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Performer’s
life revisited on stage Theatre TCU’s performance of “Red, Hot, and Cole” opens unpretentiously enough, with Jason Lovelady’s waiter escorting pianist Charles Whitehead into a society apartment. Whitehead takes the keys and begins to play the show’s overture as the rest of the cast enters for a party celebrating Cole Porter. Thus begins a casual evening retelling Porter’s career and most well-known music. The cast moves through monologue, song and dance in a biographical and historical perspective on the famous songwriter. A good portion of the production belongs to freshman newcomer Feleceia B. Benton as Actress 5. Benton takes command of the stage, giving strong performances in her featured moments and stealing much of the attention in the group scenes. Several times in the show even the rest of the cast seems to bow to Benton’s dominant presence. The drama-heavy second act works thanks to Michael Chase’s well-acted performance as Cole. Chase turns in a consistently strong performance, portraying Porter’s charming comedic moments just as well as his heavily dramatic ones. Chase and Shauna McLean as Linda have good chemistry in the second act. Emili Panian’s turn as Actress 1 is also noteworthy. Panian’s voice is big enough to take a stab at Ethel Merman, who she portrays in the show. The set, designed by Kelly Williams and Dana Campbell, is well suited for the show and helps in pushing the story. The set is well complimented by Chad Jung’s lighting design. As is usually the case in a revue, the show’s highest moments occur during song. The device of having narration from characters directly to the audience feels wooden and disrupts the party flow. Some of the cast seems more preoccupied with watching the other stronger performers than acting themselves. And be prepared for a long night, as the first act alone runs an hour and a half. Fans of Cole Porter will enjoy the show and retelling of Porter’s life. Others may want to catch a few of Porter’s shows before tackling this revue. “Red, Hot, and Cole” is at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the University Theatre. Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for adults, and free for TCU students. For tickets, call (817) 257-5770. John-Mark
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