“WE WILL ROCK YOU” ROCKS THE AUDIENCE AT NEW VILLAGE ARTS THEATRE IN CARLSBAD !

 Celebrating 25 years of productions and over twenty musical number from the rock band Queen, created quite a celebratory feeling in the lobby just off the Ray Charles Stage in Carlsbad recently.

Inside, former Teatro San Diego Associate Artistic Director, Sheldon Gomabon, (with musical directed by Erin Vanderhyde-Gross, and choreographed by Erika Kahn) takes us on a three hundred year journey into the future where algorithms control everything and authenticity is forbidden. 

Sarah Ledesma (left)  Cooper Orio (center) with cast

But the spirit refuses to be silenced after we meet up with Cooper Orio  as the dreamer-turned-hero Galileo and Sarah Ledesma,  as the fearless Scaramouche. Calling themselves “Bohemians”, who will bring this jukebox musical, by Ben Elton, back to the Rock “N Roll era, their goal is to find the holy ax, get rid of Globalsoft, their nemesis, and return to individual thinking. They run into more than a few roadblocks along the way. The greatest threats are Killer Queen (Vanessa Flores Cabrera)  of the reigning Globalsoft Corporation and his commander-in-chief Khashoggi (Audrey Ward). 

Their antics are a bit off the wall, but it matters not since so many familiar references are bandied about that one just has to smile and remember. 

               Samy Berman, foreground, as Killer Queen and Audrey Ward 

With book by British comedian Ben Elton the story, set in London,  is a bit far fetched but most in the audience came to hear (Freddie Mercury) Queen’s music especially those of us who watched the film “Bohemian Rhapsody”, his live AIDS performance which is ‘regarded as one of the greatest live performances in the history of rock music’. 

Cooper Orio our hero Galileo, who shared with me that this was his first professional singing job, has a sincerity in his voice that you almost want to hold his hand while he is singing. Sarah Ledesma, on the other hand, as Scaramouche, can be heard throughout the theatre, her voice is so strong and  Audrey Ward plays Khashoggi with a vengeance.

Credit Erin Vanderhyde Gross as Music Director, Erica Kahn as Choreographer, Jesus Hurtado for Scenic and Projections, Jaeonnie Davis-Crawford for Props, Maricela Alaniz for Costumes, Stephanie Ma’Alona for Lighting, Mia Karvounis for Wigs and Malick Ceesay for Sound Design. 

If you love “Somebody To Love”, “Under Pressure”, “I Want It All”, “No One But You”, “Another One Bites The Dust” “These Are The Days Of Our Lives” “Headlong” “We Will Rock You” “We Are The Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” you will be sure to enjoy “We Will Rock You” now playing at New Village Arts. 

On another note, Kristianne Kurner, founder and Artistic Director announced that this will be her last season with New Village Arts Theatre. 

She will be missed. But, according to her, ‘it’s time to pass the torch’. 

See you at the theatre.

And for heaven’s sake… ENJOY!

When:  Runs through Sept. 20. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad

Tickets: $45-$85

Photo: JEDZANT Photography

Phone: 760-433-3245

Online: newvillagearts.org

“HELL'S KITCHEN” HITS THE STAGE DANCING

 

The long awaited “Hell’s Kitchen”, (Book by Kristoffer Diaz, music and lyrics by Alicia Keys) Alicia Keys semi- semi-autobiographical coming of age story in the ‘90’s, has finally reached the San Diego Civic Theatre through Aug. 16th. Although Keys has a home in la Jolla, her early years were spent in Hell’s Kitchen. 

According to Keys, ‘this is everyone’s coming of age story; of anyone trying to find his or her way’.

