Durham Enviro Stars

The Green Room’s Neo-Variety Show is for those who wish to have a novel theater experience but are not overly-concerned with staying within the confines of ‘legitimate theater’. The Neo-Variety Show offers a grab-bag of short skits and scenes, ranging from the simple and elegant to, sadly, the unutterably stupid. Scene presentation is determined in an impromtu manner by the audience members, who select from a numbered list what scene they would like to see.

A number of the scenes simply did not work for me, such as Dr. Ento, Insect Psychologist, which quickly lost its initial format and diverged into an unlikely mating between a Preying Mantis and a Bee. The scene Nepenthe, based on a Greek word which translates as inducing forgetfulness of sorrow or easing pain, instead develops into a Greek-chorus call for revenge and death. There are, however, a few gems amidst the rubble. Especially effective is The Very Big Deal, a tongue-in-cheek skit which successfully makes use of every double entendre and sexual innuendo in the book. Also worthy of mention are several fake radio spots, titled Active Radio’s Kung Fu, and Active Radio’s Mega Cleaner 2000, which are extremely clever and well done, and provide a nice respite from the sometimes over-zealous activity on stage.

Standout performances from the cast include Mark Barsekian as the show’s M.C., as well as his role as the disinterested lover in The Romance Scene. Barsekian shows great comedic timing and movement throughout. Shallon Ferris has some fine moments, most particularly opposite Barsekian in The Romance Scene and in her pre-show mini-logues (yes, that’s right, a very short mono-logue, delivered intimately to you in your seat). Her passion and zest are infectious, and she often helps carry the energy onstage. The collective dance scene Boogie Oogie makes wonderful use of costumes and masks, and had the audience clapping its hands enthusiastically. Joshua Heuertz’s Custom Scene (the only improvisational piece of the night) was a simple, poignant, yet humorous rendition of an Orpheus-like journey into the underworld of Hades to recover his dead wife.

Broadway shows are available for both online and offline booking. The shows are scheduled and always available well in advance for booking purpose. It is important to know that the theatre management applies the thumb rule of promotion and response from the visitors. As the theatres are always equipped with shows round the year, it is easier to receive a note worthy response to restrict the show timings and days. It is important to note that the theatre have their own fully functional portal where user can easily browse the latest shows and offerings.

The Broadway portal is a secure and safe site to book tickets and pay online. All the transactions are covered under SSL certificate. Due to the flexible management policy, people should book the tickets in advance to grab their seats. The interactive show slider on the home page of the portal provides a quick overview of the shows running along with link to book tickets. The portal provides add on information related to cast, overview, reviews of earlier shows, and various other discount offers. The discount codes will assist you to receive worthy discounts on shows decided by the management.

Offline, Broadway tickets can be purchased through assistance of hotels present nearby the Midtown area in New York. Users can also visit the concerned theatre showcasing the show and purchase tickets. The discount offers are also available offline and it is a common practice that shows with tight budget is available at economical prices. The promising part in purchasing tickets is the membership option offered. The option is also available for online booking. The membership option will assist to provide timely updates on the upcoming show and special feature to pre-book it. Theatre lovers should opt for this option because they can book many tickets at great prices.

In London there is a wide range of attractions and things to do and see, including going to see a top London show, shopping in Oxford Street, or watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Here are five essential items to bring when you’re on a London short break:

1. Camera:

A camera is an essential item to take on a London break, as there are so many attractions and sights you will want to snap. If you’re going on a theatre break in London you might even spot Noel Sullivan around the area before a performance of Grease and take a sneaky snapshot to show your friends. You could even take a picture of Piccadilly Theatre before the show to remember your day.

2. Spare change:

Spare change can come in very handy when you’re going to watch a London show. A purse full of coins can be used to buy drinks and sweets before the show and you can also treat yourself to an ice cream or a programme to get that true theatre experience. With the queues at the interval why not save the hassle of waiting for the correct change and have more time to enjoy your ice cream.

3. Map:

Maps are vital to have when you’re visiting such a big city like London. If it’s a map on your iPhone or a standard paper map it can still be helpful on a theatre break. Whether you’re going to see Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre or Dirty Dancing at the Aldywch Theatre, you will still need a map, as you wouldn’t want to miss the start of your show by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

4. Binoculars:

If you’re lucky enough to get a front seat on your London theatre break then you probably won’t need these. However for the rest of the audience, especially those fairly far away from the stage, can still get the front seat experience. Bringing along a pair of binoculars to see the stars of The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is strongly recommended especially when all 46 performers are on stage for The Circle Of Life.