BOSTON COURT IN PAS TOSSES A PARTY

 Boston Court Theatre on Mentor in Pasadena, just up the street from The Ice House, is a classy professional space dedicated to challenging theatre..and music.  "A Going Away Party Play" by Keyanna Khatiblou pretends to be a party for Mina (Mehrnaz Mohammadi...  who doubles as her own father's sister). In fact it is a gorgeous ensemble exercise that explodes with theatrical energy and is, at once, a teach-in, a family narrative, some difficult political inquiries and in monologues to the audience, personal insights from each of the five cast members. It rolls along as a well lubricated machine. 

As characters evolve, thanks to director James Fowler, the show comes off without a hitch.. and there are lots of opportunities for hitches.

Stephen Gifford's amazing set engulfs the audience and the stage.  Gavan Wyrick's' lights are spectacular.  

Kate and Ryan as Caroline and Basir

Unaccustomed as I am to gushing, the energy generated by the cast, though the polemic turns a little hyperbolic now and then, is contagious. References to the political and cultural situation in Iran during the time of the Shah are well handled.   Mina's family has History..

The cast doubles as 'themselves' the actors, putting on a show and segues to the story of Mina's  parents meeting.  It's an interesting cultural challenge: the story of an English girl, Caroline, played by cast member Kate  (Kodi Jackman) in love with the charming Iranian guy, Basir, cast member Ryan, played by Nathan Mohebbi.  Basir is Mina's Iranian father.  Caroline is her English mother.  It's not as complicated as it might seem!

As the audience settles the cast assembles immediately  breaking the  fourth wall. The play moves adroitly pretty much abandoning the notion of Mina going anywhere. It's her story that also includes the business of the other characters discussing highly personal issues.

Again, director James Fowler, finds ways to highlight the 'actors' and their personal stuff while guiding them through the backstory narration of how Mina got to be who she is and how she currently deals with the challenges of being a young woman who may be going somewhere. 

Mateo (Giovanny Camarena) and Debbie (Cindy Nguyen) present supporting roles, but deliver heart rending monologues that turn on dealing with modern culture. 

The 'teach-in' aspect of the show reminded me of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me."  Absorbing a civics lesson  in the middle of the story... though it works.. is a stretch.  Ryan's "Democracy Target" calls for special attention, so listen up! 

Be prepared to learn  a bit about human nature and the world and remember that Mentor Street is a one way, so enter Boston Court from Lake and park in the back! This expereince is worth the effort! 

 Cast:

MINA/ NILOOFAR - Mehrnaz Mohammadi
KATE/ CAROLINE - Kodi Jackman
RYAN/ BASIR - Nathan Mohebbi
MATEO/ SECURITY OFFICER - Giovanny Camarena
DEBBIE/ MAMAN BOZORG - Cindy Nguyen

A Going Away Party Play 

by Keyanna Khatiblou

Boston Court Theatre

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 Boston Court Pasadena 

70 N Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106. Parking is
free in the on-site lot. For reservations and information, call (626) 683-6801 or go to
bostoncourtpasadena.org.
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Opening Night Performance: Saturday, September 28 at 8PM
Benefit Fundraiser Performance: Sunday, September 29 at 3PM
Performances:
Friday, October 4, 8PM
Saturday, October 5, 2PM (ASL Interpreted Performance)

Sunday, October 6, 2PM
Monday, October 7, 8PM
Saturday, October 12, 8PM
Sunday, October 13, 2PM
Saturday, October 19, 8PM
Sunday, October 20, 2PM
Monday, October 21, 8PM
Friday, October 25, 8PM
Saturday, October 26, 8PM
Sunday, October 27, 2PM
WHERE:
Boston Court Pasadena
70 N Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
Free parking is available directly behind the building

  

A GOOD GUY BY David Rambo AT THE MATRIX

John Perrin Flynn, artistic director for Rogue Machine Theatre, directs David Rambo's "A Good Guy" at the tiny Henry Murray Stage up the steps (with a new hand rail!!) through "The Office" door at The Matrix Theatre on Melrose in Hollywood.Designer of this pre-show space should be credited  It helps to set the scene for the play.

