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See what ALT patrons are saying...


"Magical Moments of the Past Decade" June 2010

Kudos to you for pulling off a spectacular, over the top event.  I expected a great show, but nothing like this.  

In a show, the vignette moments occur, but those highlights have been worked on for weeks of rehearsal.  Last night each person performed as if they had just stepped out of the original show; that was with only a few days of practice!  

What a load of talent was on ALT's boards last night!  

Thank you, and Best Regards
 

-John Kaczmarek

I was absolutely stunned by the quality of the performances in Friday night's show.  After the opening number I thought, okay they started with the very best one.  But impossible as it was, each and every performer turned out to be just that:  the very best one.  I got goose bumps, laughed out loud, cried, and burst with pride that so many top performers got their start at ALT and were proud enough of their roots to return to Amarillo and honor us with their stellar performances. After the show, there was such a crowd of people wanting to speak to each performer, that I was unable to do so.  If possible, please let each of them so they will know how very much appreciated they are.

-Catherine Dodson

It was so magical, and it came and was over so quickly, that I still have to remind myself it really happened.  Each and every one of you has touched and enriched my life in some unique and different way, and you are truly family to me.  Those of us who remain here will continue to work hard to keep our ALT "home" as strong and proud and open to newcomers as it has always been, so that when you travel home to visit or to stay, it will be the same wonderful place you helped make it.  We are all so blessed.

At the gala, I had the opportunity to speak personally to several of our donors and supporters.  As performers, we may not always realize how much a part of our "family" they each are.  Like us, there are some that have come and gone and returned and some that have been here year in and year out.  They love and support us in every possible way.  They remember our names, encourage us, pat us on the back, worry about us, shake our hands after the performances and what some of you may not know...they open their wallets time after time to ensure we have the money to produce top quality shows is a top quality facility.  Without them, ALT would cease to exist. 

Some of those with whom I spoke on Saturday night got teary eyed with pride as they marveled at what THEY TOO had helped produce that evening.  This "family" is bigger and more powerful than many of us even realize.  Every time someone buys a donating membership, a Playbill ad, a show sponsorship, a Producers' Circle sponsorship, etc., they do so with the same love and commitment that we each took to the stage last weekend.  It was a "family" reunion of epic proportion, and I thank God I am blessed to be a part of it.

Love you all more than you can imagine!

-Cindi Bulla

Special is certainly the correct word for the beautiful event staged on June 18th! I attended on that night, and I definitely considered changing previous plans to attend again on June 19th. I knew when I first began to hear and read about this event that it would be a great experience. Everything about the event was truly beautiful. The set was stunning, the instrumentalists were fantastic, and the singers, dancers, and actors were beyond compare. It was truly wonderful to see all of the performers again and to hear again some memorable selections from past productions. The wealth of talent assembled for this event is amazing; a better night of entertainment could not be found. Every performer included is a star, and it was especially heartwarming to see and hear those of our stars who are “shining” on other stages across the country. I could continue and write individually about every performer; I am motivated to do that after such a performance, but I will refrain from doing that. I must say, however, that Patrick Andrews was a delight, as always!

Hopefully, this type of event can become regular at ALT – certainly more often than once per decade.

Thanks to all involved for a joyous evening!

-Perry B. Pletcher


"Grease" May 2010


Grease was “over the top”!! Excellent production. Jerry and I brought 6 friends last Friday nite. None of them are regular goers to ALT. They were all blown away by the production – amazed at the talent that we have right here in Amarillo. Thanks to you and all that were involved in this great production.

-Sue Norman

"Thank You" May 2010

I know that all that ALT has accomplished over the years was not your single handed effort.  I know that you have had hundreds of talented collaborators who have nourished and fed the marvel that we know as ALT.  Having said all that, I also know that without your vision, focus, and drive we would be poorer in Amarillo with a less versatile theater. 

"Thank you" is such a paltry thing to say in the face of such a fantastic theater and company of players that enrich our lives with every production.  I know that you must feel an enormous sense of pride in the theater that is ALT. 

Bravo!

