NY Review: 'MisSpelled'

Borkenstein Productions and Actors' Equity Association at the Cherry Lane Theatre as part of the New York International Fringe Festival

Reviewed by Andy Propst

August 13, 2012


An aspiring nebbish of a songwriter (Brance Cornelius) and an honest-to-goodness witch (Lauren Hoffmeier) find themselves entangled in a "Romeo and Juliet"–like romance in book writer–conceiver D'Jamin Bartlett and composer-lyricist Mark Bornfield's "MisSpelled," a sort of "Bewitched" for the borscht belt.

If the show's hoary jokes (the devil bemoans the sacrifice of a chicken, exclaiming he'd rather have had pastrami) don't set our teeth on edge, then the hokey numbers ("Welcome to Sadie's Seder/It's homemade; I never cater") and rambling book—which also contains tired gags about Hollywood, once the girl's dad (Louis Silvers) has gotten the tunesmith a gig there—will.

The uninspired quality of the material is only underscored by the performances, which range from grandiosely overblown to simply underrehearsed. In fact, this less-than-magical evening even features one performer—Paul Craffey, playing a conniving warlock—who appears to be reading his lines from sides on a clipboard.

Presented by Borkenstein Productions, in association with Actors' Equity Association, as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at the Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St., NYC. Aug. 11–26. Remaining performances: Sat., Aug. 18, 8 p.m.; Tue., Aug. 21, 5:15 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 25, 2:15 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 26, 3:15 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.
 
 
Subscribe to Back Stage

More Off Off Broadways

Independents

NY Review: 'Independents'
"Independents," with a book by Marina Keegan, at the New York Fringe Festival, is a beautifully crafted musical abou... More »

    Actor's Resources

    Search
    Casting    		 Message
    Board    		 Weblogs Yellow
    Pages
    Find
    Talent    		 Events
    Calendar    		 Video Email
    Newsletters
    NY Actor LA Actor Digital
    Edition    		 FAQ /
    Customer
    Service

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Unscripted Blog


    Visit Unscripted »

    Sponsors

    Back Stage Video

    Duncan Stewart, director of casting at National Artists Management Company, talks about opening every submission and what he wants to see in a headshot.; casting; Duncan Stewart; headshot; new york city; open submissions; Duncan Steward, director of casting, talks about what he wants from an actor in a general meeting, mainly truth, likability, and lack of ego.; advice; casting; Duncan Stewart; new york city; tips; Duncan Stewart, director of casting, talks about what he expects from an audition and common mistakes actors make.; advice; auditions; casting; Duncan Stewart; new york city; Alaine Alldaffer breaks down the real role of a casting direcor.; Alaine Alldaffer; casting; casting director; Grey Gardens; play; stage; theater; Casting director Alaine Alldaffer talks about casting "Saved" and all the misconceptions about being an actor in New York City.; Alaine Alldaffer; casting director; NYC theatre; play; saved; NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes what actors need to know before walking into an audition. (Part 1 of 2) ; Bernie Telsey; casting director; We spoke with casting director Mark Teschner about working on soap operas. (Part 1 of 3) ; General Hospital; Mark Teschner; soap opera; NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes how to give your best audition. (Part 2 of 2) ; Bernie Telsey; casting director; We spoke with casting director Mark Teschner about working on soap operas. Need only beautiful people apply? (Part 2 of 3) ; General Hospital; Mark Teshner; soap opera; We spoke with casting director Mark Teschner about auditioning for soap operas. (Part 3 of 3) ; General Hospital; Mark Teschner; soap opera; Videos for the Back Stage News & Features section.
    MOST POPULAR MOST E-MAILED

    ADVERTISEMENT