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Flora Lynn Isaacson

Flora Lynn Isaacson

Nov 16 2022
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Don’t Miss Gypsy-A Musical Fable-Nov. 11-Dec. 18

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Ross Valley Players and the Mountain Play present the timeless music of Jules Styne and the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim with Gypsy, A Musical Fable running November 11 to December 18 at the Barn Theater in Ross.

The story is suggested by the memoirs Gypsy Rose Lee, a stage mother who is “always plotting and planning her daughter June’s rise to stardom and desperately reaching to feel the spotlight herself,” according to Director/Choreographer Zoe Swenson-Graham. Mama Rose is “blindly ambitious, closed off, and complex” making the role a challenge for any actor. Dyan McBride rises to the occasion with a fine performance. Her command of the stage is immediate and her acting and singing is enchanting. DC Scarpelli is no less charming in the role of Herbie, a former agent who agrees to become the act’s manager/promoter.

Alexandra Fry is cute and funny as the younger Baby June and Julia Ludwig is equally good as the older “Dainty” June. In Act One Baby June and “Her Newsboys” (the real name of the 1920’s traveling vaudeville act) sing and dance their hearts out with hits like “Let Me Entertain You” and “Small World.” Jill Jacobs gives a standout performance as June’s plain sister Louise in Act One. In Act Two she transforms into the burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee.

Kudos to the show’s Music Director Jon Gallo and Adriana Gutierrez for her lovely vintage costume designs. Eileen Grady (Mountain Play Association Executive Director & Artistic Producer) and Steve Price (RVP Executive Producer) deserve applause as well for the time and talent they give to this production.

Coming up next at Ross Valley Players is Ross Alternative Works’ production of Reservations, a new play by Joe Barison, directed by Michael R Cohen January 27-February 12, 2023.

Flora Lynn Isaacson (with Lori Wood)

 

Sep 29 2021
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“RIPCORD” by Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

The sub-title of this review might well be “RVP Versus the Pandemic” inasmuch as the show goes on in spite of Covid-19 mask mandates and social-distancing requirements…offstage. That said, this production is a worthy diversion from the restrictions we are enduring because of the pandemic. There is plenty of comic relief during the pandemic in this crazy/slapstick-comedy by Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire — thanks to its script, casting, directing, and acting.

Kudos to Co-Producer Heather Shepardson; Director, Chloe Bronzan; and to the Cast for stellar performances: “Abby” (absolutely outstanding by Tori Truss); “Scotty” (Beau Tran); “Marilyn” (Pamela Hollings); “Colleen” (Rebekah Kouy-Ghadosh); “the Clown” (Nate Currier); and (Peter Warden) masterfully performing multi-characters: “Derek,” “Zombie Butler,” and “Masked Man.”

Kudos to the Crew for creating our escape into the “safe space” of the living facility: Tom O’Brien (Scenic Design) with Scenic Artistry by Dhyanis Carniglia; Michael Walraven (Set Construction). Stage Manager Dianne Harrison’s talents and those of her assistants, Ben Vasquez and Raysheina de-Leon-Ruhs, were shown by the flawless property design choices and their use. Kudos to Bruce Viera (perfect Sound Design); also, to Michael A. Berg for his tasteful costuming; also, kudos to Richard Squeri for the excellent coaching of the sky-diving skit, combat and intimacy choreography, as well as practical effects; and to Tina Johnson for excellent Lighting Design.

Kudos to the Ross Valley Players Board of Directors Officers and At-Large Members:
President Carol Winograd
Vice-President/Exec. Producer Steve Price
Vice-President/Treasurer Allan Casalou
Vice-President/Business Manager Alex Ross
Secretary Ellen Goldman
At Large:  Stephanie Ahlberg, Michael Cohen, Mark Friedlander, Maureen Kalbus, Dee Kordek,
Maureen Scheuenstuhl, and Vic Revenko

Kudos also to Robin Jackson for the Program Photography and to Graphic Designer Mark Shepard; to Karen Topakian for the all-important Show Publicity; to Suzie Hughes as Program Consultant; and last but equally important: to Volunteer Coordinator, Eleanor Prugh, and to Webmaster, Andrew Wilson.

