Toward the end of Daddy D Productions' A Grand 'Snowed In' Christmas, already lively in the first place, comes a set that captures the spirit of what's going on Green Bay to a T.
First, singer Doug Dachelet and troupe leader Darren Johnson, dressed in blaze orange hunting outfits, sing a song from West Side Story, playing with words. It's the beautiful "Maria," and it's about illustrious quarterback Dan Marino and how the Packers' Brett Favre has surpassed the records of "Marino, Marino, Marino."
Joining Dachelet and Johnson are Shelly Emmer and Holly Terrien-Rottier to read a famous story, using back-woods accents: "'Twas the Night Before Playoffs." It's about hunkering down in front of the TV, with "the beer chilled with care," to soak up the excitement from Favre and a bunch of star Packers players used in rhyme.
Surprises and some masterful performances lift this production, while it still presents "straight" material. Dachelet, for one, sings "O Holy Night" reverently in front of set of a snowy cabin with smoke wafting from its chimney.
A surprise is a bit drawing on David Letterman, featuring Eric Snyder coming out from the band to do a top 10 list and an interview with Santa Claus (Johnson, in a quirky comedic caper).
Masterful is the four singers singing four popular Christmas songs at once. First, they sing in aggressive ways. Then Johnson calls for a truce, and the four songs are sung sweetly — still all at the same time.
Masterful is guitarist Bob Balsley performing "Three Kings." He sings, then layers in jazz-pop guitar elements, in a way making a recording on the spot. Talk about spontaneous creativity.
Adding to the live feel are music director Barb Hinnendael on keyboards and Jeff Hinnendael on drums.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Favre/Marino bit part of fun in Daddy D's comedy
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
3 1/2 stars (out of 4)!
Daddy D Productions' new "Broadway: Comedy Tonight" answers a question: How can Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre be worked in a timely way into "West Side Story"?
Two singers dress in blaze orange as yahoo Packers fans and sing "Green Bay West Side Story." The classic musical's lovely "Maria" becomes "Marino," as in Dan, the legendary quarterback Favre is surpassing. Out come such lines as, "All the records will belong to Brett … We want Brett to pass Marino, Marino, Marino."
This show takes a shotgun approach, hitting everything from a bit of cross-dressing (in a grass skirt and a coconut "bra") to straight-on, powerhouse singing.
Veteran performers soar — Johnson in the show-stopping "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables," Dachelet in "Some Enchanted Evening" from "South Pacific" and Rita Baretta (so strong of voice she sometimes overpowers the sound system) in "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from "Sunset Boulevard."
Newcomers have colorful moments — Kelly Haddad in "Goodbye Until Tomorrow" from "The Last Five Years" and Shawn Connelly in "Puttin' on the Ritz" as a send-up with the creature from "Young Frankenstein."
Bob Balsley of the band adds a jazzified guitar-voice solo of "On Broadway." Keeping things going are music director Barb Hinnendael on keyboards, Jeff Hinnendael on drums and Ben Moore on bass.
Teamwork especially shows in "South Pacific" scenes — the guys in "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" and Baretta and Haddad in "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair."
Overall, the key words are variety and versatility.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daddy D hits stride in Class Reunion
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
4 stars (out of 4)!
Among many highlights in Daddy D Productions' 1950s Class Reunion, two tailgating/bumpkin Packers fans sing Brat Fry Love to the tune of the Everly Brothers' Bye Bye Love. The clever turn of lyrics comes on the heels of one of them showing—with mind-bending math—that 13 times 7 equals 28. He "proves" it by dividing, multiplying and adding. The jolly bits are part of Daddy D's best show yet. It's loose, comical and quite musical.
The revue sweeps through many lighthearted hits of the era—Chantilly Lace, Lollipop, Purple People Eater, Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp), among them. Over and over, it showcases solid harmonies by the three women — cast newcomer Laura Asma, Betsy Brand and Shelly Emmer. Among the treats: Dream, Pennies from Heaven and Sincerely.
Troupe leader Darren Johnson flexes his vocal prowess many times. A song is not just a song with him but a vocal landscape to color with his many voices. That happens in Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, a set of Buddy Holly tunes that includes That'll Be the Day and Come Softly.
