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Audience Reviews - Zanna, Don’t! (Submit your own review)
review
06/27/2009
this was great, i was engaged the whole time. Great show!
Oh What a Night!
06/24/2009
It has been some time since our last night out at Actors Express but I can tell you now after the production of Zanna Don't it will never happen again. What a show....what a fantatic ensemble of actors....never a dull moment for the theater crowd in Atlanta......Thanks for the memory (and the wonderful night out......)
Refreshing and Inventive
06/24/2009
Roll a big city off-broadway production into a regional theatre with limited funds and unlimited talent and you get this amazing production of Zanna Don't right for under $30 right here in Atlanta. Bravo to AE for its tradition of excellence. Refreshing to still seeing going on after an 11 year hiatus from Atlanta
Don't miss Zanna Don't
06/23/2009
Fabulous show! Clever script. Choreography, lyrics, singing and acting simply outstanding.
An OK Show Well Done
06/23/2009
I was checking the program during the first 6 or 8 minutes to see if there was to be an intermission which would allow us to leave. The script picked up after that, though, and proved to be OK with even a few highlights. The slow, and somewhat silly, start was overshadowed by excellent production values, choreography, singing, and acting.
A Great Cast
06/23/2009
A fun evening with a great cast that made it worthwhile. Yeah, the show is a little corny and tedious at times, but this cast made it a lot of fun. The vocals were lacking in spots, but overall a big thumbs up! Chase especially is energetic, talented and just fun to watch.
Zanna Don't did everything right!
06/23/2009
I've been coming to Actor's Express for many years now and this was one of the best shows I've ever seen there or anywhere. It was funny, it was poignant at times, it was upbeat most of the time, and it tackled a serious issue without being preachy. The cast was excellent and they all seemed to mesh together very well. The music was great as was the band. Kudos to Freddie, the entire cast, and everyone involved. My only regret is that I came on the last night so I didn't have an opportunity to see it again!
Zanna Don't
06/18/2009
It was the BEST Play I have seen so far at Actor's Express. I look forward to seeing more plays in the future.
What if...
06/17/2009
The folks at Actor's Express are back on stride with their latest...
"Zanna, Don't" asks its audience to suspend that which they know and ask "what if..."
The result is one of the most enjoyable evening's we've spent at the AE...
An excellent cast, a crisp, well written script and a couple hours of in-your-face thought-provoking comedy...
Zana Don't
06/12/2009
One of the best performances I have seen by Actor's Express. Great story, great music, great actors, great singers, great band, great set, etc., etc. Loved it. So much fun to watch!!!
Delightful!
06/11/2009
What a truly delightful show! This show kept me smiling and tapping my feet from beginning to end. Bravo!
Zanna, Don't
06/09/2009
Sheer fluff - in the best sense of the word. Wish Zanna had had a stronger voice, though.
Zanna Yes!
06/04/2009
Freddie -- you did a brilliant job. Clever, fun, enough camp to make it light, enough great singing and dancing to know you are at a real musical. The cast is young and talented, and hats off to the band (let's not forget the band, folks!). Everyone on the stage was genuinely having fun -- it really showed. I loved it, and will encourage others to go see it. This one should be selling out every night!!!
"Wonderful Cast"
06/02/2009
So many talented actors in this one musical!! I was amazed. I visit NY regularly just for the theatre and let me tell you that NY has nothing over these Atlanta stars! We are fortunate.
Zanna Dont
06/02/2009
Delightful , funny , clever , a lot of talent
Definitely Do Zanna
05/29/2009
I’m usually impressed by the caliber of the performers in local Atlanta theatre and this show was no exception. Most of the performers are certainly better than those you see on ‘American Idol’, which kind of baffles me. With so many obviously talented people in the world, why do any duds even make it on television in the first place?
The play was silly, toe tapping fun. The only points where they lost me a little bit were when they pushed 'the message’ too hard (towards the end). Most of the audience gets the political/social statement being made just based on the premise alone.
Having a live band was cool. The stage design was obviously on a budget, but wasn’t distracting and fit the mood of the play. I liked the dance sequences, which had to be tough to choreograph on such a small stage.
If you’re looking for a good time, definitely check this one out.
Entertaining Fun
05/27/2009
Zanna Don't is not AE's finest moment, but it may be its campiest. Vocally, the cast excels, with the exception of Ricardo Aponte who is the weakest vocal link. But what he lacks vocally. he makes up for in personality. The little birdie schtick felt contrived and the set design amateurish, giving the production more of a community theatre feel. Despite its flaws, the show was funny and totally entertaining and one I would even consider seeing again.
Zana Don't
05/27/2009
Silly, but fun. Great dancing, singing and enjoyable to spend 2 hours. Hard to recommend this type of production. Had i known the context, probably would not have bought a ticket if i were not a season ticket holder. Cast was good.
This Production thrilled me and touched me.
05/27/2009
From the time the young man who played Zana came out with his great big smile and even bigger performance, I was totally thrilled by this production, and I left the theatre lifted. Thank you so much to all of the performers. Wow!!
Chased away my blues
05/27/2009
I was feeling a little down on Sunday before coming to see Zanna, Don't! and enjoyed the show very much. The show was bursting with energy and good humor. The young cast did a fine job in all aspects as far as I was concerned. The singing, the dancing, the acting, all fine. I was impressed with the choreography.
I was interested to note that two of the cast members were from KSU, our local u here in Cobb Co. If they and others I've seen lately on area stages are representative of the theatre program there, I'll be checking out their upcoming season. Good job Owls.
Thanks for a fun show.
Great Show--but...
