tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53647405665179677072024-03-27T02:06:48.543-07:00Carol's Theatre Reviews ~ It's Fun To Go OutCarol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.comBlogger428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-68212950618272661222024-03-24T21:27:00.000-07:002024-03-25T08:02:03.382-07:00 CHARMING :THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE" FOR ALL AGES<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uzpvNeW_gejVoHhlNdCGnlFGmmh4kS4pUV8r1TI4jKIonMkzHwSd6YP7owPlTjXFxjui5xKNds2vzVuToViy9323ULjazwPi-nPHnHVAQyg1JQQTUB0XE-6CXIhKloSohEHjnWIo_UqQ1QiyoJQQy1Y-Oc_n9sCFQgIMgxp6jDpmfF95Mr6EmgoOD59J/s288/web-logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="288" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uzpvNeW_gejVoHhlNdCGnlFGmmh4kS4pUV8r1TI4jKIonMkzHwSd6YP7owPlTjXFxjui5xKNds2vzVuToViy9323ULjazwPi-nPHnHVAQyg1JQQTUB0XE-6CXIhKloSohEHjnWIo_UqQ1QiyoJQQy1Y-Oc_n9sCFQgIMgxp6jDpmfF95Mr6EmgoOD59J/w200-h117/web-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /> For some women, being born into the wrong century is a life changer. For Calpurnia Virginia Tate it was a struggle. In the late 1800’s, living in a small Texas hamlet, girls were supposed to follow in their mother’s footsteps and learn to sew, knit, kneed and bake bread, and well… act feminine. But at age 12+ Calpurnia was interested in none of the above. Calpurnia was interested in science, the origin of the species, caterpillars and the natural world among other things.<p></p><p>Lamb’s Players in Coronado is currently mounting a world premiere musical of “The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate” based on Jacqueline Kelly’s (Newbery Honor Book) book of the same name.</p><p></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/AVvXsEg3W9UXKPmKgUwRUsdiQQotYYNaH1mzu7GNkVjmXw_mZkDrP9yu6VVrLPtsZ9_o_avxED4-Z_AilzTnEsDvvPCTyHEgXubAPAOwzIZOCP5BiIraeuVuoLcXcsyRfwuEfXG9dUisrrpRFYlDKFsH46CHoFUznke_YhyphenhyphenL6H8sdway0a9Mmkp3dtJoM0ygWOvF/s716/434260230_10161158622567398_1031352023658452157_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="716" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W9UXKPmKgUwRUsdiQQotYYNaH1mzu7GNkVjmXw_mZkDrP9yu6VVrLPtsZ9_o_avxED4-Z_AilzTnEsDvvPCTyHEgXubAPAOwzIZOCP5BiIraeuVuoLcXcsyRfwuEfXG9dUisrrpRFYlDKFsH46CHoFUznke_YhyphenhyphenL6H8sdway0a9Mmkp3dtJoM0ygWOvF/w400-h301/434260230_10161158622567398_1031352023658452157_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Vettel and Aubriella Navarro</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With book and lyrics by Omri Schein, score by Daniel Lincoln and Ben Read, musical direction, this coming of age tale hums along with great speed in several vignettes bouncing back and forth telling the story. The production runs 90 min.<p></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/AVvXsEhHPnsEpr2n3CHAcyJ5qef3Gl3BH8QGe3xBY4LL_Py-_vXBCAJNgw4lpoUl-87qIk6puEmejUhJ2M6zOUMd8KFNzlLbFD5Q4l6arIoU93CcxV04DJarlDCY7D8vCEccVUslUoTWSyQYTjpQPuMfV29FmYZd54280LPh1sUpWunD-cbgCF2QwHd9fX-FETRu/s967/images.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="813" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPnsEpr2n3CHAcyJ5qef3Gl3BH8QGe3xBY4LL_Py-_vXBCAJNgw4lpoUl-87qIk6puEmejUhJ2M6zOUMd8KFNzlLbFD5Q4l6arIoU93CcxV04DJarlDCY7D8vCEccVUslUoTWSyQYTjpQPuMfV29FmYZd54280LPh1sUpWunD-cbgCF2QwHd9fX-FETRu/w336-h400/images.png" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geno Carr, Aurbiella Navarro and Christopher Vettel</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The ensemble includes the Tate family consisting of Calpurnia (Aubriella Navarro), Father, (Geno Carr), Mother, (Jacquelyn Ritz), Grandfather, (Christopher Vettel ) and sons Harry and Sam (Max Leadley and Jacob Mears) and Travis (Cole D’Agostino), cook Viola (Sydney Joyner) and Lula (Milly Cocaning) Callie’s best friend sought after by her two older brothers. <p></p><p>Luckily, all the women stuff was for naught for Calpurnia, though. Grandfather was an avid scientist and when he finally took his nose out of his experiments to notice Calpurnia, or Callie Vee as she was called by her siblings, he was so enthralled with her interest in science , grasshoppers and the like that they became forever and instant comrades. In essence, she was his partner in scientific experiments, to her delight. Now she could become herself, much to the chagrin of Mother who gave her the book on ‘Housewifery’ as a Christmas present. </p><p></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/AVvXsEguWfZSuh1R5TmniTKgCwFWyXal9cpsjH-QU-YECAX4MumbS_3j-GTKjlytvs62vJv4AaCjBW0c4NJRJoQaW_JWIrCuilvZZR5bHu_GgIumTGsr7E1Y5k4FsI3pqYq4ekOO8Phk-PkN609nEViHvYJEOPtxE8xxGJKeKnAxFdTM8BRqiHH6KCsEGgnjMbiC/s854/434243040_10161158614427398_6265450418383761520_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="569" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWfZSuh1R5TmniTKgCwFWyXal9cpsjH-QU-YECAX4MumbS_3j-GTKjlytvs62vJv4AaCjBW0c4NJRJoQaW_JWIrCuilvZZR5bHu_GgIumTGsr7E1Y5k4FsI3pqYq4ekOO8Phk-PkN609nEViHvYJEOPtxE8xxGJKeKnAxFdTM8BRqiHH6KCsEGgnjMbiC/w266-h400/434243040_10161158614427398_6265450418383761520_n.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aubriella Navarro as Calpurnia Tate</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> A new dawn was approaching with celebration of the 19th century with hopes that women and especially girls would have more choices to make for their careers, but alas, it wasn’t until 1920 that the 19 Amendment, was certified. 42 years after it was introduced in Congress. The hands of time move slowly when the rights of women and women of color are involved, but look…women are going to the moon. Hope rings eternal for girls like Calli Vee. <p></p><p>Kerry Meads excellent direction leaves no room for flaws. The all around excellent acting, singing and facial expressions, especially with a stage, half of which are youngsters, there is nary an error. But one can’t sing the praises more for seventh grader Aubriella Navarro, (no stranger to acting), whose award winning performance is one for the books. She’s a natural for this role tho’ I have yet to see her in anything else. Suffice it to say, hers was brilliant casting choice.</p><p></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/AVvXsEiAa3h_M8YnMjQHsssGUF8ShTnLb9EQ8LiOtn516Zq-PZVlx2Tvyohfm7HfPN8y-42B9WUrtp7Oq_xfPE5b-yBhRpFmH5c1JKnr6NoGuaY7oyXhFGGmoyzYqxjDpJPYEUsgSjdpY3WIakeFuKapfOwvp_cOdvF6hR88c5aPNwR1M-MC90c_F3Y5zCIs8xE0/s806/434308349_10161158614462398_4862607790488026112_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="806" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa3h_M8YnMjQHsssGUF8ShTnLb9EQ8LiOtn516Zq-PZVlx2Tvyohfm7HfPN8y-42B9WUrtp7Oq_xfPE5b-yBhRpFmH5c1JKnr6NoGuaY7oyXhFGGmoyzYqxjDpJPYEUsgSjdpY3WIakeFuKapfOwvp_cOdvF6hR88c5aPNwR1M-MC90c_F3Y5zCIs8xE0/w400-h266/434308349_10161158614462398_4862607790488026112_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Joyner, Aubriella Navarro and Jacquelyn Ritz</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Period costumes designed by Jemima Dutra and put together by Alyasa Hayden, Eduardo Muniga and Virginia Eastman satisfied the many costume changes. Nathan Peirson designed the lighting, Jessica Cueto, the many props, Mike Buckley the detailed set and Coni Brugman the wigs.<p></p><p>On the down side the music under the direction of Ben Read and his four piece band, along with sound designer Patrick Duffy overtook the voices in many instances making it difficult for this reviewer to make out the lyrics and oft times the dialogue. </p><p>Perhaps younger ears will fare better, or the sound less amplified. </p><p><br /></p><p>For an evening of family fun, haul the kids out and enjoy!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7uXrDqLA_hkp7LgiZGthXNNatqPHX_Pbk3lrUT94I_1i3O0A1JRNhDnq8xnqevJINv2ilA_BbadtMVwlwJ5QVl1nUSRny8PVt1D23aF5pIeaasHkFBUc16sCJXmF8mqgZ9l_1Q_GBh6ScKcrHvkUoVhI3xjs_dOYhS1WqK61RvEReRBdo8T-5-XWOAEW/s1613/Screenshot_2024-03-13_at_1_36_07%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1613" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7uXrDqLA_hkp7LgiZGthXNNatqPHX_Pbk3lrUT94I_1i3O0A1JRNhDnq8xnqevJINv2ilA_BbadtMVwlwJ5QVl1nUSRny8PVt1D23aF5pIeaasHkFBUc16sCJXmF8mqgZ9l_1Q_GBh6ScKcrHvkUoVhI3xjs_dOYhS1WqK61RvEReRBdo8T-5-XWOAEW/w400-h189/Screenshot_2024-03-13_at_1_36_07%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />See you at the theatre.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When: March 23 and runs through May 5. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays</p><p>Where: Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado</p><p>Tickets: $28-$82</p><p>Photo: Ken Jacques</p><p>Phone: (619) 437-6000</p><p>Online: lambsplayers.org</p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-56260560291395812292024-03-22T22:11:00.000-07:002024-03-23T14:35:33.189-07:00 GLOBE’S “KING JAMES” OUT OF MY LEAGUE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIIiOvIjMXXngXCoAGUEhBfGRKu0G_zW75lEGd8N2-yz5hblna1gt_qQTzbQGHFFQfUZ_NcxKpruP6EETN5vZqOGLUVSAija2eyHsrZWhqY8pLIBA1GuHBw0-dkVRFScNqntMNUygcJaE9m-w0l2JoSn29NvouR-8QubZ9scqWUFgKaXrMI-ZcGJgzPFk/s152/171b599492f241d6b529dffbd2d0db0c.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="152" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIIiOvIjMXXngXCoAGUEhBfGRKu0G_zW75lEGd8N2-yz5hblna1gt_qQTzbQGHFFQfUZ_NcxKpruP6EETN5vZqOGLUVSAija2eyHsrZWhqY8pLIBA1GuHBw0-dkVRFScNqntMNUygcJaE9m-w0l2JoSn29NvouR-8QubZ9scqWUFgKaXrMI-ZcGJgzPFk/s1600/171b599492f241d6b529dffbd2d0db0c.png" width="152" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Old Globe Theatre, Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in the round to be exact is currently mounting Rajiv Joseph’s “King James”. Joseph, Pulitzer prize winning playwright “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” and “Guards at the Taj” (both seen here,) has stretched his muscle with his current offering, “King James”. </p><p>It’s not about a king nor is it about King James. NO! , it’s references are to LeBron James the one time ‘Rookie of the year who became the all-time leading scorer of the NBA (for those not knowing the initials:National Basketball League). Over time, he was referred to as King James. </p><p>Oh, BTW he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers until he left to join the Miami Heat, another basketball team, to the wrath of his followers.</p><p></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/AVvXsEib4r03qI62fx5FEVN5bfX579c64RchxIHAZXgWK5BfkkPJ2_JBrimHKVJhgBVQvVjqniOKhh_Cw4YvwJOWldoAdv2o5vMp32Hc8iwRJMVIoefWm1QLsfANTrPMejPtm-bOXhaN2SKlIdFozCADoobaz9FBpO82DwnkJ_M_npn11-TT4ATj_rOG2VmPQ8ZO/s789/3acb850875d54273a74c4e8f6d12a3c1-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="789" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4r03qI62fx5FEVN5bfX579c64RchxIHAZXgWK5BfkkPJ2_JBrimHKVJhgBVQvVjqniOKhh_Cw4YvwJOWldoAdv2o5vMp32Hc8iwRJMVIoefWm1QLsfANTrPMejPtm-bOXhaN2SKlIdFozCADoobaz9FBpO82DwnkJ_M_npn11-TT4ATj_rOG2VmPQ8ZO/w400-h266/3acb850875d54273a74c4e8f6d12a3c1-1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb Foote and Joshua Echebiri</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Supposedly, one does not have to be familiar with all those facts, but so much is referenced, it doesn’t hurt. For all intents and purposes, “King James” is about male bonding. Both characters in the play Matt (Caleb Foote) and Shawn ( Joshua Echbebiei ) are die heart Cavalier fans, never met and live in worlds apart. What bonds them together in friendship is basketball. <p></p><p>TMI? Yours truly has little to no factual information about basketball players or their records. The last time my husband and I followed basketball was in the ‘50’s when Bob Cousy played for the Boston Celtics. </p><p></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/AVvXsEjKFRk1vdR393__7kHIwsz_Is37VQzJl_uRvi0kPtLjvdKufuiasTElrCEcC49JkAONqcHPp93qflHOHD8-0Einb4B7AtkiMrfOh3mTuHO_yC1bTVO-nGgjTKr-pHU95lXEjhmTY2eFydjF4ndtF_rLkT6SPjI-GeFHrvVNn4tFoUfxdHG-0g30de288Oag/s772/2df3990bd8a64a439018a1d9e7c3d72a.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="772" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFRk1vdR393__7kHIwsz_Is37VQzJl_uRvi0kPtLjvdKufuiasTElrCEcC49JkAONqcHPp93qflHOHD8-0Einb4B7AtkiMrfOh3mTuHO_yC1bTVO-nGgjTKr-pHU95lXEjhmTY2eFydjF4ndtF_rLkT6SPjI-GeFHrvVNn4tFoUfxdHG-0g30de288Oag/w400-h266/2df3990bd8a64a439018a1d9e7c3d72a.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb Foote and Joshua Echebiri</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Both Foote (who played in “Hand to God” at the Rep. years ago) is a high energy, oft times over the top bar owner of an upscale bar who needs money to pay off some debts. He is white. Echebiri has his heart on being a screen -writer in LA or NY, and is Black. <p></p><p>Matt has premiere Cav. seats for sale that Shawn wants to buy. Their first meeting is casual with a give and take about the price of the tickets and a lingering conversation that one might call a casual introduction. Both seem to be loners. </p><p>The 2+ hour show is divided into four quarters and runs the span of a twelve year period. With the changing tides, the friendship goes back and forth with more of the friendship deepening as they learn more about each other’s families and desires, thoughts and emotional turmoil. The first act has lots of quick witticisms and banter but needed something more to hold this reviewer’s attention.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW6-bBevxGrxVDaTaXFkzb_kmikf_LKJp6B0p1mkKo6T6Q5yCCgliV1SJyVTMYlqY4REh-17xylEoUbhgwF-ohyphenhyphenGWQtdrVusNG7_xvlsCJzUJIT-9sANU5Uwo0XpeiyD6lZcAqcgxqnjYfVnzR4jlGhF-jCKtjywm_WneMGzd-TIbWaGjD3ArjIHfozcW/s762/061a64083f4a458bb2f1febe8c8aac54.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="762" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW6-bBevxGrxVDaTaXFkzb_kmikf_LKJp6B0p1mkKo6T6Q5yCCgliV1SJyVTMYlqY4REh-17xylEoUbhgwF-ohyphenhyphenGWQtdrVusNG7_xvlsCJzUJIT-9sANU5Uwo0XpeiyD6lZcAqcgxqnjYfVnzR4jlGhF-jCKtjywm_WneMGzd-TIbWaGjD3ArjIHfozcW/w400-h266/061a64083f4a458bb2f1febe8c8aac54.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The play picks up speed in the second act, third quarter when feeling comfortable and letting his guard down, and in an angry exchange of James’ leaving the Cav’s high and dry, Matt blurts out “that LeBron should know his place”. A silence fell over the theatre. Here you have it. Racism rears its ugly head between two best friends. It takes years before we see them together again.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10-n6nO_fmcj5ZdRf_X6s39FfEGXRuW1YMdScmdFRC3hRnztz5MdORV7hwZVesX4XAFPxoES5umjAkydJEUy6q7vh5ZWCAq9pTckcWd-wiSvIEzM_arfmp53yrxWPVCeItDFIfgXnXzVvUeOAJx1CsMXFF_dShRU-D5tNNfrPiRbCGVGPn_yrfU4SWu_V/s789/3acb850875d54273a74c4e8f6d12a3c1-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="789" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10-n6nO_fmcj5ZdRf_X6s39FfEGXRuW1YMdScmdFRC3hRnztz5MdORV7hwZVesX4XAFPxoES5umjAkydJEUy6q7vh5ZWCAq9pTckcWd-wiSvIEzM_arfmp53yrxWPVCeItDFIfgXnXzVvUeOAJx1CsMXFF_dShRU-D5tNNfrPiRbCGVGPn_yrfU4SWu_V/w400-h266/3acb850875d54273a74c4e8f6d12a3c1-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Scenic designer Lawrence E. Moten III shows Matts work-place, an upscale bar called La Cave du Vin in Cleveland Heights, Ohio where the two meet and a completely separate design for Matt’s parents eclectic upholstery store with a stuffed armadillo in the window where Shawn helps out at times, giving him access to Matt’s parents that takes an interesting turn. <p></p><p>Both sets are detailed with enough room in the round for director Justin Emeka to move the two characters around so that neither is facing one direction for any length of time. Over time they are more comfortable with each other and, as Matt says, “We’ll get through this life together.” </p><p>As plays go, “King James” would not be my all- time high of plays to see again. I would say two hours stretched the limits of my endurance of basketball facts to the core. Even though male bonding is an interesting topic and the actors worked wonders with the material, it’s just that basketball as the metaphor to use for male bonding as seen through the male eye is out of my league. </p><p>You be the judge. </p><p>See you at the theatre. </p><p> </p><p>When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through March 31</p><p>Where: Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Balboa Park, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park</p><p>Photo: Rich Soublet II)</p><p>Tickets: $33 and up</p><p>Online: theoldglobe.org</p><p> </p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-65104809395212623302024-03-20T17:50:00.000-07:002024-03-20T17:50:06.815-07:00 “CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME”: ANOTHER MARVELOUS PRODUCTION FROM CCAE THEATRICALS IN ESCONDIDO. <p></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/AVvXsEjB3WoVBqQ9m_qQEFTAe-s0VFHE9yoZni_PryQ9vJ9uyqBIq4A267uieD8K-5jHK7cbAjQZolUxDGbCt5g73svgT2ES1u0uRF96RfXWR-t9HPDk0BnpGIUPobCpuUiJSWXKh16TJQNeMi3ui7nKvnDfeYOyMu4wjJMFvIDBiZd_ihSKBMSQugijVGOrs0A2/s526/425284784_795637269246595_816342016216070892_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="526" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3WoVBqQ9m_qQEFTAe-s0VFHE9yoZni_PryQ9vJ9uyqBIq4A267uieD8K-5jHK7cbAjQZolUxDGbCt5g73svgT2ES1u0uRF96RfXWR-t9HPDk0BnpGIUPobCpuUiJSWXKh16TJQNeMi3ui7nKvnDfeYOyMu4wjJMFvIDBiZd_ihSKBMSQugijVGOrs0A2/w200-h104/425284784_795637269246595_816342016216070892_n.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Kari Cadel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> It all started when Wellington, 15 year old Christopher Boone’s (Daniel Patrick Russell) neighbor’s dog was found dead (by means of a fork, no less) in his backyard. Christopher loved that dog as did everyone in his neighborhood of Swindon England.<p></p><p>Wellington’s death became a mystery to everyone. Who would have, could have killed the dog? Everyone closest to Christopher wanted ‘to let dying dogs lie’. But Christopher, emulating his favorite Private Eye Sherlock Holmes, began setting out on his own to solve the mystery of the dead dog over the strong objections of his father, Ed (an outstanding Nathan Madden). </p><p>He went about the neighborhood interviewing his neighbors and writing their words down in a little red notebook that became his own private diary.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B4fW4bvtmvDPudlyCMk8G4wTeng7ddDie8XYhBwmHeJ96PwR9jFH8zdGzdgU9YnWa3T53xgUf_VdFTBf_Q0R3Lp2OUbd3imUi71uqyrIwMwRZPMmTCXxkyqaxM1QQI869tgTf3z2xCVeCkS7OHDhL-AKtT_Yd_6XInoEkBYVPGM1QAL5f5tJR8qAG8Rg/s791/KarliCadel-CCAEThtr-Curious-FinalDress-5639.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="791" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B4fW4bvtmvDPudlyCMk8G4wTeng7ddDie8XYhBwmHeJ96PwR9jFH8zdGzdgU9YnWa3T53xgUf_VdFTBf_Q0R3Lp2OUbd3imUi71uqyrIwMwRZPMmTCXxkyqaxM1QQI869tgTf3z2xCVeCkS7OHDhL-AKtT_Yd_6XInoEkBYVPGM1QAL5f5tJR8qAG8Rg/w400-h266/KarliCadel-CCAEThtr-Curious-FinalDress-5639.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />If this was all there was to Christopher; but it’s not. Christopher is a mathematical genius who did not like to be touched…by anyone, ever! He had behavioral issues some attributed to autism but were never spelled out loud in the show. <p></p><p>He went to a ‘private school’ where he excelled in math but needed help with getting through, well, life, so his helper/mentor, Siobhan (Allison Spratt Pearce is perfect) shadowed him most of the time guiding and suggesting and letting the audience in on what’s going on.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEghqseTY-RUzf_5hLmWtjBBb_mPYKFiDkFizWxkL6k-uvYHmcZyZtLdPYCY4YgqOVlOfjyak4hqIh4GRaUpkfV3XOlMqTLinEQeUZGPeGhb1TjBxoZaiuKPmVB-bNjgsJSLyAoBIVLZ7WnZM4bT8sF3Tg_qy6ykGXs3MrVWN67AcQVY6ds6mtdM8MCs-a_h/s758/KarliCadel-CCAEThtr-Curious-FinalDress-4114-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="758" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqseTY-RUzf_5hLmWtjBBb_mPYKFiDkFizWxkL6k-uvYHmcZyZtLdPYCY4YgqOVlOfjyak4hqIh4GRaUpkfV3XOlMqTLinEQeUZGPeGhb1TjBxoZaiuKPmVB-bNjgsJSLyAoBIVLZ7WnZM4bT8sF3Tg_qy6ykGXs3MrVWN67AcQVY6ds6mtdM8MCs-a_h/w400-h266/KarliCadel-CCAEThtr-Curious-FinalDress-4114-1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Over the course of events we learn that his mum has died, but she really has not. He makes a trip to London all by himself, he finds his mum alive, he passes his math performance test with flying colors and prepares to go on furthering his education, which he is confident of doing All this is written in his red notebook, which eventually becomes a published best -selling book that eventually is the foundation of this splendid production with deft direction by J. Scott Lapp. <div><br /></div><div>All well and good, but it’s the makeup of the production that will gives CCAE another Oscar(Award) for outstanding work including incredible choreography by, Natalie Iscovich, outstanding projection designs by Blake McCarty, Scenic/Cinematography, Matthew Herman, Lighting Mike Billings, Costumes, Janet Pitcher, Wigs and Hair Peter Merman, and Sound by Jon Fredette.<p></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/AVvXsEicHmMmGZp5-WYA06OSgTy12SvFq-i6m2rfJ0k7t1gBxsB5ERCchyphenhyphentPgVPBuUNxEIMdhwtdUBdTn0u4pBRMapoQIRMG_JPVOcl82Dwx4TEsTHq0ei5UlxyWPoDFUMEvi8BxnOU5GvADwBwDyzD5uoqKfuSXCBai8i5ItGMtxTSCzBaIUJQlfvk2Gdf_BjO7/s787/KarliCadel-CCAEThtr-Curious-FinalDress-4352.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="787" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHmMmGZp5-WYA06OSgTy12SvFq-i6m2rfJ0k7t1gBxsB5ERCchyphenhyphentPgVPBuUNxEIMdhwtdUBdTn0u4pBRMapoQIRMG_JPVOcl82Dwx4TEsTHq0ei5UlxyWPoDFUMEvi8BxnOU5GvADwBwDyzD5uoqKfuSXCBai8i5ItGMtxTSCzBaIUJQlfvk2Gdf_BjO7/w400-h266/KarliCadel-CCAEThtr-Curious-FinalDress-4352.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>With the high energy ensemble acting, (Melissa Fernandes, Drew Bradford, Berto Fernandez, Dallas McLaughlin, playing several townspeople), the choreography; the everything that makes (I saw it on the closing performance) this particular production so special. Is a once in a lifetime treat. Such preciseness both physically and watching this young boy’s mind work to figure out ways to make his life doable is an extraordinary experience. <p></p><p>If you ever get a chance to see a production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time” do! </p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p>Coming up next at CCAE: MOTOWN, March 29 and 30.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAJDtLkZnaDvENhETO42Yc456AgI1YAjpCZ1Fvyw3ODBKd9aXHWESsxaeTL9mkq-7KlCFGqWoKJGPREo6TbLheAzINcJVnilvGla5u6JQTEUZcH8TCMAdKp_sniDhTTbHLY3DSBJZ0zjv5CZX9fSjLMAlK3FuxLDO7CNHl7uRu5ibV-_Vd9N3K2FWWgk1/s276/430620516_18405791659065891_4253833809091083655_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="221" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAJDtLkZnaDvENhETO42Yc456AgI1YAjpCZ1Fvyw3ODBKd9aXHWESsxaeTL9mkq-7KlCFGqWoKJGPREo6TbLheAzINcJVnilvGla5u6JQTEUZcH8TCMAdKp_sniDhTTbHLY3DSBJZ0zjv5CZX9fSjLMAlK3FuxLDO7CNHl7uRu5ibV-_Vd9N3K2FWWgk1/w256-h320/430620516_18405791659065891_4253833809091083655_n.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-40918868813836117422024-03-12T21:52:00.000-07:002024-03-13T08:15:54.519-07:00 “ TARTUFFE”, AN ALL TIME SCRUMPTIOUS SHOW AT NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE. <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqbC3mGTIz43JRXVNPqcrMD-4hxJPGSomICbK-dFEjxNDr5QC3WEXlyjMsSffUYu4Jv-Lgo4ycCROuuHDljYG5YV9pmSgpp0ylOOUu-NuTkLYuyyiy6hAmojM41PxlJOPlCH0kJ0kEZQtw4PPB3mNdLGSPMsAG3WGdX4xlBxGUY2UBnprKMuN6r8suPfs/s279/Tartuffe_600x875-min-274x400.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="191" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqbC3mGTIz43JRXVNPqcrMD-4hxJPGSomICbK-dFEjxNDr5QC3WEXlyjMsSffUYu4Jv-Lgo4ycCROuuHDljYG5YV9pmSgpp0ylOOUu-NuTkLYuyyiy6hAmojM41PxlJOPlCH0kJ0kEZQtw4PPB3mNdLGSPMsAG3WGdX4xlBxGUY2UBnprKMuN6r8suPfs/w137-h200/Tartuffe_600x875-min-274x400.png" width="137" /></a></div><br /><p>North Coast Repertory Theatre is presenting Molière’s -French comic actor and dramatic theoretician- “Tartuffe”. Deftly directed by Richard Baird, translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur and with a stellar cast, the 2+ hour production rolls along with the audience so engrossed, it hardly notices the passing of time. It will be playing through April 7th.</p><p></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/AVvXsEg0QeqX5JyURVKJa8Zo27egaZvvSjD9qzVXv5aKXC-0U7uOUOWX0gTt0mVREGhyphenhyphenhdKrVwKJTGvw2AtFAE_kO6Ly_6ZA00bCS9EpHGyV-iqb36QObRxnWj92pF4nWVnIn-hOgM90KYtMStpziDL8LwFwHBIO8VSfsKhyphenhyphenh6c8ZKbgfZ_dx_3jJcHjR9aSiQ7-/s811/TARTUFFE_-Kate-Rose-Reynolds-Bruce-Turkl-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="811" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QeqX5JyURVKJa8Zo27egaZvvSjD9qzVXv5aKXC-0U7uOUOWX0gTt0mVREGhyphenhyphenhdKrVwKJTGvw2AtFAE_kO6Ly_6ZA00bCS9EpHGyV-iqb36QObRxnWj92pF4nWVnIn-hOgM90KYtMStpziDL8LwFwHBIO8VSfsKhyphenhyphenh6c8ZKbgfZ_dx_3jJcHjR9aSiQ7-/w400-h266/TARTUFFE_-Kate-Rose-Reynolds-Bruce-Turkl-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Rose Reynolds and Bruce Turk</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Set in Paris in 1664, it’s right out of this year’s political playbook if you think about it. Rumors, lies, accusations, fraud, deceit, gossip, allegations and religious hypocrisy are the ingredients associated with the man revered by MMe Pernelle (Kandis Chappell) and her rich patron son, Orgon (Bo Foxworth), the barefooted and irreverent Tartuffe (Bruce Turk). <p></p><p> Tartuffe, (Turk a most talented and perfect actor to be in this role) who presents himself as a humble and religious man, one might say priestly, is invited into Orgon’s home because of his religious nature and is so revered by Orgon that he (Orgon) breaks off the engagement of his daughter Mariane (Shantè DeLoach) to Valere (Jared Van Heel) and promises her hand to Tartuffe.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEjE4bjJTKc7aidizAdYPRm06X5hE9O1nLuJxEAv-kQ7k17BQp354GyhWmz4q2bC08RmFiEJZZOTYqx0cOQTEi_SVRXxRo-FWQnDlxn-0OMaFpqh3hXkTLZV0rOCJx4dmIkq0d6LHam2n1P-VNIHZ_kSwz_J0fmIoJ7kXQKVM38yXAnSpIEUjZG4WLmln0j7/s773/TARTUFFE_-Katie-Karel-Bo-Foxworth-Shante-DeLoach-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="773" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4bjJTKc7aidizAdYPRm06X5hE9O1nLuJxEAv-kQ7k17BQp354GyhWmz4q2bC08RmFiEJZZOTYqx0cOQTEi_SVRXxRo-FWQnDlxn-0OMaFpqh3hXkTLZV0rOCJx4dmIkq0d6LHam2n1P-VNIHZ_kSwz_J0fmIoJ7kXQKVM38yXAnSpIEUjZG4WLmln0j7/w400-h266/TARTUFFE_-Katie-Karel-Bo-Foxworth-Shante-DeLoach-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie Karel, Bo Foxworth, Shante DeLoach </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Things go from bad to worse as everyone in Orgon’s household can see right through Tartuffe . They do everything in their wake to put a stop to this silliness, except it’s not so silly: it's madness and meanness spoken in rhyming verse. <p></p><p>Whether it’s Orgon’s son, Damis (Rogelio Douglas III) itching for a duel, or his maid Dorine (Katie Karel) who can spot a louse and an imposter a mile away and isn’t afraid to say, or his lovely wife Elmire (Melanie Lora) whose advances she tries to subvert, the play has its many laughs while fraught with danger from the likes of Tartuffe. Kandis Chappell (making two brief appearances) is duped into thinking the world of Tartuffe as well. The only calm one in the house is Orgon’s brother, Cleante (Christopher M. Williams) but to no avail. Rounding out the cast Kate Rose Reynolds who appears as several characters including a soldier of the guard to the King. She ends up saving the day, but you have to go to see how!</p><p></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/AVvXsEjXyGVgafytTK34F-2FT2F6Ypad13GeFAYgQkzrQZey9wl56UydHacku1wT_PtCa_Sl1FSEH_RSse8-dSYApsLoulOtEzm1UwL_06oysIyIueiSnh9IUjJLlnPU0U5khxVBkG9nka_Y9r3UEzOM4-o2G92M_VmYZ9NYa1dHzfBImzGhwCeA53YYX7VaZL-V/s799/TARTUFFE_-Rogelio-Douglas-III-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="799" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyGVgafytTK34F-2FT2F6Ypad13GeFAYgQkzrQZey9wl56UydHacku1wT_PtCa_Sl1FSEH_RSse8-dSYApsLoulOtEzm1UwL_06oysIyIueiSnh9IUjJLlnPU0U5khxVBkG9nka_Y9r3UEzOM4-o2G92M_VmYZ9NYa1dHzfBImzGhwCeA53YYX7VaZL-V/w400-h266/TARTUFFE_-Rogelio-Douglas-III-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rogelio Douglas iii</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Eventually, everything falls into place as we all hold our collected breaths’, while watching the rags to riches Tartuffe get his due.<p></p><p>Adding much depth to this excellent production is long time set designer Marty Burnett’s grand living room, with, the elegant period costumes by Elisa Benzoni, Ian Scotts sound design Matt Novotny’s lighting design, and Peter Herman’s wigs befitting each character. