After 28 years of captivating performances, Catastrophic Theatre has once again brought joy to audiences with the release of ANOTHER DING DANG TAMARIE SHOW. A summer tradition in Houston, this installation of the much-loved series continues to cultivate a dedicated fan base, driven in part by the promise of an entertaining evening at the MATCH complemented by the venue’s air conditioning and free beer Fridays.
This marks the 29th edition of the Tamarie show, where creative forces Tamarie Cooper and her team embark on a wild journey through the creative process of crafting these unique musical sketch comedies.
The show is described as fun, frothy, and filled with humor, but with a fair dose of expletives—most notably the word ‘f*@k,’ featured in a full musical number. It begs the question: if language like this offends you, why attend a Tamarie show in the first place?
As a self-professed admirer of all things Tamarie, it is hard not to feel euphoric watching this latest creation. The dynamic between Ms. Cooper and her charismatic counterpart, Kyle Sturdivant, creates a symphony of laughter that kicks off with the initial lighting cue and concludes with the final bows of the talented cast.
The genius behind these productions lies in their ability to merge contemporary humor with nods to classic variety shows, reminiscent of Carol Burnett, alongside animated content seen in South Park, The Simpsons, or Family Guy. They present an opportunity for serious actors to shed their traditional roles and embrace silliness in a way rarely seen in conventional theater.
Audience members looking for a welcoming and imaginative experience will find themselves captivated by sketches that touch on everything from a TED talk about thespian arts to whimsical portrayals of dancing cockroaches, and even a tribute to artificial intelligence. But for those who voted for President Donald Trump or find artistic expressions like these challenging, perhaps a children’s theater matinee would be a more suitable option.
Tamarie Cooper and Kyle Sturdivant take the helm in ANOTHER DING DANG TAMARIE SHOW, with Cooper’s wit and Sturdivant’s humor filling the performance with energy. This 29th iteration leans heavily into their dynamic, with each incredibly talented performer carrying the production’s playful spirit.
From an awe-inspiring “Candyman” number performed by Sturdivant to a charming portrayal of a misunderstood monster created by Tamarie that resides in a storage unit, the excitement is palpable.
The audience is treated to a glimpse into Tamarie’s creative process as she wrestles with her artistic vision while exuding a whimsical energy throughout the show.
Among the talented cast, John Dunn impresses as a convincing personification of AI, while Abraham Zeus Zapata and Walt Zipprian contribute memorable performances that highlight their comedic prowess. Miika Stewart and Mara McGhee engage in a playful diva-off that leaves the audience in stitches, while Sara Jo Dunstan’s portrayal of a toddler version of Tamarie is nothing short of inspiring. Bryan Kaplun gives a standout, comedic performance that involves deep-throating a party balloon, resulting in a dramatic and unforgettable moment.
Supporting cast members Raymond Compton, Juan Sebastian Cruz, Dillon Dewitt, Jeanne Harris, Brandon McCormick, Jenna Morris Miller, Rebecca Randall, and Clarity Welch round out the company, all demonstrating exceptional commitment to their roles, ushering in a jubilant atmosphere as they perform.
The technical aspects of the production, always a strong point for Catastrophic Theatre, are worth mentioning. Scenic designer Ryan McGettigan and scenic construction lead Moon Papas offer an imaginative set that makes the audience feel as though they’ve entered a composition notebook. Lighting and sound design by Hudson Davis and Shawn St. John add depth to the experience, while Tim Thomson’s hilarious video inserts complement the performance seamlessly.
Tamarie Cooper is credited as the show’s conception, direction, choreography, and costume design, and one has to wonder how she manages to balance all these duties without collapsing from exhaustion.
Every Catastrophic Theatre show promises a punk rock moment, and ANOTHER DING DANG TAMARIE SHOW certainly delivers this with a rousing number titled “F@*K THIS S#!T.” The song serves as a powerful commentary on current societal issues and is a bold statement that Tamarie Cooper alone has the audacity to present within this theatrical setting.
ANOTHER DING DANG TAMARIE SHOW continues to enchant audiences with the same delightful magic seen in its 28 predecessors. The freshness and creativity displayed by Cooper and her ensemble remind us of the vibrancy of live theater. Even a conservative audience member, such as the reviewer’s 79-year-old mother, found herself impressed by Tamarie’s energy and Kyle’s captivating charisma after being convinced to attend post-Chinese food dinner.
Running at the MATCH until August 2nd, tickets for ANOTHER DING DANG TAMARIE SHOW are available under a “PAY WHAT YOU CAN” model, ensuring access to this celebratory performance. With several dining options nearby, including sushi, sandwiches, Chinese takeout, and pizza, viewers can indulge in a meal before or after the performance. One tradition that has emerged is indulging in egg rolls in honor of Tamarie, a fitting tribute to her vibrant legacy in Houston’s theater scene.
In conclusion, ANOTHER DING DANG TAMARIE SHOW is an exhilarating experience that promises laughter, creativity, and a reminder of the power of art to bring joy and reflection to our lives.
image source from：broadwayworld
