THEATRE
Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
Presented by
Austin Playhouse
at
Austin Playhouse
April 22-May 22, 2011
Avg. Event Rating (3.8 Stars):
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Austin Playhouse is proud to present the classic musical: Stop the World – I Want to Get Off! A thought-provoking tale about the fleeting nature of worldly success, this beloved musical celebrates its 50th year in 2011.
Stop the World! - I Want to Get Off is set in a circus and tells the timeless tale of a Littlechap, played by Rick Roemer, who recently starred as Lady Bracknell in our production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The show is a musical classic—a boundless, humorously entertaining, and tender story about the choices we make and the opportunities we get during our lifetime.
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At-a-
Glance
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Venue Info
Austin Playhouse
3601 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets:
Tickets are $26 Thursday and Friday and $28 Saturday and Sunday. All student tickets are half price!
Info Phone: (512) 476-0084
Buy Tickets
Check for Discount Ticket
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Dates & Times
Dates:
April 22-May 22, 2011
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Accessibility Info
Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Video & Image Gallery
Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.
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Member Reviews
Add review/comment
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Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"A trip down memory lane"
Review
posted by:
theaterlover
from Austin,
May 19, 2011
Stop the World: The cast - especially Rick Roemer & Angela Davis - deserve a full 5 stars. Both give a great performance - well supported by the Ensemble. The show features beautiful music/songs -...
Expand
Stop the World: The cast - especially Rick Roemer & Angela Davis - deserve a full 5 stars. Both give a great performance - well supported by the Ensemble. The show features beautiful music/songs - i.e. "What kind of Fool am I?" which withstood the test of time. Some scenes in the play - first performed in 1961 - have a strong feeling of having been overcome by events - whereas the portrayal of Littlechap's ambition at any price is very up to date. A strange juxtaposition. Some of the play is in dire need of editing - and one of the lines should even be cut. (The announcement of the arrival of Littlechaps flight in NY contained a bit of an advert - something to the effect: "if you are dying to fly choose American Airlines" In light of more recent history that line should be changed or better yet cut - and no one should object to that.) In light of those observations, "Stop the World" deserves maybe 3 stars.
As a trip "down memory lane" however it is a couple of hours well spent!
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Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Stop the World an interesting concept well performed..."
Review
posted by:
DerekJ
from Austin,
Apr 26, 2011
My initial trepidation at the outset of this show didn't last long, thankfully. The show starts in the center of a small "circus" ring, with a lone actor miming various routines and seeking approval...
Expand
My initial trepidation at the outset of this show didn't last long, thankfully. The show starts in the center of a small "circus" ring, with a lone actor miming various routines and seeking approval from a bevy of beautiful "chorus girls." My thought immediately was "Is there any dialogue in this show?" Alas, there was... albeit cryptic at times. Luckily, my companion and I were able to decipher different bits between us, and ended up with a clear picture of the progression of the plot. At this point, I must justify the 3.5 stars instead of something higher. This has more to do with the show itself than the capabilities and execution of the performers. Rick Roemer does a nice job in the main character Littlechap, with a fully developed character and a good voice. Angela Davis, though, playing the various women in Littlechap's life, excels by transforming herself into a Russian, German, and Texan, with impeccable accents and characterizations. Beautiful voices from the ensemble as well.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Circus of life?"
Review
posted by:
Marshall
from Austin Texas,
Apr 25, 2011
A unusual show with one male actor who portrays a character who changes/or not over time-ably done by Rick Roemer. The female lead plays 4 characters and each one has her own distinctive dialect and...
Expand
A unusual show with one male actor who portrays a character who changes/or not over time-ably done by Rick Roemer. The female lead plays 4 characters and each one has her own distinctive dialect and movements--Angela Davis excels and delights as each. I did not know anything of the plot of this play going in or its songs, and did find that the opening scene was slow. However once Rick (husband) and Angela (wife/other roles) started interacting the pace and spice went up dramatically.The chorus of young ladies in colorful outfits also provided extra characters who interacted w Little Chap as he aged, and grew. Did he ever grow up? That is a central question of the play.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
""Sawdust, Elephant Poop & Tightropes""
Review
posted by:
Ronda Dale Kirk
from Spicewood (Austin), TX, USA,
Apr 25, 2011
The setting for this play is billed as “the circus of life,” and the cast and ensemble deliver an energetic “three-ring-circus” of a show, even if production stage mgr. Barry Miller was only...
