←Recommendations of Maria Rasputin in Spangleland

  • Nora Louise Syran: Maria Rasputin in Spangleland by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos
    “

    Step right up and produce this one! This spectacle-driven play reminds us to be wary of all things that sparkle; that said, this piece is truly a gem. Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos, Ring-Master Extraordinaire, will leave audiences speechless as the worlds she creates are as breathtaking as the transitions between them. Completely immersive, dark, and yet riotously funny. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the three Weird Sisters: Lottie's malapropisms, Imperia's nicknames and Buddy's acerbic humor, as well as the meta-theatrical elements and the "new objectivity"/Cabaret-esque quality to the...

    Step right up and produce this one! This spectacle-driven play reminds us to be wary of all things that sparkle; that said, this piece is truly a gem. Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos, Ring-Master Extraordinaire, will leave audiences speechless as the worlds she creates are as breathtaking as the transitions between them. Completely immersive, dark, and yet riotously funny. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the three Weird Sisters: Lottie's malapropisms, Imperia's nicknames and Buddy's acerbic humor, as well as the meta-theatrical elements and the "new objectivity"/Cabaret-esque quality to the overall style of the piece. Brava! (Oct 23, 2024)

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  • Daniel Prillaman: Maria Rasputin in Spangleland by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos
    “

    There’s nepotism & then there’s being Rasputin’s daughter. McBurnette-Andronicos plays the acrobat herself, dancing an enthralling & tantalizing absurdist playground in front of our (non-magical) eyes. Designers will particularly devour this play, but any in the room with it will too. There’s spectacle & deeply funny wit in every line, but also a grand musing on the nature of lies and blissful, willful ignorance, and how that makes true connection, however fleeting, mean everything. Brilliant.

    There’s nepotism & then there’s being Rasputin’s daughter. McBurnette-Andronicos plays the acrobat herself, dancing an enthralling & tantalizing absurdist playground in front of our (non-magical) eyes. Designers will particularly devour this play, but any in the room with it will too. There’s spectacle & deeply funny wit in every line, but also a grand musing on the nature of lies and blissful, willful ignorance, and how that makes true connection, however fleeting, mean everything. Brilliant.

    ”
  • Joan O'Dwyer: Maria Rasputin in Spangleland by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos
    “

    Let’s say you’re an artistic director looking for a new play to engage and astound your audiences. You’d be wanting a playwright with confidence. One who can create a world, a realm (hell, even a viewpoint!) never before seen, but one familiar enough for theatre-goers to walk around in and enjoy. Here Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos offers up a three-ring circus of characters: some historical, some seeking what they’ve lost, some in literal pain. What’s real? What isn’t? I imagine Kelly dreams in color. Yep, neon color. Walk around in her world and you may, too.

    Let’s say you’re an artistic director looking for a new play to engage and astound your audiences. You’d be wanting a playwright with confidence. One who can create a world, a realm (hell, even a viewpoint!) never before seen, but one familiar enough for theatre-goers to walk around in and enjoy. Here Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos offers up a three-ring circus of characters: some historical, some seeking what they’ve lost, some in literal pain. What’s real? What isn’t? I imagine Kelly dreams in color. Yep, neon color. Walk around in her world and you may, too.

    ”
  • Peter Fenton: Maria Rasputin in Spangleland by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos
    “

    In the very best way possible, I'm having trouble placing a comp title for Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos' wonderfully absurd Rasputin-inspired historical drama circus play! What I know for sure: it's an absurd premise with elite turns of phrase in the dialogue and plenty of room for spectacle for the set designer, director, costume designer, and actor to really sink their teeth into. I would love to see this play staged, if only to witness the immersively frightening experience laid out in these circus acts. I imagine my vision only scratches the surface of potential for this show!

    In the very best way possible, I'm having trouble placing a comp title for Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos' wonderfully absurd Rasputin-inspired historical drama circus play! What I know for sure: it's an absurd premise with elite turns of phrase in the dialogue and plenty of room for spectacle for the set designer, director, costume designer, and actor to really sink their teeth into. I would love to see this play staged, if only to witness the immersively frightening experience laid out in these circus acts. I imagine my vision only scratches the surface of potential for this show!

    ”