The Road Theatre Company

THE SMOKE AND ICE FOLLIES follows a hilariously desperate family of competitive figure skaters as they scramble to land perfect pairs partners. Tenny, the only non-skater in the family, falls hard for Phillmore, a tormented tobacco heir who may or may not be the right match. An uplifting romantic comedy with a dizzying array of spins, loops, twists, falls and triumphs.
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Zach Dulli
Suzanne Friedline
Shaun O'Hagan
Donne McRae
Heather Sher
Stephanie Stearns

Back Stage West Critic's Pick

2 ADA Award Nominations
Best Production - The Smoke and Ice Follies
Zach Dulli, Suzanne Friedline, Shaun O'Hagan, Donne McRae, Heather Sher
& Stephanie Stearns - Best Ensemble Cast

“CRITIC'S PICK...Mark Eisman's charmingly funny rink-centered trifle.Caroline McWilliams directs with a pace and cleanliness rarely seen.Stearns is a true find in the lead, evocative of any number of fine comediennes but very much her own woman. Her sweet indetermination is all the more lovely when seen next to the grim ambition of Sher's character, a girl who comes off as the child Joan Rivers hid because Melissa was infinitely more well-mannered. Sher's delivery, with her modulated rusted hinge of a voice, exhibits flawless timing. As a tiny but talented skater, conflicted on so many levels about so many things, Dulli excels. The statuesque Friedline is quite touching as she, too, seeks her path in the land of the wee. Choreographer Maureen Robinson's graceful finesses of the fact we're working without ice and skaters is never better shown than when Friedline and Sher execute a marvelously horrible Firebird.Desma Murphy's primary color set--save for the motel area done in the palate of stain and grime--and David B. Marling's sound design bring a rink to life in a space barely large enough to support a slick puddle. The costumes are smart, clever, and often dazzling."
- BACKSTAGE WEST
To read the full review, click here.

“HILARIOUS...Mark Eisman, the playwright, presents six very entertaining people who may be credited with making some very funny and sometimes rather intelligent remarks...The stage is set to look like an ice skating rink. Off to the right and on a second level is a hotel room. And all of this is the clever creation of Desma Murphy. It captures our fullest attention, even as we enter the theater. The story opens with the young brother/sister team of Scott (Zach Dulli) and Tenny (Stephanie Stearns) attempting to learn the necessary tricks to earn a 6.0 from the judges. The only problem is Tenny refuses to be thrown. Along comes Gloria (Heather Sher) who loves to be thrown, and the team of Scott and Gloria are born. Meanwhile, Tenny decides to work as a maid at a nearby hotel and, while cleaning, comes across Philmore (Shaun O'Hagan). In their introductory scene, she sees the need for giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and comes up with a mouth full of smoke in a most hilarious vignette.All these shenanigans and craziness make for a very enjoyable two-plus hours because of Mr. Eisman's clever dialogue and Ms. McWilliams fast-paced direction. David B. Marling, the sound designer, does a fine job of making the audience believe it is actually hearing the slash of the blades through the ice in the rink.This play should be seen, because, for one thing, it is fun!"
- SHOWMAG
To read the full review, click here.

“HILARIOUS…For a unique, endearing, madcap evening of theatre, this is the one to see! Once again, the innovative Road Theatre folks have picked a winner! Frequent theatre award winners for their top-notch dramatic productions, it has been ages since they staged a comedy. Written by Mark Eisman, with lighthearted, quirky humor, and deliciously ditzy characters, I loved this play. We enter the world of competitice ice skating (on a terrific ice rink set by Desma Murphy with clever video work by Curt Bonnem and K.C. Marsh), as a each search for the perfect pair partners (both in life and on the ice). Director Caroline McWilliams’ playfully animated staging inspired her cast of six to give loveably cartoon-like depictions…Fun and wild costumes by Ricky Lyle, effective lighting by Christian Epps, excellent sound design by David B. Marling, and hilarious faux skating choreography Maureen Robinson must also be applauded! This is a rousing, feel-good play. Try to skate on by and see it!”

- THE TOLUCAN TIMES
To read full review, click here.