“NI MI MADRE” : AN ODE TO MOTHERHOOD

 Diversionary Theatre in Hillcrest is currently mounting “Ni Mi Madre” a funny, sad, clever and truthful tour de force with writer-performer Arturo Luíz Soria’s one person theatre piece about ‘life with mother’ if you will. But it’s more than that. It transitions into a tribute to his Brazilian Mother who lives in Miami. 

Hobbling about on an injured heel, recently hurt during rehearsals, with a cane, glittery boot and surrounded by a garden of foliage, a vanity and mirror and a full sized portrait of a Brazilian  goddess hanging in the background with a religious imagery, (Stephanie Osin), Soria begins his memory tale about his mother whom he calls ‘Bete’. To emphasize, he writes the word on the mirror in lipstick. 

And for the next 55 minutes we learn about Bete, her three husbands and her five children whom she physically abuses. There is jealousy  between his one sister who has her father's darker features and Arturo with his mother’s lighter skin.  To top it off, his Madre drinks to excess.  Arturo is the most challenging, of her children.  He comes out at a young age and wants dancing lessons, which she gives him,  over the objections of his macho Ecuadorian father.

Using humor and speaking in both English and Portuguese to recall the darkest  of times, Arturo manages to get us  through the most difficult of times without leaving anything out. 

Soria’s Obie Award winning show premiered off -Broadway at Rattlesnake Playwrights Theatre in 2021and now making a west coast at Diversionary Theatre under the deft direction of Danilo Gambini with Haydee Zelideth’s costume (a white off the shoulder dress, Kathy Ruvuna’s sound allowing Soria to sing songs from JLo to Madonna to Whitney, Krista Smith, lighting, with Anthony Garcia’s props and Samantha Espino as Stage Manager. 

No difficult task, this, telling our own personal story, warts and all to a group of strangers hoping it will find the ears and minds to reflect on our own upbringing and the stories that lie hidden from public. 

I’m sure that my brother and I and of course my own children will have their own versions to tell and Oh! will they be, as seen through their eyes, very different from one another. 

Arturo Luiz Soria (before his injured heel)

“Ni Mi Madre” will be playing through Sept. 6th.

Enjoy.

See you at the theatre.

When:  Runs through Sept. 6. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights

Photo: Xingyu She

Tickets: $32-$72

Phone: 619-220-0097

Online: diversionary.org

“WATER FOR ELEPHANTS”

 “Water For Elephants” now on its North American tour, has finally reached San Diego and is playing at the Civic Theatre through Sunday evening.  

Based on Sara Gruen’s best -selling novel of the same name, Bruce Elice’s Book and Music and Lyrics by Pig Pen Theatre Company, “Water For Elephants” comes with its own company of circus performers including high flying acrobats, aerialists, life sized puppets, contortionists, and basically everything a traveling circus in the 1930’s needed to travel from town to town. Oh, of course there is also a love story. 

Zachary Keller and Javier Garcia

"Water For Elephants" is a memory tale about a widower, (Robert Tully playing the older Jankowski ), who runs away to join the circus, the Benzini Brothers Circus. As an unlicensed  veterinarian and out  out of work, he hop’s the train to wherever the circus heads. 

The story, like the circus, travels back and forth in time and shows Jacob (Zachary Keller) as the younger version who joins up with the circus, meets and falls in love with Marlena (Helen Krushinski), the abusive circus owner (Connor Sullivan) and ringmaster’s wife. 

Scene From "Water For Elephants"

The music and lyrics by Pig Pen Theatre Company, in comparison,  falls far short of the circus performers, juggling acts, clowns, and physical stunts. With technical elements including the life sized puppets, a huge Asian Elephant (Rosie) designed by Tony Award Winner, David I. Reynoso (costumes as well) of San Diego, and puppetry designed by Camille Labarre and her menagerie of animals the production comes alive.    

Zachary Keller, Helen Krushinski and 'Rosie'

Actually, the presentation of Rosie ‘coming out’ is worth the price of a ticket. And just for you know what and giggles, her eyelashes really blink!

Scene from 'Water For Elephants'

With original  direction by newly appointed La Jolla Playhouse director Jessica Stone, who recently won a Tony nomination for “Water For Elephants”, the circus element of the show is eye popping, breath -taking and exciting. Sadly, the score is bland, (there are 21 musical numbers) the hopping on and off circus trains is overly done and the evening stretches out for long periods of sameness. The production runs about two and a half hours.

Helen Krushinski and Zachary Keller

The good news is that Zachery Keller and Helen Krushinski make a believable couple. Tyler West is super as the circus clown and  the aerialists and those who fly through the air remind us that we are , in fact, in a circus. 

Helen Krushinski and Zachary Keller

Many moons ago while I was at a Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus (cutting classes from college) a circus clown sat on my lap and frightened the beejesus out of me. The good news is that no one from “Water or Elephants” ventured off the stage. 

Enjoy.

See you at the theatre. 

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. next Sunday.

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

Photo: Matthew Murphy/MurphyMade

Tickets: $68 and up

Online: ticketmaster.com

“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