Blackhorse rocks back in time with caveman music

June 3, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Anne Ritchie
Back in the time when grandpa lived till the ripe old age of 29, when rocks were the weapon of choice and “people had ideas they hadn’t even thought up yet,” there came the inspiration for Ug, the Caveman Musical, now playing at the Blackhorse Village Players.
Multiple talents deserve applause in this production: director Jim Gillies and associate Cheryl Phillips, producer Margie Phillips, the setting and costumes (Cheryl Phillips, Wayne LeBlanc, Susan Jalbert and Jill Watts Hayward), music and dance (Tom McGill and Maya McCulloch, choreography by Elizabeth Coulter) are all noteworthy.
Ug (Mark Hayward) aided and abetted by Arg (Julian Bachlow) take center stage in the fun-filled evening. As author (though he cannot write) of the exciting tale, Hayward is about to transform the art of storytelling into theatre and Arg, as director, will launch him. Hayward makes a most charming caveman. He leaves the audience, as well as the tribe, enthralled. Caught up in excitement, Bachlow appoints himself director and doubles the enthusiasm, talent and fun.
High on the branches of Ug’s family tree sits his son Ig (Paul Bryant) who, with Bob (Adam Mosher) perform The Cooking Song, an activity central to the saga. Bryant and Mosher are lively additions to the aging clan, perking both male and female interests. Their obvious enjoyment and energy add a youthful touch to an aging clan. Add the budding talents of Sara (Ta) and Nicole Hayward (Ooo), (related to the leading actor and character), and the generations spans reality and theatre alike.
The tribe benefits from the beguiling talents of Tatata (Rose Craig) and Bandala (Michelle Lanoue) as well. Lanoue brings out the best of care, compassion, and common sense most convincingly. Her stage experience and talent add much to the role. Craig plays out the tantalizing temptress, stirring the pot and cooking up plans to the bitter end. As both females face off in the leading role in the storytelling saga, the tale is amended time and time again, and an unexpected upset controls the final scenes.
Enter Oolooki (Morris Durante), great kahuna of prehistoric times and his super cohort/pal/buddy Fatalataba (Rod Cook). Cook animates the entire cave with his entrance. He appeared near extinction as the tribal grandfather but now brings to life an excitable, bubbling character with no lack for words.
Those words acclaim Oolooki; with Durante’s regal entrance, the audience burst into applause. As Oolooki, Durante will judge the future of storytelling for Ug, the Caveman Musical, and Durante’s grand stage presence spells success for theatre, whether we see it as part of the plot or the play itself.
Judge for yourself, and call 905-880-5002 for ticket information to see Ug the Caveman Musical, at Blackhorse June 5 to 7 and 11 to 13. It’s a rocking good time!

These are a few of the cast members from Ug, The Caveman Musical now playing at The Blackhorse Village Players Theatre — Michelle Lanoue, Paul Bryant, Adam Mosher, Julian Bachlow, Rod Cook and Morris Durante.