Striking 12

Waiting until New Year’s Eve might be the obvious way to see Striking 12 at New Stage Collective (NSC), but by then you’ll likely have a hard time finding a seat as it’s the show’s closing night.

 

In fact, I suspect that once word gets out about this show it will be hard to find a ticket. NSC’s recent Caroline, or Change was a virtual sell-out during its month-long run. 

 

Please don’t think this is merely a concert of cool tunes. Oh, the tunes are cool, to be sure, and well performed by five musicians, including NSC’s multi-talented Alan Patrick Kenny at the keyboard and singer Lara Courtney.

 

Three more performers, all CCM-trained musicians, fill out the tight musical ensemble, joining Kenny, who provides pulse-pounding keyboard work.

 

Kenny is especially fascinating to watch: His intense playing, intimately attuned to music and lyrics, means he almost dances while he plays and sings. (All performers remain stationary through the show, like musicians in a band.) His singing is expressive, and his acting accurately shapes his lonely, grumpy character.

 

I suspect Striking 12 might be a show people will want to see more than once — it’s simultaneously a good concert and a piece of engaging theater. What’s more, it’s something different for the holidays. Guys who say they don’t like theater can take their dates to this one, and everyone will have a great time.

 

CINCINNATI CITYBEAT

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Cincinnati Entertainment Award Nomination:

-Outstanding Alternative Show