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEhvx-ox5CDKmZbtCiiPM1nq3OVWr-HWfW15NPFyh0T3FnfRvvLlX8znCvHgx1knseMqonQflYx1Wtk_CGsQPytOLjv7EUkc2WbzGrPb61yVgZmep-ZEAng_D0XJZyS3-l_DgCL3BjZOxOQAGUB3itwVJE7C6a9MOVQQRRlBVsRBQckHOJPyqh40RYcHX1sI/s826/TARTUFFE_-Melanie-Lora-Bruce-Turk-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="826" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx-ox5CDKmZbtCiiPM1nq3OVWr-HWfW15NPFyh0T3FnfRvvLlX8znCvHgx1knseMqonQflYx1Wtk_CGsQPytOLjv7EUkc2WbzGrPb61yVgZmep-ZEAng_D0XJZyS3-l_DgCL3BjZOxOQAGUB3itwVJE7C6a9MOVQQRRlBVsRBQckHOJPyqh40RYcHX1sI/w400-h266/TARTUFFE_-Melanie-Lora-Bruce-Turk-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melanie Lora, Bruce Turk</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Two thumbs up to Richard Baird and his all-star cast for a scrumptious day/evening of theatre. It doesn’t get much better than this for a 300 + year old theatre piece that seems so relevant today.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEilHOrnQ1f3C8ObX7D4uOO6H60hfSdUn7palt-sRjXvp0gSXLl2IXgRKhZZtyFSO7mFZYN95seDBMoyGFuuwY8a2G7pq5dwJAG8VcgDpmjmIkJbDF1O0PMat3snVbERC-ru1xYK8MMb-dRLSlPbz1DsZtItiSIm2efbt2YoXHKobZ_co7778C6KQx2ZJaB8/s1799/TARTUFFE_-Bruce-Turk-Lying-Bo-Foxworth-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1799" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHOrnQ1f3C8ObX7D4uOO6H60hfSdUn7palt-sRjXvp0gSXLl2IXgRKhZZtyFSO7mFZYN95seDBMoyGFuuwY8a2G7pq5dwJAG8VcgDpmjmIkJbDF1O0PMat3snVbERC-ru1xYK8MMb-dRLSlPbz1DsZtItiSIm2efbt2YoXHKobZ_co7778C6KQx2ZJaB8/w400-h266/TARTUFFE_-Bruce-Turk-Lying-Bo-Foxworth-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Turk and Bo Foxworth</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Much truth is said in jest and this satire of grand proportions couldn't have been said any better or performed in such grand manner. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEjZbGO-tdfQoEhj5jcKd_UIfxVD_APUAq1i1CaMYBwu5uOQEES03GuyjKGMdXUcomoSYEp1xkeXvF-dn_GXdMGWvBqMyoIKqEs2QCrJ8npjhCE1OK1QCvXHfe7yOAw7rnthq-dPGENL_nCBPyKfHiGRRVemyDfSG130g1RD09t1IGJWV-7BStRuZf15d1QX/s824/TARTUFFE_-Bruce-Turk-Melanie-Lora-on-Table-Bo-Foxworth-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="824" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbGO-tdfQoEhj5jcKd_UIfxVD_APUAq1i1CaMYBwu5uOQEES03GuyjKGMdXUcomoSYEp1xkeXvF-dn_GXdMGWvBqMyoIKqEs2QCrJ8npjhCE1OK1QCvXHfe7yOAw7rnthq-dPGENL_nCBPyKfHiGRRVemyDfSG130g1RD09t1IGJWV-7BStRuZf15d1QX/w400-h268/TARTUFFE_-Bruce-Turk-Melanie-Lora-on-Table-Bo-Foxworth-photo-by-Aaron-Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Turk, Melanie Lora and Bo Foxworth (Under the table)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />See you at the theatre.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays. Extended through April 7th.</p><p>Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach</p><p>Tickets: $54-$79</p><p>Photo: Aaron Rumley</p><p>Phone: (858) 481-1055</p><p>Online: northcoastrep.org</p><div><br /></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-47507538148381116382024-03-09T16:46:00.000-08:002024-03-09T16:48:30.491-08:00 BYR “HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE” …HOLD ON TO YOUR STEERING WHEEL.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ofGFQ37degP3GATtolLbFJ2a40AEB2xRfDUE1QcEHJcJ3uH72y6VrpJlQsqTnB4BRNUkp4xv1qLxfa_fK597lZJ4VkwP9SYxyyptqsGbu9q4TOBjUBxgU-x6SbR7xF9NmeWQpKtAslYHfmgkqaZfck-M3BBcETcJAgLmKY8aP9QplfvqdleHcnRiQKeo/s242/428706390_18415728358062386_4195570142028894596_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="159" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ofGFQ37degP3GATtolLbFJ2a40AEB2xRfDUE1QcEHJcJ3uH72y6VrpJlQsqTnB4BRNUkp4xv1qLxfa_fK597lZJ4VkwP9SYxyyptqsGbu9q4TOBjUBxgU-x6SbR7xF9NmeWQpKtAslYHfmgkqaZfck-M3BBcETcJAgLmKY8aP9QplfvqdleHcnRiQKeo/s1600/428706390_18415728358062386_4195570142028894596_n.png" width="159" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It’s ironic that Women’s History Month meets Paula Vogel’s 1998 Pulitzer Prize winning play, “How I Learned to Drive”. They are on a collision course. Women’s History Month honors women and their outstanding achievements. Vogel’s play puts them in a box forcing them into believing that they are sex objects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Set in Maryland in the 60’s and 70’s, 17 year old Li’l Bit (Megan Carmitchel) was taught by her instructor uncle Peck (Francis Gercke) on how to navigate both lanes of life: driving with both hands on the steering wheel and growing up learning about sex by her perverted uncle. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></blockquote><p></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/AVvXsEhSF9Xa4sjqj_b42Knrq63ifbyvSsHHbpgsdYSBQA41EnD0hS-_mpqRaFgjDjMDbVr9trRkIjR0-orgVWXNLh-xd8G7CPo5zzrer7VJ-ftFEyVp7g0l0_4vt88gxt7NDXMx9JXnDSYrrxHiYULH9PGh8Ohc_7yBSx56qJIS12FvDHgUkOjsxtwymlLHJJ62/s938/cast_3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="938" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF9Xa4sjqj_b42Knrq63ifbyvSsHHbpgsdYSBQA41EnD0hS-_mpqRaFgjDjMDbVr9trRkIjR0-orgVWXNLh-xd8G7CPo5zzrer7VJ-ftFEyVp7g0l0_4vt88gxt7NDXMx9JXnDSYrrxHiYULH9PGh8Ohc_7yBSx56qJIS12FvDHgUkOjsxtwymlLHJJ62/w400-h225/cast_3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emilee Zuniga,Francis Gercke, Karson St. John, Megan Carmitchel , William Huffaker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <span style="text-align: justify;">Backyard Renaissance Theatre is now mounting this seldom produced play through March 16th and it is well worth a trip downtown to see it. Years ago, (1998) the now defunct San Diego Repertory Theatre broke ground and produced it. Resurfacing now is all the more important because of the headlines revealing rampant pedophilia in the church and in some homes where children are not safe from their parents or relatives. </span><p></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">In "How i Learned To Drive" Vogel takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride in this tragicomedy play showing the seduction of a pedophile uncle and his sometimes willing, other times questioning niece. </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEj6awV7bEhasyDV70A5UZCg503u6FvuPldv467oLQkAF3ETCTKIKjUbi7Ezp_evbNbWCBTZ5P66zt4fjO2lZBRfrPT-UBc1Lw29AosgZxiQ55-Ly0mUKgzcJoYU1kkD4MsX2bnqsjMtQyVbai-WCwyoSJ0BX8MvGa0lTFsZBEvYCOga7XcaYRuBRjMik8-8/s777/first_lesson2.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="777" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6awV7bEhasyDV70A5UZCg503u6FvuPldv467oLQkAF3ETCTKIKjUbi7Ezp_evbNbWCBTZ5P66zt4fjO2lZBRfrPT-UBc1Lw29AosgZxiQ55-Ly0mUKgzcJoYU1kkD4MsX2bnqsjMtQyVbai-WCwyoSJ0BX8MvGa0lTFsZBEvYCOga7XcaYRuBRjMik8-8/w400-h250/first_lesson2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table> (background Emilee Zuniga), Francis Gercke and Megan Carmitchel (center)<br /> <p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The play weaves back and forth between the reality of what is and the cartoon-like members of the family who, for the most part, close their eyes to their bright yet troubled teenager. The only one who pays her any attention is Uncle Peck where his intentions go beyond teaching her how to drive. He actually started molesting her when she was 11.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The 90+ minute memory play lasts years beyond Li'l Bit's college graduation where she tries to put a stop to it over time, but for reasons unknown to those fortunate enough to have never walked in her shoes, she does not. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In a brilliantly nuanced production, director Anthony Methvin and his excellent cast where award winning Megan Carmitchel as Li’l Bit, is always made to feel convinced that she is in control and Francis Gercke as Uncle Peck, takes advantage of her in ways she never suspects, reluctantly believes him and is convinced she is in control.</div></div></blockquote><p></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/AVvXsEianI1QtRIaqtU0PqlL_dyzXIDtEMF0ZDc6nLhUbJPsTps5cWoC2A_Zz-7n6d8Dmeas3_WYUPZuERAEwywWL7qijnl3zl7rq80RvGQgS0W-41C-St0jZh23yd-bfxfu6JPaeoRNvG2JK5GJdtdYaLk1_tZfq__yltYbjXQJH6GltAWcHsDbrnXQvF6Smjwu/s946/Fran_and_Megan_arms.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="946" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianI1QtRIaqtU0PqlL_dyzXIDtEMF0ZDc6nLhUbJPsTps5cWoC2A_Zz-7n6d8Dmeas3_WYUPZuERAEwywWL7qijnl3zl7rq80RvGQgS0W-41C-St0jZh23yd-bfxfu6JPaeoRNvG2JK5GJdtdYaLk1_tZfq__yltYbjXQJH6GltAWcHsDbrnXQvF6Smjwu/w400-h250/Fran_and_Megan_arms.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan Carmitchel and Francis Gercke</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">Vogel’s play unfolds like a Greek tragedy, acknowledging pedophilia on the one hand and almost excusing it on the other.Adding to the cast and acting as both Greek Chorus and family members are William Huffaker, Karson St. John, and Emilee Zuniga. All three play multiple roles, but for the most part, we recognize them as returning family members filling in the blanks of Li’l Bits memory bank. </span><p></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">The comic relief comes from the Hillbilly ranks of the family members who, unwittingly think nothing of “letting it all hang out.” Most of what they talk about around the dinner table is sex, sex and more sex.</span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">Cartoon like pictures by Yi -Chien Lee of the years and make of cars is depicted on the back wall with lighting by Curtis Mueller. George Ye’s designed the sound, and Jessica John Gercke. designed the costumes. What stood out to me was associate director of intimacy director, Hanna Meads. Never before, this.</span></p><p></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/AVvXsEjtreOqlOlE0J3tOsbpcfUlYXl4kzqKbqGCyRA2mu1-h-NxaCmCutZdqCgDe2JOiiwfb9xTw_oEpMOgvb6WiFsXA5Z3eJ2-r8PSy4-0H9ElVDjiIlWrf7fuLvbfb2ULaCCn4ZpdDb_glcYBzFEjbfnuJMRxQRUgCsI04TinBNgkmejzXvTBvbO2vRtDFHVA/s813/Fran_and_Megan_blanket.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="813" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtreOqlOlE0J3tOsbpcfUlYXl4kzqKbqGCyRA2mu1-h-NxaCmCutZdqCgDe2JOiiwfb9xTw_oEpMOgvb6WiFsXA5Z3eJ2-r8PSy4-0H9ElVDjiIlWrf7fuLvbfb2ULaCCn4ZpdDb_glcYBzFEjbfnuJMRxQRUgCsI04TinBNgkmejzXvTBvbO2vRtDFHVA/w400-h250/Fran_and_Megan_blanket.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan Carmitchel and Francis Gercke</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">As Actor Of The Year recipient of The Craig Noel Awards last year for her role in “Osage Orange County”, again at Backyard Renaissance production, Megan Carmitchel has proven her brilliance yet a second time and this one is no easy fete. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">I usually sign off with “Enjoy”. For this show I will offer that you sing the praises to BYR for the guts to mount this controversial show and will to continue bringing excellence to the theatre. This one is not an easy sit. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">See you at the theatre. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Through March 16</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Where: Backyard Renaissance Theatre at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., downtown</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tickets: $18-$40</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Photo: Daren Scot</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Phone: (760) 975-7189</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Online: backyardrenaissance.com</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p></blockquote>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-35153386030770881072024-03-02T21:39:00.000-08:002024-03-02T21:39:55.539-08:00 LA JOLLA’S “REDWOOD”: A VISUAL SENSATION; A CATHARSIS FOR THE SOUL; A TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEART. <p></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/AVvXsEjpYHjFcN0OB-AyoSmTfWHsD7eyMgiNNNhjc5wJcpn8IERcrOJDCQri-GeW3FLi27Ra6t_C2E4Ld1e8wRAyiSIomFMMDwonPzuDCv2SGN5JzzR_oRhjUhNDlmuUJoMsMTjmhYTkaKVVVi7rWFuP66iBiEwXzB6lPmFjCTJd0CJ2KZETrmfSpQG_WIQX1MA-/s487/image002.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="376" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYHjFcN0OB-AyoSmTfWHsD7eyMgiNNNhjc5wJcpn8IERcrOJDCQri-GeW3FLi27Ra6t_C2E4Ld1e8wRAyiSIomFMMDwonPzuDCv2SGN5JzzR_oRhjUhNDlmuUJoMsMTjmhYTkaKVVVi7rWFuP66iBiEwXzB6lPmFjCTJd0CJ2KZETrmfSpQG_WIQX1MA-/w154-h200/image002.png" width="154" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idina Menzel</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I’ve been to see the Redwoods twice. Once in person with my late husband years ago and the second time at The La Jolla Playhouse. </p><p>I know, I know. There are no redwoods at the Playhouse, but believe it or not I had the experience of a lifetime at my second visit as I sat almost motionless throughout the 2 hour give or take intermission-less production of “Redwood”, a World Premiere Musical with book by Tina Landau, music by Kate Diaz conceived by Tina Landau and Idina Menzel, lyrics by Kate Diaz and Tina Landau, with additional contributions by Idina Menzel and last but not least it is by directed by Tina Landau. </p><p>I must also confess, I learned more about the redwoods than I ever thought I could. For example, a redwood tree reaching the height of the Empire State Building has very shallow roots; but roots that intermingle and intertwine with the roots of other redwoods giving it stability; that the redwoods have a heart, resilience, are fire proof, and experience growth spurts even getting thru the most difficult of times, i.e., fires.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEg38x1EBlZOvB8s7YYmHhy_txW0W_Oxf30jHVSNsZ72w22LFh6tBYdsley00i9GDNo4vwZyLy4ouMnADLckCcoFAD1YibzyGZMRWRPSlOqerTb_L5SeOY2kaa5neXhyphenhyphennxEVbkdqmg911kbKxPbhfrAf1BYHChebat0T_WiZsVQkWYv58_wxo11zaBIkxth3/s814/429544172_818640833638802_8290748382876005833_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38x1EBlZOvB8s7YYmHhy_txW0W_Oxf30jHVSNsZ72w22LFh6tBYdsley00i9GDNo4vwZyLy4ouMnADLckCcoFAD1YibzyGZMRWRPSlOqerTb_L5SeOY2kaa5neXhyphenhyphennxEVbkdqmg911kbKxPbhfrAf1BYHChebat0T_WiZsVQkWYv58_wxo11zaBIkxth3/w384-h400/429544172_818640833638802_8290748382876005833_n.png" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idina Menzel</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And so, it is here that we find Jesse, (Idina Menzel) an always in charge, A Type personality who can’t cope with her bosses demands, and is at wits ends trying to cope with the loss of her 23 year old son while not getting what the needs from her wife Mel (De’Adre Aziza), who wants to remember only the good times. <p></p><p>It is at this point Jesse takes off from her home in New York to parts unknown, stopping here and there and meeting up with a young man (Zachary Noah Piser) urging her on, before she finds herself in Eureka, Ca. resting at the foot of a giant Redwood. Her sleep is interrupted by two scientists, Finn and Becca (Michael Park and Nkeki Obi Melekwe) who are on sight studying the health of the redwoods for future generations. She is on private property and is told to leave, in no uncertain terms especially by no nonsense Becca. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoHrkcvRqAsnpFSxFQUl8X0_4Sqz-Bp0efeAwCbQvlceCSPm7fIhqkYzHJWu8JKbXV7TSOwL488gL9yZRfdTHu_U_rp1btmaz8r9CMNu77ochvr9CI24pwv9VbnGPt6zNK9cjc3ifhDDD3kY368GeXSo-F67bg14JCbQ-f7TiW6mlhmqlVDAfvRZ0_y31/s1134/429580101_818640916972127_5932042137797767896_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></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/AVvXsEgXDTurc9GGzoUdSRFrXP-dZzdjjx2CW-PeHWVKpbT_EjYKz1rtkirL1x-8XsBGleOLH1Mqstoy_naNjqvhubYNHIq-olbu1ODdaX9pjJsSw5-T-GuEaa_dLVHdoIaGbbOLpT00Ed3Udy6ElXcyBCXoXtGsA9B8EsnjObqaonZVp8DNKTb9cy64QZprHhk9/s874/429588441_818640850305467_3775584878072845019_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="874" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDTurc9GGzoUdSRFrXP-dZzdjjx2CW-PeHWVKpbT_EjYKz1rtkirL1x-8XsBGleOLH1Mqstoy_naNjqvhubYNHIq-olbu1ODdaX9pjJsSw5-T-GuEaa_dLVHdoIaGbbOLpT00Ed3Udy6ElXcyBCXoXtGsA9B8EsnjObqaonZVp8DNKTb9cy64QZprHhk9/w400-h226/429588441_818640850305467_3775584878072845019_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idina Menzel and De'Adre Aziza</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After trying to get her to leave, she finally convinces Finn, the botanist of the two, to let her stay and the longer she stays, it becomes a game changer for Jesse, who realizes that this is just what she needs in the way of her transforming her life. And yes, you guessed it, she too found herself learning to climb the giant redwood and even staying a night or two on a platform many feet above the ground. </p><p>I can imagine how exhilarating it was for Jesse, since at that moment, I could feel a rush within. And it is here that the visuals (Hana S. Kim, media designer) engulf you into the picture. Sitting in the front row I felt the world of the redwoods wash over me. </p><p>Malecio Estrella and Co. Bandaloop choreographed both movement and scaling the giant tree. Yes Jesse, Becca and Finn all had a part in the climbing to the awe of this reviewer. I can’t remember seeing anything like this in all my years of covering theatre even the play “K9” too many years ago at the once S.D. Rep. downtown. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadMqbcMtvb-KMSn7v1MSJhLN_X2tGSYTU2_xbPJzsrS-kaeUTS2Fpo6SdBWCPoiljxkvSENyqhAWHz6HLtxXqbyYwc6rXhqBOzygXvk77qydC-DAWJCwDPqtmtjflNAjzL4eVhanQBeNPM40hVRHM6bdJ4UKWC9ZZ1HKsxYhWxUROJiWEqA7Og6s5vwcl/s882/429551422_818640853638800_7586485739657603484_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="882" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadMqbcMtvb-KMSn7v1MSJhLN_X2tGSYTU2_xbPJzsrS-kaeUTS2Fpo6SdBWCPoiljxkvSENyqhAWHz6HLtxXqbyYwc6rXhqBOzygXvk77qydC-DAWJCwDPqtmtjflNAjzL4eVhanQBeNPM40hVRHM6bdJ4UKWC9ZZ1HKsxYhWxUROJiWEqA7Og6s5vwcl/w400-h245/429551422_818640853638800_7586485739657603484_n.png" width="400" /></a></div> Zachary Noah Piser and Idina Menzel<br /><p>The most disappointing element of the program is the music. There are more than a dozen songs written by Kate Diaz with lyrics by Tina Landau, with additional contributions by Menzel . That said most of the ‘dialogue’ is sung through and that was the most difficult for yours truly to hear and follow. Not -withstanding, most of the music sounded repetitive. </p><p>What did not disappoint was the amazing quality, overall, of the cast. Each and every one outstanding for their contributions. </p><p>What did not disappoint was Menzel, who is on stage throughout, as she finds her center and is able to show her vulnerability, her new strength, her core, her resilience and use her powerful voice.</p><p></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/AVvXsEjeCXSFOBM198gsQu7wN72adH_wHG9cr96jEhiBdYbxT-Fclxmwj56exTfsICOVoQ21J5YuKvbhI-BZO1PdwClHMTcgKMe-GUxOgIXb5mrUL9zlOCN-QHo5j7ba0_5UvCa6XtpPBipdcqpq1aLd2NURl2nmefr-Ygnsj6Phxwv8Jlciry-_SWiyBMlCJCJo/s1134/429580101_818640916972127_5932042137797767896_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="783" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCXSFOBM198gsQu7wN72adH_wHG9cr96jEhiBdYbxT-Fclxmwj56exTfsICOVoQ21J5YuKvbhI-BZO1PdwClHMTcgKMe-GUxOgIXb5mrUL9zlOCN-QHo5j7ba0_5UvCa6XtpPBipdcqpq1aLd2NURl2nmefr-Ygnsj6Phxwv8Jlciry-_SWiyBMlCJCJo/w276-h400/429580101_818640916972127_5932042137797767896_n.png" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Park and Idina Menzel</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What did not disappoint was an emotional pull toward all of the characters even though some have less to do and say than others, but are necessary to the overall story.<p></p><p>One of the stronger and more forceful of the cast is Nkeki Obi Melekwe’s Becca who, surprisingly said she has a Jewish mother and was telling Jesse (assuming her character is also Jewish) to make sure she practiced Tikkun Olam or to repair and improve our broken world by acts of kindness and performing good deeds. </p><p>Park’s Finn is the balance between the three, kind, gentle patient and understanding and Zachary Noah Piser ( “Still”) shows up as several characters thru out and I will leave it at that (no spoilers). </p><p>It takes a village: Haley Bennett, Musical Director, Scenic Design, Jason Ardizzone, Costume Design, Toni-Leslie James, Lighting Design, Scott Zielinsky, Sound, Jonathan Deans, Hair Design, Geo Brian Hennings, Vertical Movement and Staging, Melecio Estrella Bandaloop.</p><p></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/AVvXsEg93Ysl4ZGuymgm6XeRwf0bvISo5VfliucVB__u4wGxIs8kS9GhAxbHCrJZF_61CbpOVrLMHboix8pAMP4_hDCUibLIQJilqFfFds2mmUkT9KqpanMpbXILzwSYNnRH2M91QOkSVuI4mbvub-WSlIwE4SFHzlypCC94MDZqu25hx1C6y2s2Gl-fSBbZdOC7/s929/15542331692275681070.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="929" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93Ysl4ZGuymgm6XeRwf0bvISo5VfliucVB__u4wGxIs8kS9GhAxbHCrJZF_61CbpOVrLMHboix8pAMP4_hDCUibLIQJilqFfFds2mmUkT9KqpanMpbXILzwSYNnRH2M91QOkSVuI4mbvub-WSlIwE4SFHzlypCC94MDZqu25hx1C6y2s2Gl-fSBbZdOC7/w400-h209/15542331692275681070.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Idina Menzel</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Director Landau whose cast is excellent overall brings out the best and the worst that life throws at us. Menzel gives it her all finally reconciling her grief and hopefully ready to make the world and herself a better place in which to live.<p></p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p>Enjoy.</p><p><br /></p><p>When: Runs through March 31. Show times vary.</p><p>Where: Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla</p><p>Tickets: Some tickets may be released daily.</p><p>Photo: Rich Soublet.</p><p>Online: lajollaplayhouse.org/show/redwood</p><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-28612415641160551622024-02-09T14:20:00.000-08:002024-02-09T14:20:56.779-08:00 NEW VILLAGE ARTS “FUN HOME” HAS A POWERFUL IMPACT AND YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT!<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pN1G_Ub-jsoY1vZQ2SWmLKCqCzkY1IlY5iKtw_MuAHICKl-ObRyGjIBBjAURNRLNykbLjJwqKBnY-htu9JzMnLqdPrg7Xd8Jv-YlHzSOu-2A1y5fpaHOLcuJt5omHj7RvdKRXWJJhCSjQuZ0q9amjgyl5MdRxghyphenhyphen9TMdy21PkxtgCE0V-69egRBB6b34/s506/419303212_925964995131993_7401590770883472182_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="284" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pN1G_Ub-jsoY1vZQ2SWmLKCqCzkY1IlY5iKtw_MuAHICKl-ObRyGjIBBjAURNRLNykbLjJwqKBnY-htu9JzMnLqdPrg7Xd8Jv-YlHzSOu-2A1y5fpaHOLcuJt5omHj7RvdKRXWJJhCSjQuZ0q9amjgyl5MdRxghyphenhyphen9TMdy21PkxtgCE0V-69egRBB6b34/w113-h200/419303212_925964995131993_7401590770883472182_n.png" width="113" /></a></p><p>“Fun Home” with music by Jeannie Testori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, (“2.5 Minute Ride”, “Well”) based on the ‘graphic’ novel by Alison Bechdel is currently playing at New Village Arts through March 3rd.</p><p>It’s a comedy, it’s a drama, it’s a musical it’s a coming of age/coming out party for Alison Bechdel, her two brothers, her father and her mother. </p><p>One might not consider the comings and goings of the five Bechdel’s a party or even funny for that matter unless you were one of the family and you were a cartoonist chronicling your life in a large sketch book while looking in as your life unfolded.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEij19LOBpGivM5ST6JrGsYwPoMf_Bp2ZHF_kGL8YPI106WipH8CzAUHg2xD3JKnYzZX57kOtRAO-UcQ5c9Pa0Z4rjTX9bDud65TBpx0CGhqjFUPNs498nZHYVIGYUv0Yi4OXAfhwSNm310_BlsEJZS1m8K96eqR7KgpExXSYeygCnPzE9tA6JtBal-KCa2U/s908/422939572_18415789753032316_5657436336427233764_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="726" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij19LOBpGivM5ST6JrGsYwPoMf_Bp2ZHF_kGL8YPI106WipH8CzAUHg2xD3JKnYzZX57kOtRAO-UcQ5c9Pa0Z4rjTX9bDud65TBpx0CGhqjFUPNs498nZHYVIGYUv0Yi4OXAfhwSNm310_BlsEJZS1m8K96eqR7KgpExXSYeygCnPzE9tA6JtBal-KCa2U/w320-h400/422939572_18415789753032316_5657436336427233764_n.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lena Palke, Pryia Richard, Rae Henderson Gray</td></tr></tbody></table><br />No one really knows what goes on ‘behind closed doors’, not even all those living within those doors and especially those outside those doors, not unless you are privileged to walk through those doors. <p></p><p>Bechdel opened those doors when her memoir “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” came out onto the public domain in 2006 in book form, while her 1983-2008 comic strip “Dykes To Watch Out For” was syndicated in dozens of newspapers and translated in several languages. </p><p>The book was adapted as a musical by Kron and Tesori after several readings at the Ojai Playwrights Conference, then Sundance it opened on Broadway in 2013, to rave reviews. In 2015 it was nominated for 12 Tony’s including Best Musical. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEiKiobTAwOx9kQzJ5FaUEuuDbOnHLaCNL2j9D13KHj8-RupDQ0L-M2Id8gv2D-FX6-uUlutlE1FA4sijejiFOUCg0zu2avTq5lds9tvEGTEd2sK-bh0T3HNncnhW6JphUY93SdpYk2rJowzHqDHAc0KkPlFNlMbq-3r1WgtK2ceBxdsZhxpl-4Qq19-sHGu/s892/14877589516164440075.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="892" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiobTAwOx9kQzJ5FaUEuuDbOnHLaCNL2j9D13KHj8-RupDQ0L-M2Id8gv2D-FX6-uUlutlE1FA4sijejiFOUCg0zu2avTq5lds9tvEGTEd2sK-bh0T3HNncnhW6JphUY93SdpYk2rJowzHqDHAc0KkPlFNlMbq-3r1WgtK2ceBxdsZhxpl-4Qq19-sHGu/w400-h209/14877589516164440075.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisette Velandia and Pryia Richard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The “Fun Home” is in fact the local communities funeral home, Bechdel Funeral Home, (“Come To The Fun Home”) run by Alison’s father Bruce (Brent Roberts) part time funeral director, who also taught high school English during the day and who went gallivanting to gay bars at night. <p></p><p>Yes, he was a closeted gay. The two stories intertwine throughout, circling back and forth revolving around Alison’s coming out during her first year at Oberlin College (“Changing My Major”) and reflecting on her father’s best known secret, whose own sexuality was the bane of her mother, Helen’s (Sarah Alida Lecair giving a bravura performance, ) existence (“Days And Days”). The day he stepped in front of a truck while Alison was still in college, four months after she came out. (“Telephone Wire”: ‘”So how does it feel to know that you and I are both”), was a heartstopper. But let's lay it all out on the table.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEhankHQp4y6m1BMKok_mvgCFg9kB51GOGVPLNnJG8Oc3JiH28u_7L2R-cxmID2ixe0vKo9JHXTmCtJoWOVKtwC-fb7pCKXNepYdP5TLXyOsPO5k84DUjvfE80Qgn5MQXcYbRGQjxJJlUwVqHXb58oCH7fM4zwGpbO89cY0Uj2qEbS_6Tk_NvezjCBx3ngz6/s763/5987320164695264857.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="763" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhankHQp4y6m1BMKok_mvgCFg9kB51GOGVPLNnJG8Oc3JiH28u_7L2R-cxmID2ixe0vKo9JHXTmCtJoWOVKtwC-fb7pCKXNepYdP5TLXyOsPO5k84DUjvfE80Qgn5MQXcYbRGQjxJJlUwVqHXb58oCH7fM4zwGpbO89cY0Uj2qEbS_6Tk_NvezjCBx3ngz6/w400-h209/5987320164695264857.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rae Henderson Gray, Brent Roberts and Lena Palke</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We meet Alison’s alter ego (Rae Henderson Gray) as she is sorting through a lone box of ‘things’ salvaged and kept throughout the years as she recalls the past, picturing her Dad going through old artifacts he found in the garage while restoring the old Victorian house on Maple Ave. Looking back she reflects on her younger (“It All Comes Back”) self. <p></p><p>While Gray is ever present and stately, with a range of expressions and emotions on her sleeve as she looks over her shoulders, reflecting on her growing up years, her father’s mood changes, her mother’s being pushed to the background never seeming happy, the fun, the pain and the angst is always ever present . </p><p>Small (younger) Alison (Lena Pelke) is a star in her own right as she belts out “ Ring of Keys<i>”</i>. Pryia Richard is a standout as the teenage /medium Alison taking us through this narrow path of her coming out when she meets her college roommate Joan (Lisette Velandia) who encourages her to follow her heart. </p><p>Brent Roberts, Bruce is her happy, sad, demonstrative, demanding and moody father, who at the drop of a hat will be wooing a high school student in his office one minute, playing games with his youngsters another or walking his compulsive obsessive behavior through the house in another. Bottom line though, he’s not very nice to be around and he is perfect at what he does.</p><p></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/AVvXsEgSLiAS3cUuO0QCl7v0t8KLUQkijY7wnbscn8Kap-9sb7n2vOkaK_Zt9INGiGx4YRpxqVgUj0TExvPLm00mzQhot70sBIESRbEPLfAJ_rCif5oAPm6xoX5hrxWkK4syytZW1IWrcj7PYmaOswioyO2G79WjtW3NFpR0PlRXkQwAa4N7C_3PK628Bim_BTJE/s827/2378541270079598647.