Critics and Audience Members are Raving about
THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION
Photo by Dean Lapin
South Sound Arts Blog
"The Perfect Storm"
"I'll just say this: Change your schedule, rearrange your life, but do what you must to see this play.
When everything works perfectly in theatre, when an outstanding play meets an even better cast and production crew, you come away feeling breathless, exhilarated and moved. That's what I felt at the end of "The Farnsworth Invention" at Lakewood Playhouse. That and more.
To call this an outstanding production is an understatement. It may well be the best overall offering of many outstanding plays Lakewood can claim."
--Michael Dresdner
To Read the Full Review: http://alecclayton.blogspot.com/2012/03/perfect-storm.html
When everything works perfectly in theatre, when an outstanding play meets an even better cast and production crew, you come away feeling breathless, exhilarated and moved. That's what I felt at the end of "The Farnsworth Invention" at Lakewood Playhouse. That and more.
To call this an outstanding production is an understatement. It may well be the best overall offering of many outstanding plays Lakewood can claim."
--Michael Dresdner
To Read the Full Review: http://alecclayton.blogspot.com/2012/03/perfect-storm.html
Photo by Dean Lapin
The Weekly Volcano
"It seems like a straightforward David-and-Goliath story, but Olson and McClelland bring to life characters that are far from one-dimensional. Ostensible-hero Farnsworth struggles with alcoholism, presented as a possible trigger for his patent struggles. Corporate-"villain" Sarnoff battles against the ubiquitous greed of broadcasters and advertisers, whom he sees as diluting the purity of radio as a source of unbiased information. Both suffer tragedy on an intensely personal level.
(T)he two storytellers never meet in the "real life" of the play, but instead interact in the meta-story, commenting on each other's narratives, as though watching each other's memories in a theatrical afterlife." --Joe Izenman
Read the Full Review: http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/entertainment/stage/2012/03/The-Farnsworth-Invention-review-at-lakewood-playhouse/
"I would like to add my own recommendation of The Farnsworth Invention at Lakewood Playhouse. Director John Munn is so deep into his wheelhouse with this one, I'm pretty sure he directed from his wheelhouse's man-cave."
--Christian Carvajal (Another reviewer from The Volcano, unnofficially via facebook)
(T)he two storytellers never meet in the "real life" of the play, but instead interact in the meta-story, commenting on each other's narratives, as though watching each other's memories in a theatrical afterlife." --Joe Izenman
Read the Full Review: http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/entertainment/stage/2012/03/The-Farnsworth-Invention-review-at-lakewood-playhouse/
"I would like to add my own recommendation of The Farnsworth Invention at Lakewood Playhouse. Director John Munn is so deep into his wheelhouse with this one, I'm pretty sure he directed from his wheelhouse's man-cave."
--Christian Carvajal (Another reviewer from The Volcano, unnofficially via facebook)
Photo by Dean Lapin
The Suburban Times
"Gabriel McClelland turns in a stellar performance as David Sarnoff, the president of NBC - the man who referred to television as a "vast wasteland" and wanted to keep it out of the commercial world.
Niclas R. Olson is equally astounding as Philo T. Farnsworth, the holder of 165 patents, mostly in radio and television.
These two highly talented actors turn in tight performances, bouncing banter off each other like a handball, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats wondering who will prevail.
Munn has always been a good director but with "Farnsworth," he has surpassed even himself. He moves the actors about the stage flawlessly and has honed each interpretation to perfection. With this large of a cast timing is of the essence - not to leave the audience waiting - not to allow time for anticipation of the next scene to lessen but to keep the pace virulent and alive. Munn has achieved this expertly. Kudos!"
--Lynn Gyer
Read the Full Review: http://www.thesubtimes.com/2012/03/08/farnsworth-invention-at-lp-enthralling-theatre/#more-33612
Niclas R. Olson is equally astounding as Philo T. Farnsworth, the holder of 165 patents, mostly in radio and television.
These two highly talented actors turn in tight performances, bouncing banter off each other like a handball, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats wondering who will prevail.
Munn has always been a good director but with "Farnsworth," he has surpassed even himself. He moves the actors about the stage flawlessly and has honed each interpretation to perfection. With this large of a cast timing is of the essence - not to leave the audience waiting - not to allow time for anticipation of the next scene to lessen but to keep the pace virulent and alive. Munn has achieved this expertly. Kudos!"
--Lynn Gyer
Read the Full Review: http://www.thesubtimes.com/2012/03/08/farnsworth-invention-at-lp-enthralling-theatre/#more-33612
Photo by Dean Lapin
Tacoma Weekly
"The Farnsworth Invention" is a fascinating tale of the evolution of television. Lakewood Playhouse captures the intensity of it well."
--John Larson
Read the Full Review: http://www.tacomaweekly.com/citylife/view/an-intense-tale-of-a-fascinating-invention/
--John Larson
Read the Full Review: http://www.tacomaweekly.com/citylife/view/an-intense-tale-of-a-fascinating-invention/
Photo by Dean Lapin
And the Audience Says...
