My overall impression
I went to opening night and plan to go back for closing night. I would go to all the nights in between if my schedule allowed it. From the opening of That Beautiful Laugh I was drawn into another world of mischief and magic. I absolutely loved all of the characters and felt connected to each of their personalities. Marvin was our beloved and talented guide and ringleader, fragile, innocent and naive. He really carried the show and supplied the bridges from one scene to the next. In TBL, he is the conductor and MC who is an incredible “presenter” of the six other clowns. O’Precious was my favorite clown, very snappy, full of attitude and hilarious, at one point singing a perfect rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What a Beautiful World. If there was a nerd clown, Tom was it. He was just awkward and almost, but not quite, annoying, Robecca was really fun to watch doing her robotic clown moves and antics, a class A actress, Decrumpets(the contortionist) was also a talented made up old english melodica player, who keeps the score of the show exciting and clown-like. Peking Duck was the lovable karate kicking superpower that ends up practicing her karate on the other clowns, including poor old Marvin. Las but not least, Loretta, with her facial ticks, nervousness and superhero obsession really steals the show.
In such a short time(the show runs about an hour), director Turner Munch, through the seven clowns, wins over the audience through improv skits, audience participation and strong performances that made me wish the show would go another hour. I teared up at one point in the play, but was laughing for the rest of it. This play really had everything and I cannot wait to see it again on Saturday and possibly Thursday.
I highly recommend this play. I will never forget it.