By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
photo by Brian Gawne
Queen Vultura (Heather Stricker) drips with evil, plotting to defeat Cronan and all those who fight for freedom.
Meanwhile at the Gaslight Theatre, where Queen Vultura (Heather Stricker) wants to rule the world, tempers are boiling over a different sort of moment in history.
Eschewing any interest in real world politics, Gaslight's co-directors Mike Yarema and Kathryn Byrnes are taking us to mythical times reminiscent of the Roman Empire, albeit with dragons, centaurs and a pair of sword-swinging female heroes who intend to set the world right by thwarting the evil intentions of Vultura. Her dark superpowers are also enhanced by a magic mirror on the wall.
We are talking “Cronan the Barbarian,” a Gaslight tale originally written by Peter VanSlyke. Should you notice any similarities to that Hollywood gladiator with muscular excellence, “Conan the Barbarian,” those details are purely coincidental.
Towering Todd Thompson plays the freedom-loving Cronan, whose accent does bear a striking resemblance to early Arnold Schwarzenegger (“Hear me now and understand me later.” )
Vultura matches Cronan's perspiration of intensity drop for perspiration drop, adding peals of the most wicked laughter this side of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Vultura's slinky blackhearted dreams of lustful power will call for some heavy metal sword slinging, mendacious moments of confounding sorcery, sneering dragons with the most caustic breath, vaudeville jokes worthy of the Catskills and that mirror of reflective powers.
Nor is there a shortage of henchpersons on the relentless Queen's sinister side, led by General Ataxia (Jake Chapman) and joined by the aptly named Reptilius (Charlie Hall).
Adding spirit and virtue to Cronan's bold stand is the pure of heart Princess Persephone (Janee Page), getting a prestidigitous boost from the equally worthy Soothsayer (Taylor Thomas).
As for the traditional aftershow olio the Gaslight gang takes us to meet Dolly Parton and some of her friends. There is Kenny Rogers, of course, Tanya Tucker, Dolly's trio singing with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, followed at a distance by Homer and Jethro.
“Cronan the Barbarian” runs through March 30, with performances at various times, Tuesdays through Sundays in the Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. Tickets are $28 plus tax, with several discounts available. Check at the box office, phone 520-886-9428, or go online at www.thegaslighttheatre.com
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