Emulating Roy Orbison, Doug Dachelet takes on the high-flying Crying Over You and turns out a soaring winner.
Johnson and Dachelet team for fun as the bumpkin fans. Johnson takes on Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden of The Honeymooners, with bass player Eric Snyder joining as Ed Norton, for a fascinating, energetic skit.
For Silhouettes on the Shade, Johnson and Dachelet are joined by soundman Andy Lee and saxophonist Logan Dier for doo-wop action.
Asma, Brand, Dier and Lee are all early twentysomethings, so while the show sounds nostalgic, it has a youthful flair.
Master guitarist Bob Balsley plays and sings How High the Moon in the manner of legendary Wisconsinite Les Paul, complete with dazzling electronic effects. Barb Hinnendael heads the band on keyboards, with her son, Jeff Hinnendael, playing drums. Asma adds color to some songs by playing violin.
Some of the joy of this production surrounds Emmer, who is seven months pregnant. References abound, with warm humor.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sensuous Senator feeds on saucy silliness
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
The funny thing about The Sensuous Senator—aside from it being a silly farce—is there are some real-life politicians doing the same thing as its central character: making loud pronouncements about morality and fidelity, then getting involved in hanky panky.
At the height of the show, the senator ends up in bed with his nephew, clad in a pink robe, and two cuties in underwear. A snoopy reporter from the National Intruder is snapping their photo. Performances are a bit hammy, the script a bit corny (and talky at times), the set a bit make-do. Still, at the core, the show is lively fun. Daniel Onkels plays the senator of the title.
The senator feigns sadness as his wife (Betty Roth) leaves their D.C. home for a weekend do-good project in Chicago. He immediately phones his secretary (Virginia Boren, who operates a restaurant in Bellevue), who can't make a rendezvous this evening (but shows up later). Next, he calls an escort service, which sends over a "companion" (Christina LaVicka).
Also showing up at the house are the senator's innocent nephew/congressman (MJ Marsh), a nearsighted congressional colleague (Mike Van Ryzin, who has acted for Green Bay Community Theater and Evergreen Theatre), the reporter (Sindee Kleckner) and a twitchy security guard (Tyler Evens).
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Play review: A 'Little Shop', a lot of fun for Lawrence theater
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
In some ways, the version of Little Shop of Horrors playing at SC Grand Dinner Theatre is needy. But audiences probably will leave loving it. The production by a local, hired-in troupe ends in a super-upbeat and exciting way. The show centers on Audrey II, a bloodthirsty alien plant that arrives at a Skid Row florist and plans to take over the world. Of course, everything is camp.
That includes the characters across the board: Seymour (Kevin Flogel, who directs), a nerdy clerk in the floral shop, and Audrey (Angela Zuidmulder), his naïve love who endures bodily mayhem from her sadistic dentist-boyfriend (Darren Johnson, who produces); the trampy Doo Wop Girls (Danielle Enderby, Molly LeCaptain and Erin Patchak); shop owner Mr. Mushnik (Brent Brayko); and multiple street characters played by Will Crider, Andy Lee and Courtney Younkle.
The hungry, growing plant is manipulated behind the scenes by Anna Beattie and voiced by Russ Lipinski. It's Lipinski who lights up the finale, "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space," with fantastic, R&B vocal firepower in the midst of the energized cast. His earlier behind-the-scenes voice work is vivid.
The Doo Wop Girls have a lot of zip, Johnson is intense in his wild-eyed "Dentist!" solo, Flogel appropriately twerpy and Zuidmulder part of something special: Audrey has come from the dregs, and she's a bit tacky and always abused. In the song Somewhere That's Green, she envisions a better place with Seymour. Zuildmulder sings this with touching yearning. Meantime, projected behind her is a slide show (of Beattie's creation) showing her with Seymour and two children in idyllic home settings of sweet, ordinary domesticity. It's a wonderful sequence.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daddy D does The Rat Pack its way
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
Near the end of The Rat Pack, Daddy D Productions leader Darren Johnson lets loose with My Way. Johnson's version has the kind of gusty singing Johnson is known for. It brings back a famous song his way.
Much of The Rat Pack brings back the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.—all pictured larger than life on stage.
