This week, Cincinnati Landmark Productions opened Disaster! Musical at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. This production is full of 70s hits that will have you boogie-ing all night long.
The Story
Disaster! Musical follows the recipe for a 70s disaster movie to the tee. Filled with 70s hits, nuns, disco divas, young lovers and much more this cast of eccentric characters find themselves in the middle of a catastrophe while on board a floating casino during its opening night.
The Barracuda, New York’s first floating casino and discotheque, celebrates its opening night with a crowd well above the floating deathtraps capacity. Barracuda owner, Tony Delvecchio’s (Sean Miller-Jones), lack of care for safety measures has led to many cut corners all in the name of saving a quarter. This, on top of building directly above a fault line will surely lead to his guests’ doom.
The Wacky Guests
Guests from all ends of the spectrum have come out for this once in a lifetime experience. Among these guests are legendary disco diva, Levora Verona (Karli Smith), who has come to regain her fortune and the life that she knew at the height of her career. On the other end of this spectrum, we have Sister Mary Downey (Tasha Conzelman) who has come under the guise of leading sinners away from their doom. Sister Mary ensures these gamblers that they are headed on the path straight to hell, but little do they know, Sister Mary was once a gambling addict herself. Lifelong lovers Maury (John A. Langley) and Shirley (Lesley Taylor) have come to share another fun date night, but could there be more behind Shirley’s intentions?
Aside from their array of guests, the boat must also accommodate the many employees that will make this night a success. Cater waiter Scott (Charlie Norman) brings along his best pal Chad (Ryan Whitford) to pick up some chicks throughout the evening. Unfortunately, Chad ends up running into his runaway bride, Marianne (Savannah Slaby), who has come to leave behind her socialite puff pieces and kickstart her career as a hard-hitting journalist.
The Barracuda’s owner, Tony, has also managed to get famed nightclub singer, Jackie (Chloe Hedrick) to perform for free on the boat, as long as he fulfills his promise of marriage. Jackie brings along her twins Ben and Lisa (Sophie Williams) who are just along for the chaotic ride.
Disaster expert Ted (Jaylen Turner) has fears about the pier being built directly over a fault line. After testing the water on opening night, he realizes his worst fears may come true as disaster lurks for the Barracuda and its passengers.
Performances
Standout performances are given by Sophie Williams as Ben/Lisa and Savannah Slaby as Marianne. Although all characters in this show must bring the comedy to life, Williams shows comedic excellence while portraying twins. Not only did Williams have to create two separate characters, but she does it all with multiple voices, wig changes and while singing. Williams performs this multitude with grace and refinement beyond her years and has the audience cackling during her performance of When Will I Be Loved.
Savannah Slaby is no newcomer to CLP stages and stages across Cincinnati. Slaby’s vocal abilities are something that few can rival. While we know she has the vocal chops, her portrayal of Marianne shows audiences she also has the acting chops. Slaby plays an over-the-top archetype of a 70s damsel in distress that somehow brings this farce of a show back to reality. While Slaby is larger-than-life in her choices, they are rooted in authenticity and give the show a pier to hold on to.
Disaster! Production and Creative Team
The nods to the iconic 70s cult disaster films are undeniable in this production. From the language to the costumes, there is a joke around every corner. It is undeniable that director, Kat Moser-Priddy, did the research needed to create a ludicrous world that threw audiences directly into that era. Choreographer, Genevieve Perrino, has created some visually stunning moments throughout this production that take it to the next level. A favorite being the chaotic disco, full-cast numbers such as Saturday Night, Mockingbird, and Knock on Wood.
The visuals created through movement further accentuate the nonstop party in this show. The choreography and direction were further elevated by the costuming of this show. The colorful fringe and bell bottoms of act one are only rivaled by the dilapidated, post-earthquake versions of these costumes. The costumes of this production created by Costume Designer, Jenny Herndon and the costume shop team (June Hill, Jesselee Whitson, Jenny Partridge, Karen Haggis, Susan Hinnefeld) were a fun collaboration of brilliant minds. These ladies perfectly captured the chaos and calamity of the show.
Overall
This production sinks audiences into a tidal wave of 70s drama, disco and disaster. CLP has created a jukebox time machine that has audiences of all ages begging for more! Will Ted warn the others in time? Will Tony’s corner cutting lead them all to their doom? And will Sister Mary overcome her gambling addiction? You have three more weekends to find out!
Tickets to Disaster!
Disaster! A 70s Disaster Movie…Musical! runs through May 10, 2026, at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater located at 801 Matson Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45204.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online at HTTPS://WWW.CINCINNATILANDMARKPRODUCTIONS.COM/, or by calling 513-241-6550.