-John Miller


"Equus" 2010

I just wanted to say thank you again for giving us the experience of "Equus."  I know the play moved many people for many different reasons...I've talked to a few of them and they were as flabbergasted as me.  I've been mulling this over for a couple of days...trying to figure out why it had the effect on me that it did.  As I mentioned to you on Friday night, we've certainly had other powerful and profound performances at ALT.  We talked about "Pillow Man" and "How I Learned to Drive."  And there have been others.  But for me, "Equus" was an antidote to so much of popular culture that encourages and reinforces conformity to the same old ideas and world view.  It was theatre that made me think about my life, my society, the culture I live in and I loved it...even if it wasn't always comfortable. Who said that the unexamined life is not worth living??  I can't remember, but I think it's true. Thank God for the arts that push and pull us into reevaluating how we look at the world and at people who are "different" from us...and...people who are just like us.

-Ann Coberley

To the Cast and Crew of EQUUS:  

Thank you ALL for the gift you gave to me and the hundred or so others fortunate enough to have chosen to spend last evening with you.  Never have I had the pleasure of seeing so many talented people give so very much to their craft.   

Nick Palmieri took such a personal risk, and had he held ANYTHING back, or been anything less than amazingly talented, that risk would have been all the audience remembered.  Because he had - and gave - so much, what I saw and will always remember was the tragedy, pain and vulnerability of his character, Alan Strang.  The mother in me was crushed and will be haunted by the image of him stripped of his demons as he lay naked on the ground.  The part of me that appreciates performance art - and what it takes to go to the emotional place he went to deliver that performance - was stunned and awe inspired.  I'm sure I didn't take a breath from the time the lights changed and the truth began to the end of the show!  

Of the countless, powerful performances delivered by Don Washburn over his years at ALT, this might be his best.  Dr. Dysart could have been a mere storyteller, and just the delivery of such powerful words - not to mention the sheer volume of dialogue - would have been impressive.  The fact that they were injected from start to finish with dynamic, yet subtle nuances full of subtext and insight into his own character's demons, is incredible.  His perfect balance of presence and absence as he fed the flashback scenes was particularly impressive.  The story rested very comfortably on Don's able shoulders.  Thanks also to Sandra Sweat for her beautiful portrayal of Jill, and for her own willingness to hold nothing back.  Her debut at ALT was compelling, and I hope we will be blessed to have her as a "regular" in future shows.  Shannon, Amber, Don, John, Josh and Kim were each brilliant and, together with the powerful presence of the horses, made for an impeccable supporting cast.   

Thanks also to Allen for producing such a delicate and magnificent work of art.  Cudos for unashamedly staging the nude scene in such a way that every audience member had to emotionally deal with it, and for trusting that your actors had the chops to make it what its author intended, and not a side show.     

The set and technical aspects of the show were seamlessly and brilliantly embedded into the experience.  The lights, the sound, the horse heads, the turntable......wow!   

In my humble opinion, if you love and appreciate theater, and can deal with some uncomfortable questions about faith and obscession, it would be a huge mistake to miss this show!

-Cindi Bulla

To all of you who do not have tix to "Equus" for next weekend, get them now.  We have seen this show on Broadway, on film and in New Zealand.  The ALT production is superb in casting, staging and acting.

-Dr. John Kaczmarek


"Honk!" 2010

Our family went to Honk! this weekend.  It was enjoyed by all 4 generations of our family that attended, from my 5 year old grandson to his great-grandmother.  Clint did an amazing job playing the lead.  What a talented young man!  Jason does an excellent job with the academy students!

-Sheri Kee

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for another great production.  While I was unable to attend, my husband - along with our 2 older sons - attended on Friday and they all said it was great!!!!  (It is particularly noteworthy, because my husband was a little skeptical and was totally impressed with the skillful coordination of so many children.)     

Keep up the great work!!!

- Corinna Isbell


"The Dixie Swim Club" 2010

Just wanted to let you know that I saw “Dixie” last night and thoroughly loved it!! One of the best plays I’ve seen in years. It was nice to laugh for a change! Great job!


-Susan Stafford


You did a great job with The Dixie Swim Club. WE LOL throughout the play.

-Debi Deputy


I wanted to let you know how much we thoroughly enjoyed the Dixie Swim Club play. Not only was it very funny, it was very real. Emotions went from uncontrollable laughter to being very sad for the ladies. We brought another couple and all four of us had a great evening. Jeff did an excellent job casting and directing the production.


