A Man of No Importance

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 funny, heartwarming production! Took all my friends from work on a lovely warm Friday evening and we had the best time! Janet puts on a heck of a show and the actors brought the story to life. Loved the musicians, they were perfectly in synch with the actors and did not play so loud you could not hear the singing - much appreciated! Can't wait for another of Janet's shows!... 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

I enjoyed this show very much. The cast was excellent and worked together like a well oiled machine. Janet Miller has taken a little known piece made it a masterpiece. I highly recommend a look at this well down production.... full review

I have grown dispirited over the state of most small-theatre productions (especially musicals) over the years and I approached "A Man of No Importance" with no small amount of trepidation. Much to my surprise, I was presented with a glittering gem of a production, guided in so many aspects by the wonderfully talented Janet Miller. The band, led by Corey Hirsch, made me feel as if I were having a few pints with my mates in a cozy Dublin pub. The costumes were lovely and vibrant with nary an inauthentic stitch anywhere to be found. And what a cast! Dominic McChesney truly embodied the soul of the lonely misfit Alfie. Shirley Hatton practically owns the stage whenever she's upon it as Alfie's sister. And Keith Bartletta -- his rendition ... full review

Top Notch. A wonderfully written sweet play with a superb cast and a brilliant, talented director. It will make you laugh, cry, gasp and cheer. Definitely worth the standing ovation it received. Kudos to Director Janet Miller, the cast, the crew and the musicians.... full review