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Letters to the Editor: San Diego Performing Arts League
| Compass Theatre Presents William Shakespeare's August 30 - October 5 A dark, sexy satirical drama of ambition versus reality that baffled scholars for centuries. (619) 688-9210 |
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| tick...tick, Boom! is receiving wonderful reviews and word of mouth. Check them out at |
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| California Youth Conservatory Theatre Local Co-Star of "Meet Dave" with Eddie Murphy stars in: 
Shaun Evans California Youth Conservatory Theatre (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH CYT, CCT, or CYAC) 3734 43rd St. Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105
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| www.onstageplayhouse.net | www.powpac.org | ||||||||||||
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Go, Go, Go, Joseph! THE SHOW: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the first collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, lasted only 15 minutes when it was initially presented in a London school in 1968. By the time it hit the West End and then Broadway, it had grown to 90 minutes. Now, with a reprise that repeats almost all the songs in the show, it runs nearly two hours. THE STORY: Told entirely in song, this biblical cantata – actually a pastiche of rock, country, calypso, French cabaret and vaudeville song-and-dance numbers – relates the Old Testament tale of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite of 12 sons. Doting Dad gives Joseph a resplendent, multi-colored coat, whereupon his jealous brothers sell him into slavery. He winds up in Egypt where he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh, who is so impressed he makes Joseph his Number Two man. Joseph saves the country from famine and ultimately saves his dastardly brothers from starvation. THE PERFORMERS/THE PRODUCTION: There have been some lookers in the title role, but James Royce Edwards may be the hunkiest. A veteran of several Broadway and national touring productions, he’s also been seen locally at the Old Globe (as Young Max in The Grinch last winter) and San Diego Musical Theatre (the title character in Bye Bye Birdie this summer. But the role of Joseph, which he’s played before, seems tailor-made for his looks and talent. His rippling muscles do justice to the gilded Egyptian getup, and his voice is powerful and pitch-perfect in every number. He’s a knockout. And a former San Diegan! © 2007 PATTÉ PRODUCTIONS, INC. Email Pat Pat's Website San Diego Theatre Scene Newsletter
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July 30, 2008 (Issue # 86)
Don’t rush off to see theatre… just go to SDTheatreScene.com!
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July 30, 2008 My kind of town, San Diego is. Great weather, great pace, and wonderful theatre which is booming on our stages. First, I want to welcome a brand new little star. Tristan Jeffrey Heil was born on 7/18/08 weighing 7 lbs 14 oz to Jason and Kim Heil and “big” sister, Katrina. Tristan’s life got off to a rough start with a few health complications, but he is blooming now and all are happy. The Actors Alliance new website is receiving rave reviews! Shauna Ostrom and the site’s webmaster, and AASD Managing Director Sue Oswald have done a sterling job of getting it up and running and very user friendly. Since it was launched on July 11, membership has increased from 374 to 458, with I am sure, more to come. The site is getting an average of 300 hits a day, 50 % of them being new visitors from as far away as the East Coast and China! So, if you have been wondering if you should join the Alliance, the answer is “yes”. It will serve as your own private casting agent as you take care of your career yourself. On Monday, August 4, you can have a different kind of theatrical experience. Ion Theatre is staging a reading of Tennessee Wiliams Summer and Smoke at The Lab in Mission Valley, commencing at 9pm with a wine and cheese reception, followed by the reading. (No, the 9pm is not a mistake, they are avoiding the noise from the dance classes next door that conclude at 9:30pm). Wonderful cast for the reading. Chatted briefly this week with Paloma Patterson, Education Director at Malashock Dance and she is very excited about the upcoming Malashock Thinks You Can Dance to be held on September 13 at 8pm at the Qualcomm Hall. A number of our local “dance stars” will be competing for the title. Going to see the opening of Pretty Fire at Lamb’s in Coronado on Friday this week. Tracy Hughes is the star of this