WCT's 27th Annual Awards of Excellence

I just returned from Whittier Community Theatre’s 27th Annual Awards of Excellence presented at the Whittier Center Theatre.

I was nominated for best supporting actress for my performance in Almost, Maine. I am honored to have shared the category with such accomplished actresses. My cast-mate, Jennie Silva-Villa received an award for her role in the same production. I cheered and clapped like a proud mother.

In addition to the award ceremony, we also celebrated with a Kick-Off Party for WCT’s 89th Season! We previewed scenes from the upcoming season: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 12 Angry Jurors , Quilters, and Arsenic and Old Lace. I think I need to put in a word to include some Shakespeare in their 90th Season!

Hamlet and the Ghost Speak ASL

The main event today was seeing Dan Donohue in the role of Hamlet. Upon entering the theatre I was struck by the action already taking place on stage. Hamlet sat along amongst rows and rows of chairs before a casket as if lingering after his father’s funeral. As the audience entered the space everything was slowly cleared around him, until finally he stood up and left the space. Thus the play began.

Stone walls moved in and out of the A-symmetrical space, in the modern world created for this timeless play.

The ghosts appeared, played by the deaf actor Howie Seago, who used ASL to sign his lines to his distressed son. Hamlet repeated many of the lines back to him, althoughthe meaning was clear even to those who are unfamilar with ASL.

Armed with a pair of scissors, which cut at his clothing and ultimately brought and end to Polonius, Hamlet feigned madness to plot the revenge murder of his Uncle.

This production is littered with wonderful tid-bits and is an absolute must see.

OSF Belongs To Its Audience

Today class was filled with discussion, most of which was long-winded, tedious and not worth recounting. It saddens me that I have not felt a deeper connection with the group.

At 12 Noon we were fortunate enough to attend a lecture by artistic director Bill Rauch. He spoke with vigor about how he played a role in choosing the current season of plays and gave us insight into the creation of cast, crew and overall production choices for the season. I can hardly believe the amount of time and the heart that is put into this company. I was most impressed when he quoted the founder by saying that OSF “belongs to its audience.”

I had the immense pleasure of seeing Pride and Prejudice. Kate Hurster stole my heart as Elizabeth Bennet, and Elijah Alexander came in as a dark knight as Mr. Darcy. I was immediately transported to a romantic world filled with wit and eloquence. The costumes were picturesque. This is the only adaptation I have seen on the stage, but it is the standard to which I will compare all other productions.

We ended the afternoon by visiting the first folio at the New Theatre, Mom was a bit bored with this final event, not understanding that she stood over one of the most pristine surviving copies of the folio but I was pleased to see it for the second time.

Now we are taking the time to visit Aunt Marsha and Uncle Brian before we return to the theatre tomorrow for Hamlet.

Fun at Maraczek's Parfumerie!

This morning Anthony Heald graced us with his presence, starting our class activities off right.

His performance as Shylock last night made many of us question the anti-Semitism and prejudice in society. His most interesting comment came when he was asked about his chilling final scene in which Shylock loses the trial and is forced to become a Christian. The diversity of reactions in the audience, ranging from gasps to sighs to giggles showed what a truly relevant issue this still is in today’s society, just as it was in Shakespeare’s. Heald said that he felt Antonio was trying to do the right thing and save Shylock’s soul, not “punish” him.

At 1:30 PM we attended She Loves Me, a musical comedy which inspired the film You’ve Got Mail. I find myself still thinking of the great humor and adorable melodies. The spectacle of the set, costumes, music and physical comedy all made me take a deep sigh of relief after spending the beginning of the week in the realm of drama and tragedy.



In the evening we saw Twelfth Night. Christopher Liam Moore, a Southern Californian actor I have seen at the Pasadena Playhouse in As You Like It delivered a fantastic performance full of pomp. His fall was long and hard. After being confined in a giant birdcage as Malvolio, he returned beaten physically and mentally damaged. Michael Elich as Feste reminded me very much of Ben Kingsley in the film adaptation.

