By Shelby Coleman
This week, Cincinnati Landmark Productions opened BurgerTown at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. The perfect mixture of Little Shop of Horrors and Grease, this new musical has audiences bebopping along to new hits that feel nostalgic.
The Story
BurgerTown is a delicious musical comedy set in the Windy City. When Danny O’Riley (Josh Galloway), a timid fry cook accidentally invents the hottest new craze in the fast-food world; the Triangle Burger, he takes the humble BurgerTown diner from its lowly place beneath the tracks of the Fullerton train station to soaring new heights. Along the way, Danny encounters bad guys, big business, and beautiful women. While he struggles to hold onto his sanity as he chases his dreams for success, romance, and a fast-food fortune.
Although this is a new story to most, the plot line that we follow feels familiar. This musical manages a glorious amalgamation of over-the-top camp with heart-felt real world problems. Filled with well-known stereotypes such as mobster cronies, 50s style stoop girls, sultry villains and the golden girl, BurgerTown is a must to quench your light hearted summer needs.
Josh Galloway, Daine Paige, and Chloe Hedrick in Cincinnati Landmark Production of BurgerTown.
Performances
CLP regulars, Josh Galloway (Danny), Delaney O’Toole (Jan), Chloe Hedrick (Patty) and Dain Page (Sal Spumoni) create the perfect principal cast whose lighthearted antics keep audiences enthralled in a story that they have no yet heard. Galloway’s voice and characters choices are reminiscent of Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. He captures the perfect mix of a down and out good guy who wins at life and gets the girl in the end.
Delaney O’Toole’s Hollywood starlet-esque voice was captivating. The smooth tone and calm, effortless control, made audiences confident that she could take us on this new journey with grace. She manages to bring genuine emotions into a hyperbolic stereotype that others may lose when playing for laughs.
Josh Galloway and Delaney O’Toole in Cincinnati Landmark Production of BurgerTown.
Dain Paige, a local favorite, brings the perfect amount of “dirty old man” to Sal Spumoni. The Mr. Muchnik to the story, Paige can move from micromanaging penny pincher to in too deep gambler within seconds. His chemistry with Patty (Chloe Hedrick) brings a deeper level of comedy to the stage. Hedrick plays the perfect sultry villainess. Her character is reminiscent of Velma Von Tussle from Hairspray or a female version of the dentist from Little Shop of Horrors. Her use of physical comedy shows a true control of body. Hedrick’s witty one-liners and hilariously accurate facials take this trope to a new level.
Solid Ensemble
The five-person ensemble of this production must take on multiple characters while on stage including but not limited to mobster cronies, hungry lawyers and unbelievable customers. The ability to switch between so many larger-than-life characters must be truly exhausting however each member does so with grace and efficiency. A favorite of the crowd is found in the number Jingle Wars, which incorporates hilarious themes you would never think of associating with food.
Marlo D’Ascenzo, Zach Petrie, Emma Hackworth, Issiah Current, and Mabrey Rice in CLP’s production of BurgerTown.
Local Creativity
The 50s stereotypes are undeniable in this production. BurgerTown includes a book by Ken Jones, music by Jamey Strawn and lyrics by Christine Jones. This local team has created what is sure to be a new fan favorite musical. Featuring styles and characters types that we know and love, BurgerTown is the perfect addition to your summer fun.
Choreographer, Maddie Jones, has created some visually stunning moments throughout this production that take it to the next level. Her precise use of arm-ography is the perfect choice for the “back up dancer” moments through the production. Jones’s use of the bar, chairs and tables create stage pictures that bring the audience into the world of BurgerTown. Jones is able to create stunning and hilarious dance moments in a relatively tight space. This speaks to her expertise and true understanding of the show.
Mabrey Rice, Marlo D’Ascenzo, Emma Hackworth and Chloe Hedrick in CLP’s production of BurgerTown.
Overall
BurgerTown is the perfect mix of laughter and entertainment. CLP has brought the spotlight to a lighthearted and fun production that was created right here in our own backyard! You don’t want to miss this opportunity to see all that the Queen City has to offer!
Tickets to BurgerTown
BurgerTown runs through August 3, 2025, at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater, 801 Matson Pl. Cincinnati, OH 45204. Purchase tickets at the Box Office online or call 513-241-6550.
