Gutter Star: The Paperback Musical

A Fully Flighted Productions and Friends Always Creating Theatre at the Minetta Lane Theatre as part of the New York International Fringe Festival

Reviewed by Mark Peikert

August 22, 2009


Even free air-conditioning isn’t worth having to sit through the inept new musical “Gutter Star.” Bloated at less than 60 minutes, Jack Dyville’s book strains hard for easy laughs in his wink-wink pulpy story of closeted lesbian girl-next-door movie star Darla Storme (Deborah Tranelli) in 1950s Hollywood. Unfortunately, Tranelli (who has previously played Tallulah Bankhead) is hardly the Debbie Reynolds type, and her Ann-Margret-in-Vegas costumes don’t help matters.

As a studio head, David Gillam Fuller is so wooden that one keeps looking for the ventriloquist propping him up; the rest of the cast, which includes Nikki Van Cassele as Darla’s lover and Paul Ryan as a studio assistant, do little to make themselves stand out, probably because the material and director Eric M. Schussel don’t allow them the chance. The chorus members are sloppy, extended notes are invariably painful, and no one comes out of this debacle unscathed.

Presented by Fully Flighted Productions in association with Friends Always Creating Theatre as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at the Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane, NYC. Aug. 21–24. Remaining performances: Sat. Aug 22, 2:45 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 22, 10:15 p.m.; Mon., Aug. 24, 5:45 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org. 


 
 
Subscribe to Back Stage

More Off Off Broadways

NY Review: 'She's of a Certain Age'

NY Review: 'She's of a Certain Age'
This sketchy play by Susan Charlotte on serious issues that women face is given an anemic treatment, despite the tal... More »

    Actor's Resources

    Search
    Casting    		 Message
    Board    		 Weblogs Yellow
    Pages
    Find
    Talent    		 Events
    Calendar    		 Video Email
    Newsletters
    NY Actor LA Actor Digital
    Edition    		 FAQ /
    Customer
    Service

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Unscripted Blog


    Visit Unscripted »

    Sponsors

    Back Stage Video

    Duncan Stewart, director of casting at National Artists Management Company, talks about opening every submission and what he wants to see in a headshot.; casting; Duncan Stewart; headshot; new york city; open submissions; Duncan Steward, director of casting, talks about what he wants from an actor in a general meeting, mainly truth, likability, and lack of ego.; advice; casting; Duncan Stewart; new york city; tips; Duncan Stewart, director of casting, talks about what he expects from an audition and common mistakes actors make.; advice; auditions; casting; Duncan Stewart; new york city; Alaine Alldaffer breaks down the real role of a casting direcor.; Alaine Alldaffer; casting; casting director; Grey Gardens; play; stage; theater; Casting director Alaine Alldaffer talks about casting "Saved" and all the misconceptions about being an actor in New York City.; Alaine Alldaffer; casting director; NYC theatre; play; saved; NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes what actors need to know before walking into an audition. (Part 1 of 2) ; Bernie Telsey; casting director; We spoke with casting director Mark Teschner about working on soap operas. (Part 1 of 3) ; General Hospital; Mark Teschner; soap opera; NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes how to give your best audition. (Part 2 of 2) ; Bernie Telsey; casting director; We spoke with casting director Mark Teschner about working on soap operas. Need only beautiful people apply? (Part 2 of 3) ; General Hospital; Mark Teshner; soap opera; We spoke with casting director Mark Teschner about auditioning for soap operas. (Part 3 of 3) ; General Hospital; Mark Teschner; soap opera; Videos for the Back Stage News & Features section.
    MOST POPULAR MOST E-MAILED

    ADVERTISEMENT