This Ship Certainly Didn't Tank...Well, Sorta

Friend and local food blogger extraordinaire, Julie Niesen*, proposed an offer that the sis and I couldn't refuse: wanna come to a free blogger preview show at The Falcon?

Admittedly, I'm not a big fan of musicals. Not that I don't think they're fantastic and all...I really think it's because they weren't really a part of our lives growing up (the folks never really took us to any. And I've only seen a handful in my adulthood.)

So when asked to attend ANY musical, I'm always - undeservedly so - a little reserved.

So what an absolute pleasant surprise when Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical - based on the original, cult 1972 film - exceeded my expectations...and definitely won me over.

Produced by The Falcon Theater (housed in the Monmouth Theater) in Newport, KY - and directed/choreographed by Dan Doerger - the wonderfully talented cast definitely delivers the perfect concoction of camp, kitsch...and vulgarity...in retelling the tale of the S.S. Poseidon passenger ship, capsized by a 90' tidal wave, and how a priest and a mixed-band of nine survivors make a life or death journey through the bowels of a ship.

Another unique tidbit about the musical is that it's only been performed once before in Chicago, with the musical and book's brainchild, David Cerda, playing many roles in the original production. From Chicago to Newport, KY? Now if that's not putting the K-Y on the arts map, I don't know what is.


Without a doubt, one of the best highlights of the show, for me, came from the precocious boy child Robin Shelby, played by Donnie McGovern. McGovern certainly steals the spotlight with his performance, hilarious facial expressions and flirtatious dalliances with the audience. It was as if he was born to play this role.

Another show stealer, hands down, is that of Belle Rosen, played by Joe Stollenwerk. To say that Stollenwerk knows how to do drag would be insulting. He EMBODIES drag with such ease and "grace," it's hilariously creepy.

"Keep on Climbing!"

So, do whatever you have to...walk...drive...or swim 35 feet underwater...to see who survives this musical mayhem!

Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical
Fridays & Saturdays @8p: May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16
Rating: not recommended for children
Tickets and Reservations

Because remember...the show's not over...until the fat lady swims...

*Niesen is costumer and performer for The Falcon Theater