tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70815820228980577682024-03-10T20:22:09.945-07:00On Stage Los AngelesSheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.comBlogger576125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-28572589784175930712024-03-10T18:44:00.000-07:002024-03-10T18:44:42.452-07:00A FROGGY BECOM AT OPEN FIST<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Open Fist!! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A cotton candy color scheme with a huge puppet is an approach to an examination of teen angst, science, sex and stuff. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It all rolls out in </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Becky Wahlstorm's </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> "A Frggy Becomes".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">What I love about The Open Fist Theatre Company is that what they choose to put up is almost always a surprise and an example of how theatre is supposed to work. It informs and challenges our perceptions of the craft: of Theatre.. note the capit</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">al "T." Producer, Martha Demson's tastes are eclectic and with this choice, it's a challenge. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">When the lights go down and the curtain speech comes from a recorded voice directing the audience to safe exit, "just in case".. the simplicity of Jan Munroe's scenic design .. a pastel staircase and some area lighting, invites us to The Nineties? Did The Bangles and Madonna rule our senses? Was young love a mixed bag of boyfriend/girlfriend/just friends or friends with benefits? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bumpy Gritts, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">enthusiastic Sandra Kate Burck, opens the show directly through the fourth wall with all her seventh grade vigor. Volume at ten and escalating! Her energy of youth, while hounded by her Ogre (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Peter Breitmayer</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) dad: a huge disgusting, farting, belching puppet, to "Bring Beer!" and berated by her older brother, Pauly (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bradley Sharper</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">), we are off and running. The play is an over the top celebration that elevates the angst and adventures of being in junior high with the 'social popular kids' and the nerds all on hand with what may bave been for everyone in seventh grade a damderous (sic) dangerous right of passage.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The title of this heavy handed romp "A Froggy Becomes" must have come from playright, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Becky Wahlstrom's</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> padlocked diary with a velvet cover. chronicled in the late past century. Every cliché event, jealousy and teen adventure is remembered with a sordid side story of unhappy marriage.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"A Froggy Becomes" takes a lwhil to emerge as Bumpy's school science project. It explains the life cycle of an amphibian from egg to tadpole to frog... froggy... with the dangers of not "Looking Up" in order to escape the situation that may be holding you down rumbles and tumbles and unites us, at once mourning the passing of eight pooped out tadpoles all dried up and sticking to the sides of a steel bowl. Ick!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">But!!? That One Lucky Guy/Gal/It: That little Froggy Emerges! The One That Got Away! may make it to Eighth Grade where the Juices of Life are chomping at the bit... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Ready to explode! <b><br /></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdnV4b_R1krEb8eSS9HKq35QiK0lI6EQmt9BhbYhU5nG4uzf-HTq5GcY3MJ6-c6_R1W0fVBCOssIXfyYZvFXpE_clpvg7kbBar0Q7NxnoXHwCBCv7jzXFQ90EkPsTmXfxltFWv9Umjk4MVG81H3ijXKMeDPK-AFhwpSHOIvf-1QQnIn-oCPYt6R8TQSg/s1080/thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdnV4b_R1krEb8eSS9HKq35QiK0lI6EQmt9BhbYhU5nG4uzf-HTq5GcY3MJ6-c6_R1W0fVBCOssIXfyYZvFXpE_clpvg7kbBar0Q7NxnoXHwCBCv7jzXFQ90EkPsTmXfxltFWv9Umjk4MVG81H3ijXKMeDPK-AFhwpSHOIvf-1QQnIn-oCPYt6R8TQSg/w640-h426/thumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Mihael Lenahan Peter Breitmayer</b> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Jenny Graham, photographer</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Fast paced and loud and filled with energy enthusiastically echoed by a home town crowd, the show serves up a snack with some underlying Truth that every frog in the world. every </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">self anointed </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Frog Prince or Frog Princesses may take a lesson from: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">With any luck, we evolve. We use the episodes of our lives to make sure that our next steps are.. at least.. awake as Life and The World are stading by.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The energy in this show would generate a thousand points of light.. to coin a phrase. It is a celebration that recalls for almost every person over the age of thirty who lusted and longed for twirly kisses and.. boobs? and Love.. a special time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> The introduction of the Love that Dare Not Share Its Name.. (not That One.. Another One) seems oddly misplaced, but Munroe's tryst facilitating outhouse is worth the price of admission. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Thanks to director </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Pat Towne</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">, every actor is fully engaged and as disgusting as Ogre (designed by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Joe Seely)</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">, may be.. he stops the show at least once with A Look through the fourth wall that is really a LOOK! Kudos to the black clad kuroko (uncredited?) for essential and enthusiastic work. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Cast:</span></p><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sandra Kate Burck</b> plays Bumpy Diggs<br clear="none" /><b>Bradley Sharper</b> plays Pauly Diggs (Bumpy's slightly older brother)<br clear="none" /></span></div><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Johanna McKay</b> plays Mother (Bumpy's mom)<br clear="none" /></span></div><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Peter Breitmayer</b> plays Bumpy's Dad - the Ogre (he is inside)<br clear="none" /></span></div><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Carmella Jenkins </b>plays Rita Miller - Bumpy's Best Friend<br clear="none" /></span></div><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tom Sys</b> plays Allen Pokay - Most popular boy in 7th grade, Bumpy's crush<br clear="none" /></span></div><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kyra Grace </b>plays Karen Simigliano - Most popular girl in 7th grade<br clear="none" /></span></div><div class="yiv0539482202gmail_default"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kyle Tomlin</b> plays Pat Sweeney - a classmate<br clear="none" /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mihael Lanahan</b> plays Father Angelo (priest) & Mr. Luper (Teacher)<br clear="none" /><b>Deandra Bernardo</b> plays Tiffany Jankowski - a classmate<br clear="none" /><b>Ana Id</b> plays Tiffany's Cousin </span><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The creative team</b> for <i>A Froggy Becomes</i> includes scenic
designer Jan Munroe, costume
designer Mylette Nora, lighting
designer Matt Richter, sound
designer Marc Antonio Pritchett, prop
masters Bruce Dickinson and Ina Shumaker, and puppet designer Joe Seely. The production stage manager
is John Dimitri, and the assistant
director is CJ Merriman. Produced by
Martha Demson.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>FROGGY BECOMES</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> by </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Becky Wahlstrom <br />
Directed by Pat Towne</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Atwater Village Theatre<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/3269+Casitas+Ave,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90039/@34.1150973,-118.2546589,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x80c2c1281051ae1b:0x7f9bfea8c90fe3ae!8m2!3d34.1164563!4d-118.2517943!16s%2Fg%2F11bw4bpc3y?entry=ttu" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">3269
Casitas Ave<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90039</a><br />
• <i>FREE parking</i> <i>in the ATX </i>(<i>Atwater Crossing</i>)<i> lot one block south of the theate</i>r.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i>Performances:</i><b> </b><i>March 9–April 13</i><br />
• <b>Fridays </b>at <b>8 p.m.</b>: March 8 (preview); March 15; March 22; March 29; April 5;
April 12<br />
• <b>Saturdays </b>at <b>8 p.m.</b>: March 2 (preview); March 9 (Opening Night); March 16; March
23; March 30; April 6; April 13<br />
• <b>Sundays </b>at <b>7 p.m.</b>: March 3 (preview); March 10; March 17; March 24; March 31;
April 7</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg47Fm7yuZ3Xk37BYv_aksGfThfQpKnmHs-Ms14Cr2qfrrJGVaPMgQuIn_1GPie18lEEKmshmOnwsHbmhIITup2E1UKGTlQOfhDnHSxMSOOEg8rG7indoKlg1Qsf2QD0M4J478ZFI3fuxaQtI5MkWMJG6GN6J9i5hhe1n6xT_BIO2MNCpQS02rGxuA16bw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg47Fm7yuZ3Xk37BYv_aksGfThfQpKnmHs-Ms14Cr2qfrrJGVaPMgQuIn_1GPie18lEEKmshmOnwsHbmhIITup2E1UKGTlQOfhDnHSxMSOOEg8rG7indoKlg1Qsf2QD0M4J478ZFI3fuxaQtI5MkWMJG6GN6J9i5hhe1n6xT_BIO2MNCpQS02rGxuA16bw" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">TICKET PRICES:</span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 47.25pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>All
performances except previews:</span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 94.5pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>o<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>General Admission: $30</span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 94.5pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>o<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Seniors/Veterans: $25</span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 94.5pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>o<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span>Under 30: $20<br /></span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 14pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 14pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Tickets and information: </span></p><p class="yiv6813985682MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 14pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">:<br />
<span style="color: black;">- </span><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.openfist.org" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">www.openfist.org</a></span></u>;
(323) 882-6912; <span style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:oftchouse@gmail.com" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">oftchouse@gmail.com</a></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">
<br />
- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/openfisttheatre" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/openfisttheatre</a>;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/openfisttheatrecompany/?hl=en" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/openfisttheatrecompany</a></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">
</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-65872781226552448712024-02-25T22:59:00.000-08:002024-03-06T12:44:47.174-08:00FATHERLAND AT THE FOUNTAIN EXTENDED : MAY 26, 2024<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Preface to the review.. The following is a statement from playwright Stephen Sachs regarding his play FATHERLAND. It has a ring of truth. It's important. Art can change the course of history.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;">"</span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><span><span class="yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x193iq5w yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xeuugli yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x13faqbe yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1vvkbs yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xlh3980 yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xvmahel yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1n0sxbx yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1lliihq yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1s928wv yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xhkezso yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1gmr53x yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1cpjm7i yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1fgarty yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1943h6x yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xudqn12 yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x3x7a5m yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x6prxxf yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xvq8zen yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xo1l8bm yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39xzsf02u yiv3591910357ydp531cdd39x1yc453h">FATHERLAND
erupts from the core of our artistic mission, embodying what the
Fountain Theatre strives to provide. Explosive new work that speaks to
the urgency of our time. It is fitting that this play, dramatizing the
true story of a father and son at war with each other’s worldview, is my
last directorial work at the Fountain. A <span></span>cautionary
tale blending politics, moral struggle, and family conflict, FATHERLAND
is a warning cry bringing home what’s at stake in this election. The
future of our nation teeters before us. It’s our duty as artists and
voters to engage.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">FATHERLAND conceived and written by retiring Fountain Theatre artistic director Stephen Sachs reaches deep into the debacle of January 6, 2021 when a group of supporters of the former 45th president, fueled by frustration, half truths and outright lies, responded to the clarion call of their president.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Sachs calls his creation 'verbatim theatre': an apt term as the basic story is taken word for word from court transcripts from the trial of the fifty year old "Three Percenter" from Wylie, Texas. We never hear the names of anyone. The story turns on how a basically good guy finds himself in thrall with "The Art of the Deal" "written" by the former president and how his fascination with ex45 engulfs and virtually destroys his family.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE8OT4j3ZOBdrVjW_i6S0BM6o8fmohdxyuVIfCKQ_gwOQduqHmgMWwTnrH_pLg-GViih0T9xoNAhdgatGGTLLTH-Y7zDaTwUkiuqPMWva23wixBlN0HxSkerQW1OL3GcyRWPz-IowBlOmekZEVEblwaQWD_9wLZOEEpOTkvVYtpYRzWIjuB_fzAUS3qw/s2100/2024_Fatherland_0144.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE8OT4j3ZOBdrVjW_i6S0BM6o8fmohdxyuVIfCKQ_gwOQduqHmgMWwTnrH_pLg-GViih0T9xoNAhdgatGGTLLTH-Y7zDaTwUkiuqPMWva23wixBlN0HxSkerQW1OL3GcyRWPz-IowBlOmekZEVEblwaQWD_9wLZOEEpOTkvVYtpYRzWIjuB_fzAUS3qw/s320/2024_Fatherland_0144.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Bottitta and Patrick Keleher<br />Photo by Jenny Graham
</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In this tight full length one act we meet </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Patrick Keleher </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> as Son, the kid from Wylie, Texas who was moved to stand up for truth, justice and the American Way. Son is conflicted as to whether or not to report the dangers of rebellion that his Father (Ron Bottitta) poses. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Keleher is new to the LA theatre scene, a savvy kid from Colorado whose first job on stage at the Fountain may lead to a career. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bottitta brings his physical heft and intense focus to this role and presents, in a chilling and honest way the sad mess that Father has allowed himself to become. This guy is </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">not only a threat to the government of the United States but to his own family. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The lauguage that this nineteen year old kid commands is articulate in the face of testifying against his own father. Son's actual words.. are chilling.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">As the United States still suffers from the aftermath of January 6, 2021 and a wobbly election rises on the horizon. this production dives directly into the heart of how our deeply held beliefs, obviously "Truth" to some, like staunch evangelicals, there are those who deny the 'obvious'. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> As the U.S. Attorney, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Anna Khaja</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">, proceeds coolly and directly, step by step to guide the trial to its inevitable conclusion. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In stark contrast to Khaja's level demeanor, silver haired </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Larry Poindexter</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">as Father's Defense Attorney attempts to </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> poke holes in Son's story. His delivery is erratic. In his enthusiasm to rattle Son, he becomes more of a desperate bully than an actual Defense Attorney. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">This is an unusual polemic in that there are still thousands of those of the Three Percenter ilk who , as Father shouts before the final gavel, Thousands who are waiting in the wings and ready. As the former president once said.. paraphrasing: "Stand back and Stand Ready..." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">My own political views color my reaction to this well craftd piece, Having watched.. .. dumbstruck.. on January 6, 2021 the surreal turn of events, I am wondering how these folks can justify an act of sedition by a sitting president: juiced by "patriotism", adrenaline and maybe Xanax and booze.. to still deny what is obvious to most folks I know. Their aim to install a self proclaimed dictator (for a day??) in the highest office in the land is beyond comprehension. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">This is a Must See Event. It surpasses what we call Theatre to hear the actual words of the participants. Simple stage setting by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Joel Daavid</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> and lights by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Alison Brummer</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> combine with some terrific special effects to create an extraordinary production. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">CAST</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Ron Bottitta Father<br />Patrick Keleher Son<br />Anna Khaja*</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> U.S. Attorney</span><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Larry Poindexter</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Defense Attorney</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">CREW:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The creative team includes scenic designer Joel Daavid; lighting designer Alison Brummer; sound designer Stewart Blackwood; costume designer Danyele Thomas; properties designer Jenine MacDonald; and graphics designer David Mellen. The production stage manager is Sati Thyme. Barbara Herman is executive producer; Dr Robert G Meadow and Carrie Menkel Meadow are producers; Simon Levy and James Bennett produce for the Fountain Theatre. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> FATHERLAND </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Conceived and written by Stephen Sachs</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by Stephen Sachs</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Fountain </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Theatre </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">5060 Fountain Ave.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Los Angeles CA 90029<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(<i>Fountain at Normandie</i>) <span><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Performances: Feb. 25 – March 30</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>EXTENDED TO MAY 26, 2024</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
</i>• Thursday at 8 p.m.: Feb. 22 (preview) ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 23 (preview); March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 24 (preview); March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Sundays at 2 p.m.: March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24 (no matinee on Feb. 25)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Sunday at 7 p.m.: Feb. 25 (opening night) ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Mondays at 8 p.m.: March 4; March 11; March 18; March 25 (dark Feb. 26)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Ticket and Information:<b><br />
</b>(323) 663-1525 or </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.FountainTheatre.com/">www.FountainTheatre.com</a><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-76487614821300035262024-02-23T20:54:00.000-08:002024-02-24T00:56:06.379-08:00ICT Long Beach presents 'MARILYN, MOM AND ME" <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> A World Premiere is always exciting. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">caryn desai (sic) is an artistic director I have admired for years. Internationl City Theare's gorgeous space is an important adjunct to the big guys in Los Angeles. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZGFUgsUlPY_lE4C6Dpzcdc70hvPicf-mDTITJfeK_NEEmnQEVz-zfSXzQdz9UTRQkUTK3UPRDVuyX4rullq9NhutOcACG8hRE63gc-LwedBd-TTIvFu2pRdSeH6R0rENoGvk9yxCXmUB1Q0FO68lGqRWb2SKujkeXsmKQVvkRcx2EUrm8YAP_-HbBos/s2100/Marilyn-Mom-Me_0516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZGFUgsUlPY_lE4C6Dpzcdc70hvPicf-mDTITJfeK_NEEmnQEVz-zfSXzQdz9UTRQkUTK3UPRDVuyX4rullq9NhutOcACG8hRE63gc-LwedBd-TTIvFu2pRdSeH6R0rENoGvk9yxCXmUB1Q0FO68lGqRWb2SKujkeXsmKQVvkRcx2EUrm8YAP_-HbBos/w640-h426/Marilyn-Mom-Me_0516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brian Rohan, Alisha Soper. Laura Gardner<br />Photo by Paul Kennedy
</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Luke Yankee directs his own play "Marilyn, Mom and Me." A writer directing his own work is an idea that I resist. This is an autobiographical story. a personal memoir Yankee says is mostly true.. My personal bias notwithstanding, I find it an interesting piece of theatre even as directed by the author.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Yankee's premise turns on his sainted mother, actress, Eileen Heckart and her friendship with the mysterious blonde: Marilyn Monroe.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In the 1956 film version of William Inge's "Bus Stop," Yankee's mom, Eileen (crusty </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Laura Gardner</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) plays Vera, a waitress. Marilyn (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Very Marilyn! Alisha Soper</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) as Cherie is a singer in the joint.. How actors unite to create the illusion of any story is a challenge. As Yankee brings it to life, we begin as Luke (Brian Rohan) slips in the back door, so to speak, with a goal to record his mom's personal memories of Marilyn. Reluctantly, Eileen warms to the idea that everyone has begged her to share for years. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Luke presents</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> his story: sharing the love and conflicts of a gay son and his troubled mom</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> as</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> the truth unfolds. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The structure of the piece plays out in a mostly presentational way. We are greeted by an essentially bare stage with levels that conceal props in little cubbies. A clever devise. A couple of bent wood chairs and huge projections upstage delineate where each scene takes place. This device puts the weight of the show on the shoulders of the actors. Mostly, they succeed.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">With the actors, it's a mixed bag. As Luke, Rohan's performance is all acting. It falters with the challenge of presenting his character at different ages. This is a difficult chore for anyone.. as cute as a grown man in jammies to depict his very early age.. he's still a really big guy in jammies acting like a child. In one scene after watching Luke in a production of Cameot, Eileen lays her copious notes on the young actor. It is devastating and uncomfortable. Herckart was a tough broad.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">As Eileen, Ms Gardner plays it close to her vest with strong personal moments as we anxiously anticipate the arrival of 'Her!" "They all want to know about Her," says Eileen.. Make no mistake when SHE arrives, though I might quibble with Ms Soper's Marilyn voice a little bit, her Marilyn is a gorgeous ringer for the "most beautiful woman in the world.." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The bond between Eileen and Marilyn takes its time and the connection becomes genuine. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> I encourage you to travel to Long Beach to see this play... However, I must mention that the title, "Marilyn, Mom and Me" emerges toward the end of the show. Just when I thought the performance was over, It was not. Yankee presents Luke in a denouement a beat or two too long. To discuss it would be a spoiler and though disappointing to me, the audience stood to applaud Yankee's unique memoir.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Plan a day in Long Beach. check for blocked streets and construction!! Skip Islands for a meal! <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The supporting cast, doubling is okay. The audience is called upon to do some of the work. Kim DeShazo's costumes for Marilyn are spectacular.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <b><br />
</b>CAST<b>:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Marilyn Monroe: Alisha Soper<br />Eileen Heckart: Laura Gardner *<br />Luke: Brian Rohan *<br />Ella Fitzgerald/ Rosetta/ Paula Strasberg: Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield *<br />Joshua Logan and others: Noah Wagner </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The creative team for <i>Marilyn, Mom & Me </i>includes set designer <b>Dan Volonte</b>, lighting designer <b>Donna Ruzika</b>, costume designer <b>Kim DeShazo</b>, sound designer <b>Dave Mickey</b> and prop designer <b>Patty Briles</b>. Casting is by <b>Michael Donovan</b>, <b>CSA</b> and <b>Richie Ferris</b>, <b>CSA</b>. The production stage manager is <b>Don Hill</b>. <span><b> </b></span><span><span> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>MARILYN, MOM AND ME</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Written and directed by Luke Santee</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Marilyn, Mom & Me</i></b> runs <b>Thursdays</b>, <b>Fridays</b> and <b>Saturdays</b> at <b>7:30 p.m.</b> and<b> Sundays</b> at<b> 2 p.m</b>., <b>February 16</b> through<b> March 3</b>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Two preview performances take place on Wednesday, Feb. 14 and Thursday, Feb. 15, both at 7:30 p.m. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Tickets are <b>$49 </b>on
