 |
| Network Cast Photos by Doug Engalla |
Set in 1975, Paddy Chayefsky's genius via Lee Hall's adaptation, gets off to a rocky start with the lead actress unable to go on, leaving it to the amazing Anica Petrovic as Diana, book in hand embracing the driven television executive Diana Christiansen.. orgasm and all.
Howard Beal (Bert Emmett) is a veteran news caster for UBS television. UBS is tanking in the ratings and Howard's job is on the chopping block. Alcohol may be a factor.
Suddenly, the 'Truth' as seen through the experience of author Paddy Chayefsky's vision emerges.
Memories of the film are impossible to not recall. The stage version of NETWORK is extremely cinematic with short episodic scenes. The stage crew moving as fast as they can creates inevitable pauses.
2025 celebrates the fifty-second year in production by the intrepid GRT company. For longevity alone accolades are in order. In the spirit of The Show Must Go On! Anica Petrovic as Diana shreds the part with such enthusiasm that her referencing the script was never an issue.
A subplot with program exec Max Schumacher (Larry Toffler)) falling for Diana shows her true colors.
 |
| Larry Toffler, Anica Petrovic_Photo by Doug Engalla |
Again, Ms Petrovic shines.
As Howard climbs the ratings ladder pronouncing radical ideas from 1975: he sends up red lanterns to alert the public to the issues of the day. The polemic blossoms with real issues that we, here in 2025, may find familiar.
With over twenty members of the cast, director Tom Lazarus (who also designed the set), has his hands full.. As we tumble into a climax, the combination of the excellent tech by Sammy Strittmatter and some fine performances from a dedicated cast brings the show off ultimately: well done.
Please support this intrepid company and tell them I sent you.
CAST:
Howard Beale Bert Emmett*
Arthur Jensen Fox Carney
Max Schumacher Larry Toffler
Louise Shumacher Belinda Howell
Khan The Terrorist Cathy Diane Tomlin*
Frank Hackett Tack Sappington
Diana Christiansen Anica Petrovic
Director Mimi Kmet
Harry Hunter Hudson Long
Schlesinger Melissa Lugo
Ed Ruddy Kevin Michael Moran
Warm Up Person/Continuity/Announcer Bob McCollum
Floor Manager Linda Alznauer*
Jack Snowden Patrick Anthony*
Sheila, Production Assistant Stevie Stern
ELA Robbery Terrorists Danny Salay Sherrick O’Quinn
Kidnapped Heiress Amy Shaughnessy
Make-up Angie Lin
Wardrobe Cynthia Bryant
Newsroom Tech/Camera Person Tom O’Shea
CREW
Production Team
Tom Lazarus (Director/Set Design)
Stevie Stern (Producer)
Ellen Monocroussos (Lighting Design)
Shon LeBlanc (Costume Design)
Mikaela Padilla (Sound Design)
Sammy Strittmatter (Audio/Visuals)
Denise Downer (Marketing)
Nora Feldman (Public Relations)
Doug Haverty (Graphic Design)
Suzy London (Artistic Council Liaison)
Kristin Stancato (Webmaster & Online Marketing)
Doug Engalla (Promotional Video & Photography)
Jackie Shearn (Social Media)
Dan O’Connell (Sound Consultant)
Lee Redmond (Set Build Foreman)
Cathy Diane Tomlin (Production Stage Manager)
Tori Austin (Assistant Stage Manager)
NETWORK by Lee Hall adapted from the 1976 feature screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky.
Directed by Tom Lazarus.
Performance Schedule
Friday, May 23 at 8:00pm – Opening Night Reception Backstage After Performance
Saturday, May 24 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 25 at 2:00pm – Talkback with Cast & Staff after the matinee
Friday, May 30 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 31 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 1 at 2:00pm – Talkback with Cast & Staff after the matinee
Friday, June 6 at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 7 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 8 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 13 at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 14 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 15 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 20 at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 21 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 22 at 2:00pm
Friday, June 27 at 8:00pm
Saturday, June 28 at 8:00pm
Sunday, June 29 at 2:00pm (Show Ends)
The Group Rep Theatre – Main Stage (first floor) is located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., NoHo 91601. Look for the bright multi-cultural mural on the outside of the building.
No comments:
Post a Comment