Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
TOLUCAN TIMES REVIEWS FOR APRIL 2011
POWER IN THE BLOOD REVIEW APRIL 14, 2011
Run — don’t walk — to see this riveting play called Power in the Blood by Sarah Bewley. It stars the Hollywood theatrical debut of JR Sterling (Ezekiel), the wonderful Kenneth Phenix (Ranger Hardgrove), Nirayl Wilcox as one funny/sassy Sister, sweet Carla Valentine (Miss Blanchard) and Tracy Littlejohn as roving reporter Roberta Minks. (Tracy does double duty as one of the producers, along with Artistic Director John Lant.
Young Ezekiel is a man with the miracle of the stigmata. Ranger “buys” Ezekiel off of Sister and takes him on the road. Soon, miracles are happening and their biggest advocate, Miss Blanchard, spreads the gospel about this gift from God.
Churches are filling up and so are the coffers! Soon, a reporter interviews Ezekiel and comes back a year later asking some questions. The play is dramatic but not heavy. There are lots of witty lines and comic relief from Sister. The center of the play is Ranger Hardgrove’s change of faith, but you also see where the others stand in their faith.
Director Jim Blanchette is an actor’s dream. He allows the actors to bring Sarah’s prolific words to life as each one has their moment in the spotlight. There is great balance, heart and soul throughout the performance. I can only hope that Power in the Blood makes its way to the Great White Way… Broadway that is!
DEAD PUSSY AND THE BONEYARD APRIL 7, 2011
Currently at the historic Stella Adler Theatre is a pair of one-act plays written by Timothy McNeil. First up is The Boneyard starring Amanda Dreschler as “Corinne” and Erik Santiago as “Albert.” With a minimal stage setting at a cemetery, these two play homeless people searching for Albert’s buried father. There is no love lost for this absent father, yet Albert has to come to terms with the baggage he literally and figuratively carries. Corinne is the extroverted comic relief who has quite the mouth while Albert is more of the introvert. They play off each other quite effectively. You know the saying: opposites attract!
The headliner Dead Pussy is a dramedy starring Jacquie Donley as “Ruth Crable,” Frank Zapata as her husband “Mike Crable” and Angela Oakenfold as “Boots.” (Side note: Angela also directed The Boneyard.) We watch as Ruth descends into a downward spiral over her lack of money, failed marriage and an unfulfilling job. However, the straw that breaks this camel’s back is the death of her beloved cat Boots. As Ruth becomes more intoxicated, she hallucinates that Boots has manifested into a Beatles-loving Brit. Angela Oakenfold bounces off Jacquie’s hysterical/distraught performance with ease and humor. This black comedy is witty and humorous. If you like The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh, you will like this play — as I have. It left me wanting more!
Credited on this page: http://www.angelaoakenfold.com/now-appearing-in.php
Run — don’t walk — to see this riveting play called Power in the Blood by Sarah Bewley. It stars the Hollywood theatrical debut of JR Sterling (Ezekiel), the wonderful Kenneth Phenix (Ranger Hardgrove), Nirayl Wilcox as one funny/sassy Sister, sweet Carla Valentine (Miss Blanchard) and Tracy Littlejohn as roving reporter Roberta Minks. (Tracy does double duty as one of the producers, along with Artistic Director John Lant.
Young Ezekiel is a man with the miracle of the stigmata. Ranger “buys” Ezekiel off of Sister and takes him on the road. Soon, miracles are happening and their biggest advocate, Miss Blanchard, spreads the gospel about this gift from God.
Churches are filling up and so are the coffers! Soon, a reporter interviews Ezekiel and comes back a year later asking some questions. The play is dramatic but not heavy. There are lots of witty lines and comic relief from Sister. The center of the play is Ranger Hardgrove’s change of faith, but you also see where the others stand in their faith.
Director Jim Blanchette is an actor’s dream. He allows the actors to bring Sarah’s prolific words to life as each one has their moment in the spotlight. There is great balance, heart and soul throughout the performance. I can only hope that Power in the Blood makes its way to the Great White Way… Broadway that is!