Expand
The setting for this play is billed as “the circus of life,” and the cast and ensemble deliver an energetic “three-ring-circus” of a show, even if production stage mgr. Barry Miller was only able to squeeze a colorful single ring onto the arena stage. But that’s as it should be – impressionistic. The minimal set, cast and costumes are part and parcel of this aging musical covering the allegorical rise to success and personal instability of “Littlechap.”
Rick Roemer, brilliant singer-actor-educator, is the aspiring (and perspiring) “Littlechap.” He plays it in mime make-up, occasionally stopping the action to comment to the audience. As family and corporate responsibilities grow, so do the women in his life -- “Typically English,” Russian, German, American – all played by one woman, Angela Davis. Ms. Davis’ pleasant voice was occasionally lost in the band’s volume, but her dialectical characters were great fun.
“Lumbered,” “...Sludgepool,” “Nag, Nag, Nag,” (more)
Collapse
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Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"What Kind of Fool Am I?"
Review
posted by:
A Casual Observer
from Austin, Texas,
Apr 25, 2011
Some married men never realize that the only person they have ever truly loved is themselves, but the lead character in “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off” does comes to that very realization at...
Expand
Some married men never realize that the only person they have ever truly loved is themselves, but the lead character in “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off” does comes to that very realization at the end of the musical, in the fairly well-known song “What Kind of Fool Am I?” In the Austin Playhouse version, the costumes are colorful, the stage is set like a circus ring, and the singers are fantastic. The female lead, Angela Davis, portrays his wife plus 3 other characters, and delivers remarkable performances, especially with strong German, Russian, and Southern accents. Although some of the references are dated, some behaviors and issues never really change from one generation to the next, like some men preferring to have sons instead of daughters, and cheating on their wives when they can get away with it. It is apparently your last chance to see a play at this venue before Austin Playhouse moves to their new location.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Would You Stop Your World?"
Review
posted by:
Lassie
from Austin, TX,
Apr 25, 2011
Ever had one of those days? Well, Rick Roemer’s Littlechap is having a lifetime of “those days”. In Austin Playhouse’s presentation of Stop The World, I Want To Get Off!, we see Littlechap...
Expand
Ever had one of those days? Well, Rick Roemer’s Littlechap is having a lifetime of “those days”. In Austin Playhouse’s presentation of Stop The World, I Want To Get Off!, we see Littlechap rise from a comedic tea boy at a manufacturing plant to a member of Parliament. His life-choices (and wandering eye) come with plenty of consequences – hence the title – but would he really change his decisions if given a second chance? Roemer’s musical portrayal of Littlechap draws us into the circus that’s his life, allowing us to see his world with each move up the ladder, in both the excitement of a new flame, and the hum-drum of his home life. Roemer’s vocal talents are spot-on, moving through the fast-paced, tongue-twisting Mumbo Jumbo, to the well-known finale, What Kind Of Fool Am I? Angela Davis excels at playing the four women, moving effortlessly between the various accents – in song, no less! Come and experience Littlechap’s world – and see if you’d want to stop it too!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Not a "Typical" early 60s Musical"
Review
posted by:
Vicki McKain
from Austin, TX,
Apr 24, 2011
An entertaining early concept musical,Stop the World,is a metaphor full of satire of various topics and parodies of Cold War time. Main actors, Rick Roemer and Angela Davis, embody the emotions of...
