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.
No comments:
Post a Comment