(OUTscene NW) THEATER RE-view: a STRONG Ensemble saves "Lackluster" MR BURNS, now at Seattle's ACT!

A STRONG Ensemble?             (Bennion)

by MK Scott

Musicals based on cartoon characters are nothing new, think of what Broadway would be without "ANNIE", "Lil' Abner", "Spiderman", "Addams Family" and the grand-daddy, "You're a Good Man Man, Charlie Brown".

So I had high expectations for ACT's Mr. Burns, a Post-electric play. The show is based off an episode of the Simpsons called 'Cape Feare', a parody of the classic film, 'Cape Fear'.  What you get is a post-apocalyptic world of 7 characters surviving without electricity by re-enacting classic Simpsons episodes. Why the Simpsons? Who knows, maybe it will last forever! The best part of Act 1 was the character of Gibson (the FAB, Adam Standley, most recently reviewed in John Baxter) who wants to join the group of survivors. This where you feel like you are really in an episode of that NBC (Now defunct) post-apocalyptic drama, "Revolution". The set was something you would see in a college production and was not entertained. Hey, Don't get me wrong there were some funny moments and singing occurred but in Acapella!

By Act 2, Seven years later, the characters create Simpson Masks (as in Greek Theater style) and continue to re-enact. The introduction of Bhama Roget as Quincy is the highlight and is fun to watch.

Then by Act 3, 75 years goes by and the 7 people are literally, The Simpsons with Standley now playing Mr Burns as Sideshow Bob. With a better set (by Matt Smucker), and full costumes (by Deb Trout) and music supplied by Robertson Witmer.

Other characters that stood out was the incredible singing voice of Anne Allgood as Marge. Allgood was actually the only one who didn't mimic that character's voice. Hearing her talk like Marge, would be a hit or miss. So glad she played it straight and let her singing shine.

Erik Gratton (Slaughter House-Five) as Homer, captures his essence and style as well as Roget as Bart.

Standley and Roget fight to the death! (Bennion)

Now with Adam Standley he played it for laughs and continued to give a strong maniacal performance as Mr. Burns.

I was quite entertained in Act 3 , but then again this isn't "Charlie Brown" but "Charlie Brown" did have the Greatest Ensemble ever produced on stage, and my High School mentor knew that and called the department's ensemble award, the "Charlie Brown" Award.

I am sure the playwright, Anne Washburn could have picked many episodes to bring to life like the "Streetcar" musical episode (The Seattle Men's Chorus did a song or 2 from that in 2001) or perhaps a one act would have worked better.

Overall, the Final Act was worth the wait. Plus focus on the Ensemble aspect rather than the dull script.


"Mr. Burns", a Post-electric plays through Nov. 15 at ACT Theatre. Click HERE for Tix.