Expand
An entertaining early concept musical,Stop the World,is a metaphor full of satire of various topics and parodies of Cold War time. Main actors, Rick Roemer and Angela Davis, embody the emotions of their characters well. Ms.Davis skillfully uses 4 different accents for her characters. Her songs are well sung and humorous. There are fun, clever lyrics in many songs,such as the Mumbo Jumbo song about politics,which still fits today showing things never change. Some are songs you've heard, but probably never knew were from this musical. Mr.Roemer's voice is enjoyable though at times I wished for a note to be held longer. The band is actually another character in the show and very good throughout as well as were the colorful costumed women of the chorus. Austin Playhouse is closing soon during the process of building/opening a larger theater in January. They intend to "join the ranks of the nation's leading regional theaters". I've seen many quality shows here so it's a good bet they will.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Da, Ja, Yes"
Review
posted by:
Meyers
from Austin, TX,
Apr 24, 2011
A fun show! This 1960’s musical is about a guy’s
search for better life. Not quite sure how to achieve
this better life, this married man pursues a few
international women to find what he...
Expand
A fun show! This 1960’s musical is about a guy’s
search for better life. Not quite sure how to achieve
this better life, this married man pursues a few
international women to find what he wants. He
finds what he is looking for in his own family. The
show has a circus like feel to it, the set being much
like a circus ring. An ensemble of young women
provides an interesting element to the show. The
lead actors, Rick Roemer and Angela Davis, do a
great job. This show closes the season at Austin
Playhouse. Stop the World ... time to get tickets.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Still Rings True"
Review
posted by:
Preston Kirk
from Spicewood TX USA,
Apr 24, 2011
Whether or not you remember the talented Anthony Newley or realize it has been a half-century since this musical debuted in West End London, its revival at Austin Playhouse is a welcome reminder that...
Expand
Whether or not you remember the talented Anthony Newley or realize it has been a half-century since this musical debuted in West End London, its revival at Austin Playhouse is a welcome reminder that love is life's sustaining force despite all the mistakes we may make along the way. The vastly talented Rick Roemer, a theatre prof. at Southwestern U., Georgetown, portrays Littlechap, the ambitious "tea-boy" who excels in life beyond his own imagination while shortchanging his wife Evie, played by Angela Davis, and his children. Roemer's high energy and style play well in the small circus set (clever staging in a near-cabaret-sized space). Davis adroitly handled the "global roles" of Anya (Russia), Ilse (Germany) and Ginnie (U.S.)--Littlechap's infidelities--but occasionally was overwhelmed by the size of Roemer's voice. Kudos to the 10-member Ensemble of actress-singers and to the band (Sigrest, Cruz, Kumme, Young). Certainly, older patrons will be moved to reflection. I know I was.
Collapse
-
Media
Gallery
-
Member
Reviews
-
Member Reviews
Add review/comment
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"A trip down memory lane"
Review
posted by:
theaterlover
from Austin,
May 19, 2011
Stop the World: The cast - especially Rick Roemer & Angela Davis - deserve a full 5 stars. Both give a great performance - well supported by the Ensemble. The show features beautiful music/songs -...
Expand
Stop the World: The cast - especially Rick Roemer & Angela Davis - deserve a full 5 stars. Both give a great performance - well supported by the Ensemble. The show features beautiful music/songs - i.e. "What kind of Fool am I?" which withstood the test of time. Some scenes in the play - first performed in 1961 - have a strong feeling of having been overcome by events - whereas the portrayal of Littlechap's ambition at any price is very up to date. A strange juxtaposition. Some of the play is in dire need of editing - and one of the lines should even be cut. (The announcement of the arrival of Littlechaps flight in NY contained a bit of an advert - something to the effect: "if you are dying to fly choose American Airlines" In light of more recent history that line should be changed or better yet cut - and no one should object to that.) In light of those observations, "Stop the World" deserves maybe 3 stars.
As a trip "down memory lane" however it is a couple of hours well spent!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Stop the World an interesting concept well performed..."
Review
posted by:
DerekJ
from Austin,
Apr 26, 2011
My initial trepidation at the outset of this show didn't last long, thankfully. The show starts in the center of a small "circus" ring, with a lone actor miming various routines and seeking approval...