In a previous production with a slightly similar bent, Rogue Machine took us into the dark lair of Harris and Kleibold in Denver: Columbine: twenty five years ago. RMT often brings us to a political conundrum that may ask more questions that some folks can answer. The title of this play refers to an often repeated aphorism that will come to mind when you see this show. 

And.. see it:  you must. 

Rambo points us to our own conclusions, factoring in biases and even essential political beliefs whether we like it or not.  He discusses his own writing style as the story evolves, leaving some space for personal reflection. The wake of the most recent school shooting ten days ago in Georgia, emphasizes  the importance  of this issue.The issue is undeniable.

Guns.  

Wayne T. Carr, Evangeline Edwards, Suzen Baraka

At rise, we meet Anna Pope (Evangeline Edwards). Anna is the eye of the storm with the fury and flurry of The Second Amendment in the balance. It becomes the task of the audience to explore the issue and come  to grips with it. Ms Edwards vibrantly presents the first scene and sets the pace. It is fast.  It is intense.  The undercurrent of death is palpable. So many  deaths.  

 Diversity casting and double doubling challenges the audience to almost participate as the scenes change while one actor or another announces the Time and Place. Suzen Baraka as Second Detective, Language Arts, Ms. Wizner, District Superintendent, Lawyer  fills the bill with minimal costume changes, most of which we watch as the play progresses.

Wayne T. Carr as Detective, History, Principal Douglas Blatchley, Michael, Instructor  may have the toughest job switching from an interrogating detective to Anna's husband, Michael, returned from extended service in Syria. Motive for this subplot asks questions.

Jan Munroe's tight set serves Flynn's direction well. 

Rambo's   play follows it's own lead taking us from present day to days past to the events that serve as the canvas for A Good Guy's theme.  The evolution of the plot calls for the audience to suspend disbelief in a major way because of the close proximity to the action. Flynn and company meet the challenge. 

 Anna's personal arc leaves us with some questions that bring her situation to... at last...  fmeditating in a pubic park.  The denument introduces us to Logan Leonardo Arditty as The Student.  The St udent's reputation has preceded him. The playwright presents a dramatic twist that allows for Anna to fulfill her calling: to teach.

Flynn's direction for this tiny  space draws us in with deep feeling. I'd quibble with one scene, but won't.  When you go to see this show, please wear your critical thinking cap to ask what you might do if faced with an unimaginable situation. 

Cast and Crew

Directed by John Perrin Flynn

Executive Producer: Jeanne Craig

Produced by Jennifer Sorenson, Guillermo Cienfuegos

A Rogue Machine Production

Cast:

Logan Leonardo Arditty as The Student 

Suzen Baraka as Second Detective, Language Arts, Ms. Wizner, District Superintendent, Lawyer 

Wayne T. Carr as Detective, History, Principal Douglas Blatchley, Michael, Instructor 

Evangeline Edwards as Anna 

Production Team:

Jan Munroe (Scenic Design)

Christine Cover Ferro (Costume Design)

Christopher Moscatiello (Sound Design)

Dan Weingarten (Lighting Design).

Founding Artistic Direct......John Perrin Flynn
Artistic Director............Guillermo Cienfuegos
Co-Artistic Director...................................Elina de Santos
Executive Director......................................Justin Okin
Public Relations....................Judith Borne
General Manager.....................Ramón Valdez
Production Manag....Rachel Ann Manheimer
Social Media..............................Ruth Fowler
Company Manager....................Scott Sheldon
Box Office Manager..................................Marsha Henry
Resident Casting Director......................Victoria Hoffman

 “A Good Guy”

