THEATRE REVIEW OF EUGENE O'NEILL ONE-MAN PLAY

Eugene O’Neill had more to say

 

The Unauthorized Afterlife of Eugene O’Neill is a one-man show written and performed by James Cady.  The play is directed by Brian Hansen and produced by Donna Marie Barra.

The play begins at Eugene O’Neill’s end with “born in a hotel room… died in a hotel room.”  James Cady explores the life of this complex playwright as he tries to find meaning and answers.  We hear of his contentious upbringing by actor James O’Neill and Mary Ellen Quinlan.  However, his father's illness was a grievous blow to him.  James’ last wish was for Eugene to ‘have courage in being true to yourself and not a sellout’.  One surprise was to find out Eugene’s daughter Oona is the same Oona that became Charlie Chaplin’s last wife!

Once we get past the ominous beginning, the play is quite witty, insightful and humorous… not morose and morbid.  James Cady’s performance gives us a glimpse into the mind of this legendary poet/playwright/Nobel laureate/multi Pulitzer-Prize winner.  Questions are raised… who would win in a dual, Eugene or the hideous wallpaper?  Was O’Neill a huntsman or did he see himself getting into the lion’s den of life?   Will he ever find the toc to his tic?  Do we get to see him enjoy his favorite song, Minnie the Mermaid?  You will just have to see for yourself before it ends.

The Unauthorized Afterlife of Eugene O’Neill runs September 23^rd 8pm, 24^th 2pm & 8pm, and 25^th 8pm at Carrie Hamilton Theatre (upstairs) at The Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.  General Admission: $30 / $15 for Students.  For more information, please call (626) 356-7529 or visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

THEATRE REVIEW OF D3LINQUENTZ ONE-WOMAN PLAY

Give these D3LINQUENTZ another chance

 

D3LINQUENTZ is a one-woman show written, performed and co-produced by Stefany Northcutt.  The play is directed and co-produced by George C. Stiehl and located at the Write Act Repertory Company.

D3LINQUENTZ centers on four juvenile delinquents at a Group Home to “straighten up.  There is Stefany, the damaged girl, whose Mom doesn’t know her daughter is high on the way to the Group Home.  Laprell, the vigilant realist, who cares for his ailing elder.  Irma, the fearless Chola, who can’t wait to get out of the place.  And Trinity, the fragile psychotic, who is lost in her own little world.  Not only does Stefany perform as these four characters, she also imitates the staff at the Group Home.  She slides in and out of each character with such ease and grace that you cannot help but like them.  This dramedy is quite engaging and poignant as you delve into the core of each troubled youth.  The venue is one of the best places to see great theatre here in Southern California.  The people both on the stage and behind the scenes are quite welcoming and pleasant to be around.

D3LINQUENTZ runs September 22^nd, 23^rd, 24^th, 29^th, 30^th, October 1^st (7:45pm) and 2^nd (closing matinee, 4pm) at Write Act Repertory Company 6128 Yucca Avenue Hollywood, CA 90028.  General Admission: $18 at the door / $12 (Seniors, Students, Groups 4+).  For more information, please call (310) 461-5125 or visit http://writeactrep.org/homepage.htm or http://d3linquentz.com/.

THE LEOPARD REVIEW IN TOLUCAN TIMES

The Leopard by Yabo Yablonsky is a one-man show about Nobel Prize laureate Ernest Hemingway as he reflects back on his life. The play is directed by T.J. Castronovo and presented by CRC Entertainment in association with Working Stage Theater. It is performed by John F. Goff, who took about a year to prepare.


Ernest Hemingway was a complex and fascinating man with many interests, missions, experiences, loves, etc. He was a man with many lives and had been through so much. Actor John F. Goff channels Hemingway in such a way that is instantly likeable… so charming and funny. Immediately, you are transported to Ernest’s den/office in 1961, Ketchum, Idaho. Edith Piaf is heard singing overhead and sets the mood. There may be talk of death, drinking, hunting, screwing, traveling and especially writing. However, there are many moments you simply laugh out loud. One such gem… “Dying is bad when it takes too long.” On the subject of war, he says, “Write war with heart,” and, “War is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” He also brings up stories with a few famous friends: Ava Gardner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ford Madox Ford, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso and Gertrude Stein.


I was pleased to see a full house on opening night. Even though I was in a room full of people, I felt such an intimacy between myself and “Ernest.” Do yourself a favor and see this play—I highly recommend it.


The Leopard runs Fridays/ Saturdays at 8 p.m. plus Sundays at 2 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 9, at The Working Stage Theater located at 1516 N. Gardner St. (near Sunset Boulevard). Run time is 90 minutes plus one intermission. Admission is $15; students and seniors $10 (use promo code 007). For reservations, please call (323) 960-7784 or visit www.Plays411.net/theleopard.

THEATRE REVIEW OF WORKING: THE MUSICAL

http://tolucantimes.info/section/theatre_review/a-musical-for-all-of-us-workers/

Tribe Productions presents Working: The Musical, music/ lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, WICKED) and others. The musical is based on the Studs Terkel book Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do (1974). The book and musical may have been created in the ‘70s, but the tale of people’s means of income is timeless. This version has white collar workers (socialite, Wall Street exec) and blue collar (iron worker, stone cutter), one from the “red light” district and many more. Their stories are very heart-warming, touching and relatable…something for everyone.

The ensemble casts consists of 5 men and 6 women who do a superb job changing (literally) in and out of various characters. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight to sing and share what it’s like to be (for example) a housewife, maid, trucker, fireman and so on. Ones that stood out to me were the project manager, third grade teacher, migrant worker (who sings one of the most beautiful songs) and the hilarious blogger. But then there is a fun favorite, Trader Joe’s employees. You will laugh; you will cheer and maybe even shed a tear or two. In this time and age, this musical is for those working or in the midst of finding work.

A DIRECTOR'S TAKE ON THE LATE, GREAT SIDNEY LUMET

http://blogs.indiewire.com/peterbogdanovich/archives/sidney_lumet/?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4daeef1c03017d25%2C0

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

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:

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