For sheer enjoyment this Ross Valley Players production is not to be missed. For performances at The Barn (30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross) on the grounds of the Marin Art and Garden Center to and including October 10, 2021, tickets are available online at RossValleyPlayers.com or by telephone: 415/456-9555, Ext. 1.

By Elle Alexa Simon
on behalf of Flora Lynn Isaacson, Critic San Francisco Bay Area Critics Circle

Jul 27 2021
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James Dunn Successfully Stages “The Pirates of Penzance” at RVP

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Director James Dunn wanted us to have some fun!  He feels that summer is a perfect time for silliness.  He achieves this with his remarkable production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s (1879) The Pirates of Penzance. 

Before the curtain is even raised, the stage is set with 8 old-fashioned footlights and box seats on either side of the stage, fronted by a red-velvet curtain.  The time and place is toward the end of Victoria’s reign.  

When the curtain is raised for Act 1, it is on a rocky shore on the coast of Cornwall.  Act 2 takes place in a Ruined Chapel by Moonlight. 

As the story goes, Frederic (Cordell Wesselink) was apprentice to a group of pirates, due to an error by his guardian, Ruth (Christina Jaqua), who came along as the ship’s mate, because, you see, “pirates” sounds very much like “pilots.”  The members of this “pirate” band, led by the Pirate King (Philip Percy Williams) are brave, but their sensitive side prevents them from being completely successful – as should be for plundering pirates.  

 

At the age of 21, Frederic seeks the freedom to discover the non-pirate-side of life and very quickly falls in love with Mabel (Joni DeGabriele), who travels with her own troupe of 3 sisters.  Their father, Major-General Stanley (Norman A. Hall), seeks to protect his daughters from the pirates; allegiances are tested, and the police enter the fray before all is resolved by the final curtain.  

Once the curtain is raised, the atmosphere is set with Ron Krempetz’, Scenic Artist Dyhanis’ brilliant set design and construction (by Michael Walraven), as well as the costumes by Michael A. Berg and Jan Koprowski and choreography by Sandra Tanner (which is excellent with every movement, adding another dimension).  The effective lighting design was by Ellen Brooks.  Music Director Paul Smith beautifully handles the accompaniment.  

Standout performances, worth the price of admission, include truly memorable performances by Norman A. Hall as Major-General Stanley; and Philip Percy Williams (who gives a broad, flamboyant, and charismatic performance as the pirate king with a richly-strong voice.  He is also accomplished at comedy, especially with the physical bits that make this show such a delight. ) Also, it’s hard to imagine a better voice than Joni DeGabriele’s beautiful soprano voice for the sweet and fetching role of Mabel. Christina Jaqua uses her wonderfully expressive face to show us the faithful Ruth, who after living with the pirates for a decade-and-a-half, is ready to choose one for her own. 

There are 22 actors whose performances are handled masterfully by James Dunn.  His wonderful direction keeps things going at a very fast pace, and he achieved his wish for us to leave this performance with both a laugh and a smile. 

Performances of The Pirates of Penzance have been running since July 16 and will go through August 16, at The Barn, home of the Ross Valley Players, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. 

Regular performances are Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays 8:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 p.m., and Sunday Matinees are at 2:00 p.m.  For tickets, go online to www.rossvalleyplayers.com or call 415/456-9555, ext. 3.

Photography by Robin Jackson

Coming up next to start the 86th Season of Ross Valley Players will be Glorious!  the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the worst singer in the world, by Peter Quilter, directed by Billie Cox, from September 18 through October 18, 2015.

 FLORA LYNN ISAACSON

 

Jul 14 2015
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Fantastic Opening Weekend of “New Wrinkles: The Middle Age (and beyond!) Musical” at NTC

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

On July 10th, 2015, the Novato Theater Company opened the hit musical New Wrinkles by Rita Abrams, Gerald Nachman, and Morris Bobrow.  Morris Bobrow actually directed this production, and Rita Abrams was the piano accompanist. The very talented cast included Erika Alstrom, Nan Ayers, Mark Clark, Paula Gianetti, and Kit Grimm. 

This hilarious and heartfelt musical revue serves up the pains, perils, and poignancy of aging in clever and crowd-pleasing sketches and songs.  Topics include high school reunions, finances, plastic surgery, aches and pains, sexual enhancement, hair loss, and (of course) new wrinkles. 