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="827" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLiAS3cUuO0QCl7v0t8KLUQkijY7wnbscn8Kap-9sb7n2vOkaK_Zt9INGiGx4YRpxqVgUj0TExvPLm00mzQhot70sBIESRbEPLfAJ_rCif5oAPm6xoX5hrxWkK4syytZW1IWrcj7PYmaOswioyO2G79WjtW3NFpR0PlRXkQwAa4N7C_3PK628Bim_BTJE/w400-h209/2378541270079598647.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With a strong cast in hand, and spot on direction by Kym Pappas’ sentimental oft time funny and all too tragic family dynamics, Alison's journey is framed in the outline of their Victorian home (Yi-Chen Lee). Furniture is rolled on and the set depicting places and Curtis Mueller’s pinpoint lighting and projections identify places and locations outside the home as well as sketches of Alison’s drawings. Carmen Amo’s almost matching striped jerseys for each of the Alison’s are a brilliant take especially in the finale when all three Alison’s (“Flying Away”) come together in unison. <p></p><p>Rounding out the cast are Zayden McHardy and Leo Jones Alison's younger brothers who bring a bit of playfulness into the picture and Kris Rona who plays a multitude of characters. </p><p>Musical direction is by Korrie Yamaok and choreography by Patrick Mayuyu. Unfortunately, the music is not live and in some instances the sound (Ethan Eldred) overtook the voices; a flaw that can be remedied over time but do not let that keep you from seeing this wonderful production as well as amazing performances.</p><p>This is the second time I have seen this show and I would see it again in a heartbeat. </p><p>Hats off to Kym and New Village Theatre.</p><p>See you at the theatre. </p><p>Enjoy. </p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-77672371200574942352024-02-06T13:36:00.000-08:002024-02-06T13:51:01.902-08:00 “ENGLISH” PLEASE, ENGLISH!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkrdST5DtgyYH24cgjykEz_AZMs0_bwYuv7lBKN487yWNPNk5WULEMxIDqZmH88WGr_zKaDqRs8PoDIlGITIAL87FKXn91mVSPYwIXggNwyHIjDB8eyCPbiKt-hAxh5GD2G9J1Vo1hB5CtuPMG-MN3-UmhyphenhyphenhYCr6YHSqLHzbnFzO9rMTriS72vNsoCDxo/s200/05435cf13c424b9e865b0caeea7825b8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkrdST5DtgyYH24cgjykEz_AZMs0_bwYuv7lBKN487yWNPNk5WULEMxIDqZmH88WGr_zKaDqRs8PoDIlGITIAL87FKXn91mVSPYwIXggNwyHIjDB8eyCPbiKt-hAxh5GD2G9J1Vo1hB5CtuPMG-MN3-UmhyphenhyphenhYCr6YHSqLHzbnFzO9rMTriS72vNsoCDxo/s1600/05435cf13c424b9e865b0caeea7825b8.png" width="160" /></a></div><br /> How do you emphasize enough for someone to speak English when their native tongue is, say Spanish, or Farsi, or Russian, or Hebrew and yours is English only? <p></p><p>After my two oldest grandsons moved back to San Diego, after having lived eighteen years in Israel, they lived with me. Both boys were and are bi -lingual, but most of the conversations they had with each other was in Hebrew. My hue and cry was…’English Please, English.'</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEidEcO_LyXCxFU3OhvLBQaQzTXMZaJEViYmj8fYk8HNimftPXrg-oLsMCLU7-il2D0XVPsfIfQofzKwR1F5z9DcIDriMobkMLjanaJaYeAACWAUJmnhNyMmHKkwUqHFAyP9UcMzrk7c0zRSYxD66YMYuhw3X2UlKr6bgvBjMGC2E7WcfE3QwP902YLoWjkd/s864/c809a2c3f59e4df480fd71b3d561c1d5.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEcO_LyXCxFU3OhvLBQaQzTXMZaJEViYmj8fYk8HNimftPXrg-oLsMCLU7-il2D0XVPsfIfQofzKwR1F5z9DcIDriMobkMLjanaJaYeAACWAUJmnhNyMmHKkwUqHFAyP9UcMzrk7c0zRSYxD66YMYuhw3X2UlKr6bgvBjMGC2E7WcfE3QwP902YLoWjkd/w400-h266/c809a2c3f59e4df480fd71b3d561c1d5.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Joseph and Pooya Mohseni</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And, so it is in Sanaz Toossi’s 2023 Pulitzer Prize , Obie Award, and Lucille Lorttel’s award play currently on stage at the Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in the round through Jan 25th, that her new play “English” is so insightful, at least to me, as one who speaks English only.<p></p><p>Set just outside Tehran in 2008 in a small classroom, four students are preparing for the English proficiency test (TOEFL) in order to get a visa to come to the U.S. Each student has a different reason for leaving the repressive regime in which they live; some more than others. Three of the four are grappling to make this work and fit in to their own lives as English speakers. The sole male in the class, Omid (Joe Joseph) is already proficient, but feels he is not proficient enough. His is another story in and of itself. However don’t be surprised if you noticed a little love interest between Omid and Marjan, his teacher.</p><p></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/AVvXsEjwTyash2MukDauwEdMFBmcvak4GkudPXyPtnRGHp-OhE8nthUxBwncsO68A7l_-7YUOuLNZUkMafOjoRxn32jWaWONUVzrMIMz_yabW-zEsDlRtRTMsq3FRczLAn5F2vGGBPkQQemsA6lyf4Q5kB520uwEEXINkiCDqjnOm0z08ac51A9EmhzQQfsqud8A/s710/08a6fa72846f4743ab1cf9e0a6146d52.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="710" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTyash2MukDauwEdMFBmcvak4GkudPXyPtnRGHp-OhE8nthUxBwncsO68A7l_-7YUOuLNZUkMafOjoRxn32jWaWONUVzrMIMz_yabW-zEsDlRtRTMsq3FRczLAn5F2vGGBPkQQemsA6lyf4Q5kB520uwEEXINkiCDqjnOm0z08ac51A9EmhzQQfsqud8A/w400-h266/08a6fa72846f4743ab1cf9e0a6146d52.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from left) Mary Apick, Ari Derambakhsh, Pooya Mohseni, Tara Grammy, and Joe Joseph</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Of the other women, Roya (Mary Apick) is a grandmother whose main purpose is to speak with her family who now live in Canada. Hers is a most difficult journey because she not only cannot fathom the language, but loves her native tongue. Goli (Ari Derambakshs) is an enthusiastic 18 year old who is more than happy to take on a new language and Elham (Tara Grammy) has an opportunity to study in Australia , but struggles with the language. Teaching this diverse class is Marjan Pooya Mohseni. She is by the book strict that English only to be spoken. And while she is proficient, she too, struggles. <p></p><p>Director Arya Shasi moves the actors around in a classroom setting so that each has an opportunity to be facing a different classmate each time they get together. They also practice passing a ball around while repeating words with different beginning sounds. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEh5LMaKjZgNX28OSfF99ptnCQlBHU9MijNCuwiF3gwoIQAmUHWQFLUO2jfBjVhwDshrGHzXBtchvZICEvRsZwRGtShPqARy76S6nS2_9tSzk-Eq9A4P_LulQ-xo_5HPiSecq7qoNmSprVwslOM9ldAQuyqF8GFSdWHu1sspmyBKSs0dib2LdDEMzCvhyphenhyphenPxU/s731/Screenshot+2024-02-01+234447.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="731" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LMaKjZgNX28OSfF99ptnCQlBHU9MijNCuwiF3gwoIQAmUHWQFLUO2jfBjVhwDshrGHzXBtchvZICEvRsZwRGtShPqARy76S6nS2_9tSzk-Eq9A4P_LulQ-xo_5HPiSecq7qoNmSprVwslOM9ldAQuyqF8GFSdWHu1sspmyBKSs0dib2LdDEMzCvhyphenhyphenPxU/w400-h271/Screenshot+2024-02-01+234447.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from left) Joe Joseph, Pooya Mohseni, and Mary Apick </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The play, with its short scenes changing about, is funny, honest, oft times disappointing when one or the other struggles and wonders if it’s worth it. As one who has tried to learn a foreign language many times, let alone read it and failed, I can appreciate all of their feelings. <p></p><p>Scenic design by Sadra Tehrani, lighting design by Amanda Zieve, costumes by Afsaneh Aayani and sound design be Megumi Katayama bring it all together setting the stage and look to be authentic especially, Afsaneh Aayani’s beautifully colored scarves and head coverings, a basic look for women. in Iran </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEiSAC5GLzpeR0Wnbx31NMaNnMZcIqh2SeTxKQD7stBL3McO6lNRbPLQ5WqXnkvoHAZDKDmO-qSxkyNUURhjOfy2wCiXn_FXmIXGkS6-TZEZninpJp7F8rr5ptVxYkHTdsT6qUgV_Ip1WomBVcPxEk205cGSgWdUB0GVVOq4ETf9HVhEk1g-Tt8vVc23LIYV/s864/01743ab83ec54348adad21ce2725027d.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAC5GLzpeR0Wnbx31NMaNnMZcIqh2SeTxKQD7stBL3McO6lNRbPLQ5WqXnkvoHAZDKDmO-qSxkyNUURhjOfy2wCiXn_FXmIXGkS6-TZEZninpJp7F8rr5ptVxYkHTdsT6qUgV_Ip1WomBVcPxEk205cGSgWdUB0GVVOq4ETf9HVhEk1g-Tt8vVc23LIYV/w400-h266/01743ab83ec54348adad21ce2725027d.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from left) Tara Grammy and Pooya Mohseni</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“English” has its highs and lows , funny and serious moments. As noted, learning a new language can be frustrating, emotional, threatening and rewarding. <p></p><p>For not your run of the mill plays, “English” is worth look see. </p><p>Enjoy. </p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></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/AVvXsEjSPoz0jgzcToXbRlT_K4cdEyFmN5sxxsxGoJb2JdLWs_sivXfvUnzHWz4e3VK2K8HhP6TrM7VgKq6aoESPrl12jnlTFA0DyvhzHVWj9AC6IYi5SAPAIXaJlqu7HsSwm3Zjw8IzqXo_1_6B-SA4IdTqpB8-7Iq51yfkF0AvQNy1AUjJf70PvMCwweRT8Afg/s864/742dc3bbc3a94415be329e44980cf275.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPoz0jgzcToXbRlT_K4cdEyFmN5sxxsxGoJb2JdLWs_sivXfvUnzHWz4e3VK2K8HhP6TrM7VgKq6aoESPrl12jnlTFA0DyvhzHVWj9AC6IYi5SAPAIXaJlqu7HsSwm3Zjw8IzqXo_1_6B-SA4IdTqpB8-7Iq51yfkF0AvQNy1AUjJf70PvMCwweRT8Afg/w400-h266/742dc3bbc3a94415be329e44980cf275.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from left) Pooya Mohseni, Tara Grammy, Ari Derambakhsh, Joe Joseph, and Mary Apick </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>When:. Opens Feb. 1 and runs through Feb. 25. Showtimes, 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays </p><p>Where: Old Globe Theatre’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Balboa Park </p><p>Tickets: $49 and up </p><p>Phone: (619) 234-5623 </p><p>Photo: Rich Soublet II.</p><p>Online: theoldglobe.org</p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-61836170279703115102024-02-05T18:27:00.000-08:002024-02-05T18:27:26.164-08:00 ‘LADY DAY’ PACKS A POWERFUL, HEARTBREAKING PUNCH WITH WORDS AND MUSIC<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM37Fd8R69uY06dkUiHmBkNOOMsNTcCUSsHoX7GWMuA4dtUzk-_7MEbhjxHxblWKcAktKhCua-oP_lqCcLaESpyCEgvIeoMQkLBoErrY5i-Q569PCuCsan1wUvDJET93kZGEWQVabRgGJGSiW3WFOPhgp5qDfUlXiloWT4kcRDTBmYldWaSbHbDt8XahnK/s256/LADY-DAY-website-poster2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="230" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM37Fd8R69uY06dkUiHmBkNOOMsNTcCUSsHoX7GWMuA4dtUzk-_7MEbhjxHxblWKcAktKhCua-oP_lqCcLaESpyCEgvIeoMQkLBoErrY5i-Q569PCuCsan1wUvDJET93kZGEWQVabRgGJGSiW3WFOPhgp5qDfUlXiloWT4kcRDTBmYldWaSbHbDt8XahnK/s1600/LADY-DAY-website-poster2.png" width="230" /></a></div><p></p><p>“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill”, Lanie Robertson’s 95 minute play with music that burns through Cygnet’s sound system as Karole Foreman becomes Bill Holiday warts and all. Wren T. Brown founder of Ebony Theatre, directs. Ebony Repertory Theatre is a co production with Cygnet.</p><p>Set in the small jazz bar, “Emerson’s Bar and Grill” located in South Philly in 1959, a few months before her death, Holiday, nicknamed ‘Lady Day’ by her friend and musical partner Lester Young, is practically carried on to the stage by Jimmy Powers (Damon Carter) her pianist, to perform even though she is visibly not fit for prime time. </p><p>Boosted by drugs and drink, low self -esteem and racial discrimination, she pulls herself together. She tugs at her beautiful all white gown (Kimberly DeShazo)and adjusts her long satin gloves, looks around the room, smiles wipes the tears from her face and begins to launch into stories about the men in her life; her lover Joe Guy (he supplied her with the drugs), her mother whom she called “The Duchess” and the unusual treatment she received, as the one black performer with Artie Shaw’s band, who couldn’t eat in the ‘white’ dining room with the rest of the crew, so Shaw paid extra for Billie and the crew to eat in the kitchen. </p><p></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/AVvXsEjd_1fggyd073OZBDSe0VA_9pbSPGLcnjf4lpKDrBNXAo2SDvAJXy4mAMMq9nAxsgOpKl0w4wJ3P_tgoRVSNI48H3OAiAU_p4D3TFcf8XHTmUUBNUOll9meTAJ8ZVAX2zted2xL3fij2B8OuJOORjrZXmQkOBZ6Fa-3zbyxOG7ev2pk7kMoWMMKMrBRwRKO/s1140/Karole-Foreman-Craig-Schwartz-Lady-Day-Publicity-Image2-scaled-1-414x600.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="787" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_1fggyd073OZBDSe0VA_9pbSPGLcnjf4lpKDrBNXAo2SDvAJXy4mAMMq9nAxsgOpKl0w4wJ3P_tgoRVSNI48H3OAiAU_p4D3TFcf8XHTmUUBNUOll9meTAJ8ZVAX2zted2xL3fij2B8OuJOORjrZXmQkOBZ6Fa-3zbyxOG7ev2pk7kMoWMMKMrBRwRKO/w276-h400/Karole-Foreman-Craig-Schwartz-Lady-Day-Publicity-Image2-scaled-1-414x600.png" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karole Foreman as Lady Day</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Foreman’s performance is heartbreaking and revealing as she becomes Holliday’s alter ego. Her story unveils the life of a talented artist used by just about everyone in her world, her managers, her mother, her promoters, the men in her life and the failed system that took her dignity, her innocence and her money. She died four months after this performance at age 44. <p></p><p>Most of the dozen or so songs you will hear at ‘Emerson Grill’ will not be her most recognizable: What you will hear: “I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone”? “Big Foot (And a Bottle of Beer) “Strange Fruit”, “God Bless The Child”, “Somebody’s On My Mind”, “Easy Lovin’”, “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”,” Strange Fruit” and a reprise of “Don’t Explain/What a Little Moonlight Can Do”. (Moonlight is the operative for her booze and drugs)</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEgMPuXGaGCk-7xnZ27gDaGlrnV1XJRdzchi8ApmmcxNGXJN1kZrzf9GjuPkz8aMOGn8N_zMYWE3cL56SSALceCREKop7JG0PZgIkQf4yPzIfcdlj4WD_LoAyBPN07J_CRjIruusrdzhxBfRB96Wm55r-5c2VaEGuEcUyehm60Tfz-Hg8Wi9DZRLwLqyl2na/s884/425606883_804127328423486_7611583672052398280_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="884" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPuXGaGCk-7xnZ27gDaGlrnV1XJRdzchi8ApmmcxNGXJN1kZrzf9GjuPkz8aMOGn8N_zMYWE3cL56SSALceCREKop7JG0PZgIkQf4yPzIfcdlj4WD_LoAyBPN07J_CRjIruusrdzhxBfRB96Wm55r-5c2VaEGuEcUyehm60Tfz-Hg8Wi9DZRLwLqyl2na/w400-h260/425606883_804127328423486_7611583672052398280_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karole Foreman with Damon Carter</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Scenic design by Edward E. Haynes Jr., Evan Eason, sound design, and Peter Herman’s wigs and makeup all come together to make this one hell of a show.<p></p><p>We must also recognize Musical Director Damon Carter who not only plays a mean piano, but he keeps Ms. Holiday on her feet during her performances. </p><p>To say that Billie Holiday had tough breaks from the start of her life would be an understatement. More than anything, the system, which we are all grappling under and still needs fixing, failed her bigtime. We don’t know how many more Billie Holiday’s are out there, but it’s time America closed its collective eye to the color of one's skin.</p><p><br /></p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p>When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Feb. 18</p><p><br /></p><p>Where: Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town State Historic Park</p><p><br /></p><p>Tickets: $39 and up</p><p><br /></p><p>Photo: Karli Cadel Photography</p><p><br /></p><p>Phone: (619) 337-1525</p><p><br /></p><p>Online: cygnettheatre.com</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-44390320380806494272024-01-16T15:52:00.000-08:002024-01-16T15:52:33.744-08:00 “Intimate Apparel” at NCR: A Bittersweet Tale Of Love From Afar<p></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/AVvXsEg6yDokWDyn3wLjc1JghQoX8evYmX9NySk3cWn4AHXbEB8u_gZ-vAaINtgLA2Xu9U0hLzm07l3gNNfdhpxxwY5KzbWaSW7Hgt_xfy93ESDZwuYyg3Kn0UyFZIa18ST2PZZUN33gUPCjq66dFDVDA4JnCvlQodAwrKz1Xk6cP9CQW4ixqdXEAS8QLaF-P7rs/s485/dc393146-da20-0d7e-c84a-3520be5dccf9.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="485" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yDokWDyn3wLjc1JghQoX8evYmX9NySk3cWn4AHXbEB8u_gZ-vAaINtgLA2Xu9U0hLzm07l3gNNfdhpxxwY5KzbWaSW7Hgt_xfy93ESDZwuYyg3Kn0UyFZIa18ST2PZZUN33gUPCjq66dFDVDA4JnCvlQodAwrKz1Xk6cP9CQW4ixqdXEAS8QLaF-P7rs/s320/dc393146-da20-0d7e-c84a-3520be5dccf9.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” won 2004 NY Drama Critics Circle and Outer Circle Awards for best play. It received the John Gassner Award, 2004 Drama Desk, Obie and American Theatre Critics Steinberg 2004 New Play Award. And… it’s playing here in Solana Beach at The North Coast Repertory Theater through Feb. 4th.<p></p><p>Nottage snaps and frames a picture perfect of one uneducated African American woman who, at the turn of the century (1905) makes ‘intimate apparel’ for the rich and restless socialites of the upper class New York Society as well as for the prostitutes in the Tenderloin District. It is a tapestry whose story is woven through the fabric of the lives of those who are trapped in their own cultures, customs and societal ways.</p><p></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/AVvXsEjq_RaPOOdB04SRPjh4XA_C9lAg-WN82Re-qE6ovrsmGbh4YN7nT3oEJwXYx9OSnCW7O4HhgnURHt3aw3Agu4aFSDfkJ_kmI8GfYM6Sd3HIgbCWZqlB9o3iDNyku0kB4glYcgtlpWTpDsuSUFHO-CymgomguuuXlx6hCiyEs4a2J7BAwz5p-XIpto-ur_kR/s811/INTIMATE_-MADELEINE-BARKER-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="811" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_RaPOOdB04SRPjh4XA_C9lAg-WN82Re-qE6ovrsmGbh4YN7nT3oEJwXYx9OSnCW7O4HhgnURHt3aw3Agu4aFSDfkJ_kmI8GfYM6Sd3HIgbCWZqlB9o3iDNyku0kB4glYcgtlpWTpDsuSUFHO-CymgomguuuXlx6hCiyEs4a2J7BAwz5p-XIpto-ur_kR/w400-h266/INTIMATE_-MADELEINE-BARKER-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madeline Barker</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It is a well- seasoned and well rounded/excellent production splendidly directed by Jasmine Bracey with Nedra Snipes as Esther Mills, daughter of former slaves.Esther is so talented and with a well deserved reputation, that unhappy in her marriage socialite Mrs. Van Buren (Madeline Barker), takes Esther in her confidence and almost falls in love much to Esther's chagrin. From the rich and famous to the lower echelons she is also seamstress to her friend Mayme, (Arizsia Staten) a high- class prostitute whose conquests are shared with Ester on a regular basis. <p></p><p>Esther is well respected and yes, loved from afar by Mr. Marks, (Jonathan Fisher, Jr ) the Orthodox Jew who sells Esther his most treasured fabrics of imported silks from which she makes her cherished items. </p><p></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/AVvXsEhIAuv9XrIC44eP7_B7ELsr3oJSw5Ru4k5Z8VDtIjNwQed-eyQMlgJLa04rrqmKDSsBCALaVr4yf5hrqVdYaprFhWW_TqflU2ukQrAE6Tmia6sc2W6Q1If3wE9QXwuYsOutPyPCvZITfdCV7erdC1wzz2aY7gJnANt7AUN1PgKjrUnCVq8sW0iDwQEvRlVO/s812/INTIMATE_-NEDRA-SNIPES-JONATHAN-FISHER-JR-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY-.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="812" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAuv9XrIC44eP7_B7ELsr3oJSw5Ru4k5Z8VDtIjNwQed-eyQMlgJLa04rrqmKDSsBCALaVr4yf5hrqVdYaprFhWW_TqflU2ukQrAE6Tmia6sc2W6Q1If3wE9QXwuYsOutPyPCvZITfdCV7erdC1wzz2aY7gJnANt7AUN1PgKjrUnCVq8sW0iDwQEvRlVO/w400-h268/INTIMATE_-NEDRA-SNIPES-JONATHAN-FISHER-JR-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY-.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nedra Snipes and Jonathan Fisher, Jr</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Theirs is a hands off love affair that takes place right under their noses but as religious and cultural restraints forbid their closeness they continue their business relationship with a tension as thick as an entire bolt of fabric. Brilliant in her comparison’s, playwright Notting places them on a parallel playing field; both are unwed, waiting for mail order spouses to arrive and fulfill their marital obligations. And both share a love of beautiful and expensive fabrics.<p></p><p>Esther is thirty -five and does not have ‘her own man’; she has no one to really connect with. Out of the blue, she begins a correspondence, although she neither reads nor writes, with George Armstrong, (Donald Paul) a West Indian on the Panama Canal construction crew, who would very much love to come to New York and marry her. She is elated and in her loneliness convinces herself that she’s in love. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEg72YWhHpsdCAKNRZBmjvjNOK2f0mPAkIbV00xQohFbIVtDoriQRS4GS3Vw3tqbtueMQiTRrGJfA6fvQQ1lmHw4aOUKmPBeYr5vRy85Bj3OgC_JwsxRn_89bj4Su0xrpyQUoydWIqLjKu7S1-8WYsWoYpQPjeTc1e21eL3aBvntR8F6h1nuwuoK_TjxcqXS/s1799/INTIMATE_-DONALD-PAUL-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1799" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72YWhHpsdCAKNRZBmjvjNOK2f0mPAkIbV00xQohFbIVtDoriQRS4GS3Vw3tqbtueMQiTRrGJfA6fvQQ1lmHw4aOUKmPBeYr5vRy85Bj3OgC_JwsxRn_89bj4Su0xrpyQUoydWIqLjKu7S1-8WYsWoYpQPjeTc1e21eL3aBvntR8F6h1nuwuoK_TjxcqXS/w400-h266/INTIMATE_-DONALD-PAUL-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donald Paul</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Her landlady, Mrs. Dickson, (Teri Brown) who owns the boarding house Esther has lived in since she arrived in New York, has concerns about George’s motives but not enough to shake Esther’s happiness. Esther makes a leap of faith, very much out of character, that leads to a predictable disaster in Act II Under Jasmine Bracey’s solid direction and with poignant and determined acting, Snipes gives us an accurate portrayal of a woman’s restraint, elation, surprise, disappointment and finally resignation. She is easygoing yet poised as Esther threads her way through what should be a most happy time in her life to the worst case scenario. <p></p><p></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/AVvXsEjmHaDv27Mun7bdlzzoSN42Zc7ZvonB_LfXqH2h5V4OSlEsJf7-C_LmDayTdrRAsnVwvgTq2qhyphenhyphenaVOM_Xwd7Rn478g7b_aOjpGTgEepBN0Wwvpwi6sflHzsMtwNHGdfvDowHDADhbFcOTQcnmt3BrVRXTyAPb9bDbMqBzH5IOmjKsSxww52HlX2fMan6sPb/s1799/INTIMATE_-ARIZSIA-STATON-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1799" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHaDv27Mun7bdlzzoSN42Zc7ZvonB_LfXqH2h5V4OSlEsJf7-C_LmDayTdrRAsnVwvgTq2qhyphenhyphenaVOM_Xwd7Rn478g7b_aOjpGTgEepBN0Wwvpwi6sflHzsMtwNHGdfvDowHDADhbFcOTQcnmt3BrVRXTyAPb9bDbMqBzH5IOmjKsSxww52HlX2fMan6sPb/w400-h266/INTIMATE_-ARIZSIA-STATON-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizsia Staten</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Arizsia Staton shows her excellence as a most talented and versatile actor as the high class, jazz playing prostitute who shares secrets and an occasional drink with her friend Esther. Her portrayal of Mayme is both funny and painful as she cleans herself after having sex in what might be called a whore’s bath, and then dabs herself with talc in all her intimate parts. <p></p><p>Donald Paul cuts quite a dashing figure of transformation from laborer to play boy while Fisher, Jr is able to subtly move his character of an Orthodox, hands off Jew to a more cautious and daring suitor. </p><p>Ms. Brown is a powerful presence on any stage, and on target as Esther’s mentor, friend and adoptive parent. She’s funny, all knowing in her wisdom and while oft times offering unsolicited advise, knows from whence she comes. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEh7o_DjLH10Q3FSlpcccsezj84GhGZMusKypGZ5vtSGMqjeOFZPF-G2PK-RkPlXTpD-HJBV7vBEX7yJF7_1t2GYtjDW24jf1gU-yFa2ohxaS-zcIfKLejvbHp0neMRXi9rUGwZgWjy41whkhcctezcdzMvE99c_4I7YxgEXWE8bV-2Pw1LkdPjDChehzNpH/s1799/INTIMATE_-TERI-BROWN-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1799" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o_DjLH10Q3FSlpcccsezj84GhGZMusKypGZ5vtSGMqjeOFZPF-G2PK-RkPlXTpD-HJBV7vBEX7yJF7_1t2GYtjDW24jf1gU-yFa2ohxaS-zcIfKLejvbHp0neMRXi9rUGwZgWjy41whkhcctezcdzMvE99c_4I7YxgEXWE8bV-2Pw1LkdPjDChehzNpH/w400-h266/INTIMATE_-TERI-BROWN-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri Brown</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Madeline Barker is the token high -class white woman who consults with Esther on all that socialites are wearing ‘these days’ as well as her unhappiness in her loveless marriage. She gives a lightness yet evokes pity. <p></p><p>Marty Burnett’s layered set with see through curtains showing another story in the background has period colors, sewing machine, several rooms, all different in décor separating one location from the other, and cubbies along the stag that holds the different bolts of fabric is picture perfect on the long stage NCR. </p><p>Matt Novotny’s lighting design in itself another character emphasizing the backlighting when George comes on to the scene sharing his stories of his days on the crew of the building of the Canal to the loneliness he feels and…his longing to come to New York. The rest are in muted tones in keeping with shaded lighting of the period. Elisa Benzoni’s costumes are picture and period perfect for each character.</p><p>Peter Herman’s wigs are perfect and Evan Eason’s sound design along with Arizsia Staton playing Honky Tonk on the piano puts the topping on a well-deserved production. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEh622fVyWYdyKK9P93JWltrsdnh1mXNVz6J3GsQpRPhoq8CSGVS1L84XPdqdCA8wo6alJF8uyKeMl6N6rsIakkDPo7vR_LPhGzvo2UbkWV-RMgFFZfb53GlG_ySZq8YziaZ7ZHiZtvGK_gmu1pqhNn0LS1zAQA7LewCHqPoUDEkVY6gKidlIlrzw5GabmF3/s792/INTIMATE_-NEDRA-SNIPES-DONALD-PAUL-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="792" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh622fVyWYdyKK9P93JWltrsdnh1mXNVz6J3GsQpRPhoq8CSGVS1L84XPdqdCA8wo6alJF8uyKeMl6N6rsIakkDPo7vR_LPhGzvo2UbkWV-RMgFFZfb53GlG_ySZq8YziaZ7ZHiZtvGK_gmu1pqhNn0LS1zAQA7LewCHqPoUDEkVY6gKidlIlrzw5GabmF3/w400-h266/INTIMATE_-NEDRA-SNIPES-DONALD-PAUL-PHOTO-BY-AARON-RUMLEY.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nedra Snipes and Donald Paul</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Lynn Nottage’s bittersweet saga of self -discovery, and a woman’s courage should be an inspiration to all who take in this excellent production and who, like yours truly, was spellbound overall. <p></p><p>When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Feb. 4</p><p>Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach</p><p>Tickets: $49-$74</p><p>Phone: (858) 481-1055</p><p>Photo: Aaron Rumley</p><div><br /></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-30620814917656257982024-01-15T14:49:00.000-08:002024-01-16T18:55:52.691-08:00 LAMB’S “OUTSIDE MULLINGAR" FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, ANXIETY AND HOPE. <p></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/AVvXsEga1vael1wQRjZCHdcGC7-iU4jF_PybX935kQX3MKS26YywKw8S6hGhclftAzd01HtHiHgoastq_VmM0IPXC27hrIHJg30rlESN9HPdh6ClwWOYI5DmAKvgKUWlu0IY0SSu2wYckihOlROr0jTXzrE4hJjPt3-jKob-M9r0CXHIWhw2KW4zqbWuiMSTcWQl/s534/24_4_Shows_Pg__copy.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="534" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1vael1wQRjZCHdcGC7-iU4jF_PybX935kQX3MKS26YywKw8S6hGhclftAzd01HtHiHgoastq_VmM0IPXC27hrIHJg30rlESN9HPdh6ClwWOYI5DmAKvgKUWlu0IY0SSu2wYckihOlROr0jTXzrE4hJjPt3-jKob-M9r0CXHIWhw2KW4zqbWuiMSTcWQl/w400-h389/24_4_Shows_Pg__copy.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Background: Robert Smyth, Deborah Gilmour Smith, Brian Mackey and Rachael Van Wormer</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>New York born Irish –American Patrick Shanley of “Doubt” (Pulitzer Prize) and “Moonstruck” (Best original Screenplay) and “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” knows how to tell story and build it to awesome heights while keeping us in suspense as to the outcome. </p><p>That’s the case with “Outside Mullingar” now playing at Lambs Players Theater through March 3rd. </p><p>“Outside Mullingar” hit some nerves as I sat and watched two lonely young people struggle to gain their footing in a world that talks love and relationships, sings its praises but for them it’s an uphill journey to find either or even one. </p><p>Sometimes you just want to knock two heads together to put some sense into them. That’s the case of Anthony Reilly (Brian Mackey) and Rosemary Muldoon (Rachael Van Wormer) .</p><p>To say that their secret longings have been brewing under the surface for years would be an understatement especially for Rosemary. Anthony even had a serious girlfriend at one time and Rosemary weathered that storm. For Rosemary, her patience is running thin. Anthony has his own inner musings that stops him from confronting the present. We will learn about that later rather than sooner. </p><p></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/AVvXsEiy0zVVkoFrWFh49cdVz_YdKLe3H-gpLpd5Que5lQHCNysNMkUsCo6MknDJyILTRqq89uDNk4b9EUppP5fgjRpL2iioeBUUDbofKEjVcQTMaJdGFZgR4jyzxVY8NGp7Q8H8iupLfNwCqMIvx27sm_atfxMUTGeWiTPC98_OGA1RCAII4Aq84Yv7f24ZaYH3/s1600/IMG_2625.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1552" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0zVVkoFrWFh49cdVz_YdKLe3H-gpLpd5Que5lQHCNysNMkUsCo6MknDJyILTRqq89uDNk4b9EUppP5fgjRpL2iioeBUUDbofKEjVcQTMaJdGFZgR4jyzxVY8NGp7Q8H8iupLfNwCqMIvx27sm_atfxMUTGeWiTPC98_OGA1RCAII4Aq84Yv7f24ZaYH3/w388-h400/IMG_2625.