“Under A Baseball Sky” Makes Debut at Globe

 “Under A Baseball Sky” is making its world premiere at our very own Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, in the round in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in Balboa Park through March 12th. Written by José Cruz González (“American Mariachi”) and directed by James Vásquez, this is the second of González’ commissioned works for The Old Globe.

“Under A Baseball Sky” delves into the history of San Diego’s Latino community and its love of baseball where, as immigrants, they formed the Mexican-American Baseball League in the 1920’s in a Logan Heights type neighborhood.  Who knew? 

History is too general a word for this rather sentimental and nostalgic look back into how the playwright weaves community, building friendships, families lost and gained, perseverance, politics, and sports into the mix. To these elements, González adds a dream like quality into the past that resonates throughout. 

The ninety minute play opens on, what looks like an abandon, junk filled baseball field (Anna Louizos) cordoned off by a chain link fence with a shed in disrepair set off to one side (which I did not see) and a house belonging to Elí (Laura Crotte), the elderly matriarch of that community. Much of what we see on the surface has long gone to seed, but as they say, ‘the memories linger on.’

Into this setting, teenager Teo, (Diego Josef) who was recently expelled from high school, has to put in community hours of work while he’s out of school. His assignment is to clean up the cluttered lot. His supervisor/mentor is Chava (Joseph Morales), who also lives in the neighborhood, shows no sympathy for the wayward youth. On that topic, Teo, whose widowed mother was a naturalized citizen, but when she left her purse with all her papers at home and was stopped by police for a broken tail light and couldn’t produce her citizenship papers, she was sent back to Mexico.  Teo's life takes on new meaning; now he's parentless and alone, save for Elí and Chava. 

Laura Crotte and Diego Josef

As for Elí,  her thoughts are elsewhere. She resents Teo for being on the property, the place she and daughter Paloma (Ana Nicolle Chaves) played baseball before she went off to fight the union bosses to give Latino’s a decent wage. Later, when Elí  and Teo learn that they both love baseball, their relationship,  friendship and understanding builds. The scenes between mother and daughter are fun and uplifting but it all comes crashing down when Paloma leaves,  and is not heard from in 40 years. All that remain are memories for Elí.

Laura Crotte and Ana Nicolle Chavez

Memories flash as well with her son Santiago (Cesar J. Rosado), proud as he goes off to war but dies in a car accident; another blow to Elí.  These montages come in flashback especially how proud she was of her son and daughter at a happy and joyous time in Elí’s life. But for the most part, anger and anguish gushe from her tongue and what follows is a of shouting in Spanish and English.

Cast "Under A Baseball Sky"

Globe Resident Artist and Director Vásquez, shares in an interview in Playbill Magazine's Program Notes that his father was a high school baseball coach. Both playwright and director tapped into that source for more insight into the formation of Mexican-American baseball teams in the ‘20’s.  They learned that unionizing and working together made a team stronger, ergo that info went into the mix along with some not so positive political commentary on the way this country treats its immigrant population. 

Ana Nicolle Chavez, Laura Crotte, Cesar J. Rosado
(Center) Diego Josef

As with any team sport, strong team work makes a strong team. The cast can be commended for its dedication to their strong acting and commitment to the ideas and ideals of this budding playwright. 

Credit go to Lighting designer Rui Rita for the ghost like flashes of color and sound designer Leon Rothenberg, who is also responsible for the crack of a bat to the sounds of catching a fast ball. Danielle Neives designed the costumes. 

“Under A Baseball Sky” is a place of dreams. 

Enjoy!

When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through March 12

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

Photo: Rich Soublet all

Tickets: $33 and up

Phone: (619) 234-5623

Online: theoldglobe.org

NEW VILLAGE ARTS OPENS NEWLY REFURBISHED THEATRE WITH IMPRESSIVE JEZ BUTTERWORTH’S “THE FERRYMAN”

If storytelling is a lost art, Jez Butterworth’s epic play “The Ferryman” is bringing it home. 

