‘Bubba’s Revenge’ a fun time
By Eric McCrea
If you’ve been missing The Honkytonk Angels, then Salem Community Theatre has the cure for what ails you.
“Bubba’s Revenge” is the third and final chapter in the “Angels” series by Ted Swindley. The title is a reference to a classic jazz song “Count Bubba’s Revenge” but it’s a bit of a misnomer, as the story decidedly lacks any vengeance.
Instead, we find Darlene Purvis, played by Nicole Slaven, the breakout star and former “Angel” enjoying a booming career in Nashville. But when a tragic mirror-ball accident results in her demise, her former bandmates inherit her wealth and, more importantly, her bar/performance venue, Honkytonk Heaven.
Angela Bodine, played by Julie Benner, drags her husband Bubba (Mark Frost) along for the ride to meet up with Suellen Smith-Barney-Fife, played by Amanda Frost, and her beau Cornell Crawford (Tim Carr) as they plan a birthday and Halloween extravaganza in memory of their fallen friend.
However, psychically sensitive Bubba becomes unraveled after seeing Darlene’s ghost, but no one will believe him.
Despite the haunting, the show must go on.
Classic country hits from the likes of Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton make this musical lively and familiar.
Audience participation also plays an important part in the show, and even the band is more than just musical accompaniment.
While the cast was packed to the brim with talent, opening night had a few issues. Microphones were a glitch throughout, but sound operator Cheryl Kekel deserves some credit for quick thinking, dealing with volume problems on the fly. Late cues and general coordination among the cast also plagued the evening. The cast managed to stay upbeat and kept the show moving despite these minor, but constant hiccups.
Vocally, the cast was strong and the trio of angels sang beautifully together. Benner, Slaven, and Miss Frost delighted the audience with their medleys in perfect harmony.
Benner was also impressive during “Elvira,” breaking the fourth wall with positive results.
Mr. Frost, as the shows namesake, also took on narration duties like a redneck Burl Ives. His duet with Benner, “You Are the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” was fun, but his character lacked the absence of volume control, which was a real missed opportunity for laughs, especially when interacting in the marital confines.
Donny Wolford was a hoot as fan-club president Little Jimmy Timmy and really stood out during his solo of “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” His performance with Miss Frost and Carr garnered some of the biggest laughs of the evening.
The strongest singer was Slaven during her solos, but it was also impressive to see her pull back and blend during trio numbers.
The band, led by Gary Kekel, was impressive and amiable with the audience, getting to interact at the beginning of the second act. DJ Depanicis was a standout on guitar.
Despite feeling rushed to the stage, “Bubba’s Revenge” was a fun time and a sure delight for any fans of classic country music.
The show runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For reservations call 330-332-9688.