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Mackey and Rachael Van Wormer(back row) Robert Smyth and Deborah Gilmour Smyth</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tony and Aoife (Robert Smyth and Deborah Gilmour Smyth)) have been neighbors, it seems forever. They live in a rural village just outside Mullingar not far from Dublin, but it seems a world away. <p></p><p>After the death of her husband we find Aoife and Tony deep in conversation in Tony’s kitchen about the funeral. The conversation veers to rumors that Tony is not going to give his only son Anthony his farm after he dies, which he’s sure will be soon. He’s considering a nephew in America as the recipient.</p><p>Tony goes back and forth about who Anthony looks like in the family, the fact that he’s not married nor has his own children to pass it along and the fact he doesn’t really likes the farm (“You don’t stand on the land and draw strength from it as I did.”) </p><p></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/AVvXsEjX2q1VXRm4upuChmNbl_epVSTqel_zgraOYg4zWwtnUQDjVX02_ELbtXchvS0Vab9aO7oKWrp_V_YM9e_LjfOuAz9tVGF7M2zboJCiEUQVQ95TmLa4ql6pJRhYuOFWCnvpo2-zABz0jhY_-nZnIRvMGyJYiqdCa8ki1fjaAz5LF9OnAj0sS1TwcTElTR7q/s849/415059374_18026393677865132_7234490269601627917_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="849" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2q1VXRm4upuChmNbl_epVSTqel_zgraOYg4zWwtnUQDjVX02_ELbtXchvS0Vab9aO7oKWrp_V_YM9e_LjfOuAz9tVGF7M2zboJCiEUQVQ95TmLa4ql6pJRhYuOFWCnvpo2-zABz0jhY_-nZnIRvMGyJYiqdCa8ki1fjaAz5LF9OnAj0sS1TwcTElTR7q/w400-h266/415059374_18026393677865132_7234490269601627917_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Rachael</td></tr></tbody></table><br />By this time Rosemary has come to the house and both mother and daughter fall on Tony until he comes to his senses and agrees Anthony should have the farm after all. <p></p><p>The two families own adjoining farms with a gate separating them. Years ago when Tony needed some cash he sold off a small parcel to Aoife’s husband that was deeded to Rosemary when she was a child. Tony wants it back, but that’s a non- starter. The land will remain in Rosemary’s column. </p><p>It’s not surprising then, that there were no secrets between the four nor is there now between the two since each lost their surviving parent. The only unspoken puzzle is why the two have been dancing their separate dances for years. Why they don’t decide to get hitched is the mystery that we all hope will be resolved at plays end. Certainly, there is chemistry, history and it just makes sense.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuJdzYQZay6lw1oMNcVtNZQUXIpNJTiJGT_okZ9WwazvKMTO_334nZte7Co2oAFb3lx7gyBgZ1cgkXiWL6DXVAkwDSWt-WR9ueVE7-Nxr2WqJZ-5hwtXJ8XeJeQzUpuXwNxImR_81lNu9cHtnu_ChzQ24BceaGDByEraZStT8Y-xvu1a3lqvXuPxKg47H/s885/415097254_18026393686865132_5830792526237491545_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="885" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuJdzYQZay6lw1oMNcVtNZQUXIpNJTiJGT_okZ9WwazvKMTO_334nZte7Co2oAFb3lx7gyBgZ1cgkXiWL6DXVAkwDSWt-WR9ueVE7-Nxr2WqJZ-5hwtXJ8XeJeQzUpuXwNxImR_81lNu9cHtnu_ChzQ24BceaGDByEraZStT8Y-xvu1a3lqvXuPxKg47H/w400-h266/415097254_18026393686865132_5830792526237491545_n.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now a year has passed and both sets parents on each side are deceased. For Rosemary, her patience is running out. Anthony has his own inner thoughts that we will learn later rather than sooner.<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP-lJP6USdwxXK15mpVP3G0FpuuV_ATCvP2bxOHdSeopIHTo-oDH-JLBaqR5VkOybzEyL_qz4gyS9MYW9DjYcknONORE3sfUTRo_9Q5Rsuj-GDm6-R2qVHU81d_nkhmWOk_3mHt5ZpCpNrlRj4rYQ2AOcqHftzJSqnKSgrDpCDgD7apbhdlRZ-Py_DLxq/s800/412082313_6577922529064_7680414666303417609_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP-lJP6USdwxXK15mpVP3G0FpuuV_ATCvP2bxOHdSeopIHTo-oDH-JLBaqR5VkOybzEyL_qz4gyS9MYW9DjYcknONORE3sfUTRo_9Q5Rsuj-GDm6-R2qVHU81d_nkhmWOk_3mHt5ZpCpNrlRj4rYQ2AOcqHftzJSqnKSgrDpCDgD7apbhdlRZ-Py_DLxq/w400-h400/412082313_6577922529064_7680414666303417609_n.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />But Shanley’s “Outside Mullingar” isn’t that simple. It’s really about two displaced (just about past prime time) people who must take this journey alone to find love or whatever they imagine love would look like. It’s epic in proportion, as we will soon find, as the entire later part of the play will begin their coming of age relationship. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbQrwlbe8cpqIrNJZypE3vXlqvYSVRccHtCn5wiUhY1wc6FBRctMuE2MrPTZA4kpEdyrhzaBrwcL1gs1Nq0kgBaVmkWX-mY4neZg34ePOdKubK1Gou2FighTeWiAZg3A1tT4VmRch7xUeRou2LxD_wlHPzSSHZMpKAJc6gEF6tWIdx9Afuk1xzFmej3qJ/s850/415500108_18026393668865132_5646250516849452505_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbQrwlbe8cpqIrNJZypE3vXlqvYSVRccHtCn5wiUhY1wc6FBRctMuE2MrPTZA4kpEdyrhzaBrwcL1gs1Nq0kgBaVmkWX-mY4neZg34ePOdKubK1Gou2FighTeWiAZg3A1tT4VmRch7xUeRou2LxD_wlHPzSSHZMpKAJc6gEF6tWIdx9Afuk1xzFmej3qJ/w400-h266/415500108_18026393668865132_5646250516849452505_n.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Between Shanley’s lyrical dialogue, and a terrific cast supporting that, we find ourselves in the middle of some strange bargaining or fact findings; is he gay, impotent, depressed? The fact that she loves him so, she’s willing to explore every angle. His retorts are one for the books and that’s what makes this love story so charming, so truthfully sad, so appealing, so funny…so Irish. It’s as if they do live on opposite sides of the world.<p></p><p>Putting shy and almost childlike Anthony up against outgoing, speak your mind Rosemary doesn’t seem ‘fair and balanced’ but in Shanley’s world and you will agree it is indeed balanced. </p><p>Husband and wife teams of Robert Smyth and Deborah Gilmour Smyth and Rachael Van Wormer and husband Brian Mackey as partners yet adversaries give the whole look a more intimate and convincing spark to it according to the troika of directors, Robert Smyth, Kerry Meads and Deborah Gilmour Smyth. </p><p>Yours truly found the acting somewhat uneven at times especially when Miss Van Wormer was yelling her lines so much so that it was difficult to understand what she was saying. But in the final scene between Tony and Anthony as Tony lay dying it made up for all the difficulties and shortcomings of the production. Both father and son (in the play) broke your hearts and brought a tear or two to the eyes</p><p></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/AVvXsEi0GnWNJe8rtDL7TOORPgaN6jxgHDbcjXwOWTX-1QOManiJw6ZZFyUFP46d9D0oAhLXkE1b8vRknLKLF8f16s_fMfjBagP-Yn38mv0eqWbpxY8MyUVZZLvnxbjEorWAY7YMP83Aj0qgPdkAFv3PCpWhw6NCBqpdbjEmb9Np2IH8yTWeitSigM5bv9vG90b9/s872/415084776_18026393695865132_5383401465087723593_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="872" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GnWNJe8rtDL7TOORPgaN6jxgHDbcjXwOWTX-1QOManiJw6ZZFyUFP46d9D0oAhLXkE1b8vRknLKLF8f16s_fMfjBagP-Yn38mv0eqWbpxY8MyUVZZLvnxbjEorWAY7YMP83Aj0qgPdkAFv3PCpWhw6NCBqpdbjEmb9Np2IH8yTWeitSigM5bv9vG90b9/w400-h266/415084776_18026393695865132_5383401465087723593_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Rachael</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And yet, on a more positive note Van Wormer’s Rosemary leads Anthony on a path to giving him every reason to either accept her as she is, letting her love him as deeply as she knows how or giving him the option to walk away, and if that's the case, she bares her soul, her love and is ready to give him her heart. It’s a gift, a love story and a winner. <p></p><p>Enjoy. </p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></p><p>Mike Buckley designed the minimalist set, Nathan Peirson the lighting, Jemima Dutra costume and Jillian Frost, dialect coach. </p><p><br /></p><p>When: Opens Jan. 13 and runs through March 3rd.</p><p> Showtimes: 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays</p><p>Where: Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado</p><p>Tickets: $28-$82</p><p>Phone: (619) 437-6000</p><p>Photo: Ken Jaques and Lamb’s Players Theatre</p><p>Online: lambsplayers.org</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-74301649142690613102024-01-11T18:35:00.000-08:002024-01-11T18:49:48.404-08:00 The “Wiz” Hits The Civic Center With Great Voices, Every Color Of the Rainbow and Outstanding Dancing. <p></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/AVvXsEjguQYvVs_NcvK234NlC0-hSiH9mhUx1_-TWXIBuHfX75K56m2WwJtTANYAV6jmy0dxjF8blBVyvDjDttZb-WLov0x47O_ecYsAG-949R6DxKxf25NKgofoFwVoxQzsSEO73iGgCYrIskJV4pOO7V-kQdYnH0no93iHBDHPCpsMmYnnExZtbGV76Gie8hLD/s750/3_THE-WIZ_-Avery-Wilson-as-Scarecrow-in-You-Cant-Win_-Photo-by-Jeremy-Daniel_-c-2023_Original.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguQYvVs_NcvK234NlC0-hSiH9mhUx1_-TWXIBuHfX75K56m2WwJtTANYAV6jmy0dxjF8blBVyvDjDttZb-WLov0x47O_ecYsAG-949R6DxKxf25NKgofoFwVoxQzsSEO73iGgCYrIskJV4pOO7V-kQdYnH0no93iHBDHPCpsMmYnnExZtbGV76Gie8hLD/w400-h266/3_THE-WIZ_-Avery-Wilson-as-Scarecrow-in-You-Cant-Win_-Photo-by-Jeremy-Daniel_-c-2023_Original.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy and Avery Wilson as The Scarecrow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> If you are expecting to see a traditional “The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz: you will have gone to the wrong theatre of the opening night performance at the Civic theatre of “The Wiz” OH! There is a Dorothy, The Tinman, The Lion, The Scarecrow and The Wizard. But to say there is much more of the original the way you would have remembered it would be an overstatement. <p></p><p>This almost all new singing and dancing touring show is slated for Broadway. With a few minor nips and tucks here and there and maybe an added person or two I would have been happy. And where the hell was Toto? </p><p>Years ago, a very good friend of mine started me on a Wizard Od OZ character collection. The last to arrive was Dorothy and Toto in her little doggie basket. I wish I still had that collection now. Anyway moving on, this revival production has an all -Black cast with talent galore, culturally inclusive and historically all knowing.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEihJ2vNJ1v13cuwtOAxxtBQ_bpl7MP-fZNQP3C7h2DLWa7Dtkr3qkdADKfcDPWgyvbis9214O0LUe_6NoByIWtXWUjZQ2huSV1PSbfJOt6eWXlGkChyphenhyphenmovNByyk9rGLsci1-lVcUxilTwJ-axzahgSmaKQQ1IwB7M95VIBC5vWRqDJBRBXSqFcskCCUo_PP/s675/5.THE-WIZ.Kyle-Ramar-Freeman-as-Lion-Avery-Wilson-as-Scarecrow-Nichelle-Lewis-as-Dorothy-Phillip-Johnson-Richardson-as-Tinman.Photo-by-Jeremy-Daniel-c-2023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ2vNJ1v13cuwtOAxxtBQ_bpl7MP-fZNQP3C7h2DLWa7Dtkr3qkdADKfcDPWgyvbis9214O0LUe_6NoByIWtXWUjZQ2huSV1PSbfJOt6eWXlGkChyphenhyphenmovNByyk9rGLsci1-lVcUxilTwJ-axzahgSmaKQQ1IwB7M95VIBC5vWRqDJBRBXSqFcskCCUo_PP/w400-h266/5.THE-WIZ.Kyle-Ramar-Freeman-as-Lion-Avery-Wilson-as-Scarecrow-Nichelle-Lewis-as-Dorothy-Phillip-Johnson-Richardson-as-Tinman.Photo-by-Jeremy-Daniel-c-2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle Ramar Freeman, Avery Wilson, Nichelle Lewis, Phillip Johnson Richardson</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With book by William F. Brown and Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls, directed by Schele Williams, Choreographed by Jaquel Knight and with awesome , never seen the likes of three dimensional projections by Daniel Brodie, Hannah Beachler’s scenic design and colorful costumes by Sharen Davis this two and a half hour show (with all the wonders of modern technology) still needs culling.<p></p><p>The story pretty much follows Dorothy’s (the beautiful and gifted 24 year old Nichelle Lewis) wind swept adventure to the Land of Oz where she saves The Scarecrow(Avery Wilson), comforts the Tin Man (Phillip Johnson Richardson) gives understanding to the Cowardly Lion (Kyle Ramar Freeman). All three ooze with talent both singing and dancing. It’s a bit of a change from the original Frank L. Baum, but you do get the impression that you’ve seen something very similar a la "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" even without the munchkins. The Yellow Brick Road (sorry no yellow) “Ease Down the Road” instead are minor departures, but to be expected. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUflEETYBYHLZy_GCtZZaNRQGUaFo7BomvcywtItggEOhfYYkDB64nn2S4s3tlXQ1Ao3poHJuo04dVE2y4GeUGIWDFNo2jMddBdLkD26d9gksZ4PgzqRo8ppZg9trpPDWg0xP3oZ0rNIKjeHtQabakyrD3YaYnCvV9oLtcw3XIrJbYbFYHqP4iZSLX_3DE/s749/9-the-emerald-city-from-the-wiz-photo-by-jeremy-daniel-c-2023-copy_orig.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="749" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUflEETYBYHLZy_GCtZZaNRQGUaFo7BomvcywtItggEOhfYYkDB64nn2S4s3tlXQ1Ao3poHJuo04dVE2y4GeUGIWDFNo2jMddBdLkD26d9gksZ4PgzqRo8ppZg9trpPDWg0xP3oZ0rNIKjeHtQabakyrD3YaYnCvV9oLtcw3XIrJbYbFYHqP4iZSLX_3DE/w400-h319/9-the-emerald-city-from-the-wiz-photo-by-jeremy-daniel-c-2023-copy_orig.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are more names to be added to that outstanding list: Deborah Cox as Glinda, ("He's the Wiz" and Believe in Yourself") and Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em. She tries to reassure Dorothy that she's loved("The Feeling We Once Had") And not to forget Dorothy's final number "Home". <p></p><p>“The Wiz” opened on Broadway’s Majestic Theatre Jan. 5th 1975, and later transferred the Broadway Theatre. It played 1,672 performances . It won seven 1975 Tony Awards including Best Musical. A 19684 revival managed only 13 performances at the Lunt-Fontainne Theatre. </p><p>Only time will tell the fate of this 2025 revival. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzmcIv68NoNaWPx3CWinbqAcW56uMJ2TYeJ44quX9E0z3UuaOsI6IQ4oNShXaHE8CH8zXw9CIEGLpU9Jf8WPIH0KeHtcD7sCnc78QvoCh-zFAPNqAMI6Bi1MAk-uBdRzWJzcY2W0sYA67y4N27CDqTGEfR4JNsnKqTNpuxY-TXljhSc6_-YupRHUPwBLO/s469/65a07fbc7c8ae.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="469" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzmcIv68NoNaWPx3CWinbqAcW56uMJ2TYeJ44quX9E0z3UuaOsI6IQ4oNShXaHE8CH8zXw9CIEGLpU9Jf8WPIH0KeHtcD7sCnc78QvoCh-zFAPNqAMI6Bi1MAk-uBdRzWJzcY2W0sYA67y4N27CDqTGEfR4JNsnKqTNpuxY-TXljhSc6_-YupRHUPwBLO/s320/65a07fbc7c8ae.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Enjoy. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Dates: Jan. 11; 8 p.m. Jan. 12 ; 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 13;1 and 6:30 p.m. </p><p>Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown</p><p>Tickets: $44 and up</p><p>Photo: Jeremy Daniel</p><p>Online: broadwaysd.com</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-58147475511637904672023-12-21T12:27:00.000-08:002023-12-21T12:27:04.926-08:00 “A Black Family Christmas”. How Traditions Are Made.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B49myIy6yHA6oUaaLaE_zqw740z9FtBNrf_j16BY-yqEMEcknOmIrXqVwXt_r5DhZEDBFs4J5kRvvNkNdvlDO3dFJDr5WEZvX5ykvXEYyI73LitsV-CvhvZHQjzLz2fqsFMtpxDTXsLeAzXo8VVJxjqoh6x-FvFRLqnVePrE8oAaXcYsCDK9k4SHhxj6/s696/399749496_1039907937423801_6317683167315543677_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="696" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B49myIy6yHA6oUaaLaE_zqw740z9FtBNrf_j16BY-yqEMEcknOmIrXqVwXt_r5DhZEDBFs4J5kRvvNkNdvlDO3dFJDr5WEZvX5ykvXEYyI73LitsV-CvhvZHQjzLz2fqsFMtpxDTXsLeAzXo8VVJxjqoh6x-FvFRLqnVePrE8oAaXcYsCDK9k4SHhxj6/w400-h236/399749496_1039907937423801_6317683167315543677_n.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> It’s interesting how traditions are made. I’m not talking Traditions” as in “Fiddler On The Roof”, No, I’m bringing it closer to home. In my family, which isn’t big by any stretch of the imagination, one of my daughters chose to have the High Jewish holidays at her house and another would have Thanksgiving and Chanukah at hers. Easy greasy until the families expanded, but that’s for another time. <p></p><p>The Black’s (yes, that’s their name) of 1222OceanFront in Carlsbad, have a whole different story to tell, and tell it they do at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad through De. 24, 2023. It’s called “A Black Family Christmas”. Pun or no pun intended, it was originally written by Dea Hurston back in 202</p><p></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/AVvXsEgILik9kkFPeWeORpBW5MZ_Rrt8G7gVtzLVCOxMZQ7KZmlhD0XJSqkd2yuC_MnhF6vh0XDVrDPd3xaErHLWNgh2M2Dup34TM6iq8xccavhFcszGEclIQJ6xKKkCerXTCHyQBZu_YtaGzMIFxXGWlGuaI-8L1e49PEQxMiTsArjR5xTIBMLHWNYR4wbURZoD/s1148/1222-Oceanfront-Milena-Sellers-Phillips-Victor-Morris-3-683x1024.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="766" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILik9kkFPeWeORpBW5MZ_Rrt8G7gVtzLVCOxMZQ7KZmlhD0XJSqkd2yuC_MnhF6vh0XDVrDPd3xaErHLWNgh2M2Dup34TM6iq8xccavhFcszGEclIQJ6xKKkCerXTCHyQBZu_YtaGzMIFxXGWlGuaI-8L1e49PEQxMiTsArjR5xTIBMLHWNYR4wbURZoD/w268-h400/1222-Oceanfront-Milena-Sellers-Phillips-Victor-Morris-3-683x1024.png" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Morris andMilena (Sellers) Phillips</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Now after two years and a theatre named for her, it has been updated with new faces, music and more input from some of the original cast members Milena (Sellers) Phillips with direction by Kandace Krystal. <p></p><p>What’s different from the many White Christmases I’ve seen? Well, for one the characters are black save for one adopted son Javier (Matthew Javier) who is white and gay... and whose boyfriend Brian (Jacob James) is gay, black and Jewish, that’s different. It doesn’t get any more inclusive than that. </p><p>Oh, and the house is decorated (Reiko Huffman) with symbols that include Kwanza Candle in the kitchen and masks art work from different black artists. The interior of the house is beautifully crafted and warm and homey looking</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF7c2d9gSAtvawXRk3rkzTZn-a5IEMkv0ayC4MMCVsAhwO3lnYYjLItCuYXqGFOXArK0aLtkPUxtcYjmR9CUSbgK6_2mZRbimcArWh1vJf_pBBKbdBvJ57RyxSrU9hlI9CjXoQ0dH5YgW3luTC6tBcY-eFWVDaT9vrOP9e6sV4rGYSgesDDBmu9aECkWG3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="796" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF7c2d9gSAtvawXRk3rkzTZn-a5IEMkv0ayC4MMCVsAhwO3lnYYjLItCuYXqGFOXArK0aLtkPUxtcYjmR9CUSbgK6_2mZRbimcArWh1vJf_pBBKbdBvJ57RyxSrU9hlI9CjXoQ0dH5YgW3luTC6tBcY-eFWVDaT9vrOP9e6sV4rGYSgesDDBmu9aECkWG3" width="320" /></a></div><br />All in all, the family included in Hurston’s play, as mentioned above, is pretty much seen through a black perspective. But the overall message is that family is family and with few exceptions this Black family has its up’s and downs, crisis and suspicions, secrets and confessions, love /hate relationships, misunderstandings as seen through the eyes of people of color.<p></p><p>The Black family has lived on 1222 Oceanfront before the price of houses went skyrocketing and is now worth millions. When Dorothy Milena (Sellers) Phillips and her late husband James bought the house at that address, even though they could barely afford it, they needed a way to come up with enough for a down payment. By that time the neighbors were bitching because a black family was moving in. and no one made it easy for the Black family.</p><p>With the help of their extended family the money came through and for close to thirty years Dorothy hosted the family Christmas two day gathering for the length of the loan. Over the years, traditions were made and kept. </p><p>The traditional foods were Italian because they could only afford pasta and the fixings. Dorothy’s famous lemon aide was a specialty for her now grown son, James, JR (Halin Moss). In fact, he looked forward to having some as he and his now wife Aada (Kiara Hudlin) were heading to Carlsbad from San Diego for the holidays. All he talked about was his lemon-aide and the special relationship he has with his mother. For Aadya, she couldn’t get Dorothy to recognize her if she stood on her head and whistled the blues. </p><p>Lizzy (Portia Gregory a hoot and a howl) Dorothy’s sister comes to the dinner with her specialty and food and presents. She’s also carrying the ashes of her late husband, June, kept in a good sized Santa doll large enough to stand alone on the fireplace mantel so he can be included. Gregory is a hoot and a howl as the know it all sister who introduces Dorothy to her co -worker Victor (Victor Morris, who also plays James Sr. when the play opens). </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/AVvXsEiY5iUQ5A9RQsTIMH7r2cvo5fCCbP1m7NLSefTXMfsxZuqMZ2PO1kJlRgLfC9cjQ2iz-KcW8Z55xYvbgv8_AiktEkge6i31NOmreUkX-mjuPTX6UW6LGIBB-8BxfITvLFhNNaB09z_OYcS15SHLuFuz9WSlFVlvxxGoZpWce2fFQSMQTS_kdOjUHUi9b6jg/s701/ABC0172-1024x1024.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="701" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5iUQ5A9RQsTIMH7r2cvo5fCCbP1m7NLSefTXMfsxZuqMZ2PO1kJlRgLfC9cjQ2iz-KcW8Z55xYvbgv8_AiktEkge6i31NOmreUkX-mjuPTX6UW6LGIBB-8BxfITvLFhNNaB09z_OYcS15SHLuFuz9WSlFVlvxxGoZpWce2fFQSMQTS_kdOjUHUi9b6jg/w400-h400/ABC0172-1024x1024.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halin Moss and Kiara Hudlin</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Both she and Victor work at the Post Office and Lizzy wants them to get together. Victor is no shrinking violet either. He’s a towering good looking ‘cowboy’ who adds a whole new dimension to the dynamics of the family. He also lives on an avocado ranch in Fallbrook. Morris gets the show’s funniest and best song, the yodel-filled “Cowboy Christmas,” where he re-enacts how he wooed Dorothy on a gondola at the Venetian resort in Las Vegas. </p><p>The show is pack full of laughs, some heartbreak, growing up, reality fixes for all members and would be members of the Black family.</p><p></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;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="811" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADvN_7FeTgR2STaA1Id8i9JInehPGh15iNBttdRkmg2VEVHGA2uwf7I4-gn7pCFbyHfmFaV0zczwxticjLOiQll_o6jCx8OERGy_1WutGABrfE7zKk_uH8aMPDF4ldaUIWiy9qHLBjwyrwCFry0BLMaAH6ArpLhb2WhSJ6m-ULGtA1I5TUhVLyWUaM0Dz/w400-h400/ABC0145-1024x1024.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew Javier, Milena (Sellers)Phillips and Halin Moss</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Phillips also has some pretty sensual moves when she remembers dancing with Victor on a Vegas trip. The fact that everyone could sing and the entire cast looked like they were fully involved makes for a truly magical evening. Look for it to become a holiday regular. <p></p><p>It’s not every day that a new musical /comedy/drama is as ready for audiences as 1222 Oceanfront. With most original music (“Cascabelos”, “Christmas Morn”, “Merry Christmas to Me”, “Cowboy Christmas”) by co- creator Milena (Sellers) Phillips and of course the usual traditional Christmas music, (“Silent Night”, “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”) it has a real holiday feeling especially under the deft direction of Kandace Krystal.</p><p>Music Direction Korrie Yamaoka, Stage Manager: Rosalee Barrientos, Scenic Design Reiko Huffman, Costume Design Zoë Trautmann, Props Designer Aria Proctor, Lighting Design Mashun Tucker.</p><p>The show runs a bit over 2 hours of fun, singing just plain something new. Enjoy</p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></p><p>When: 2 p.m. Wednesdays. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. 8 p.m. Fridays. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24th.</p><p>Where: New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad</p><p>Tickets: Check with Theatre</p><p>Phone: (760) 433-3245</p><p>Photo: Daren Scott</p><p>Online: newvillagearts.org</p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-15695651888430605892023-12-12T12:34:00.000-08:002023-12-13T08:05:12.385-08:00 Shout Out to Diversionary Theatre For Its Outstanding Production of Tennessee Williams “The Glass Menagerie” <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RE_t2N0E9F51Y7nmmDdN6ki3yGGjsDsAHzSTea6BbmA5JoWbQWVTqYHtQ1DIilqH82UW73XJkwX24aW4ka_JMuOKPnMzZVsP3U-8sNcCsrvV1gnMCdbVvfxKp1V0VW56FRYBTtp-cYYGmlz_xd4hflTEVN_JetaahwZnQwqO3o7j-B4EmmiBYBRq6HzX/s595/400651228_1061596311952366_7806652777805775466_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RE_t2N0E9F51Y7nmmDdN6ki3yGGjsDsAHzSTea6BbmA5JoWbQWVTqYHtQ1DIilqH82UW73XJkwX24aW4ka_JMuOKPnMzZVsP3U-8sNcCsrvV1gnMCdbVvfxKp1V0VW56FRYBTtp-cYYGmlz_xd4hflTEVN_JetaahwZnQwqO3o7j-B4EmmiBYBRq6HzX/s320/400651228_1061596311952366_7806652777805775466_n.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GSGbdkRr7vrwux8BMOFeFmHVbK3_gXG9yMrYeHb6oZeOTBM-jvekxB2EHLgiC56m-65nnnf658Wn8tP8gKZRx5tHy60jNfpgGFfF4s2ZWBUL1R4YkjbZacVTxB-swnltHk-teIzNOwSR_5EYq3bPFc2QfmhSzM55NngABxIeIAZ-Syv9kPhz3tW50mng/s595/400651228_1061596311952366_7806652777805775466_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GSGbdkRr7vrwux8BMOFeFmHVbK3_gXG9yMrYeHb6oZeOTBM-jvekxB2EHLgiC56m-65nnnf658Wn8tP8gKZRx5tHy60jNfpgGFfF4s2ZWBUL1R4YkjbZacVTxB-swnltHk-teIzNOwSR_5EYq3bPFc2QfmhSzM55NngABxIeIAZ-Syv9kPhz3tW50mng/w20-h20/400651228_1061596311952366_7806652777805775466_n.png" width="20" /></a></div><br />There are some things that are absolute in Diversionary’s “The Glass Menagerie” as directed by Lisa Berger: Shana Wride is absolutely splendid as the tragic and manipulative Amanda Wingfield, the domineering, southern belle and matriarch of the Wingfield family. If there was ever a role cut out for an actor, this one is a perfect fit for her, trust me on this one. <div><br /></div><div>Tennessee Williams’ memory play “The Glass Menagerie” still resonates after all these years. It opened in Chicago in 1944 and subsequently moved to The Playhouse Theatre in New York in 1945. It went on to win the New York Drama Critics Awards.</div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEhCEyayY1CWjKY1wOvUaLbtBx6CYfhH9RTDLItEocKf03xjAlJ4-t3DtifUsUyRvamdndNeqdAWUC1vzgCkXYp3fdHyTqGqJvAnf9ujqvhTBGjikHmkeEWcC4BDoWynb9h29W_dICdxF5ntz3Ako_aeWArF1i_L0YeVqi5fHzlP6c-onWXOZDBEgDB0CDFs/s400/GM-Website-Photo-6-300x400%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEyayY1CWjKY1wOvUaLbtBx6CYfhH9RTDLItEocKf03xjAlJ4-t3DtifUsUyRvamdndNeqdAWUC1vzgCkXYp3fdHyTqGqJvAnf9ujqvhTBGjikHmkeEWcC4BDoWynb9h29W_dICdxF5ntz3Ako_aeWArF1i_L0YeVqi5fHzlP6c-onWXOZDBEgDB0CDFs/w300-h400/GM-Website-Photo-6-300x400%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke Harvey Jacobs, Shana Wride, Kirk Brown, Julia Belanova</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div>It is told in flashback by young Tom Wingfield (Williams’ alter ego played subtly by Luke Harvey Jacobs) after he returns home after abandoning his disabled sister. He recalls the family dynamics in a somewhat dreamy atmosphere created by Vida Huang and haunting music in the background by sound designer Remus Harrington. </div><div><br /></div><div>Breaking the fourth wall, he tells us that he would rather be any place than at his mother’s house. He longs for adventure, action and escape. He’s annoyed at her nagging, her interfering, her stories of past glories and her pettiness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everything he does; drinking, writing and spending most of his off hours at the movies, a tale Amanda refuses to believe, pushes him closer to leaving. The one thing he can’t ignore is his affection for his sister, who like a delicate creature disappears into her own world of glass figures and figurines. So shy, is she, she can’t even attend typing classes for fear of having to talk to fellow students. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tom, like his father before him, cannot stand the confines of his small apartment, the restrictions of his job, and finally the oppressive personality of his domineering mother. (“The stage magician gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion.")</div><div><br /></div><div>The setting is the St. Louis apartment of Amanda Wingfield and her two adult children, Laura (Julia Belandova) and Tom. The time is 1937 and the country is in the middle of the depression. Tom works in a shoe factory (Williams sold shoes for a time) and Amanda sells magazine subscriptions from her home, much beneath her status as a genteel Southern belle when a young girl. </div><div><br /></div><div>Money is tight but hope springs eternal for Amanda, the faded yet once popular belle, as she glides around their apartment recalling her glory days as a teen growing up in the south. Her repeating and reliving her past encounters with her own ‘gentlemen callers fascinates Laura, who longs for a gentleman caller of her own, but it annoys the hell out of Tom.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEgAG4MmrREcVraLcy_GqzZucDguyfclYiWxHee3Undr_Prj2K3ovXV0P94p40kHk9FZEz6Tdx6XR6t8J8vNHJwoaAkomuVFlGJ_wWPR7U_CNnXk2URAlaCbagrXgh7kDwC3EVGGs2nyj27uA5jC4DcjJIz5YLwtayCwhvYcthQMY6aJOypWuvQKA5uoIUPx/s819/Glass_Menagerie_35Kirk_Brown_Julia_Belanova.