Some highlights: Johnson wrapping himself into One for My Baby and One More for the Road, Doug Dachelet playing with the crowd in That's Amore, newcomer to the troupe Andy Rusch hitting the last note big in That Old Black Magic, the three men galloping through Fugue for Tinhorn from Guys and Dolls and Shelly Emmer purring as Marilyn Monroe in Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend and teaming brightly with Johnson in All the Way.
The production has a slight jazz flavor, in part from the Mr. Big Note Band that backs the singers.
A lively spot is a section featuring Johnson imitating distinctive comedian Buddy Hackett. Dachelet and Johnson also stir up fun as a couple of Yoopers offering business advice to the Green Bay Packers.
One of the nice touches at the theater continues as chefs come on stage beforehand and detail in palate-appealing ways what has gone into the dishes on the menu.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daddy D heads to Vegas, takes on The Rat Pack
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
Daddy D Productions heads to Las Vegas and the famous clique that performed there in The Rat Pack" opening Friday at SC Grand Dinner Theatre. The troupe takes on the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., along with Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and others.
"There is some topical and traditional Rat Pack banter," said performer Darren Johnson, who heads the troupe. "Buddy Hackett makes a pit stop, and a couple of Yoopers show up for what they thought was a Packers shareholders meeting, 'The Rat Packers.' "
Johnson's tunes include The Lady is a Tramp and a duet with Shelly Emmer in My Way. Emmer also sings Big Spender and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Doug Dachelet will be featured in Mambo Italiano and That's Amore. Troupe newcomer Andy Rusch will be featured in The Candy Man and Mr. Bojangles.
The four-piece Mr. Big Note band is led by Shawn Postell.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storytellers has fun with oldies
Daddy D show will continue to get better with age
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
3 1/2 stars (out of 4)
It's not until the final song, Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, that the local troupe shows its full firepower of harmonies mixed in with individual bursts of color among the six out-front voices.
Before the meal, a chef takes the stage—a distinctive touch—to explain the details of what's in each entree and adds to the palate appeal.
The show finds the singers (supported by a four-piece band) playing characters who jump into songs at the drop of a line. The songs have a story to them, thus The Storytellers title.
Among the appealing moments of the show:
- Darren Johnson in Vincent, which embraces the life of artist Vincent Van Gogh and his masterpiece, which is known by how the song starts: Starry, starry night.
- Rita Baretta, Shelly Emmer and Erin O'Connell Patchak, in gowns, singing Diana Ross' Ain't No Mountain High Enough. Individually, they have solid solos as well.
- Rob Evras hitting the high spots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' Walk Like a Man.
- Doug Dachelet, as an aging hippie/minister, conducting the wedding ceremony in a spoken-word version of All You Need is Love from "the great English philosopher, John Lennon." The transformation of Dachelet from a straight-laced tenor to playing free-flying characters continued to unfold.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quality Time rolls out at the SC Grand Dinner Theatre
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press Gazette
The concept of a dinner show you can take kids to rolls out this weekend as Daddy D Productions presents Quality Time Revue at SC Grand Dinner Theatre.
"It's made up of Disney favorites and songs most folks would remember from their childhood, and the whole musical portion will last just about an hour," said Darren Johnson, who heads up the local troupe.
This show is in the hands of Chad Lemerande and Holly Terrien-Rottier, who have performed many leading roles in the summer shows of Music Theatre of St. Norbert College. They picked out and arranged the numbers.
Selections include I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan (featuring Lemerande); Part of Your World (Shelly Emmer) and Poor Unfortunate Souls (Mary Eisenreich, who also plays keyboard) from Little Mermaid; The Bare Necessities (Johnson) from The Jungle Book; and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (Terrien-Rottier, who can say the word backward) from Mary Poppins.
Other musicals with songs in the show are Hercules, The Lion King, Winnie the Pooh, Beauty and the Beast and 101 Dalmatians.
"There are plenty of songs to sing along to," Johnson said.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daddy D's country show shows spunk
By Warren Gerds | Green Bay Press-Gazette
February 10, 2007 | 3 1/2 stars (out of 4)
A unique chapter in Northeastern Wisconsin entertainment has started on a lively note with Daddy D Productions’ Bluegrass & Country: Salute to America at the SC Grand Dinner Theatre.