05/26/2009
The show is a "must see"...but...others were right--the Zanna character, as talented as he is, was just not up to par. Frankly, I think that his microphone sucked, since other cast members had some sound issues, too.
Others have noticed this as well--in fact, I was warned about his performance before I bought tickets. Try to increase the gain on his mike--that might do it. Otherwise, I'd suggest investing in some Countryman mikes--they're not cheap,but they're great and are the industry standard. I think that might make a big difference.
Otherwise, the show is cute and sends a great message. The songs, while saccharine-sweet, did manage to bring a tear to my eye. I'd love to get a soundtrack!
Of course, an Actors Express show without nudity was disappointing to my guest, but he got over it! :)
One more thing--this audience review system is AWESOME! Keep up the great work!
Zanna Don't!
05/26/2009
Had a great time. Stumbled upon your show while visiting Atlanta.My girlfriend is talking about someone in Savannah doing the show. Great fun and Music.
Bought the CD!
05/26/2009
I left humming the music, and immediately had to go buy the CD! Reminds me of a gay version of high school musical. We've already booked our tickets to come see it again!
Zanna, Don't
05/26/2009
The best play I have ever seen. Everyone should see this play. It is very moving.
Amazingly Talented Young Cast
05/24/2009
This might have been a trifling little musical with a gimmicky premise, but the cast (every one of them) brought it to joyous life with their amazing talent and the obviously inspired direction of Freddie Ashley.
May 14 Preview
05/20/2009
I was at the May 14th preview, and I was let down, significantly. I am a season ticket holder and found the performance sub-par overall and not in keeping with the excellence that I have seen in the past at AE. The show itself seemed kiddish, shallow, and bereft of deep emotion. A good deal of the singing was quite handsome, and the choreography was just fine; however, the title character was the weak link in the ensemble cast, vocally. To add to the evening's frustration, the AEN was holding their soiree, a fact that I wish ticketing had notified me of when I called to choose which night preview night I wanted to attend. Instead of an intimate setting and an evening of engaging and thought-provoking theater, I felt detached and became disinterested. Among AE's gems, I would not count this as one of them.
Great job guys and gals!
05/20/2009
I went to see the show on preview night and I was very VERY impressed. The fact that you guys put all of this together in just 3 weeks is just amazing. From the fabulous blend of vocals to the well thought out choreography to the great acting – this was just an all around funny, fun, and entertaining show. On a side note, I read a couple of other reviews on here and just don’t know what these people have so many negative things to say about some members of the cast. I think you all did an amazing job and are extremely talented. Thanks for your hard work on this show – I’ll be back to see it again! (Aponte, you rock!)
Zanna Don't
05/19/2009
Very commendable effort. Several of the songs were quite good. The performers were very capable. I'd been afraid a 10-minute sketch idea wouldn't translate into a few-hour play but it did. The generally good choreography truly helped carry it off.
Faults: 1) the air conditioning was too low...it's not attractive to see so much sweat on the actors. 2) The guy who played Zanna was cute and perky but didn't have the vocal power to lead. The guy who was the school reporter should have been the lead with more volume/strength for that part. 3) the wand deal should have been emphasized more as a magical issue - as it was, it was just odd, (or poorly integrated in the dialogue).
One distracting note: when did we have to have actors wear mikes in a tiny theater? Actors used to have to use their voices alone to reach the back row in major Broadway venues. It's unseemly to advertise this weakness in visible headsets. Get better-trained or more capable performers!
I'm glad to have the opportunity to express my opinions and none of the issues negates my enjoyment of a show that had a good amount to offer an audience. Also, I've got to say it's amazing that so few people could be "on stage", (have to carry the show), for such an extended period of time. That's one hellofalot of dialogue, lyrics and choreography to remember - let alone perform - in an (almost) non-stop stage presence.
Zanna Don't .... don't!
05/19/2009
I was at the appearance on Saturday, May 16th. Keeping in mind that I am no professional critic, I have definitely seen better performances at AE. Overall, cast not bad. I was puzzled with the character of Zanna. His projection and singing was very weak to have a lead role. For the remaining cast, not bad.
Well Casted
05/18/2009
Quite the corny show but very well casted (for the most part). Some very nice voices and decent music. The sound was a bit annoying with such a small venue. No need to amplify voices in this small of a room, but otherwise, very well done. A good show choice for this theatre.
Fantastic Show
05/17/2009
The cast was incredible, I have the music from broadway and they were better than the cd!!! Great Show!
Simply amazing!
05/17/2009
This was the most fun I've had at any theatrical outlet in a while. Keep up the terrific work Actor's Express!!!
Fun play
05/16/2009
I went to a preview with a friend and was a bit pessimistic as to whether I'd like the play. But I ended up enjoying it very much. Lots of laughs and some very plesasant melodic music. Most of the actors were excellent. Glad I went.
Thoughts on the Thursday Preview
05/15/2009
I was there for the thursday preview show ... I kind of think it was definitely a dress rehearsal as there were a few noticeable glitches. Notably the leading man’s voice! I’m guessing Richard Aponte was feeling ill ... either that or he is just not a good singer (fine actor tho). The whole cast needs to kick it up on the choreography too. I’m not sure if it was just Aponte’s vocal problems or what, but some of the scenes were just tedious. Aside from the voice, maybe Aponte could liven it up a bit? Even ham it up maybe?
Most distinctive cast member was Chase Todd, who seemed to have “all the right moves” (and notes!) that Aponte was lacking. And kudos to Erin Lorette, who has a “Samantha Bee” kind of thing going on and Erin Burnett, who will undoubtably be channelling her inner Gossip Girl by the time this show wraps. Thanks.
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