Review by Cynthia Terry, Front Row Reviewers
Cobb&Co Theater Productions brings family drama to a whole new level at the Angelus Theatre with Gobble Gobble, a heartwarming and zany comedy perfect for the holiday season. Writer John Cobb explores the complexities of family through turkey-filled shenanigans that leave audiences smiling and reflecting on the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones—no matter how imperfect they may seem.
The lighthearted atmosphere at the Angelus Theatre is cozy, welcoming audience members as they find their seats. Garion Jorgensen’s set design brought a grin to my face, evoking memories of my own childhood home. The walls, adorned with dirty handprints and scribbled Sharpie doodles, capture the kind of cringe-worthy yet endearing artwork that any parent will recognize as the work of their precious little ones.
In this riotous Thanksgiving production, each actor deserves a standing ovation for their vivid portrayals of diverse personalities. Throughout the performance, I couldn’t help but whisper to my son, “That’s just like your uncle, don’t you think?” or “Huh, I didn’t know my aunt had a twin.” I loved how the actors bring their characters to life, making me miss my own family—even with all their quirks.
Alyssa Garn, as Abigail Evans, brings a meaningful undertone that balances out the slapstick humor in the play. As someone who has gone through a divorce, I strongly empathize with her character. Garn portrays a nurturing mother, terrified that her past will define who she is. Her standout moment is when she steps outside her comfort zone and does the Gobble Gobble Dance with her children, just to see the pure joy on their faces.
Gary Taylor, as Jerry (Merry Jerry), adds an energetic charm to the stage. His turkey suit and over-the-top movements had the audience roaring with laughter, especially during the awkward singing telegram scene where he, unfortunately, reveals sensitive information that leaves the audience cringing at the situation. Taylor’s chemistry with Garn is so believable that my ten-year-old son leaned over to me and said, “Somethin’s up with these two. They have a crush on each other. They better not kiss!”
Child actor Phoenix (Charlotte), delivers a heartfelt performance as a wise sister who finds pride in her poetry. She impresses with her ability to recite her lines flawlessly. Her performance hits hard when she melts onto the couch, discouraged by her father’s absence, yet she tries to put on a happy face so her mom doesn’t see how hurt she is.
Aria Jane Hortman as Charlotte’s sister Walker bursts onto the stage with enthusiasm and a strong stage presence. Her comedic delivery, especially in scenes involving her anticipation of her father’s arrival, had the audience caring deeply for her. Hortman’s innocent banter with Phoenix shows an adorable bond between true stage sisters.
Lisa King (Jolene) shines with her spunky personality and deep-rooted Southern accent. When it comes to making her Mama happy, she never takes no for an answer. As the rock of the family, she is determined to make Thanksgiving dinner happen—even if it means infiltrating Abigail’s house to do so.
Tucker Evans, played by Ron Millett, portrays a troubled yet endearing character, reminding me of my own oddball brother. His subtle gestures, like creeping through the door and drinking the kids’ smoothie, create a carefree character who clearly loves his family—even if he can’t always stay out of jail long enough to show it.
Josh Whitehead as Rodney Evans seems like the Mama’s boy in the family, but even he has secrets. I especially love it when the world is going bonkers around him, yet he casually pulls out his video game and starts playing, despite his musket-wielding, senile Mama on the loose.
“We’ves gotsta have a partay!” Ruthie Cobb (Mama) truly brings the party to the stage with her hootin’, hollerin’, and turkey-shootin’ personality. Her crazed expressions and loud, bellowing voice steal the show. The use of her walker is hilarious, especially when she sits on it and scoots around the stage using her bare tippy toes as a motor.
Jenny Mattice plays the strong, silent boss Caroline and displays a natural talent that commands the stage. Though communicating mostly through body language, her movements and expressions don’t have to be exaggerated to get her point across.
Josephine, played by Jaicie Graham, is authentic in every calculated choice she makes on the stage. Even the simple action of pulling out her phone while the family argues about their issues adds to the realism of her character. I love her translating what her boss, Caroline, says. Because she is used as a pawn, it is believable that she would want to be something more.
Kandy Hinckley as Clyde also delivers a humorous and lovable performance, especially as she mutters and makes bee-bopping sounds with her mouth while taking her OCD character to the next level.
Food addict Patterson, played by Alexa Quigley, brings chaotic energy to her role. From rolling on the floor to exaggerated movements and puffing her chest out, Quigley puts so much gusto into her character that even real food flies from her mouth.
Kindra Senzig’s sound design plays a crucial role, especially when the character Abigail Evans tries to avoid her quirky Aunt Jolene, but the phone keeps ringing and the door shakes, leaving Abigail no choice but to face her family. I always appreciate it when the mics work well, picking up on all vocal dynamics.Erin Cobb’s costume designs add to the zany, well-developed characters. I especially love Aunt Jolene’s wild, leopard-print fashion that stood out from the rest. Davis, the wonderful director, masterfully balances the production’s humor and heart, creating extreme physical blocking that keeps the action lively and the audience captivated. Key moments, such as the “Gobble Dance” and the chase scene with grooving music, showcase Davis’s ability to weave chaos and comedy together to create a fantastic finished product. Davis leaves the message that every family has their quirks and flaws. They might not always see eye-to-eye, but every moment with them is a gift to cherish.
My favorite moment in this production is when the crazy Mama decides to load her gun. The gasp from the audience, mixed with surprised giggles, adds to the thrill of the moment. I especially love hearing the children in the audience laughing and even pointing, unprompted, to help the characters chase down Mama before she shoots someone.
This family-friendly play is a must-see. With only a few performances left, get your tickets now and prepare yourself to laugh hysterically and feast on the pure energy of the performance. Some characters are double-cast. This review reflects the Thursday evening and Saturday matinee performances, but I am confident that the Friday and Saturday cast will be equally talented.
Cobb&Co Theater Productions presents Gobble Gobble by John Cobb.
Angelus Theatre, 165 N Main, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
November 21-23, 2024
Tickets: Available online or at the door.
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