DEAD PUSSY AND THE BONEYARD APRIL 7, 2011
Currently at the historic Stella Adler Theatre is a pair of one-act plays written by Timothy McNeil. First up is The Boneyard starring Amanda Dreschler as “Corinne” and Erik Santiago as “Albert.” With a minimal stage setting at a cemetery, these two play homeless people searching for Albert’s buried father. There is no love lost for this absent father, yet Albert has to come to terms with the baggage he literally and figuratively carries. Corinne is the extroverted comic relief who has quite the mouth while Albert is more of the introvert. They play off each other quite effectively. You know the saying: opposites attract!
The headliner Dead Pussy is a dramedy starring Jacquie Donley as “Ruth Crable,” Frank Zapata as her husband “Mike Crable” and Angela Oakenfold as “Boots.” (Side note: Angela also directed The Boneyard.) We watch as Ruth descends into a downward spiral over her lack of money, failed marriage and an unfulfilling job. However, the straw that breaks this camel’s back is the death of her beloved cat Boots. As Ruth becomes more intoxicated, she hallucinates that Boots has manifested into a Beatles-loving Brit. Angela Oakenfold bounces off Jacquie’s hysterical/distraught performance with ease and humor. This black comedy is witty and humorous. If you like The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh, you will like this play — as I have. It left me wanting more!
Credited on this page: http://www.angelaoakenfold.com/now-appearing-in.php
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
NEIL FINN'S SURPRISE MINI-SET AT BARDOT HOLLYWOOD LAST NIGHT
Quick note: Thank you Chris Douridas for reaching out to Neil Finn. And thank you Neil for taking Chris up on his offer! It was worth standing in the smoke filled club!
Last night's mini set was a wonderful reminder of how we long for the pure brilliance of CH/Finn and can never get enough. Even after all these years:} Neil mentioned how at The Palace show, someone brought up to the stage a Fatburger. He didn't miss a beat and asked if Fatburger's still around, to bring one! He he he... Some of you were lucky to be present! After Fall At Your Feet, Neil told the story of how he and the band forgot the second verse. Now he's self conscious about to this day. None of us recalled if he sang the second verse or not. No matter... it’s all good!
The intimate show brought me back to the old Largo days (when it was on Fairfax). I have met a great many of Crowdies (Pody's nickname) over the years and we've shared such memorable moments. Last night, I thought of those who weren't there. I must say, the Finn fans are some of the coolest people I've ever met. Some even met their spouses at a show. We should pay homage, maybe even a website?
Okay, back to this show. With an electric guitar and amp, Neil played through about 8 songs. Below is the set list. I'm sure with the current technology, we just may see it on You Tube or something. Choice!
XO,
Z
SET LIST:
Last night's mini set was a wonderful reminder of how we long for the pure brilliance of CH/Finn and can never get enough. Even after all these years:} Neil mentioned how at The Palace show, someone brought up to the stage a Fatburger. He didn't miss a beat and asked if Fatburger's still around, to bring one! He he he... Some of you were lucky to be present! After Fall At Your Feet, Neil told the story of how he and the band forgot the second verse. Now he's self conscious about to this day. None of us recalled if he sang the second verse or not. No matter... it’s all good!
The intimate show brought me back to the old Largo days (when it was on Fairfax). I have met a great many of Crowdies (Pody's nickname) over the years and we've shared such memorable moments. Last night, I thought of those who weren't there. I must say, the Finn fans are some of the coolest people I've ever met. Some even met their spouses at a show. We should pay homage, maybe even a website?
Okay, back to this show. With an electric guitar and amp, Neil played through about 8 songs. Below is the set list. I'm sure with the current technology, we just may see it on You Tube or something. Choice!
XO,
Z
SET LIST:
Only Talking Sense
One Step Ahead
Fatburger story from The Palace show
I got You
Driving Me Mad
Sinner – (a Chris Douridas fave)
Love This Life
Fall At Your Feet
Distant Sun
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