David Powell's "Stalin's Master Class"
features Josepf Stalin: dictator, Zhdanov, Stalin's lap dog and two well known Russian composers. As I am a guy who has had limited exposure to concert music.. the symphony.. It's only fair to share an eye opener.. This Shostakovich symphony is simply amazing. The link did not highlight, so,, please copy and paste for insights as to why Stalin might have been threatened by this music.
For early readers of this review.. Apologies for the clunky connection to the Shostakovich. Lucky Pollak, the best PR person on the planet always helps with typos and such. Lucy sent this link that actually works. This orchastra is amazing.
This is Shostakovich with a multitude of amazing kids.. Kids!! Randy Lowell as the composer presents a mousy antithesis to what I hear in this music.
One appreciation I've had regarding this kind of music is from a former friend who actually writes this stuff. When I asked if she could "hear" every instrument that she created parts for, she responded casually, "Of Course.." as if anyone could do it. How this factors into Stalin and the guys in this play? I am not sure.. but if that sassy Doctor of Music says she can hear all of the instruments., then Shostakovich certainly must have .. it's pretty amazing.. And, this may be a threat to the old Georgia boy, Josef Stalin.
Prokofiev (Jan Munroe) is also under the gun from Comrade Stalin. Prokofiev has missed an important state conference of musicians tasked to figure out the direction the State will dictate as to how composers will create in the new world of Stalin and Communism.
Peter and the Wolf is Prokokiev's most familiar to me. this in marked contrast to that of Shostakovich. Thanks again to Lucy for this simple link.
https://tinyurl.com/4nd4kf7t
Is the music of these world reknowned composers problematic to the "democracy" that Stalin (Ilia Volok) and his multitasked secretary of the Communist Party, Andrei Zhdanov (John Kayton)? Their intimidation strives to suss out with vodka and interrogation just what these intellectuals are up to. The argument that all art takes time to be recognized..or not is pretty much ignored.
One thing to be said for Director Ron Sossi and The Odyssey is that light weight selections may be on the docket now and then, but this plunge into the politics of Post WWII Russia and those awakward times, may be reflected in what's going on in our world today. It is timely.
From the youtube selections that I grabbed just at random, I imagine that sitting in the Disney Hall or other important symphonic venue, to have the full orchestra with professioal musicians virtually in rapture, expertly knocking out this amazing music might just be transformative. And! inspirational..and a threat to anyone who seeks to retain power.
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| Ilia Volok, Jan Munroe, John Kayton and Randy Lowell Photo by Jenny Graham |
The transformations that interest Stalin with Zhdanov, in tow.. include wanting to turn back to the simple folk tunes of Stalin's Georgia childhood. He drunkenly recalls sitting under his father at his cobbler bench, tapping out a rhythm.
Factor in lots and lots of vodka and a terifying purge.. (Props to the props designer Jenine MacDonald, for this show) and the message is clear. The scary part is that there will always be "leaders" who may have only their own greedy interests: Power and More Power.. at heart.
Zhdanov's huge office set by Pete Hickok with a grand grand piano reflect the gloom of post war Russia and when Zhdanov locks the door after the composers have nervously arrived; poor old Prokokiev with one foot in the grave, the tension builds to a ridiculous and drunken climax. Dwarfs are never kights!
Cast:
Prokofiev (Jan Munroe)
Shostakovich (Randy Lowell )
Stalin (Ilia Volok)
Zhdanov (John Kayton),
Crew:
Scenic Designer Pete Hickok
Lighting Designer Jackson Funke
Costume Designer Mylette Nora
Sound Designer Christopher Moscatiello
Prop Designer Jenine MacDonald*
Musical Director Nisha Sue Arunasalam
Pianists Nisha Sue Arunasalam,
Michael Redfield
Pianist Nisha Sue Arunasalam
Stage Manager Jennifer Palumbo*
Public Relations Lucy Pollak
Graphic Designer Luba Lukova
Produced for the Odyssey by Beth Hogan
Stalin's Master Class
• Written by David Pownall
• Directed by Ron Sossi
• Music Direction by Nisha Sue Arunasalam
• Starring John Kayton, Randy Lowell, Jan Munroe, Ilia Volok
• Produced by Beth Hogan
• Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director, in association with Isabel and Harvey Kibel
WHEN:
Previews: April 10 – April 12
Performances: April 13 – May 26
• Wednesdays at 8 p.m.: April 10 (Preview); April 17* and May 15* ONLY
• Thursday at 8 p.m.: April 11 (Preview) ONLY
• Fridays at 8 p.m. (wine nights): April 12**(Preview)**, April 19**, April 26* **; May 3**, May 10**, May17**, May 24**
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: April 13 (Opening Night), April 20, April 27; May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: April 14, April 21, April 28; May 5*, May 12, May 19, May 26
*Post-performance discussions on Wednesday, April 17; Friday, April 26; Wednesday, May 15; Sunday, May 5
**Wine Night Fridays: Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks following all Friday night performances.
WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025
TICKET PRICES:
• Saturdays and Sundays: $20–$40
• Fridays: Pay-What-You-Can (reservations open online and at the door starting at 5:30 p.m.)
• Previews: $15
HOW:
OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2
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