Written by David Rambo

Directed by John Perrin Flynn

Executive Producer: Jeanne Craig

Produced by Jennifer Sorenson, Guillermo Cienfuegos

A Rogue Machine Production

Recommended for ages 14+

WHERE: Rogue Machine (Upstairs on the HenryMurray Stage in the Matrix Theatre)

7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

(Street parking)

 

WHEN: Previews at 8pm September 11, 12

Opening at 5pm on Saturday, September 14

8pm Fridays & Mondays; 5pm Saturdays; 7pm Sundays 

(No Performance on Friday, September 20)

Closing: October 13, 2024

 

HOW: For reservations call 855-585-5185 or https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org

 

HOW MUCH: Previews $25

Tickets are $45 (Students $25 / Seniors $35)

Show4Less Fridays: Sept 27 ($15+), Oct 4, 11 ($20)

 

 

AT THE ECHO "Clarkston"

 

Twenty something..Jake (Michael Sturgis), is a Bennington graduate having created his own major:  "Post Colonial Gender Studies!" 

Chris (Sean Luc Rogers), about the same age, is from Clarkston, Washington, as in Meriwether Lewis and William Clark who trekked through the uncharted west and camped at this very spot in the early 19th Century. 

Clarkston sits directly to the west of  Lewiston, Idaho. The parking lot of the local Clarkston Costco where much of the action (minimal as it is) takes place. The City of Clarkston's Costco parking lot in reality sits directly adjacent to the Snake River. 

Jake, struggling with a degenerative disease, claims a shirt tail connection to William Clark. 

Chris,  quietly struggles.

The guys, both college graduates.. work at the local Costco. They are gay. They stock shelves at the Carkston Costco.

Factor in Chris's "on again / off again" relationship with his mom, Trisha (Tasha Ames) who must have given birth at the age of ten. Trisha is also a struggling thirty

Michael Sturgis, Tasha Ames, Sean Luc Rogers
Photo by Cooper Bates

something waitress at a local Denny's.  She has had issues with substance abuse. We now approach an uncomfortable triangle that has a little trouble  getting going. Fact is that each actor is deeply dedicated to their character. Each is believable. Director Chris Fields has these folks evenly spaced and believable.  It's the argument of the play?  Does the playwright intend  to leave us with only marginal satisfaction? Is it an anthem to gay men finding each other in an unlikely setting and growing falling in love?   

The bare bones set:  suggested locations are successful in Chris Fields' creative use of The Ever Changing Echo Space. No attempt at realism gives the audience the opportunity to focus on the story. Three distinct characters  come to life smoothly and sincerely.

This predictable love story becomes,, at least,  a sympathetic and kindly polemic that peeks beneath the each character's motivation. The audience may embrace  the idea, well past Post Colornial times. Gender aside and also on deck, we are all searching: to find some sort of a "family".. where it's okay to 'be who you are' and in so doing, to 'find yourself.' Two lonely gay guys at the top of the Idaho panhandle? Each has his 'demons' that might be not so much  of a problem in more sophisticated climes.  Factor in Tricia's 'demon' and the conflict gives the story some traction.

 Jake's serious physical condition is probably what drove him from Connecticut to Washington.   The old story of just getting  away from home and to find  himself.. He lands where his ancestor, William Clark, made some American History and, perhaps, his own  self discovery.

Chris has ambitions to write.  He's heard about Iowa's storied writing program and may be focused on making it with his short stories or maybe even a novel?    Jake reads from William Clark's journal, imagining the  Explorers as they trekked for the Pacific Ocean.

There are moments!  

Blatant foreshadowing and the odd dance that Chris must do with his mom is important to the confict.   Certainly, the characters are worthy of our interest. Depression factors in.   It's a difficult 'bromance' that takes us from beginning to end in multiple scenes, bare stage... punctuated with some smooth and simple changes. 

Gratuitous homoerotic moments are  included, as Jake and Chris attempt an acceptable conclusion. There are humorous moments and it's all wrapped up in this short full length play.. 

