Month: March 2020

Review: Waitress @ The Washington Pavilion

Some people were born loving musical theater, some have had musical theater thrust upon them. Yeah, I’m the latter category, but I’m glad that I’m catching on. Having a dramatic kid in the house helps get guys like me out of their snobby shells!

Last Tuesday the troupe touring Waitress brought the show to the Washington Pavilion, playing to a sold-out-ish crowd. Waitress was a little film about a small town gal who bakes her feelings into award-winning pies at a small town diner. Sara Bareilles — she who won’t write you a love song — adapted the film into a musical back in 2015 and it’s had a great run.

Fantastic cast on this one, with Ms. Bailey McCall taking the lead role. Her voice alone could carry the show – really exceptional, earning a double round of applause on the big number “She Used To Be Mine.” Also: Live band. Canned music always sounds a little off at these things, a little overdone, a little out of step with what’s happening on stage. These guys nailed it.

The Pavilion’s been bringing more show like this to town, and you ought to give them a chance. Looking to get your feet wet? Next season they’ve got the Jimmy Buffett musical “Escape to Margaritaville” on the bill. How ’bout that for a gateway drug?

Mash Madness: Three Down

Alright, with the way things are going, I’m not sure if I’ll get around to the other two… can you get a pint in a to-go cup? Is that legal?? But here are a few thoughts on the beers my crack team o’ tasters got around to last week:

WoodGrain Brewing Co. Mash Madness Brew: Snobbery
As they say: “The Snobbery is a super sessionable NE-Style IPA. Get your fill of citrus and tropical fruit notes with a little hop bitterness. The Snobbery is a refreshing beer perfect for any time of the year!” My take: This is a great beer! Fantastic beer! My perfect cup-o-suds! But they’ve had it on tap before, so I just can’t give ’em a vote for phoning one in.

Remedy Brewing Company Mash Madness Brew: Amaretto Sour
As they say: “Inspired by the cocktail it’s named after, this refreshingly tangy German Berliner Weisse made with house toasted almonds, tart Oregon cherry, and vanilla will send your taste buds on a rollercoaster of flavor! Your first sip begins with a rush of tart cherry, followed by a toasty nuttiness that mellows into soft vanilla and bready wheat.” My take: You gotta lot going on! This is definitely a one-beer-with-dinner drink, something to sip at while expanding your palette. I’m thinking a nice piece of salmon off the grill on an early summer’s eve. So, did I like it? Well, sure. It was fun.

Fernson Brewing Company Brew Name: Tropical Punch Smoothie Sour
As they say: “Kettle soured ale fermented with passionfruit, pink guava, pomegranate, and madagascar vanilla beans. Juicy,  sweet, and tart.” My take: Again with the sour! Trends being what they are, I won’t downvote this guy for not being an IPA. There’s more to life than hops, or so I’m told. That being said, this beer has ’em and more. No, it’s not going to be my everyday elixir, but I like what it’s doing. Nice balance of extra elements. But it’s still beer, under there.

At the end of the evening, Fernson’s Tropical Punch Smoothie Sour was the squad’s unanimous favorite. I’ll let you know how Severance and Monk’s fair if we get around to round two. I’m pretty sure that local brews are good for what ails ya, right?