Cast with Maya Drake

For over two hours the Civic Theatre rocked with the fantastic dancing (Camille A. Brown), a very versatile cast, highlighted with amazing New York skylines and  awesome lighting showing different floors of the hotel where most of the action takes place (Robert Brill and Natasha Katz) 

With direction by Michael Greif and seventeen year old Maya Drake as Ali (Keys) this juke -box musical rolls out her story showing the conflict between her overly protective mother, (Kennedy Caughell who has some set of chops) her absent father (with a smooth voice, Desmond Sean Ellington) her house painter boyfriend Knuck (JonAvery Worrell) and Miss Eliza Jane (Roz White) who teaches Ali to play the piano in the Ellington Room of the Hotel. (“Perfect Way To Die” and “Your Story to Tell”) 

Maya Drake 

It’s obvious that Ali has the talent and drive to get someplace even with the many drawbacks; breaking up with her boyfriend, struggles and tension with her mother and disappointment in her father.  She bounces back (“Girl on Fire”, “No One”, “Empire State Of Mind”), and brings the house down with her most well -known numbers and no one in the audience seemed to care if there was too much information packed into this long awaited show. Even as such, the dynamism overwhelmed even the most cynical of us. 

Maya Drake and JonAvery Worrell

While the sound in the Civic Theatre is less than acceptable, the sound mix was terrible and these ears were frustrated most of the evening. (Gareth Owen).  Peter Nigrini is credited for the excellent projections and Adam Blackstone is credited for Musical supervision. 

Maya Drake and Roz White

Key’s has won 17 Grammy Awards since 2002  including one last year “Hell’s Kitchen” for Best Musical Theatre Album, so no slouch here. 

There is still time to catch it. 

Again, you will be struck by the dancing.

 

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13; 8 p.m. Aug. 14; 2 and 8 p. Aug. 15; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16

 Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown

Photo: Marc J Franklin

Tickets:  $68 and up

Online: ticketmaster.com

LA JOLLA’S WORLD PREMIER “THE FAMILY ALBUM” A MUST SEE

World premieres usually open to much scrutiny and rewrites. Changes here and there and then are ready for the world to see and hear in this case, to hear. Not so much with  “The Family Album” which  was commissioned by the Playhouse and is  now premiering at the La Jolla Playhouse in the Potiker Theatre through Aug. 23rd.

With book by Sam Chanse and music and lyrics by MILCK(aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (aka Adrianne Gonzalez), conceived by MILCK and Jess McLeod, with story by Sam Chanse, MILCK and Jess McLeod, “The Family Album” is pretty much sung throughout, feeling more an Opera than a musical. 

Band on stage right, Claire Kwon and Aury Krebs (Amanda Zieve, lighting)

"The Family Album" is about an Asian American family as they grapple with challenges including generational trauma, discussions of racism, mental health and sexual assault... The production is based on experiences of the writers and approaches these adult themes thoughtfully, honestly and with sensitivity. "

The story follows Mia (Aury Krebs), an Asian-American singer-songwriter through the ups and downs of her singing career while  distanced from her non supportive family, when her music is interrupted by a family emergency. (“No Home At All”)

Mia is on the brink of a breakthrough, or so she feels, when she receives a call from her sister Charlotte (Courtney Reed) a podiatrist, married and with children. The call tells of a near fatal accident that befell their mother Sylvia (Jodi Long). Brother Daniel (Marc dela Cruz) or the Golden Child (“Golden Child” sung in duet by Krebs and Reed) as he is referred to by his sisters, gets in on the call as well. 

Marc dela Cruz, Aury Krebs and Courtney Reed

Following this Asian American immigrant family, that most can relate regardless of ethnicity, director Jess McLeod is particularly mindful of the Asian customs; honoring your parents, never contradicting and always respectful. It matters not if the same requirements are not always reciprocal. 

When Mia returns to the family home she finds that all is not as dire as she was given to believe. Immediately she is pissed and ready to take off again.  Slowly but shortly, she begins shrinking into the young girl (Claire Kwon) she used to be with all her fears and doubts; ignored by her mother and chided for never finishing anything she started, and being blamed for an incident that happened to her when she was fourteen but was never able to have her mother listen to her side of the story, while all along her brother, who was in financing, could do no wrong even as an adult. 