one-woman show, written by the inimitable Charlayne Woodard. The production runs through September 7. And of course, you can catch Boomers at the Horton Grand Theatre for some wonderful summer fun. The final Fritz Blitz – The Best of the Blitz - will run from July 31 through August 24 at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza, then will close its doors for ever. There are some terrific pieces by our local playwrights including Tim West, Jason Connors, and Craig Abernethy. Call 619-544-1000 for ticket information. The Receptionist by Adam Bock, a West Coast premiere, opens at Cygnet on August 2, featuring Melinda Gilb, JoAnne Glover, Sean Cox and Dale Morris. Should be a laugh a minute. Sean Murray directs. (I’m very pleased that we are getting to see more and more of Dale on our stages!) You absolutely have to see Yanks at Diversionary before it closes on August 17! It is a beautifully written, beautifully directed and choreographed show, filled with beautiful talent, headed by the superb Tom Zohar. This young actor has earned his stripes on our stages. He appears everywhere throughout the year (next up for him The Light in the Piazza at Lambs then next year The History Boys at Cygnet) and we get the thrill of watching his characters unfold with subtlety, sensibility and style. His every move is perfect, even his tap-dancing! A very fitting production in this time of war, while our service men and women are struggling in the heat of Iraq and Afghanistan, to remember our gay service members who can end up fighting two battles. Igor Goldin has directed with a heartfelt touch; Amy Biedel is delightful in her numerous roles; the ensemble pitch perfect. I loved this show! It was great to see several of the New Village Arts folks at Yanks…Kristianne Kurner and fast-growing son, Noah; Joshua Everett Johnson and other friends. On Sunday, I’ll be on KPBS TV for a couple of hours late afternoon, talking about Broadway’s Lost Treasures. A great time for reminiscing about your favorite shows. And next week, it will be Sight Unseen at the Old Globe, then Streetcar at ion, followed by Nemesis at Compass and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Moonlight (soon to be remodeled into a grand new style.) The groundbreaking ceremony for the Prebys Theatre at the Globe takes place on August 4 at 11:30am, I have to be in Santa Barbara so will unfortunately miss it. And that’s it from me for another week. Look forward to seeing you soon. Love, Jenni
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by
Jenni Prisk
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Paradise a very good play about not-so-paradise
My first thought upon leaving Compass Theatre tonight was that Glyn O’Malley’s Paradise should be immediately followed by a talk-back session. It would have been stimulating to have a couple of people who had lived through the Intifada in Israel in 2002. The story is based on a Palestinian, Ayat al-Akhrase, and an Israeli, Rachel Levy, two 17-year-old girls caught in the terror of the time. Director Alice Cash, herself 17, chose a most difficult task of bringing a hard-driving play to the Resilience of the Spirit Festival. The story parallels the lives of two teenagers. Sara (Charlotte Ostrow) and her mother, Shoshana (Dana Hooley) are Israelis. Sara has been living in the United States and recently moved to Israel to be with her mother. Fatima (Gabriela Espinal) is being visited by her cousin, Omar (Daniel Myers), who also lived in the U. S. They are Palestinian. Shoshana is a very protective mother of a very adventurous teenage photographer. Sara captures the flavor of Israel and its diverse peoples. She often ventures into dangerous areas. Likewise, Omar, who has romantic eyes for Fatima, is very protective of her. He is especially wary of Bassam (Ryan Murphy), a militant Palestinian. The relationship between Sara and her mother is completely real and could take place anywhere. In Israel, however, even a slightly rebellious teen can be seriously problematical. Ostrow and Hooley are a perfect match, convincing us or their closeness.
Drama requires changes. In Paradise it is Fatima who changes. Watching Espinal transition through the play as the influence of Fatima’s cousin is balanced, then overtaken, by the influence of Bassam is awesome. She is very subtle throughout the change. Myers’ Omar moves from cajoling to ranting as his lovely cousin succumbs to Bassam’s way of thinking.
Murphy’s Bassam is just plain scary. His portrayal is that of a classic radical. Bassam believes strongly in his cause; however, he can only see change through terror and hate. His performance is absolutely convincing.