-Bob Murray


Dear "Dixie Swim Club" staff and cast,
I just wanted to let you know that I took my oldest daughter and one of her closest girlfriends to her first ALT play last weekend. We all immensly enjoyed the play and look forward to more before they leave for college. My eldest daughter has a close knit circle of girlfriends, each of whom will attend a different college. One girlfriend was accepted to her first choice college in Tennesee but may follow her boyfriend to Texas Tech. (Hmmm... Lexie?) My daughter and her girlfriend have been inspired by "The Dixie Swim Club" to contemplate Girls Only Reunions in their future. They have already acknowledged that their friend who will attend the Air Force Academy will need to set the date and place according to her schedule for their reunions!

Thank you for the many wonderful memories my family has enjoyed at the Amarillo Little Theatre for over 20 years!


-Karen J. Young


"The Light in the Piazza" 2010

We really enjoyed "Light in the Piazza" last night.  I didn't want it to end!  What amazing talent we have in Amarillo!  We also were extremely impressed with "Tuesdays with Morie."  The quality of the ALT productions is always superb!  We're so grateful to have such outstanding theater right here in Amarillo and want to say THANK YOU to all who work so diligently, creatively, and tirelessly to make it all happen

~ Joan Horn


"Tuesdays with Morrie" 2010

I read the book and listened to the book on CD, but never had it touch me until I watched Bobby Schaffer and John Bernard.  John, I will never picture Morrie in my mind without seeing your face. Carolyn and I enjoy our membership because we are never disappointed.  Allen Shankles, the cast and crew and even the handsome young man who escorted us to our seats...we have a treasure in the Texas Panhandle.  Thank you all for your hard work and outstanding performances.

~ Loren Brand

Dear ALT Actors, Staff and Board,

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful evening of entertainment that my 16 year old daughter Rachel and I enjoyed last night (Friday).  My daughter had read the book and watched the Tuesdays with Morrie movie and so I thought that she might enjoy going to see the play with her Dad, so I bought tickets (a big surprise to her!) and we went. We had a wonderful time and both of us loved the play.

We ate dinner afterwards and talked about the play, and you know it was one of the nicest times that I've ever had with my daughter. Thank you for all the work that went into the play and all you do to bring great theatre to the community. We just moved here from Amarillo last summer and this is one the first things we've done in Amariilo associated with the arts. I'm exicted to take my wife, daughter and son back to another play in the future. Thanks again.


~ Lance Robinson, Canyon, Texas

I guess I too have to jump on the band wagon with the praise of this show. I saw it sort of last minute with Joanna this afternoon. I didn't expect to be one of those that affected by it. Well wow was I ever wrong!! What a beautiful story and two of the finest actors to boot. I wish more people my age would discover this precious treasure in Amarillo. I'd rather see real live theatre than a movie any day! Bravo!

~ Sarah Fordham

We went to play yesterday.  It was one of the best we have ever seen.  Those two were superb!  Appreciate you!

~ Ernie & Mary Flippo

This play was an inspiration! While I knew the performances were going to be good (they always are at ALT), I never imagined how spectacular they would would be. And they truly were. I am presently practicing part time (in my retirement) as a Nurse Practitioner with Hospice Care of the Southwest. After 40 some years in the healthcare field, it is not often I am moved to tears. I was last night. John Bernard was so supberb, that I actually saw a man dying, not just someone who was acting. Bobby Schaffer, as Mitch, reminded me so much of loved ones and friends who struggle with the grief one feels, while watching someone die. What I and other received last night was a gift. The lessons this play teaches are immeaurable. Thank you.

~ Rose Ann Smith

I went to an ALT production for the first time this weekend and saw Tuesdays with Morrie.  And, I really enjoyed the show.  The acting by John and Bobby was superb!  The show’s description was spot on.  For such a tender storyline, it was quite funny!  I laughed and cried, but by the end, I felt so good.  It was a fantastic show, and I can’t wait to come back again.

~ Anonymous

I just want to congratulate John Bernard and Bobby Schaffer on their performance last night in TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE and to anyone else who had any part in it.  I think it is probably one of the best things I have ever seen at ALT !   Excellent!