Aury Krebs center, Paul Nakauchi and Jodi Long, background

Krebs is not only a gifted vocalist , but she has the ability to pull you into her life whether she is at the top of her game or struggling just by the sound of her voice or her expressive feelings. Interestingly, when she is a quandary or angry, three or four Hi Hi Meows (Cat like figures) show us the anger she feels but no one else see it. Yours truly found those images rather strange and confusing at first glance. 

Her younger self (Claire Kwon), no slouch either, is equally convincing as a soloist  or in a duet with her older self. As her mother stands by and listens,  the divide between mother and daughter, the  misconceptions, the tensions, the doubts only deepen the gaps. 

Aury Krebs with Hi Hi Meows

Both Sylvia and Daniel (“Restless”) have their issues as well which they both express in song. There are times when the entire cast is singing full throttle, somewhat like an octet in opera. I found that fascinating since there isn’t a weak link among them and the emotions rang through the hall.

Paul Nakauchi and Jodi Long

As cautionary as is the relationship between Mia and her mother and siblings, the bond between Henry and Sylvia is loving, kind and understanding. In one scene where they are cooking together, it almost looks and sounds like an episode of “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. (“Stir It Up”)

Aury Krebs and Claire Kwan

The emotional rollercoaster of dreams made, dreams fallen by the wayside, family squabbles, disappointments and achievements and sameness are all played out in “The Family Album”. It is a bitter/sweet tale that when all is said and done will make you laugh, relate and perhaps even cry when the closing number “Our Mother” is sung.

Jodi Long, Claire Kwon, Aury Krebs  

(P.S. The first time I returned home from College and challenged my Mother because of some of the foods she had in her refrigerator, I got the schooling of  a lifetime. The old saying, “You can never go home again” oft times rings true.(Thomas Wolfe). I never did that again! )

The Band, which can be seen clearly on stage right includes, Musical Director  Michael Sobie on Keys. Brian Dall on Drums, Vince Cooper on Guitar, Michal Pearce on Bass. Additional music design is by Emily Sherman.  There are about twenty four original tunes in the show ((Dot Dot Deleting” among the most -clever) and “Mother” is a tear jerker. Most of the lyrics are directly related/ tell stories of  what’s going on in the lives of each of the characters. 

Credit Wilson Chin for the minimalist set design, Hahnji Jang for the costumes especially Krebs’ great looking outfits, Amanda Zieve for the lighting, Justin Stasiw for the sound, which was on target, and Dean Remington as stage manager. 

"Family Album" runs only ninety minutes, was created by an all women team, combines comedy with affection and brings out the best and the worse in us. 

Enjoy

A not to be missed show. 

See you at the theatre.

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 23

Where: La Jolla Playhouse’s Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD, La Jolla

Tickets: $30-$99

Photo: Rich Soublet II

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org

 

“SCAPIN” AT NORTH COAST... A LAUGH A MINUTE

Vaudeville is alive and kicking in San Diego thanks to North Coast ‘s production of Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell’s “Scapin” (Scu-pan), now playing through Aug. 3rd.

Adapted from Moliere’s 1671 comedy “Les Fourberies de Scapin”, Scapin revolves around two wealthy, aristocratic young men, Octave (Miles Blue) and Leander (Tim Frangos), who have their hearts set on pretty yet penniless women. In order to avoid their father’s wrath, the two enlist the aid of Scapin (excellent Paul Slade Smith), a cunning and cleaver servant to help sort out their predicament. Scapin leads the cast of characters through a wild jaunt of exhortation, deception and trickery. 

David Ellenstein and James Newcomb

Think Commedia dell arte, slapstick, Vaudeville and lots of improvising and what you have  is mishagas. (craziness)

But Smith, a playwright in his own right, isn’t the only character who stands out, although he is wonderful, director Christopher Williams  is blessed with a bevvy of heavy weights including artistic director Davis Ellenstein who plays Geronte, Octaves father and James Newcomb who is Argente, Leanders father. Omri Schein is Sylvestre, the mute, who is pee in pants funny, and David Mc Bean, dressed like Elton John is on the (ahem player piano.) 