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except Friday. Feb. 16, opening
night, for which tickets are $55 and include a post show reception), and
<b>$52 </b>at Sunday matinees. <br /></span></p>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>International City Theatre </b>is located in the <b>Long Beach</b><b> Convention & Entertainment Center</b> at <b>330 East Seaside Way</b>, <b>Long Beach</b><b>, CA 90802</b></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-277721944221826482024-02-19T15:24:00.000-08:002024-02-21T10:54:36.312-08:00The Winter's Tale by you know who<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">There is much to be said about our local 'classical' theatre company: Antaeus. The space on Broadway in Glendale is intimate. the work by this long established company, in a former a store front has in the past, made magic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Antaeus has tackled Shakespeare many times in the past, recently an innovative and terrific presentation of The Tempest played to sold out audiences. Wonderful double casts of King Lear went up when the company was still on Lankershim in a rag tag space that served them well.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Winter's Tale.. a magical and manipulated tale, indeed, has a shot at magic and with </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Elizabeth Swain</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">'s direction brings my favorite part to life. The Bear! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">This short video that I found is a sort of crib sheet for understanding the play. The tongue twister names, especially, do not roll trippingly .. to coin a phrase.. but once you figure out who's who, the story .. a little loopy and not the only jealousy theme for the Bard.. moves on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/3-minute-shakespeare/3-minute-shakespeare-winters-tale/</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Copy and paste that link for a quickie..so to speak. version of the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course to see the play in person.. the best way.. it helps to have a handle on the plot. I only like the play, actually.. because of the bear! well.. and the magic.. and the reconciliation.. All's Well.. etc..</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Motive is always a factor or should be.. in why any of us.. especially characters in plays do what they do. Essentially, in The Winter's Tale, we have Othello echoed in Leontes (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Adam J. Smith</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>)</b>, the king of Sicilia. He's married to the beautiful Hermione (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kaci Hamilton) and</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> is the father of his young son</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Maxmilius (Sabrina J. Li)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> But! here's the rub. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Poixenes (Ned Mochel)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> has been a guest in the palace and the chemistry between </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Poixenes</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> and Hermione awakens that Green Eyed Monster in Leones's imagination to stir things to a terrible pass.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you watch that little video, it will essentially guide you along the primrose path to the plot of the play. Twists and turns and turncoats and, sadly, some dead folks along the way<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The business of this production turns on choices made by Ms Swain. My idea of a good time is to be guided through the story with specific focus on the forward motion of the story. In this production the staging and stage pictures had me distracted and misdirected time and again. Some casting seemed sideways, meaning that in this cast of able actors, my choices for some characters would have been different. With Shakespeare, of course, language and the ability to speak it well, especially for American actors a challenge. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">With few exceptions, the rhythms of the dialogue came in fast and furious and ... furiouser. Bigger! Faster! More dramatic!! In my notes I used the term 'chewing the scenery' more than one time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Certainly there are moments. and some fun stuff that in reading the play I'd over looked. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> JD Cullum</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">a as Autolycus, a slick con man, shines and the device that several of the characters used: breaking the fourth wall works. Soliloquies to the audience mostly worked..</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a simple bare stage with a grand use of drapes to delineate settings. When it came time for the bear, the scene , though a bit gruesome, was a creative approach I wish I'd thought of.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">As Paulina, Ann Nobel <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88LjwJePl0VplJn-MxvLq5eJruQDdKnjLgSRdLxUdjeaEh6kIpwvCoc1ACoQYD-oon5qSzOPtBqx85DLYN0p2YIj-wbWp9ACApgHsnhbvGf6COn0xS2qLYK2mFdb99uyZtxi4DiPDf93x685ODNFrbevISNaCfhODl0F4Z_A4qVAP6Tct9klaRaEL_bA/s3500/Ann%20Noble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88LjwJePl0VplJn-MxvLq5eJruQDdKnjLgSRdLxUdjeaEh6kIpwvCoc1ACoQYD-oon5qSzOPtBqx85DLYN0p2YIj-wbWp9ACApgHsnhbvGf6COn0xS2qLYK2mFdb99uyZtxi4DiPDf93x685ODNFrbevISNaCfhODl0F4Z_A4qVAP6Tct9klaRaEL_bA/w266-h400/Ann%20Noble.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ann Nobel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />rocks as she finds her stride when standing up to the king. .It's her rhythms and pace and variations that give her character three dimensions. Success is on the actor. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In all, the play works better than other versions I've seen but the business of profile presentation by the actors and the split focus often draws attention to itself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I recommend this production because the heart of the play is basically served and our local Glendale Antaeus Company deserves patrons who appreciate the effort that goes into presenting classic theatre with panache. The costumes are sort of Victorian in design with cutaway coats for the men and long dresses for the women. Hermione's hair style is a departure. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Please see this show informed and listen for this lin<span style="font-family: times;">e, "<span style="font-weight: normal;">It Is An Heretic That Makes The Fire Not She Which Burns In It." The lessons of the past may be prologue to the present. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Featuring:</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />
EMILIA/PERDITA: Shannon Lee Clair*<br />
AUTOLYCUS/LORD III: JD Cullum*<br />
ARCHIDAMUS/JAILER/OLD SHEPHERD: Paul Eiding*<br />
HERMIONE: Kaci Hamilton*<br />
MAMILLIUS/TIME/SERVANT: Sabrina J. Liu*<br />
ANTIGONUS/GENTLEMAN: Brian Kim McCormick*<br />
FLORIZEL/LORD I: Peter Mendoza*<br />
POLIXENES: Ned Mochel*<br />
PAULINA: Ann Noble*<br />
LADY I/MOPSA/CLEOMENES: Catia Ojeda*<br />
LADY II/DORCAS/DION: Claire Simba*<br />
LEONTES: Adam J. Smith*<br />
CAMILLO/MARINER: Geoffrey Wade*<br />
LORD II/SHEPHERD’S SON: Colin Ledwith <br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Winter's Tale</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">By William Shakespeare</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Directed <span style="font-family: times;">by <span> Elizabeth Swain</span></span> </span></p><div class="footer-container ot_ci_print-hidden" id="footer"><footer class="ot_ci_footer"><div class="ot_ci_container container"><dl><dt><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.antaeus.org" id="ot_footer_organizationName">Antaeus Theatre Company</a></span></dt><dd id="displayAddress"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 East Broadway, </span></dd><dd id="displayAddress"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Glendale, CA 91205</span></dd></dl><dl class="footer-details"><div class="phoneField"><div><dt class="fieldName"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Box Office:</span></dt><dd class="fieldText"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">818.506.1983</span></dd></div></div></dl></div></footer></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-56496224614428534082024-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:002024-02-10T10:47:03.586-08:00<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">ARROWHEAD.. inspired by playwright </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times; vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Catya</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">McMullen</span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s stay at a lovely San Bernardino mountain</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">s cabin, explores the stuff of our sense of self and sexuality. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCPxMI-Ovf-CwXcXxz0DhYy5fUhBLTMK9v4UMnuM_EGafqMRMy6TRgFjjGZ_lfKE_IUhurZ0mXB63vY9SI2n7uAQSPXgIf9jw1SxiCqIMwFRb35WdrBP81AhjvUIPmvxSFdS3EoTJ08QdbI3OnCE6BEuvHaGz8AZGb3HfyvX2s20NtWwz9h4saraQ0M8/s2100/Arrowhead-2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="2100" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCPxMI-Ovf-CwXcXxz0DhYy5fUhBLTMK9v4UMnuM_EGafqMRMy6TRgFjjGZ_lfKE_IUhurZ0mXB63vY9SI2n7uAQSPXgIf9jw1SxiCqIMwFRb35WdrBP81AhjvUIPmvxSFdS3EoTJ08QdbI3OnCE6BEuvHaGz8AZGb3HfyvX2s20NtWwz9h4saraQ0M8/s320/Arrowhead-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from Top L: Nate Smith,<br />Amielynn Abellera, Kathleen Littlefield, <br />Lindsay Coryne, and Kacie Rogers<br />Photo by Jeff Lorch.jpg
</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Caveat.. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Google
has flagged this review for language. I'm editing for content so that
you can imagine the naughty words that I had spelled out. <br /> </span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Imagine,
if you will.. An abortion party for a self declared lesbian who,
drunk, evidently, succumbed to the muscular advance of a man. "He was
rough and pulled my hair.. but it didn't hurt..I liked it".. and the
story unfolds with not all of the characters saying the names of the
other characters, but there's an attractive black woman and the
attractive Asian and the pregnant breast pumping woman also attractive
and the cheated upon lover really cute and the manly boys who may or may
not be gay or bi or ?? because the story steps off the cliff at an
eight and quickly escalates to a ten, I imagine thanks to Jenna
Worsham's decision as director to . more or less.. present "Friends"
with benefits and choices and applied sexuality on Speed..or caffine.
or both. Fast and faster! Faster, bigger, funnier? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The
breakneck pace and rapid delivery evoked laughter from the opening
night audience for this World Premiere and because of the rapid fire
dialogue..was anyone listening? were they? or just getting the juice
flowing and some hot sex batting a thousand and inquiry and betrayal and
hot stuff baby baby baby and the cat palace and what a retreat to Lake
Arrowhead .. away from the bright lights.. might bring.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The
characters are well defined (the guys are sort of not) and the actors
who portray them are all about the same twenty something age? thirty?
and the set is gorgeous and the wham bam lights and sound literally rock
the theater. The money is on the stage! Big time.. and I am sure that
an age appropriate fwording audience whose vocabulary is also loaded
with the now ubiquitous use of fword and "poop" without dropping a
stitch is totally acceptable and representative of the way so many
folks communicate these days.. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">but.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The
rapid pace and the John Mashita dialogue/speeches.. with few
exceptions.. cranks up to eleven ala Spinal Tap.. and pretty much left
me exhausted.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Not
having access to the QR program to line up the characters with their
actor selves, it is a compliment ..as best I can manage.. that each is
true to whomever author, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Catya McMullen</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">
has created for them.. the Cat Lady appears in an off stage / on stage
bit with her giant kitty palace and is adorable in a ditzy naive way ..
The dialogue is punctuated with laughs that the audience enjoyed while I
was still beats behind. That's on me.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">So...
for the generation that lives with their noses pretty much buried in
one iPhone or another, while multitasking and stands to applaud while
getting back on line or texting or such.. this is the play for them. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Having
vacationed at Lake Arrowhead, with an actual family, I can attest that
the isolation truly does have an effect of bringing people together..
This cast IS together and then some.. Some of the sex is hot. Okay.
it's all hot and depending on what turns you on, there's bread and
butter and toast and bagels and the idea that one thing an Arrowhead
vacation can do is inspire connections. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Amazing
tech that literally vibrates the space and the gorgeous set and
dedicated company of IAMA which I still don't understand what it really
stands for.. has gathered an idea and professionally mounted it with
pretty much a gayish theme that is well presented. Bring a seat belt. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Cast:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Amielynn Abellera, Stefanie Black, Lindsay Coryne, Adrián González, Kathleen Littlefield, Kacie Rogers, Nate Smith</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">The
creative team includes scenic designer Carolyn Mraz; lighting designer
Kai Hirota Magee; sound designer Eliza Vedar; costume designer Danae
Iris McQueen; properties designer Nicole Bernardini; intimacy director
Celina Surniak; and casting director Jordan Bass. Rosalind Bevan is
associate director; Daniel Cyzpinski is the technical director; and
Zaira Paredes-Villegas is the production stage manager alongside
assistant stage manager Isabella Gomez and wardrobe supervisor Athena
Saxon. Quinn O'Connor produces and Katharine Means co-produces for IAMA
Theatre Company</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">IAMA Theatre Company </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> World premiere of <b>Arrowhead </b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i> </i>by Catya McMullen</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Performances: Feb. 8 – March 4</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 8 ONLY (Opening Night) </span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 9; Feb. 16; Feb. 23; March 1</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 3 (Preview); Feb. 10; Feb. 17; Feb. 24; March 2</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Feb. 11; Feb. 18; Feb. 25; March 3</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Sundays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 4 ONLY (Preview)</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Mondays at 8 p.m.: Feb. 19; Feb. 26; March </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">4 (dark Feb. 12)</span></span></span><span><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• General<b> </b>Admission (except Feb. 19 and Feb. 36) <b>$40</b></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Mondays, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26: <b>Pay-What-You-Can</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• Previews: <b>$25</b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span>Tickets and Information: <br />
<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9gMHfL00hZ6yLLx1veNTmFLoHsgv6Nj9cHbW109FgIPWqtEO_n34eDU6csI3x-2FA-2FWJ7OQr-2FXqpE-2F4wg1Vs1-2F6Sr3uEak6lOMI7QIy914f-2FTxSLv6LpfkIspuDKipaGQVgeAbHhBcp-2BgT8vol-2FmRsOIvwrDvynBh-2Bd28UnjhYLn3OQ-2BPLTinvTmxi94FMdXKfe6vUA6i4bVED8uQTq6n2jA611K4XU49i92wU3paOSMt2qXOhRGOs-2FDf233yLbid5H8OyXeoc666802ERt3pOaU-2Fv0fHI5XuMZznxLd7R7PTcASegVoZtpgKwgCQW14TIT7-2FxsttpqLgPgKsopR0U9UUukMW1UhAg9P0TonHb9ZfrJvKIDC2WNUOMW7VZ4J1EC6oXdEw-3D-3D" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>iamatheatre.com</u></span></span></span></a><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">(323) 380-8843</span></span></span><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Atwater Village Theatre</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">3269 Casitas Ave</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Los Angeles, CA 90039</span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">• <i>FREE parking</i> <i>in the ATX </i>(<i>Atwater Crossing</i>)<i> lot one block south of the theate</i>r.</span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="vertical-align: -0.5pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><span> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-42532629561054233282024-02-03T18:48:00.000-08:002024-02-03T18:48:34.913-08:00STRANGERS ON A TRAIN / THEATRE 40<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Review by Guest Critic Saratoga Ballantine<br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Theatre Forty is a busy bunch with their recent production of The Manor followed closely by Craig Warner's "Strangers on a Train."</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM8nPJltWeYBA7AuHmrLhMReY4goZdg1mgXuJGj2dCtwyOdAF22XjsAHI0Cf1U9-v2PgQejd0rPhPEZhxe_v50zMAzKQnW_PxuSU8lxsBj6jWGd6bM3HeOYwslsY1vT236Lmw3N44e9KzIpoV4SPgUfgmN_Ln61jC3QzkNK0lDkI1cTt81xTrwb2kpP4/s1080/STRANGERS%20.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1080" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdM8nPJltWeYBA7AuHmrLhMReY4goZdg1mgXuJGj2dCtwyOdAF22XjsAHI0Cf1U9-v2PgQejd0rPhPEZhxe_v50zMAzKQnW_PxuSU8lxsBj6jWGd6bM3HeOYwslsY1vT236Lmw3N44e9KzIpoV4SPgUfgmN_Ln61jC3QzkNK0lDkI1cTt81xTrwb2kpP4/w400-h321/STRANGERS%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">Having
been a fan of the Hitchcock film with Farley Granger and Robert Walker,
I was eager to see how “Strangers on a Train” would be presented on
stage at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">Interestingly, the play was more
inclined to lean towards the original story by Patricia Highsmith. If you
are familiar with “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, you have a sense of the
penchant Highsmith has for complicated plots and psychopathic
anti-heroes..</span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"><br class="yiv1147367824" /></span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">We
are introduced to our two leading men who indeed are strangers. They meet
on a train, which we thoroughly believe thanks to the screen
projection behind two cushy chairs center stage, designed by the always
creative Jeff G. Rack.</span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"><br class="yiv1147367824" /></span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">It's
impossible to miss how different the two characters are. Charles
Bruno (MIchael Mullen) is not just the chattier of the two, but also the
more obvious drinker. Guy Haines (Joe Clabby) presnets an ambitious
bespeckled architect in the midst of a divorce. He's reading philosophy.
Slowly, with endless questions and hip flask always pouring, Bruno
draws Guy out of his shell. </span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"> As the train hurtles to their destination, they begin to speculate on what it would be like to commit the perfect murder.</span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"><br class="yiv1147367824" /></span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">I found myself getting a little creeped out as the story unfolded!</span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"><br class="yiv1147367824" /></span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">Bruno
is a Mama’s Boy who resents his father for withholding his allowance,
and has an almost unholy relationship with his former show-girl mother, deliciously sensual Sharron Shayne. Their scenes
together reveal even more of Bruno’s drinking problem, and deep
psychological issues.</span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">Guy
goes home to his fiancé, Anne (Anica Petrovic) who is impatiently counting the
days until Guy’s divorce is final so they can be wed. Anne's wardrobe was
exquisite, and right on point for the 50’s. Michael
Mullen is also credited with the play's excellent costume design.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;">In a nutshell, </span><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"> a murder is committed by the end of Act 1! Act II sends us on an even darker ride, exploring how a serendipitous meeting on a train has now irrevocably linked Bruo and Guy together.</span></span></span><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="yiv1147367824" style="font-family: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle;"><br class="yiv1147367824" /></span></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824">The
rest of the cast includes: Todd Andrew Ball as Frank Myers),
Michael Kerr as Best Man at the wedding of Anne and Guy (Robert
Treacher) and the totally believable private eye Arthur Gerard</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824"> well timed with humor and great skill by Larry Eisenberg. Gerard</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824">
puts all the puzzle pieces together, <br /></span></span></div><div class="yiv1147367824" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824"><br class="yiv1147367824" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv1147367824"> Director, Jules
Aaron, with countless plays under his belt, directs with
his usual savvy. The tension builds to the very end. Some of us in
the audience were visibly shaken as we left the theatre!!</span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Cast: <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Todd Andrew Ball, Michael Mullen, Sharron Shayne,
Anicia Petrovich, Michael Kerr, Joe Clabby, and Larry Eisenberg.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Crew:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Stage manager: Paul Reid. Set design: Jeff G. Rack.
<span lang="ES">Costume design: Michael Mullen. Lighting design:
Derrick McDaniel. Sound design: Nick Foran.</span></span></p>
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{page:Section1;}</style><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Stramgers on A Train</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">by </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Craig Warner </span></span>
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{page:Section1;}</style><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by Jules Aaron<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Theatre Forty </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">241 S,
Moreno Drive</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Mary Levin Cutler Theatre </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Beverly Hills,
CA 90212. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">January
18-February 18, 2024. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Sundays at 2:00
p.m.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">ADMISSION:
$35.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">RESERVATIONS:
(310) 364-0535.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">ONLINE
TICKETING: <a href="http://theatre40.org">http://theatre40.org</a></span></p>
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{page:Section1;}</font></style><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>
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{page:Section1;}</font></style><span style="font-family: times;"> <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-36766866421562084112024-01-19T23:43:00.000-08:002024-01-20T11:04:32.310-08:00Theatre Forty presents.. The Manor<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Review by<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Guest Critic: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Saratoga Ballantine</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99I43vdVmES6MKAWPwoCYgA2OZ81rXQHcqtFPacbXjnraVMDvVzQH9kt2mDDZezJqrfvabw1HybjZJXXGqq6vYDS9wz5dF3Cc49Ye4b2qwfy5REevDr4SVlFxXGSW_XhRZwAa3Q4FApuFU0X494DOvjQiLP0XVLTVkzKPbyFVu-qMaNsvBV-qeBgCEjw/s1080/thumbnail.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99I43vdVmES6MKAWPwoCYgA2OZ81rXQHcqtFPacbXjnraVMDvVzQH9kt2mDDZezJqrfvabw1HybjZJXXGqq6vYDS9wz5dF3Cc49Ye4b2qwfy5REevDr4SVlFxXGSW_XhRZwAa3Q4FApuFU0X494DOvjQiLP0XVLTVkzKPbyFVu-qMaNsvBV-qeBgCEjw/w400-h266/thumbnail.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">THE
MANOR</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519"> Simply
arriving at Greystone is the start of a unique theatrical experience!</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">Walking
from the parking lot to the mansion I began to get goosebumps. To think that a
family actually lived here in this astounding mansion and what their lives must
have been like stirs the imagination before the audience is even seated.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">“The
Manor” is in its 19<sup class="yiv9676636519">th</sup> season, and is a fictionalization based on
real events that occurred in the mansion over 95 years ago. The names have been
changed to protect the guilty.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">The
audience is brought in to the elegantly furnished living room, by James, the Butler, convincingly played by
the elegant and well spoken David Hunt
Stafford.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">It’s
the late 1920’s and a wedding party is going on
in full swing. </span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">The
wealthy patriarch of the McAlister family, Charles (played with proper
pomposity by Darby Hinton) is happily leading Prohibition toasts of “ice tea” (wink wink nudge
nudge) up the wazoo, and is the proud father of the groom, played here with
grace and charm by Peter Mastne. Abby, his blushing bride (beautiful
Nathalie Rudolph) is giddiness personified, especially when she spots the
handsome Gregory Pugh (Eric Keitel) who has returned to the manor as a guest at the
celebration.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">The
wonderful conceit of the play is that the audience is now divided into three parts,
and depending upon which group you are in- you are led by either James, or Ursula,
the Housekeeper (played with great energy and spirit by Katyana Rocker-Cook) or
the silent maid, Ellie, (essayed by the creative and sprightly Gail
Johnston, who uses dinner bells and arm gestures to signal the audience when it’s
time to move to the next room.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">Getting
caught up in the inciting incident, which depicts momentous changes in the
family fortune, I learned was based on surrogates of the oil-rich Doheny
Family. Charles makes an illegal, though well intentioned loan to Senator
Alfred Winston (strongly played by </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">Daniel Leslie</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519"> with “good ‘ol boy” panache). Winston is based on the then Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall. Both men will face imminent disgrace in the
oncoming Teapot Dome bribery scandal which brought down the Warren Harding
administration, because the loan was made with cash, and there was no proper record.