I was also please to see the sadness and tragic romance Brooke Parks brought to the role of Viola. In contrast I found Miriam Laube’s Olivia too silly for my taste.

All in all, a perfectly charming day at the theatre filled with laughter and smiles.

"In sooth, I know not why I am so sad"

Today in class the discussions were heated. There seemed to be mixed reviews over the direction the actor playing Falstaff took in Henry IV, Part One and the use of projections in Throne of Blood. All of which were over-wrought personal opinions.

I am quite annoyed with the group today who are acting like spoiled children, but perhaps that is my illness talking. I am almost certain that I have food poisoning and am constantly nauseated – which is not the best thing to be in a crowded room. I can only hope that a visit to the local drug store will set me right.

Later in the morning Kevin Kenerly (the title character in Throne of Blood and Percy in Henry IV, Part One) joined the class for some valuable insights into his processes. I found it intriguing that he is from a humble Detroit background and has worked with the Hilberry Repertory Theatre!

At noon we attended a lecture by David Riggs from Stanford University, than enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the park.

We attended the Green Show where I was pleased to see Alta California! They are a really fun group of musicians and singers.

Tonight’s performance of The Merchant of Venice brought a sense of humanity to the state that I find rare in productions of this play. The costumes, a mix of modern and Elizabethan dress, seemed to visually reflect how prejudice in today’s society really hasn’t changed much.

Beyond the greatness of Anthony Heald playing Shylock, there was a beautiful moment at the end that still haunts me. This production chose Antonio to show remorse for his actions, as he parted ways with Bassanio into the darkness of the final blackout. I am very interested to hear from Anthony Heald and my classmates how this choice affected the meaning of the play.

2010 Oregon Shakespeare Festival - So It Begins!

First Day of class at the 2010 Oregon Shakespeare Festival – I find myself in Ashland for the first time with my two favorite people, my parents. My first year at OSF, I took my best girlfriend Nicole. My second year, I took my father. And now here I am with my father and my mother. I am optimistic that they will enjoy this experience as much as I will.

We arrived early last night and checked in to our hotel. We decided to stay at the Holiday Inn again this year. It is about 3 miles from the festival, but we like the familiarity of it.

We drove into Medford for dinner. We ate that the Black Bear Diner and returned early to our hotel so we would be well-rested for today’s activities.

At 9 AM we met New Place for our first Wake Up with Shakespeare discussion class and were greeted by our instructor, Alan Armstrong. He is a pleasant gentleman and very intelligent, but a little disorganized.

The class is much larger this year than I have seen in previous years. And for the first time I am not the youngest audience member in my class. As it turns out I have graduated into the middle age group of Shakespeare – I am not sure how I feel about this yet, but at least I will not be picked on for my youth.

In the afternoon we attended Throne of Blood in the Angus Bowmer. Based on Akira Kurosawa’s film of the same title, this play astounded me with its visual and cultural connections to Noh Theatre, while keeping true to the base story-line of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Directed and adapted by Ping Chong, this play is truly a spectacle to behold.

Lady Asaji Washizu (Lady Macbeth) is haunting with her white face paint and synchronized Noh movements. Played by the Japanese actress, Ako, Lady Asaji appeared doll-like and nightmarish. Unlike Kevin Kenerly’s portrayal of Taketoki Washizu (Macbeth) which emphasized the humanity of his character.

After the show I felt suddenly ill, so we returned to the car after Throne of Blood to nap. I felt a little sick to my stomach and a headache pressed against the back of my eyes. Perhaps this was a side effect of the dreaded Scottish Play, or a result of yesterday’s dinner at the Black Bear Diner. Luckily the weather was nice enough to nap in the car with the windows down. Later we woke to walk the tiny community of Ashland and eat at the Greenleaf Café.

We then returned to the Elizabethan stage in the evening to watch Henry IV, Part One. I instantly fell in love with this history play. My dear Richard Howard (Cyrano from 2006) played King Henry. I love the silent agony that appears in the sparkle of his eye.