Hats off to New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad and co-founder and executive artistic director and director of “The Ferryman” Kristianne Kurner. It’s hard to believe the theatre is 21 years old and she has been at the helm for most of those 21 years. Now on this twenty -first occasion, two important factors are making headlines: a new and refurbished theatre and expanded lobby area for guests to mingle and enjoy refreshments and the rights to Jez Butterworth’s “The Ferryman”. 

At a time when so many small/mid- sized theatres are struggling to keep their doors open the new New Village Arts Theatre will be called the Conrad Prebys Theatre in the Dea Hurston New Village Center partially made possible by the generosity of Ms. Hurston and a host of donors to complete this project. And, as they say, ’the shows will go on’. Coming on the heels of the renovation was the ability of Kurner to get the rights to the Butterworth play through a grant from the Conrad Prebys’ Foundation.  No easy fete this since it is the first theatre in the world of outside London, and New York to produce it.

Antonio TJ Johnson and cast

The play, grand in scope is set between 1969-1998 in Northern Ireland during what are called Northern Irish ‘Troubles’, including ‘Bloody Sunday’, ‘Hunger Strikes’, and The Disappeared.’  “Several men and one woman were believed to have been abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA.” All of the disappeared /vanished were Irish Catholic” It is at this juncture that the play opens with IRA mob like figures Muldoon, Frank and Lawrence (Max Macke, Kyle Ryan and Jacob James) waiting for the arrival of Father Horrigan (Daren Scott).  

It seems that Seamus Carney was one of those who ‘disappeared’. He was Caitlin’s husband, Quinn’s brother and Oisin (Giovanny Diaz DeLeon) father.  Friend of the family, Father Horrigan was to tell Quinn and Caitlin that Seamus had been found in a bog with a bullet in the back of his head. He’s been missing ten years. They are to tell no one about the body being just found. Horrigan tells brother Quinn (Thomas Edward Daugherty) and Quinn’s widow Caitlan (Joy Yvonne Jones) that mums the word. The knowledge of secret disappearance is lost in the festive mood of the pending harvest time. But is it?

Joy Yvonne Jones and Thomas Edward Daugherty

So, begins the saga of the Carney family, all twelve past and present and that’s not including the cousins, aunts from another generation: Great Aunt Maggie Faraway (Dagmar Krause Fields), aunt Patricia Carney (Grace Delaney) and Uncle Pat (Antonio TJ Johnson) as told through their eyes and Butterworth’s splendid storytelling. 

All in all, Kurner steers her well- rehearsed and awesome cast of about twenty six characters, give or take and that’s if you include the most precious five month Snow Elizabeth White (Mom is Joy Yvonne Jones) as Bobby Carney the youngest of the seven Carney’s to Mary (Kym Pappas) and Quinn. Add to that a live rabbit and a goose that yapped throughout… and… the production lasts three +hours with two intermissions.

Dagmar Krause Fields and Carney Girls

Thinking of it that way, it almost seems overwhelming to comprehend, but strangely enough, it was not for yours truly. The overall production has so much going for it that this reviewer was impressed with the efficiency of the much detailed set with a working kitchen large enough to house a stove, knick- knacks, a sink to wash the many dishes used for meals for the family, a mudroom or back porch and a much needed supply of glasses for the amount of drink they all imbibed. It was in this space designed by Doug Cumming, specialty props by Alyssa Kane, that tables were set and removed for a bit of Irish Dancing (delightful) that Farah Dinga choreographed, a staircase to bedrooms where apparently the entire family slept. Add to that a space under the stairwell for a crib and/or anyone to hide.