The set consists of four panels, some with graffiti on them. One is used to project some of Sarah’s photos. O’Malley’s play is really a vast series of short scenes unfolding the fast moving story. Bassam has solo tirades, while the Palestinian couple and the Israeli family have the pleasant moments and their conflicts. Thus, there is very little action and a lot of exposition. In this story, telling it works.
Director Cash cast professionally. With a simple set, many scenes changing locations from Jerusalem to a Palestinian refugee camp, it all works. The transitions between scenes are almost instantaneous. Her cast is convincing in their actions and emotions. In some plays one is happy for the experience. In Paradise one appreciates the experience and has learned much more about the difficult interaction in Israel.
The production played to a sold-out house. I highly recommend it. It is a chance to see very good acting from the next generation to hit our stages. Seeing Paradise is an experience you will not forget. The show runs through this weekend only at Compass Theatre, 6th @ Penn, San Diego. Box Office phone is 619 688-9210. Edress is www.resilienceofthespirt.com.
Aubrey Awards for ACT Theatres The 43rd annual ACT (Associated Community Theatres) celebration and awards dinner took place last Sunday at Marina Village. Cocktail hour featured the usual schmoozing to the music of Brutha Earl featuring the vocal styling of Antonio TJ Johnson. And now to the winners: Actor and Actress, minor support in a musical: Michael Hill and Carolyn Stevenson in Sweet Charity. Actor and Actress, Minor support in a comedy: Jeff Lawrence in Barefoot in the Park and Marlene Garstang in The Man Who Came to Dinner. Actor and Actress, Minor Support in a drama: Stephen Stetak in Rabbit Hole and Joanne Terry in The Miracle Worker. Sound design in a Musical: Scott Kolod for The King and I. Sound design in a Comedy or drama: Steven Murdock for Blithe Spirit. Lighting design in a Musical: Brian Slothower for The King and I. Lighting design in a Comedy or Drama: Dale Goodman & Mia Bane for Blithe Spirit. House Management: Steve Murdock for Blithe Spirit at Coronado Playhouse. Technical Effects: Steve Murdock for Blithe Spirit. Support Ensemble in a Musical: Kelly Tran, Jessica Brandon, Justine Hince, Michelle Law, Maria London, Nicol Reeves, & Veronica Schneider as Jerry’s Girls. Cast Ensemble in a Comedy: Kelli Harless, Wes Jackson, Miranda Porter, Tiffany Paster, Karen Spafford, & Julia Bonnici as Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Cast Ensemble in a Drama: Miranda Porter, Darilynn David, & Kate Hewitt in Agnes of God. Set design & dressing in a Musical: Ira Goode & Richard Brousil for The King and I. Set design & dressing in a Comedy or Drama: Brittany Hausselmann for Blithe Spirit. Costume design in a Musical: Sherrie Colbourn for Jerry’s Girls. Costume design in a Comedy or Drama: Ann Savage for Hedda Gabler. Actor and Actress, Major Support in a Musical: Jarrod Weintraub and Rebecca Seubert in Groucho: A Life in Revue. Actor and Actress, Major Support in a Comedy: Ian Casselberry and April Boatman for The Man Who Came to Dinner. Actor and Actress, Major Support in a Drama: Peter Frankland for Ordinary People and Miranda Porter for Rabbit Hole. Choreography: Trevor Peringer & Chrissy Burns for Sweet Charity. Musical Direction: Brian Hammond for Sweet Charity. Actor and Actress, Lead role in a Musical: Charlie Miller for Groucho: A Life in Revue and (tied) Meredith Russo for Jerry’s Girls and Sandra Kopitzke for the King and I. Actor and Actress, Lead role in a Comedy: Jim Clevenger and Cheryl Warner for Plaza Suite. Actor and Actress, Lead Role in a Drama: Steve Oliver and Kaly McKenna for Rabbit Hole. Director of a Musical: Chrissy Burns for Sweet Charity, Patio Playhouse. Director of a Comedy: Jim Clevenger for Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, Patio Playhouse. Director of a Drama: Sherrie Colbourn for Rabbit Hole, PowPAC. Best Musical: The King and I, Patio Playhouse, Brenda Townsend producer. Best Comedy: Barefoot in the Park, PowPAC, Brenda & Chris Robinson producers. Best Drama: Rabbit Hole, PowPAC, Debbie David producer. It was a fun evening for