MANSFIELD — This might be the first review of live theater in the history of Richland Source. I know it’s my first review of live theater, that’s for sure. This is a good thing, friends. I am not remotely qualified to have an opinion about singing, dancing, stagecraft, lighting or choreography.
However, there’s a few things we’re all experts in. We all know joy when we see it. We know laughter when we hear it. We know togetherness when we feel it. We all know a legacy when we’re part of it.
And so — based upon the principles of joy, laughter, togetherness and legacy — here is my everyman’s review: You should immediately purchase tickets and go see “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” today at 2:30 p.m. or on Friday, Saturday or Sunday of next week.
A combination of regional and national talent
Like most events at the Renaissance, local and regional talent is on stage and backstage and everywhere in between. Folks like Beau Roberts, Kelly Knowlton, Michael Thomas, Aaron Nicolas, Ryan Shealy and our own Leah Gesouras aren’t only creative forces in their own right, they’re our people. They represent us up there on stage, and they’re fabulous.
What makes this production even more special is… I dunno… everything?
- A hilarious Tony award winning musical by Stephen Sondheim? Check.
- A full 24-piece orchestra? Check.
- A historic Wurlitzer organ? Check.
- Perfectly unrealistic, cartoonish sets and costumes? Check.
Oh yes, there’s one more little thing.
Emmy winning Ohio-native Jeff Richmond is back in Mansfield
Three time Emmy winner Jeff Richmond has returned once again to the Renaissance and brought a crew of talented friends like Brian Stepanek, John Lutz and Kyle Selig to headline the production. These and other nationally known guest stars and production talent at the top of their game have come together with our neighbors to create something very special.
Michael Thomas, the Ren’s artistic director, says it better than I ever could:
“Jeff has worked tirelessly. Directing, starring in, designing the set, arranging the music and buying everyone pizza. We are so grateful for his undying support, vision and humor.”
Safe to say everyone at Saturday night’s premiere felt the same sense of gratitude. Last evening was all the good things live theater can be, all in one place and time.
President & CEO Chelsie Thompson says the momentum is both thrilling and deeply humbling.
“Every time these artists come to Mansfield, they fall in love with the people, the process, and this extraordinary theatre,” Thompson said.
“It’s incredibly humbling to share our special place with people from across the country, and even more meaningful to see them carry those experiences back out into the world, spreading genuine excitement about Mansfield. Starting the new year with this kind of energy reminds us just how much is possible when a community believes in its arts,” she said.
Joy, laughter, togetherness and legacy
For nearly 100 years, The Renaissance Theater has operated in Mansfield. Its history and periodic travails are well-documented. Does anyone really want to return to 1979 when it had a short life as an X-rated movie house before closure, reorganization and restoration began in the 1980s?
Or when its stage went quiet in 2020 due to COVID?
This is where legacy comes in. As the Ren approaches its 100th birthday in 2028, they’ve embarked on something they’re calling the Road to 100. A portion of the proceeds from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum are being donated to support reinvestment in this jewel of Mansfield’s cultural scene.
What this means is your ticket to joy, laughter and togetherness at the Ren is also supporting its legacy for years to come.