Gerald Nachman and his collaborators Morris Bobrow and Rita Abrams first concocted this musical comedy revue in 2002.  It was built around the horrors and humiliations of aging.  This show, which has since had nearly 20 productions in the USA and Canada, includes sketches by Nachman about a mid-aged couple on a date who get increasingly  sexually excited as they compare medical conditions; a flirtatious macho guy in a restaurant resisting a cute waitress’ urging that he order from the “senior” menu; a married couple who realize that the moment their daughter leaves the house for college they have nothing to say to each other; a TV commercial for a dating service that makes you feel younger by hooking you up with little old ladies; and two old friends who meet  on a street corner for lunch but can’t remember why.  Abrams’ and Bobrow’s songs include numbers about plastic surgery, a fantasy doctor who advises you to eat more cheese burgers and hot fudge sundaes; a man who realizes every authority figure is younger than he is; and a woman who laments that she has moved  from a “Miss” to a “Ma’m.”  An outstanding song by Abrams performed with dignity by Erika Alstrom and Nan Ayers was “Woman in her Prime,” a real show-stopper! 

The simple set was designed by Mark Clark with 2 chairs stage left and stage right, with 2  stools on a riser center stage.  The effective lighting was by Halina, with Sandi Rubay on the Sound Design.  The brilliant choreography was by Sherry Hines.  The whole cast contributed to the original costumes.  

Don’t miss this bright and clever musical New Wrinkles: The Middle Age (and beyond!)  

Tickets are going fast!  This sassy musical plays for 3 weekends, July 10 through July 26 at the Novato Theatre Company,  5420 Nave Drive in Novato, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. 

Order Tickets online (purchase and print them more than two hours before each performance) at www.NovatoTheaterCompany.org or Buy Tickets (with cash or check only) for theater walkups at 7:00 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays; and at 1:00 p.m. Sundays.  Call 415-883-4493 for questions and information.  Open seating, free parking. 

Photo credit: Fred Deneau 

Next at NTC: to start the Novato Theater Company’s 2015-2016 season will be Vanya &  Sonia & Masha & Spike by Christopher Durang, directed by Buzz Halsing, from August 26 to September 20, 2015. 

FLORA LYNN ISAACSON

Jun 16 2015
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“Choir Boy” is a Masterpiece at Marin Theatre Company!

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Choir Boy is a Masterpiece at Marin Theatre Company! 

Marin Theatre Company closes out its 48th Season with a Bay Area premiere of Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the celebrated American Playwright of the Brother/Sister Plays Trilogy and Head of Passes.  Kent Gash, who previously directed the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critic Circle’s award-winning production of August Wilson’s Seven Guitars at MTC, powerfully directs this exceptionally beautiful piece of theatre.  This is pure theatre magic! 

Choir Boy takes place at the Charles R. Drew Prep School, an institution devoted to the development of extraordinary young black men.  This play is a series of vignettes focusing on Pharus Jonathan Young (Jelani Alladin), a talented singer at the school.  Pharus, a scholarship student, is ambitious and has worked hard to become the leader of the school’s famous gospel choir, but he’s also not inclined to hide his natural flamboyance and has to decide how to deal with gay slurs from his classmates.

Director Kent Gash has created an ensemble of performers who work as a unit while each actor manages to maintain his individuality.  The primary conflict is between Pharus and Bobby Marrow (Dimitri Woods), member of a prominent family and nephew of Headmaster Marrow (Ken Robinson), while Pharus’ main defender is his roommate Anthony Justin “AJ” James (Jaysen Wright). 

Filling out the cast are two more students Bobby’s friend Junior Davis (Rotimi Agbabiaka) and Pharus’ serious friend David Heard (Forest Van Dyke).  The Headmaster enlists Mr. Pendleton(Charles Shaw Robinson), a retired Caucasian faculty member, to help the singers work together and think through their difficulties. 

Jelani Alladin succeeds in portraying the different sides of Pharus: a young man who wants to be loved and accepted but who understands the need to follow the rules.  Dimitri Woods successfully shows Bobby’s frustration, at not getting the respect to which he feels entitled, without becoming a villain.  Headmaster Marrow, as portrayed by Ken Robinson, sympathetically shows how the Headmaster is occasionally in over his head, and Charles Shaw Robinson adds some comic relief as Mr. Pendleton, who emerges gradually from being less shy and becoming more authoritative. 