~ Mrs. Johnnie Thompson


As a theatre “rat“ I get to hang around and help with sets, sound and general stuff.  I find that my taste in theatre is the “song and dance” fun musicals.  I know what I like!  I must admit that I don’t like getting preached to or made to feel bad when I go to the theatre. Last night I took advantage of my “rat” status and watched one of the final rehearsals for “Tuesdays with Morrie”.  It’s about a guy dying so I thought no way for me.  I was wrong.  This is such a wonderful story.  I found myself being each one of these guys at different times in my life.  I am always amazed at the musical talent in this town.  I get to see that so many times.  I was stunned by the actors in this story. Truly masterful acting.  During this hour you could tell that actors got older, more mature and how they changed.  They didn’t do this with make-up but by acting.  The set, simple, the tech not seen, but all so true to the story.  Great jobs guys!  This is a must see for all. (Even us musical guys)

~ Gary Graham


"Schoolhouse Rock Live!" 2010

Saw it and loved it!

~ Julia Koumalats


"You Can't Take it With You" 2009

We attended the performance on December 3rd, and it was fantastic!!  Personally I was blown away at the set - you guys just go "over the top".  We had a great evening of laughter and our guests enjoyed it immensely.  Thanks for all you do to entertain us. 

~ Sue Norman

ALT's current production of "You Can't Take It With You" is both well-executed and engaging.  Plays from the 1st half of the 20th century often seem dated; the language is hard to follow, and the situations don't seem to apply to modern life.  "You Can't Take It With You" avoids those traps for the most part.  The themes are ageless and the comedy easily translates into modern sensibilities.

Bright spots include perennial ALT favorites Melanie Sanders and Don Washburn, who provide much of the comedy.  Both use their bodies to play physical comedy very well.  Another standout is Jeffrey Pickens as Mr. De Pinna. He gives a wonderfully bumbling performance, reminiscent of Stan Laurel or the Three Stooges.

The main weakness involves the script.  As is the case with many older plays, it's written in 3 acts,  drags at times, and seems rather choppy, with multiple scenes changes.  Director Allen Shankles even appears between acts to give an apology/warning for the length of the show.  Modern audiences, used to 1-2 act plays will chafe a bit at the pace.  An edit to 2 acts would have been a plus.

Overall, a very classic play with timeless themes, a solid cast, and few obvious weaknesses.  Well worth a viewing.

~ Rusty Robinson


"The Woman in Black" 2009

We saw "The Woman in Black" this afternoon and it was terrific. It's really hard to do a "horror" story in live theatre in this day and age, because of the special effects from the movies having numbed audiences to the point of being blase.

This show was a reminder that it still can be done by combining a good script, solid direction, and outstanding performers. Congratulations on pulling it off.

~ Dr. Rusty Robinson


"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas " 2009

Last week, I was on holiday in Texas (I'm from London, UK) and we got tickets for your show, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas'' whilst we were there and it was so BRILLIANT!!! It was such a treat and a stroke of luck for us Brit's to be in Amarillo and catch this show, it made our holiday!  Best Wishes!

~ Alice Hawkins

The show on Saturday evening was fantastic!!!!  I have been to many Broadway shows in New York, and I want to tell you that the participants have “nothing” on the folks from Amarillo.  This show was so good, so entertaining….there are not enough adjectives to say how wonderful it was.  What a fantastic group ALT has………….I just can’t say enough!!!!!

~ Lynda L. Gerace-Acton

This was me and my wife's first experience here and it was awesome! What a show! The vocals and acting were great. I would recommend a night out here anytime.I'll be coming back!

~  Kevin and Teresa Kieth

We attended the show on Friday and it was fantastic. The cast, the acting, and the singing were all first rate. That was our first production to attend at the ALT, but it certainly will not be the last.

~  Bob Murray


"Cinderella" 2009

What a good production.  A great cast of characters.  The sets were effective and imaginative.  The lighting was great.  The special effects were well done.  The voices strong and clean.   The dances were smooth, well choreographed, and well danced.  The stage business was fun.  The music was great.  The set changes were smooth and nicely done.  

But what really struck us as we drove home tonight was the depth and breadth of the ALT pool of talent.  You can stage intense dramas with a cast of three or four and also mount a production utilizing forty good dancers, singers, and actors.    

It seems to us that the mark of a strong theater group is the ability to find and develop actors to fill the stage in a variety of productions which stretch the audience and the actors.  ALT has done that with style and great aplomb.  The scope of the playbills that ALT has presented to the community has been super.  Thank you for such a strong organization and for fostering such a pool of talented people.  We look forward with great anticipation to next season!