Led by Darren Johnson, the song/dance/comedy outfit is the theater’s new house troupe.
What people have come to expect at the SC Grand Theatre continues with Daddy D Productions—a showcase of music put together by local talent, with bits of humor and a jolly atmosphere.
Some faces are familiar—Johnson and Shelly Lahti-Emmer from Frank’s and Doug Dachelet, Rob Evras and Holly Terrien-Rottier from previous Daddy D shows elsewhere. Some faces are fresh—sisters Jamie and Kelsey Schmitz.
The show brings a tremendous talent out of the woodwork to play for a larger audience. Leading the band, Dave Sladek flashes 1,000-watt smiles as he nimbly plays banjo, Dobro, guitar and upright bass and sings. Sladek smartly directs the band of Mary Eisenreich, piano (featured in merry vocals); Justin Eisenman, guitar, mandolin and bass; Ben Moore, drums; and AJ Srubas, fiddle (featured on the speedy Orange Blossom Special).
High points for the women include a collection of Patsy Cline hits and I’ll Fly Away. Dachelet stops the show with a death lament sung acappella, with the men super in the follow-up Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Evras rouses the audience in God Bless the USA. Johnson applies his vocal muscle a number of times, especially in the quirky Mule Skinner Blues.
As in the past on the same stage, young performers fit comfortably in with veterans. This show has Kelsey Schmitz, 17, and Srubas, 18.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daddy D updates madrigal dinners
By Warren Gerds
Green Bay Press Gazette | November 27, 2006
3 1/2 Stars (out of 4)
Instead of Renaissance music and costuming from a royal court, the Darren Johnson-led Daddy D Productions fast forwards to a contemporary style of madrigal dinner with its Christmas 'Back' at the Corner.
Harmony is a big plus with this outfit that's strong on experience. That's especially the case of The Carol of the Bells, tightly teaming Johnson, Angela Thielke Zuidmulder, Holly Terrien-Rottier, Douglas Dachelet and Emily Terrell Paulsen.
Other quick highlights: Dachelet's recitation of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the middle of a song, the women and Johnson singing Joy to the World two ways, guitarist Bob Balsley in a jazzy, super-sophisticated We Three Kings, Terrien-Rottier driving guys ga ga in a sexy Santa Baby and the troupe singing a candlelit Silent Night.
Backing are Balsley, Barb Hinnendael on keyboards, Ben Moore on drums and AJ Srubas on violin.
All this follows a routine that was found in the St. Norbert College Swinging Knights' madrigal dinners that were once popular—salad starter, a greeting and soup, caroling and music leading into the wassail (cider), main course (with the chef explaining the entrees) and dessert.
The staging is moved from the original Sports Corner shows. From a stage on side wall, tables fan out in a more sensible way. The place is decorated festively.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daddy D off to good start with Broadway
By Warren Gerds, 3 1/2 (of 4) stars
There's another performance troupe in Northeastern Wisconsin. With this show, it's "official." Johnson was a mainstay performer in another troupe, the one formerly known as Frank's Dinner Theatre. Daddy D Productions is Johnson's baby.
Evening on Broadway is a cabaret-style show. It's glimpses of hit musicals through costumed songs and sometimes dance. Humor is hit and miss—and best when part of a musical's scene.
The most wowing number is Billy Joel's For the Longest Time from Movin' Out. Sensational harmonies burst from Johnson (in falsetto), Rob Evras (as lead) and Douglas Dachelet (low voice).
Emily Terrell Paulsen comes out to sing Tomorrow from Annie, only she's an aging star. Frumpy looking Anne Tique croaks, "I'm going to be 40 … tomorrow."
Paulsen is part of the zip when she, Betsy Brand and Erin O'Connell Patchak sing "Pick a Little, Talk a Little" from "The Music Man" and the troupe lets loose in song and dance (choreographed by Patchak) in the energized "Light at the End of the Tunnel" from "Starlight Express."
Live music is best, of course. This show completes that picture with band made up of Barb Hinnendael, electric keyboard; Jeff Hinnendael, drums; Dave Pufall, piano; and Bob Balsley, guitar (who's featured in "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got that Swing").