The family's close friend and lawyer, John Combs, (</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Frank Parsons</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">) does all he can to help, but
Charles McAlister is in too deep.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">Abby
meanwhile seems more than ready to lose
her virginity, and we are privy to an intimate glimpse into her boudoir as she
prepares to receive the gifts of womanhood
while the wedding party is still merrily going on in other parts of the
mansion! Thank heavens her Mother- in- Law (an honest and surely once dazzling
Carol Potter) happens to come into the
bedroom to put the kibosh on this wreckless behavior just in the nick of time.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">The
fly in the ointment is that Abby, while loving her new husband, also has very
strong feelings for Gregory Pugh, who has been away and has
returned to the Manor with his new over-sexed and tarty wife
(raucously played by Kristin Rowers-Rowles)</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">After
a brief intermission, the audience returns to the main living room and the time
is now 10 years later.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">Lots
more action in Act 2, as the family status and fortune is in ruins. The wife of
Senator Winston, Cora (played with great sympathy and humor by Amy Tolsky) has
a touching scene with Mrs. McAlister. She is not unaware of her husband’s slimy
motives.</span></span></p><p class="yiv9676636519MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">I
really can't reveal the highlight of Act 2, but the shocking events
only go to drive home the lesson that having money and status really does not
bring one happiness in life.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="yiv9676636519">The
play is written by Kathrine Bates and directed by Martin Thompson, You don’t
want to miss this limited run and won't soon forget your visit to Greystone and
“The Manor”</span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Crew:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Sound design: Bill Froggatt</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Stage manager: Craig Hissong</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Cast:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">John Combs as Frank Parsons</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Darby Hinton as Charles MacAlister</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Gail Johnson as Ellie the maid</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Eric Keitel as Gregory Pugh</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Daniel Leslie as Senator Alfred Winston</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Peter Mastine as Sean MacAlister</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Carol Potter as Marion MacAlister</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Katyana Rocker-Cook as Ursula the housekeeper</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nathalie Rudolph as Abby MacAlister</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">David Hunt Stafford as James the valet</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Amy Tolsky as Cora Winston</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kristin Towers-Rowles as Henrietta Pugh</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Manor </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Written byKathrine Bates. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by Martin Thompson. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Original production directed by Beverly Olevin. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Produced for Theatre 40 by David Hunt Stafford.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Greystone Mansion, in Greystone Park, </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">905 Loma Vista Drive (above Sunset Blvd.), Beverly Hills, CA 90210. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Free parking onsite.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>January 18- February 3, 2024.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span>Thursday and Friday Evenings at 6:00 p.m. on January 18, 19, 25, 26, February 2.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span>Saturday and Sunday Matinee at 1:00 p.m. on January 27 and 28. Other performances are sold out.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span>ADMISSION: $75.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span>RESERVATIONS: (310) 364-3606. No one will be admitted without advance reservation. Please reserve early, as many performances will sell out.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span>ONLINE TICKETING: <span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="http://www.theatre40.org/?fbclid=IwAR0JlZiwHhPBOy5s0n9iU19ggBKPMffiI1yIO1X_Fun8U5-Mr6ufSdpk9qo" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.theatre40.org</a></span> </span></div></span></span><br /></div><p></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-91207492963187166902024-01-14T20:49:00.000-08:002024-01-14T20:49:46.061-08:00MERCURY AT THE ROAD ON MAGNOLIA<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Road on Magnolia presents another take on death and homosexuality and 'what if' in </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Steve Yockey</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s 2015 play "Mercury". It's a West Coast premiere.Whatever prodded Yockey to this edge of the Universe, the cutting dialogue and the absolute ensemble works. If Alfred Hitchcock Presents meets Rod Serling meets One Step Beyond in any iteration, you have an inkling of where this adventure will take you. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A clever revolving set brings us to a series of vignettes that devolve deliberately into questions that emerge. What if?? What if people behaving badly had eternal penalties? <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Google's take on "Mercury in Retrograde" a term I've sort of understood for years, says, <br /></span></p><div id="extabar"><div style="position: relative;"><div class="WE0UJf NyYcvd" id="slim_appbar"><div class="LHJvCe"><div id="result-stats"><br /><nobr><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> (0.27 seconds) </span></nobr></div></div></div></div></div> <div id="_NYGhZa6QAZHDkPIPkum7mAc_22"> <div> </div> </div> <div class="wDYxhc" data-md="61" lang="en-US" style="clear: none;"><div aria-level="3" class="LGOjhe" data-attrid="wa:/description" data-hveid="CBYQAA" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">"Mercury retrograde is <b>an optical illusion which means it looks as if the planet is moving backward from our view here on earth</b>.
Astrologers believe that during this perceived backward motion,
technology and communication could get disrupted, putting a damper on
anyone's summer mood. "<br /></span></span></span></div></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Yockey's play and communication regarding how I got to see the show all reflects this astrological phenomenon. <br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6nGMZ9NPSCaPjzOT4OSD4K3nudTInVjRIL0JEAKoAWEUweCxZmODzqGvnwBF-w7fuzePXAJqdUYR818YqUpBHzXAD0Aef4012TK_Gfve2_pBIu9rU7T3hHyCZRJSpPyiHIkUSiG64sX6KJB3LIZiBRQGtXmWnDYLc0q3mqs4qclJKL5CCuQgbrWTjDs/s1080/mercury.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6nGMZ9NPSCaPjzOT4OSD4K3nudTInVjRIL0JEAKoAWEUweCxZmODzqGvnwBF-w7fuzePXAJqdUYR818YqUpBHzXAD0Aef4012TK_Gfve2_pBIu9rU7T3hHyCZRJSpPyiHIkUSiG64sX6KJB3LIZiBRQGtXmWnDYLc0q3mqs4qclJKL5CCuQgbrWTjDs/w400-h266/mercury.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Meeghan Holaway and Danny Lee Gomez star in the Road Theatre Company’s
West Coast Premiere production of “MERCURY” by Steve Yockey, directed by
Ann Hearn Tobolowsky and now playing at the Road Theatre in North
Hollywood.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /><span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">While the 'official'
end date is 1 January, (2024) there's a shadow phase that continues through to
20 January (2024) as Mercury returns to where it started this whole retrograde
shenanigans, in the sign of Capricorn."</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">For The Road to tackle this loopy approach to 'what if' is a brave undertaking indeed. We are all in the business of communication and frankly, this one is a mystery. The mystery of life. AND DEATH.<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Shows I've seen over the past several months as we emerge from death and pandemic, have turned on homosexuality, race and death. All the folks in "Mercury" are basically white bread, so any racial theme is missing, though the gay aspect rears its head. And, some folks die! Sort of. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">As Pamela (</span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Meeghan Holaway</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">) and Heather (</span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Andrea
Flowers</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">) open the play, for some reason the feeling of Leave it to Beaver meets Johnny Walker fueling the banter comes to mind. What Heather and Pamela have been up to is not all that unusual ..but in Oregon? A next door neighbor tryst? Heather's dog, Mr. Cuddles, has gone missing. Sadly.. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">The play revolves and evolves in episodes that at first seem unlikely to meld. Please stand by It ain't pretty, but, the energy and the 'what's to come' are loaded.. literally.. for Bear! </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><span style="font-family: times;">Nick, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; line-height: 150%;">played by Justin Lawrence Barnes</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><span style="font-family: times;"> whose mother is ailin</span>g and in the hospital goes off to work. Boyfriend, Brian (</span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Danny Lee Gomez</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">) has has moved in with Nick. Casting, to me might have the boys switch parts. Downstairs busybody neighbor Olive </span></span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">(</span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Christina Carlisi</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">)</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"> has the hots for Nick and plots to have him for herself in spite of an age difference and that Nick is gay. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Factor in bad blood (lots of blood!) and jealousy and vengeance and this romp takes us down a rabbit hole that smacks of an illustrated novel and then some.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Occult 'shop' owner, Alicia (</span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Gloria Ines</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">) sells magical products to 'fix' problems presented by her clientele. Sam! (</span></span><span style="line-height: 150%;">Billy Baker</span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">) barks on the intercom from..? Where? It's an interesting very long term relationship! You can get anything you want at Alicia's occult shop. The lethal stuff she sells comes with a warning! <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">There's a trip to the Netherworld and back? For someone? and Karma and ..did I mention the blood? </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Director Anne Hearn Toblosky has her hands full of what some might call "Grand Guignol". It is truly an offal situation.. There are props and physical action bringing this to high drama, no fooling around. Every Theatrical succeeds or fails on how the director interprets the text and guides the cast to find the nuances and the blow ups. Toblosky nails it as the opportunities for over the top presentation are reigned in. Dramatic effect enhanced by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Katrina Coulourides</span> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><span style="font-family: times;">'s</span> beautiful revolving stage and well apppinted sets, along with spot on Tech and an impressive sort of planet projection upstage, bring this odd ball play along beautifully. Hints along the way. Murder most foul. Sex and the strange netherworld couple all congeal with Alicia and Sam facilitating a reconciliation and a kicking and screaming addition to their bizarre collection. All of this in Oregon where there may be bears! I had a thought as I left the theatre. If this show continues to sell out, having the actors swap parts might be a stretch, but what an acting exercise. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"><b> CAST:</b></span></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Meeghan Holaway “Pamela” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Andrea
Flowers “Heather” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Justin Lawrence Barnes “Nick” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Danny Lee Gomez
“Brian” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Billy Baker “Sam” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gloria Ines “Alicia” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Christina Carlisi
“Olive”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CREW:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
</p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scenic
Design <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Katrina Coulourides</span> </span></b></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Lighting Design Derrick McDaniel</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Sound Design David B. Marling</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Projection Design<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben Rock</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Costume Design Jenna Bergstraesser</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Production Stage Manager Maurie
Gonzalez. MERCURY is produced by </span></b></p><p style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Taylor Gilbert & Danna Hyams.</span></b></p>
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{page:Section1;}</style><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>MERCURY</b> BY STEVE YOCKEY</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">DIRECTED BY</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ann Hearn Tobolowsky</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 382.5pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">MERCURY </span>will
preview on Tuesday, January 9; Wednesday, January 10 & Thursday, January 11
at 8pm; will open on Friday, January 12 at 8pm and run through Sunday, February
18 at the Road Theatre, located in The NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia
Blvd. in North Hollywood.</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Performances
are Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="line-height: 150%;"> </span></b></span></p>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Ticket prices are $39; Students and Seniors
are $15.00; Previews are $15.00.<span>
</span>Sunday Performances are Pay-What-You-Can.<span> </span>Special group rates available for parties of 8 or more.<span> </span>For tickets, please call 818-761-8838; visit
</b><a href="http://www.RoadTheatre.org"><b><span style="color: red;">www.RoadTheatre.org</span></b></a><b> or </b><a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35065/production/1177882?performanceId=11373078">https://ci.ovationtix.com/35065/production/1177882?performanceId=11373078</a><span style="color: black;"> </span><b>to purchase tickets online or to view complete schedule.<span> </span></b>
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{page:Section1;}</font></style><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-59689119002701747552024-01-13T22:41:00.000-08:002024-01-14T12:35:24.034-08:00IT'S ONLY A SHOW ! PAUL LINKE AT THE RUSKIN<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGw_UilL2aWmilzlUhY5ST9KepYMNpC-CWDqxdPvXnYYVAWGmw2n0kPXHlC5W3QL17vlAO72KJcJ8EZuW0YDqLhpIbno4iaHvv-EKy-H1sqtnnGPmIbsw7JuVnhoIr0sLKjZHlGqWIA11pzoJ1LuXROwPLLixQZ0MjoF_sgiliJ0LlO0yDGrrMjBV07o/s500/Linke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGw_UilL2aWmilzlUhY5ST9KepYMNpC-CWDqxdPvXnYYVAWGmw2n0kPXHlC5W3QL17vlAO72KJcJ8EZuW0YDqLhpIbno4iaHvv-EKy-H1sqtnnGPmIbsw7JuVnhoIr0sLKjZHlGqWIA11pzoJ1LuXROwPLLixQZ0MjoF_sgiliJ0LlO0yDGrrMjBV07o/w640-h334/Linke.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(Click on the photo and you will find Paul!) </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Every monologue that Paul Linke has presented has been pithy and personal. "It's Only A Show!" is no exception. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Full disclosure.. I've known this guy for a long time. I'm a fan. He's present and accounted for. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Last Saturday, I was up in Barnsdall Park in Hollywood. I stood where an audience sat on the lawn, peeling free oranges, to enjoy local talent. Paul and a group of artists had developed the Garden Theatre Festival in a friend's back yard. Paul was the emcee. Somehow they got the City of LA to bring the Festival to Barnsdall. It's Theatre History! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I had an adventure there with an exploding prop! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Linke is a natural. It's that quality that makes his monologues special. That Paul was pals with Charles Nelson Reilley brings him to the stage again. Today is Charles's birthday! January 13th! At once it IS a show!! .. but there's something special going on with the pictures that Paul paints with words and those moments when the pace pauses and the images come to life in the audience's imagination.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Most folks recall Charles as a charming panelist the TV game show, Match Game.. He presented sort of a laid back Paul Lynde? Charles was also a respected director, working with Burt Reynolds on Burt's show "Evening Shade.".. Linke extols the life and times of ths legendary guy in such a way that we can see Charles's early beginnings in New York and how the 'bug' blossomed.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Linke brings Charles back to life with great good humor and a warmth that I'm sure Charles would approve of and enjoy. Of course, they wrote the show together! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Once Paul steps on stage.. He owns it .. We are all transported. Anecdotes and the story of a long friendship unfolds. From time to time the rhythms change which proabably lands on the shoulders of director Edward Edwards. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A warm moment at the close from Emily Dickenson that prays for doing no harm and making a difference in the lives of others.. Interestingly, this echoes the admoniton of David Dean Bottrell's show I reviewed on Wednesday. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Be alive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Be grateful. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Acknowledge the folks whom you love. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">To that I shared a special moment with Paul after the show to remember 'the little guy' Dennis Rhoton. A good friend who was there for me. <br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Ed Salas created the Lighting & Sound Design</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nicole Millar is the stage manager and prize wrangler. <br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>“It’s Only a Show!” </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Created and Performed by Paul Linke</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Written by </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Charles Nelson Reilly and </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Paul Linke </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Directed by Edward Edwards</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Opening at 5pm Saturday, January 13. 2024 <br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Additional Performances </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>5pm Jan 20, 27, and Feb 2, 2024<br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Ruskin Group Theatre </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>3000 Airport Avenue, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Santa Monica, CA 90405</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="yiv1415975614MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN">For reservations</span></span></p><p class="yiv1415975614MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN"> </span><a href="http://www.ruskingrouptheatre.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: purple;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN">http://www.ruskingrouptheatre.com</span></a> </span></p><p class="yiv1415975614MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN"> (310) 397-3244</span></span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span> </span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-15163308970523024792024-01-11T00:21:00.000-08:002024-01-11T00:21:19.714-08:00 David Dean Bottrell: The Death of Me Yet<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> The Matrix Theatre in Hollywood has hosted hundreds of shows that reflect the 'age and body of the times.' Rogue Machine Theatre expands the importance of this little space with relevant and thoughtful Theatre. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Perched on the Edge of Success, a gay man with a clipboard in his hand (eventually) David Dean Bottrell carries on the important legacy of the Matrix and Rogue Machine Theatre.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Perched on the edge of a rave, I found Bottrell's beautifully presented anecdotes, presumably from his true adventures are undeniable. Ranging from bleeding like a stuck pig at LAX to being mugged in a developing neighborhood in LA, to the story of Uncle Ray's funeral (that reminded me of my own Uncle Jim's) and a tribute to his friend and colleague, Don, whose end of days story was, at once touching and sad and... liberating. .<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPLU3XoqspQC84rWSUS8RVSWk7U4YlhaNjUug8-rxI8y17KBR-g38xGflYDWdJh88unE2HmqaiOOB3klrDOkbTdbdxJ8L_ebBquRtTP4gy0PqniRlYKey_wH2_cTiD-eTBEhM77lTZYX-E5Coc2WFnj99dgBrnRV6DgAQl3vVnx7KWOrfn-dp9tFuoVQ/s800/rogue%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="800" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPLU3XoqspQC84rWSUS8RVSWk7U4YlhaNjUug8-rxI8y17KBR-g38xGflYDWdJh88unE2HmqaiOOB3klrDOkbTdbdxJ8L_ebBquRtTP4gy0PqniRlYKey_wH2_cTiD-eTBEhM77lTZYX-E5Coc2WFnj99dgBrnRV6DgAQl3vVnx7KWOrfn-dp9tFuoVQ/w400-h318/rogue%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">David Dean Bottrell photo Conor Weiss</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Depending on one's age, The Grim Reaper may be just down the block or out past the horizon. Bottrell's pithy personal stories attempt to put "you know what" into perspective. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Ultimately, the polemic of Bottrell's pitch, balancing him on that precipice of here and there is a Wake Up Call: "I Am Alive!".. Amen, Brother.. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">He eschews the term 'journey.. ' but.. of course. we are all on the trail that sooner or later (in Sinatra's voice) we face the final curtain. Shall we come to grips with reality .. or stay in denial? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">If you are alive? Get to the Matrix and storm the gate early for close to center seating. Bottrell's stories & his message are like honey:: they ebb and flow with recreated characters like Aunt Marie at Uncle Ray's funeral what with one thing and another.. draw us in, never skipping a beat to share what life on the edge is all about. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Step up, stand up and applaud. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Crew:</span></p><div class="D_F ab_CI en_0 H_6Fd5 W_6Fd5 lv_1IWXzk h_Z13pql2 h4_2d9T5e"></div><div class="I_ZkbNhI D_FY W_6D6F" data-test-id="message-view-body"><div class="X_6MGW"></div><div class="msg-body P_wpofO mq_AS" data-test-id="message-view-body-content"><div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5"><div><div id="yiv7993079307"><div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Production Manager/Stage Manager: Rachel Manheimer</span>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">Artistic Directors: John Perrin Flynn & Guillermo Cienfuegos</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">Co-Artistic Directors: Elina de Santos</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Publicity: Judith Borne</b></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">General Manager: Ramón Valdez</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">Executive Director: Justin Okin</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">Marketing Director: Michelle Hanzelova-Bierbauer</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">Social Media: Ruth Fowler</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: large;">Company Manager: Scott Sheldon</span></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>David Dean Bottrell: </b></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Death of Me Yet </b> </span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> January 10. 2024 <br /></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> 8pm Wednesday – Saturday; </span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">3pm Sunday </span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> January 14, 2024. <span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Five performances only <br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Rogue Machine</span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Matrix Theatre </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> 7657 Melrose Ave., </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Los
Angeles, CA 90046. </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Tickets are</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: black;">$45 </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">(Seniors $35, Students $25). </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Pay-What-You-Want ($20 minimum) </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Thursday January 11, 2024 </span></span></p><p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Reservations:</span> <a href="https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/</a> or Information<span style="color: blue;"> </span>855-585-5185<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span></b><b></b></span></p>
<p class="yiv7344966525MsoNormal" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Rogue
Machine has upgraded their HVAC system at the Matrix Theatre to exceed
compliance with current COVID protocols. They have installed HEPA air
purifiers in all public spaces. All staff