Expand
My initial trepidation at the outset of this show didn't last long, thankfully. The show starts in the center of a small "circus" ring, with a lone actor miming various routines and seeking approval from a bevy of beautiful "chorus girls." My thought immediately was "Is there any dialogue in this show?" Alas, there was... albeit cryptic at times. Luckily, my companion and I were able to decipher different bits between us, and ended up with a clear picture of the progression of the plot. At this point, I must justify the 3.5 stars instead of something higher. This has more to do with the show itself than the capabilities and execution of the performers. Rick Roemer does a nice job in the main character Littlechap, with a fully developed character and a good voice. Angela Davis, though, playing the various women in Littlechap's life, excels by transforming herself into a Russian, German, and Texan, with impeccable accents and characterizations. Beautiful voices from the ensemble as well.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Circus of life?"
Review
posted by:
Marshall
from Austin Texas,
Apr 25, 2011
A unusual show with one male actor who portrays a character who changes/or not over time-ably done by Rick Roemer. The female lead plays 4 characters and each one has her own distinctive dialect and...
Expand
A unusual show with one male actor who portrays a character who changes/or not over time-ably done by Rick Roemer. The female lead plays 4 characters and each one has her own distinctive dialect and movements--Angela Davis excels and delights as each. I did not know anything of the plot of this play going in or its songs, and did find that the opening scene was slow. However once Rick (husband) and Angela (wife/other roles) started interacting the pace and spice went up dramatically.The chorus of young ladies in colorful outfits also provided extra characters who interacted w Little Chap as he aged, and grew. Did he ever grow up? That is a central question of the play.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
""Sawdust, Elephant Poop & Tightropes""
Review
posted by:
Ronda Dale Kirk
from Spicewood (Austin), TX, USA,
Apr 25, 2011
The setting for this play is billed as “the circus of life,” and the cast and ensemble deliver an energetic “three-ring-circus” of a show, even if production stage mgr. Barry Miller was only...
Expand
The setting for this play is billed as “the circus of life,” and the cast and ensemble deliver an energetic “three-ring-circus” of a show, even if production stage mgr. Barry Miller was only able to squeeze a colorful single ring onto the arena stage. But that’s as it should be – impressionistic. The minimal set, cast and costumes are part and parcel of this aging musical covering the allegorical rise to success and personal instability of “Littlechap.”
Rick Roemer, brilliant singer-actor-educator, is the aspiring (and perspiring) “Littlechap.” He plays it in mime make-up, occasionally stopping the action to comment to the audience. As family and corporate responsibilities grow, so do the women in his life -- “Typically English,” Russian, German, American – all played by one woman, Angela Davis. Ms. Davis’ pleasant voice was occasionally lost in the band’s volume, but her dialectical characters were great fun.
“Lumbered,” “...Sludgepool,” “Nag, Nag, Nag,” (more)
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"What Kind of Fool Am I?"
Review
posted by:
A Casual Observer
from Austin, Texas,
Apr 25, 2011
Some married men never realize that the only person they have ever truly loved is themselves, but the lead character in “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off” does comes to that very realization at...
Expand
Some married men never realize that the only person they have ever truly loved is themselves, but the lead character in “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off” does comes to that very realization at the end of the musical, in the fairly well-known song “What Kind of Fool Am I?” In the Austin Playhouse version, the costumes are colorful, the stage is set like a circus ring, and the singers are fantastic. The female lead, Angela Davis, portrays his wife plus 3 other characters, and delivers remarkable performances, especially with strong German, Russian, and Southern accents. Although some of the references are dated, some behaviors and issues never really change from one generation to the next, like some men preferring to have sons instead of daughters, and cheating on their wives when they can get away with it. It is apparently your last chance to see a play at this venue before Austin Playhouse moves to their new location.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Would You Stop Your World?"
Review
posted by:
Lassie
from Austin, TX,
Apr 25, 2011
Ever had one of those days? Well, Rick Roemer’s Littlechap is having a lifetime of “those days”. In Austin Playhouse’s presentation of Stop The World, I Want To Get Off!, we see Littlechap...
