A Man of No Importance

Amazing. performance. This company must continue on - The director has a vision - and her company gave light to the vision. This talented group - of 15 actors 4 musicians and unknown number of crew members worked seamlessly together - to produce a Broadway quality musical. The time is right. this production needs to head out where others who appreciate the musical in the 21st century can hear it. ... full review

This was a very tightly directed and acted show and the entire company should be proud of this first production. I only wish the musical itself was more compelling. I am not exaggerating when I say that nothing in the way of character/plot advancement happens in the first hour. You get a lot of pretty Oscar Wilde quotes and whispy songs expressing sentiments about the love of performing theatre or reading poetry but there is zero conflict (or meat) until 60 minutes into this 150 minute show, and even then it's only a hint that something COULD happen. Bad newa: not much does. For me, the show plays out with far too slight a culmination for such a heavy time investment. The band was excellent and the tech elements immaculate (I even ... full review

Lovers of musical theater and theater in general MUST go see the rarely-produced "A Man of No Importance" at Fringe. The amateur theater troupe play-within-a-play is reminiscent of ...Guffman, but the story, music, voices and heart is beautiful beyond belief. Kudos to Janet Miller's heartfelt direction, Corey Hirsch's amazing band and the beautiful performances of friends Gail Matthius, Keith Barletta, Shirley Hatton and all the others. The Lillian Theater's atmosphere made for the perfect setting, and no surprise that Kathy Gillespie's costumes were top notch. So were Rebecca Schroeder's "Guinness pints!" And it's FUNNY too! Especially Gail, not surprisingly... My heartily audibly laugh could be heard throughout the show, and at one poi... full review

What a pleasant surprise to encounter such a tight, professional-grade production in a modest theater in the Fringe festival. The direction and acting were superb, the live band spot-on, and the vocal perforance quality only a small notch below - and this was opening night. As for the material: having mixed feeings about Flaherty and Ahrens' other works, I was taken aback by how touching, funny, and moving I found this musical to be. It bears some comparison to The Commitments, though the underlying theme is ultimately darker and more poignant. Kudos to the obviously very devoted theater company behind this effort. Highly recommended overall.... full review

I know this fantastic musical production, brilliantly directed by Janet Miller, is going to the THE HIT of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. It's all about love and embracing how lucky you are to find it in your life, no matter the form it takes. Dominic McChesney is perfectly cast as are all the actors in the show, and their harmonic mastery will enthrall you from start to finish. Rush to get your tickets before they are gone!... full review

Great cast, moving songs. I just felt that it dragged a bit in places.... full review

Rare to see this musical done, and in such a first class production. Janet Miller directs a polished ensemble. Touching story, with a dash of 60s Dublin. The ensemble putting on an amateur theatre production of "Salome" hits all the right humorous notes!... full review

In a very long lifetime of theatergoing, I have rarely seen anything this good. Run, do not walk, to the box office.... full review

Uniformly stellar cast delivered consistently great performances, the costumes and lighting design were superb, the band was as good as you'll hear, and the script, while a little dated, is really bittersweet and beautiful. Easily one of the best theater evenings I've had and everyone involved should be immensely proud of the results of their hard work!... full review

The theater is set up with the idea of making the audience feel involved in the musical not just observing it. The actors approach the stage from every direction including behind and through the audience. The writing is a wit unseen in most musicals I've had to pleasure to enjoy. The actors renditions are "practically perfect in every way" to steal a line from a classic that none the less describes their performances completely. The music is intoxicating and seeps into your very soul. The musicians and singers are highly skilled and bring the charming songs to life in an infectious way that will keep you humming them all week long. My girlfriend and I can't stop breaking into "Books!" whenever there is a quiet moment. Overall I can'... full review