Since Geronte and Argente are tight wads who refuse to spend a dime on the future of their sons marrying penniless  girls, they do everything in their power to hold on to their money. 

Omri Schein, James Newcomb and Paul Slade Smith as Scapin

But wait, they haven’t met up with the likes and schemes Scapin who is always one step ahead of the stingy fathers. Together with Sylvestre, they manage to trick both fathers’ into giving them the amounts of money the sons need for their weddings. 

For most of Act I this wrangling goes on to the amusement of opening night audiences. Just watching the shenanigans going on between Scapin and Sylvestre (even the optics are a hoot; Smith towers over Schein by about a foot) are enough to give one the giggles. 

Gabbie Adner and Miles Blue

By Act II we are all warmed up and ready to meet the blushing (tongue in cheek) brides who are offering themselves up to Octave and Leander, but not until the fathers are completely flummoxed and Ellenstein’s  Geronte is tied up in a cloth sac and is the object of Scapin’s wrath as he is pounded with  plastic baguettes and salami, some even coming from front row audience members. 

Yours truly as well was caught up in the mayhem when Geronte (Ellenstein), on the run, grabbed me by the arms and gave me THE stare!

Cast with Paul Slade Smith in center

Even though the women were the reason for all this madness, their roles were short lived but significant in the overall outcome. Gabbie Adner and Marie Zolezzi are the betrothed and Sophia Oberg is an also ran. 

To say that all’s well that ends well would be a mockery to the Bard, so I will not say it.  

See for yourselves.

James Newcomb and Omri Schein

Elisa Benzoni created the colorful and comical costumes. Matthew Novotny, the lighting, Matt Fitzgerald the sound, Michael Wogulis, props, Pater Herman, wigs and as a final farewell to set designer Marty Burnette,  who we lost recently to a heart attack, his set design that, as always, is spot on perfect for this romp.  

Laugh till you drop!

See you at the theatre.

When:  Runs through Aug. 23rd. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8  p.m. Fridays; 2  and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday

Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Tickets: $63.50-$85.50

Photo: Aaron Rumley

Phone: 858-481-1055

Online: northcoastrep.org

 

OLD GLOBE’S FAST PACED “CYRANO” TRUE TO FORM

The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park is currently remounting Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers’ newest adaptation of the play “Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in the round and set in America rather than France. 

While staged as a full on production in 2009, and directed by Darko Trenjak, it has been pared down to a rather speedy ninety minutes and with a cast of five, some  who play multiple characters. It is directed with  a deft hand by Annie Tippe with humor and tragedy that at plays end one almost felt for Cyrano who was blinded by self-depreciation and loathing. 

 Cailen Fu as Roxane and Michael Braun as Cyrano 

Michael Braun is the love sick and hopeless romantic,  Cyrano, consummate poet with a sensitively perched extra- long nose (on an otherwise handsome and strong face). He is  a swashbuckling swordsman (he calls it panache), stage actor and army captain who longs for his love, the beautiful Roxane (Cailen Fu) who is in love with a shy young soldier in his brigade,  Christian (Max Monnig). 

Others in the cast playing the multiple characters include Maria Elena Ramirez as Le Bret and others, and Philip Taratula as Count Deguiche and others. Both lend some comedy  as a warm up for what’s to come later. Yours truly found this madcap introduction to the secondary characters rather confusing and difficult to keep up with. 

Max Monnig as Christian and Cailen Fu as Roxane

We meet up with the characters backstage at the playhouse where Cyrano is preparing to perform. There he changes into the swashbuckling swordsman with a feathered cap and an application of white  paint to symbolize and exaggerate the size of his nose while quietly romanticizing his desire for Roxane. 

Cailen Fu as Roxane, Michael Braun as Cyrano, and Max Monnig as Christian

Cyrano is so typical of someone who is thus consumed with a personal physical flaw that he can’t see the good in himself. Unfortunately, he the man, who was head over heels in love with the beautiful Roxane doesn’t feel deserving of reciprocal love, becomes a voice for the man who confesses his love for her and whose love she returns. 

