Whatcha Doin?
Stark and Wesner are compelling presences, defying the inherent limitations of webinar acting, with
bright and engaging but wholly natural styles.
Given Zoom’s challenges, the performer has to “pop” beyond a gauzy digital haze … but not *too* much. Not quite film, not quite stage, effective characterization has to break through the uncanny valley, remaining humanistic, yet not becoming flat. Stark and Wesner both excel, building a dynamic relationship in a brisk 20 minutes that is compelling, believable, poignant, and deeply affecting. To capture the ephemeral spark of unfolding friendship is tricky business on stage or screen, so
it is a rare, almost voyeuristic thrill to watch Stark and Wesner’s nuanced work here.
Whatcha Doin?
Kate Stark expertly portrays the cynicism and disillusionment
that came with Marnie’s sudden childhood stardom, while also showing us the reasons she became popular, alternating during several different animated character voices during one short sequence of the play. We see her simultaneously flattered by Raven’s excitement, and also tired of it.
Late, A cowboy Song
Kate Stark absolutely kills it as Mary. You can feel every single emotion she goes through and sympathize with her...
Stark brings physicality and the little touches that really sell the believability of her performance.
Kate Stark as Mary in Late, A Cowboy Song. Photo by Angie Lipscomb.
Kate Stark as Mary in Late, A Cowboy Song. Photo by Angie Lipscomb.
Mary, played with aching sincerity by Kate Stark, a woman perpetually late — late for appointments, late for clarity, late for her own becoming.
Stark’s performance is a gentle unraveling;
she draws the audience into Mary’s private tangle of doubt and longing as the holidays — and years — whirl by.
Kate Stark as Ethel in Footloose. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Footloose
Ren’s mom, Ethel, played by Kate Stark, who supports her son through his trials and tribulations, is a superb actress and also has a lovely voice. Both Cordes’ and Stark’s
performances rival any Hollywood actor.
Z is for Zebra (Cincy Fringe Festival)
She’s interrupted by a hyper-enthusiastic Teacher’s Assistant
played with boundless energy by Kate Stark…
Kate Stark’s performance as the Teacher’s Assistant is a whirlwind of nervous excitement and blind institutional cheerleading.
Kate Stark (left) as the T.A. in Z is for Zebra. Photo by Anjali Alm-Basu.
Kate Stark (left) as Ivy Smith in On the Town. Photo by Angie Lipscomb.
On the Town
A beautiful & surprisingly heart-rending
job on the ballet “Presentation of Miss Turnstiles”... The entire cast is vivacious and tireless in this coruscating production.
— Nathan Top, League of Cincinnati Theatres
… Ivy Smith played delectably by Kate Stark…
Best singing voices were Kate Stark, Kali Marsh and Anna Brown.