~  John & Linda Miller
"Rabbit Hole" 2009

Excellent just excellent!  A very well played piece that was a difficult emotional roller coaster.  The cast did a truly great job with the highs and lows.  The timing and business was great and the flow of the dialogue was very natural.  Loved the set, great music in the interludes that was so appropriate, good lighting plot, the whole piece was truly well done.  

We thought that all the characters were developed and the interaction was very good.  Thank you to the cast who did such a nice job and thank you to the director who pointed the cast in the direction the piece needed and wanted and then let them run.  This is on the top of my list for the best theater I have seen this year.


~  John & Linda Miller

A big congratulations on a perfect "Rabbit Hole" on Saturday evening--what a fantastic production with every cast member turning in a memorable performance.  Undoubtedly the best play of the season.

~  Dr. John Kaczmarek

I went to the Rabbit Hole on Friday.  Very powerful!  The cast was great!

~  Jim Womack
"Over the Tavern" 2009

We liked the play today (Sunday, March 15). I thought all of the cast was good, but I really thought the kids were good in the performance.

~  Willetta March

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the play when we came on 3/6/09. We had a wonderful time and everybody was great!

~ Heike Bowen

"The Clean House" 2009

I have to congratulate everyone involved with The Clean House -- it is an amazing show.  You know from the first look at the set that the play will be, to quote Allen, "unconventional and quirky" -- just the type of show we love to see at the Adventure Space.  Once again Allen managed to bring the perfect group of actors together and allow them to find the heart of the story.  The Hastings Talk Back after the show gave us all a little more insight into how the cast and crew work their magic.  So magical, in fact, that I have already made reservations for next weekend.

~ Kim Shreffler
"Quilters" 2009

Quilters was such a powerful piece.  It resonated with me several times and brought tears.  I loved the set and the lighting plot.  The actresses were super and brought the character they played to life.  The hardships and trials that women, and men, faced on the prairies were marvelously played out.  Thank you for a wonderful production.  We are so fortunate to have ALT and the cadre of actresses and actors that you draw from!

~ John & Linda Miller
"Ruthless!" 2008

What FUN!  What a wonderfully timed piece!  Cara worked hard to get that level of comedic timing for the whole cast through the whole show and the business and reaction was really terrific.   

Jeff was a joy to watch through the whole play as was Alexis.  The entire cast was terrific and meshed really well and played just far enough over the top to make our faces and sides hurt well after the evening was over.   Well done to all hands!  4.0


~ John & Linda Miller


"Smokey Joe's Cafe' " 2008

I've been in Texas since 1978 performing as a professional musician and working as an educator. I've performed with many, many musical productions associated with Equity playhouses and community theatres. I have to tell you that I am very impressed...extremely impressed with the talent on stage for Smokey Joe's Cafe!! It is absolutely the best community production that I've witnessed; either as a musician in the pit, or as an audience member. I'm very pleased to be a part of this production and am very pleased to encourage my friends to attend.  

Wow! Amarillo is talented, indeed.  


~ Regards,
James A. Rennier, Dean
Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities
West Texas A&M University


"Blackbird" 2008

Why “Blackbird?” Is that the question? Certainly not because it will leave you humming the final song like we did with “Urinetown” or chuckling over the recognizable characters as we did with “Daddy’s Dyin’ Whose Got the Will.” Much more like “Doubt” or “Pillowman,” Harrower’s “Blackbird” falls back on Aristotle’s definition of tragedy in order to present “incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its catharsis of emotions.” In fact, the author said he wanted to shake people up — and shake us he did. With clever direction from Allen Shankels and some of the most powerfully controlled performances I have every seen thanks to Don Washburn and Melodie Weis, “Blackbird” took my breath away on more than one occasion. Anger, disgust, pity, compassion, confusion. . . I experienced it all within the short 80 minute production. Nothing about this play was easy — not to write, perform, or watch — but that does not mean it was not worthy of staging. It would have been easy for the actors to portray these characters as stereotypes instead of humans wallowing in the grey between truth and fiction. Certainly “Blackbird” isn’t for everyone but then neither is skydiving. As both an actor and a patron, I appreciate how hard Allen and the ALT board work to give us a variety of plays so there is something for everyone. The website gives a description and rating for each play and, although the newspaper wrongly declared it to be a “dark comedy”, the description of the play in the Get Out section left little doubt that the plot was about dealing with an “abusive” relationship. If that type of theatre isn’t for you, don’t buy a ticket to “Blackbird” but wait for “Smokey Joe’s.”

