Capsule Stage Reviews: A Fertle Holiday, Panto Pinocchio

Comments (0) By D.L. Groover Wednesday, Jan 5 2011

A Fertle Holiday In the mood for a big wedge of Mildred's butter pie? A Fertle Holiday is Radio Music Theatre's penultimate show before its final farewell begins in January. If you've never tasted this talented trio of inspired lunatics, it's time. Holiday never stales. It's the epitome of Christmas spirit, since it's all about dysfunctional families, and no family's more messed up — and hilarious — than the Fertles of Dumpster, Texas. Author Steve Farrell keeps his universe craftily insane. Farrell, Vicki Farrell and Rich Mills play all the characters, and always astonish and amuse. Through January 15. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt, 713-522-7722. — DLG

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Radio Music Theatre

2623 Colquitt
Houston, TX 77098

Category: Performing Arts Venues

Region: Lower Shepherd-Kirby

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Stages Repertory Theatre

3201 Allen Parkway
Houston, TX 77019

Category: Performing Arts Venues

Region: River Oaks

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Panto Pinocchio, Stages Repertory Theatre's third holiday "panto," is its weakest, with lame book, uninspired music and unsurprising performances, save for Ryan Schabach's, whose jovial and infectious stage presence soars. The 360-degree set of cogwheels and gears by Jodi Brobrovsky and the prodigiously designed costumes by Tiffani Fuller supply needed wit and charm. The musical has a smooth premise: a computer-geeky retelling of Pinocchio, but there's little joy and a great deal of worn-out burlesque. A few barbs land squarely, but the show is glum. Without an edge, we and the kids slide right off. Through January 9. Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway, 713-527-0123. — DLG