidence to his role as Luigi Gaudi.
The Company — Tara Kay Skeen, Rebecca Roberts, Megan Fisher, Rachael Rabinovitz, and Laura Leftwich — was equally impressive, each member juggling multiple roles with finesse and infectious enthusiasm. Their comedic timing and versatility in various quirky characters kept the audience entertained.
With a twist on traditional set pieces, the show’s deck-of-cards–themed set featured flats that rotated throughout the show to reveal new “cards,” such as the King and Queen of Hearts. This playful design perfectly matched the show’s comic energy, and each reveal created moments of surprise and delight.
Costume Designer Donna Sisson succeeded in the task of creating multiple costumes for the quick-changing ensemble, from a slick nightclub emcee to a dancing roulette wheel. It is rare that a musical requires airline oxygen masks and skydiving parachutes in its props plot, but Lynn Gilbertson should also be commended for her witty properties design.
Overall, Lucky Stiff was a triumph for the Good Shepherd Players. The production excelled in nearly every area, from the strong direction to the stellar performances and inventive set. The cabaret-style seating added to the charm, inviting audiences into the fun as though they were VIPs in a whimsical casino. This production of Lucky Stiff was a laugh-out-loud spectacle that left audiences thoroughly entertained and reminded us all of the magic that community theater can bring to the stage.
Lucky Stiff played November 8 to 17, 2024, presented by The Good Shepherd Players performing at Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, Burke, VA.
The program for Lucky Stiff is onliine here.
Elle Alaina Ames is a theater director, vocal coach, stage actor, and choreographer with over 15 years of experience in the performing arts. As the owner of Ames Performing Arts since 2017, she specializes in audition preparation, acting technique, and group musical theater coaching. Elle currently serves as the Director of Children’s & Youth Music Ministry at Church of the Good Shepherd, where she oversees youth choirs, pageants, and a thriving musical theater program, including summer camps and youth-led productions. Also an accomplished stage actor, Elle has appeared in local community productions such as Titanic: The Musical and A Christmas Story: The Musical. A passionate educator and military spouse, Elle is dedicated to nurturing creativity and confidence in the next generation of performers.
Jennifer Gotten studied vocal performance and choral conducting at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. She is the former assistant conductor of the City Choir of Washington and the director of the City Singers. As part of SHAPE Players Performing Arts Centre, she has performed extensively in the DMV area, the USA, and Europe.