Just saw the "Farnsworth Invention" at Lakewood Playhouse. Great play, great acting. WTG Nic Olson and Gabriel McClelland and the rest of the cast. Go see it. -- Kerry Bringman via Facebook
"The Farnsworth Invention" at the Lakewood Playhouse was beautiful. Cast did amazing with two fantastic lead roles and a very engaging, fast-paced, and intriguing plot. See it. -- Joshua Dansby via Facebook
"Nic - I saw "The Farnsworth Invention" and I want you to know that you were superb as Philo Farnsworth. You really had some golden moments with McClelland." -- Jimmy Gilletti via Facebook Message
And those are just the reviews I could find on Facebook. There is one comment that I unfortunately could not find again which declared THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION an audience member's favorite show since Book-It Theatre's Gregory Award winning production of THE CIDER HOUSE RULES several years, and that was an exceptional show, high praise indeed.
I've had a hard time getting out of the theatre after performances due to the number of audience members trying to express how much they enjoyed the show (and trust me, I am not one to go seeking compliments from strangers, I try my best to sneak out undetected and let the performance speak for itself.) From the hugely enthusiastic round of applause as we managed to get that first picture from our television set opening night, to the unexpected standing ovation from our blue-hair-special crowd on Sunday afternoon, audiences agree this is not a show to be missed.
"The Farnsworth Invention" at the Lakewood Playhouse was beautiful. Cast did amazing with two fantastic lead roles and a very engaging, fast-paced, and intriguing plot. See it. -- Joshua Dansby via Facebook
"Nic - I saw "The Farnsworth Invention" and I want you to know that you were superb as Philo Farnsworth. You really had some golden moments with McClelland." -- Jimmy Gilletti via Facebook Message
And those are just the reviews I could find on Facebook. There is one comment that I unfortunately could not find again which declared THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION an audience member's favorite show since Book-It Theatre's Gregory Award winning production of THE CIDER HOUSE RULES several years, and that was an exceptional show, high praise indeed.
I've had a hard time getting out of the theatre after performances due to the number of audience members trying to express how much they enjoyed the show (and trust me, I am not one to go seeking compliments from strangers, I try my best to sneak out undetected and let the performance speak for itself.) From the hugely enthusiastic round of applause as we managed to get that first picture from our television set opening night, to the unexpected standing ovation from our blue-hair-special crowd on Sunday afternoon, audiences agree this is not a show to be missed.
Photo by Dean Lapin
And I Say...
One of the ultimate joys of this production, and my role as an occasional narrator, is the opportunity to sit back and watch the amazing work done by the ensemble in this show. I have done my best to not edit down the quotes, as I would normally do, to the highlights about myself, but rather show the entirety of the production, because the assembled efforts of the cast and technical team make this a joy for me to watch during those moments when, as Philo, I am observing the action.
And further, I would like to add my ready agreement to the praise these reviews have heaped upon Gabe McLelland, having worked with Gabe before and having the chance to work with him every night on stage, it is an honor and a privilege to share the stage with such a fine and talented actor, and I must share that I agree with one of my favorite directors to work with, Brie Yost, in saying, "I just loved watching you and Gabe yell at each other." Me too Brie, me too.
And a final thumbs up for John Munn and Lakewood Playhouse for having the guts to do a play for an intelligent adult audience. As an actor I love doing a play that is smart, fast, funny, and heartbreaking all at the same time. And as an audience member, I want to walk away from the theatre having felt something, and Farnsworth does that. It takes real courage for a small theatre to risk producing a show like this and I sincerely hope our crowds will grow, because as an audience member, and actor, a director, and a designer, these are the types of shows that make me want to come to the theatre, buy a ticket, and experience life in a different way for two hours. If an audience member forgets the play by the time they reach their parked car, we have failed as artists. But in this production, in this smart, fast, adult production, the audience is engaged and enlightened, entertained and encouraged to learn, and this is why I continue to do theatre.
I believe in intelligent, well acted, technically proficient, and above all cathartic theatre, and THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION is exactly that. I hope you can take the time to share this journey with me and the rest of the Farnsworth team, trust me, it'll be worth your time.
-- Niclas Olson
And further, I would like to add my ready agreement to the praise these reviews have heaped upon Gabe McLelland, having worked with Gabe before and having the chance to work with him every night on stage, it is an honor and a privilege to share the stage with such a fine and talented actor, and I must share that I agree with one of my favorite directors to work with, Brie Yost, in saying, "I just loved watching you and Gabe yell at each other." Me too Brie, me too.
And a final thumbs up for John Munn and Lakewood Playhouse for having the guts to do a play for an intelligent adult audience. As an actor I love doing a play that is smart, fast, funny, and heartbreaking all at the same time. And as an audience member, I want to walk away from the theatre having felt something, and Farnsworth does that. It takes real courage for a small theatre to risk producing a show like this and I sincerely hope our crowds will grow, because as an audience member, and actor, a director, and a designer, these are the types of shows that make me want to come to the theatre, buy a ticket, and experience life in a different way for two hours. If an audience member forgets the play by the time they reach their parked car, we have failed as artists. But in this production, in this smart, fast, adult production, the audience is engaged and enlightened, entertained and encouraged to learn, and this is why I continue to do theatre.
I believe in intelligent, well acted, technically proficient, and above all cathartic theatre, and THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION is exactly that. I hope you can take the time to share this journey with me and the rest of the Farnsworth team, trust me, it'll be worth your time.
-- Niclas Olson
Photo by Dean Lapin
RSS Feed