Compliment, Review: Johnny Johnson at Kenan Theatre Company

“Johnny Johnson” was a great production all around, for many reasons. The show is certainly not one that plays itself and must have a creative vision and understanding to get it across. Your direction made it feel all of a piece with each segment part of defined arc. The pacing was astonishingly tight and so satisfying to see the actors understand what it takes to make a show vibrant. And the actors were on the same track, all so wonderfully aware of the need to stay focused and keep to the established world of the show. In such a large cast, it was significant that, no matter the size of the part, everyone contributed at the highest level.

The physical production added so much to the enjoyment of the production, not only from the historical perspective but in the clever use of certain photos for commentary and others for artistic and spacial impact. The orchestra was a show on its own, so marvelously right for Weill’s special musical world. The choreography had an intriguing layer of commentary on its own. And the idea of everyone being in military garb with just costume pieces added for non-military characters was brilliant.

It’s rare to say that there’s nothing wrong with a production but I’d be sorely pressed to find something. You and the whole cast and crew deserve high accolades for this impressively committed endeavor, especially with such non-standard material. Thanks for a fine afternoon of theater.


Roy Dicks

Triangle Theater Critic