Review: Sirens play at Hippodrome

As you walk up the dark hallway to enter the stage area of the Hippodrome, you are transported into the enchanting Mediterranean seaside. The stage design is made up of cool blue and white colors and the serene ambiance that only the set designers of the Hipp could magically create. When you enter, you are ready to begin your voyage on a cruise to the Greek Isles, along with the cast of the hilarious adult comedy, SIRENS.

SIRENS is about a married couple who have been together for 25 years. Their son has left the nest and now the two of them are at the stage in their married lives where they both need to find the passion they once had when they were first married. Sam (Michael Crider) and Rose (Nell Page) have lived off of the royalties of a song that Sam wrote for Rose, “Rose Adelle,” when they first started dating.  Rose discovers Sam’s all-female (with the exception of his brother) Facebook friend list. The couple decide to take a romantic Mediterranean cruise to see if they can spark that fire they had before.

Everything is fine until Sam hears the call of a not-so-mythical siren and jumps overboard to find her. The beautiful siren (Lauren Nordvig) becomes Sam’s muse, except she just won’t stop playing solitaire. (Nor does she understand what battery life is). Sam begins to realize that there is “no place like home or with Rose.”

Many couples who have reached that 25 year anniversary mark could relate to the adult situations in this story. Not only did the show’s dialogue flow perfectly, but the input of today’s technology, social media and real relationship issues made it easy for couples of all ages to relate.

The show is fast-moving, and not a scene went by without audience members (especially couples) nudging each other, nodding yes in agreement, or laughing so hard they were tears. The play is a must-see for anyone. The actors are outstanding and you will leave the theater with your face hurting from laughing so hard. Whether you are in a relationship or not, it is a most enjoyable night at the Hipp. A standing ovation well deserved.

***Writer’s note: After the show, I was honored to attend a talkback session with the playwright, the award-winning Deborah Zoe Laufer. She graciously spoke to audience members and answered every question. Deborah is currently working on a musical version of SIRENS which will be her first. She suggested up-and-coming playwrights to join a writers group of individuals that you trust. Throw ideas out to them and have free writing exercises. She complimented her “poets of the theater” (the set designers) and surprised a few audience members by telling them she used to do stand-up comedy. She also confessed that she constantly thinks about acting again. Her advice and honesty was inspirational, and it truly was a great experience to be able to meet such a talented writer.***

SIRENS is directed by Lauren Caldwell, Artistic Director of the Hippodrome State Theatre and produced by Mary Hausch.

SIRENS at the Hippodrome Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8:00pm and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2.

Tickets and information: (352) 375-4477. Price: $12.00 – $32.00.

-CR