In editing this review, I'm opting out of a catch phrase to sum things up.  The human interest aspect of the premise and the decent depiction of the characters makes me wonder what other critics may say.  Supporting Theatre that tells stories like "Clarkston"is a goal.  See it for yurself and get back to me.

Cast

Jake . . . . . . . Michael Sturgis
Chris . . . . . . Sean Luc Rogers
Trisha . . . . . . Tasha Ames 

Crew: scenic designer Amanda Knehans, lighting designer Matthew Richter, sound designer Alysha Grace Bermudez, and costume designer Dianne K Graebner. 

The production stage manager is Lisa Toudic. Chris Fields, Kelly Beech and Marie Bland produce for the Echo Theater Company. Public Relashuns for Theatre : 

Lucy Pollak

Clarkston
• Written by Samuel D. Hunter
• Directed by Chris Fields

Previews: Sept. 11, Sept. 12, Sept. 13
Performances: Sept. 14 – Oct. 21
• Wednesday at 8 p.m.: Sept. 11 (preview) ONLY
• Thursday at 8 p.m.: Sept. 12 (preview) ONLY
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 13 (preview), Sept. 20, Sept. 27; Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct. 18
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 14 (Opening Night), Sept. 21, Sept. 28; Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 15, Sept.  22, Sept. 29; Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20
• Mondays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30; Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21

 
Echo Theater Company
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039

PARKING:
FREE in the Atwater Crossing (AXT) lot one block south of the theater.

TICKET PRICES:
Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays: $38
Mondays and Previews: Pay–What–You–Want

www.EchoTheaterCompany.com
(747) 350-8066

 

ANW THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH!

 

 

Between 1938 (Our Town) and 1942 (The Skin of Our Teeth) with a couple of other plays in betwen.. Thornton Wilder  had  a message that he wanted to share with the world.  The bizarre world of The Antrobus Family and others emerges in a beautiful  over the top pageant of great colors, projectsions, costumes!!! and a peek into a message that smacks a little of James Joyce and his exploration of words and situations.

I have to take a step back and see f I can define "situations" but thanks to the producing directing team of Geoff Elliott and Julia Roderiguez-Elliott.. the money is on the stage! The cast is ..again.. interesting with diversity casting and the ANW stage literally vibrates with the palpable energy that the Elliotts and their actors and the amazing crew  have gone to great lengths to present.   Even the koken type stage hands are choreographed to be more than just furinture movers.

It's fun. It's amazing. It's loopy. 

And...  there must be a message here that Wilder longs for us to take to heart.The rat-a-tat-tat pace of the dialogue is break neck and appropriately LOUD!  Howard Hawks would be smiling as we were challenged to keep up!

The ANW production  of "Our Town" was done  at their original (I  think?) space in Glendale.. the  old Masonic Temple on Brand. The historic atmosphere, the ancient wood.. all contributed to the story of Thornton Wilder's "Grover's Corners". 

Being literally driven from Glendale, the ANW company, with the Elliotts absolutely devoted to doing important classical theatre, found safe harbor and then some in Pasadena. 

I mention this because the journey that ANW proceeds with, and with great success, this terrific theatre..  their devotion to detail.. the employ of excellent actors to bring their vision to life... all deserve standing ovations.

But.What About This Play?? 

The Antrobuses (George: Frederick Stuart and Maggie: Trisha Miller) have been married for five thousand years.

George goes fron  their New Jersey home to the 'office'' daily..and  has invented the Wheel.. and is working on the alphabet. He drills his son, Henry (originally named Cain!) played by Christian Henley,   on his 'sixes..'  As Gladys, Mildred Marie Langford is essentially the flip side of Henry who presents as recalcitrant and angry.

 

    Micah Schneider, Ann Noble, Veronica McFarlane
Photo by Craig Schwartz

Ann Noble, the adorable and skittishly wonderful maid, Sabina (SabEYEna)   drags us kicking and screaming into and out of the play .. Interruptions and  do overs and even the truly magical work of the two women stage hands.. lends to the fully professional presentation.. 