and artists are fully vaccinated and boosted.</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></span></div>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-62750406965774981082023-12-17T12:50:00.000-08:002023-12-17T12:50:29.815-08:00Lonny Chapman / Group Rep 70, GIRLS, 70!!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGU4RxIKb63sAqowiivHrv3K7f1IBYRnudg3CG6SaFvorG6z4AV8v8ltKEy2DTXD5bxm4BqzTZAgG8kcCi7RAtVnDbCHR5lW3oEQuOnfHUMMY7i4ieh1KgzKsgQt-MWuAmhcLziYRX0bmClsYRmkHhufPGjbrThSsZ2ozvXMW-L5VgrbxcvT9YSKT30g8/s2560/GR_70g70c-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1719" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGU4RxIKb63sAqowiivHrv3K7f1IBYRnudg3CG6SaFvorG6z4AV8v8ltKEy2DTXD5bxm4BqzTZAgG8kcCi7RAtVnDbCHR5lW3oEQuOnfHUMMY7i4ieh1KgzKsgQt-MWuAmhcLziYRX0bmClsYRmkHhufPGjbrThSsZ2ozvXMW-L5VgrbxcvT9YSKT30g8/w430-h640/GR_70g70c-scaled.jpg" width="430" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />I have attended shows at the Lonny Chapman / Group Repertory Theatre for many years. Their selections for production are varied and, thankfully, in a way, cater to their supportive fan base. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's the 51st year of operation for this hearty bunch. The best that can be said about 70. Girls, 70 is that it is wonderfully over the top and corny. The show has an amazing combo featuring musical director Carol Weiss on piano who rocks the show from the overture to the final number. The adorable Barbara Minkus (with whom I once auditioned for a commercial!) plays Ida, a crafty elder who returns to the resident Hotel after a forboding absence. She's got a handle on how to save the hotel from booting the residents: burglary! Why not? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There are plot holes, a romance about sex and the senior citizen and the best song of the lot about what happens when an elephant dies?? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Most local theatre reviews are pretty cut and dried. We list the names of the actors and crew. make a comment about the production. Praise or criticize a bit and essentially leave it up to the reader to choose to support the show or not. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">This review is about a dream. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Lonny Chapman dream bubbled up with Lonny's love of Theatre fifty years ago. He had some dough. He had some friends. Mickey and Judy putting on a show in a barn? Whatever it was, it was a tribute to the foundations of what our artform contributes to the community and to the world. A couple of hours in the dark: suspending our belief!<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Sevety Girls is a silly romp with ..as Artistic Director, Doug Haverty, says in his unfortunate curtain speech (he plays Harry in the show) there's a total of 833 years of life on the planet on the stage. The elderest of the elders, Fae DeWitt, must be about a hundred (okay, she's only 91) and her baritone quips alone, as she is guided glacially on and off stage is worth the price of admission alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">These stalwart Thespians are having the time of their lives. It's over done and silly and the 21st Century Nairobi Trio with Carol Weiss on the upright is wonderful. I don't use that term often in a review.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The true wonder is that this tribute to the "tea time of life??" through gang activity, drugs and drag in pursuit of burglary to achieve a goal for the love of one another .. if you totally abandon disbelief all togther? It works! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"By any means necessary!" One hole that I wish the text would cover.. spoiler alert.. is if someone knows they are not long for the world, why wouldn't they take out a million dollar insurance policy so that that dough could purchase the hotel and the friggin' coffee shop to save the gang? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">If you are within driving distance to the Group Repertory Theatre and have time for two rather long acts and getting home way late.. shaking your head at the energy of this band of dyed in the wool Theatre Folks, please go. Tell them I sent you. Try to NOT sit behind a really tall guy sitting in the front row and rise at the over long curtain call and Applaud like Anything for the cast and the crew and the Memory of Lonny Chapman whose vision and energy continues on Burbank Boulevard.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">** I did not realize that today is the last day of the show and am so in love with this review so far, that I'm leaving it all in.. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">To GRT members. Find a way to get more youthful energy like the Babe, Danica Waitley, in this show into your membership. Fantasic tap dancing and the energy that is vital to Theatre. Notwithstanding that you are essentially a Community Theatre, sticking to entertaining stuff is okay. You don't need to bring Beckett and a stick to the stage often.. but Well Staged and enjoyable productions will keep the doors open and the Bums in the seats and hopefully for Fifty More Years of engaging the Community with the Essence of Art. New Blood and Comfortable Entertainment! Yes.. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Applause.. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Music by John Kande; lyrics by Fred Ebb & book by David Thompson & Norman L. Martin. It's a romp directed by Bruce Kimmel (The First Nudie Musical!!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">70 GIRLS, 70 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Closes today:Sunday 12/17/23 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">2pm </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lonny Chapman Theatre, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">10900 Burbank Blvd., </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">North Hollywood, 91601. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">SOLD OUT</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Check to see if the show has been extended.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">https://thegrouprep.com/ </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Looks like you'll have to copy and paste that link. Oy.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-83218380725121741142023-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:002023-12-04T16:51:36.746-08:00A PERMANENT IMAGE at PRT<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Playwright Samuel D. Hunter is a well decorated author.. braggin' rights for his the film version of his play, The Whale, that rocked the Oscars in 2023. This play holds much of the angst and quirky appeal that The Whale holds.</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd0_aUTGukpkhoq3aOkTIDFKszttqKCi2fSdcAwDT-5FETYrzlUVW-sNObSH95UjnGqYMg1EPGtvQDnZhGhISULnR5tZ-7XakBiY70U0PHtkJQye1myKUlUNhbKwZi6NiJnCJptD_frmwKtIZYyeLVxNjbIRXHblQ2mZLTsl0ftgybfKtoGdJOzTbTOjA" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgd0_aUTGukpkhoq3aOkTIDFKszttqKCi2fSdcAwDT-5FETYrzlUVW-sNObSH95UjnGqYMg1EPGtvQDnZhGhISULnR5tZ-7XakBiY70U0PHtkJQye1myKUlUNhbKwZi6NiJnCJptD_frmwKtIZYyeLVxNjbIRXHblQ2mZLTsl0ftgybfKtoGdJOzTbTOjA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bo (excellent Scott Jackson) and his sister Ally (</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Also Excellent Dalia Vosylius</span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) have been called to their childhood home in Viola, Idaho.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's the Holidays. Tragedy and homecoming. The Holidays. What I had forgotten is that there's a big long neck up from toney Sundance in southern Idaho that snakes all the way up to shouting distance from Canada. It's rural and folksy.. Carol's husband, Martin </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(excellent </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>Phil Cass</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">seen on video) has been a marginal dad and husband. He's been a hospital janitor who in later life has become curious about the nature of the Universe: Big Bang!! String Theory!! <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Martin is dead. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's Christmas Eve and it's Martin's passing that draws the kids back to Viola. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rGO7-LQHTGxQTLhRP5G67PjpqL3EZ9abJFmID66tTENIQ0YQhZgBtcRYgfOYQs8ZUvVmOySbiOE8D1I025bl3XtjW30Fi5gYs_7nKPY9sZf6wPIlFh0slljQhYh4VdXH53Mgybqnc62pFon1Cl5lu8Glv9SAFKqv0BLURDJhzcFGlvh_w0YPmZNVMBw/s606/permenante-image-show-page.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="606" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rGO7-LQHTGxQTLhRP5G67PjpqL3EZ9abJFmID66tTENIQ0YQhZgBtcRYgfOYQs8ZUvVmOySbiOE8D1I025bl3XtjW30Fi5gYs_7nKPY9sZf6wPIlFh0slljQhYh4VdXH53Mgybqnc62pFon1Cl5lu8Glv9SAFKqv0BLURDJhzcFGlvh_w0YPmZNVMBw/w400-h248/permenante-image-show-page.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A touch of Pinter and Albee with a not so subtle absurdist undertones, the story evolves. bumping along with care. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directo</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">r </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">Andrew Weyman</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">, has already done some fine tuning with the show, workshopping it in one of PRT's intimate spaces. The show is extending through the holidays and into the new year. Good news.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">So. Martin is dead.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"He was just sitting there and he was breathing. Then, he wasn't." declares Carol (</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Excellent Terry Davis</span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">), the mother of the two adult kids whose lives could not be more distant in life style and location. Bo is a photo journalist, documenting atrocities in far off foreign lands. Kid sister, Ally, spends eighty hour work weeks riding herd on a fleet of transportation vans a couple of hours away. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes I'll do background searches for my reviews. Google maps showed me parts of Idaho I'd never heard of! Viola, Idaho is like Pouluse, Onaway and Potlatch. The boondocks! It's another world where playwright Hunter actually comes from. The grit in this play may reflect those simple roots. The grit is palpable. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Emmy winning direct</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">or </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">Andrew Weyman declares that taking on a scary project is an exciting challenge. This play is one that at its surface may seem to be just the uncomfortable story of a family that succeeded just enough to survive. But, we go deeper. The now distant extended family has its own problems. The scary part is finding the thread that binds them, divides them, and now brings them home to unfathomable truths.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">Terry Davis, as the scruffy gun totin' mom, brings credibility to the land of the lost: with her loopy lovable character. She is at once bright and articulate even in her cups, having been widowed only days before Christmas. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">Bo is three years Ally's senior. The rhythms of the story bounce from brother to sister with some scrappy political banter. Ally's defense of her position turns on Business. Poor Bo is apoplectic that a gay woman would have supported a republican. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">I love the beats of this play. The topic is very uncomfortable and as we come to revelation and resolution, every member of the audience must be driven to a conclusion regarding the entire business of what Life is about. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">Just what is our Reason for Living? </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">The pure joy of seeing successful store front theatre and specifically, the Pacific Resident Theatre, guided for years by founder Marilyn Fox, whom I adore, may color this review only slightly. The fact is that this production in this ragtag little space has all the qualities of "Virginia Woolf" on Broadway or Pirandello at the Playhouse. Drive to Venice and head down Venice for Cuban at Versailles on the way. Arrive early for parking. Check the lobby of the main stage for a salty snack or a beverage.. support this production. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">Then, please find a thoughtful other audience member after the show to see how the idea.. the notion of whether or not .. as Joni says.. "We are Stardust.." may be true. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;">The acting never shows. The tech credits and the crazy set work beautifully. It's a thoughtful evening with a few laughs and a virtual banquet: Food for Thought.<br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><u><b>The Creative Team</b></u>:<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="color: red;"> </span>Michael Franco (Lighting Design),<span style="color: red;"><b> </b>
</span> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Andrew Weyman (Scenic Design),<span style="color: red;"> </span> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Susan Wilder (Costume Design), </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Keith Stevenson (Sound Design),<span style="color: red;">
</span> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">James Morris<b> </b>(Projection Design).</span></span></span></p><h4><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"><span>Bianca Rickheim</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"><span> Stage Manager<br /></span></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b>A PERMANENT IMAGE</b></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">by </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Samuel D. Hunter</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Andrew Weyman</span></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Pacific Resident Theatre</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Runs </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">through
January 14, 2024 </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">(check website for schedule). </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Pacific Resident Theatre
is located at 703 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Street parking or
limited free lot behind
building. Tickets start at $35 online </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUfRaQJVmjI9UfYlb2zskJW6J-2BCeZ7-2Be3liJQxb4SUYL2Jbcx_n34eDU6csI3x-2FA-2FWJ7OQr-2FXqpE-2F4wg1Vs1-2F6Sr3uEak6lOMI7QIy914f-2FTxSLv6LpfkIspuDKipaGQVgeAbHhBcp-2BgT8vol-2FmRsOIvwrDvynBh-2Bd28UnjhYLn3OQ-2BPLTy3Q5L7OF9EBtjNpzVkujk6chig-2B6CD10W9fEajtgz0iZkJn7J7rZKpA-2BZZ1EkvotF9KDcfQat2lnky-2BsbLtJgZPWqmb9Ziv-2B9FBqWFBMeiuObC5g-2FDfLuXrPw0SmpI3DrCXKgebj4rdxOYv8YnUk46YKkqop02GZhNa8ks2pQ1Z3pr25YX2NIt9kuXRNj57bXQGx9ohfqGtQY3pu7WJNPETI94mgtX8tCh9MUPByUyA-3D" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration-style: solid;" target="_blank"> </a>Closing: January 14, 2024</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b>Schedule</b>:</span></span></span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Sunday, December 3 – 3pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Thursday, December 7 – 8pm </span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Friday, December 8 – 8pm </span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Saturday, December 9 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Sunday, December 10 – 3pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Saturday, December 16 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Sunday, December 17 – 3pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Thursday, December 21 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Friday, December 22 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Friday, January 5 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Saturday, January 6 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Sunday, January 7 – 3pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Thursday, January 11 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Friday, January 12 – 8pm</span></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Saturday, January 13 – 8pm</span></span></span></div><p>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Sunday, January 14 – 3pm</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Tickets and Information: </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: New Times, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><u>https://pacificresidenttheatre.org/</u></span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: New Times, serif;">This link may not work! I want you to see this play, so. just copy and paste into your browser and : voila..</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: New Times, serif;">Or.. depending on when you call? Anna is on hand as a genuine human being who can take your reservation and wish you a Happy Holiday. Just go.. Okay? <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: New Times, serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;">(310) 822-8392.
</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"> <br /></span></span></span></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-70522744687407390502023-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:002023-11-17T13:47:28.151-08:00‘Radical or, are you gonna miss me?’<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> ‘<b>Radical or, are you gonna miss me?</b>’</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakcUUI-itr8NuN8sA9E3L-guEe5MnVu4zI6GZ9huoHBGTUcCpcIxtoToPxegwnByb4KGNCG_cNnjmVe7D-jlFcKdI0Vcq77KjILPcy-6RzUflKSl8et8PukicZ2Dl_zxPrGe1DHt7806I_9nAGhxPejHXGAbsBgtzvydvtswx4I02YXL7iFX3y8xIqMw/s2100/Radical_1096-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakcUUI-itr8NuN8sA9E3L-guEe5MnVu4zI6GZ9huoHBGTUcCpcIxtoToPxegwnByb4KGNCG_cNnjmVe7D-jlFcKdI0Vcq77KjILPcy-6RzUflKSl8et8PukicZ2Dl_zxPrGe1DHt7806I_9nAGhxPejHXGAbsBgtzvydvtswx4I02YXL7iFX3y8xIqMw/w400-h266/Radical_1096-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elizabeth Ramos and Anna LaMadrid<br />Photo by Makela Yepez
</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">by Isaac Gómez<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: times;">commissioned by IAMA Theatre Company explores the clash of two sisters and another 'sister' stuck in El Paso. Radical politics and family responsibilities factor into a story that .. from time to time shifts oddly in tone and direction. The play is over long: attempting to cover a panoply of issues.. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">When the best thing you can say about a new play is that the introduction of the Season by the two women whose names got lost in the applause and hooting, was enthusiastic and that the set and the lighting were effective and that staying awake for the whole thing was a challenge, that sums up, pretty much my experience. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">That IAMA has taken over the Echo Theatre space to present this clap trap piece and spent a lot of money on the set and lights is pretty impressive. That it goes emotionally from A to B with little effect and a few silly jokes is a mystery. Why? Why do this? </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Belinda<b> (</b></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Elizabeth Ramos</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>)</b> is under house arrest on bond put up by her sister, Rosalie (</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Anna LaMadrid<span><span>). Belinda has become a recruit to a conservative political cause that may have something to do with radical women. Something about a bomb and family ties and anger and skipping bail with your ankle monitor buzzing like a hive of angry bees.. Right wing dimbulb bees... is part and parcel what it may be all about. Too harsh.. Well. yes.. But I sat through the whole thing. <br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Erica (</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kim Griffin) </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">is an apple? (That's how the Marlboro puffing blonde is described in the author's notes.) Evidently, Belinda has met Erica on a graveyard shift. This leads to what might have been civil disobedience, had the business of the bomb not factored in. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Director </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Jess McLeod</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> has decided to smack the audience silly with the explosive entrance of the sisters shouting at the top of their lungs with no emotional place to go. Clashes with few breaks for love struggling to surface: these poor women seldom take a breath before going hammer and tongs again with flash backs? that are supposed to support the radicalization of poor Belinda (factor in the subtitle here?) but are just foreshadowing of some girl on girl action that was gratuitous at best.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">The actors fall victim to the director's decision to attempt to interpret the subpar text </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> with broad strokes... Mostly, I found this production, at best, an exercise in futility. After the first volley from the sisters, the voice in my head was pleading, "Let it be over.." </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">But!! The actors are fully committed, certainly. The set and the tech are well done, thanks to </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">scenic designer Nicholas Ponting and lighting designer Josh Epstein.</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">‘<b>Radical or, are you gonna miss me?</b>’</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">by </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Isaac Gómez</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Driected by Jess McLeod</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">IAMA Theatre Company at the </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Atwater Village Theatre<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">3269 Casitas Ave<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Los Angeles, CA 90039</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <i>FREE parking</i> <i>in the ATX </i>(<i>Atwater Crossing</i>)<i> lot one block south of the theate</i>r.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Previews: Nov. 11 – Nov. 15<br />
Performances: Nov. 16 – Dec. 11<br />
</i>• <b>Tuesday</b> at <b>8 p.m.:</b> Nov. 14 ONLY (Preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Wednesday </b>at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Nov. 15 ONLY (Preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Thursdays</b> at <b>8 p.m.:</b> Nov. 16 ONLY (Opening Night) and Dec. 7 ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Fridays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Nov. 17; Dec. 1; Dec. 8 (dark Nov. 24)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Saturdays</b> at <b>8 p.m.:</b> Nov. 11 (Preview); Nov. 18; Nov. 25; Dec. 2, Dec. 9 <br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Sundays</b> at <b>2 p.m.</b>: Nov. 19; Nov. 26; Dec. 3, Dec 10<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Sunday</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Nov. 12 ONLY (Preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Mondays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 (dark Nov. 20)<span> </span></span>
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>TICKET PRICES:</b><b><b><br />
</b></b>• General<b><b> </b></b>Admission <b>$40</b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Previews: <b>$25<b><br />
</b></b><b><b><br />
</b>HOW:<b><br />
</b></b><a href="http://www.iamatheatre.com/"><u>iamatheatre.com</u><u><br />
</u></a><u>(</u>323) 380-8843<br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-19970968860950825762023-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:002023-11-13T12:01:02.454-08:00FREIGHT AT THE FOUNTAIN<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>FREIGHT: THE FIVE INCARNATIONS OF ABEL GREEN </b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Full disclosure. the director of "Freight", Joseph Megel, is an old friend. Chatting with him tonight I learned that this play was developed with the current star almost ten years ago.. I highly recommend the show, but please try to arrange to sit in the center of the audience. This is to have full access to the excelletnt video projections. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Playwright Howard L. Craft sits us down, and thanks to some well produced technical theatrics, we journey through the history of one Black Fella: an actor: Mr. Abel Green portrayed by the very able Mr. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">J. Alphonse Nicholson</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nicholson, almost all on his own, captures us and holds us hostage with presentational tales from the early Twentieth Century through five specific episodes to the early Twentyfirst Century. Craft has imagined a story that turns. a bit.. on the Buddhist notion of reincarnation. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8cSaYAWhJEx22S5nIU6t8KUi4LWnbQrmC6lcG5ha1X1OcQgPZuJo7fIPhNI4rUpz_y1ZyQyTSw-xwpCPW3YNZehJTa19RBuAdhgmptBZmfvA1vAGbXYbCzVPk8Eyv_yKvLpq3nPbhz4RM8wTioWcARkoI-Bt4CSIubH-N9ipZV0UoHCVNXC5amlwKb4g" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8cSaYAWhJEx22S5nIU6t8KUi4LWnbQrmC6lcG5ha1X1OcQgPZuJo7fIPhNI4rUpz_y1ZyQyTSw-xwpCPW3YNZehJTa19RBuAdhgmptBZmfvA1vAGbXYbCzVPk8Eyv_yKvLpq3nPbhz4RM8wTioWcARkoI-Bt4CSIubH-N9ipZV0UoHCVNXC5amlwKb4g=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">An unexpected and beautiful garnish boosts the story elegantly. Ms Sidney Edwards with fluid gestures becomes a sort of dancer koken to keep the flow of the story moving. She is present and at the same time never obtrusive. She is gorgeous!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Abel, of course, guides us on his one hundred year journey including incarnations that turn on stereotypes and some adventures which may sound familiar. In this West Coast Premiere, the ease with which Nicholson melds his 'Abel' into the other characters prominent in each segment is fluid and confident. I wonder if he'll print this review out and carry it in his wallet? <br /></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Director Joseph Megel's deft touch allows </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nicholson</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> the</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> latitude to "kick out the jams" so to speak to bring to life the soul of a Brother whose adventures include brushes with the history and culture of a Black American's American scenario. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The technical crew turns in a fine "performance." Scenic designer Joel Daavid, lighting designer Alison Brummer, sound designer Marc Antonio Pritchett and video designer Eamonn Farrell. The professional touch in The Fountain's tiny space is, as usual: simply excellent. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Having had this story under his belt for almost ten years, Megel noted that with time and experience, the presentation has matured. Nicholson is a big guy with sustained power that never falters. The delicate moments are fine counterpoint to the physical episodes, especially the surprise turn with the buckets.. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In all we travel.. literally.. on a train that becomes a subway car and other locations as we advance from 1910 to the early 21st Century. We feel the fun of being a black minstrel player in black face..and the shame of how in another incarnation, Abel takes the high living road to the low low road and into his future. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I loved catching up with Joseph Megel and am happy to report that the Fountain Theatre has made a good choice to bring this show to Hollywood. The opening night <b>audience was on its feet and not without good cause.</b> <br /></span></p><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Additional crew!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Costume designer Danyele Thomas and props designer Rebecca Carr. The production stage manager is Kaitlyn R. Cramer. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green</i></span></b><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">
• Written by Howard L. Craft<br />
• Directed by Joseph Megel<br />
• Starring J. Alphonse Nicholson<br />
<i>• </i>With Sidney Edwards<i><br />
</i>• Produced by The Fountain Theatre</span>
</p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />
<i>Previews: Nov. 9, Nov. 10, Nov. 11</i><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Performances: Nov. 12 – Dec. 16<br />
</i>• Thursday at 8 p.m.: Nov. 9 ONLY (preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Nov. 10 (preview); Nov. 17; Dec. 1; Dec. 8; Dec. 15 (dark Nov. 24)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Nov. 11 (preview); Nov. 18; Nov. 25; Dec. 2; Dec. 9; Dec. 16<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Nov. 19; Nov. 26; Dec. 3; Dec. 10<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Sunday at 7 p.m.: Nov. 12 ONLY (opening night)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Mondays at 8 p.m.: Nov. 20; Nov. 27; Dec. 4; Dec. 11 (dark Nov. 13)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />
The Fountain Theatre<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">5060 Fountain Ave.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Los Angeles CA 90029<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(<i>Fountain at Normandie</i>) </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">TICKET PRICES:<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>$25 </i>– <i>$45:</i><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Premium Seating: $45 <br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Regular Seating: $40<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Seniors 65 or older: $35 (regular seating only)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Students: $25 (valid ID required)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Monday nights: Regular seating ($40) and Pay–What–You–Want (subject to availability)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Previews: Pay–What–You–Want</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">PARKING:<br />