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="819" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG4MmrREcVraLcy_GqzZucDguyfclYiWxHee3Undr_Prj2K3ovXV0P94p40kHk9FZEz6Tdx6XR6t8J8vNHJwoaAkomuVFlGJ_wWPR7U_CNnXk2URAlaCbagrXgh7kDwC3EVGGs2nyj27uA5jC4DcjJIz5YLwtayCwhvYcthQMY6aJOypWuvQKA5uoIUPx/w400-h250/Glass_Menagerie_35Kirk_Brown_Julia_Belanova.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirk Brown and Julia Belanova</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Amanda doesn’t comprehend why none come to call on Laura, her emotionally fragile daughter whose noticeable shyness (in most productions a limp from early bout of Polio) has her cut off from reality and plunges her into a make believable world of a glass animal collection, her favorite being the unicorn a solitary and mysterious creature, much like Laura was to her mother. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the crux of the story revolves around ‘the gentleman caller’ Jim O’Conner (a wonderfully gifted Kirk Brown), set against this suffocating atmosphere in which both Laura and Tom struggle to fight off the overbearing oppression felt by them by Amanda. </div><div><br /></div><div>Amanda hounds Tom to find a suitable caller for Laura so she too may have the thrill of entertaining as she had done years ago and possibly as a means of supporting Laura after she dies. Amanda, however, fails to recognize that Laura’s frailties will throw her into a tailspin and set her back years, which in fact they do. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Tom’s ‘friend’ Jim finally does come for dinner, in Act II, Laura discovers that she knew him in high school and had a crush on him. Devastated, she refuses to join them in dinner. Amanda just doesn’t get it and forces Laura to spend some time with her gentleman. Jim is the only positive person in the household, he laughs, talks about his classes in public speaking and he’s appealing and when he finally gets Laura to open up, she too, becomes slightly lively,</div><div><br /></div><div>She shows him her glass collection pointing out her favorite, the unicorn. Unfortunately, in a clumsy dance attempt, they bump into the table it is sitting on and knocks off the horn. As nice as Jim is to Laura, he already has a girl and all hopes of his returning another time are faded for any further relationships for Laura. </div><div><br /></div><div>‘Menagerie’ was Williams’ first successful professional play and his most autobiographical. Laura or Rose, his sister, (as was her given name), who was thought to be mentally ill because of her instability, underwent a frontal lobotomy that just about sent her brother over the edge. Some even suggesting that it was the cause of his heavy drinking, or his being gay as suggested by Dramaturg Jesse Marchese.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the exception of Laura’s (Julia Belanova) role in Act I Burger’s production hummed along without a catch. The emptiness of her character left one with the idea that she mightn’t have been on stage at all. Things do liven up in Act II though, when Laura comes out looking like a new person with a wig to cover her very short boyish haircut. But it was not to be her fate. Her fate is sealed.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEi2hjeTZXtJAznEfaCpBMsuUdJEW4eZ3JoTvQ3WiqTFnEsj5jVqahVxBiQk2whyphenhyphen8XRAFzAch7RWGEqlhirJ9noGgChXAFjLrAJklxbZ95vU6r-qW9LLTQ17hVBm4Xd4ctqPTj2OpeAvu28ddqpC1DZGBGpw4LS3C0qlq3dKIVQZ7kYiY2cLe700gQuGXRN_/s888/GM-Website-Photo-2-300x400.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="666" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hjeTZXtJAznEfaCpBMsuUdJEW4eZ3JoTvQ3WiqTFnEsj5jVqahVxBiQk2whyphenhyphen8XRAFzAch7RWGEqlhirJ9noGgChXAFjLrAJklxbZ95vU6r-qW9LLTQ17hVBm4Xd4ctqPTj2OpeAvu28ddqpC1DZGBGpw4LS3C0qlq3dKIVQZ7kYiY2cLe700gQuGXRN_/w300-h400/GM-Website-Photo-2-300x400.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shana Wride and Luke Harvey Jacobs</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The last words that Tom Wingfeld, speaks: “Blow out your candles, Laura, - and so goodbye.” is a heartbreaker for anyone with a heartbeat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Were there tears at the end of the production? You bet. This bitter sweet play is so relevant for this time of year when family relations, loneness and separation are at the fore of many family dynamics, it cannot be ignored. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kudos also to Leah Osterman, props, Katie Paulson, costumes, Bailie Molsberry, stage manager, Eliza Vedar , sound designer/composer, especially Dramaturg Jesse Marchese, and of course Diversionary Theatre for its splendid production. </div><div><br /></div><div>See you at the Theatre. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Dates: Through Dec. 23rd</div><div>Organization: Diversionary Theatre</div><div>Phone: 619 220 0097</div><div>Production Type: Drama</div><div>Price: $20.00-$65.00</div><div>Where: 4545 Park Blvd.#101</div><div>Photo: Andrea Agosto</div><p></p><br />Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-90880059083274146102023-11-28T13:30:00.000-08:002023-11-28T13:31:19.610-08:00 “Proof” Of Good Theatre Resides In Backyard Renaissance’s Production<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBteopcPbvqSkb1KbG0xzZPQ_DzBNLRp1z3RBvizX18cR1QlAZ5aFzDdwjh1UhFtDNcCmgF0qRDvYLzLGAJbXEVxO7sEm5iTAXwUP9jcFjMZ7qzQxD_mnNlppxTqEQRW14t8-qXB0pqU_OX4jM_xHbivOEjjTlg6p_OxRX8lsS0nnRDl3AChjnHIvqEP6/s385/02010e89-e30b-50ab-02bf-598a849ad85f.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="344" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBteopcPbvqSkb1KbG0xzZPQ_DzBNLRp1z3RBvizX18cR1QlAZ5aFzDdwjh1UhFtDNcCmgF0qRDvYLzLGAJbXEVxO7sEm5iTAXwUP9jcFjMZ7qzQxD_mnNlppxTqEQRW14t8-qXB0pqU_OX4jM_xHbivOEjjTlg6p_OxRX8lsS0nnRDl3AChjnHIvqEP6/s320/02010e89-e30b-50ab-02bf-598a849ad85f.png" width="286" /></a></div><br /> Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company is completing its sixth season with David Auburn’s award winning “Proof” . “Proof” was the longest running Broadway Play in two decades” according to Playbill Magazine. A Broadway play typically runs about nine months to a year. Auburn’s long running “Proof’ lasted as long as some musicals, thrillers and comedies” .<p></p><p>I am no mathematician. Not by any stretch of the imagination. So, when a play about the proof of a mathematical problem is put before me, even in an artistic setting, I am in awe. But I needn’t have worried. “Proof “is as much about relations, family relations, father daughter affection for and pride in, and mental health as much as it is about proving a mathematical theory. And…as director Anthony Methvin, has thrown some much needed humor when least expected.</p><p></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/AVvXsEhuhoKGhc8faEOf7FYx5KuLxSq3lo9FXFmlxeFs7jXg_J5IDYtIxgPwnsV7bD0MkkF_XesjME9wQX075JDsYZ0T-cxwio3Z_hsRlldO2d7ew01VnvXppy2qPsZBFGZbBupex4lHYUem-F_pLOSsjLapXBaHWYXoXF2WDQSyst6ybKfeUBi9qrQkoqnZx7NH/s870/401601103_10161533610487009_3177727148083883245_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="870" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhoKGhc8faEOf7FYx5KuLxSq3lo9FXFmlxeFs7jXg_J5IDYtIxgPwnsV7bD0MkkF_XesjME9wQX075JDsYZ0T-cxwio3Z_hsRlldO2d7ew01VnvXppy2qPsZBFGZbBupex4lHYUem-F_pLOSsjLapXBaHWYXoXF2WDQSyst6ybKfeUBi9qrQkoqnZx7NH/w400-h266/401601103_10161533610487009_3177727148083883245_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liliana Tatwatte and William Huffaker</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Family dynamics, old wounds and new concerns, an outsider who has access to the deceased professor’s papers and a case of mental instability are the ingredients for this engrossing and very well done play, set (Yi-Chien Lee) on an old and decaying back porch of the family’s run down house in suburban Chicago.<p></p><p>When the play opens Catherine’s (brilliantly played by Liliana Talwatte) father (Francis Gercke),a little heavy handedly comes up from behind her and wishes her a happy birthday. She is twenty five this day and he offers her champagne and a suggestion she party with friends, which of course, she replies 'she has no friends'. </p><p>The play moves back and forth in time and unfortunately, what we don’t know until later revealed, is that her father, Robert, is dead and this is the day of his funeral. </p><p></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/AVvXsEiPB8bkWABYYq_jzmYDq6neuWXz2bCbfqfXrBz7pcwDWVA40wWI3f6H1khugpzS16lfSrJgqeBlYeXoEnsFerkF_uWJPRFwA2iaMp5PKWi0Y1SC3fqk0-LGY00vSzhyG2zub7sFX_iTeqcKXIAQf4KJfuzIOedO_KKjGkQFiW4CcK7cw-0RUL1VD26AvdEJ/s883/402032659_10161533610247009_591316489453124641_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="883" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB8bkWABYYq_jzmYDq6neuWXz2bCbfqfXrBz7pcwDWVA40wWI3f6H1khugpzS16lfSrJgqeBlYeXoEnsFerkF_uWJPRFwA2iaMp5PKWi0Y1SC3fqk0-LGY00vSzhyG2zub7sFX_iTeqcKXIAQf4KJfuzIOedO_KKjGkQFiW4CcK7cw-0RUL1VD26AvdEJ/w400-h266/402032659_10161533610247009_591316489453124641_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Gercke and Liliana Talwatte</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Over the course of time, Catherine tries to sort out what life without her father would look like. She has been his caretaker for the last five years and his student since she can’t remember. She knows that she has the same genius genes as he and worries she might inherit his mental instability. She is looking for a new start, a new beginning, perhaps going back to finish her college degree.That is about to happen when Robert’s nerdy grad student Hal ( a bit too much over the top William Huffaker) comes into the picture. Hal has been working with Robert going through his notes compiled in a series of some 103 notebooks. Now that her father is dead, she doesn't trust him to be alone with his papers. She also has an investment in the material.<p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEg3Rh4jD2OFc3_8xwprRwJFoK-1QlArzKy0FgYypI17MMrY7XFJDdAOTLAzrMi_gKpK04GSjloQtO31qYzblH26U5L8rbuqY3CJARKXVWrhMWMzXSk22YMGxzCAepdDht7_ofcXqR-jU6hXjAUmHa4-uFC0bzotCYt4ssY-mKE4WovTYYijrTyODOqcTrKS/s817/401466020_10161533610367009_856965669426351060_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="817" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rh4jD2OFc3_8xwprRwJFoK-1QlArzKy0FgYypI17MMrY7XFJDdAOTLAzrMi_gKpK04GSjloQtO31qYzblH26U5L8rbuqY3CJARKXVWrhMWMzXSk22YMGxzCAepdDht7_ofcXqR-jU6hXjAUmHa4-uFC0bzotCYt4ssY-mKE4WovTYYijrTyODOqcTrKS/w400-h266/401466020_10161533610367009_856965669426351060_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liliana Tatwatte and Wendy Maples</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Adding to the family dynamic, Catherine’s sister Clare (a smart and powerful Wendy Maples) a force in her own right, descends on the family home demanding that they sell the family home and Catherine goes back to New York with her and live there. <div><br /></div><div>But, where has she been all this time when Catherine dropped out of school to care for their father? <div><br /></div><div>Will Hal and Catherine learn to trust one another? </div><div><br /></div><div>Is Catherine really the stuff of which her father is made? </div><div><br /></div><div>More questions than answers, but worth the 2 ½ hour wait to find proof of what’s really on Auburn’s mind: genius, greatness or madness. As an aside, when Robert was Catherine's age, he was a certified genius. <p>You be the judge.</p><p>This is the third time yours truly has seen this show; once on Broadway in its original production, once here in San Diego at the now defunct San Diego Rep. where Gercke played the nerdy student and now downtown at Backyard Renaissance Theatre. One can understand why it played on Broadway for two decades.</p><p></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/AVvXsEhjtc2zfd8ad96lSQuFKNbuyXTmqHpAm05k34jxrlpdAkh8b267_mjo5LrsrC25mCt8VdvtVMs28yLbEPQX6OmC-RpZWTVp0LX8LEpA268lGqK3eGk47GKi_GHq_RDR9dtZkYbEoa0K0ymImf0MVzYzVBNhbj3NXWt8SKKfwIJXohS5qgizW3-t50UWiEcv/s834/405690234_760828072753412_4012304764531978744_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="834" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtc2zfd8ad96lSQuFKNbuyXTmqHpAm05k34jxrlpdAkh8b267_mjo5LrsrC25mCt8VdvtVMs28yLbEPQX6OmC-RpZWTVp0LX8LEpA268lGqK3eGk47GKi_GHq_RDR9dtZkYbEoa0K0ymImf0MVzYzVBNhbj3NXWt8SKKfwIJXohS5qgizW3-t50UWiEcv/w400-h251/405690234_760828072753412_4012304764531978744_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy Maples and William Huffaker</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There are many components to every piece of theatre. Without being too detailed, there are things to look at beside just the play: costumes, music, lighting, sets and direction are but some of the considerations not to mention the actors who take their trade very seriously and directors that put the pieces together to make sure that proof of good theatre continues. <p></p><p>San Diego stands with some of the best Regional Theatre companies in the country. As for this company, production values run high. Hats off to Curtis Mueller, lighting, Matt Lescault-Wood, sound, Jessica John Gercke, costumes Chad Ryan, technical director. and of course Anthony Methvin.</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/AVvXsEhNt9z_UPEdkj1bgoTD0CwJcAuxzd9QKCL3ZST3Z4XDrVNHifaIDQwGZZ0OGMYMM-CmjUJtuzEFVoJ0Z6hyphenhyphenSiwMP5gwZFyV5u-KwXDyS2ChRo1zDBv295359cwM3GqXjvbYo4XMe7NrHDX45cZdT4vSRSsXwSwKb8gx6NChtpxwsbBeLfantXdIKftwqk6B/s861/402107798_10161533610832009_3403985653489259048_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="861" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt9z_UPEdkj1bgoTD0CwJcAuxzd9QKCL3ZST3Z4XDrVNHifaIDQwGZZ0OGMYMM-CmjUJtuzEFVoJ0Z6hyphenhyphenSiwMP5gwZFyV5u-KwXDyS2ChRo1zDBv295359cwM3GqXjvbYo4XMe7NrHDX45cZdT4vSRSsXwSwKb8gx6NChtpxwsbBeLfantXdIKftwqk6B/w400-h400/402107798_10161533610832009_3403985653489259048_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Enjoy. </p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Dates: Runs Nov 25 and runs through Dec. 9. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays</p><p>Where: Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown</p><p>Tickets: $18-$40</p><p>Phone: (760) 975-7189</p><p>Photo: Daren Scott</p><p>Online: backyardrenaissance.com</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-13040126550561576472023-11-09T20:48:00.001-08:002023-11-09T21:07:43.765-08:00 “MAMMA MIA”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTAJMr2Zb8RT_y2VZi_E82GyyHt3PICfq-u7dhf9qCeV_UsZzNb3LoxLJnAHkPniCN4nY71Lk41DB7de4DoPfc548cwtRIy6jDLEHNg_9SIKzVVX8tg_bdBOIyS9YlBecbTZS1T4nGcZ7T3RS2F2glUUx4AE9cFa7hYOi_ZzIO2X94hYvX3FBISdkSZ1l/s938/398993294_10228310100930583_3285393646091643717_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTAJMr2Zb8RT_y2VZi_E82GyyHt3PICfq-u7dhf9qCeV_UsZzNb3LoxLJnAHkPniCN4nY71Lk41DB7de4DoPfc548cwtRIy6jDLEHNg_9SIKzVVX8tg_bdBOIyS9YlBecbTZS1T4nGcZ7T3RS2F2glUUx4AE9cFa7hYOi_ZzIO2X94hYvX3FBISdkSZ1l/s320/398993294_10228310100930583_3285393646091643717_n.png" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p>“Mamma Mia” the jukebox musical is making its 25th Anniversary North American Tour. This week it landed in San Diego at the Civic Theatre\downtown. </p><p>“Mamma Mia”! has been performed in more than 40 countries and across five continents, including: Belgium, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The first non-English production started in Hamburg, Germany, on November 3, 2002. Many international tours have run over the past several years.</p><p>It’s a fun musical with the songs and music of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus written originally for ABBA and are the main attraction. The book by Catherine Johnson, is so ho hum that after a while, you just look forward to hearing the music which is made to fit around the story of the young Sophie Sheridan (locally grown Alisa Melendez “I Had a Dream) who is planning a conventional wedding to the handsome and muscular Sky (Grant Reynolds) “Lay All Your Love On Me”) and always dreamed about having her Dad walk her down the aisle. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEhvuoRSAr9ZGLFV-SnoLzrnvQ8yqMTqZljB5tQF578C31jpcjG4Hvkbq5FJdlIxtry7pSbVZsz1rWaYKjVQoN7vkRLZjJdDPyJnixWZkTx6NMUQYMzExlhGlwRGJzxwPwVS_-BKWilZdOkDn4zSoxiRaz9ZAEzh4VccwVrqbarmE0lKn-cPPU7-upgYwL1x/s808/654c1b22a97f5.png" rel="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="808" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuoRSAr9ZGLFV-SnoLzrnvQ8yqMTqZljB5tQF578C31jpcjG4Hvkbq5FJdlIxtry7pSbVZsz1rWaYKjVQoN7vkRLZjJdDPyJnixWZkTx6NMUQYMzExlhGlwRGJzxwPwVS_-BKWilZdOkDn4zSoxiRaz9ZAEzh4VccwVrqbarmE0lKn-cPPU7-upgYwL1x/w400-h265/654c1b22a97f5.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jalynn Steele, Christine Sherrill, Carly Sakolove</td></tr></tbody></table><br />No problem for those who know who their Dad is. Not so in the life of Sophie. You see her mother Donna (Christine Sherrill), feisty, forty- something and who used to be part of a singing group called the “Dynamos”. She is still single but way back then she had a tryst with three different young men when they were all young and foot loose. It all happened somewhere on a small Greek Island 21 years ago. <p></p><p>Donna never told Sophie about them but for the sake of expediency Sophie gets hold of an old diary of her Mom’s. After reading it Sophie finds out the names of three men in her mom’s life, who at that time she was gaga over and possibly had affairs with. Without consulting her Mom, she sends all three an invitation (that was supposed to come from Donna) to the wedding.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEgKU4XAnhhLXVXB-oo5e6GIvqVCTLNF2Tr1K1gV9FNomIUKNo-Qz7zTKIJ7GHw-r9zP3ehT9MqzKGFumt6-vZGX4LqOozCNsaVCakKSqBJ8JMj61_oPUhFJW8D4ZxeJuHI1sGcnscC_kmed5HU962pc_3trsow48AMjMI95w_uNiS6JPrKU9zEJNPAaw23k/s833/_L_to_R__Jim_Newman__Bill_Austin___Victor_Wallace__Sam_Carmichael___and_Rob_Marnell__Harry_Bright__Photo_by_Joan_Marcus.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="833" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU4XAnhhLXVXB-oo5e6GIvqVCTLNF2Tr1K1gV9FNomIUKNo-Qz7zTKIJ7GHw-r9zP3ehT9MqzKGFumt6-vZGX4LqOozCNsaVCakKSqBJ8JMj61_oPUhFJW8D4ZxeJuHI1sGcnscC_kmed5HU962pc_3trsow48AMjMI95w_uNiS6JPrKU9zEJNPAaw23k/w400-h266/_L_to_R__Jim_Newman__Bill_Austin___Victor_Wallace__Sam_Carmichael___and_Rob_Marnell__Harry_Bright__Photo_by_Joan_Marcus.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Newman,Victor Wallace, Rob Marnell</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The mystery: Donna knows nothing of this and the three men, now into the same forties as Donna are flummoxed as to why they have been invited to a wedding of someone they know little about.There is Sam (Victor Wallace ...“Knowing Me Knowing You”), Bill, (Jim Newman and Harry (Rob Marnell). All three left the island leaving Donna behind. She now runs a nice little hotel and cantina and ekes out a living for both herself and Sophie. <p></p><p>None knew she was ‘with child’ and now they, all three potential Dads’ show up thinking Donna invited them. She’s as confused as they, especially after Sophie asks all three to walk her down the isle. (“Thank You For The Music”)Needless to say, it all works out; conundrum aside, and ABBA fans get to hear no less than 23 favorite songs including “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia”, “Take A Chance On Me”, “Winner Takes It All” “Voulez-Vous”, “Knowing Me, Knowing You”, and “Slipping Through My Fingers”, among others all under the direction of Phyllida Lloyd, and his high energy, uniform dancing with choreographer Anthony Van Laasy, brilliant lighting by Howard Harrison, sound designers (too loud) Andrew Bruce and Bobby Atki</p><br /><br /><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/AVvXsEi8sYlXns42NHww25s7i4nwLjI7XCw1GZYf7E4mRl3dDoNETDUh-4D-8WAWKIBESvXlfCQ2f5nY4Fm7E5cbwwEf3Ucul_BYbuLc-qV6oMaNJu5aIc8p71d9-q43nHw_oxl2dSubebfWUgSjWd3QUncUBpbX5d4Epd2iJKljsrTqyS8-HLQmTpic_mZuSrVk/s939/_L_to_R__Grant_Reynolds__Sky___and_Alisa_Melendez__Sophie_Sheridan__Photo_by_Joan_Marcus.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sYlXns42NHww25s7i4nwLjI7XCw1GZYf7E4mRl3dDoNETDUh-4D-8WAWKIBESvXlfCQ2f5nY4Fm7E5cbwwEf3Ucul_BYbuLc-qV6oMaNJu5aIc8p71d9-q43nHw_oxl2dSubebfWUgSjWd3QUncUBpbX5d4Epd2iJKljsrTqyS8-HLQmTpic_mZuSrVk/w268-h400/_L_to_R__Grant_Reynolds__Sky___and_Alisa_Melendez__Sophie_Sheridan__Photo_by_Joan_Marcus.png" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grant Reynolds and Alisa Melendez</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The production is filled with a combination of youthful energy and mature and over the top funny/ hysterical shenanigans. The night I attended the entire ensemble was on top of their game that left the audience on their collective feet when the whole cast came out for curtain call in their full on pull up Lycra costumes coordinated by Lucy Gaiger.</p><p>Melendez looking heavenly in her wedding dress, hrr credits include“Almost Famous” and “Rent” has a lovely and even (“I Have A Dream”) voice and with acting credits to go along; “I want my Dad to walk me down the aisle” bit. </p><p>There is strong chemistry between Christine Sherrill’s Donna and Melendez’ Sophie that lends credibility to their mother daughter relationship. (“Slipping Through My Fingers”). Sherrill has the right chops for the Abba sound and uses them to her advantage. </p><p>Donna’s old girlfriends and singing buddies (the “Dynamos”) Tanya and Rosie (Jaylynn Steele and Carly Sakolove) who were also invited to the wedding helped steal the show with their antics and good humor, (“Dancing Queen”) </p><p>Sakolove is a hoot as the prankster of the three and her little shtick with Newman’s Bill is a hoot. (“Take A Chance on Me”)</p><p>Other than that, the three ‘fathers’ are about as exciting as watching grass grow. They come, they go, and they bring little pieces of forty- year history with them that refuses to be reconciled any time soon. </p><p>Victor’s Sam and Sherrill’s Donna dance a dance but seem miles apart until the last scenes (no spoiler here in case you’ve never seen the show). He wants to talk, she wants to have nothing to do with him, or so it seems. (“The Winner Takes It All”) </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/AVvXsEi9n7qul-zpzAyIz3ESM46o4xOhusAds1uQC4RGLCYeMyQ40xjFaZtkdWJHGmmE7IR5wrugWvGbMyREcOdroIYJrswxFR0j4vn1GWT5t-uMhIvO9TFJcd8SJXIvvBEsfkRQCjG21Tki776JxbK5m7OmRjpo5zlwYVREKSHQgc4F4RaUwmLsVtNAijG_mRaB/s797/Cast-of-Mama-Mia-Broadway-2-1024x683.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="797" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n7qul-zpzAyIz3ESM46o4xOhusAds1uQC4RGLCYeMyQ40xjFaZtkdWJHGmmE7IR5wrugWvGbMyREcOdroIYJrswxFR0j4vn1GWT5t-uMhIvO9TFJcd8SJXIvvBEsfkRQCjG21Tki776JxbK5m7OmRjpo5zlwYVREKSHQgc4F4RaUwmLsVtNAijG_mRaB/w400-h229/Cast-of-Mama-Mia-Broadway-2-1024x683.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The talented ensemble of young people, who do a good amount of dancing (and with fins on their feet to boot) create some semblance of excitement on the island with Patrick Parks ’s Pepper making a big pass at Tanya as she plays him like a violin. </p><p>But it’s the dancing along with the 23 or so Abba songs that give this particular musical most of its pizzazz. It takes a village to mount a show filled with this much youthful energy, mature and hysterical shenanigans and over the top and funny performances that follow.</p><p>So?What’s not to like? In this reviewer's opinion, nothing. </p><p>Go, see, enjoy, sing along and have fun, it’s Abba after all. </p><p><br /></p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dates: Through Nov. 12</p><p>Tickets: $39-$169</p><p>Phone: 619.564.3029 </p><p>Production Type: Jukebox Musical</p><p>Photo: Joan Marcus</p><p>Where: San Diego Civic Theatre Downtown, SD</p><p>3651 4th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-7041503255746928072023-11-03T16:31:00.000-07:002023-11-03T16:31:41.297-07:00 " THE LITTLE FELLOW (OR THE QUEEN OF TARTS TELLS ALL)"<p></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/AVvXsEgfS9iVyPJBr5yc4vUgp5eZEvz0_2_DIIoihSUC0_mKhNLZrpsjmaKN3qLCM2seDq3urE0UCuJGdaAlh0iHE4FDyzwVr-owj3OpSBOjZ1Brp_D28XMLCdzUfhllcYnQ31NDWsAxAe6XeK5xZ5tD0B1wV19yhFPgLQXE0RdaHXoe-ans_JNZQOGztgDFMHJ0/s846/396728143_10228502967552014_1035835365916612306_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS9iVyPJBr5yc4vUgp5eZEvz0_2_DIIoihSUC0_mKhNLZrpsjmaKN3qLCM2seDq3urE0UCuJGdaAlh0iHE4FDyzwVr-owj3OpSBOjZ1Brp_D28XMLCdzUfhllcYnQ31NDWsAxAe6XeK5xZ5tD0B1wV19yhFPgLQXE0RdaHXoe-ans_JNZQOGztgDFMHJ0/w265-h400/396728143_10228502967552014_1035835365916612306_n.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Kate Hamill’s world premiere production “The Little Fellow or The Queen of Tarts Tells It All” is in a saucy, sexy, shameless and spicy production at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town through Nov. 19th. With Rob Lutfy at the helm and a solid cast of four playing several roles, the show is on solid footing<p></p><p>The subject is based on the life and times of 19 century courtesan Harriette Wilson, who, at the age of thirteen became a prostitute at the biddings of her father. But it is at this point, later on in life that Hammill picks up the story. We learn the backstory as the action moves forward.</p><p></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/AVvXsEj9MVsMkzuLdo1fJeAhVGAnlsbdYxMEcZdym4eQgy0ekBxjH64RrZSUeEZ1Kd4Dga21dM-V69GAJCrVsTsX_ZH4ZOzyf8-dt9khyjvzAqdbcEw7yx1T7s6rcWOzNwBdgoODUfJAIuaZ6OUFYAb6S5eyuvk8CzJwGA8K9mVA8UOuupMPgWEXT4PYbRw_CZv9/s712/395568569_823740626427602_7125381138390946940_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="474" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MVsMkzuLdo1fJeAhVGAnlsbdYxMEcZdym4eQgy0ekBxjH64RrZSUeEZ1Kd4Dga21dM-V69GAJCrVsTsX_ZH4ZOzyf8-dt9khyjvzAqdbcEw7yx1T7s6rcWOzNwBdgoODUfJAIuaZ6OUFYAb6S5eyuvk8CzJwGA8K9mVA8UOuupMPgWEXT4PYbRw_CZv9/w266-h400/395568569_823740626427602_7125381138390946940_n.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keiko Green with MJ Sieber</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the words of Sir Walter Scott, “far from beautiful; but smart and saucy, with the manners of a schoolboy”…She was boisterous, rude vulgar, bold and outspoken, fought and chewed tobacco, spat and carried a riding crop and wore men’ clothing. She counted some of the most influential men in the country as her clients. She was called “The Little Fellow or The Queen of Tarts”.<p></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/AVvXsEgw7qPfkVwZWcRoaWp5bIarkMEXRDSXrMPtHgBc1Mge7euCj4jyPfYmbWPmPxjOgx9qrw3RoICxwCOIwb9fI8EkiINdGdbrJ4JI0tf2DiTzDEzHanPQ7mX5e_U-mt0mgn2Yqelwfj0-r7UrTzBXceV4WFtOWTYOuQBYPb2_xJ-Lj6cPexqNW5L5VZyW_urv/s2048/395391917_823807473087584_3649470150908015300_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7qPfkVwZWcRoaWp5bIarkMEXRDSXrMPtHgBc1Mge7euCj4jyPfYmbWPmPxjOgx9qrw3RoICxwCOIwb9fI8EkiINdGdbrJ4JI0tf2DiTzDEzHanPQ7mX5e_U-mt0mgn2Yqelwfj0-r7UrTzBXceV4WFtOWTYOuQBYPb2_xJ-Lj6cPexqNW5L5VZyW_urv/w400-h266/395391917_823807473087584_3649470150908015300_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keiko Green and MJ Sieber</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>In 90+minutes the beautiful and sexy, moody and oft domineering Keiko Green as Harriet is all of the above. When we first meet, she is chasing one of her clients around her sitting room and slapping him with her riding crop. That may be THE most playful scene in the show as it gets nastier as she meets up with others the likes of The Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley (MJ Sieber Green’s real-life husband)plays several men’s roles, including The Marquis of Worcester, Lord of Berwick & others), who at her demand promise her a yearly income if their names are not mentioned in her tell all books, which made her a rich woman in her own right. As her reputation grew she was called the “top of the bottom”.</p><p><br /></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/AVvXsEjtUOe1euacMpKIkkX7fd13kHJ2w2t2Pk7kT-1PWoQf3s6yg4QmGNyt362jOyUKiAFNv-3xDatCy-LszcPcugmgolzwYbNFYdDjysRzIr0OwGY1u3mMyH5HJvvYWITJmQphOs8cTF7j81WyICAF0nd_TH-FbdphuEfzqtYQH_2c2DOdEluAAvxSyx4MmjCd/s834/395363021_823807646420900_8113642942859391246_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="834" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUOe1euacMpKIkkX7fd13kHJ2w2t2Pk7kT-1PWoQf3s6yg4QmGNyt362jOyUKiAFNv-3xDatCy-LszcPcugmgolzwYbNFYdDjysRzIr0OwGY1u3mMyH5HJvvYWITJmQphOs8cTF7j81WyICAF0nd_TH-FbdphuEfzqtYQH_2c2DOdEluAAvxSyx4MmjCd/w400-h266/395363021_823807646420900_8113642942859391246_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachael VanWormer and Keiko Green</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Along the way, she has run ins with several women in the same profession like Julia and others (Sofia Jean Gomez) but with altogether different mindsets. Julia, another prostitute is softer and when approached, choses her words carefully except when they disagree and then the shouting, over each other, begins. </p><p>Past her prime ( the time is 1800’s) and rejected by many of her clients as they could, as at the time, men ruled and the only recourse she has is to grooms her maid Mary (Rachael VanWarmer) as a young and upcoming prostitute.