Honorable mention to Thomas Edward Dougherty for his portrayal of Quinn leader of the clan who was pretty much in every scene over the course of the three hours, His accent and immersion in the role would be difficult to find fault.  Joy Yvonne Johnson as Caitlin, his sister in law plays well off him as the two try to keep their feelings at bay. Dagmar Krause Fields Great Aunt Maggie Faraway (as the name implies) is as perfect when she stares off like a deer in the headlights as when she bursts into periods of lucidness. It’s wonderful to see how the youngsters in the family look after the elders and so far down the line.

                                                               

Douglas McLaughlin and the Goose with cast 

Antonio TJ Johnson is at his best as the titular head Uncle Patrick Carney who mumbles excerpts from Virgil to the Bible with references or speaking to the mythical Ferryman who takes some of the dead across the River Styx. As for the young adults both male and female, each holds his/her own (in a place where it was easy to get lost) and never miss a beat as to their part of the family.

Adding to the authenticity of the overall look Jojo Siu designed the costumes, Annelise Salazar, lighting, Harper Justus, sound and assistant director/ dramaturg, Heather LaForge. Dialect coaches Jude McSpadden, Grace Delaney and Vanessa Dinning did a splendid job, at least to my ears, of honing in on the cast’s accents. 

Circling back, there is a whole lot to be admired about this major coup: the new addition of a people friendly lobby, new restrooms and a play most would not be able to see for some time. When this opportunity comes along it shouldn’t be a difficult call to make. Time spent in the theatre is time well spent, even three hours. 

When: 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through March 5

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

Tickets: $30-$50

Phone: (760) 433-3245

Photo: Daren Scott

Online: newvillagearts.org

TENSIONS GNAW AT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FATHER AND DAUGHTER IN MOXIE’S EXCELLENT “BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA”.

You might want to ask, ‘What do Birds of North America’, Moxie Theatres current production by Anna Ouyang Moench have to do with tensions between father and daughter, both who enjoy bird watching together?’ 

Plenty,  but is hidden under the surface.

In a series of conversations taking place over a period of about a dozen years father and daughter, Caitlyn (Farah Dinga) and John (Mike Sears) get together to seek out unusual bird sightings and sounds which John methodically tracks and records in a small notebook.  He has been doing this it seems, almost all his life and especially now that he’s retired. He seems rather pleased with himself as he checks his watch and notes the times of the sightings. John is logical, meticulous, somewhat incorrigible, outspoken, sure of himself and highly political. 

As for Caitlyn, who enjoys the sightings, she is less engaged and at a critical point in her life; she just graduated from college. Caitlyn resents John’s approval/disapproval of her job decisions like working for an anti-climate corporation even though she claims she is only a receptionist, not a decision maker and as for climate control, she’s on board.

Farah Dinga

He pooh- pooh’s ’s her wanting to write a book, or travel; well just about anything she wants to do.  When she lands a job working for a big energy company he goes ballistic. She reminds him that everything he has and most likely is wearing is a by- product of same energy company. As self -centered and do- gooder as he is, she knows how to push his buttons as well. 

Throughout, the audience waits for the next big storm to erupt as the conversations and disagreements boil over to personal attacks and smolder and kindle just under the surface. He ridicules her boyfriend, soon to be husband’s name and at a crucial time in one of their meetings, she reveals another miscarriage and he reminds her this is not the first one and that most pregnancies end in miscarriages.

To say he’s disengaged would be an understatement, while missing opportunities to get closer to his daughter. And yet, at one point he calls and leaves a voice message that can break your heart as everything he ever wanted to say comes pouring out in one stream, tears and all, only for him to delete it and replace it with a simple ‘hope all is well’ message.

Director Lisa Berger, professor of theatre and much sought after director, keeps the tensions high and volatile throughout. To her credit she has two very qualified actors in Mike Sears who is at his ultimate best and Farah Dinga San Diego based Pakistani-Queer theatre actor to fill the roles of father -daughter. While some of the banter is light, one can appreciate some levity in Moench’s writing. For the most part though, it’s a sad state of affairs for this father-daughter duo. 