Michael Braun as Cyrano and Cailen Fu as Roxane 

Adoring her from afar and protecting her lover with their secret, the mystery of the origin of the love letters becomes a lifelong preoccupation for Cyrano while his life’s desire fades into the background and both Roxane and Cyrano grow old as platonic rather than intimate lovers.  

He continues to visit her for fifteen years in the Convent. As the two grow older together, tenderness between them develops and while nothing is ever said,  beneath the surface their true love is felt up to his dying days. 

Michael Braun as Cyrano and Cailen Fu as Roxane

The real life Cyrano was also a popular poet and sci-fiction writer. Rostand’s model for the beautiful Roxane was based on the life of De Bergerac’s cousin who lived with his aunt, Catherine de Bergerac at the Covenant of the Daughter of the Cross. Both Braun and Fu are excellent in their interpretation of both characters. Fu is beautiful, soft, sincere and completely honest and witty in her feelings and that comes through throughout. Her change of heart comes when she realizes that looks are only on the outside trappings. We see her mature from a girl to a woman when she understands that what really counts is goodness on the inside. 

Braun is handsome, nose et.al. and never looses sight of who he is either as poet, soldier, swordsman or antagonist to his enemies. Remaining cast members fill their roles convincingly. 

Max Monnig as Christian and Michael Braun 

Credit Afsoon Pajoufar the minimal set design consisting of a series of foot stools moved about, some real and plastic food, mirrors, a set of stairs acting as an acting platform or balcony. Haydee Zelideth for the array of easily transformed costumes, Christopher Bowser for the atmospheric lighting and Brandon Wolcott for the sound design.  

As I mentioned above, the show clocked in at about 90 fast paces minutes. It felt much longer to me. You be the judge.

Have fun and enjoy.

See you at the theatre. 

When:  Runs through Aug. 23rd. 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays

Where: Old Globe Theatre’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego

Tickets: $44 and up

Photo: Rich Soublet II

Phone: 619-234-5623

Online: theoldglobe.org

 

CYGNET’S “ARCADIA”, ANOTHER GO AROUND FOR MURRAY.

 Long Before Tom Stoppard wrote “The Coast of Utopia”, his epic trilogy of the 19th revolution in Russia which garnered seven Tony’s this year including one for himself and one for The Old Globe’s Jack O’Brien, he wrote “Arcadia” which won the Oliver Award for Best Play in 1994. In 1968, he was first introduced to American audience with  his Tony award winning play “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.”

No one can deny that Tom Stoppard has a way with words, nor can they deny that artistic director Sean Murray has added a new dimension to the already success at his new home at The Joan Theatre in Liberty Station.

Artistic director, Murray, who has directed this  current show at The Joan, in the Dottie Studio, has directed this show in the past with a very different and less mature cast. None-the -less, “Arcadia”, now on stage through Aug. 9th. still tells the same tale.

Marti Gobel and Richard Baird

The story is about two sets of characters in the same upper class setting, separated by two centuries yet connected by the same issues as sex, art, the environment and mathematics.

The action takes place in a large room with a long table as the centerpiece on the Coverly Estate which serves as a classroom for young and gifted Thomasina Coverly (a beautiful and very young Harper Haden) and her tutor Septimus Hodge (Corydon Melgoza, smooth and irresistible), Septimus has no idea how much turmoil she will throw into his world. 

Harper Haden and Corydon Melgoza

Thomasina is not only bright, impetuous and full of surprises for her rather prudish tutor, she is also a romantic in an age where romantics are scorned  and bright young girls were to be seen and not heard. 

But Stoppard, in his inimitable way, while writing on an intellectual level, (moral philosophy, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, laws of chaos, Newton’s law of motion)  aims for the heart with Thomasina asking  Septimus for a definition of carnal embrace. Stunned to bumbling, he explains that it is “like the practice of throwing one’s arms around a side of beef”. 

