"Caldwell's" is timely entertainment.
Rating: 4
Caldwell's Bomb
KC Fringe Festival
The program form Bill Rogers' "Caldwell's Bomb" contains the following disclaimer: "Caldwell's bomb is a work of fiction. Any similarity to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental." This is important for the cast and crew of this show as the characters we see on the stage might not be that far from people we know! The play is set in a small rural southwest Missouri town that is struggling with a lack of jobs and a lack of opportunity. Sound familiar? Without giving too much away I will say that these are a group of people who have reached the peak of their frustration. The characters portrayed by Kansas City mainstay actors Scott Cordes, Richard Alan Nichols, Cheryl Weaver and newcomer Matthew Melson seem so close to people you know they might be relatives. At least they might be if you grew up in the Midwest.
Several times during the 90 minute show I wondered if Melson appreciated the free acting clinic he was receiving. His co-stars played each word they spoke, every line they listened to, every period, every comma and every pause with a commitment that was worthy of respect. The few line hiccups they had will certainly smooth out through the run along with what appeared to be one missing prop?
It is often said but in this case may not be more true: this is one you do not want to miss. The show is dark in theme but still has plenty of laughs, a couple of lines that made audiences groan and even at times when they wanted to boo and hiss. What more can you ask for?
"Caldwell's Bomb" plays at the Unicorn Theatre 3828 Main Street Sun 7/24 @ 5:00 pm, Mon 7/25 @8:00 pm, Wed 7/27@ 8:00 pm, Fri 7/29 @ 6:30 pm and Sat 7/30 @ 9:30 pm. Don't worry the cash bar is well stocked and it remains nice and cool inside!
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