A mash-up of 1950’s sci-fi, 1960’s pop songs and Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Return to Forbidden Planet is an entertaining romp from its first moment to its last. This was one of the most fun nights in the theater I’ve spent since Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Loosely based on The Tempest, the plot unfolds as Captain Tempest (Jonathan Harrison), Science Officer Gloira (Heather Krueger) and crew become locked in a tractor beam from planet D’Illyria. This planet is inhabited by a sinister scientist, Dr. Prospero (Owen Robertson); his delightful daughter Miranda (Amy E. Gray); Ariel a faithful robot on roller skates (Jaime Gaingrande-Holcom); and an uncontrollable monster, the product of Prospero’s Id. And wackiness ensues.
The hugely talented cast and musicians rocked the Jaeb Theater. Actor, Spencer Meyers (who played Hedwig in the Jobsite Production) stole the show as Cookie, the comedic sidekick. His rendition of “She’s Not There” was a delight; Heather Krueger’s strong voice really stood out; and Jonathan Harrison did a fine job as the Captain. The final “Born to Be Wild” and “Monster Mash” roused the audience with a well-deserved standing ovation.
Director David Jenkins has really outdone himself with this one. Return to Forbidden Planet is a definite go-see.
For showtimes and tickets, click here.
Jobsite, Return to Forbidden Planet, David Jenkins, Jaeb Theater.
Saw it last night and it was fabulous!
It was such a fun night! Thanks for reading and commenting on my review, Dallee!
That sounds like so much fun! I wish I could go … but it’s a little too far from Egypt. lol