Marti Gobel and Tanner Vydos

In her studies, when not romanticizing and coming to grips with her own sexuality, Thomasina has come across Newton’s Law of motion when she discovers it odd that when one stirs jam in rice pudding it will not come together again if they swirl it in the other direction. From there she goes on to say that if one could stop every atom in motion, one could write a formula for the future. 

With a few changes of props, it becomes a meeting place, two hundred years later, for Hanna Jarvis (a  convincing Marti Gobel) who is writing a book about Lord Byron’s mistress and is now researching a book on the estate. She is also a  horticulture enthusiast. 

Fred Harlow, Harper Haden and Corydon Melgoza

Lady Croon (Melanie Lora) a houseguest of the Coverly’s, another scholar who wants to restore the decline of the garden complains to Noaks  the gardener ( a bumbling Manny Fernandes). 

Valentine Coverly, (Tanner Vydos) the now owner of the property, understands that Thomasina was on the right track from reading her diaries, portfolios and letters left behind by the young girl. He finds the books filled with equations that feed solutions from one equation to the next. He can’t understand how she knew this because this process  had only been practiced during the past twenty years. But he knew she was right. 

Barnard Nightingale (a powerhouse and  flamboyant Richard Baird) is seeking information about Byron for a paper he is presenting. Characters float in and out showing off the chicanery and cover-ups of the Coverly family, which neatly blend into the findings of the researchers later on. 

Baird at his prime, never missing a Stoppard beat as his booming voice could clear a crowded room.  Ms. Haden was simply charming (but distinctively difficult to understand with her soft voice and heavy British accent) as the young Thomasina who inquisitively and through a series deductions and mathematical configurations spouts theories that had yet to be discovered. Jarvis  is a perfect foil for Baird as the two compete along different lines for information about the earlier goings on of  Byron.

Melanie Lora and Harper Had

Filled with deep philosophical debate of ‘what ifs’, Stoppard finally shifts back to the early 19th century where  Thomasina and Septimus dance to the music (a waltz)  heard outside the house. She is now 16. He kisses her on  the mouth and sends her off to bed. Segue to now, Gus (Zev Lerner) gives Hanna a drawing  of Septimus, the Hermit she has been researching, and they too, dance to the waltz. 

Following the goings and comings of the good folks at Sidley Park is something like trying to follow the second law of thermodynamics a century before it was discovered (heat cannot pass from a colder body to a warmer body only from a warmer body to a colder body.) It’s like watching a stream of water breaking off into two tributaries and ending up in the same place after taking different paths. It’s a fine mind game while entertaining. Both play periods are loaded with social and sexual intrigue, thanks to both Stoppard and Murray and his fine cast. 

Remaining cast members include: Fred Harlow, Byron LaDue, and Paul Morgovo.

Credit Chris Rynne for lighting, Heather Larson for the scenic design, Elisa Benzoni for the period costumes and then some, George Ye for sound, Peter Hermann for the period wigs and makeup, Bonnie Durben for props including the Turtle, Vanessa Dinning is dialogue consultant and Mars  Larson as stage manager. 

Corydon Melgoza and Melanie Lora

Stoppard’s “Arcadia” is a philosophical exercise using art, sex, mathematics and the environment to create a thinking comedy. Having seen it three times, my opinion has not changed much about the play.  I think it’s rather pompous and self -serving. Interesting only in the fact that some of Byron’s poetry was quoted and Richard Baird rocked the house down, but other than that, I’ll pass on a third time. 

See you at the theatre.

Enjoy at your leisure. 

The play runs over two hours with one 18 min. intermission. 

When:  Runs through Aug. 9. 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Cygnet Theatre at The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego

Tickets: $32.50 and up

Photo: Karli Cadel

Phone: 619-337-1525

Online: cygnettheatre.com

LOOKING AT “NORTH BY NORTHWEST” THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS.

Move over Alfred (Hitchcock that is), make room for Emma (Rice that is).

Alfred Hitchcock is by far one of my very best movie/mystery makers. With the exception of “The Birds” and “Vertigo”, some of my favorites include “Rear Window”, “Strangers On A Train”, “Dial M For Murder”, “Psycho” and “Notorious” to name a few. 

