By Mary Brassard
The Off Broadway Theater’s production of The Lone Texas Walker Ranger is scheduled to run through July 13th. This particular show is a marriage of many things. The “something old” being a reverence to the Walker Texas Ranger played famously by Chuck Norris, the “something borrowed” is perhaps the buzz and excitement for the upcoming Lone Ranger film, and the “something blue” being the Toronto themed side kick… The Toronto Blue Jays, being the forced reference to complete the whole MARRIAGE train of thought. Should you come see this show for the air conditioning provided at no additional charge? Should you come see it for the most reasonably priced snacks? The answer is, YES, but the show is also really good. I was honestly impressed by the clever use of props, the sets were beautiful, and there are several comedy bits that were as clever as they were funny. Now, to prove I actually saw the show, let’s give you some specific details and dig in a little.
Now, a major point I want to make… Comedy is not easy. No matter what over inflated theater ego types tell you, comedy is not easier than drama, or doing a straight piece. Comedy is a difficult to master, intricate ART! Do not underestimate the talent and skill it takes to put on a show that will make a crowd laugh. Additionally, do not underestimate the importance of a show that will make a crowd laugh. Too often, the crew involved in a comedy is put down for their lack of “message” or “political commentary,” but what would the world be like without entertainment to escape to? Without humor to take our minds off of all the other “messages” we are bombarded with day after day. To The Off Broadway Theater I say, well done!
The Lone Texas Walker Ranger is not only hilarious but extremely creative. A lot of work went into this show, and there were many elements that added production value to the evening over all. I will start with pointing out their set and prop use. From the very beginning of the show, I was struck with their staging in regards to props. The Lone Texas Ranger enters on a prop that was not only well made and visually impressive, but used hilariously. I don’t want to give too much away, but what a great use of a second pair of pants! Many more large set pieces were still to come. Several versions of prop horses, puppets (not in a worn out, we have seen puppets before type of way, but a very clever and unexpected way). The opening scene to the second act was extraordinary. They managed an effect here with black lights that is sure to take you by surprise. I have never seen a small theater do something like this. Again, I don’t want to give it away, but it was surely a spectacle. I also loved the set pieces. Little Mexico was very cute and looked the part, and their backdrops were not only nice looking, but used (I’m starting to sound like a broken record) cleverly. At one point, there were two backdrops, and actors in between different layers to achieve a certain “bit”. Then comes the “chase through the desert scene.” What a riot! A horse race right on the stage! And when the clouds blacked out the sun, I nearly died laughing (you’ll have to go see it to understand what I am talking about). The show was full of great set pieces, great props, and VERY original visual gags. It really showed how much work went into this show!
And now, the actors themselves. I was also pleased in this arena. First off, the Hero, The Ranger (Clarence Strohn). He was hilarious! He played the part of hero with just the right amount of jerk to make him a dynamically funny character. Toranto (Scott Butler), played with a brilliant and funny Canadian accent (and I loved all the Canada humor by the way!) He was charming, inviting, sweet mannered, everything a true Canadian should be. The Sheriff (Chase Dickerson) was quick on his feet and had excellent comic timing. He shined especially in his “love scene” with Betty, which brings us to Black Bart (Eric Jensen). Now, I have seen a few OBT shows where Eric Jensen was a little over the top for my taste. But in Lone Texas Walker Ranger, he made a fan of me. He was not only funny, but played many many characters, some with different accents, and all that were a welcome new part of the show. His comic presence shined in this show. There is a character that appears, in a blue onesie, knee high, and it was one of the funniest moments of the show, AND I might add, was outlandish, but didn’t take it too far to the point I was waiting for an exit. Diego (Ricardo Ramirez) and the Female ensemble (Tonya Aikens and Jennifer Halliday) were also charming. They were stand outs, but they were working very hard, and added to the show. The male ensemble was played by one man. Apollo Stephenson. He was awesome! He brought so much to a part that could have been a throw away. As BANKER Joe, he had me laughing. He also dies with great charisma! and Amy Asay and Chelsea Baldwinround out the cast as the female leads. Amy Asay was a good singer and a bad guy you love to hate. Chelsea was the ingénue, but sadly, I could not hear her most of the time, so I wasn’t able to get to know her character very well.
This script (by Shawn Zumbrunnen) and the directing (Eric Jensen and Shawn Zumbrunnen) were a big part of what made this show work. The script was not at all lazy. Rather than throwing out a lot of canned one liners, or relying on western gags, there is a plethora of very original gags. I thought the Mexican/Canadian/American standoff scene was very well written, and surprising. There is also a scene that plays on both edges of the town that was very successful (although again, I wish I could have heard it better). The sound cues were also very well executed. Every time a sound effect for a punch came in on exactly the moment of impact, I was impressed with how well timed everything was.
My only complaints would be the following. The trouble hearing things occasionally, especially from Chelsea Baldwin, and a few off stage moments. The other thing I didn’t love was the music. There were some clever lyrics, but mostly I couldn’t hear the lyrics, and they weren’t particularly well sung. Comedy was certainly a stronger area.
Comedy is what The Off Broadway Theater does, and does well. They have finely crafted their art. Comedy IS difficult. Every night, this cast has to interact with a character that they didn’t get to rehearse with, and that hasn’t seen the script. That character is the audience. In comedy (unlike a straight play or a drama) the crowd’s reactions can hurt the show or help it. It is very difficult and important to be able to feel the crowd, and handle them in order to keep the show on course. This is not to be dismissed as simple, and the OBT cast had us in their hands from the get go.
To conclude, this particular theater has its own brand of humor and a very homegrown delivery of said humor. To those who have been to a show at OBT and/or attended the Laughing Stock Improv show, you will be forced at tiny cap-gun-point to agree, you can only experience what the OBT is cooking at the OBT. A recipe for a great time with the OBT is to not take yourself too seriously – they don’t, and to be vocal with your enjoyment – they certainly are. The Lone Texas Walker Ranger can be seen at the Off Broadway Theatre, located at 272 South Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City. As an added bonus, their theater is right across the street from a Trax station. Tickets can be purchased in the lobby or online. The cool AC, the inexpensive snacks and the unique experience awaits.
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