DAD'S SEASON TICKETS - Love It More Than Football

From left to right: John Rottier as Edgar, Sierra Rottier as Gabby, Jenavieve Plutz as Rhonda, Mark Thompson as Ralph, Bob Zimmerman as Frank, and Mariah Kiefer as Cordy in Dad's Season Tickets. Photo credit: Anne Kenny Creative

A review of Dad's Season Tickets

by Sofia Gilson, age 16

The musical Dad’s Season Tickets follows the intricacies of the three Kosinski sisters’ relationships as they argue over who should inherit their father’s Lambeau Field season tickets in his will. The production was strong, with a cast of passionate actors, a beautiful set, and wonderful costumes, with only minor weaknesses.

The set that immediately awaits upon entry to the theatre is, in nature, a simplistic Midwestern home, but complex upon inspection. Designer Michael Talaska included small details of family photos, wall decorations, coat racks, and a general lived-in atmosphere. The incorporation of the scoreboard and stadium seating was creative and created an easy split from the home setting. Various exit points throughout the set made for natural transitions as well.

The lighting of the stage, designed by Corey Helser, was a bit weaker on the other hand, with some scenes leaving the focused characters unlit. In some of the ensemble-style numbers, such as “When You Live in Green Bay,” some actors were left in the dark as well. Similarly, the dates projected upon the scoreboard occasionally read incorrect years, making the dates of some events muddled.  I viewed a preview performance of this show, though, so the above-listed points may have since been further polished.

My opinions on the wardrobe for the show (designed by Ashley Abshire) were mixed. I appreciated the elaborate Packers attire incorporated in almost every scene, but more inclusion of the era’s period-typical clothing could have been implemented for further immersion into the story, set in 1996-97. Some of Gabby’s costumes also seemed ill-fitting, such as her green overalls, but this was not a recurring problem. Ralph’s lucky jersey, with its various states of cleanliness, was specifically well done. First in its standard state of unwashed, then stained by food, then a partial cleanup job with evident filth. This specifically showed the gross lengths Ralph went through in hopes of the Packers winning, and it was displayed perfectly through the costume choices made.

The Kosinski sisters (Cordy, Gabby, and Rhonda) were all played by strong actresses  (Mariah Kiefer, Sierra Rottier, and Jenavieve Plutz) who brought amazing energy to the stage. They had convincing dynamics that sisters would have, and they paid special attention to small details to create compelling characters. Edgar and Ralph, the husbands of Gabby and Rhonda, were brought to life by passionate and humorous actors  (John Rottier and Mark Thompson) as well. 

Overall, the show was packed with lots of Wisconsin and Midwestern references, a refreshing setting to see in musical theater. Although some design elements of the show could be further polished, every actor who graced the stage brought energy and passion to the show, and overall, the production was tastefully executed.

Dad's Season Tickets runs through September 28th at the Waukesha Civic Theatre.