Expand
Ever had one of those days? Well, Rick Roemer’s Littlechap is having a lifetime of “those days”. In Austin Playhouse’s presentation of Stop The World, I Want To Get Off!, we see Littlechap rise from a comedic tea boy at a manufacturing plant to a member of Parliament. His life-choices (and wandering eye) come with plenty of consequences – hence the title – but would he really change his decisions if given a second chance? Roemer’s musical portrayal of Littlechap draws us into the circus that’s his life, allowing us to see his world with each move up the ladder, in both the excitement of a new flame, and the hum-drum of his home life. Roemer’s vocal talents are spot-on, moving through the fast-paced, tongue-twisting Mumbo Jumbo, to the well-known finale, What Kind Of Fool Am I? Angela Davis excels at playing the four women, moving effortlessly between the various accents – in song, no less! Come and experience Littlechap’s world – and see if you’d want to stop it too!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Not a "Typical" early 60s Musical"
Review
posted by:
Vicki McKain
from Austin, TX,
Apr 24, 2011
An entertaining early concept musical,Stop the World,is a metaphor full of satire of various topics and parodies of Cold War time. Main actors, Rick Roemer and Angela Davis, embody the emotions of...
Expand
An entertaining early concept musical,Stop the World,is a metaphor full of satire of various topics and parodies of Cold War time. Main actors, Rick Roemer and Angela Davis, embody the emotions of their characters well. Ms.Davis skillfully uses 4 different accents for her characters. Her songs are well sung and humorous. There are fun, clever lyrics in many songs,such as the Mumbo Jumbo song about politics,which still fits today showing things never change. Some are songs you've heard, but probably never knew were from this musical. Mr.Roemer's voice is enjoyable though at times I wished for a note to be held longer. The band is actually another character in the show and very good throughout as well as were the colorful costumed women of the chorus. Austin Playhouse is closing soon during the process of building/opening a larger theater in January. They intend to "join the ranks of the nation's leading regional theaters". I've seen many quality shows here so it's a good bet they will.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Da, Ja, Yes"
Review
posted by:
Meyers
from Austin, TX,
Apr 24, 2011
A fun show! This 1960’s musical is about a guy’s
search for better life. Not quite sure how to achieve
this better life, this married man pursues a few
international women to find what he...
Expand
A fun show! This 1960’s musical is about a guy’s
search for better life. Not quite sure how to achieve
this better life, this married man pursues a few
international women to find what he wants. He
finds what he is looking for in his own family. The
show has a circus like feel to it, the set being much
like a circus ring. An ensemble of young women
provides an interesting element to the show. The
lead actors, Rick Roemer and Angela Davis, do a
great job. This show closes the season at Austin
Playhouse. Stop the World ... time to get tickets.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Stop the World, I Want to Get Off
"Still Rings True"
Review
posted by:
Preston Kirk
from Spicewood TX USA,
Apr 24, 2011
Whether or not you remember the talented Anthony Newley or realize it has been a half-century since this musical debuted in West End London, its revival at Austin Playhouse is a welcome reminder that...
Expand
Whether or not you remember the talented Anthony Newley or realize it has been a half-century since this musical debuted in West End London, its revival at Austin Playhouse is a welcome reminder that love is life's sustaining force despite all the mistakes we may make along the way. The vastly talented Rick Roemer, a theatre prof. at Southwestern U., Georgetown, portrays Littlechap, the ambitious "tea-boy" who excels in life beyond his own imagination while shortchanging his wife Evie, played by Angela Davis, and his children. Roemer's high energy and style play well in the small circus set (clever staging in a near-cabaret-sized space). Davis adroitly handled the "global roles" of Anya (Russia), Ilse (Germany) and Ginnie (U.S.)--Littlechap's infidelities--but occasionally was overwhelmed by the size of Roemer's voice. Kudos to the 10-member Ensemble of actress-singers and to the band (Sigrest, Cruz, Kumme, Young). Certainly, older patrons will be moved to reflection. I know I was.
Collapse
-
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