</p><p></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/AVvXsEhVZbCRuwG4jAdIwL_busHHBMBUgar2tWb4x2de-cvTYDCrYFeo92NmQWQK71jaxyMULgSKluFn6WBG7EF1fTiV03OGWxA8XVoL-BHzBCX7N9Hkivw2TM2uv0hTg0G5C6ykX5SLrQYosY9J1MvQVgXTp2xV1WrMDzADvHJoRrhWpBqTNuNdKvcxA9GEcyVI/s981/396449139_823732766428388_3013139059559706839_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="654" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZbCRuwG4jAdIwL_busHHBMBUgar2tWb4x2de-cvTYDCrYFeo92NmQWQK71jaxyMULgSKluFn6WBG7EF1fTiV03OGWxA8XVoL-BHzBCX7N9Hkivw2TM2uv0hTg0G5C6ykX5SLrQYosY9J1MvQVgXTp2xV1WrMDzADvHJoRrhWpBqTNuNdKvcxA9GEcyVI/w384-h400/396449139_823732766428388_3013139059559706839_n.png" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keiko Green</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Bitter and desolate Harriette, who was once at the top of her game, is showing the toll taken, is now an outcast, and one can see her devastation, alone in her home, but alone… <p></p><p>After seeing Green’s performance in, “Exotic Deadly or the MSG Play”, there is no question of her super star quality. In one of her final scenes with The Duke of Wellington has tensions flying off the roof tops. This is a scene seared into the minds memory.</p><p>She is on stage the entire ninety minutes showing every side of her personalities. As for the rest of the cast one can only applaud the diverse nature of all. No easy task, this to speak in accents according to position in society and get it right.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEi-9wJFinumb6W2QPuZZDYVjRuGdKWXTMTdztG9rMqsp-JucA7c-CFaBO6laImC_SdSL5BLsrkeac8id6oQnFzstL2R2eJ8Bj6ahPEHgR-eDo3uRmrnsM4tZuws5IesF1Llytsf1ryfsZPPmj0gm5ovHW_ILXn4LfOQc5CY98CpDtsHwIRgKUj8CLLvN2Gj/s815/KarliCadel-Cygnet-LittleFellow-9711-scaled-1-500x333.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="815" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9wJFinumb6W2QPuZZDYVjRuGdKWXTMTdztG9rMqsp-JucA7c-CFaBO6laImC_SdSL5BLsrkeac8id6oQnFzstL2R2eJ8Bj6ahPEHgR-eDo3uRmrnsM4tZuws5IesF1Llytsf1ryfsZPPmj0gm5ovHW_ILXn4LfOQc5CY98CpDtsHwIRgKUj8CLLvN2Gj/w400-h266/KarliCadel-Cygnet-LittleFellow-9711-scaled-1-500x333.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keiko Green and Sofia Jean Gomez</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Yi-Chien Lee (scenic designer), Anne E. McMills (lighting designer), Steven Leffue (sound designer) Regency costume designs), Peter Herman (wigs and make-up design), and Alyssa Kane (properties designer) all contribute to making Cygnet’s world premiere of “The Little Fellow” a reason to rush to Old Town before it closes.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>If you are not offended by the racy nature of the play, enjoy!</p><p>See you at the Theatre.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB2rvJRaR9esl0zV_kUhqsHnUtFRAitvKcfoqEZlcH-VmLufNtfY6pASTm92CngNxYgFtklSKRqa3g_s2s-SwWosF7lkRWO5An9xuGOHqTl4wn9DY963AgtEvSlc7nZLfcDi8JZWowLL1eZvQfJQD7je3euab3t2tydACxH0zarGKEEjKtH3r8pg9rgt1/s835/395372195_823807533087578_1384962399872596297_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="835" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB2rvJRaR9esl0zV_kUhqsHnUtFRAitvKcfoqEZlcH-VmLufNtfY6pASTm92CngNxYgFtklSKRqa3g_s2s-SwWosF7lkRWO5An9xuGOHqTl4wn9DY963AgtEvSlc7nZLfcDi8JZWowLL1eZvQfJQD7je3euab3t2tydACxH0zarGKEEjKtH3r8pg9rgt1/w400-h266/395372195_823807533087578_1384962399872596297_n.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>When: Oct. 28 and runs through Nov. 19. Showtimes, 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays</p><p>Where: Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego State Historic Park</p><p>Tickets: $27 and up</p><p>Phone: (619) 337-1525</p><p>Photo: Karli Cadel</p><p>Online: cygnettheatre.com</p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-22023862948269370582023-10-24T18:49:00.006-07:002023-11-11T10:15:45.936-08:00 "THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE” READY FOR PRIME TIME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YVtPDqIMsad42PBxF1jF87lR5vFj4YyJrw3xDvV2ty04Mb-IRu4w97V_UvM7ogOvHWFDD1IXA6A-nXGki9YeNaUZ3yH_zFQJN5hSZPch_PdZvJhUhGyDZ4PfEPx2l3eQcgHt4mkKHqQQ-bEQ4zhppVhz9W5AmD5ygdgzoikE-78BUoC2inRmTXTI14cc/s812/Jekyll-Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="812" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YVtPDqIMsad42PBxF1jF87lR5vFj4YyJrw3xDvV2ty04Mb-IRu4w97V_UvM7ogOvHWFDD1IXA6A-nXGki9YeNaUZ3yH_zFQJN5hSZPch_PdZvJhUhGyDZ4PfEPx2l3eQcgHt4mkKHqQQ-bEQ4zhppVhz9W5AmD5ygdgzoikE-78BUoC2inRmTXTI14cc/w400-h188/Jekyll-Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div> STRANGE: Unsettling, unnerving, unusual.<div><br /></div><div> If you are looking for all of the above, to scare the bejesus out of you, or to just get in the Halloween mood head to North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach and catch a wonderfully crafted production of the Robert Louis Stevenson novella, “The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of Stevenson’s work, under the deft direction of Shana Wride with four actors transitioning back and forth from Hyde to Jekyll and back on Marty Burnett’s minimalist set is a thrilling ride as in the haunted House at Disneyland. This gothic tale as directed by Wride is about as perfect a seduction as you will see anywhere.</div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEjQGBTYs2CMc6Rh4FicQ_Impvb2G84S03TFo-veYBqNhtYmvvuYU3yNPbfiBQWetdWV61iQxzLhVdIdsa1N88QyjR9ReReYaSTt0FUZdZozN0FU3h6HqOduOu9vFSsmP9bWcde3sV8elPZkhJ8n23MojxUrypHkRkol5jJs5BL-iQwHpTIinU7YkLwgufva/s884/J_H_CAST_L-R__Jacob_Bruce__Ciarra_Stroud__Conner_Marx__Bruce_Turk__Katie_Mac_Nichol___Christopher_M__Williams_-_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="884" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGBTYs2CMc6Rh4FicQ_Impvb2G84S03TFo-veYBqNhtYmvvuYU3yNPbfiBQWetdWV61iQxzLhVdIdsa1N88QyjR9ReReYaSTt0FUZdZozN0FU3h6HqOduOu9vFSsmP9bWcde3sV8elPZkhJ8n23MojxUrypHkRkol5jJs5BL-iQwHpTIinU7YkLwgufva/w400-h266/J_H_CAST_L-R__Jacob_Bruce__Ciarra_Stroud__Conner_Marx__Bruce_Turk__Katie_Mac_Nichol___Christopher_M__Williams_-_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Jacob Bruce, Ciarra Stroud, Connor Marx, Bruce Turk, </td></tr></tbody></table> Kate MacNichol, Christopher M. Williams.<br /><br /></div><div>The battle over good vs. evil in the case of love, lust and horror plays itself out as the respected Dr. Henry Jekyll wrestles for the upper hand in trying to defeat and or hide the savage beast he has living within as his alter personality, Mr. Hyde goes astray, when he Jekyll,experiments with exotic and mind altering drugs after he finds he is able to bring out the more sinister side of himself. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the while the other personalities of Mr. Hyde are clever enough to move about under the cover of darkness mysteriously showing up whenever a crime, rape or murder happens. As Hyde is free to cause the sins for which Jekyll would be repulsed, the battle of who will win out gets more complicated for Jekyll. </div><div><br /></div><div>Using four different actors to show the different sides of Hyde is a great tool as all four playing Hyde are, in varying degrees of ready for prime time as his schizophrenic evil sides. They are pretty menacing looking as they glare, some with sinister smiles getting ready to pounce. By this time the lights are ready to go out on Jekyll. </div><div><br /></div><div>The more mysterious and criminal the happenings discovered around both men, the more finger pointing is directed at the respected Jekyll as he roamed the streets at night committing heinous acts of sex and murder, in the guise of Hyde, that in another life would have repelled him. </div><div><br /></div><div>After we meet the players, the story swiftly moves from the foggy London streets to Jekyll’s living quarters (identified only by a bright red door that is moved back and forth to the Drs. medical offices to the laboratories and back to the streets of London. </div><div><br /></div><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/AVvXsEgsmDNJTsKee0dEM8krd6byvbK-g6rw0WYvzQqQXHgCsTMTST5cpk7TLkdSginri-Rud9xi4vjLxmzj5owONAQiIWU7OXYgXy7YsW8IKgX8LayayUIWS6mOtkzzMo3e8HuXBpat9FkL1CnbWi2jPzpYDivVpCfk6HM1qdiA_ZsWdEji-ufxzvYuaL0HbNAQ/s1021/1426132709200948449.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1021" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmDNJTsKee0dEM8krd6byvbK-g6rw0WYvzQqQXHgCsTMTST5cpk7TLkdSginri-Rud9xi4vjLxmzj5owONAQiIWU7OXYgXy7YsW8IKgX8LayayUIWS6mOtkzzMo3e8HuXBpat9FkL1CnbWi2jPzpYDivVpCfk6HM1qdiA_ZsWdEji-ufxzvYuaL0HbNAQ/w400-h209/1426132709200948449.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruce Turk, Katie MacNichol, Conner Marx, Jacob Bruce </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In a series of vignettes we follow the comings and goings of Jekyll and Sir Danvers Carew, vying for the same woman, a not so innocent Elizabeth (Ciarra Stroud ). Her lifestyle as chamber maid and hotel clerk draws her to the younger looking, sexier and more sensuous Hyde showing us an edgier side than say what Jekyll thought it might be as he finds her in his travels. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jekyll still fears for her life and tries to stop Hyde from hurting her by stopping his experiments. Whenever she appears, nothing good follows. At this point, we are witness to the strange transformations of the good doctor as he spirals downward into an abyss he cannot ascend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stevenson’s novella is a classic read and was a success when it came out in 1885. Movies and stage adaptations, before Hatcher’s play, go more for the bizarre. Hatcher’s adaptation cuts to the quick and most directors, go for the fear and scare tactic especially when using different actors to show the many sides of evil; digging deeper into the heart of darkness. Welcome Shana!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEihjSj5aBqilQyebZ8y6jimenZflOZYpLosxEUDdIsLAIrHG8pZzqeJ5Y2a0myB7Wmd3lpA5_WfJb0w_8Wo5dwPvYXxTeuLuDgJn_UzTAhVyPu_KLCJS_a6H4DEFcg3lB5PG0DIuHOazXqlgEp1K9CByZ6p3WlSJywiWL8BRBUkYAsU7j-8fV5CTs2FEpF9/s830/J_H___Front_-_Bruce_Turk__Back_-_Conner_Marx_-_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="830" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjSj5aBqilQyebZ8y6jimenZflOZYpLosxEUDdIsLAIrHG8pZzqeJ5Y2a0myB7Wmd3lpA5_WfJb0w_8Wo5dwPvYXxTeuLuDgJn_UzTAhVyPu_KLCJS_a6H4DEFcg3lB5PG0DIuHOazXqlgEp1K9CByZ6p3WlSJywiWL8BRBUkYAsU7j-8fV5CTs2FEpF9/w400-h268/J_H___Front_-_Bruce_Turk__Back_-_Conner_Marx_-_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front: Bruce Turk with Connor Marx over his shoulder</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For the most part all six characters in the play Bruce Turk, Katie MacNichol, Connor Marx, Ciarra Stroud and Christopher M. Williams are probably the best sextet of actors San Diego and areas around Wride could gather to pull this off and without flaw.</div><div><br /></div><div>Played out on Burnett’s set with dim to dark looking lanterns arranged by lighting designer Matthew Novotny heart thumping sounding music (Melanie Chen Cole) and those look alike striped pants, check vest, walking sticks designed by Elisa Bonzoni oft times make it difficult to distinguish one from the other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Turk and Williams stand out as they embody the cunning Dr. Jekyll mocking and interrupting Carew (Jacob Bruce) at a lecture and showing off a superior self. But turn about is fair play when Bruces’ Carew secretly undoes Jekyll while pretending to be his friend. By this time, it’s pretty obvious to the audience that Jekyll cannot undo what he began.</div><div><br /></div><div><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/AVvXsEicdUoui5aph1BC2XCVZJe1vgkj2CiTDnmYdmk3f00uci5kLogbAdXwGJdh5mGeGwMRXyB1LvqGaOqjnH0JeI0tvRndL4LmfQdMBZFqQOrdJ6A3kgvnnH_4BVGRaYlHMN5P2rFHcA7KbMc7QJphCbYiLcv_U5v_K0B9qi3t5Ccai7DaZ7CojrDMti1bVjhyphenhyphen/s802/J_H___L-R__Conner_Marx__Jacob_Bruce___Katie_MacNichol_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="802" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdUoui5aph1BC2XCVZJe1vgkj2CiTDnmYdmk3f00uci5kLogbAdXwGJdh5mGeGwMRXyB1LvqGaOqjnH0JeI0tvRndL4LmfQdMBZFqQOrdJ6A3kgvnnH_4BVGRaYlHMN5P2rFHcA7KbMc7QJphCbYiLcv_U5v_K0B9qi3t5Ccai7DaZ7CojrDMti1bVjhyphenhyphen/w400-h266/J_H___L-R__Conner_Marx__Jacob_Bruce___Katie_MacNichol_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connor Marx, Jacob Bruce, Katie MacNichol</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Make a note, there is no dripping blood or gore to repulse, just the substitution of a dead pig to replace a corpse in the good doctors laboratory that we do not see, but for the most part, watching the good/evil play out in real time is a bit of a trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>You will have ample time to catch it before the door closes on the eerie show. Just outside the Red Door, and to wide audience appeal, J&H has been extended through Nov. 15. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll and M. Hyde" might be one of the best productions seen recently at NCR. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the show.</div><div>See you at the theatre.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday. Through Nov. 18 (plus 2 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15)</div><div>Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach</div><div>Photo: Aaron Rumley</div><div>Tickets: $49-$74</div><div>Phone: (858) 481-1055</div><div>Online: northcoastrep.org</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com06P4QGFHQ+R4-7.4703956 115.48775-35.780629436178842 80.3315 20.839838236178846 150.644tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-58625589556844570142023-10-17T15:51:00.001-07:002023-10-17T15:51:42.282-07:00 “Doubt: A Parable” One Excellent Production, No Doubt About It. <p> John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt: A Parable” is being mounted at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad through Oct 22. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_72MBIq5DNJEtLv9ZPXufdhRD-_6_eTR5PLl3B_4tZFsGH-ZNncdN1mqQPfcn5gF7jSaJ8rn-pXwIber0HWTnoPYOaUlmRaOrzNqFwahMSFSFhXCLNW_mr27nMwoQ1GfbyMujKvWPcNpIjQyKBZfQbxQOXSEacKPBeSmLpP3zCB8gLfBERk8QQ2wImmsw/s1075/378391407_1000535818027680_4928540004057657272_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="1075" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_72MBIq5DNJEtLv9ZPXufdhRD-_6_eTR5PLl3B_4tZFsGH-ZNncdN1mqQPfcn5gF7jSaJ8rn-pXwIber0HWTnoPYOaUlmRaOrzNqFwahMSFSFhXCLNW_mr27nMwoQ1GfbyMujKvWPcNpIjQyKBZfQbxQOXSEacKPBeSmLpP3zCB8gLfBERk8QQ2wImmsw/w400-h108/378391407_1000535818027680_4928540004057657272_n.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Shanley’s 1994 play was originally staged off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club and transferred to the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway in 1995. It ran for 525 performances. It takes us back to the 60’s when suspicions might have aroused a Sister Aloysius but for most of the ‘Good Old Boys Club’ it was a blip on the radar screen.<p></p><p>No doubt Shanley, whose lightweight yet entertaining screenplay “Moonstruck” was a success in movie theatres, still had a story to tell about the actions of the church and how we as a society handle. them. This is no lightweight show.</p><p>Today it’s difficult to put aside the facts of the late 90’s with their breaking news admissions, accusations, and in and out of court settlements regarding the rampant pedophilia and cover up within the Catholic Church.</p><p>The environment in which this culture was hatched leaves us no choice but to draw the same conclusions Sister Aloysius did, as the facts unfolded at St. Nicholas. After the fact however, there were doubts about many things. Do the ends justify the means in finding answers? You be the judge.</p><p></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/AVvXsEjj8cDrskd3cn2X94zuwVvVCLPQyf02koZfI5X8A5hFBKbEc2hHMQITaI7Fa5VBHflMpsiM4yOWPNVExgiWNPYQE7G-vJ7JFCP4QlP9H5mnniGj5_-9oSTEHI5bzmmO8TYAPDthYvgZc8PfbkYTIQPSH1Q_LnMqyngHbBINEqGnjlv2wS6xnHsMd6tPwzBh/s832/9413192266238825867.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="832" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8cDrskd3cn2X94zuwVvVCLPQyf02koZfI5X8A5hFBKbEc2hHMQITaI7Fa5VBHflMpsiM4yOWPNVExgiWNPYQE7G-vJ7JFCP4QlP9H5mnniGj5_-9oSTEHI5bzmmO8TYAPDthYvgZc8PfbkYTIQPSH1Q_LnMqyngHbBINEqGnjlv2wS6xnHsMd6tPwzBh/w400-h209/9413192266238825867.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juliana Scheding and Kym Pappas</td></tr></tbody></table><br />But Doubt is much more than a case to be made of a Priest’s actions and how it was handled by the Church’s hierarchy. It is more about our own doubts and our own beliefs, suspicions, tolerances and fears. Nothing, as they say, is all black and all white. And I imagine the discussions continue.<p></p><p>The play won the Pulitzer Prize, four Tony’s and the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play. It has since been made into a movie starring Meryl Streep. “Doubt: A Parable” starts off innocently enough. Father Brendan Flynn (Dr. AJ Knox)) is rehearsing his next sermon, “What do you do when you’re not sure, when you are lost, you are not alone.” he asks. It is about doubt and despair in which he concludes that when ‘One sees the truth, one does not doubt. When one veers off course, he is in doubt’.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEhcB4Hgf9ctIiiicbBmA_fc3NAagyxGvV7JqrLNIQwYgUTI5_XkLznSSIjrDI1BLLJzu8AViKuanZplKXPrftXyoCfrq3PXpNXRcKuO32egLOmNk48mf_w01TIXygdUDALZccn_Qv5YahZ8prslqk75skQ2j578fDH0owubk5iVw59RQICZ9fleaZ_0sjp-/s816/387836035_1017251229689472_3021588633223304394_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="816" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcB4Hgf9ctIiiicbBmA_fc3NAagyxGvV7JqrLNIQwYgUTI5_XkLznSSIjrDI1BLLJzu8AViKuanZplKXPrftXyoCfrq3PXpNXRcKuO32egLOmNk48mf_w01TIXygdUDALZccn_Qv5YahZ8prslqk75skQ2j578fDH0owubk5iVw59RQICZ9fleaZ_0sjp-/w400-h263/387836035_1017251229689472_3021588633223304394_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ Knox as Father Flynn</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This could be both good and bad. For Father Flynn’s reality, it is an omen. Later on, we see him as he prepares for another sermon on gossip, he is still upbeat and on target in the message of his sermon. That’s understandable in the wake of what’s to follow and the you know starts to hit the fan.<p></p><p>Father Flynn, the antagonist, is one of the younger, newer priests in the Parish and well -liked by the students and young Novices. He’s like one of them. He has a good sense of humor, is easily approachable, plays basketball and is ‘modern’ thinking.</p><p>On the opposite end of the spectrum is Sister Aloysius, the protagonist. She is of the ‘older school’; conservative, not much of a sense of humor that’s noticeable and does not believe in coddling the children. “Their (the teachers) first duty is to protect the children, it is not the ‘teaching sister’s’ place to be complacent.”</p><p>The piece takes off innocently enough when the young and inexperienced Sister James (Juliana Scheding) is brought into the picture. She is concerned about one of her students who went home with a nosebleed. Sister Aloysius who pooh pooh’s the whole nosebleed thing, asks her how their only African-American student Donald Muller is faring. Unbeknownst to Sister James, Sister Aloysius is no fan of Father Flynn. </p><p>With some pretty extensive posturing by Sister Aloysius about her suspicions of sexual misbehavior on the part of Father Flynn, she engages Sister James, a wide eyed believer in showing enthusiasm in her subject matter, (contrary to those of Sister Aloysius) in a plan or plot to ‘keep her eyes’ on Father Flynn and report back to her on any changes in Donald’s behavior. </p><p>Sister James had mentioned earlier that Father Flynn was seen taking Donald into the Rectory by himself after basketball practice. It seems that when he returned to class, she smelled alcohol on his breath. Afterwards, he sat back at his desk and rested his head on his arms in a disquieting way, she observed. More determined than ever to get to the bottom of the Father Flynn annoyance, Sister Aloysius’ determination to have his tenure terminated continues with a vengeance.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEgHtVvFJ6YkaFgBHtvHS1MiAYFl29slWsfju3xwSsrncGbcUvuyssip5zLLgcbJJDGc_JVDHeaZ3vM_VReBLpKN1j2OVkvab0yFLdHhjGjm18FDQZfC8fBTVhqb3k-93UWUkwdDw4bw4U5JElA-a38OL-Fqmn-Hpi9ZoQlqa9-_VHqXw-Q4jEMc1ZP3uj_V/s875/14155208137430020909.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="875" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtVvFJ6YkaFgBHtvHS1MiAYFl29slWsfju3xwSsrncGbcUvuyssip5zLLgcbJJDGc_JVDHeaZ3vM_VReBLpKN1j2OVkvab0yFLdHhjGjm18FDQZfC8fBTVhqb3k-93UWUkwdDw4bw4U5JElA-a38OL-Fqmn-Hpi9ZoQlqa9-_VHqXw-Q4jEMc1ZP3uj_V/w400-h209/14155208137430020909.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sister Aloysius has drawn the lines of battle in her quest to rid the school of Father Flynn for the good of the school and the children, but finds it difficult to get Sister James on board as she soon learns. When she calls the boy's mother (Sherrell M. Tyler) into the school and tells her of her suspicions, Mrs. Muller doesn’t want any part fingering Father Flynn either. She confesses that her son is ‘that way’ and she just wants him to finish out the school year at St. Nicholas so he can get into a good public high school. His father beats him, she says through tears, and he would ‘kill’ him if there were any trouble. .Tyler presents a pitiful, yet determined picture of a Mother Bear protecting her young. “At least Father Flynn takes an interest in the boy," she tells Sister Aloysius.<p></p><p>Under the deft direction of Kristianne Kurner and a Brava and steadfast performance by Kym Pappas as Sister Aloysius, her persona is in expert hands as shown with tough, determined and unwavering attitude, body language and actions. Pappas’ Sister Aloysius moves the play while she walks the rocky but determined road to prove herself right.</p><p>She is one who persists in finding the truth and follows her instincts to this regard despite the lonely effort and devastating effect on others. Pushing back is the one whose career and reputation is on the line. Father Flynn is desperate as he finally pulls the pecking order card on Sister Aloysius.</p><p>When Father Flynn, portrayed by a nuanced and beautifully portrayed Knox realizes he is the subject of Sister Aloysius’ suspicions, he at first brushes it off, then takes notes to remember their conversations and confrontations (he’s too flustered to remember, he laments) and then proceeds to compose his sermon on Intolerance.</p><p>He later enlists the support of Sister James, who herself has come under the scrutiny of her superior for being too involved in her passion, that of teaching history. “Be more formal and cannier; not so warm”, advises Sister Aloysius. Wavering somewhat, the more he makes his case to her the more she is swayed toward believing there was no wrong doing on his part.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEjkmHvm71BIkOVbk23bYOc2l1rirw1lMhP6pcJlMrxBOqK6e1s7QNtBmr6tdMz8L3eCaXrHE8iY6dniF47yUmUe9uIGm2wALMlfZQZjbLbr5Dr2acV4y46-vM-2jrkYv2YLm9tHp_g3Lcd8-CqsE0zne3-X3lKsUL1p_09bWbE1XD4PY3ITYWR_9e9dTtCc/s762/387049855_1017747209639874_6559638466926025609_n-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="658" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmHvm71BIkOVbk23bYOc2l1rirw1lMhP6pcJlMrxBOqK6e1s7QNtBmr6tdMz8L3eCaXrHE8iY6dniF47yUmUe9uIGm2wALMlfZQZjbLbr5Dr2acV4y46-vM-2jrkYv2YLm9tHp_g3Lcd8-CqsE0zne3-X3lKsUL1p_09bWbE1XD4PY3ITYWR_9e9dTtCc/w345-h400/387049855_1017747209639874_6559638466926025609_n-1.png" width="345" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherrell M. Tyler</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Scheding shows just the right amount of lightness, agony and compassion as her journey through this horrible ordeal causes her, in the end, to tell Sister Aloysius that she’s having trouble sleeping. To that end Sister Aloysius, despondent by angst responds, “Maybe we’re not supposed to sleep well”.<p></p><p>As for Knox, his is a tough road to walk. While mildly trying to convince both Sisters and the audience of his innocence there is an absence of any rash answer or persuasive behavior on his part to make us believe him even if we wanted to. Either Shanley didn’t give him much to build on or Knox just wasn’t giving anything away: smart move of course under Kerner’s direction.</p><p>True, he first defends his friendship with the young student as in helping out a troubled child, to then denying any wrong doing or guilt except to say there is an innocent explanation, to then cautioning Sister Aloysius that she has no right to act on her own and she is not following church policy, but it doesn’t cut the mustard. </p><p>One gets the clear impression, as our options grow slimmer of no wrongdoing, that he is in fact guilty of sexually molesting the child. </p><p>After Father Flynn leaves St. Nicholas, Sister Aloysius learns that he has not only been transferred out but given a promotion at another Church Parish School, and is in charge of the school. It is clear that she is beginning to doubt even her own convictions in her faith, her God and her religion as she grasps her cross and sobs into her sleeve. So, firm is her conviction that she must prevent other children from the likes of Father Flynn, she appears broken but determined. </p><p>From the beginning of her suspicions it appeared that Sister Aloysius was a troublemaker and wanted things left as they were. In her quest to destroy that calm, pleasant, modern figure, Father Flynn, she seemed mean spirited, spiteful, power positioning and uncharitable. But evidently, she saw and felt things no one else bothered to and dug and dug until he made his own move to be transferred or be forced to answer more questions. Was she right? Was there doubt?</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcw4DjbWMZ13lESaAGwOjKYbXtuwSCnwdjUbyCyXu91qO00f-SupBxmNPAuvVO1X1Vt_enBQKwFHBwvCQtYZjnR7bJ6UkrtPhpRrcYNZNrftAiChLun4glsju9qDkAT5lWS8lWv4hi7SIujnYKRBSn8ppwJE4eTWsHKk5rQd6Y4Hka8Ci2fNsY-VFS5Ae/s1026/391566563_7093831287336067_1271030372544811533_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcw4DjbWMZ13lESaAGwOjKYbXtuwSCnwdjUbyCyXu91qO00f-SupBxmNPAuvVO1X1Vt_enBQKwFHBwvCQtYZjnR7bJ6UkrtPhpRrcYNZNrftAiChLun4glsju9qDkAT5lWS8lWv4hi7SIujnYKRBSn8ppwJE4eTWsHKk5rQd6Y4Hka8Ci2fNsY-VFS5Ae/s320/391566563_7093831287336067_1271030372544811533_n.png" width="175" /></a></div><br />Somewhere one has to believe that there will always be a Sister Aloysius looking out for vulnerable children like the many whose stories broke our hearts as they were told to the public some years ago.<p></p><p>Shelby Thach’s designed the lighting focusing harshly on Sister Aloysius bringing out her no nonsense personality. Father Flynn was the only one whose dress (Kevane La’Marr Coleman) had any color. Christopher Scott Murillo designed set with three playing spaces defined by their use: the Pulpit (larger than life), Sister Aloysius’ office and an outside area where many decisions were made or confessed, Sound design; Marcus Rico with real crow like gawks which I also despise and props and assistant design Sofia Cassidy. </p><p>If you are interested in some real drama with a questionable outcome; one that you will find yourself in doubt more times than not, this is your play.</p><p><br /></p><p>Enjoy.</p><p><br /></p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Doubt When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Through Oct. 22.</p><p>Where: Conrad Prebys Theatre at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center, 2787 State St., Carlsbad</p><p>Tickets: $28-$48</p><p>Phone: (760) 433-3245</p><p>Photo: Jason Sullivan</p><p>Online: newvillagearts.org</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-78018344123496513232023-10-10T12:14:00.001-07:002023-10-10T12:20:35.012-07:00 A Ghoulish Romp With “The Addams Family “at San Diego Musical Theatre<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQoi91go2yKReGGmKhfUuyuUxmrYcdUqMvWrnrvwoI99r12UL244t_f5OKMTP8p6mZEuo4HQvHLl7MLGE3Ic5zJuCBI2IspGMnn8M2sX_dYx51MFu3fRgeEByrmjoZ2VWWWZi3UGr4cvC_n3kP8dzB0En-UgXM6qaV3tnE1pMar362FJnrQpB7elu68Aj/s762/72e0234a-dfb9-4c29-8957-4e010adb37ef_JPG.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="762" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQoi91go2yKReGGmKhfUuyuUxmrYcdUqMvWrnrvwoI99r12UL244t_f5OKMTP8p6mZEuo4HQvHLl7MLGE3Ic5zJuCBI2IspGMnn8M2sX_dYx51MFu3fRgeEByrmjoZ2VWWWZi3UGr4cvC_n3kP8dzB0En-UgXM6qaV3tnE1pMar362FJnrQpB7elu68Aj/s320/72e0234a-dfb9-4c29-8957-4e010adb37ef_JPG.