The Great American Trailer Park Musical

I had the pleasure of seeing a matinee of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Given that the show is recommended for mature audiences and contains adult themes and language, the usual matinee crowd was a little depleted and the smaller audience was supplemented by 'actor types' catching the matinee between their own shows. Despite the small (and intimidating) crowd, the actors worked the audience deftly band the cheers and whoops in response to the performance were genuine and well-deserved.

Set in Armadillo Acres Trailer Park in Florida, this story about the residents of the park is told by Park Manager Betty (a good anchor performance by Cicely Binford) and her friends Linoleum (a nicely brash Cassie Skinner) and Pickles (Therese Cruise confidently using her curves to great advantage). This trio work beautifully together and deliver well sung, cleverly acted performances, playing multiple characters and storytelling with ease.

Agoraphobic Jeannie Garstecki is very nicely portrayed by Joanna Taylor. She is surprisingly convincing despite looking about twenty years too young for the role and delivers a beautifully managed performance. Her wayward husband, also too youthful, is well played by Mitch Lawrence.

Caroline Perks looks great as Pippi and plays the leggy exotic dancer with energy. Her slightly unhinged boyfriend is powerfully yet playfully played by Tom Hutton.