Firebringer - Flint Community Players

 

Firebringer - Flint Community Players

By: Marshall Summers

Flint Community Players bring the fire in their production of the cult classic stone age musical,  Firebringer.

Set in the dawn of time, a band of prehistoric humans must figure out how to survive in their somewhat unexplained world when dangers, such as the dreaded Snarl, threaten their existence. 

The play is narrated throughout by the War Master (that is what they used to call her) and former leader of the tribe, Molag (Jen Dellorso), who decides that she is old and has had enough and she is going to travel to the ends of the earth. After Jemilla (Emily Sameck) diplomatically handles the Great Debate between Smelly-Balls (Olivia Dellorso) and Chorn (Jordie Parker), she is deemed the Peacemaker and new leader. 

A lazy member of the tribe, Zazzalil (Olivia Greanias) disobeys Jemilla’s orders and ultimately ends up with the greatest discovery of all time: fire!  This leads to the tribe turning on Jemilla and Zazzalil being elected the new leader. Before she is pushed out, Jemilla warns the tribe that fire will be their greatest downfall if they are not careful. Ultimately, the tribe learns that they need to work together in order to survive.

The set (Designer: Graham Parker, Artist: Jordie Parker) was relatively simple, with trees on either side of the stage. A cloud that was lit depending on the mood of the scene hung over the center of the stage and a long box lined the back of the set. It functioned as a platform and bench, among other things. To show scene changes, multiple three-sided periaktoi lined the back of the set and were turned to fit the scene. One side was a cave painting, one appeared to be a nice meadow, and the last looked like everything was on fire - because it was. The simple set enhanced what the actors were doing instead of distracting from it. 

Everyone had a microphone on their person for this musical. It was great to be able to hear all the people singing, but a little overpowering when everyone was screaming. The cast sounded amazing together and each during their solo moments (Music director Sarah Edgerton, Sound Operator Logan Neubecker). 

Costuming was simple. Each person wore a simple costume in a various shade of brown/earth tones. Everyone had necklaces or bracelets of stone or bone, which came in to play later in the production. 

Without revealing too much, there are multiple puppets in this show (Prop/Puppet Designer: Kristen Rossiter). At first, there is a little duck puppet that had flapping wings and then they get progressively more impressive from there. The detailed work on these puppets was awesome. Trunkell’s trunk was articulated and the eyes on Snarl opened and closed. Both of these puppets were large and managed by the puppeteers very well.

Overall, the cast was very impressive. From their background work, to the solos, and their movements, they all really embodied their characters. At first, everyone is angry with Jemilla for not being willing to keep up with technology. Then, once she is willing to work with everyone and compromise, Jemilla becomes the hero or likeable character. Emily Sameck did a wonderful job taking the audience through that transition. She did phenomenal in that role. Olivia Dellorso (Smelly-Balls) stood out as having really embraced and embodied the character. Jen Dellorso was hilarious as Molag.  Olivia Greanias (Zazzalil) and Kira Mailey-Parker (Keeri) were perfectly paired as the lazy tribe member and her crony. Both were amazing in their respective roles.  Jordie Parker (Chorn), whose only line throughout the production was “Chorn”, really nailed the emotions behind each “chorn”.  Charlie Cooper portrayed an awesome Supreme Wizard, Ducker. Taylor Boes was hilarious as Schwoopsie. Devon Marinco (Emberly), Starri Baase (Tiblyn), Austin Butterfield (Grunt), and Tyler Schachinger (Clark) were all amazing in their roles as well. 

Was this show worth seeing? Absolutely. It was hilarious and very well done. Firebringer was a strong show on its own, but it was a very strong way to end the season for Flint Community Players. The cast had very good chemistry among the actors and it was obvious in how they played off each other. The casting was solid and the ensemble sounded incredible. Definitely a job well done. However, anyone who has not seen this show before should know that it is not a show for children, as there are innuendos and inappropriate language throughout. 

This show ran from June 12th to June 21st and was the conclusion of the Flint Community Players’ 97th season. For tickets and information about their 98th season, visit https://www.flintcommunityplayers.com/ or call 810-235-6963