By Holly Gould
Desert Star Theater has once again struck comedy gold with their current production of James Blonde: Agent 7-11 in License to Thrill in Murray, Utah. This show is the latest in a longstanding tradition of over the top musical theater parodies. Written by Jenna Farnsworth and directed by Scott Holman, this side-splitting spy story is adapted from the 2009 movie Casino Real by Ben Millet.
Since 1989, Desert Star Theater has been a go-to destination for family friendly entertainment. With outrageous musical parodies, and dinner options delivered right to your table, audiences are sure to leave with a smile on their face and their bellies full. The theater’s fun western theme brings you right in to the fun-filled, saloon style atmosphere where you are greeted by friendly wait staff. Accompanist Catie Omer Quigly invites the audience to fully participate in song and action as you cheer the hero on to victory or boo the villains offstage. She is truly a master of the keys, as she provides the music live for the entire production with great skill.
The story follows super spy Agent 24/7 (Madison Bartell) who is partnered up with the over rated James Blonde (Todd Michael Thompson) in a bold mission to stop the evil Professor Blowfish (Dan Larrinaga) from taking over the world with his hypnotic plan. Hilarity ensues as the spies travel across the land in their attempts to put an end to the criminal mastermind.
Bartell is skilled at delivering her fast-flowing lines with ease and humor. She flips back and forth as a take charge woman who gets the job done, and the damsel in distress who is enamored with her boss. She is great at showing different sides to her character.
Thompson’s James Blonde is smarmy and overconfident. He consistently delivers quick one-liners and great physical comedy in his perfect spy impersonation.
The fearless leader of the super spy team is Director M&M, played by Lee Daily. He was my personal favorite character of the show. He delivers very clever jokes on a regular basis and is skillful with his comedic timing.
Larrinaga plays the perfect villain from the first moment he comes onstage and is another favorite in the show. He cleverly mocks the boos from the audience many times through the evening and keeps pushing his evil plot forward.
Assisting Professor Blowfish in his evil plans is the ultimate femme fatale, Ivanna Yakalot (Hillary Akin Carey). Her melodramatic performance brings many laughs through the evening. Her timing, womanly charms, and fantastic facial expressions contributed greatly to the show.
Bridging good and evil is the alluring assassin Sister Mission Mary/Hunny Pots played by Larissa Villers. As an unwilling double agent, Villers presents us with two very different characters. Her physical comedy is most enjoyable to watch.
Both sides have a great need for a go-to gadget guru. Sara McDonald plays the evilly enthusiastic and ever eager sidekick Life Hack, who always has a genius invention for any situation they come up against. She is bold and committed to her underappreciated character. Heroic helper QWERTY (Matt O’Malley) is always at the ready with his own creations for the good guys and is charming and sincere in his character.
Set designers Rick Bergsma, Russ Gallegos, and Remington Sorensen bring practical imagination to a set that matches perfectly with the over the top and comedic show. The star of the set is the rotating cloud screen, which brings realistic movement to the stage during several different scenes of the show, including a ski lift, airplane, and a ship at sea. Another favorite is the Ken doll on a helicopter. The design is fun and creative while very practical at the same time.
We did take advantage of the offered menu and ordered dinner at the theater. The menu offers a great variety for all tastes, and the food is plentiful and filling. The wait staff is friendly and attentive without being disruptive during the show.
An additional bonus occurs after the show ends, and the cast presents a British Invasion olio, or short musical review. This features high energy songs from the mid-60s, along with clever comedy routines. It is a fun way to end the show that will get audiences singing along and dancing in their seats.
This hilarious production of James Blonde: Agent 7-11 in License to Thrill is truly a great example of harmonious ensemble work. While the characters are all fun and unique by themselves, a fantastic energy happens as the cast works and interacts with each other. With puns a-plenty and many jokes that reflect both local and pop culture, audiences are sure to be pleased and entertained. Everything about this show is family-friendly but is recommended for ages five and up. If you are looking for a fun night out, the Desert Star Theater in Murray, Utah will definitely hit the mark.
Desert Star Theater presents James Blonde: Agent 7-11 in License to Thrill, Written by Jenna Farnsworth.
Desert Star Theater, 4861 S State Street, Murray, UT 84107
January 9-March 21, 2020 Check website for showtimes
Tickets – Adults: $26.95, Children: @15.95 (11 & under)
Contact: 801-266-2600
Desert Star Website
Desert Star Playhouse Facebook Page
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