"Das Barbecu"

July 30, 2016 — "Das Barbecu," a musical comedy with book and lyrics by Jim Luigs and music by Scott Warrender, relocates Wagner's Ring to present-day Texas and transforms it into a rollicking, high-energy hootenanny, replacing Wagner's arias with country and western, jazz and Texas swing. This is a challenging production for any company. Five actors each play multiple roles. I counted a total of twenty-two different characters.

Blair Hundertmark directed this show for The Barnstormers in Tamworth, New Hampshire, in the company's 86th season. Taylor Shubert was the choreographer. Emily Cohn was the musical director and conductor. Emily Nichols designed a nice rustic set. Mary Selvoski had many costumes to design for this production, and her work was impressive.

Cheryl Mullings, in one of her roles as narrator, carefully explains the plot points because the audience needs help following the action in the fast-paced show. Her powerful voice in song and dialog easily carries to the far reaches of the theater. Tall, athletic Jared Troilo plays his multiple roles, principally Siegfried, with boundless energy. Portly Darryl Winslow hams it up delightfully in the roles of Wotan, Gunther, Hagen, a Texas Ranger and a giant. Darcie Champagne and Rachel Alexa Norman play, among other roles, Brunnhilde and Gutrune, respectively, each believing Siegfried is engaged to her.

The Haynes Family Foundation sponsors this season for The Barnstormers, "Das Barbecu" is sponsored in support of the Tamworth Farmers Market.