David Kelly stole the show as Sir John Falstaff. Dressed in a fat suit, this remarkable actor delivered the crude character burping and farting his way into our hearts like Don Quixote.

Rounding out the masterful performances of the night John Tufts caught my eye and ear every time he entered the stage as Prince Hal. I assume that they are setting him up to play Hal next year in Henry IV, Part Two. His character arc from a young drunkard to a honorable prince made his dismissal of Falstaf all the more tragic.

We could not have started out theatre experiences here in Ashland on a better note.

All that is left for me to do is take my NyQuil and try to get my body back on track for further adventures.

Bat Boy Headlines at Hunger Artists

The Hunger Artists Theatre Company is staging Bat Boy: The Musical! This off-the-wall musical is as strange as it is entertaining, deriving from a 1992 tabloid story from the infamous Weekly World News describing a half boy, half bat creature found in a cave. While the show contains elements of a typical musical, its bizarre subject matter and grotesque themes speak to an entirely different type of audience.

Glendele Way-Agle lends her directing talents to create a wacky, funny, nightmarish vision of a young man’s struggles to fit into a West Virginia community that shuns him. Her staging is inventive in the small space crowded by an excessive amount of ensemble, making the best of the height of the black box and creating a functional human-size cage to house the bat boy.

While the cast proved energetic and devoted to the world of the play, their weak vocal talents could not be disguised. As if often the case with amateur musical theatre, talented actors tried their hand at singing, while talented singers tried their hand at acting – which in this production did not always prove as successful trade.

This does not by any means diminish the great accomplishment by cast and crew to bring this unique musical to the stage, which is well worth the price of admission. Steven Alcantar gives a tremendous performance as Bat Boy. He embodies the pale and awkward teenager/bat, creating a journey from farel animal to a sensitive student of society.

A full package of humor, music, dance and blood – Bat Boy: The Musical is currently playing through August 15th.

Bat Boy: The Musical, Hunger Artists, 699-A S. State College Blvd., Fullerton, (714) 680-6803. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. Thru Aug. 15. $18-$20. www.hungerartists.com.

AUDITIONS - Briefs: A Festival of Short Plays

I have been honored with the privilege of directing a new original play for Theatre Out’s first annual short play festival. This marks my directorial debut at Theatre Out!

I am seeking one male and one female to play MARTY and TERRI in A Bridge to Something by Corinne Kawecki. Must be able to play late teens. Please find the audition information below.

Theatre Out is casting BRIEFS: A Festival of Short Plays, which producers plan to make an annual event. This two-week showcase will feature 10 original plays chosen from over 150 submissions. Keeping with the mission of the theatre, all pieces revolve around the LGBTQ community. Each show will perform every night of the festival and at the end of the run the audience will choose 'Best of the Festival".

Directors: Jack Millis, David Carnevale, Carlos Martin, Katie Chidester, Anthony Galleran, Jamie Sowers, Angela Cruz, & Ted Leib

Auditions: Monday, August 16, 7:00 pm; Tuesday, August 17, 7:00 pm

Rehearsals: Begin shortly after casting, limited rehearsal time.

Performances: September 17 - 26; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at The Empire Theatre.

There is no pay. Theatre Out does not work under any Equity agreements.

Theatre Out encourages diversity in casting and, no, you don't have to be gay to work with us!

No Appointments Necessary; ALL ROLES ARE OPEN.

Auditioners will be asked to cold read from the scripts.

Characters: Roles available for teens through late 60s. All ethnicities.

The Plays: Selected from over 150 submissions, these 10 plays represent playwrights from across the United States and range from farcical comedies to meaningful dramas and character studies.

Attack of the Dorothys by J.E. Phelan
A Bridge to Something by Corinne Kawecki
Briefs by Darcy Hogan
Herman's Wedding by John Franceschini
I Should Have Said No by Doug Cooney
I Thought I Liked Girls by Nicole Pandolfo
Saturday Night's Alright for Flaming by Christopher Diehl
Shiny Pair of Complications by J. Stephen Brantley
The Date by Joan Lipkin
The Loose Ends by Mark Harvey Levine