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you’re looking for a fun theatrical treat, look no further than SDMT. “The Addams Family-A New Musical Comedy” is now playing through, well almost Halloween and how fitting)</p><p>Spending time with the Addams 'Family, Gomez, amazingly talented (Mauricio Mendoza) Morticia,his wife, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, and Grandma, and the zombie looking Lurch, the butler (Jackson Marcy) is a haunting, macabre -but one of a kind experience.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEjTVduvRwP4mMUr9TNM2gcNMbL822vljibp_oCQJF01P21wDTHBK4n5z_r_vvhOKYKHd49whPxzQZglSZ-BTGCh8_iGvllGt845siYIQgZ2jFnm6y_JAvbzreVo6ldxsDFl4Z6zsUrnrGsX-4X2PkdfyuvIFqLWZOSzCtq6YV8IQJ3QLyHu4hDxBAJ6PUSv/s861/Gomez-and-Morticia-1-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="861" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVduvRwP4mMUr9TNM2gcNMbL822vljibp_oCQJF01P21wDTHBK4n5z_r_vvhOKYKHd49whPxzQZglSZ-BTGCh8_iGvllGt845siYIQgZ2jFnm6y_JAvbzreVo6ldxsDFl4Z6zsUrnrGsX-4X2PkdfyuvIFqLWZOSzCtq6YV8IQJ3QLyHu4hDxBAJ6PUSv/w400-h266/Gomez-and-Morticia-1-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauricio Mendoza and Erica Marie Weisz</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You’re in for a goulash romp through Central Park and areas most don’t live to talk about; the crypts of The Addams Family ancestors. It does sound a bit weird, but I’m in uncharted territory here<p></p><p> “The Addams Family” with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa is based on the Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams’ cartoons, but the story that was Broadway bound is original.</p><p>In 1964 “The Addams Family” became a TV series and later a morning cartoon for the Sat. morning contingency of kids who tuned in to watch cartoons long before electronic devices over took their brains. In the ‘90’s several movies appeared on the big screen. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEikz-HmlVUVKBxIUvwsKYnxiqdtgoqsd7AcNTT08ZkomVVemBU7-ID33Qe84d6CsqVZQEFUp8kbLSm0lkZ3wvNx15uJuxNCT_slXM2IVviBJi1_yagD1O4I1j8SRy9GjPebLNlzVf3ZGNk_fHzBfyYmjChivi2R4JFBtnPR58nD7WYcq03RGb6_JaQXuXl9/s660/Addams_Family_1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="660" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz-HmlVUVKBxIUvwsKYnxiqdtgoqsd7AcNTT08ZkomVVemBU7-ID33Qe84d6CsqVZQEFUp8kbLSm0lkZ3wvNx15uJuxNCT_slXM2IVviBJi1_yagD1O4I1j8SRy9GjPebLNlzVf3ZGNk_fHzBfyYmjChivi2R4JFBtnPR58nD7WYcq03RGb6_JaQXuXl9/w400-h350/Addams_Family_1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(front) AJGange,( l to r)Debbie Nicastro, Lena Ceja, Ryan Burtanog <br /><br />Jackson Marcy (back row)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The story opens at the crypts of The Addams Family ancestors. Once a year they come out, so to speak, for a family reunion. This particular family visit didn’t end as well as expected for the ancestors. The gates of the crypts closed too soon leaving the dearly departed engaged in problem solving before the gates would open again for them.<p></p><p>Here’s the pitch: 18 -year -old Wednesday Addams (performed by the talented Lena Ceja) wants to host her boyfriend Lucas’ (Carson Marcy) from swing state Ohio) family for a meet and greet dinner party. It will be a first for the Addams’ to dine with ‘outsiders. No doubt it will be an eye opener for the Beineke’s, Mal and Alice (Ryan Fahey and Alexis Zimmerman).</p><p>At the gates, Uncle Fester (an amazingly talented and cuddly cute (if you can call him that- Ryan Burtanog) “The Moon and Me”, tells the ‘family’ that he needs their help with the ‘Wednesday problem’. They cannot return to their crypt until Wednesday and Lucas (Carson Inouye) are happily married. (“Festers Manifesto”)</p><p>It seems daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke a young man she met one night wandering about the park. It was love at first sight; pledges were made and a ring exchanged. They want to get married but her family has a few objections. As an outsider, there will be some getting used to well… a different way of being.</p><p></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/AVvXsEj54xaieYhcdh767gVEybbfpMDF55O6SeySAi9s4NZUyr5_hPjFhvbzFuE3iMxm2AwNiQPaFuH3InD4uFgItDGII4qt9MmXGDFeS45bAC5p-NH7cvrhaPOmGYeIr_c3l8xbNupgv3qBZT7QYdp3dK7ZOjhCbppuxIzmg88ZoKzny9bi9dvEkYN9AOXXknXO/s799/385306932_802226855244427_5247295075408111135_n-500x360.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="799" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54xaieYhcdh767gVEybbfpMDF55O6SeySAi9s4NZUyr5_hPjFhvbzFuE3iMxm2AwNiQPaFuH3InD4uFgItDGII4qt9MmXGDFeS45bAC5p-NH7cvrhaPOmGYeIr_c3l8xbNupgv3qBZT7QYdp3dK7ZOjhCbppuxIzmg88ZoKzny9bi9dvEkYN9AOXXknXO/w400-h288/385306932_802226855244427_5247295075408111135_n-500x360.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A.J. Gange, Lena Ceja (center) Erica marie Weisz with ancestors</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On the other hand, love has transformed Wednesday from black sack to bright and happy; from all black to bright yellow, (the talented Chong Mi Land designed the costumes) a color her mother, Morticia, cannot, absolutely cannot abide But her biggest problem is telling her mother that she wants the family to invite the Beineke family to dinner for a ‘meet and greet’. <p></p><p>All hell breaks loose when Mom Morticia ( the beautifully talented and fun loving Erica Marie Weisz) hears about the invite and dinner. She’ll reluctantly go along, but for a little revenge for not being kept in the loop, decides to play the “Full Disclosure” game with the new in-laws. (“Full Disclosure”</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEjW0v1oAEpwhm9j51Xw-ErK7uI5vV5XawKyIk9kSd1ccwnG1hJDHRy8TuzOw3q4-C1aSJfyznwL6uohQoJ23yvbeAh_DGEzpkh_BmpDfpjVg9hoBFYEQJOtA7Z9R3Apb2d7_n8F3cV0rlRnVJVFJs0CwelTJh48hOnvOewv_8wueKjAx-v3PDf2W25It7Tb/s810/Wednesday-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="810" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0v1oAEpwhm9j51Xw-ErK7uI5vV5XawKyIk9kSd1ccwnG1hJDHRy8TuzOw3q4-C1aSJfyznwL6uohQoJ23yvbeAh_DGEzpkh_BmpDfpjVg9hoBFYEQJOtA7Z9R3Apb2d7_n8F3cV0rlRnVJVFJs0CwelTJh48hOnvOewv_8wueKjAx-v3PDf2W25It7Tb/w400-h266/Wednesday-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lena Ceja </td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the meantime, mischief making son and brother Pugsley, (A. J. Gange) steals Grandma’s (Debbie Nicastro) magical truth potions ‘that will bring out someone’s dark nature’. At the dinner it was intended it for Wednesday but it ended up being downed by Alice Beineke (a deliciously hysterical and physically adept and with an operatic voice to die for Zimmerman, who just about stole that entire scene. And she does!<p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEjZp07pl74cfFwd11_KSEyeWAjsPAiuaYWbrNIiGDfk0Ds1A2c5uRlJb1v16KvVofEkI29caugJLSweDnp7phX8PrLv6U3YyAFe949gdCMPKEqSdUJdyZgotyn6eM6XgyEnJkNuWtpJbYO6HkKri-jj9Dru-_gZllnrKA_-i8QwGy-bUDpUZUTYLFY7vsjz/s766/386316913_802227461911033_7889137510018281577_n-500x464.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="766" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp07pl74cfFwd11_KSEyeWAjsPAiuaYWbrNIiGDfk0Ds1A2c5uRlJb1v16KvVofEkI29caugJLSweDnp7phX8PrLv6U3YyAFe949gdCMPKEqSdUJdyZgotyn6eM6XgyEnJkNuWtpJbYO6HkKri-jj9Dru-_gZllnrKA_-i8QwGy-bUDpUZUTYLFY7vsjz/w400-h371/386316913_802227461911033_7889137510018281577_n-500x464.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauricio Mendoza (center) with Lurch and ancestors</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Director Carlos Mendoza (yes his brother is Mauricio) and a sterling cast bring out the best there is with their collective talent to elevate a kooky romp in the park to a rather pleasant spell of charming but eerie entertainment. <p></p><p>Mendoza ( Mauricio) and Ms. Weisz are a natural together. There is a chemistry between the two that ignites when he is trying to calm mother and daughter who do not agree on much, to get along. As both singer, dancer, and dead pan (pardon the pun) comic, his talents spill over as the very concerned and caring father while trying to cope with his suspicious and curious wife. (“Trapped” </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEj95TVszkMat9KeuyWOSEC2An4xYdsSLjaIAwQWyICzDnLc14VzECCL7tZBxNzHGRSwANvFyMkc-1rNeCqoECL58zxHz10YAfMrIJMFUy55vvdu5KRZ2bIzcQsw_CkmdHLCA-ZdhrolM36aGUylAKAZVk_3d209TzSkMmpMzXFkz7Ovl6bnVuvKKp3gHGUd/s802/Alice-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="802" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95TVszkMat9KeuyWOSEC2An4xYdsSLjaIAwQWyICzDnLc14VzECCL7tZBxNzHGRSwANvFyMkc-1rNeCqoECL58zxHz10YAfMrIJMFUy55vvdu5KRZ2bIzcQsw_CkmdHLCA-ZdhrolM36aGUylAKAZVk_3d209TzSkMmpMzXFkz7Ovl6bnVuvKKp3gHGUd/w400-h266/Alice-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexis Zimmerman</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Their famous tango “Tango de Amor” is one of the many happy surprises along with their “Let’s Live Before We Die” as the two make plans to travel the sewers of Paris. Yup. There’s that too. <p></p><p>As for the stunning in all black talented and sexy Ms.Weisz, her musical pipes and characterization of Morticia are as comical as they are subtle and graceful. (“Just Around The Corner”) </p><p>In comparison, the other Mom, Alice is an uptight and disappointed in her life wife who goes bonkers after she downs the ‘magic secret cocktail revealing secrets of the other half of her up tight husband who is, pardon the expression, mortified by her outbursts. Ryan Fahey, the outsider, with an underwritten character, who has forgotten how to be a caring human being finally gets with the program. </p><p>As for the ancestor’s ensemble, one couldn’t ask for a more talented group. They sing and dance (Aaron Pomeroy choreographs and how about a ‘Bunny Hop’?) and pose like Greek statues on platforms. </p><p>Once again Chong Mi Land shines with the all shades of grey fitted costumes that actually take on the look of granite. Mathys Herbert designed the sets, Michelle Miles, the lighting, Brandon Boomizad sound and Richard Dueñez Morrison, Music director and just a suggestion… lower the volume please.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEghe2Xi7ifOLrrL66rIJoa7Z0-5cvxoQyv2i5Z5HOb5cjf-QG5UWiGar0acU9P620RWqL2deEK_d-1L4-KGE2N8jjFOy3-9mG1P6MmgJ_Q28v8uVizMnNuKsZk1t920frdfcuzB4KAoiUWotP4xnV2t_BnCmqxbXeT3uc_Rwd43vYm8KnT8vBzfC0hyJaQt/s858/Wednesday-and-Pugsley-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="858" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe2Xi7ifOLrrL66rIJoa7Z0-5cvxoQyv2i5Z5HOb5cjf-QG5UWiGar0acU9P620RWqL2deEK_d-1L4-KGE2N8jjFOy3-9mG1P6MmgJ_Q28v8uVizMnNuKsZk1t920frdfcuzB4KAoiUWotP4xnV2t_BnCmqxbXeT3uc_Rwd43vYm8KnT8vBzfC0hyJaQt/w400-h266/Wednesday-and-Pugsley-PC-Heather-Longfellow-500x333.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lena Ceja and A.J. Grange</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <span style="text-align: left;">Guessing from the audience participation the day I attended, most were familiar with the overture from the TV theme. They were right in there snapping their fingers and swaying back and forth as the music started.</span></div><p></p><p>If you like ghoulish, you will love this show; it’s just this side of the macabre, but not to fear, it’s so morbidly funny you just might want to see it for a second time if but to believe your eyes. And if you are looking for a free liftoff to the moon get in touch with Uncle Fester “The Moon and Me”. </p><p>See you at the theatre. </p><p><br /></p><p>The Addams Family</p><p>San Diego Musical Theatre</p><p>4650 Mercury Street in San Diego (Kearny Mesa)</p><p>Wed & Thurs at 7; Fri at 8; Sat at 3; Sun at 2</p><p>ends on Oct 29, 2023</p><p>for tickets, call 858.560.5740 or visit SDMT</p><p>photos by Heather Longfellow</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-40623565854101085662023-09-12T09:49:00.001-07:002023-09-12T09:49:58.933-07:00 Cygnet’s “Evita” Another Feather In Sean Murray’s Cap.<div>“Evita”,with an unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and clever lyrics by Tim Rice. is one of those oldies but goodies that has laged beautifully over the years starting out first as a Rock Opera concept album and in 1976 led to London’s West End where it picked up the Laurence Olivier Award for best musical. Some of the unforgettable numbers include Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Oh What a Circus,” and “You Must Love Me.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Hat's off to Murray for bringing this innovative incarnation to us.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><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/AVvXsEgGWVINASEj6ABgZEQCqWpFjamksXTITCkv-0Tns5aW-qPniGub80NAZoqFIqOi723vfatzAABYQtiKMV30x8J8mAFYlsx4QHOuIa9idhf-FytmK5NXDj1mBOYvWb5kxXpm9LLLjdXhnuJl384Y12DxHj8uPJ-F29Ifbb0TwjvyN3Wv-91xcWG4_gSV_vji/s785/KarliCadel-Cygnet-Evita-FinalDress-3773-scaledBerto-Fernandez-Ariella-Kvashny.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="785" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWVINASEj6ABgZEQCqWpFjamksXTITCkv-0Tns5aW-qPniGub80NAZoqFIqOi723vfatzAABYQtiKMV30x8J8mAFYlsx4QHOuIa9idhf-FytmK5NXDj1mBOYvWb5kxXpm9LLLjdXhnuJl384Y12DxHj8uPJ-F29Ifbb0TwjvyN3Wv-91xcWG4_gSV_vji/w400-h266/KarliCadel-Cygnet-Evita-FinalDress-3773-scaledBerto-Fernandez-Ariella-Kvashny.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berto Fernández, Ariella Kvashny</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In his notes, Artistic Director and director of Cygnet’s current production, of “Evita”, Sean Murray points out that ‘there are two sides to this character called Eva Peron. Some remember her as a saint , others remember her as a destructive force’. Your call.</p><p>Just as a recap, the story follows the wayward Eva Duarte (Ariella Kvashny) whose soprano voice was a bit too piercing for yours truly, from her poor as church mice beginnings to her ultimate pie in the sky position as first lady of Argentina. Along the way she ruthlessly pushes ahead with her agenda first as the paramour of Tango singer Magaldi (Matthew Malecki Martinez) “On This Night of a Thousand Stars” and “Eva Beware of the City”) as he follows his warbled career to Buenos Aries. There she makes the case for herself with several men she thinks will improve her status. (“Goodnight and Thank You”) </p><p></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/AVvXsEiiOjOmisYjtkiujijsHIqgijgRjTPReQXa5MB42Uhk7oxtMu-pfPxiYkn-B1aHFBrYi5J7uNxZLYq_S4Hm8nvBFjp2sDCbOfNl9uVEBq4JHQS-4Az-ro6OUMovMy3Ra5_fmJUvJ31zSO1VjTAoMF4Vt2DT6FaiOnpxi8gBapZw388pbRmUxkSale7huAtr/s741/366979461_695870769249143_8457855073682633504_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="741" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOjOmisYjtkiujijsHIqgijgRjTPReQXa5MB42Uhk7oxtMu-pfPxiYkn-B1aHFBrYi5J7uNxZLYq_S4Hm8nvBFjp2sDCbOfNl9uVEBq4JHQS-4Az-ro6OUMovMy3Ra5_fmJUvJ31zSO1VjTAoMF4Vt2DT6FaiOnpxi8gBapZw388pbRmUxkSale7huAtr/w400-h394/366979461_695870769249143_8457855073682633504_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew Malecki Martinez and cast of Evita</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Once in the ‘city’ she climbs the social ladder first as an actress, then a radio celebrity where she manages to be present at many of the high society events that would ultimate bring her face to face with the up and coming general, Juan Peróne. (Berto Fernández played somewhat as a weak leader not the oft time thug he known to be). She manages to get rid of all of his (sleepover’s) “Another Suitcase In Another Hall” clearing the position for herself. And Vanessa Orozco, as Peron’s discarded mistress, gives a lovely and heart rendering vocal performance of “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.” <p></p><p>Along the way his career takes off as she rallies the working class that in turn elevates him to President. (“The Art of the Possible”, “I’d Be Surprisingly Good For You” and “A New Argentina”).</p><p>And so it went until she finally became First Lady, established her own fundraising charities, became a saint, a princess, a star in the eyes of the populace (“High Flying Adored”). She toured Europe in what was referred to as her Rainbow Tour. (“Rainbow High”, “Santa Evita”) She was greeted with awe in the beginning, but her fame started to wane when the Pope shunned her, she was snubbed in England and her health took a turn for the worse. She died at age 33 from ovarian cancer.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEgB4ROm2Q7nh7eRsugBRbU4CIJ6Tryw1ThYkKIpfzOn5kH4FiGwlNv1wbtkzkgee2a141_1qiN6AbZsyymCtEVKETgYB8I2N2rBDIvh8lUQ4Bv9Q3v4cpXRLFMUKuOBQuSDvB20ojpxf5lAxjT-Q8daSNIoCFjRa3ewbgnMAp3Lv8yakhH4HrOoG9vBblkK/s749/367004365_695870779249142_3298198558216399937_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="749" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4ROm2Q7nh7eRsugBRbU4CIJ6Tryw1ThYkKIpfzOn5kH4FiGwlNv1wbtkzkgee2a141_1qiN6AbZsyymCtEVKETgYB8I2N2rBDIvh8lUQ4Bv9Q3v4cpXRLFMUKuOBQuSDvB20ojpxf5lAxjT-Q8daSNIoCFjRa3ewbgnMAp3Lv8yakhH4HrOoG9vBblkK/w400-h275/367004365_695870779249142_3298198558216399937_n.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A.J. Mendoza, Cast of Evita</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On the dark side of the coin, narrating, was Ché Guevara, outspoken critic of Evita. A Marxist revolutionary, guerrilla leader, diplomat and military theorist. Usually dressed in Army garb, costumer Zoe Trautmann chose to dress A.J. Mendoza (Che) in casual clothes as he moved around the theatre narrating the story.<p></p><p>Complete with actual film clips (Blake McCarty) of the then Eva Peron, the production brings the audience up close and personal watching history unfold. </p><p>I must admit that I love the score of “Evita” and this particular rendition was sung and danced throughout oft times in Spanish and oft in Engligh by a mostly Latinx cast. The dancing under choreographer Carlos Mendoza is some of the best yet. Between ballet ,ballroom, tango, and every movement in between was a feast for the eyes. </p><p>With musical direction by Patrick Marion and a six piece orchestra backstage the 22 or so musical numbers just flowed from my collected memory with nary a missed beat from the cast.</p><p>Back home in Argentina (“Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”) she was the most loved, and admired woman in all of South America. It made no difference what she did, her followers never lost faith in her.</p><p>At the time of her untimely death, Argentina was a bankrupt country pretty much the condition she found it when she arrived there, but she always looked like a million dollars. </p><p>Amanda Zieve designed lighting, Evan Eason designed sound, Mathys Herbert the simple, well marked set, Peter Hermann, wigs. Overall, tou won't want to miss this "Evita".Murray couldn't have done a finer job than he did with this Weber/Rice musical "Evita". </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Extended through Oct. 1st.</p><p>Where: Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town State Historic Park</p><p>Tickets: $37 and up </p><div>Photo: Karli Cadel Photography</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpfm3MbHwfh37du26beMMp3DI225R9QFb4md3WOLLQ8E3AtgiyYaHzqbQY73RRhDKSyzTVy-m_zBk-X2InDHLjdYrryY3aRYgn66VONDkcMaYv4wVmsX8Fyb7YN3cG0WUyNHkL9iwY92wofikiAlfgGcW17Io8xGWip1js7S7P7tIQ2-8yyydwVc3Q2fy/s843/Evita-poster3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="791" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpfm3MbHwfh37du26beMMp3DI225R9QFb4md3WOLLQ8E3AtgiyYaHzqbQY73RRhDKSyzTVy-m_zBk-X2InDHLjdYrryY3aRYgn66VONDkcMaYv4wVmsX8Fyb7YN3cG0WUyNHkL9iwY92wofikiAlfgGcW17Io8xGWip1js7S7P7tIQ2-8yyydwVc3Q2fy/w376-h400/Evita-poster3.png" width="376" /></a></div><br />Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-74630613201911802722023-09-10T10:26:00.000-07:002023-09-10T10:26:51.808-07:00 COME TO THE GLITTERY, GLAMEROURS “CABARET” NOW IN A RESTRUCTURED PRODUCTION AT THE OLD GLOBE<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEhvhV-3xJthnT3IHt14xsaoUIKpoGWaTyLkqk2xPmaGxoPGWR7dd2R2NC5kzubOQ7Hc1lvMtcsZquACed1LBZmrqqRrZZULLEvZLvD1yFhORAN0B9DRaftBAcdklAq1yCn_XeesozdGQBy-Q03dP8eQmCYqbh00P8dLnReCSROJUKCvwrkb-IT3FABqf7Ph/s869/356638947_23857312249930047_6041149131100985995_n.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhV-3xJthnT3IHt14xsaoUIKpoGWaTyLkqk2xPmaGxoPGWR7dd2R2NC5kzubOQ7Hc1lvMtcsZquACed1LBZmrqqRrZZULLEvZLvD1yFhORAN0B9DRaftBAcdklAq1yCn_XeesozdGQBy-Q03dP8eQmCYqbh00P8dLnReCSROJUKCvwrkb-IT3FABqf7Ph/w398-h400/356638947_23857312249930047_6041149131100985995_n.png" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast and Emcee Kit Kat Klub</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With anti-Semitism on the rise across the country and especially in San Diego and particularly right in my neighborhood, any time is a good time to brush off the pages of the 1966 Kander and Ebb musical that, in its originality, subtly draws us in to 1931 Berlin on the eve of the Nazis’ rise to power. <p></p><p>Here we find ourselves in the famous or infamous Kit Kat Klub where sitting alone in your room is no substitute for watching the Kit Kat Girls and Boys and dance, gyrate and ‘entertain. </p><p>Deftly directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes this incarnation was imported from Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. It is based on the play by John Van Druten with stories by Christopher Isherwood</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/AVvXsEhqKgTNiox6wpcrrkyFdc341GYPhOyI-NR5TA31B4uZOqxebyyib9zBp5GRHvGbqnSpiC4pKKpe1acktGzzvBSxDg7dYEBhSk6VF7nVOa0zbYutdGW_hlT0W210NOd9Y6mQpCnXxgMTrILkP9thpf0q7wwd_V32lIiZ7_QcoNjLnPkl76c-stitqKTqDo9j/s864/0f5b32c079084f099c2dc19bcb11068e.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKgTNiox6wpcrrkyFdc341GYPhOyI-NR5TA31B4uZOqxebyyib9zBp5GRHvGbqnSpiC4pKKpe1acktGzzvBSxDg7dYEBhSk6VF7nVOa0zbYutdGW_hlT0W210NOd9Y6mQpCnXxgMTrILkP9thpf0q7wwd_V32lIiZ7_QcoNjLnPkl76c-stitqKTqDo9j/w266-h400/0f5b32c079084f099c2dc19bcb11068e.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanna A. Jones and Alan Chandler</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>(“There was a Cabaret and there was a master of ceremonies…and there was a city called Berlin in a country called Germany…and I was dancing with Sally Bowles and we were both fast asleep…)</p><p>This reviewer has never seen a “Cabaret” as this one. I was blown away by the big glitzy art deco production numbers designed by Tijana Bjelajac and told to us by Master of Ceremonies (originally Joel Grey) Lincoln Clauss who is one talented individual. That said, it took some time for the stories between Cliff and Sally, and Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schmitt to come into focus. It seemed as if the production moved from one big production number to another with bits and pieces of story as side lines.</p><p>Most of us who have seen the show in the past, remember it as the story of the ever optimistic, oft times eccentric dancer in the Kit Kat Klub, Sally Bowles (Joanna A. Jones) and her off and on roommate. American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Alan Chandler) who are forced to share a room in the over crowded rooming house belonging to Fräulein Schneider’s (Kelly Lester). because no one had any money. Other occupants are a bit shadier, but in Berlin all that we see is not what is.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEhFJkE6pykxdtYi3kmCV-rxH38OVLk1kBlo8hL6rcCvQR2IkvhkSBPmUlEKPhlBgJc1bmkbpYEV_3qtB5ynvzYbxeEinLliDlmPhTUcleAp6BMUSGCBHSC5F2Efpejt0FRtCIWrtEstpT-ZawX77vz19DqcMuupBKrA4EL6Nqto89MRjNsOOwiwYkDqRBav/s945/f61d44b28b5a444b806f44743f1c8f30.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="607" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJkE6pykxdtYi3kmCV-rxH38OVLk1kBlo8hL6rcCvQR2IkvhkSBPmUlEKPhlBgJc1bmkbpYEV_3qtB5ynvzYbxeEinLliDlmPhTUcleAp6BMUSGCBHSC5F2Efpejt0FRtCIWrtEstpT-ZawX77vz19DqcMuupBKrA4EL6Nqto89MRjNsOOwiwYkDqRBav/w258-h400/f61d44b28b5a444b806f44743f1c8f30.png" width="258" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanna A. Jones</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And as for Sally, who had her own past to deal with is like a time bomb with her on and off love for Cliff and thrives on everything decadent in Germany. Then there is Cliff who sees what’s happening but is blindsided laundering money for the Germans. Joanna J. Jones has one of the smoothest and most velvet of voices (“Maybe This Time”), <div><br /></div><div>Most of the characters are steeped in an undercurrent of political adversity as Fräulein Schneider’s romantic admirer is Jewish fruit stand owner, Herr Schultz (Bruce Sabath) who considers himself a German first and a Jew second. Need I say more. <p></p><p>And when the Emcee comes out singing “If You Could See Her Through My Eyes” I was just as offended by the gorilla as I was the pig version. Just a thought. </p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEj03MYb3nWLw9KmStgZAmz8QW3oVZV5KAKPXwgtn5QreNjNv5-t9PEDoJH87TdcfAH6s4mD6H_3zo4RE55h50lNrMbOyrQyHf-DB-KWVZfPk4JWmY9yAsITyWjxwN_d5pUHsBaY5DMhYGaMnJnOTqwf8VIO4K4bxmHgE9EmEf8yxdHjpNCETEqZ0P1gmItn/s714/1a509e50f6b04acc98a21e58f8b6a74c.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="714" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03MYb3nWLw9KmStgZAmz8QW3oVZV5KAKPXwgtn5QreNjNv5-t9PEDoJH87TdcfAH6s4mD6H_3zo4RE55h50lNrMbOyrQyHf-DB-KWVZfPk4JWmY9yAsITyWjxwN_d5pUHsBaY5DMhYGaMnJnOTqwf8VIO4K4bxmHgE9EmEf8yxdHjpNCETEqZ0P1gmItn/w400-h306/1a509e50f6b04acc98a21e58f8b6a74c.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lincoln Clauss, Emcee</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even as the Germans make their presence known and the Emcee is wearing a long black coat similar to the Nazis’, things at the boarding house between Schultz and Fräulein Schneider (“What Would You Do”?) begin to take its toll as the tide suddenly turns and those thought friendly are now wearing the Red and Black arm bands and all join in “Tomorrow Belongs to Me”. <p></p><p>Alejo Vietti designed the costumes, once again with the subtilty of those in Brown suits and Cory Pattak the lighting design, Paul Vaillancourt (co lighting), Haley Parcher sound design, Rachel Flesher flight director. </p><p> I can’t recall how many versions of Cabaret” I’ve seen (I even saw a production of “Cabaret Verboten” and a production of “Cabaret” on the the Harvard campus on a visit to Boston years ago) and it never ceases to hit a nerve of fear in me as my country seems, like Sally, to not understand the dangers we are in. </p><p>Hat's off to the Old Gobe.</p><p></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/AVvXsEhEaY98pEnqN3giOeLJ8WuV6W4hY04VUQbGQXgT50JRSw4khBt0u2RGeKcWYIfu0JoDA6UDiUOJe93nPt5s2H-ywDQaSw4HXOkuK35ag6Dwe4Il580DRCqh0ARArLsoKaiGDS1ggY-U5sTO9PY_sZ5pMObuWJutuLjpOguksf9geUHrj5c4sCMRtJXVCOy-/s809/75.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="809" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaY98pEnqN3giOeLJ8WuV6W4hY04VUQbGQXgT50JRSw4khBt0u2RGeKcWYIfu0JoDA6UDiUOJe93nPt5s2H-ywDQaSw4HXOkuK35ag6Dwe4Il580DRCqh0ARArLsoKaiGDS1ggY-U5sTO9PY_sZ5pMObuWJutuLjpOguksf9geUHrj5c4sCMRtJXVCOy-/w400-h266/75.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast </td></tr></tbody></table><br />“Put down the knitting, the book, and the broom” and head to the CABARET. You won’t regret it.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>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 Oct. 8.</p><p>Where: Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park</p><p>Tickets: $52 and up</p><p>Phone: (619) 234-5623</p><p>Photo: Jim Cox</p><p>Online: theoldglobe.org</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-57863364178923304202023-06-21T15:45:00.003-07:002023-06-21T15:50:27.156-07:00 SHARON WHO? CYGNET’S LATEST MYSTERY OR “WHO THE F**CK IS SHARON” <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YGwNnqihx0edLHjhlg8p_Nb78VS8zANGKbzHgCM4B7eZKPHouEoSLqYnNHE6nEQcG6PgO-KPScaGI9EjuCaWdpVFcCnnDGfeRf23Fn2KydvF_VSEvWZPM16ANJx7NoxT70PtdHmk5XzilKMVsmGfpUBd3TykVASjuoD6yhrxhGI_yDa4IsoFiYaPT3SR/s757/Sharon-poster.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YGwNnqihx0edLHjhlg8p_Nb78VS8zANGKbzHgCM4B7eZKPHouEoSLqYnNHE6nEQcG6PgO-KPScaGI9EjuCaWdpVFcCnnDGfeRf23Fn2KydvF_VSEvWZPM16ANJx7NoxT70PtdHmk5XzilKMVsmGfpUBd3TykVASjuoD6yhrxhGI_yDa4IsoFiYaPT3SR/w288-h320/Sharon-poster.png" width="288" /></a></div><br /> There’s a mystery brewing in and around Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Everyone seems to be looking for Sharon. Well, there’s a Sharon living in a rundown apartment building inside the theatre. Sharon (Deanna Driscoll) lives there with her son Jake (Rafael Goldstein). At least that’s the talk. When we meet up with Jake, he’s painting one of the walls in the apartment. There’s a clue in there that something’s not right. Jake keeps painting the same wall over and over again, never getting past it. <p></p><p>In case you were wondering, Keiko Green, who penned ”Exotic Deadly: or The MSG Play” seen recently at The Old Globe, has a new world premiere out and it’s about Sharon and she is somewhere in the theatre. Rob Lutfy directs with I’m sure, a gleeful eye and a taste for the over the top. Pardon, it’s quite loud!