BWW Reviews: Washington University's Ovation Series Wows with Stellar Production of INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS

My son Zachary wasn't sure if he wanted to see Intergalactic Nemesis, and then I explained to him exactly what the concept was (and showed him a couple of clips from the website). Suddenly, he was very interested. I was instantly reminded of times we've spent together before bedtime, me clutching a comic book in one hand, and he hanging on my every word as I describe the action and portray the different characters from the story. This show brings those actions to life in exciting fashion, combining the use of 1250 panels of hand drawn action (projected on a Hi-Res screen), three voice actors who cover all the characters who populate this adventure, a talented foley artist who makes sure the atmosphere feels authentic, and a pianist who accompanies it all with a thrilling score. Intergalactic Nemesis does exactly what it sets out to do, bringing a graphic novel to life on stage in thrilling, compelling, and sometimes downright humorous manner.

The Zygons are intent on destroying the human race and taking over the Earth, and it's up to Molly Sloan, a hard nosed reporter, Timmy Mendez, her assistant who's unaware of his tremendous mental powers, and a librarian named Ben Wilcott, who's come from the future to stop the alien invasion. They'll have to contend not only with the Zygonians, but also with Mysterion the Magnificent, a crazed mesmerist in league with the Zygonians. Along the way, romance develops between Molly and Ben, and Timmy comes to grips with his newly discovered powers. It's a exciting and well-paced journey full of fun and fully fit for youngsters and adults, since there are only a few truly sinister and scary moments.

Danu Uribe, David Higgins and Christopher Lee Gibson do wonderful work voicing all the various creatures and characters. There are times when they're actually having to switch between characters and it's done flawlessly. Cami Alys adds the sound effects (created by Buzz Moran) that set the mood, and it's a pleasure to simply watch her work the various devices that create the noises that bring the story to life. Kenneth Redding, Jr. accompanies the group on keyboard and piano and does a terrific job with the original score of Graham Reynolds. The entire crew deserves kudos for their perfect execution.

Writer/Director Jason Neulander has taken an intriguing premises and delivered an exceptional presentation (based on an original idea by Ray Patrick Colgan) that seamlessly meshes the sound and vocalizations with the images created by Tim Doyle (and colored by Paul; Hanley and Lee Duhig) to create something unique and thoroughly satisfying.

Saturday's show (11/19/2011) at the Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University, was the final stop on the Intergalactic Nemesis tour for 2011. Be sure to catch this production when it starts back up again in 2012 – you won't be disappointed. In fact, you'll be amazed and entertained by the concept.

Chris has been active in the local theatre scene for over 30 years. In addition to his acting work, he's also contributed as a director, writer and composer. Though, initially a film buff, he grew tired of the sanitized, PG-13 rated blockbusters that were being continually shoved down his throat by the studios. An opportunity to review theatre in St. Louis has grown exponentially with the sudden explosion of venues and talent in the region. He now finds himself obsessed with witnessing those precious, electric moments that can only happen live, on stage.

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