• Valet parking available<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Street parking available in the neighborhood <u>north</u> of Fountain Ave.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• No parking after 6 p.m. on Mariposa or Alexandria Avenues south of Fountain Ave.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Allow extra time to find street parking; make sure to read all parking signs</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">TICKETS AND INFORMATION:<br />
(323) 663-1525 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.FountainTheatre.com/">www.FountainTheatre.com</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-33049355549323941752023-10-29T13:15:00.007-07:002023-10-29T14:58:57.033-07:00RESET AT MOVING ARTS ATWATER<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The re-emergence of small theatre in Los Angeles is encouraging. Fear and Loathing of the dreaded dampanic still has some folks masked and cautious, but art must survive. </span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">We must carry on. We must make art..</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASGlGe0FYoWoc7CbRLibaKCKluv9JYBKe5utENzrA_ELG-mjFmysFhAiAekaH5EBtZgjDJ5f6LaKSdn5ym9HPF3QuACa-8kF63uKHZEou78OKXfE9yHBxrJexKfPNgbHPzDJXOZyJcMvumLDQQY-2AseQ7pkZmSf0A1zNKcw97pphlllRgJ8Ez1oamBE/s640/Reset-2023-poster-DIGITAL-800px.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASGlGe0FYoWoc7CbRLibaKCKluv9JYBKe5utENzrA_ELG-mjFmysFhAiAekaH5EBtZgjDJ5f6LaKSdn5ym9HPF3QuACa-8kF63uKHZEou78OKXfE9yHBxrJexKfPNgbHPzDJXOZyJcMvumLDQQY-2AseQ7pkZmSf0A1zNKcw97pphlllRgJ8Ez1oamBE/w266-h400/Reset-2023-poster-DIGITAL-800px.png" width="266" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Howard Ho's World Premiere play "RESET" takes place in an unlikely bunker? way up yonder in Chernobyl. Hot Stuff. An unlikely pair of scientists Aiko Tanaka (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Greta Jung</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) and </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lateen Anderson</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Zachary Bones</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) receive a new 'client': James (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Tyler Perez</span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">). </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">When we toss Schrodinger's Cat into the mix and get into quantum physics, do not be dismayed. The best is yet to come.. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">James arrives blindfolded, wrapped in a hazmat suit having "passed" some sort of preliminary test. He's been romanced to the site of the 1986 Chernoybl meltdown in Ukraine. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The iffy sci-fi idea of how the Universe may be affected by a disaster such as the nuclear accident posits a 'mirror' universe that turns, I think, on the half life of plutonium 239.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"Agency to change.." "Moral arc of the Universe: MLK" Monkeys on keyboards : Shakespeare? Butterfly effect?? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Jim is a copywriter and as he is coaxed to venture deeper into the experiment he mentions the "mendacious effect of words." James is tempted to continue because "the sake of humanity hangs in the balance!" All of these buzz terms factor into Ho's text as we twist and turn with James offered bizarre opportunities to become a 'better person.' His 'best self. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Schrodinger model re: the living /dead cat factors in. It is heady stuff. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">James 'summons' a gift from the Universe that arrives in a special mailbox with a fortune cookie type message. The message is supposed to guide him to be his 'better self.' I'm using lots of quotation marks here because this theory and subsequent presentation is far out speculation. With a flash bang and black out, we meet another James (Carl Weintraub!) 34 years our current James's senior. His doppleganger? No.. it's really James in an alternate Universe!? Weintraub's first iteration (there are four!) is practically subhuman. Agitated and manic! "Nothing Matters" is his mantra and current James takes it all in.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A somewhat mind numbing story now unfolds with James tempted to see what's behind door numbers two, three and four.. so to speak with the "What Ifs" piling up as he is drawn to the ethical and moral issues that ask .. essentially: "Does anything' matter?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bones and Jung bring home the scientists. Bones was a little difficult to understand at times because of his British accent. Ms Jung with softer projection than the men was basically fine. . </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LgBsRWnd5vhEaaSU6kK5jtLXfk7CVGJuKKcJmhfVpgqoLGxaiyhnLr-y7-vvOSgFM9M7kiyTkcyOcq64-zPAFaJs33S_U5zxh8JPM9z2hgLhgADoJHfecKpqzTHngXIl5YhcGa4i9T6gtf9valyKuHU6IZh8aymmwJWECv_UEI6xhaarrp7UAFSys9Y/s1080/James%20and%20James%20%20%20RESEt.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LgBsRWnd5vhEaaSU6kK5jtLXfk7CVGJuKKcJmhfVpgqoLGxaiyhnLr-y7-vvOSgFM9M7kiyTkcyOcq64-zPAFaJs33S_U5zxh8JPM9z2hgLhgADoJHfecKpqzTHngXIl5YhcGa4i9T6gtf9valyKuHU6IZh8aymmwJWECv_UEI6xhaarrp7UAFSys9Y/s320/James%20and%20James%20%20%20RESEt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Carl Weintraub and Tyler Perez</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Perez finds all the beats & levels of whom we think is an average American guy, but we begin to see a dark underbelly that plays just fine. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Weintraub is a trip as he transitions from his wild man to a successful middle class fella to a very successful Dude. to a meglomaniacal tyrant. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Are each of us always responsible for our personal choices in life? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Robert Frost's "Road Not Taken" rears its head a couple of times and the term "bifurcated diagram.." divides into two specific parts and has something to do with choices we make and how to take advantage of this "opportunity" to live a better life: to be a better person. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Is there a moral arc to the Universe? Does 'God' care Can mortals create a way to control what "The Universe" may have in store? Is there an Infinite Mind? Does God make Little Green Apples? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Existential and a little loopy, Ho's play sets in motion the idea that each of us may... or may not? have a positive affect on our success as human beings. Our own humanity. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">RESET!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Addendum: Having just read the story of Queen's release of Bohemian Rhapsody and the correlative story of Faust.. and Freddy Mercury.. there may be Faustian elements here, too?? Wow..<br /></span></p><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-3" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="vc_column-inner"><div class="wpb_wrapper">
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<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Book and Sound Design by </span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Howard Ho</span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by</span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Darin Anthony</span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Scenic and Lighting Design by</span>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Justin Huen</span></p>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Produced by</span>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Dana Schwartz</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">PR: Scott Golden <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Cast</span></p>
</div>
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<div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lateen Anderson: </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Zachary Bones</span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Aiko Tanaka: </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Greta Jung</span> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">James Gamble: </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Tyler Perez</span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="wpb_wrapper"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Old Man: </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Carl Weintraub</span>
</div>
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</div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>RESET</b> by Howard Ho!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by Darren Anthony <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The world premiere <br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Full run October 28th through November
20th. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8pm. Sundays at 6pm.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">3191 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(south of Minneapolis St.)<br clear="none" /><u> </u>Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays: $25<br clear="none" />Mondays: Pay–What–You–Want<br clear="none" /> <br clear="none" /><u> </u><u>RSVP</u>: <a href="https://scottgoldenpublicity-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2HK_nR-4647hE7wDYpWNFMoGdW1-_nie2G119E1IL1QPqILtiiwEer8Mysjk5fGEIA5eV_ibG3pFj_2KSueENYCYd65_74Dw3XNQ0Hu1BqSdETnxm6keU6Cwk974SiFD83eUmKOg8lWBC9_VpG44RbISKU2Vdqoru7oS783YSVTta1wtneoGEy3hll-fLEaNlurE0Bkk" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape="rect" target="_blank">https://movingarts.org/project/reset-23/</a></span></div></div>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-73649655684818137632023-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:002023-10-28T00:01:32.711-07:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_YJRyc7GmwywYDvcFPnzQSFKtuQcIInovN3xCPx8EZ1awXf8vt4uUPon7xgTz0vlTH3iXdH5o3p3czq7ch32qGAQihUN1zCzNKETnxMrDAY5JFdLewwc06CX2BM7UNplfXWmOgG-Z2Kn4zc1ikvE7LpYKXp57t_y0OfBJrQWm4Kh1IWvfyiHpgRrjUM/s2100/L&T+5x7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_YJRyc7GmwywYDvcFPnzQSFKtuQcIInovN3xCPx8EZ1awXf8vt4uUPon7xgTz0vlTH3iXdH5o3p3czq7ch32qGAQihUN1zCzNKETnxMrDAY5JFdLewwc06CX2BM7UNplfXWmOgG-Z2Kn4zc1ikvE7LpYKXp57t_y0OfBJrQWm4Kh1IWvfyiHpgRrjUM/w286-h400/L&T+5x7.png" width="286" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"> Imagine</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Two old pals meet in a familiar pub . Famous writers who have 'owned' their literary generes and come together to chat.</span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">It's a World Premiere Play thanks to the dedication to new works by our local Actors CoOp .</span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">1963 ..Oxford, England ..The Rabbit Room of the Eagle and Child pub. Old wood. Young Bar Maid<br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">A beauty of a set brings the ambience of the Eagle and Child to life.</span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">It's talky, but fascinating to eaves drop on fame.<br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Truth be told, this is a very difficult review to write. The premise is filled with references to Tolkien's Trilogy and Lewis's Chronicles of Narnja.. If you have read them and have a take on the stories and the implicatons of philosophy and Christian values expressed by both Tolkien and Lewis, it helps. Thankfully the British accents are pretty much Mid Atlantic making the dialogue, which might get lost in the 95 minute show bearable.</span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Two old guys chat.</span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">The Bar Maid ..a kid.. is fascinated and tends to faclitate the authors by asking questions and in a way refereeing the sometime combative writers.</span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">I'm frustrated because the basic information for the show has been difficult to access. Below will be a long laundry list that I hope I've been able to copy and paste. </span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">The bottom line is that if you appreciate dedicated acting with text that flows in the intimate three quarter thrust stage and discusses the philosophy of these well known authors, I endourage you to go. The physical action includes some bending of elbows with pints that seem to have no effect to a very short one person darts game and Tolkien losing his hat after a touchng denoument. </span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Please forgive the odd spacing and parsing in this review. The way I like to copy and paste basic information seems to be resisting a polite presentation. <br /></span></span></p><p class="yiv6843443467MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"></span></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lewis and Tolkien</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Written
and directed by Dean Batali</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Produced
for Actors Co-op by Marc Whitmore, Lori Berg and Rob Loos</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">October
27 – December 3, 2023<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>*No Show Friday, November 24*</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fridays
and Saturdays at 7:30 pm (New Time!)</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sundays
at 2:30 pm</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Additional
Saturday Matinees at 2:30 pm: Nov. 4, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Approximate
running time: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>95 minutes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No intermission.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Actor
Co-op Theatre Company at Crosley Theatre, </span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1760 N. Gower St., on the campus of the First Presbyterian
Church of Hollywood, Hollywood, CA 90028</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Free Parking in
the Actors Co-op lot on Carlos.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tickets:
</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adults $35.
Seniors (60+) $30. Students w/ID and SAG-AFTRA & WGA union members $25.
Group rates available. </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For Tickets/Info: </span></b></span><a href="http://www.ActorsCo-op.org"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.ActorsCo-op.org</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or (323)
462-8460.</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For Immediate Release</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The award-winning Actors Co-op Theatre Company
<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">in association with MWO Productions
proudly presents</span> proudly presents<b> </b>the World Premiere play <b><i>Lewis
and Tolkien</i></b>, written and directed by Dean Batali, produced by Marc
Whitmore, Lori Berg, and Rob Loos. <b></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Set in Oxford, England in the autumn of 1963 at the
famous “Rabbit Room” of the Eagle and Child Pub, this play is something of a
return to the familiar for C.S. Lewis (author of The Chronicles of Narnia) and
J.R.R. Tolkien (who wrote The Lord of the Rings). Filled with humor, rousing
debate, and reconciliation, the two men learn the true value of their
friendship with a little help from a few pints of beer and the energetically
curious barmaid, Veronica. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The Actors Co-op cast features the talents of Phil
Crowley as C.S Lewis, Michael Beattie as J.R.R. Tolkien and Bianca Akbiyik as
Veronica.</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">The Production Team includes Dean Batali
(Writer/Director), Lori Berg (Producer), Rob Loos (Producer), Marc Whitmore
(Producer), Joel Daavid (Set Designer), Martha Carter (Lighting Designer), Chris
Moscatiello (Sound Designer), Vicki Conrad (Costume Designer), Colleen Darling
(Stage Manager) and Beth Batali (Assistant Stage Manager).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">About the Playwright/Director</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">DEAN BATALI (Playwright / Director) Dean
Batali worked as a writer on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That 70s
Show</i> for seven years, serving as an executive producer for the show’s final
season. He wrote for the initial two seasons of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, </i>was the head writer for the first season
of DisneyJr’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Puppy Dog Pals</i> and was
recently executive producer and showrunner for the third and fourth seasons of
the Hallmark Channel’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Good Witch. </i>Dean
wrote and directed the musicals <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">After the
Beginning</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life with Ebeneezie.
Lewis and Tolkien</i> is the first play Dean has written where people don’t
break into song.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;"> </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">About the Cast </span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">PHIL CROWLEY<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(C.S. Lewis) Since 2015 Phil has been portraying C. S. Lewis in
the one-man play, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An Evening with C.S.
Lewis </i>in venues across the U.S. including Actors Co-op and the C. S. Lewis
Foundation in Redlands, California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Overseas he has performed the play at Christ Church in Jerusalem,
Israel; Free University of Amsterdam; and at the Kilns, C. S. Lewis’ home in
Oxford, England. He is also a working voice actor and can be heard as the
announcer for the ABC hit show, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shark
Tank</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other stage productions
include: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Walk in the Woods,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wit, As You Like it, The Learned Ladies, You
Can't Take It With You The Philadelphia Story</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Imaginary Invalid, A Christmas Carol</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Days of Wine and Roses</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teahouse
of the August Moon</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Miracle
Worker</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He played the role of
Cervantes/Don Quixote in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Man of LA Mancha</i>
and portrayed Nat Miller, the pivotal father character in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ah, Wilderness!</i> by Eugene O’Neill, for which he received an ARTS in
LA SAGE Award.<u> </u></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: white;">MICHAEL BEATTIE* (Tolkien)</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #313131; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;"> is an award-winning Canadian-American
Actor and Voice Actor who has worked for over 30 years in Theater, Film,
Television and Radio as well as Video Games and Television and Feature Film
Animation (please visit </span></span><a href="http://michaelbeattievo.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #4285f4; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;">michaelbeattieVO.com</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #313131; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Actors Co-op: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tartuffe</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Something's Afoot</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Baby Dance</i>,
</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;">Twelfth Night</span></i></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #313131; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;"> , <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Bete</i> Recent credits
include Marley, Fezziwig and Old Joe in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Christmas Carol</i> at FPCH in 2021 and 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently: VNC Anncr<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>and
Guru Rick in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Minions: The Rise of Gru</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upcoming:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sensei O’Sullivan in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Despicable Me 4</i> (2024) and Eccentric
Eddie in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">MegaMind the Series</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, </b>streaming on Peacock (2024).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">BIANCA AKBIYIK (Veronica) Bianca is thrilled to be making
her Actors Co-op debut! She received dual BA’s in Theatre and Communications
from Cal Lutheran. She is an actor, teaching artist, and arts administrator
born and raised in Los Angeles. She also serves as Co-op’s PR Director. Credits
Includes: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Two Gentlemen of Verona,
King Lear, Macbeth, As You Like It </i>(Kingsmen Shakespeare), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Midsummer Night’s Dream </i>(Theatricum
Botanicum), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Christmas Carol </i>(FPCH),
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John Proctor is the Villain, and The
Women of Lockerbie </i>- KCACTF Irene Ryan Semifinalist (Cal Lutheran). </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #313131; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #313131; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-highlight: white;">About the Production Team</span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">MARC WHITMORE (Producer) is the chief executive officer
and founder of the internationally renowned agency MWO Management. Marc has
earned an enviable reputation as one of the best executives operating in areas
such as talent development and management, as well as guiding companies to
become the best version of themselves. He has provided his professional
services to a diverse range of celebrities including Matthew McConaughey, Bob
Hope, Pat Boone, Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, and countless more.
He has also consulted for the White House on several Presidential campaigns and
has been a producer of Presidential Inaugurals.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">LORI BERG (Producer) Lori Berg has been a part of Actors
Co-op for three decades, having been a part of many productions both on and off
stage. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a stellar
cast and crew to bring this world premiere “home” to our boards. Lori is a
professional actress, director and nonprofit visionary who’s garnered myriad
awards for her efforts. Mainly. Lori is grateful to God for Actors Co-op and
all of you who support L.A’s intimate theatres!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">ROB LOOS (Producer) is an Emmy-nominated writer, director,
and/or producer of over 900 television & streaming episodes, 13 films, and
2 plays that have won 120 awards. Loos wrote/directed Never Give Up which was
released in theatres in September; he is currently producing a documentary on
the life and legacy of Henrietta Mears. Loos was Chairman of the Actors
Co-op/Inter-Mission Advisory Board for ten years and currently serves on the
Co-op’s executive board. Loos is Chairman of Missions & Outreach at
Hollywood Pres. He is married to his high school classmate, Dr. Mary Anne
Doyle, has two children, and plays competitive tennis.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">JOEL DAAVID (Set Designer) Joel has
become an award-winning director/set designer since attending the American Film
Institute for Cinematography. Joel's most notable awards include the Ovation,
LA Weekly, NAACP and LADCC Theater Awards. He directed/designed the award-
winning production of "<span style="color: #222222;">The Miracle Worker</span>"
at <span style="color: #222222;">the Matrix</span> and Edgemar Theatres and the
new production of Tennessee Williams’ “Baby Doll” at the Lillian Theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel directed/designed the multi-award
winning “Frankenstein” for Theatre Tallahassee, the epic story of "Camille"
(Claudel) at the Greenway Arts Alliance and most recently the world premiere
musical “Caligari’s Cabinet of Curiosities” written by Vanessa Stewart. </span></span><a href="http://www.jdaavid.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">www.joeldaavid-director.com</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">MARTHA
CARTER (Lighting Design)<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> is
based out of Los Angeles. She is Head of Design and an assistant professor at
Cal State Long Beach and enjoys collaborating with ensemble companies to create
new work that incites positive change within the communities. Some of her
recent credits include: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Mystery of
Irma Vep</i> (Actors Co-op), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Lilly
Gets Boned </i>(Rouge Machine), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Driving
Miss Daisy </i>(The Laguna Playhouse), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Little Night Music </i>(Madison Opera), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Penal Colony </i>(Long Beach Opera), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cinderella</i>
(Long Beach Ballet), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Famous </i>(The
11:11), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peter Pan</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Evita </i>(Panama City Panama). </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">VICKI CONRAD<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(Costume Design) </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Vicki Conrad has
been designing for theater for over 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is currently designing for many local Los Angeles
theatres including Actor’s Co-op Theatre Company, Action Theatre Company,
Sacred Fools, and Third Street Theatre, as well as Knightsbridge Theatre
Films.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She works closely with
several schools on costume, hair, and makeup design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a long-time company member of the Knightsbridge
Theatre and National American Shakespeare Company.<span style="background: yellow; color: #222222; mso-highlight: yellow;"></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">CHRIS
MOSCATIELLO<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(Sound Design) is an
award-winning sound designer, composer, music editor and music director for
theater, television and film. TV highlights include <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Walking Dead, Eureka, Psych, Human Target, Caprica, The Cape and
Trauma</i>. He has scored series and specials for National Geographic and The
Discovery Channel. Theater highlights include The Kennedy Center, The
Smithsonian Institution, The Shakespeare Theatre, Signature Theatre, Roundhouse
Theatre, Rogue Machine, Antaeus, A Noise Within, Skylight Theatre, The Fountain
Theatre, Odyssey Theater, The Road Theatre, Pacific Resident Theater, and he
served as assistant conductor for the national tour of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Phantom of the Opera</i>.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-highlight: white;">COLLEEN DARLING<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(Stage Manager) Colleen Darling’s experience
in the entertainment industry is multifaceted including acting as well as
working behind the scenes in stage, film, and TV. She has done everything from
travel with a repertory theater company to working at Warner Bros. Her theater
experience encompasses acting, producing, directing and stage managing. An
abbreviated list of her theatrical projects includes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gypsy</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The King and I</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Watch on the Rhine</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Wizard of Oz</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cinderella</i>.
