Club Theatre Company, which performs in a tiny, intimate setting at Club Diversity in German Village, is bringing Broadway to Columbus without the extravagant prices. Despite the affordability, the level of talent is unparalleled. These local triple threats are amazingly talented, better than most touring companies.

The recent production, A New Brain, was a heartbreaking emotional rollercoaster with superb performances. Lead Michael DeSantis as Gordon, a floundering composer whom endures a medical intervention by a lackluster medical team after collapsing with his agent at lunch, is a natural talent. His downplayed portrayal of a character that could easily become pitiful gives Gordon dignity. Gordon’s sailing obsessed lover Roger is almost purely comical relief. Played completely straitlaced by Matt Welsh, Roger becomes even more humorous because of the serious portrayal. Dan Nash is brilliant as Mr. Bungee, a totalitarian children’s show character who haunts Gordon’s drug induced hallucinations. Two other stand-out performances are Amder D’Souza as a homeless woman who acts as narrator – segue and Denae Rall as Gordon’s Mother (she easily has the best voice in the entire production).

Some racy scenes were very tastefully staged and the balance of fun and message are a testament not only to the writers, but the wonderful directing by Ryan Scarlata. Since the venue is so very intimate the staging had to be creative. If you were shy you quickly overcame it as the audience became part of the show immediately – such a great solution to what could have been a space nightmare.

If you missed this production do not miss the next from this blooming theatre company

Review by Linsey Griffith
Photos by David Heasley