Lest we forget ,“North By Northwest” his 1959 thriller/nail biter film noir that has been hijacked by Emma Rice who conceived, wrote and directed this West Coast premiere at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, began in England’s York Theatre Royal in 2025. 

In some ways it reminded me of Patrick Barlow’s adapted, fast paced 2005 “The 39 Steps” seen some time ago at The La Jolla Playhouse and re done at Lamb’s Players Theater.  No need to let a good thing go when it’s in our grips.

Danny Collins as Roger Thornhill and Patrycja Kujawska as Eve Kendall

But it’s all about “North By Northwest” and I must confess that in my wildest dreams I could never have imagined the how, the when and the where Rice and company could  have reimaged (for those who know the movie by heart) the abduction of the innocent and suave Roger Thornhill (Danny Collins) caught up in a case of mistaken identity,  the inventive crop dusting scene, Mt. Rushmore images, the quick changing scenes, but they were all there, while yours truly was following along like the disciple she is. For the most part it was part laugh out loud, part amazement, part OMG, really? and part mouth open wonder; all deliciously so.  

(from left) Karl Queensborough as Phillip Vandamm, Simon Oskarsson as Valerian, Danny Collins as Roger Thornhill, and Bryony Pennington as Anna 

With a most talented cast of extremely versatile dancers and  flight director Kev McCurdy working along- side (Etta Murfitt, choreographer, movement director and intimacy coordinator), lighting designer Malcolm Rippeth who focuses on noir lighting, a set design to simulate all the different places Thornhill ran to and away from (Rob Howell) with two sets of revolving doors to depict changes in scenes, period costumes to fit the times and places (Rob Howell). This is exciting theatre. 

The cast of North by Northwest,

Picture the inside of The United Nations building, a car chase, a train escape, a hotel room, an elegant home on top of Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, a hand crushing scene atop the Mt. and a frantic rescue done in frenzied time all taking place in the most precise Hitchcock pattern, sans suitcases. (inside joke)

What wasn’t needed was the little person called the Professor (Katy Owens) who spoke in a heavy British accent and told us what was happening. It drove me to distraction.

Why???

from left) Bryony Pennington, Evangeline Dickson, Patrycja Kujawska, Simon Oskarsson, and Karl Queensborough as United Nations Workers 

But credit to Danny Collins, the nimble  footed lead who could dance circles around Fred Astaire while running in place at a speed faster than the speed of light when needed. His partner in crime, Eve Kendall (the Eva Marie Saint role) played by Patricja Kujawska, the par amour, who helped him in and out of difficult places, is equally engaging, tipping the light fantastic and breaking out lip sinking (credit Simon Baker as sound designer and composer) at the most unexpected times. (“Get Happy”, “Orange Colored Sky”).

Danny Collins as Roger Thornhill and Patrycja Kujawska as Eve Kendall 

Following the movie to the letter  (with the unexpected proselyting at the very end), the implied homosexuality, (as it seems is included in most of Hitchcock’s plays) the bidding war at the auction house and an Abraham Lincoln secret briefcase with high secrets inside all come together nicely.

The  cast, some playing many parts are: Karl Queensborough as the nasty villain Phillip Vandamm, (and Rogers mother played in drag), Simon Oskarsson, Byron Pennington and  Evangeline Dickson. 

Helen Lainsbury is Company Sage Manager on book. Becca Trimbur is Company Manager. 

The cast of North by Northwest,

No debating, Hitchcock was a mastermind of mystery, “North By Northwest” the movie ran a little over 2 hours. Rice’s production ran at least that long, much too long for this reviewer’s Alice B Toklas to take.  

Suggestion: Cut it down at least 20 -30 minutes.

If you’re looking for some fancy free fun with a tale to tell, Emma Rice has one and the Old Globe is performing it. 

Enjoy.

See you at the theatre.

When:  Runs through Aug. 2. 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays

Where: Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego

Photo:  Rich Soublet II.

Tickets: $43 and up

Phone: 619-234-5623

Online: theoldglobe.org