She’s the director of operations for The Greenhouse Arts & Media, a
nonprofit organization that serves the creative community, and also manages her
professional voiceover career.<span style="color: #222222;"></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">October 27 – December 3, 2023. Fridays and Saturdays at
7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. Additional Saturday matinees at 2:30 pm: November
4, November 25, and December 2. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*No
performance November 24.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tickets: </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adults $35. Seniors (60+)
$30. Students w/ID and SAG-AFTRA & WGA union members $25. Group rates
available. Tickets/Info: </span></span><a href="http://www.ActorsCo-op.org"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.ActorsCo-op.org</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk130574619;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or (323) 462-8460. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: .1pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crossley Theater,
1760 N. Gower St., on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood,
Hollywood, CA 90028. Free lot parking on Carlos.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><style>@font-face
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{page:Section1;}</style><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-24817690756568286502023-10-23T21:09:00.000-07:002023-10-23T21:09:55.606-07:00S H E.. at Antaeus<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>SHE !</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyHSBqRhglFm5mRJTGKvZf9DeZBIC1OssHlZBc6Wr2y2Esg_3RT5Lhq138FUAEV7C7531VhLzGTtxcFcAiKTxatJuh8q1eheAHZDjCl96fZxPKxEn2tYjJPTtG_ZMhKbbwJJeoSVxFAlzQS6vBOvr8j2Hpu5yxIDVHWwdfXtQvmmitFBZhiReWLhK8iho" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2100" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyHSBqRhglFm5mRJTGKvZf9DeZBIC1OssHlZBc6Wr2y2Esg_3RT5Lhq138FUAEV7C7531VhLzGTtxcFcAiKTxatJuh8q1eheAHZDjCl96fZxPKxEn2tYjJPTtG_ZMhKbbwJJeoSVxFAlzQS6vBOvr8j2Hpu5yxIDVHWwdfXtQvmmitFBZhiReWLhK8iho=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Camille Ariana Spirlin and Lorenz Arnell<br />Photo by Jeff Lorch
</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Recent local theatre productions featuring black folks have arrived at virtually the same time. ANW's The Bluest Eye and Blood at the Root at Open Fist bubble with stories told of overcoming bias or at least bringing it to light. The pendulum swings and cultures long under the radar are given voice. Now, the world premiere of "SHE" by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Marlow Wyatt</b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Beige. Beige is not a color, exactly. It's more of an attitude that scenic designer </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Eli Sherlock </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> has brought to this tale as a theme for a reason. I don't know what the reason is, but it is very impressive. Certainly the story of "SHE", the ambitious young woman. ahead of her years with Mickey Mouse puffs of hair and a gorgeous smile rolls along with few bumps. The couple of bumps for SHE are given fair warning to the audience and may just be for dramatic effect. Joseph Campbell tells us that the Hero must encounter obstacles in the quest. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Physical staging of this play must have been done with a reason that escapes me. We are asked to presume the fourth wall to the kitchen where SHE works her tail off to present the truly good kid she is. SHE curries favor with an over worked mom, Bernice (</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Karen Malina White</b></span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) who has taken up with a telegraphed jive ass Casaova, Mr. Lonnie (</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Jon Chaffin</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">).. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">We have mostly realistic dialogue with an occasional underscore of Anthony Newley's "Feelin' Good" , probably introduced to SHE by Nina Simone. It's a message of hope! Hope, is the four letter word that keeps SHE on track and hungry to fly. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nick Santiago</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s projections are spectacular with text to boost the feeling of flight and hopin' for the wings to carry SHE to the place where she belongs. <br /></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's summer, 1970 . </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Clark County,USA<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">SHE: Sojourer Freeman Johnson </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Camille Ariana Spirlin</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> is almost fourteen. Her dreams and self confidence are blossoming as the summer is upon us. SHE </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">races home from the last day of school with her pal, Davie, (</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Lorenz Arnell</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">). Davie is already fourteen, but as is with most guys, not as mature as sophisticated wanna be SHE. He's content to be a kid. SHE is ready for the big time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Truth be told, it's a somewhat pedestrian story of the hopes and dreams of the kid who has the innate talent to make it out of Dodge to show the world <i>something</i>. Of course, there are hurdles to handle and the stuff of life to encounter even before it's really time for tough challenges. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bernice, is SHE's mother (</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Karen Malina White</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) who, being swept away by low life casanova </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Mr. Lonnie <b>(</b>Jon Chaffin<b>) </b>falls victim to his charms<b>. </b>Stock characters include nosy old Miss Jane (</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Veronica Thompson</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> also the elegant regent of SHE's fancy boarding school) and the not so good fella from the other side of the tracks </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Othalee (Gerard Joseph) </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">round out the cast. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">On entering the performance space, it is clear that there is serious money on the stage. At times the beige set outshines the story. </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Eli Sherlock</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">'s brilliant scenic design with truly amazing projections by</span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Nick Santiago amplified by Andrew Schmedake's lights and Jeff Gardner's sound, provide a serious challenge for the actors. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Andi Chapman</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s direction confused me with actors crossing the width of the stage from left to right that forced an odd entry to the stoop of SHE's house? The beautiful set was 'painted' all beige with projections for wall paper and later, a county fair with Ferris Wheel, a gorgeous river view and a moving train. Brilliant Tech! Brilliant. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">SHE and Davie present well the teen lovers to be, but the levels of performance start high tend to stay amped. . <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> It may have been playwright </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Marlow Wyat<b>t</b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s intention for this piece to feel presentational and broad. Certainly, SHE's monologues are heartfelt. It is simply the basic story of a bright kid with ambition lumbered by circumstance. In spite of being a way better than average scholar (only one B on her report card!), the dream of Vanguard Academy seems out of reach. With luck, SHE may be given a ride to a real education out of this dreary dead end town. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The eventual exposure of Mr. Lonnie's hand makes for an over long evening. That said.. if the theatre lover enjoys a full production and appreciates excellence in the way a scenic design and projections and sound bring this rather simple story to life, it's a show not to be missed. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Antaeus Theatre Company is a Bright Jewel in the crown of The Jewel City. Sponsoring new work like this World Premiere is important and The City of Glendale should show support for the work being done by this group of talented professionals. <br /></span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Cast:</span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">SHE Sojourner Freeman </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Camille Ariana Spirlin</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Davie Mansaw, <b>Lorenz Arnell</b>; </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Bernice, <b>Karen Malina White </b> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Mr. Lonnie <b>Jon Chaffin</b>, </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Miss Jane <b>Veronica Thompson</b> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Othalee <b>Gerard Joseph </b><i> </i></span></span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Crew:</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Scenic designer Eli Sherlock, </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lighting designer Andrew Schmedake, </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Sound designer Jeff Gardner, </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Video designer Nick Santiago, </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Costume designer Wendell C. Carmichael</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Properties designer Katie Iannitello. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Assistant director Jessica Williams </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Production stage manager Camella Cooper.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>SHE</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Written by <b>Marlow Wyatt</b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by <b>Andi Chapman</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Antaeus Theatre Company <br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">110 East Broadway<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Glendale, CA 91205<span><b> <br /></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Previews: Oct. 15–Oct. 19</i><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Performances: Oct. 20–Nov. 20<br />
</i>• <b>Tuesday</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 17 ONLY (preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Wednesday</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 18 ONLY (preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Thursday</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 19 (preview), Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Fridays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 20 (opening), Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Saturdays</b> at <b>2 p.m.</b>: Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Saturdays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Nov. 18<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Sundays</b> at <b>2 p.m.</b>: Oct. 15 (preview), Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Mondays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20 (dark Oct. 23)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><b>Tickets and Information</b></span></span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://antaeus.org">Antaeus.org <br />
</a>(818) 506-1983</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span><b></b></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b> </b><span> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-38128744104021220512023-10-15T14:41:00.004-07:002023-10-15T15:08:03.681-07:00Bottom's UP!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Pasadena's A Noise Within Theatre Company rides again with the Bard and a band of merry actors all watched over by Geoff Elliott </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">and </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. This production is an amazing romp! Magritte meets Fellini? <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtdG2JOp_sMUrCaSncD4Irzb3R7WfwzA3cPB1QK5as0dt8q-aIxeJkFTYS0RZzBiJE4b4x77s34xXYIY0pLz0CPD8sVMXKJvuQ-WorjCXYmoQuTUJT_yFr8JFeJSOdkPxi9GXtjCd55tbvc1CQ1K_kNbGsOg1hNxnWw7ZBkSJoc0ovjkb9bLxQEqvFug/s2100/ANW_Midsummer_260.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1680" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtdG2JOp_sMUrCaSncD4Irzb3R7WfwzA3cPB1QK5as0dt8q-aIxeJkFTYS0RZzBiJE4b4x77s34xXYIY0pLz0CPD8sVMXKJvuQ-WorjCXYmoQuTUJT_yFr8JFeJSOdkPxi9GXtjCd55tbvc1CQ1K_kNbGsOg1hNxnWw7ZBkSJoc0ovjkb9bLxQEqvFug/w512-h640/ANW_Midsummer_260.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Frederick Stuart and Trisha Miller<br />Photo by Craig Schwartz</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">My first exposure to the wonderfulness of this most excellent of the Bard's comedies was with the Royal Shakespeare Company's spectacular production directed by Peter Brook in the Ahmanson Theatre. The beauty of the play itself is that it lends itself to absolute </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">magic.</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Directors Rodriguez-Elliott & Elliott, the founders of the ANW company, don't spare the horses to create this swift moving and professional production that might stand toe to toe with The RSC!<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In this ANW production, we are greeted by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Frederica Nascimento</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s simple blank stage with a dozen black chairs and a huge backwall that shows promise. We are not disappointed. Lighting by Ken Booth brings the magic to life. The Ensemble / Fairies have some odd business with hand held lighting that calls attention to itself as a device, but it adds the Fellini texture to the production. The Ensemble is dedicated to a person! <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's Puck, of course, Mr. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kasey Mahaffy,</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> the catalyst and mordant that brings the show together </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">with a touch of La Dolce Vita. Indeed, The Elliots have a cast willing and able to kick out the jams and literally run (and briefly fly) for the length of the show. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Doubling as Theseus and Oberon and Hippolyta & Titania are Zach Kenney and Trisha Miller. I still have a hard time 'getting' why Oberon is nuts about the kid that Titania has brought from India. (The gorgeous pram is a nice touch.) If I read the text again, t might be clear. Regardless, in both roles each actor shines. In fact the entire cast is glowing like anything. Titania is hot!<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">If for no other reason (There are two, actually) to be sure to see this show, is The Lovers' Fight. I still get Hermia (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Erika Soto)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> and Helena (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Jeanne Syquia)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> mixed up. Both are wonderful. It's poor Hermia, of course, who faces the convent or death. Helena has an allergy or something. The women and the guys, Demetrius (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Rafael Goldstein)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> and Lysander (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Riley Shanahan</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) Knock it Out of the Park.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In every production of this play I've seen it still comes to the Rustics: the Mechanicals.. the guys who have signed up to entertain the Duke and company for pending nuptials. Bottom (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Big old Frederick Stuart</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) steals the show and steals the business of the interstitial "Pyramus and Thisby: a tragedy!" </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Die! Die!! Die!!!!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Whomever made Bottom's Ass.. well the ass's head, deserves a medal.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">We must never forget that the crew that manages to do the heavy lifting, becomes a character in the play. The huge upstage wall rises to take us to Fairyland where Oberon and Puck plot to prompt the line "Oh What Fools These Mortals Be.." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lavish** Costumes by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Angela Balogh Calin</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> with wigs and makeup by Tony Valdez transform the actors flawlessly! (Okay, one bowler hat needs blocking. I mentioned Magritte, right?) <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Fast paced dialogue and genuine appreciation for Shakespeare's words all meld to create a fun and funny production. Applause!<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">More and more, the dream that The Elliotts have birthed and nurtured, especially since being in the warm and friendly embrace of the City of Pasadena, bring strong and important Theatre to the stage. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Please! Just head to Pasadena and enjoy the show. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(**Really really wonderful! )<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">CAST<br />Demetrius .<span> </span>Rafael Goldstein*<br />Hermia . . <span> </span><span> </span>Erika Soto*<br />Helena . <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Jeanne Syquia*<br />Puck . <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Kasey Mahaffy*<br />Peter Quince Alex Morris*<br />Nick Bottom Frederick Stuart*<br />Titania/Hippolyta Trisha Miller*<br />First Fairy . Cassandra Marie Murphy*<br />Lysander . Riley Shanahan*<br />Oberon/Theseus .Zach Kenney*<br />Egeus/Flute Ed F. Martin*<br />Snug . Brendan Mulligan<br />Starveling/Ensemble Hakop Mkhsian<br />Snout/Ensemble Erick Valenzuela<br />Ensemble Greta Donnelly, Rachel Han, Lauren SosaU/S Peter Quince/Snug: Edgar Landa*, U/S Hermia: Tania Verafield*,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The creative team includes </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Scenic designer<b> </b>Frederica Nascimento; Lighting designer Ken Booth; </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Composer and sound designer Robert Orio<b>l</b>; Costume designer Angela Balogh Calin; </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Wig and makeup designer <b>Tony Valdés</b>; Properties designer <b>Stephen Taylor</b>; Dramaturg Dr. Miranda Johnson–Haddad. Production stage manager <b> </b>Angela Sonner, Talya Camras assisting.<span> <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">by William Shakespeare</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A Noise Within<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">3352 E Foothill Blvd.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Pasadena, CA 91107</span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
</i></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Previews Oct. 8 – Oct. 13 <br />
Performances Oct. 14 – Nov. 12<br />
</i>• <b>Wednesday</b> at <b>7:30 p.m.</b>: Oct. 11 ONLY (Preview)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Thursdays</b> at <b>7:30 p.m.</b>: Oct. 12* (Preview) and Nov. 2 ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Fridays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 13 (Preview); Oct. 20**; Oct. 27**; Nov. 3**; Nov. 10** <br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Saturdays</b> at <b>2 p.m.</b>: Oct. 21; Oct. 28; Nov. 4; Nov. 11 (no matinee on Oct. 14)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Saturdays</b> at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 14 (Opening Night); Oct. 21; Oct. 28; Nov. 11 (No evening performance on Nov. 4)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Sundays</b> at <b>2 p.m.</b>: Oct. 8<b><sup>ϯ</sup></b> (Preview); Oct. 15; Oct. 22**; Oct. 29; Nov. 5; Nov. 12<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">*The preview on <b>Thursday</b>, <b>Oct. 12</b> will be <b>sensory-friendly</b>;
a handout detailing when an abrupt or intense moment of lighting, sound
or on-stage action will occur, and a discreetly-placed lantern will
provide a visual indication of when these moments will occur.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><sup>**</sup></b><b>Post</b>–<b>performance conversations</b> with the artists <b>every Friday </b>(except the preview) and <b>Sunday</b>, <b>Oct. 22<br />
</b><b><sup>ϯ</sup></b>An <b>INsiders Discussion Group </b>on “Studying Shakespeare” will take place prior to the matinee on <b>Sunday</b>, <b>Oct. 8</b> from <b>12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.</b> (separate admission:<b> $25</b>).</span>
</p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In addition, there will be <b>13 student matinees</b> scheduled throughout the run. Interested educators should email <a href="mailto:education@anoisewithin.org">education@anoisewithin.org</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Tickets and Information:</span><b><br />
</b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.anoisewithin.org">www.anoisewithin.org</a><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(626) 356-3100<span> <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-5226207664903972792023-10-13T21:20:00.001-07:002023-10-13T21:33:02.809-07:00Van Helsing's Dracula<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Van Helsing's Dracula! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">One of the most ambitious and erotic ideas I've ever encountered is this 'Immersive" event scheduled to open October 21st. See details below.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Having had the unique experience of seeing a 'preview' of this show in Highland Park and a bit of the tech rehearsal at the venue (see below) this is to give readers of onstagelosangeles a heads up should the terms 'LAVISH' and "EXTRAORDINARY" be on your wish list for an evening of gourmet dining and an acrobatic /erotic movement piece with an onbard musical ensemble.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">My friend, Laurence Cohen, is the public relations representative for this show. I mention him because he has always been a class act and taking on this extravaganza is a tour de force promotion!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Kudos to the producers for this imaginative trip just in time for Halloween. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">/////////</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A poetically sapphic interpretation of the classic tale, <i><a href="https://blast.broadwayworld.com/track-click2.cfm?blastid=3813&uuid=0&link=%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Evanhelsingsdracula%2Ecom%22" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Van Helsing's Dracula</a></i> follows
Van Helsing after she receives a mysterious invitation to an ominous
dinner where the Countess Dracula steals Van Helsing's lover and lures
Van Helsing into a psychologically tormenting and sensually seductive
trap. Van Helsing is faced with a decision: cross over fully into
Dracula's dark and twisted lifestyle or walk away and leave her lover
behind.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Van Helsing's Dracula</i> is a circus dinner theater experience produced by Sarah Mann and <a href="https://blast.broadwayworld.com/track-click2.cfm?blastid=3813&uuid=0&link=%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emadmannsplayground%2Ecom%22" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Madmann's Playground</a>.
The show features an 8-person all-female circus cast, 4 live musicians,
and a curated 3 course Romanian-style menu. The original story was
written by Katie Rediger and Corrin Evans, and is accompanied by an
original classical gothic score composed by two-time Emmy-award winner
Hummie Mann for violin, harp, keyboard, and percussion. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Van Helsing's Dracula</i> opens Saturday, Oct 21 with subsequent
shows on Nov 4, Nov 11, and Nov 18 at Vatican Banquet Hall (6913 Van
Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91405) from 6-9pm. Tickets range between
$225-325 depending on proximity to the stage and level of interaction
with the performers. The show is appropriate for ages 16+ and includes
haze, flashing lights, and simulated blood sucking.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A 10% discount on ticket tiers 1, 2, & 3 is available for the
first two performances (Oct 21 & Nov 4) for those who show proof of
blood donation attempt at an American Red Cross blood drive site. Email
draculasharem@gmail.com with proof of donation attempt.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-3068566290071412512023-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:002023-09-29T21:49:38.727-07:00BI-SEXUAL SADNESS : A World Premiere<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Affecting work.. "Affecting Work" is a term from the roots of radical theatre : long ago in the age of body work, physical involvement sometimes with text and sometimes just action that gave the audience an opportunity to be viscerally involved with theatre. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"Bisexual Sadness" with a pinkish visual .. an upside down "i" and the 'x' out of kilter denotes the specific feelings of india kotis's (sic) play. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Social media and the immediacy of Ecommunication has led our culture into an ever spiraling morass of language and self diagnosis in terms of gender and sexuality that has (in the voices of Karen and Richard Carpenter) 'only just begun'.. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The physical discomfort and mental anguish in this World Premiere, creatively staged by Carlyle King, is palpable. Each character is well presented: over played and under played and each and all in the 'same play.' It's a pleasure to use that description of the players, as from time to time, an actor might be so out of bounds that it makes the production dissolve.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8GJHtqnfK10V2KjCJHLQDDMsvZIxvjWYH6H5d_gfl5YCfW40NNs6qGaAuHOU_U7RhKlk1bRC1q64ID5YToQ_oSN9JQD7jMu_Om1sgEbooAmbbxVo7CwRCOY7znyfiyDU2CtPSxW5kONgnnlT0eVyydfAL9n2owetf8Y9XpZ6qwowh6eT1N99smzoPZI/s828/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8GJHtqnfK10V2KjCJHLQDDMsvZIxvjWYH6H5d_gfl5YCfW40NNs6qGaAuHOU_U7RhKlk1bRC1q64ID5YToQ_oSN9JQD7jMu_Om1sgEbooAmbbxVo7CwRCOY7znyfiyDU2CtPSxW5kONgnnlT0eVyydfAL9n2owetf8Y9XpZ6qwowh6eT1N99smzoPZI/w640-h640/thumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">When NoHo's The Road Theatre on Magnolia takes on a play to produce, fact is that it will be either entertaining or challenging or both. In this case, it's a toss up. There's a lot of drama! Playwright </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">india kotis (sic)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> lays out the story of a woman, FAYE (</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Tiffany Wolff</span></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) a medical doctor, who has been left behind.. so to speak from a long term 'relationship' with a self described 'masculine ish.. woman: GENEVIEVE (</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Alaska Jackson</span></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">). But! Gen and Faye remain the best of friends. Faye, in the first scene is trying on a wedding dress to wear for her marriage to ALEX (</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Brian
