KC Fringe "Heaven So Far" review by timlovestheatre

"Film Classic" presentation almost Heaven-ly.

Rating: 4

Film Classics Presents: Heaven So Far

KC Fringe Festival

If you are a fan of classic melodrama on film or more specifically a aficionado of the films of Douglas Sirk and his ilk you will find plenty to love in "Film Classics Presents: Heaven So Far" at this year's KC Fringe Festival. Staged as scenes from a classic film as if presented by a basic cable television telethon the show has plenty of moments for each of the cast to shine.  The cast includes Stefanie Stephens, Jeff Smith, Francisco Javier, Becca Scott, Ryan Chambers, Magie Hogan, Genewa Stanwick, and DeDe DeVille as "Film Classic's" host Carlotta Holmes.  They are all well cast and give great performances.  The cast and crew should get extra kudos for some well executed scene changes!
The "plot" of the film revolves around a 1950's "Leave it to Beaver" (blatant pun you will understand later) style family and their "unnatural" interest in the new mexican gardener.  The careful insertion of some taboo subject into a normal family environment was a common theme in Sirk's films.  To modern audiences the "scandal" is a little ho-hum but the humor is in the old-school reactions of the characters on stage.
Kevin King has written and directed a great little piece.  If anything the script might need just a bit of editing.  Doing so would tighten the show and raise the overall energy.  At times the performers seemed slightly rushed. (Opening night jitters?)  Trimming some of the dialogue or eliminating a scene change or two would be a great benefit to the pace of the show and give these great performers the time to really work their moments on stage.   The device for filling the holes in the plot is already included in the form of hostess Carlotta Holmes and should be used more.
Sound design usually goes unnoticed but some of the effects and music choices by Daniel Warneke added smoothly to the action and comedy.   One recurring sound effect made me laugh each time it was used.  Costuming and props were also very well executed by Connie Carlysle, Seigo Sakata and Yuki Sakata.
There are still chances to catch "Film Classics Presents: Heaven So Far" this week Wed 7/27 @ 6:30 pm, Thu 7/28 @ 9:30 pm and Sat 7/30 @ 11:30 pm