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“ranney” is a top class comic – VERY funny with an easy, friendly style.
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Beginning with the best Aretha Franklin impersonation I have ever seen, “ranney”s one man show (And the Horse You Rode In On) lurches between the light comedy of hunting ’possum and the dark art of makin’ lurve. A myriad of characters, impersonations, observations and revelations, I laughed so much my jaw was sore.
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“ranney” rocks! I have been a drama teacher, director, actress, producer, theater manager and artistic director and have been in the professional theater for over seventeen years. “ranney” is by far one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with. He’s smart, funny, professional, articulate, versatile, and kind. He can sing, dance, play the piano, compose, choreograph, direct, write, and make you laugh out loud. When I directed him in Whirligig: The Rock Musical he absolutely stole the show. I cast him again in Zora Neale Hurston (he played all the male characters) and he lit up the stage when he recited a poem by Langston Hughes. He held the audience in the palm of his hand. And THAT was with someone else’s material. With his own words, he tackles subjects that are far-reaching, yet close to home. He crosses many worlds and is comfortable in all. He has worked with me as an assistant director on a couple of projects and I rely on his unique, keen perspective to show me things that I have overlooked. “ranney” is a special human being, and you would be wise to snatch up any opportunity to begin a lifelong association with him. He will not let you down; “ranney” will be an asset to any project that you include him on.
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“ranney” was brilliant at our show The Battle of the Axe. So good that he won
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“ranney” is simply all that and a vat of chips. Seriously, I have shared the
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“ranney” premiered most of his original work here at the Shimberg Playhouse, and I have had the privilege of hiring “ranney” as an actor for our produced events as well. He is a consummate professional who never fails to impress. His integrity and work ethic are not easily equaled. I consider myself to be lucky to have counted “ranney” among my core group of talented theatre professionals over the last several years. Although it seems clear that “ranney” is destined for bigger things, I would not hesitate to host his original work or hire him as a contract performer again. I can’t recommend “ranney” enough either personally or professionally.
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At the fringe, “ranney” took the stage by storm (at the world famous Blue
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The first time I saw “ranney” perform was a workshop of his one man show “ranney” in Surround Zound at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in 98. I didn’t know him then. He seemed very sure of himself and I was prepared to not like his piece. But, to my surprise, he made me laugh, feel jealous, afraid and delighted all in the matter of 15 minutes. I have been a fan ever since.
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“ranney” is a madman! I’m still trying to figure out if there is anything the guy can’t do. I worked with him on many shows, most notably on my musical Maxwell that “ranney” directed. During the production, “ranney” had a gift for not only knowing what I wanted, but even going beyond my expectations of what a director should be – an interpreter…It’s about doing. That being said, “ranney” has done more in all aspects of theater than most people I know.
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In August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, actor “ranney” played the part of Boy Willie with fervor and verve…”ranney” won his way through this labyrinth with a show of sheer force, with a thundering rapidity that never failed to command our attention and admiration. Exuberant and stubborn, energetic and optimistic, “ranney”s Boy Willie stood for the power of hope that a legacy of slavery could be finally overcome with the purchase of the property on which his grandparents were once slaves. Watching “ranney,” you couldn’t help but feel this enthusiasm yourself. And you couldn’t help noticing: this was a terrific performance.
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For folks who want New-York quality theater without travelling to the Big Apple, don’t miss the Center Theatre Company’s seamless production of The Piano Lesson. As the tumultuous Boy Willie, “ranney” gives a tour-de-force performance. His rage and determination suck in all the people around him…tornado of a man…magnificant performance.
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The standout here (in Bomb-itty of Errors) is a fellow named “ranney” with a remarkable range of superbly defined characters.
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…exhilirating sparky performances (in Bomb-itty of Errors) include “ranney” managing to play both Adriana and her husband Antipholus of Ephesus in a surprisingly convincing clinch.
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(In David Mamet’s Race), “ranney” and Potenza get Mamet’s rhythm. They have the most lines, yet they both beautifully manage this complex world web. Potenza crackles with kinetic energy, while “ranney” plays a cool and seasoned Henry. This guy had seen it all and guessed people’s motivations, sometimes before they knew it themeselves.
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As Sterling (in Radio Golf), Wilks’ childhood friend who has seen prison time and is on the other side of the argument and social class, the actor “ranney” is a revelation. He’s powerful in Act I, but Act II belongs to him. This is a performance that left me shaken, thrilled, talking of little else afterwards…kept me on the edge of my seat, literally. I sat there, inching forward, closer toward the stage, so moved by Wilson’s words and “ranney”s performance.
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“ranney” is the chameleon of these productions; he changes his hairstyle and facial hair to completely inhabit the many characters he has played. A few years ago he played the mentally challenged Hambone in Two Trains Running and here plays Doub, one of the jitney drivers. ranney has won two consecutive Outstanding Feature Actor Awards from Theatre Tampa Bay, an honor he richly deserves.
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