Graves</span></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">), a "sensitive and open guy" who is a teacher in a pre-school. Factor in poor MIRANDA (</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Karrie King</span></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">), Faye's elder sister, who has been deserted by the father of her 'kid' NAOMI (</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Gloria Ines</span></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) (see below *) for a 24 year old floozy. Miranda is in the depths of depression. Pot helps but stinks as she heads up the aisle.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">And..and.. what about Lillian (</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Andrea
Flowers),</span></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> the arealist? Pansexual? wow. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I thought she should be Blonde. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Bisexual Sadness is a play with more questions than answers. Somehow that seems to be okay. Perhaps it may be because we: our western society, is now faced with decisions regarding which pronouns WE choose to be addressed by. If we present as a female, but identify by self diagnosis to be not so female-ish.. no longer are we she / her, but "they/them." Ditto for males. And. with the influence of social media and self diagnosis and confusion because one's head says one thing and my itchy parts say something else and the depression that comes with the confusion of it all: whom to love? how to love? whom to marry??? becomes a friggin' conundrum? Faye, in her honest mental state longs for flamboyant full sleeve shoulder tattoos and a white sidewall haircut? Men and Women and Boys and Girls.. and all others... Others.. this is the upsetting confusion facing some of these complex characters, save for the Canadian Arealist who just flies as she pleases leaving everyone unapologeically in the dust. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> *Thus.. we find Naomi, a slightly sullen, more or less 'butch' kid opting to be called they/them and fuming if a grammatical slip is made. "Hers"(says me!) is self imposed 'theyness. (Gloria Ines presented with her hair down and very femme at the curain call.) It seems to me that this gender fluid dance is getting the best of me, even though I sort of understand. Still, I feel most comfortable.. important to me.. to know what brand of human being I'm dealing with. I'll hold the door for anyone, but out of habit especially for a woman..or a person who presents as a woman ..even in pants. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Thus:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Like having a tiny pebble in your shoe that is just a little bit annoying because one must remember the right words. That's annoying. Just uncomfortable and annoying. Kotis does not resolve Naomi's case and as Faye flat out tells her husband-to-be words he should be very troubled by, he shrugs off any discomfort he may have in the name of love. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Director King has a plan and her staging works on The Road's gorgeous set design. It's an important peek into a new horizon of our society. The LGBTQ (I still have a tough time with the word Queer) community is on the rise thanks to flash mob connections via E media. Self diagnosis easily emerges for those who are learning that there are options for how to present themselves in society with less and less fear of being judged. Be who you are!? But, who are you? Who am I? Koo koo ka chooo. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The audience for the opening of this show was a riot of color. The rainbow that represents 'choice' now for sexual preference is slowly and brightly being unfurled. This play may be a stepping stone to Identity for those who find that it is time to examine how they really truly feel. I'd suggest talk backs for special audiences. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Two casts give audiences an opportunity to possibly consume a double dose of learning.. Make no mistake, the underlying theme is about life lessons and possibly finding a role model for how to be happy in this new age of wonky grammar. Uncomfortable pronouns and love. Ultimately, it's really about love. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Edna St. Vincent Millay Cast:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Faye </span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Tiffany Wolff</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Genevieve </span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Alaska Jackson</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Alex</span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span> Brian
Graves</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Miranda </span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Karrie King</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Naomi </span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Gloria Ines <br /></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lillian </span><b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Andrea
Flowers</span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="ydp4a587782MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>BISEXUAL SADNESS</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">by india kotis (sic)<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by Carlyle King <br /></span></p><div style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span>THE ROAD ON MAGNOLIA</span><span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">10747 Magnolia Blvd. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">North Hollywood, CA</span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tickets: $39.00</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Previews: $15.00</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Students/Seniors: $15.00</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sunday Performances
Pay-What-You-Can</span></b></p>
<p><style>p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
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{page:Section1;}</style><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-38509578042972448502023-09-17T12:15:00.004-07:002023-09-17T12:15:43.812-07:00OPEN FIST: BLOOD AT THE ROOT<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0488fY0PYp79FiAd6aALdphD-Qvd5LCq58MK8JQCyKHRtkJjkiTUhxFZHAV17wbkQX-8qUmn0pqTrwYRLgE7_ix4PCT5XwoF0Q2dnEL1jy5rXoQ84xYm-lzQIEt_BulWZN7qqu6dP7bNo9oYK4rWSib6sQ_WCd9TwLR85rfethZzI6RqXyuSFUiiDUw/s2100/2023_Blood_Root_0059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2100" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0488fY0PYp79FiAd6aALdphD-Qvd5LCq58MK8JQCyKHRtkJjkiTUhxFZHAV17wbkQX-8qUmn0pqTrwYRLgE7_ix4PCT5XwoF0Q2dnEL1jy5rXoQ84xYm-lzQIEt_BulWZN7qqu6dP7bNo9oYK4rWSib6sQ_WCd9TwLR85rfethZzI6RqXyuSFUiiDUw/w400-h271/2023_Blood_Root_0059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace Soens, Azeem Vecchio and Ensemble<br />Photo by Jenny Graham
</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"Blood at the Root" a self described "choreopoem" that touches on our not so distant past in the United States with the energy and rhythms of today. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Based on a true life incident in Louisiana, director Michael A. Shepperd creates a well tuned ensemble cast : high school kids mostly, who express their hopes and dreams.. pretty much.. as young folks in the land of bias and white supremacy. They ask questions and stand up to echo the message of civil rights and human rights and the rights of even kids to have an opinion and take arms against a sea of troubles.(so to speak...) and if not to end them, to . at least raise the red lantern and send a message that bias is alive and it is only when we stand together : with unity and progress as a goal, may lives actually get better.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Raylynn (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nychelle Hawk)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> is ready for change. She is pals with Asha (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Caroline Rose). Asha is</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> a pixie with an attitude: a white girl who sounds black and in the course of the production has her social position challenged. Director Michael A.Shepperd's strong hand creates the feeling of the hip hop directive laid out in </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Dominique Morisseau's presentational text.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A huge oak tree dominates the stage. it's a rallying point for white kids at Cedar High School with the understanding that they are the only ones welcome there. When three nooses appear after Ray has opted to take a seat under the tree, the challenge of traditions and human rights rears its hoary head.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Yusuf Nasir</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s dynamic choreography emerges as a rallying point for the polemic that declares that we are still a racist society and it is only when those among us step up.. step out and declare the Truth, that things begin to change.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Old Dominion .. the charter oak in question created by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Scenic Design & Technical Director<br />Joel Daavid; </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> engineered by Jan Munroe, looms to domnate the space with bloody roots running to the apron of the stage. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The highly presentational style of the piece has the cast crisply changing set pieces, aided by </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Gavan Wyrick</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s effective lighting. It's all dance. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The play's heavy message might benefit from changes of pace: volume attenuated to create the tension that, especially, dominates the dialogue between Justin (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Azeem Vecchio</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) the Cedar High School newspaper editor and the hot shot reporter, Toria (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Grace Soens</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) who longs to print birth control information instead of a list of after school activities. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Working as a tight ensemble the supporting players boost the over all energy with crisp and precise moves. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I'm late to the party and hope that Open Fist will get the audience it deserves.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>CAST</b></span><br /></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />Raylynn: Nychelle Hawk<br />Toria: Grace Soens<br />Asha: Caroline Rose<br />Justin : Azeem Vecchio<br />DeAndre: Nicholas Heard<br />Colin: Jeremy Reiter ll<br />Chorus: Amber Tiara<br />Chorus: Malik Bailey<br />Chorus: Deandra Bernardo<br />Chorus/US Toria: Emma Bruno<br />Chorus : Jack David Sharpe</span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">CREW</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Scenic Design & Technical Director<br />Joel Daavid<br />Costume Design<br />Mylette Nora<br />Lighting Design<br />Gavan Wyrick<br />Sound Design<br />Marc Antonio Pritchett<br />Charge Scenic Artist<br />Marine Walton<br />Assistant Scenic Design<br />Maya Gonzales<br />Choreography<br />Yusuf Nasir<br />Production Stage Manager<br />John Scenic Design & Technical Director<br />Joel Daavid<br />Costume Design<br />Mylette Nora<br />Lighting Design<br />Gavan Wyrick<br />Sound Design<br />Marc Antonio Pritchett<br />Charge Scenic Artist<br />Marine Walton<br />Assistant Scenic Design<br />Maya Gonzales<br />Choreography<br />Yusuf Nasir<br />Production Stage Manager<br />John Scenic Design & Technical Director<br />Joel Daavid<br />Costume Design<br />Mylette Nora<br />Lighting Design<br />Gavan Wyrick<br />Sound Design<br />Marc Antonio Pritchett<br />Charge Scenic Artist<br />Marine Walton<br />Assistant Scenic Design<br />Maya Gonzales<br />Choreography<br />Yusuf Nasir<br />Production Stage Manager<br />John Dimtri</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lead Carpenter<br />Jan Munro</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Publicist</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lucy Pollak<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Blood at the Root </b></span><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">By <b>Dominique Morisseau</b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by <b>Michael A. Shepperd<br />
</b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Sept. 9 – Oct. 28<br />
</i>• <b>Fridays </b>at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Sept. 15; Sept. 22; Sept. 29; Oct. 6; Oct. 13; Oct. 20; Oct. 27<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Saturdays </b>at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Sept. 9 (Opening Night); Sept. 16; Sept. 23; Sept. 30; Oct. 14; Oct. 21; Oct. 28 (dark Oct. 7)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Sundays </b>at <b>3 p.m.</b>: Sept. 17; Oct. 1; Oct. 15 (no matinees on Sept. 10; Sept. 24; Oct. 8; Oct. 22<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <b>Sundays </b>at <b>7 p.m.</b>: Sept. 10; Sept. 24; Oct. 8; Oct. 22 (no evening performances on Sept. 17; Oct. 1; Oct. 15)<br />
• <b>Monday </b>at <b>8 p.m.</b>: Oct. 9 ONLY<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b>Atwater Village Theatre<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">3269 Casitas Ave<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Los Angeles, CA 90039<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• <i>FREE parking</i> <i>in the ATX </i><i>(</i><i>Atwater Crossing</i><i>)</i><i> lot one block south of the theate</i><i>r.<br />
</i><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>TICKETS: <br />
</b>$20 – $30</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>
</b><b>
</b><a href="http://www.openfist.org">www.openfist.org</a><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(323) 882-6912</span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-40542579225857377782023-09-10T23:37:00.005-07:002023-09-13T12:41:41.451-07:00THE SOUND INSIDE at Th Pasadena Playhouse. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fp-sskyqFijnh-DtswxRm3FhD7cX2zTNkV7wt75dl4fmzpKea-VUtSX90qONg2QK130O-nogbsOd6ECrD8ia0MLxOUUr1iIcZD1d5zgajBrmKM9Jp-y8wXgvD6AtSgGwTQxkCwGtrIv7qt4tFz9sAV8rssu641EY-1rXB7u-rZQUexjaY6fS-BM5dvU/s11412/Sound%20inside%20review%20I.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="11412" data-original-width="8440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fp-sskyqFijnh-DtswxRm3FhD7cX2zTNkV7wt75dl4fmzpKea-VUtSX90qONg2QK130O-nogbsOd6ECrD8ia0MLxOUUr1iIcZD1d5zgajBrmKM9Jp-y8wXgvD6AtSgGwTQxkCwGtrIv7qt4tFz9sAV8rssu641EY-1rXB7u-rZQUexjaY6fS-BM5dvU/w474-h640/Sound%20inside%20review%20I.jpeg" width="474" /></a>A<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fp-sskyqFijnh-DtswxRm3FhD7cX2zTNkV7wt75dl4fmzpKea-VUtSX90qONg2QK130O-nogbsOd6ECrD8ia0MLxOUUr1iIcZD1d5zgajBrmKM9Jp-y8wXgvD6AtSgGwTQxkCwGtrIv7qt4tFz9sAV8rssu641EY-1rXB7u-rZQUexjaY6fS-BM5dvU/s11412/Sound%20inside%20review%20I.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="11412" data-original-width="8440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOn1-R6jMf6RFQ2cNvUUUtdRtGXKr_kixazsGg40g1JKhzNXJupQn2ZDueS_yHF1O8tSausnO3PukTYiL7ZNhqJR04OB19OdfR6d9K4V31UPkem4cHolM1FvwlzTUQYf2WicW1SzDFR6cuRxg6WrTe5eXSQuRlQ4zO9yyGFsvFFpmZnaKuX3a-fxtIxg/w473-h640/Sound%20inside%20review%20II%201.jpeg" width="473" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Addendum: <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> I was so inspired by the revelation in the text of this play that Christopher (Anders Keith) had written his novella with a typewriter that I decided to write this review with an old Smith Corona about the same era as Christopher's machine. What happens when we write in analog . the sound of the type bars smacking the page and an occasional typo that, if necessary.. takes time and energy to correct.. the look of the page: I am truly sorry this did not enlarge properly. .with a maginfying glass, it is the first impression and rave for this excellent production. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Evidently, I did not spell Amy's name properly. edit If I can find the beauty of the in hand program that the Playhouse provides, I can fix that. (I did. See below)<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">After her opening salvo .. a five page monologue by Bella, exposing deep feelings and information, we segue to her office at Yale. One of the early lines that gave me hope when Bella (</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Amy Brenneman</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) is confronted by Christopher (Andeers Keith) without an appointment .. appointments are sacrosanct for doing student / professor business at Yale.. erupts in a tirade that I share... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Christopher is my hero. "Email is not my style," He mentions penmanship! Ink. A pustule of stuff erupts as he single handedly destroys the many electronic ways that communication is removing human beings from one another. It's poetry. Elegant and Keith's delivery is surgical. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">And this is in the first few minutes that we meet Bella and then Christopher. It's a tone poem of sorts. it's human condition and in spite of all the broken rules. there are many broken rules.. it's talky and deep and human.. as we get to find the way the kid and the fifty something single professor with health issues are drawn together in a beautiful slow moving arabesque.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Keith is credited with authorship of this version of The Sound Inside. This kid's delivery, as I may say in the typing above.. is almost On the Spectrum, but precise and direct, though there is an unexplained moment when he spaces out and.. then... returns.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Rapp is credited with all kinds of writing. In this play we get the essence of what writing is. Christopher composes on his manual typewriter. This turns the story a little dark: even a bit creepy. The intimacy of these two human beings is never overtly intimate in the sense that the love they share is ever consumated, but the depth of the connection is palpable.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The beauty of Cameron Watson's direction is that whatever he did, his hand doesn't show. The scene changes.. and yes.. it'a virtually talking and pauses and moments.. the beauty is that the actors never miss a beat. Their dance is fluid and perfectly paced. Some moments may take the breath away.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">They discuss balancing bad acts with goodness in Crime and Punishment. Over my head, for sure.. but it's foreshadowing that makes sense later. I recall the term 'digital chlymydia' to damn the tech world. That made me smile. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Literary references to suicide, another foreshadowing emerges. Christopher mentions his novel..he's writing a novel, he says.. He is typing it on a 'mid century Corona' and because my Corona 4 is early 20th Century, I chose the Smith Corona and that's where that typing up there came from. An homage to analog.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I feel almost taken over by Christopher as I easily breeze through the great fun and completion of this story that Rapp's play delivers. One must see the show to hear Christopher's delivery. His pronunciation is crisp.. too crisp and direct and impatient. Bella beautifully fields his presence and at the same time is .what? Taken in? Absorbed.. attracted? All of the above and as the business of her health and his novella and their relationship evolves.. the dance.. The Dance.. Garth Brooks' song. The Dance comes to mind.., though the correlation is really a minor one...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">When I see a play that touches me and I find the message and the work.. the efforts of all involved. the actors, the direction.. the tech.. (aside from the attractive woman with the silver dredlocks checking her phone from time to time in row M) it inspires my own need to attempt to echo the poetry that has so moved me. The echoes reverberate as Bella repeats the directive.. Listen to the Sound Inside.. Listen to the Sound Inside..</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">That said. Please go to see The Sound Inside.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Sound Inside </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">by Adam Rapp & Anders Keith<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">directed by CameronWatson</span><br /></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The creative team features </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">scenic design by Tesshi Nakagawa; </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">costume design by Danyele E. Thomas; lighting design <span></span>by Jared A. Sayeg; </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">sound design by Jeff Gardner; </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">casting by Ryan Bernard Tymensky, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">stage management by Alyssa Escalante, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">David S. Franklin assistant stage manager.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Pasadena Playhouse</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">39 S El Molino Ave, </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Pasadena, CA 91101-5220<span> <br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <br /></span></div></div>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-49175557255667045572023-09-09T16:22:00.001-07:002023-09-09T16:22:53.917-07:00FREUD ON COCAINE AT THE WHITEFIRE<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEUpEO9fqKs0E3DDJgO4ofsOpYLsLf8-QODeeTQHmxQLA5BNMxyPyrHZealImYc8f6o8v76lHpkq0y8hphjSKo-T7mk01ZMfEn7z2Yy8xYEZZSyfc6UpS1j4WOW6rA2B7VBoIcF27gbZLDc30A7sM1DddeasZ5Hb-sG3LxNlgjJI-rMWd6v1-K-FUCUw/s2100/Freud-on-Cocaine-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="2100" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEUpEO9fqKs0E3DDJgO4ofsOpYLsLf8-QODeeTQHmxQLA5BNMxyPyrHZealImYc8f6o8v76lHpkq0y8hphjSKo-T7mk01ZMfEn7z2Yy8xYEZZSyfc6UpS1j4WOW6rA2B7VBoIcF27gbZLDc30A7sM1DddeasZ5Hb-sG3LxNlgjJI-rMWd6v1-K-FUCUw/w400-h244/Freud-on-Cocaine-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensemble <br />Photo by Darren Rafel</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Howard Skora's World Premiere Comedy "Freud on Cocaine" .. if for no other reasons than to enjoy Michael Mullen's spectacular costumes is a snow trip not to be missed. (Little hip reference there, eh?)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Skora directs his own play in two acts based on the actual writings of Dr. Sigmund Freud from Freud's book "Cocaine Papers" as well as other personal notes. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The unique quality of the Whitefire Stage is that The Play's The Thing. Freud on Cocaine takes place on an essentially bare stage with a few set pieces, title crards and projections set each scene. It works beautifully as a presentational approach. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The audience is included from the get go with a sort of Greek 'chorus' that proclaims Freud's story in shorthand. The man was many things, but essentially, Sigmund Freud (Jonathan Slavin</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) was a brilliant guy who was addicted to cocaine.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Skora's direction of his own play, a practice that I mostly don't think is a very good idea, seems to work well. The frantic pace of the story unfolds with a strong emphasis on COCAINE as a cure-all with which Freud expected to stamp his mark upon the world. Sly references to dreams at the close of the argument slide into place as Martha, Freud's wife (beautiful Sara Maraffino</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">) insists that he abandon his cocaine addiction (which he never admits fully to) or lose her. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Each character is finely tuned to complete the cast in such a way that they are undeniable. Most bombastic of the lot is Ernst (Really Really big Aaron LaPlante), Freud's close pal. Unfortunately Ernst is addicted to many drugs. Martha's mom, Emmeline Bernays (steadfast Sigute Miller), holds her own as she attempts to deep six Martha's infatuation with Sigmund.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Merck (Barry Brisco) virtually glows as the German provider and faciltator of Freud's cocaine connection. He stands toe to toe with his cast mates to good effect. Freud contracts to vet for Merck the quality of their coke to boost sales. With his 'research' Freud declares that cocaine is NOT addictive (witness Freud's daily bumps to the tune of a gram a day (which I hear is a lot!).. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Enter Emma Eckstein (Amy Smallman-Winston) with issues of hysteria and problems with being highly sexed and prone to self enjoyment. We learn of a surgival treatment that deals with the nasovaginal connection. It goes haywire. Ow.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Though adorable, Kim Hopkins as the Narrator / Anna Freud, who added copious notes to Freud's The Cocaine Papers, upon which the play has been based (its all fact, we've been told!) in her top hat and tails fails to find the over the top energy laid down by the rest of the cast. It may be an actor's choice, but the value of Freud's lesbian daughter's story is tiny by comparison to the rest of these excellent players. Bigger, Faster, Louder! Please.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's a World Premiere! The joy of seeing new and exciting theatre that romps a bit is a pleasure. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's a hit!! <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Freud on Cocaine sends up what we have come to understand is a drug of consequence. Cocaine IS addictive.. Terms for cocaine: happy dust and other euphemisms including </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">"punschkrapfen"</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> do not promote the party use of the drug, but tell the story of how, in the late 19th Century, Sigmund Freud parlayed the idea of a sort of Universal Cure-All into his next steps: The Interpretation of Dreams. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The genuinely funny dialogue, along with the over the top melodramatic presentation with title cards and the excellent use of John Knowles' projections, boosted by Skora's 21st Century language and contemporary approach to humor makes Freud on Cocaine a must see. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There are moments of hilarity! Huzzah! <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">As a resident of the 20th Century, I was disappointed to not have a program in hand. And.. Hey! Freud needs a better bowler. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">CAST: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">KIM HOPKINS (Narrator/Anna Freud)</span></p><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED3" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">AMY SMALLMAN-WINSTON (EMMA ECKSTEIN)</span></h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED4" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">BARRY BRISCO (EMANUEL MERCK)</span></h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED5" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">SIGUTE MILLER (EMMELINE BERNAYS)</span></h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED0" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">JONATHAN SLAVIN (SIGMUND FREUD)</span></h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED1" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">SARA MARAFFINO (MARTHA FREUD)</span></h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED2" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">AARON LAPLANTE (DR. ERNST VON FLEISCHL-MARXOW)</span> <br /></h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED3" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"> </h4><h4 aria-level="4" class="x-el x-el-h4 c1-1 c1-2 c1-1r c1-1s c1-1v c1-1w c1-1x c1-17 c1-18 c1-8e c1-7u c1-b c1-76 c1-21 c1-22 c1-8f c1-23 c1-27 c1-28 c1-29" data-aid="ABOUT_HEADLINE_RENDERED6" data-typography="HeadingDelta" data-ux="ContentCardHeading" role="heading"> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Freud on Cocaine</span></h4><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Written and Directed by Howard Skora<br /></span> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Presented by the Whitefire Theatre, <i>Bryan Rasmussen, producing artistic director</i><i><br />