~ Kim Shreffler

I had the pleasure of seeing Blackbird on Sunday, and staying for the Ovation Series afterwards. I agree that it is a tough show, content wise to watch. It is a show that was hard to read as well, but is it hard because of the show or because of how true to life it is. I feel that it probably hits closer to home that many shows that we do at the Adventure space, but I think that we, as a group of artists, should strive to challenge our audience and make them think. That is exactly what this show does. I feel that the show will have its positives and negatives as we have one more week of performances, and we have already had some feedback. I also feel that we did make the right choice in presenting this show, and after our Ovation Series yesterday, I believe that they did too. Kudos to you Allen for choosing this show and to you and the actors for doing such a great job with it.

~ Tana Roberson


"Driving Miss Daisy" 2008

What a wonderful performance!  Of the many outstanding performances we have seen at ALT we think that this is one of, if not THE best, that we have been honored to see.  

Jeff did a fine directing job and produced a tightly knit whole that was just great.  The characters were superb, their aging process was marvelous, the mannerisms were spot on Miss Daisy could have been Linda's grand mother, the business was excellent, the timings were tight, the set creative, and I could go on but it was just a truly fine production.  

Thank you for a great experience.

~ John & Linda Miller

Congratulations to you for the successful "Driving Miss Daisy"!   I absolutely loved everything about it , including the set that allowed the audience to use their imagination .  I have to say that I enjoyed it more than any of the shows I've seen at ALT and we've never seen anything but great productions.  Daisy was incredible -- of course she was an OU grad, what else would one expect??  Thanks to you seating us on the front row, being able to see Daisy's facial expressions was definitely a plus.  

SUPERB in every way!  Thanks for your work.  

~ June Wadley

Just wanted to take a minute and let you know how much we enjoyed "Driving Miss Daisy."  

It was a great cast, great show in every way and just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it!   

Thanks and we always enjoy the shows, but this is one of my all time favorites and just wanted to take the time to let you know what a great job everyone did! 

Thanks again!


~ Renee Wilson

"A Christmas Carol " 2007

We enjoyed the show tonight so much! Everyone did a stupendous job, and that Ebeneezer ... WOW.  He's just going to get better every year, isn't he?  It's like he was born for that part.  And I could tell that the cast from the play were friends.  It's amazing how that chemistry comes through on stage.  It made it seem so much more like a real "town", you know? The sets were gorgeous as were the costumes.

~ Anita Howard
"Doubt"

Me and my daughter had an awesome time last night!!! The actors were sensational and I thought it was really good…the issue was done in good taste, and sad to say this has happened way too much…this was my daughter’s first time to go to a play of this sort and she was just in awe!  Thank you Cara, you definitely put a smile on her face and it was just what she needed!  You all are awesome!

~ Sharon Cooper

"Into The Woods"
Wednesday, October 3, 2007-OUR TOWN section of The Amarillo Globe News

ALT play great start for anniversary

"Into The Woods" at the Amarillo Little Theatre paves an excellent entry into the theater's 80th Mainstage anniversary.

Allen Shankles, ALT director, strikes the magic into this "fractured fairytale," an award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical. Amarillo audiences had an opportunity to see outstanding musical theater with a colossal cast and musicians.

Yes, I am a member of the ALT board of directors. This objective opinion, however, comes as a result of seeing the show.

~ Kay Paine
"Sweet Dreams, Peggy Sue "

I wanted to let you know that me and my husband Steve truly enjoyed Saturday's performance of "Sweet Dreams, Peggy Sue." We had seen both shows in the past and were very excited when our friends invited us to go. Please let Ms. Hysmith and Mr. Jones know that their performances were again perfection and that Ms. Bulla's new character was a hoot! We had a such a fun time and have been talking about it all weekend. We were hoping to see The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens again as well but still loved the show. Thank you for bringing back some great memories.

~ Joanne Boyer
"Beehive"

We had heard that the production was very good.  We were pleased to discover that it was much better than very good..
 
We are constantly impressed with the caliber of performers that you find in the Amarillo area.  We are so very fortunate to have such a pool of talent and such a fine venue to showcase them.
 
The staging was fun, the lighting plot was imaginative, the set was versatile, and the production had such energy and effect. 