With Robin Sanford Roberts tree filled area lined with autumn leaves surrounding the area, a bench and small sitting space and Danita Lees outdoorsy outfits, there is little question the two are in outdoors, to be specific, John’s backyard in Baltimore. Joshua Heming’s lighting design designates changing years, and Matt Lescault-Woods design and in combination with The San Diego Audubon Society, different bird calls are heard throughout. Luckily, John recognized them all.  

Farah Dinga and Mike Sears

Relationships, particularly father-daughter relationships are at the heart of  Moench’s relatively new play. It’s like watching children sparring with each other hoping to get a one up while reaching for their binoculars looking out for the next bird and bird call they hear. But don't be misled. 

When: Through March 5. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Ste. N, San Diego

Tickets: $25-$43

Phone: (858) 598-7620

Photo: Jen Thorn

Online: moxietheatre.com

LAMB'S ROCKS WITH "RESPECT" FOR WOMEN : A 60's MUSICAL CELEBRATION

  

You want some respect gals? Head out to Coronado and The Lamb’s Players Theatre and I guarantee you that for 90+ minutes you will be treated to a song fest of no less than 30+, (and those are just the full on numbers not to mention snippets of some) songs right out of a ‘60’s jukebox.

Joy Yandell and Ben Read 

Presented to you by an ensemble of six of the most musically talented women who seamlessly switch from do wop to swing and sway to solo’s, Rhythm & Blues, to changing outfits and wigs (Jemima Dutra and Connie Brugman) with magical speed and playing a variety of musical instruments  piano, guitar and sax) all the while honoring the likes of Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick, Joni Mitchell, Petula Clark, Tina Turner and (Mama) Cass Elliot to mention a few, and that’s just the beginning. 

The San Diego Rep. paid tribute to Aretha Franklin in their show RESPECT in 2012 or there about. Not to get the two confused, that was then, this is now. Creators Kerry Meads and Vanda Eggington created this original concept with direction by Meads and musical direction, and arrangements by Eggington, precision choreography by Christine Wisner Hall and vocal coach Leonard Patton. 

Tell me it doesn’t take a village!

Cast of "RESPECT" at Lamb's

Backed up by Steve Gouveia on guitar, Ben Read on keyboard, Dave Rumley, percussions and Oliver Shirley on bass, this mighty band played on as the women’s ensemble consisting of Angela Chatelain Avila, Catie Grady, Rebecca Jade, Joy Yandell, Sydney Joyner and Janaya Mahealani Jones rode or steamrolled through their performances while projections (Lacio Pontes) of the said artists were displayed on the tinseled curtain drop (Mike Buckley) and lit by Nathan Pierson in life like images. Patrick Duffy’s sound was near perfect.  

Janaya Mahealani Jones

It tickled me to listen to their renditions of “Dream Lover” (The Paris Sisters), “Walking in The Rain” (The Ronettes), “Lipstick on Your Collar” (Connie Francis), “My Boyfriend’s Back (The Angels), , “Where Did Our Love Go?, “Aint No Mountain High Enough” (  “Stop! In the Name of Love” ((The Supremes), “Alfie”, “I Say a Little Prayer”, Walk on By”, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” (Dionne Warwick), “Don’t Sleep in the Subway” “Downtown” (Petula Clark), “These Boots are Made for Walkin’”, (Nancy Sinatra), “Dream a Little Dream of Me”, (Cass Elliot), “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” (Gladys Knight), “Feeling Good”, “I Put a Spell on You”, “I Wish I Knew How”, (Nina Simone), “Piece of Heart”, (Janis Joplin), “Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell), “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” “Natural Woman”, (Carole King),”River Deep, Mountain High”, (Tina Turner), “Think”, “Baby I Love You”, to “RESPECT”, (Aretha Franklin). 

Tell me that’s not a perfect way to spend a day?

When: 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through April 9th.

Where: Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado

Tickets: $34-$92

Photo: JT MacMillan

Phone: (619) 437-6000

Online: lambsplayers.org