</i><i> </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Sept. 8 – Nov. 4<br />
</i>• <b>Friday at 8 p.m.: Sept. 8 ONLY (opening night)</b><i><br />
</i>• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 9; Sept. 16; Sept. 23; Sept. 30; Oct. 7; Oct. 14; Oct. 28; Nov. 4 (dark Oct. 21)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Sunday at 2 p.m.: Sept 10 ONLY</span>
</p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Whitefire Theatre<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">13500 Ventura Blvd.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Sherman Oaks, CA 91423</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">PARKING:<br />
• Valet parking available at Augustine Wine Bar across Sunnyslope from the theater: $9<br />
• Unrestricted parking available on Moorpark St. and on the west side of Dixie Canyon Ave.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• Metered parking on and just south of Ventura Blvd. (off on Sundays)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">• 2-hour parking available in residential neighborhoods (Sunday matinees, until 6 p.m.)<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />
TICKET PRICE:<br />
$40-$50<br />
<a href="http://www.whitefiretheatre.com">www.whitefiretheatre.com</a><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">(818) 687-8559<br /><b>
</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-20747086887427589222023-09-03T21:09:00.001-07:002023-09-05T18:09:28.633-07:00A FUNNY THING.. YES.. <p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> How the little company that will present A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood got this wonderful rag tag show together is a bit of a mystery. I learned about it from a dear old pal, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Jonnathan Cripple, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">who plays Errornius (the Buster Keaton part in the Zero Mostel film version). <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's a farce. It's a musical. It's sexy. There are colorful costumes, delicious babes in colorful costumes. It is funny. It deserves an audience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The actor playing Pseudoius did the show with a boot! Injured in rehearsal.. The sign of a real trooper! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">My suggestion is .. at least for the Sunday Matine, arrive early.. parking can be problematic.. take a picnic and enjoy the lawn there by the Hollyhock House. The intallations in the LAMAG are by winners of attention from CoLA. the City of Los Angeles chosen royalty .. One ceramic installation is truly amazing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">If you arrive early on Friday or Saturday, the sun sets at about 7PM. From Olive Hill, the phenomenon is spectacular! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's fun to boost productions that are making an effort by the seat of their pants. This show has a professional feeling and for fans of Larry Gelbart and Stephen Sondheim, it's a guaranteed fun time.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It's up for three more performances: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Friday September 8th, at 8PM<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Saturday September 9th at 8PM </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Sunday, September 10th at 3PM.</span></p><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">4800 Hollywood Blvd. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Tix & Info </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <span><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="http://SBPresents.com/?fbclid=IwAR2pQe3mQLaxOAfBVIfYrseP21eIoqL88aoAt0d7cMghaULjM0ThFOsYrpM" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">SBPresents.com</a></span> </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">or Goldstar</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">This is copied from a PDF that came from the company: I don't have time to properly edit it.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Support the show and enjoy Barnsdall Park! </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">michael Sheehan<br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">BARNSDALL GALLERY THEATRE<br />LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA<br />SEPTEMBER 2023<br />BENEFITING IN MEMORY OF MOM<br />Originally Produced on Broadway by HAROLD S. PRINCE<br />Book by BURT SHEVELOVE and LARRY GELBART<br />Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM<br />Associate Choreographers<br />BRIANA BAUER<br />ERIKA CRUZ<br />DANA DEVITT<br />MYLIQUE E. FAWCETT<br />ZAIRA ORDOUBADI<br />SASHA SERDYUKOV<br />Accompanist/Vocal Coach<br />STEVEN HOLLIS<br />September 1 - 10, 2023<br />Barnsdall Gallery Theatre<br />Production Stage Manager<br />ERIKA CRUZ<br />Assistant Director<br />DANA DEVITT<br />Production Manager<br />APRYL REDBIRD<br />Managing Director<br />RÉCHARD FRANÇOIS<br />Produced and Directed by<br />SCOTT BORDEN<br />Scenic Design<br />DENNIS PHAM<br />Scenic Construction<br />RÉMOND FRANÇOIS<br />Scenic Painting<br />MARI LU<br />STARRING<br />SCOTT BORDEN MICHAEL BUDD AARON COHEN<br />JONNATHON CRIPPLE JAMES DOHENY D. PAUL FAULKNER<br />ANTHONY GALANG MELODY HOLLIS MINDY WILLENS<br />WITH<br />BRIANA BAUER ERIKA CRUZ DANA DEVITT<br />ADITYA DIKKA MYLIQUE E. FAWCETT ZAIRA ORDOUBADI<br />SASHA SERDYUKOV BAKER WILES ARNOL ZEPEDA<br />MUSICAL NUMBERS<br />ACT I<br />“Comedy Tonight”..........................................Prologus, Proteans, Company<br />“Love I Hear”..........................................................................................Hero<br />“Free”...................................................................................Pseudolus, Hero<br />“The House of Marcus Lycus”...........................Lycus, Pseudolus, Courtesans<br />“Lovely”.......................................................................................Philia, Hero<br />“Everybody Ought to Have a Maid”.......Senex, Pseudolus, Hysterium, Lycus<br />“I’m Calm”.....................................................................................Hysterium<br />“Impossible”................................................................................Senex, Hero<br />“Bring Me My Bride”.......................Miles, Pseduolus, Courtesans, Proteans<br />A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM<br />WILL BE PERFORMED WITH ONE 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION.<br />ACT II<br />“That Dirty Old Man”........................................................................Domina<br />“That’ll Show Him”................................................................................Philia<br />“Lovely” (Reprise)........................................................Pseudolus, Hysterium<br />Funeral Sequence.............................Miles, Pseudolus, Courtesans, Proteans<br />“Comedy Tonight” (Finale)............................................................Company<br />CAST<br />(in order of appearance)<br />Prologus, an actor................................................................SCOTT BORDEN<br />The Proteans....................BAKER WILES, ADITYA DIKKA, ARNOL ZEPEDA<br />Hero, son of Senex and Domina..........................................MICHAEL BUDD<br />Philia, a virgin....................................................................MELODY HOLLIS<br />Senex, a citizen of Rome.................................................D. PAUL FAULKNER<br />Domina, his wife................................................................MINDY WILLENS<br />Hysterium, slave to Senex and Domina...........................ANTHONY GALANG<br />Pseudolus, slave to Hero......................................................SCOTT BORDEN<br />Marcus Lycus, a buyer and seller of courtesans.......................AARON COHEN<br />Tintinabula, a courtesan................................................ZAIRA ORDOUBADI<br />Panacea, a courtesan...............................................................BRIANA BAUER<br />The Geminae, matching courtesans........ERIKA CRUZ, SASHA SERDYUKOV<br />Vibrata. a courtesan.................................................................DANA DEVITT<br />Erronius, a citizen of Rome.......................................JONNATHON CRIPPLE<br />Miles Gloriosus, a warrior......................................................JAMES DOHENY<br />Time: Two hundred years before the Christian era,<br />a day in spring.<br />Place: A street in Rome in front of the houses<br />of Erronius, Senex and Lycus.<br />SWING<br />ERIKA CRUZ<br />DANCE CAPTAIN<br />SASHA SERDYUKOV<br />development of drug therapies for glioblastoma. The research we<br />support will transform glioblastoma therapy and prolong the lives of<br />glioblastoma patients.<br />O ur pur p os e is to<br />transform the standard<br />of care for glioblastoma<br />by s upp or t i ng t h e<br />DONATE AT GLIOBLASTOMAFOUNDATION.ORG<br />BRIANA BAUER (Panacea)<br />is thrilled to be sharing the<br />stage with Scott and her fellow<br />courtesans and cast mates in<br />this hilarious and brilliant<br />production. A LA native, Briana<br />has performed all over the valley. Favorite roles<br />include Charity Hope Valentine Sweet Charity,<br />Julia-1984, Graziella-West Side Story, and Essie-<br />You Can’t Take It With You. Bauer has always had<br />a passion for performing ever since seeing Dirty<br />Dancing as a child–from that point on, she knew<br />where her heart belonged. Big Shoutout to Mom,<br />Dad, Sis, Bro, Derrek, Garrett, and Romeo!!<br />You are my biggest supporters– don’t know what<br />I’d do without your love and support <3 Enjoy<br />this classic show!! I dedicate this performance<br />to Denise. I know you’re watching from above.<br />@Brielesque | BrianaBauerOfficial.com<br />SCOTT BORDEN (Prologus/<br />Pseudolus) Favorite theatre<br />credits include Laughing Wild,<br />You’re a Good Man, Charlie<br />Brown, Big River, 1940s Radio<br />Hour, and his original musical<br />Exposing Myself ran for twelve weeks at the<br />Comedy Central Stage in Los Angeles. He can<br />be seen opposite Oscar winner Jamie Foxx in<br />the Netflix multi-camera comedy Dad Stop<br />Embarrassing Me, and alongside multi-hyphenate<br />sensation Liza Koshy in the single-camera comedy,<br />Liza on Demand. He popularly starred as the<br />Dancing Intern for MasterCard’s long-running<br />“Priceless” campaign and has a string of other<br />national campaigns under his belt. He would<br />like to thank every set of eyes reading this for<br />being a part of a dream come true.<br />MICHAEL BUDD (Hero), a<br />long time ago, played Raccoon<br />#2 in a little theatre in the<br />suburbs of Sacramento, CA<br />and now he has a Masters in<br />WHO’S WHO<br />Musical Theatre from The Royal Conservatoire<br />of Scotland & conservatory training in Acting<br />from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.<br />He has three SARTA(Sacramento Area Regional<br />Theatre Alliance) Elly Award nominations for<br />his work in regional theatre. Some of his favorite<br />roles have been The Baker Into the Woods, Mr.<br />Pirelli Sweeney Todd, and Prince Eric The Little<br />Mermaid. He wants to thank his parents for<br />their unending love and support, his friends for<br />their laughter and joy, and he wants to dedicate<br />his performance to his grandmother in heaven<br />who loved to hear him sing.<br />IG: @michael.emery.budd<br />AARON COHEN (Marcus<br />Lycus) is making his hilarious<br />return to theater after a 20-year<br />hiatus off the stage. Currently<br />studying with the incredible<br />Lesly Kahn & Co in Los Angeles,<br />Aaron is a comedian/actor who prides himself<br />on exposing the awkward moments in life. Feel<br />the feels, and let’s get weird. He is so grateful to<br />his wife, friends and family for their love and<br />support allowing him to transition back into<br />performing. He credits his acting career to his<br />late mother, Majorie B Cohen, Bea Arthur,<br />and a sprinkle of John Candy. As A Funny<br />Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was<br />the first musical he ever performed in, a full<br />circle moment has overwhelmed him with joy<br />exclaiming this production has been the most<br />rejuvenating and rewarding experience of his<br />life. This is it, and it’s perfect.<br />JONNATHON CRIPPLE<br />(Erronius) was born at a very<br />early age and wasted his youth<br />watching old films and listening<br />to classic radio. This was great<br />training for his careers as an<br />actor/director, a mime(?!!), a carny barker and<br />animation character model. He’s appeared for<br />some 2000+ corporate events as a multitude<br />of characters (ranging from Richard Nixon<br />to Keystone Kops, to Darth Vader to a living<br />statue of Moses) over the past 200 years as well<br />as appearing as comic characters in various<br />films, Commedia dell’Arte productions, and<br />Burlesque. He is a respected character model<br />(creating some 70+ original characters) for the<br />animation studios at Disney, Nickolodeon,<br />Cartoon Network, Sony, Art Center college<br />of Design and CalArts to name a few, and can<br />currently be seen in season one of Winning Time<br />on HBO Max and the horror short The Chair.<br />E R I K A M I R EYA C RU Z<br />(The Geminae) is very excited<br />to be taking part in this show!<br />Nat’l Tour: The Pout Pout Fish.<br />Regional: Whatsername American<br />Idiot, Serena Legally Blonde, Sister<br />Mary Robert Sister Act, Maria West Side Story,<br />and Eva Peron Evita. Special thanks to the entire<br />cast and crew for bringing me on such a fantastic<br />project. Love to DDO, family, and friends for<br />the endless support! B.F.A.: AMDA LA/NY<br />@erikamireyacruz, erikacruzactor.com<br />DANA DEVITT (Vibrata)<br />graduated from the American<br />Musical and Dramatic Academy<br />(AMDA). Since graduating she<br />has performed in several shows<br />including original workshops<br />and the Hollywood Fringe Festival. She is a lead<br />in the award winning film The Walk as Lucy<br />and has recently made her television debut in<br />NatGeo’s Something Bit Me!<br />ADITYA DIKKA (The Proteans)<br />is an Indonesian actor who<br />moved straight from Jakarta to<br />Los Angeles to pursue a career in<br />acting. Most recently, he could<br />be found playing as Doug-The<br />Antelope Party. Still new in the musical theater<br />world, he has played several characters in a<br />mini musical-medley project including Bud<br />Frump-How to Succeed in Business Without Really<br />Trying, Hugo Peabody-Bye Bye Birdie, and Edna<br />Turnblad-Hairspray. Dikka received his B.A. in<br />Graphic Design from Northumbria University<br />in Newcastle, United Kingdom. But instead<br />of focusing on his career in graphic design, he<br />spent most of his time in Jakarta studying acting<br />in a local acting studio and going to several<br />auditions before finally moving to California.<br />He received his AA in acting in 2023 from<br />AADA in Hollywood.<br />JAMES DOHENY (Miles<br />Gloriosus) is thrilled to revert<br />back to his roots and be involved<br />in theatre again. James is a native<br />New Yorker, and grew up on<br />the stage. Past credits include:<br />Gaston-Beauty and the Beast, Kenickie-Grease,<br />and The Tin Man-The Wizard of Oz. He would<br />like to thank Jenny, his Mom, and Stooven for<br />their ongoing love and support! To the cast and<br />crew, let’s go break some legs!!!<br />D. PAUL FAULKNER (Senex)<br />is a proud Union actor who is<br />thrilled to be in this legendary<br />show with this amazing cast.<br />He is a veteran of many stage<br />shows and even more mammothly small roles on<br />television and film. Enjoy our comedy tonight<br />(or today) and thanks so much for coming.<br />MYLIQUE E. FAWCETT<br />(Gymnasia) is an LA-based<br />drag performer known for<br />her colorful paint jobs and<br />captivating performances. Her<br />non-drag persona, Myles McGee,<br />has been an actor on stage and screen for sixteen<br />years between California and Hawaii. Both are<br />WHO’S WHO<br />immensely grateful for this opportunity!<br />A N T H O N Y G A L A N G<br />(Hysterium) With just a few<br />theatre credits under his belt,<br />which include Little Shop of<br />Horrors, You’re A Good Man,<br />Charlie Brown, and another<br />production of A Funny Happened on the Way<br />to the Forum, Anthony is excited to be returning<br />to the Forum as Hysterium. His other work runs<br />rampant through different stages and screen.<br />From working with the touring company of<br />Dear Evan Hansen to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,<br />Anthony has been singing his way across the<br />board. He has sung back up for Keala Settle<br />and Iliza Schlesinger and competed in CW’s<br />Christmas Carolers Challenge-Season One, where<br />he made it to the semi-finals. He would like to<br />thank his family and friends for their continued<br />support as well as Top Shelf Vocal and the a<br />cappella community for helping him on his<br />musical journeys!<br />MELODY HOLLIS (Philia)<br />is delighted to be a part of this<br />show. Her past theater credits<br />include: The original Broadway<br />cast of Irving Berlin’s White<br />Christmas, Dollhouse at the<br />Goodman Theater, Baby at CVRep, Summer<br />and Smoke at Actors Co-Op, and Annie at<br />MTW. Her past film and TV credits include:<br />Vice, Criminal Minds, Fred Claus, A Golden<br />Christmas, and The Young and The Restless. She<br />would like to thank Scott Borden, the cast,<br />and the entire creative team of Forum for this<br />wonderful collaboration benefiting a great cause.<br />Z A I R A O R D O U B A D I<br />(Tintinabula) is a dancer,<br />aerialist and cat lover who<br />studied biology and dance at<br />Chapman University. Zaira is also<br />a traveling histology lab technician, processing<br />human tissue and assisting surgeons in removing<br />deadly skin cancers in hundreds of patients across<br />LA county every week. She is extremely honored<br />to be benefiting Glioblastoma Foundation for<br />this show as it incorporates her dedication to<br />bettering the lives and health of others with her<br />lifelong love of dance and live performance. She<br />sincerely thanks the Forum cast, supporters of<br />the cause, and her Mom and Dad for signing<br />her up for both theatre and science summer<br />camps in ‘08.<br />SASHA SERDYUKOV (The<br />Geminae), originally from<br />Boulder, Colorado, has been<br />immersed in the performing arts<br />for as long as she can remember.<br />She recently graduated from<br />AMDA College and Conservatory of the<br />Performing Arts with her BFA in Dance Theatre,<br />where she had the opportunity to hone her craft<br />and perform in a number of original works created<br />for film and live stage. Since graduating, she’s<br />gotten the opportunity to be a part of the dance<br />ensemble in Panico Productions production of<br />Footloose at Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center,<br />and recently accepted a position with the LA<br />Choreographers and Dancers dance company.<br />She will be portraying a Courtesan and has greatly<br />enjoyed the process of putting together this great<br />show for a good cause with a wonderful team.<br />BAKER WILES (The Proteans)<br />is a classically trained theatre<br />performer from Minnesota, now<br />based in Los Angeles. In LA, you<br />may have seen him on stage at the<br />Wells Fargo Theater at the Gene<br />Autry Museum, the Beverly Hills Playhouse,<br />or the Next Stage Theatre. On television you<br />can see him in Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer<br />Story on Netflix, opposite Milo Ventamiglia<br />on This Is Us on NBC, or sharing the role of<br />WHO’S WHO<br />A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum is presented through special arrangement<br />with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also<br />supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com<br />The Barnsdall Gallery Theatre is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural<br />Affairs and is located on the ancestral and present homeland of the Tongva, Gabrieleno, and<br />Chumash People.<br />For the City of Los Angeles<br />KAREN BASS, Mayor<br />MITCH O’FARRELL, Councilmember District 13<br />For the Cultural Affairs Department<br />DANIEL TARICA, General Manager<br />NICKI GENOVESE, Performing Arts Manager<br />For the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre<br />MECCA VAZIE ANDREWS, Venue Director<br />SPECIAL THANKS<br />The Glioblastoma Foundation | Accent Dance Studios | Adam Ray<br />City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs | Magic Adjacent<br />The Monster with T-Pain on The Masked Singer<br />on Fox. Baker is also the Executive Producer of<br />the feature film, Sunny Daze, starring Michael<br />Beach and Lonnie Chavis on Amazon Prime<br />Video. Baker thanks you for supporting live<br />theatre and, as one of the Proteans, hopes only<br />to make you laugh and smile tonight.<br />MINDY WILLENS (Domina)<br />couldn’t be happier to join this<br />incredible cast. Among her<br />favorite past performances are:<br />Philia-A Funny Thing Happened<br />on the Way to the Forum, Kate/Lili<br />Vanessi-Kiss me Kate, Princess Winnifred-Once<br />Upon a Mattress, Witch-Into the Woods, Mama<br />Rose-Gypsy, Katisha-The Mikado.<br />A R N O L Z E PE D A ( T h e<br />Proteans) is an actor who<br />graduated from LACC theater<br />academy. He is currently studying<br />acting, singing, dancing, and<br />filmmaking; we’re he believes<br />that there is always room for improvement and<br />self-growth. He has also been apart of multiple<br />theater productions and has recently worked in<br />cooperation with the Latino Theater Company,<br />where he performed as the lead in the original play<br />“Melancholia” directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela.<br />He also performed in the 2023 Hollywood Fringe<br />Festival in “Octopus In Its Own Ink” directed<br />by Eduardo Vega. His experience embodies<br />diverse commercials, voiceover, improv comedy<br />shows and music video productions in English<br />as well as in Spanish. He is excited to be part<br />of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to<br />the Forum” and looks forward to exploring and<br />discovering new various extraordinary roles and<br />characters in his career.<br />Follow his journey @arnoldstuff<br />WHO’S WHO <br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081582022898057768.post-37614338591961003892023-08-28T14:38:00.001-07:002023-08-28T14:38:41.148-07:00HUNGRY GHOST AT THE SKYLIGHT<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo9DXxbyNIzVt6LRddOCtzYuunZeedvzh7dYhgF53VHmnnvIlp6Iqg3U-FGaX95h0fmWXT0RF9I_BPPqB5_RDI_qtAuMAiBPPRAcA_6qDtbPvbtv9blzjUNyMtmoctuXktIXp923UQ0TEuF13_W7c84n7cazfBlJPLS5f-CFqllLIgitNzNnfPpI0Pnk/s1900/Ben%20Messmer,%20Tasha%20Ames,%20Jenny%20Soo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo9DXxbyNIzVt6LRddOCtzYuunZeedvzh7dYhgF53VHmnnvIlp6Iqg3U-FGaX95h0fmWXT0RF9I_BPPqB5_RDI_qtAuMAiBPPRAcA_6qDtbPvbtv9blzjUNyMtmoctuXktIXp923UQ0TEuF13_W7c84n7cazfBlJPLS5f-CFqllLIgitNzNnfPpI0Pnk/w400-h266/Ben%20Messmer,%20Tasha%20Ames,%20Jenny%20Soo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> Ben Messmer, Tasha Ames, Jenny Soo </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> Photo Credit </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Grettel Cortes</span><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Lisa Sanaye Dring's</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> HUNGRY GHOST turns partly on a famous artwork: Gaki-zoshi (Scroll of the Hungry Ghosts). Japanese mythology discusses the arrival of ghosts who arrive with issues. Cue the hermit! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Just who's who and what's what in Hungry Ghost ekes out in scenes with lapses of time imagined. Sounds and lights are almost characters throughout. The advancement of the forest into the house remains a mystery. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">We meet Amanda and Dean (Tasha Ames and Jenny Soo) who have come to Lake Stevens, Washington in the wake of the death of Dean's mother. In the current trend of mixing and matching pronouns, this lesbian couple presents in a way that may turn heads in Lake Stevens.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Dring</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> shepherds us through the idea that this couple will move forward as partners. It is unclear if Amanda and Dean are officially married. It's 2022, so what the heck? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">After a rollicking session of oral sex, Amanda impregnates Dean with donor sperm. Soon after, Dean collides with </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Hermit (Ben Messmer). He is, evidently, based on a real hermit whom Dring discovered in her research. The mystery of this messy guy and Dean's pregnancy unfolds. Far out.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Thanks to Gary Grossmean and the development goals of The Skylight, this World Premiere follows current trends of support for the LGT,etc. community. The</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> full length one act unfolds on </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Yuri Okahana-Benson</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">'s beautiful set.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The Skylight has abandoned physical / in hand programs, for that little square thing, so it took me a minute to find this information:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>Creative Team:</b> Yuri Okahana-Benson (Scenic Design), Brandon Baruch (Lighting), Mylette<br />Nora (Costume Design), Joseph “Sloe” Slawinski (Sound Design), Nick Santiago (Projection<br />Design), Benjamin Rawls (Technical Director), Victoria Hoffman (Casting), Cedes Sifuentes<br />(Production Manager).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Good work technically. One audience shake may have been an actual after shock, but all in all. The tech holds up very well.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">All of the metaphors between the advancement of a lesbian couple in a fairly remote part of Washington escape me, but, as Amanda says to Dean, "We have a house!" So love is where you find it? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It should be exciting to see a genuine World Premiere. This show must hold something for the folks who chose to put it up. Go see for yourself and get back to me. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b> HUNGRY GHOST</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Directed by Jessica Hanna<br />Opening at 8:30pm on Saturday, August 26, 2023 with reception to follow<br />8:30pm Fridays & Saturday, 3:00pm Sunday, 7:30pm Monday through October 1, 2023<br />(No performance Mondays August 28 and September 4)<br />Skylight Theatre, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">1816 ½ North Vermont, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Los Angeles, CA 90027 <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></p>Sheehanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11756773225279368978noreply@blogger.com0