~ John and Linda Miller


"Metamorphoses"

Dear Cast & Crew of "Metamorphoses",

I was mezmorized at your performance Saturday night.  You truely took me into the world you created, and I got lost in the beauty of the language as well as the incredible visuals.

Thank you for a delightful evening.

~ Lynae' Jacob


The premise here is fascinating; the tales of ancient classical playwright Ovid performed in and around a pool of water.  This was clearly a departure for Amarillo theatre goers, many of whom openly admitted before the show started that they didn't really know what to expect.   

The set was stunning, both visaully and aurally.  The colors and hanging panels effectively complimented the water.  Even the costumes, mostly long and flowing, seemed perfectly fitted to the atmosphere being created.  The music and lighting combined with the set to produce a sensous, quasi-mystical feel.    

The performances were generally solid; Kevin Fuller and Leigh Anne Stewart continue to demonstrate their growing talent.  Both young graduates of the ALT Academy, they predict a bright future for the theatre.  The structure and direction of the show were well done also.  Another comlicated show that has been well-crafted by Director Allen Shankles.   

The tales themselves left me a bit confused.  I walked out wondering if I'd missed
the point somehow.  The stories are generally very simple.  I thought King Midas was basically a children's story, but the complicated and relatively arcane language of the play combined with the mystical feeling of the set made me wonder if there wasn't somthing else there, some deeper theme or message.  I almost felt I had to concentrate too much, or that there was some "inside" joke or theme I was missing.  

Allen stated in his pre-show speech that the tales were to taken at face value.  I guess I didn't take that admonishment seriously.   

Overall, "Metamorphoses" was a strong production.  The individual pieces were solid, although the show in it's totality may not appeal to everyone.  Another success for the Adventure Space.  

~ Dr. Russell Robinson

Wow!  Thank you for such an eventful evening of theater.  We really enjoyed the performance.  Thank you for presenting such a challenging piece.
 
We were unanimous in our admiration of the cast's ability to perform under difficult conditions.  Their professional approach and delivery was really top notch.
 
This seemed to me to be one of the best productions you have staged in that the timing and flow was nearly seamless.  Props and business were handled extraordinarily well, lines were delivered clearly, the lighting and sound were well done and cued very well.  All in all this was one of the high points in a good season of theater for us.
 
Please let the cast know how much we enjoyed the production.

 ~ John and Linda Miller


"The Odd Couple"

This brilliant piece of American theatre lived up to its' promise at ALT in January.  The entire cast was solid.  Sherman Bass and Bobby Shaeffer as the leads were outstanding.  The "girls" held their tricky accents flawlessly.   This was simply one of the best American plays ever written, with a very competent cast under the outstanding direction of Jeff Jarnagin.  Jeff has truly come into his own as a comedic director.  Great work for all ages and tastes.

~ Dr. Russell Robinson


A Patron's Point of View (February 7, 2007)

Our family went to the Civic Amarillo production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat last night.  It was a great play and one that we all enjoyed.  But, I must tell you in all honesty that the ALT production that was done a couple of years ago could easily hold its own and in many cases the ALT production was much better.  The presentation last night did not have any kids in the production, which we really missed.  Cara could easily hold her own with the narrator last night.  Chuck completely blew away their Pharoh. Jeff and Patrick were much better than the actors portraying that role last night.  The play last night had nice choreography, which you expect, but I am very proud of the performance that ALT presented.  The cast of ALT can hold their own with any production that comes to town.  Last night was a very good reminder of the quality of programs that ALT offers and the amount of talent in Amarillo.  My wife and I were wondering if the people sitting around us had seen the ALT presentation because they were amazed at the production last night.  If only they had seen the ALT production they would have realized that ALT is equal to the task.

Thanks for a great job at ALT!!

~ Mike, Cheryl, Danielle, and JT Sherrer


"A Christmas Carol "

I attended "A Christmas Carol" last Friday evening and enjoyed every minute of it.  Time flew by I was so engrossed in this beautiful production.  I applause ALT for staging such a professional production.

Thanks for a wonderful evening full of the Christmas spirit!

~ Jane Hudson

Wow!  It was wonderful!  The cast, the scenes, fabulous!  Bravo!

~ Valerie Naugle, Bailey Naugle, Martha Duncan, Keely Chumley, Keisha Naugle, Domnique Lehr, Megan Lehr


"Assassins"

I consider it a mark of high praise when our conversation in the car on the way home skipped from performer to performer while trying to mark the strongest character.  The entire cast was a strong and vital one.  Thank you for a riveting albeit uncomfortable at times piece of theater.

