Date: Fri 24-Apr-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Tintypes-Hartford-Stage

Full Text:

(rev "Tintypes" @Hartford Stage)

Theatre Review--

"Tintypes" Is Ageless Entertainment

By June April

HARTFORD -- Imaginatively staged, fast paced and thoroughly entertaining,

Tintypes clearly rates the Tony nomination it received. Playing through May 2

at Hartford Stage, this is a great production for the whole family, with music

that is both ageless and telling.

Through slides, songs, skits, dances and narrations, the five-actor production

amuses and edifies, giving the audience a sense of the directions in the

United States in the early 20th century. Serving dual roles as director and

choreographer, the talented Lynn Taylor-Corbett's skills have created a

tightly woven production that immediately draws the audience in.

Of the five fine actors, this reviewer particularly appreciated Vivian Reed,

whose rich, almost contralto voice is a joy to listen to (plus her accents

were beautifully consistent).

Physically reminiscent of Jessica Lange, Rebecca Baxter is especially

delightful as Florenz Ziegfeld's "Parisian songbird discovery," Anna Held. The

milk bath scene is delightful.

Activist Emma Goldman's spirit was well-captured by Linda Mugleston, and David

Masenheimer was a believable Teddy Roosevelt. Jonathan Brody was charming and

poignant as the symbolic immigrant and his knack for Yiddish accents was

notable.

Key to the production is Paul Ascenzo. As a talented pianist as well as the

music director, he ties the show together, setting the melodic tone, and

occasionally singing with the cast.

Tickets are $25.50 to $39.50, depending on the show time. Call Hartford Stage,

located in the heart of Hartford at 50 State Street, at 860/527-5151 for

reservations and curtain times.