all. Well, more so for the winners. This has been the best community theatre season in many years. The 2008-9 seasons for Coronado Playhouse, OnStage Playhouse, Patio Playhouse, and PowPAC has a nice mix of oldies and fresh material. Highlights include OnStage’s offering of Fat Pig, 1984 and Anne Meara’s After-Play. Patio is offering Ira Levin’s thriller Veronica’s Room, Meshuggah-NUNS, and Anything Goes. Coronado is featuring The Taming of the Shrew, The It Girl, and Spider’s Web by Agatha Christie. Though homeless, Lamplighters Community Theatre is presenting a sampling of one-acts at the La Mesa Women’s Club, while they search for a new home. PowPAC platforms Lobby Hero, Murder Among Friends, and Relatively Speaking. Also, PowPAC will be presenting new plays in a reader’s theatre format August 3rd, November 2nd, February 1st, March 22nd, and May 10th. This is a great opportunity to see works that may be staged in the ensuing years. This is just a sampling of the 22 productions scheduled for the season. Take someone to the theatre this week.
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7-30-08 For me, it’s not really summer until I see one of the many outdoor plays. I can’t wait to sit under the stars, wrap myself in a blanket, and watch the piece of theatre come to life before my eyes. The Old Globe always has its Lowell Davies amphitheatre open during the summer months playing its traditional Shakespeare Festival. The fest alternates between three of Shakespeare’s plays, this year including Romeo and Juliet, All’s Well that Ends Well, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Shakespeare’s only play written in the Elizabethan era, The Merry Wives of Windsor, deals with the ideas of the English bourgeois life. There is speculation that the Queen herself demanded that Shakespeare write this play because she wanted to see “Falstaff in love.” In the piece, well-known John Falstaff (who was a companion to Prince Hal or later to be King Henry V) moves to Windsor. He then tries to seduce two married women, with the exact same letter! But when the wives and their husbands find out, chaos ensues. This contemporary production, directed by Paul Mullins, was set in the Wild West. I had some doubts when I first heard about this new setting, but the show flowed extremely well. At times, I just couldn’t believe that Shakespeare wrote it, the play worked fabulously in the West! The notorious John Falstaff was played by Eric Hoffmann, who the minute he turned his body on stage, the audience started laughing, as his enormous fat suit he used was exposed. I would always love watching him on stage, with such a big personality; he captured the audience’s attention. Katie MacNichol and Celeste Ciulla kept the rhythm and the show flowing playing the two wives. Bruce Turk and Nat McIntyre played the husbands. Turk’s character, being suspicious of his wife, always dressed in disguises to find out about his wife’s supposed lover. It was hilarious watching him try to charm the other characters on stage as someone else, with malfunctions such as his voice, or his mustache coming off. It was hilarious! My favorite character was the French Doctor Caius (Wynn Harmon), with his stereotypical French demeanor making it impossible for me to stop laughing! Costumes for this wild and western piece were designed by Denitsa Bliznakova and the scenic design was created by Ralph Funicello, who added a self-playing piano, deer horns, and signs for saloons and other mercantile endeavors all over the stage taking us back to that era. If you are not so keen to read those Shakespeare books in school, this is definitely the way to see his plays. You can totally understand it and not have to worry about trying to translate it. It makes them a lot more enjoyable too when you’re not forced to read them. I totally recommend this play. I was laughing the entire time and it just flows so well. So grab your blanket and head to the great outdoors to experience live theatre. If you would like more information on The Merry Wives of Windsor, or any of the other productions playing at the Globe, you can call (619) 234-5623 or go online to www.oldglobe.org.
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