~ John and Linda Miller

 

My definition of art has always included the notion that the piece
should prompt both thought and emotion from the viewer. "Assassins,"
recently at ALT's Adventure Space certainly did that. I left the
theatre thinking that I didn't like the overall work; and at first didn't quite understand why, as many of the individual performances were stirring.

Jonathan Cardenas gave a breakout performance as Samuel Byck, who attempted to assassinate Richard Nixon. His barely controlled rage was both menacing and captivating. Brilliant work from a relative
newcomer to the Amarillo stage. Jim Gardner, cast as Leon Czolgosz,
assassin of William McKinley, gave his most satisfying performance to
date at ALT. His substantial acting skills have formerly been overshadowed by his spectacular voice, but not this time.

Other strong efforts included that of Sarah Johnston, who displayed
previously unappreciated vocal ability as Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme,
and the consistently outstanding Jeff Jarnagin as John Wilkes Booth,
who toughed out a very credible performance on the second weekend
despite having laryngitis.

As has also become a standard of the Adventure Space, the lighting,
sound and intimacy of the thrust setting were powerful additions to
the overall feel of the piece. Once again, Allen Shankles has done a
fine job staging a complicated show.

So why did I walk away feeling somehow disappointed? I think the
problem is with the show's intrinsic design. Part of the magic of the
theatre is that it prompts us to suspend disbelief. We can enter an
imaginary world for a short period of time. The depiction of
historical events in the form a musical simply did not allow me to do
that. I think its hard enough for a playwright to deal with historical
events that the audience is mostly familiar with in a pure dramatic
setting. The addition of a musical score, particularly one as quirky
as this, (typical Sondheim-odd rhythms, dissonate melodies) simply did not allow this piece to work for me. I lost the ability to suspend
disbelief on multiple occasions when the music started, despite the
fact that the songs were generally very well performed.

Finally, the idea of displaying these characters in what might be
considered a sympathetic light bothers me a little. Allen remarked in
his directors' notes that he was not trying to make a social or
political comment. But it can't help but be so. Is there truly a
purpose in trying to understand evil? It has always been with us and
always will be. The depiction of several of the characters as victims
of one form or another does not change the fact that their actions
were evil; and you can't separate a man from his actions.

I applaud Allen for having the courage to tackle this show with its'
clearly limited appeal. The Adventure Space continues to be my
favorite theatre setting anywhere. We are lucky to have this venue,
and I hope we never change it.

~ Dr. Russell Robinson


"Steel Magnolias"

What an incredible show!!! My husband and I just attended the Thursday evening show and it was wonderful!!! Steel Magnolia has always been my favorite movie, and now, I have this production to add to my all time favorites!!! The cast was great, and I loved them all!!! Thank you ALT for this brilliant show, and all your hard work!

~ Donna and Bobby Martin

 

Bravo!!! Went to the play this afternoon (Sunday) and loved it. Can't say that I had a favorite actress as you all did a superb job. You all worked so smoothly together. I've seen the movie many times but in person, it's a real treat. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Hats off to you all.

~ Sharon Bowers

 

To whom it may concern; My friend and I had the very distinct privilege of attending the Sun. matinee today, & it was most enjoyable. We thought the casting was excellent & each actor did a wonderful job. Congrats on another fine presentation of ALT. Thanks again for a very pleasant Sunday afternoon.

~ unknown

 

Wow! Words are paltry things sometimes. Thank you and your marvelous cast for a marvelous evening of theater. The first act was stunning with difficult dialog and tight timing. It showed a great deal of work and polish. The cast was wonderful, accents were good and consistent. The characters believable and well rounded. Just a great evening. Thank you so much for the work that went into this production, it truly did pay off. When most of the audience is in tears you are present at a great moment in theater.

~ John and Linda Miller


"Bright Ideas"

What a funny piece. The play was funny with some good lines and good business. Very interesting staging, very simple but very effective. Pulled the audience into the play and got the suspension of disbelief that was needed to work. Jayme was great going over the top or around the bend. Nice business in lots of scenes, very enjoyable. Cara has a nice feel for comedy and the cast worked nicely in their roles to keep the characters straight.

~ John Miller

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