Plot??  Allusion to Noah and two by two.. A burgeioning  weather event.. later..a war? The Convention of Mammals at Atantic City..  Projections and graphics  are amazing.. 

The mysterious Fortune Teller (Cassandra Marie Murphy,)   tells us that no one can tell the past,but SHE can tell the Future..  I don't appreciate fake smoking on stage. It takes me out of the play. but this play interrupts itself all the time. so it's less of an issue. Just sayin'..

A complete "breakdown" of the show with seven sick actors out, with not enough understudies.. the  "crew" is called in to recite lines from sages and philosophers that Wilder in 1942 considered important. These "actors" become eloquent: reciting Spinoza. These speeches seem appropriate, especially today in the United States. Research says that Wilder may have used aqs a  matrix Joyce's "Finnegan's Wake" for this play.  The odd leaps and bounds of the text and the adventures of this long married couple.. even with some serious vamping by Sabina going on.. sails off on what may be the Ark.. (there are lots of animals besides the dinosaur and the Wooley Mammoth in the first act)   and then.. the recitations by the 'crew' members standing in the audience recitijng in  sonorous tones that have to do with  the ethics of living a good life... 

Bailey (I can't find this actor's name, He is part of the ensemble) recites the revelation of Spinoza that inspired Antrobus to seek and hope to  find good in the world...  and to share it. .. 

Hester (another ensemble member's beautiful rendering of Spinoza's text but.. can't find her name) stood right next to  my aisle seat and recited a text that  I'd love to share that has to do with how we choose leaders who are honest and sable and first have 'found' themselves renering them fit to lead to guis us to find a 'side' to align with  in order to live decent and respectable lives.. 

This loopy and super charged over the top presentation is a challenge to follow.  That  said..  the production is excellent in every way..  Don't expect to buy a Coke with cash at the bar!

 

The Skin of our Teeth
• Written by Thornton Wilder
• Directed by Julia Rodriguez–Elliott and Geoff Elliott
• Starring Christian Henley, Mildred Marie Langford, Kasey Mahaffy, Trisha Miller, Cassandra Marie Murphy, Ann Noble, Frederick Stuart
• Ensemble: Anthony Adu, Stella Bullock, Julia Chavez, Jacob Cherry, Yannick Haynes, Amber Liekhus, Veronica McFarlane, David A. Rangel, Landon M. Robinson, Micah Schneider, Maya Sta. Ana
• Presented by A Noise Within, Geoff Elliot and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, producing artistic directors
 
WHEN:
Previews Sept. 1 – Sept. 6
Performances Sept. 7 – Sept. 29
• Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.: Sept. 4 ONLY (Preview)
• Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.: Sept. 5 (preview), Sept. 19, Sept. 26 (dark Sept. 12)
• Fridays at 7:30 p.m.: Sept. 6 (preview); Sept. 13*, Sept. 20*, Sept. 27*
• Saturdays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28 (no matinee on Sept. 7)
• Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.: Sept. 7 (Opening Night); Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 1 (preview), Sept. 8; Sept. 15*, Sept. 22, Sept. 29
^*Post–performance conversations with the artists take place every Friday (except the preview) and on Sunday, Sept. 15.
**A one-hour INsiders Discussion Group will take place prior to the matinee on Sunday, Sept. 8 beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Student matinees are scheduled on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m. Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.

WHERE:
A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107

TICKETS:
• Tickets start at $51.50 (including fees)
• Student tickets start at $20
• Wednesday, Sept. 4 and Thursday, Sept. 5 (previews): Pay What You Choose starting at $10 (available online beginning at noon the Monday prior to that performance, and at the box office beginning at 2 p.m. on the day of the performance.)
• Discounts available for groups of 10 or more

HOW:
www.anoisewithin.org
(626) 356-3100

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