</p><p></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/AVvXsEh3d4c1OyBHlTQl6kECPlpRhIVLjqR9feKXQFaaaIFd1E-5YduYPoX8eJvIlTpjAlujESq2cNPbv-Zs5MtVRVk7V8pCpg_-D6zq1rt8V2CgnKatwb6YjbGmgiH6FlbKxRSA2Rlzhsxf1ax82RNKhjkhdOsj37tnG_l5eecH60xKYRs9AnMIgcLFf4Y5-Lvh/s822/ca-times_brightspotcdn.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="822" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d4c1OyBHlTQl6kECPlpRhIVLjqR9feKXQFaaaIFd1E-5YduYPoX8eJvIlTpjAlujESq2cNPbv-Zs5MtVRVk7V8pCpg_-D6zq1rt8V2CgnKatwb6YjbGmgiH6FlbKxRSA2Rlzhsxf1ax82RNKhjkhdOsj37tnG_l5eecH60xKYRs9AnMIgcLFf4Y5-Lvh/w400-h265/ca-times_brightspotcdn.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deanna Driscoll and Rafael Goldstein</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In an interview, Green said that she was inspired to write about Sharon and Jake after she got fed up watching stories about ‘rich New Yorkers’. During the pandemic, and feeling claustrophobic in what seemed like a dead industry and being in the same room day after day…’I decided to write a play about people who were poor, who were scraping by, and left behind by Seattle’s (Everett, Wash) best…and to top it off were in a transactional relationship.’ All this happens in 2 plus hours. But don’t bother looking at your watch. The scenes move back and forth too quickly and you might miss a hint or two of what’s really going on.<p></p><p>Former San Diegan, Driscoll (excellent as Sharon) came down from the Bay Area, her new digs, just to do this play. “I have a tendency,” she says, “to play mothers who are not mentally healthy. I even asked my own child ‘This isn’t, like, art imitating life, is it?” Could it be that simple? If so, she’s damn good at it. And as for Rafael Goldstein’s Jake, it’s like a match made in heaven. Without revealing too much, both mother and son have familiarity about their relationship, but yet, a hesitancy, a question mark that makes you want answers.</p><p></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/AVvXsEgk9Pm_TuwOJq6nPGuiVyw4qa2nPVFaAUB4RdreSSvfV4hyMK6IDuz1BCyXN9Sm0ZTXisxueUZL4i6WPTzAM3GNzfI2-5SC07vIJDxTQiey0LScaT-_wCvAuyfrsjDTjO5ue5-Ny10k-ioNibRQs1b-ITBwQrOOwRg-K-KxDTANVFwCTi_S9J83ExdbZfPR/s841/KarliCadel_Cygnet_Sharon_FinalDress_5323-scaled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="841" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9Pm_TuwOJq6nPGuiVyw4qa2nPVFaAUB4RdreSSvfV4hyMK6IDuz1BCyXN9Sm0ZTXisxueUZL4i6WPTzAM3GNzfI2-5SC07vIJDxTQiey0LScaT-_wCvAuyfrsjDTjO5ue5-Ny10k-ioNibRQs1b-ITBwQrOOwRg-K-KxDTANVFwCTi_S9J83ExdbZfPR/w400-h266/KarliCadel_Cygnet_Sharon_FinalDress_5323-scaled.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deanna Driscoll and Keiko Green</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Jake works in a supermarket called Jackson’s. Every night he brings groceries home. When we first meet up with him, nothing has changed; he’s carrying a bag full of groceries. One of his co workers is Tina (Keiko Green). She is at the information table. She has a bit of a crush on him, and he on her. In fact, all of Jakes acquaintances seem to be drawn to him. <p></p><p>Various people come and go into and out of the lives of Sharon and Jake. There is a social worker Sabrina, (Kat Peña)who seems to have a huge file on Sharon, but Sharon never shows up for her appointments. </p><p>Then Sharon takes Jake to the bank for a loan on the apartment building (that has been in the family for generations) because of a fire. Convincing him of that is a sight to see. Gregg (M.J. Sieber) is the questionable banker who later shows up for diner at Jake and Sharon’s for some homemade chicken parmesan and salad while trying to convince each other why they are all at Sharon’s dinner table. </p><p></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/AVvXsEiCe-A3Rdo8tkzBufZ2bqBxgx7lM2uYSdKkqWkism2-Mb_SgwHvUmLQZROy4QNX6_aZGIgUNiU_NXlQnThri32d8yuenaODcqTbS4BbPdkUMJ9U2J1Z7_CXbNseFUqGihGjtqF3pfxwwOc_PBd8yYtu4CJnsX68veKjR_Qv0MxKO7LdYkexKauUP9bz9X2p/s844/KarliCadel_Cygnet_Sharon_FinalDress_5837-scaled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="844" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCe-A3Rdo8tkzBufZ2bqBxgx7lM2uYSdKkqWkism2-Mb_SgwHvUmLQZROy4QNX6_aZGIgUNiU_NXlQnThri32d8yuenaODcqTbS4BbPdkUMJ9U2J1Z7_CXbNseFUqGihGjtqF3pfxwwOc_PBd8yYtu4CJnsX68veKjR_Qv0MxKO7LdYkexKauUP9bz9X2p/w400-h266/KarliCadel_Cygnet_Sharon_FinalDress_5837-scaled.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael Goldstein</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Making it all possible, Yi-Chien Lee’s messy looking apartment with large windows off one wall, a kitchen for Sharon to cook and a room off to the side, Bryan Ealey’s rather dark and moody lighting, Steve Lefue’s sound design (“Happy Together”) and Zoë Trautmann’s costumes give the look and feel of exactly what Green intended. <p></p><p>All this sounds lighthearted, but don’t be misled. Along with the dark humor, there are underlying psychological challenges festering in both Sharon and Jake. There is more here or there than meets the eye. It’s worth a look see.</p><p><br /></p><p></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/AVvXsEj69caVRlGX8t6sUSDUF5i-RY8mUVW6WtJV9Kl26ry098bPAmzpjaEdqMnkfiU8wKpoSqWzy6nJ1J4AOxUq7p6ZA654IFRJxiRhy4V2DKoshRGROjFVw5H6FIV4GMstGA6KI0EEJa9U6lP7yGCYVolcdNxANd9AIY9cRRyfSnmGAyz9Jjr2SlZ5i8uOv9we/s801/17901523210524770666.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="801" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69caVRlGX8t6sUSDUF5i-RY8mUVW6WtJV9Kl26ry098bPAmzpjaEdqMnkfiU8wKpoSqWzy6nJ1J4AOxUq7p6ZA654IFRJxiRhy4V2DKoshRGROjFVw5H6FIV4GMstGA6KI0EEJa9U6lP7yGCYVolcdNxANd9AIY9cRRyfSnmGAyz9Jjr2SlZ5i8uOv9we/w400-h209/17901523210524770666.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cast of Sharon</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Keiko Green, well on her way as popular playwright and screenwriter is currently working on commissions for The Old Globe, MTC, and Seattle Shakespeare Co., is someone to keep our eyes on. BTW She is also one hell of an actor as witnessed in “Sharon”.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>This is one mystery you will want to be a part of.</p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><div><div>When: Showtimes 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through July 2.</div><div>Where: Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town State Historic Park</div><div>Tickets: $32 and up</div><div>Photo: Karli Cadel</div><div>Phone: (619) 337-1525</div><div>Online: cygnettheatre.com</div><div><br /></div></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-3413980996239400672023-06-18T15:31:00.000-07:002023-06-18T15:31:26.779-07:00 Presenting The Elegant Kandis Chappell as “Eleanor” In North Coast Rep’s One Woman Show. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS0q-Y5d4dl-PDBz5Kmm1jiaCBOeQWvY9RDp8ztFMpHKdT0-BtVSDSwjBCtLeb1wnQZbF-a9NraVlFK2583LUCBimrieiVeD7Bh9U_x0ppT202DYJQBYZkyg-zGX4nDI3awHkV1oDf6U6hegZryYCV69rxpMxCN84o1sM2rwi2udypu6tsvdG36RcHQ/s531/ffBWW_Blast1_96dpi.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="531" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS0q-Y5d4dl-PDBz5Kmm1jiaCBOeQWvY9RDp8ztFMpHKdT0-BtVSDSwjBCtLeb1wnQZbF-a9NraVlFK2583LUCBimrieiVeD7Bh9U_x0ppT202DYJQBYZkyg-zGX4nDI3awHkV1oDf6U6hegZryYCV69rxpMxCN84o1sM2rwi2udypu6tsvdG36RcHQ/w400-h248/ffBWW_Blast1_96dpi.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Neither Kandis Chappell nor Mark St. Germain is a stranger to San Diego theatre’s although Ms. Chappell, I believe, has been absent much too long from our stages. Before Eleanor she appeared on NCR’s stage in “Collected Stories”, “King O’ The Moon”, and “Lion In Winter” to name a few. She is also an associate artist at the Old Globe having appeared in over 30 productions. She is always always at the top of her game and “Eleanor” is no exception. <p></p><p>The same can be said of playwright Mark St. Germain, again no stranger to NCR stages having penned “Freud’s Last Session” “Becoming Dr. Ruth” and ”Camping With Henry and Tom”. Artistic director and director of “Eleanor” David Ellenstein, completes the troika that makes this production of “Eleanor” hum along flawlessly, easily and endearingly. It has already been extended through July 9th. </p><p>Since the former first lady has been dead for some 57 years, admitting that to the audience was a bit of an eye opener, since it seemed like yesterday that she was acting as her husband’s change maker, pacifist, political advisor and activist during her years at the White House from 1933 to 1945 (he was Pres. for almost three terms). </p><p>Franklin called her ‘his eyes and ears’ although he was not always in agreement with her ideas and questioned some of her decisions as she traveled to the front lines where politicians dare not be seen. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhPqZjoZaNENNJrWjbQW6fvCTsJ6LmVDIWzk0DlM_rTFu5MBzM04IITwq7jWhoH3_QYnYs1XyX0PzQjPNB5mhiEuPZgcdgCmrDC7_arvmX2vEr1WH3wIU94eU4K_MF6SDyq7dD25y7CmIliZPEvv0KJ5kakSoMPHnYnu_tiQeOS8gWbfbCUpyviMtcw/s801/f1b4a3b6-57e1-6cfd-fba7-bdc8dcb0dc72.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="801" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhPqZjoZaNENNJrWjbQW6fvCTsJ6LmVDIWzk0DlM_rTFu5MBzM04IITwq7jWhoH3_QYnYs1XyX0PzQjPNB5mhiEuPZgcdgCmrDC7_arvmX2vEr1WH3wIU94eU4K_MF6SDyq7dD25y7CmIliZPEvv0KJ5kakSoMPHnYnu_tiQeOS8gWbfbCUpyviMtcw/s320/f1b4a3b6-57e1-6cfd-fba7-bdc8dcb0dc72.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Chappell’s delivery of St. Germain’s 90 minute script brings to life the one woman who can convince us flawlessly of her knowledge of Eleanor. We understand who she became and how she lived her personal and professional life in the shadow of her husband before, during and after he met his tragic fate of contracting Polio, a children’s disease, at the age of 39. They were married at the time and had already grown children who were out of the ‘house’. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYR_26Zuv0o6kKN2Ic8m1vFOMhbMe9zeGC7jLmdgsIzzxWzN7Q51HzPd6fxEQkBhLewe_Ai08pW-6ItOWxQy6J9f4chk3inLqmIgpx85WZtehk65JLSFSAgk1eS8WRAEAOzIikAFstTJwy7uklKBzTUmR8VX-BwfaeQOvjNH7UTpIrrhS0SN-EIqj2Q/s905/Eleanor_-_Kandis_Chappell_seated_by_monument_-_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="905" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYR_26Zuv0o6kKN2Ic8m1vFOMhbMe9zeGC7jLmdgsIzzxWzN7Q51HzPd6fxEQkBhLewe_Ai08pW-6ItOWxQy6J9f4chk3inLqmIgpx85WZtehk65JLSFSAgk1eS8WRAEAOzIikAFstTJwy7uklKBzTUmR8VX-BwfaeQOvjNH7UTpIrrhS0SN-EIqj2Q/w400-h266/Eleanor_-_Kandis_Chappell_seated_by_monument_-_photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />The setting takes place in Rock Creek Park Cemetery in Washington, D.C. where Anna Eleanor Roosevelt begins her story by telling us how she and Franklin were related,(fifth cousins once removed) met and later married. Confessing that she was a plain child with buck teeth, no chin to speak of and topping it off, she was unloved and ignored by her own mother and was loathed by her mother- in -law Sara is heartbreaking. As can be expected, Sara was adored by her son Franklin; they were close as two peas in a pod. For Eleanor, the one person she cherished the most was her father Elliot. But Elliot, who later took his life leaving her orphaned at 10, always left an empty hole in her heart.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRuZ29mPUPm31QMl_TXvKx3Ph5oZaD2TqpAWeMHqFAa-H_rViaJccl4wFs3Hi4-bgJa61mp-Wf97zY3ilJaLJcCPtSmybC-Yb9b9ftgnD4Zo2Wsf5XYemR0D7yB_jFJ8ylpB2fCCNc21ucbme_H96tnjwCScjy1_n9cl-VHOUSr_jAgVnWH6C9SOzMA/s827/Eleanor_-_Kandis_Chappell__Churchill__photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="827" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRuZ29mPUPm31QMl_TXvKx3Ph5oZaD2TqpAWeMHqFAa-H_rViaJccl4wFs3Hi4-bgJa61mp-Wf97zY3ilJaLJcCPtSmybC-Yb9b9ftgnD4Zo2Wsf5XYemR0D7yB_jFJ8ylpB2fCCNc21ucbme_H96tnjwCScjy1_n9cl-VHOUSr_jAgVnWH6C9SOzMA/w400-h266/Eleanor_-_Kandis_Chappell__Churchill__photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />She took her duties one step further by personally visiting poor neighborhoods, meeting and being photographed with the folks who lived there and was not afraid to speak out. Once in a meeting with Churchill, (she recalled) who visited the White House to ask for war supplies from FDR, she recounts how he came out of his room in the ‘altogether’ and announced that he had ‘nothing to hide’. <p></p><p>There were other important men and women in her life including reporter, presidential adviser and ‘the man behind Roosevelt”, Louis Howe who befriended her and advised her to hold regular press briefings, something no first lady had ever done. He gave her political advice even going so far as to coach her on what to say. </p><p>In her storytelling, Chappell seamlessly segues from childhood to adulthood to painfully learning that her husband had a long term affair with the First Ladies personal secretary, Lucy Mercer. Much to her chagrin and with the aid of their daughter, Anna who was taking direction from her ailing father, she contacted Lucy and urged her to stay with her father in Warm Springs, Georgia. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2gVjXcbydeRxndrcsy03YHyAwkROmHC5sj3vdl-lu3b5Dso5GgRdqATET0Fuff_x04zuDtJE3QYGK5_kKjl4lWALFkQnJ-QgV3eTrqQHlTJlUFY3gRV0yxDAlySAGz-UF03lcgVwL68Y7SJkrwJgxItg_qS_3bQopiKOiJlxZ_5sKxMzyxB0MHa2hw/s868/Eleanor_-_Kanis_Chappell__letters-_closeup__Aaron_Rumley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="868" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2gVjXcbydeRxndrcsy03YHyAwkROmHC5sj3vdl-lu3b5Dso5GgRdqATET0Fuff_x04zuDtJE3QYGK5_kKjl4lWALFkQnJ-QgV3eTrqQHlTJlUFY3gRV0yxDAlySAGz-UF03lcgVwL68Y7SJkrwJgxItg_qS_3bQopiKOiJlxZ_5sKxMzyxB0MHa2hw/w400-h266/Eleanor_-_Kanis_Chappell__letters-_closeup__Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Lucy was with him at the time of his death in Georgia. Eleanor was devastated and barely recovered from his callousness. All this was happening while she out doing his diplomatic work. She even alluded to some of her own extra marital jaunts with her bodyguard, assigned to her by Roosevelt and close journalist friend Lorena Hickock. Yes, she lived in the White house for a while. <p></p><p>Confessing that theirs was an ‘in marriage only’ arrangement and slept in separate rooms; she with him on invitation and only on condition she agreed. Ironically, it was Franklin who insisted they be buried side by side with Fala, his dog, in Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_JV0LJ-R_gDny2oh6EL0OoK2gxGPOSPadJMjtwwcX3AOm0k-D0O1F7O0fx7SRLVE0TqFDgmD2BHbk2I8PpFRJEjaIWbLdj0XZr0HxZk8JTykBRn0KothtRNw5o2ktPbED5dpSXsUMV9iw7-8sbMUQ6FchJWItjeSx_Y0BhQErq1OYI0hudFI1AnEhA/s868/Eleanor_-_Kandis_Chappell__radio__photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="868" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_JV0LJ-R_gDny2oh6EL0OoK2gxGPOSPadJMjtwwcX3AOm0k-D0O1F7O0fx7SRLVE0TqFDgmD2BHbk2I8PpFRJEjaIWbLdj0XZr0HxZk8JTykBRn0KothtRNw5o2ktPbED5dpSXsUMV9iw7-8sbMUQ6FchJWItjeSx_Y0BhQErq1OYI0hudFI1AnEhA/w400-h266/Eleanor_-_Kandis_Chappell__radio__photo_by_Aaron_Rumley.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Among her accomplishments, and there are too many to list in this 90 minute tell all, (she served a stint from 1945 to 1951, in its earliest years), she was a U.S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. She subsequently served on the UN Human Rights Commission, where she helped draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was signed by the nations of the world on Dec. 10, 1948. She spoke out, railing against segregation and she urged her husband to allow the Jewish refugees from the Holocaust be allowed to enter the states while the ship carrying them sat outside American waters.<p></p><p> Her senses of justice and loyalty were never questioned except by then, F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover who had a 3,000 page file on her accusing her of being a communist because she fought for liberal causes. How could one get that so wrong? Well, just look at politics today. </p><p>The setting, from D.C.’s Rock Creek Cemetery with projections (Aaron Rumley), of Churchill, F.D.R., Louis Howe, Lorena Hickock and her favorite statute of Augustus Saint- Gaudens’ behind her, helps define some of her favorite places and people brought to the fore by set designer Marty Burnett, lighting designer Matt Novotny , sound and projection by Aaron Rumley and a smart looking but plain dress designed by Elsa Benzoni and Peter Herman designed the wig and hair design. </p><p>How does one manage to capture an audience for a 90 or so minute monologue without losing interest or being over -whelmed by the facts ? If you are Kandis Chappell channeling Eleanor Roosevelt, I’m not going to say is easy, but just following along makes you feel you are in the presence of a very involved and dignified first lady. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehETjx9vcZ5sAMXFoqGwQkPeEEf2QmjFfyAlxbftPegIOYTolSkWJMS5aJvk8fR76yaMiiYsu3HNTb2_KniAz8YI_CwuAD6TdLIPjxmPNtQHduLP6bQdgjZuszBftE3za1DU0rttGqYOIK4a76ElTDsAxpSUP8DCuAuvgIeqKEmYERzt_uiTA9AC6jA/s861/fdr-dog_jpg_optimal.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="861" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehETjx9vcZ5sAMXFoqGwQkPeEEf2QmjFfyAlxbftPegIOYTolSkWJMS5aJvk8fR76yaMiiYsu3HNTb2_KniAz8YI_CwuAD6TdLIPjxmPNtQHduLP6bQdgjZuszBftE3za1DU0rttGqYOIK4a76ElTDsAxpSUP8DCuAuvgIeqKEmYERzt_uiTA9AC6jA/w400-h266/fdr-dog_jpg_optimal.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>If you’ve never seen the monument to both FDR, Eleanor and Fala in D.C., Neil Estern's sculpture of Franklin Roosevelt and his dog Fala is just part of this large memorial. It is located in West Potomac Park between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.</p><p>Closer yet, there’s no excuse to miss “Eleanor” now on stage at The North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach. You wont regret it. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Dates: Extended through July 9th</p><p>Organization: North Coast Repertory Theatre</p><p>Phone: 1 858 481 1055 </p><p>Production Type: One Woman Show</p><p>Where: 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive </p><p>Suite D </p><p>Solana Beach CA 92075 USA </p><p>Photo: Aaron Rumley</p><p>Ticket Prices: Start at $54.00</p><p>Web: northcoastrep.org</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5364740566517967707.post-70173654174377380772023-06-14T15:25:00.002-07:002023-06-16T17:59:14.140-07:00 “TWELFTH NIGHT “ CHARMS ON FESTIVAL STAGE DESPITE STEADY DRIZZLE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c6-vFGEDpLyT8bA8Y1rLF4gd_G6Bpz9DkufAvtL2hNd8MLdO7JsM9zb-zGvnM8_WcejYUbE5sDr7jvlvT6lBaIg_nhPREtGXx35Y1HRkOf-PD7Uaz8EvRVH40zc8-e7A43c_zh3xX_Tz_-DioBdLeuHpaJCn7NlfAz_yggLQ4k76wLT_Vq5SYwrRwg/s796/332024862_23854279606980047_2062347185033231373_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="796" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c6-vFGEDpLyT8bA8Y1rLF4gd_G6Bpz9DkufAvtL2hNd8MLdO7JsM9zb-zGvnM8_WcejYUbE5sDr7jvlvT6lBaIg_nhPREtGXx35Y1HRkOf-PD7Uaz8EvRVH40zc8-e7A43c_zh3xX_Tz_-DioBdLeuHpaJCn7NlfAz_yggLQ4k76wLT_Vq5SYwrRwg/s320/332024862_23854279606980047_2062347185033231373_n.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>“The Wind And The Rain,”</p><p>“A great while ago the world begun,</p><p>With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,</p><p>But that’s all one, our play is done,</p><p>And we’ll strive to please you every day”</p><p><br /></p><p>“ The show will goeth on”, so sayeth artistic director Barry Edelstein in his welcoming first nighter’s to the Globe’s opening season on the Lowell Davies Festival Stage. The rain will not stop the show. </p><p>Those with umbrellas had less concern that those of us without, but we were blanketed, wrapped in rain gear, and prayed the actors on a wet stage would be safe. They cautiously, but without notice, went about their roles with confidence: no falls, no slips just a bit wet. </p><p>This isn’t the first time it rained on the Festival stage’s parade at an opening night performance of “12th Night”. If memory is correct, it happened once in 2015. </p><p>But so much for the history of rain on San Diego’s plain. We’ve had our own share recently.</p><p></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/AVvXsEj_sn1RA_iRdOEwCnkQPgFWn23OjIjOvSkgAuewxumNi-2h6z_l86Hc5q8QvJF2MM-8wWBfhcCxKCLHJg34l-oJxLeNTCL1OsgsEbyJqmaXNDo3f4t5lItJA9Ea8UfeCT28u2qY0MrCsjvAv3J9nD4PvKrgIi1Qbpf1WFuUjUnSgYP4luG8e97OUJmGBg/s864/645c9dfa0f044e47b43c5dc88a409b1e.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="864" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sn1RA_iRdOEwCnkQPgFWn23OjIjOvSkgAuewxumNi-2h6z_l86Hc5q8QvJF2MM-8wWBfhcCxKCLHJg34l-oJxLeNTCL1OsgsEbyJqmaXNDo3f4t5lItJA9Ea8UfeCT28u2qY0MrCsjvAv3J9nD4PvKrgIi1Qbpf1WFuUjUnSgYP4luG8e97OUJmGBg/w400-h300/645c9dfa0f044e47b43c5dc88a409b1e.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biko Eisen-Martin</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“The Twelfth Night” is said to be one of Shakespeare’s most favored romantic cross dressing comedies. It resembles “Comedy of Errors” in that both are plays about identical twins, separation and reunion, mistaken identity, boys playing girls and vise-versa , and shipwrecks. As the tale goes Viola is washed ashore on the Island of Ilyria when her ship is wrecked and broken, tossing her and her twin brother, Sebastian onto the same island. She thinks he’s dead but unbeknownst to her, he’s still alive. As soon as she’s found, Shakespeare puts her in male attire so everyone thinks she is a man/boy in order for her to get around the island er…safely. Over time, this creates a love triangle among Viola/Cesario, Orsino and Olivia. <div><br /></div><div>Now if it sounds complicated, consider Olivia in love with Cesario who is really Viola. Orsino is in love with the boy Cesario who is really a woman dressed as a boy, and Viola, dressed as a boy is in love with Orsino, the macho Duke who shows signs of being attracted to Viola /Cesario as well</div><div><br /></div><div><div>It doesn't get much better than that. While cross-dressing was a common plot device in Shakespeare's time, cross-dressing was considered to be natural since women’s roles were played by men. Same-sex relationships were promptly terminated once the masquerader's true gender became known.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were indications that Antonio (Jude Tibeau) was in love with his good friend Sebastian, but that was really a no- no! The play is a sexual mess without saying so. Everything in time though gets somewhat cleared up, while questions about some of the characters still leave doubt.</div><div><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;">I</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/AVvXsEgVXVZpCamO3_J3NMgu3FRSM4j0t65-HcvRopXuvlH7MBgi2oeIJRmf2T3UoRddw5zJCdP013hSssvIFAms1LgLUu_bF8m2b6NYBmi6ngaLaV2EMyELwh8FHAGuEq-O8TG7bvswgu6-yFis0db5JxShQKJpk74ldlQUuX5O1CWdex9J4O6woLLFkfhnww/s864/49214cd1f4c04f5da710ac7bd367ecbd.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXVZpCamO3_J3NMgu3FRSM4j0t65-HcvRopXuvlH7MBgi2oeIJRmf2T3UoRddw5zJCdP013hSssvIFAms1LgLUu_bF8m2b6NYBmi6ngaLaV2EMyELwh8FHAGuEq-O8TG7bvswgu6-yFis0db5JxShQKJpk74ldlQUuX5O1CWdex9J4O6woLLFkfhnww/w400-h266/49214cd1f4c04f5da710ac7bd367ecbd.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medina Senghore and Naian Gonzalez Norvind</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: right;"></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/AVvXsEhd-_h1QA7IGBr1GEzJ5CfW9YlyA7hHh6nh4rYNErST2VEG8elOBMDP-7ROtfCD02V2EUf0yiqvopoiLiD2btLpQrL2mEi2uMWw5pi7kZcbt_Ijw3ZwdT5xihHIcf-Qes5lXNd6X48l1njMbEiyBuVTmIDli5eITfe25DMxGHWYY4ubhLA0L-7Xtz4BHw/s864/adaa236b11b44253940388ee7ee02239.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-_h1QA7IGBr1GEzJ5CfW9YlyA7hHh6nh4rYNErST2VEG8elOBMDP-7ROtfCD02V2EUf0yiqvopoiLiD2btLpQrL2mEi2uMWw5pi7kZcbt_Ijw3ZwdT5xihHIcf-Qes5lXNd6X48l1njMbEiyBuVTmIDli5eITfe25DMxGHWYY4ubhLA0L-7Xtz4BHw/w390-h260/adaa236b11b44253940388ee7ee02239.png" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biko Eisen-Martin and Naian Gonzalez Norvind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><br /><p><br />hree time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall directs with the great gift of timing and style with Michael Krass’ elegant costumes, Lawrence E. Moten III eye pleasing and rotating set with benches and a little crook for the talented musicians to entertain the Duke. (Morgan Carberry violinist and music director), Stephen Strawbridge’s lovely lighting design, Melanie Chen Cole’s sound (Unfortunately too much farting) and </p><p>Miriam Strum and Michael Bodeen’s beautiful and original music (six songs in all) is a feast to the ears.</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/AVvXsEj-0OzczEMYO9Jdqo7y-MMbppgEjDgXhyeMk51A-OSiE-UDpgV9v4ZzhYXceHA4a_L0BCKHKG_MH1F4vz2AiQXiYhgBAXZDEQ8dhixK9184GuUXO2WNLWo6QMq1KbHOwTzhLFsV10ZvFnuhnXCf27L6keFaisrkfI3QmS6pynOvclKN85JQQ33A9XNSmw/s864/de84e17906ea4754a94c4de7decc3f85.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0OzczEMYO9Jdqo7y-MMbppgEjDgXhyeMk51A-OSiE-UDpgV9v4ZzhYXceHA4a_L0BCKHKG_MH1F4vz2AiQXiYhgBAXZDEQ8dhixK9184GuUXO2WNLWo6QMq1KbHOwTzhLFsV10ZvFnuhnXCf27L6keFaisrkfI3QmS6pynOvclKN85JQQ33A9XNSmw/w320-h213/de84e17906ea4754a94c4de7decc3f85.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose Balistrieri and Esco Jouley</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There isn’t a weak link in the bunch and the play rolls along with one mistaken identity after another getting each of the players more deeply embroiled in their own mire just as, I’m sure, Shakespeare intended. Sir Andrew, Aguecheek (O’Connell) and Feste kept the audience on their toes. O’Connell, who is the biggest clown without knowing he’s funny, takes the prize for his silliness and idiocy. As Sir Andrew he fits the bill perfectly while working the audience taking his character to the limits and even ending up in jail for his shall we say, his ignorance. </p><p>As the head honcho of Olivia’s household, he comes across with the holier-than-thou attitude making him the least liked character and nemesis of Belch and Maria (Sarah Joyce) Olivia’s housemaid. They can’t stand the guy, so they hatch a ridiculous scheme and actually convince him that Olivia is in love with him. The contortions they convince him to go through to gain her attention and his pulling it off with panache is the true test of a real pro. </p><p></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/AVvXsEjVmHxPA5woT1RppBcSYXBpISKlLDP_haL-HAzzcv3edisLHXLHoNSpkVu7pdJS33Bd4mhLQxzxB8NG0MykesGjOBNG4ruCL9ckV9lPZ1_VFeZW_PR4jNPFKMozNjewzFGIZxiZjp4m4y7T22A0a6rPnKuzkLZob_ChJ76oS20qwXptI0G7WOsHYTipgQ/s988/2e5065c41e9f4781a8441f7300976b42.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="659" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmHxPA5woT1RppBcSYXBpISKlLDP_haL-HAzzcv3edisLHXLHoNSpkVu7pdJS33Bd4mhLQxzxB8NG0MykesGjOBNG4ruCL9ckV9lPZ1_VFeZW_PR4jNPFKMozNjewzFGIZxiZjp4m4y7T22A0a6rPnKuzkLZob_ChJ76oS20qwXptI0G7WOsHYTipgQ/w266-h400/2e5065c41e9f4781a8441f7300976b42.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg Germann as Malvolio with Jason O’Connell as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Bernadette Sefic as Fabian, and Cornell Womack as Sir Toby Belch </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Naian González Norvind is a walking contradiction as she weaves between her roles as confidant and page to the duke and love object to both countess and duke all the while a woman in a man’s disguise. Watching her walk that tightrope and then seeing both duke and countess vie for her affection and attention is as convincing as can be and that’s all the play requires. Both Eisen-Martin as Orsino and Norvind are a hoot as they try, coolly enough without tripping all over themselves, to romance Olivia. All three are plusses in this cross gender, mistaken identity and highly improbable yet exceptionally well-done production of Shakespeare’s comedy, “The Twelfth Night” <p></p><p>And so “If music be the food of love, play on”.</p><p><br /></p><p>Enjoy.</p><p><br /></p><p>See you at the theatre.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays and July 3. Through July 9 (no performances June 17 or July 4)</p><p>Where: Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego</p><p>Tickets: $29 and up</p><p>Phone: (619) 234-5623</p><p>Photo: Jim Cox</p><p>Online: theoldglobe.org</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>Carol Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494587603000094803noreply@blogger.com0