McCraney incorporates acappella gospel songs between the scenes, sung brilliantly by his five young leads, directed by Darius Smith and Sound Designer/Assistant Music Director Chris Houston. 

The boys’ sharp prep-school uniforms are designed by Callie Floor and Scenic Designer Jason Sherwood’s stately set is circled by portraits of great African-American leaders.  Lighting Designer Kurt Landisman’s effective lighting enhances the mood.  

Choir Boy is at the top of my list of shows not to be missed!

FLORA LYNN ISAACSON

 

Photos by Kevin Berne and Ed Smith

Choir Boy began June 9 and has extended its run through July 5 at Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. 

Performances:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8:00 pm Wednesdays 7:30 pm
Sundays 7:00 pm

Matinees: Sundays 2:00 pm; Thursday, June 18th at 1:00 pm; and Saturday June 27th at 2:00 pm

For tickets, contact Marin Theatre Company at 415-388-5208 or online at boxoffice@marintheatre.org.

Coming up at Marin Theatre Company, to start their new Season, will be The Oldest Boy by Sarah Ruhl from September 10 through October 4, 2015.

 

Jun 08 2015
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NTC Stages “Unnecessary Farce” — Perfect End to a Wonderful Season

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

NTC Stages Unnecessary Farce
As the Perfect Way to Usher in the Summer
and End a Wonderful Season

Unnecessary Farce is an award-winning stage comedy by Paul Slade Smith that combines all the elements of classic farce with a contemporary American plot. Also, Unnecessary Farce is an excellent Directorial debut at NTC for acting veteran Johnny DeBernard, assisted by Kim Bromley. Cheers to Johnny DeBernard for his outstanding sense of comic timing!

Set in the adjoining motel rooms – styled with perfect motel appearance by Set Designer Mark Clark and expertly costumed by John Clancy and Janice Deneau, the show opens with Matt Farrell’s affable Eric Sheridan struggling to put on his pants (one of many scenes of hilariously half-dresssed actors). Eric and his partner, Officer Billie Dwyer (Ashley Kimball) have set up a video monitor to catch Mayor Meekly (Hugh Campion) confessing embezzlement to his new (sexy) accountant Karen Brown (Amber Kernohan) – but throw in neurotic security guard Agent Frank (beautifully portrayed by Ben Ortega) and a bumbling Scottish murderer Todd (Richard Steele), and things go predictably awry.  Then there’s the unassuming Mrs. Mary Meekly (Marilyn Hughes) who is concerned for her husband’s whereabouts and well-being.

Ashley Kimball, playing the awkward gun-fearing cop on her first real assignment, is the show’s best asset. In many scenes she is simply sitting on the motel bed and watching the action unfold in the next room but, with amazement, her understated comic-timing is a show stealer, especially when paired with Matt Farrell’s timid, equally inept Police Officer–in-crime. 

 Richard Steele commands our
attention as an impressive, bagpipe-
playing-criminal with a booming
Scottish accent, and the moments
spent lost in translating are some of
the funniest in the show.            

 Written by former-Chicagoan Paul  Slade Smith, Unnecessary Farce  contains a handful of sharply- written jokes, but the majority  of the humor is physical:
the synchronized door slamming
and rough and tumble bedroom
romps.   Unnecessary Farce
certainly is not “food for thought,”
but its unsophisticated charm is a good taste of unabashedly crude comedy done right.

Unnecessary Farce is a fun, light-hearted play and a worthy effort by the NTC.

(Images courtesy of NTC)

Unnecessary Farce began its run May 22 and will be performed through June 14, 2015, at Novato Theater Company Playhouse, 5420 Nave Drive, Suite C, Novato 94949.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Order tickets online at www.NovatoTheaterCompany.org (print out your ticket from the confirmation email).  If you are unable to print out your ticket, your name will be on a list at the Box Office at your scheduled time. The Box Office opens at  7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

You may purchase your ticket at the Box Office by cash or check on the date you attend. Credit cards are not accepted at the Box Office. 

Please telephone Novato Theater Company at 415-883-4498 with questions.

Coming up next at the Novato Theater Company Playhouse, to start the new season will be Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang and directed by Buzz Halsing from October 23 through November 28, 2015.

Flora Lynn Isaacson

 

May 26 2015
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THE CLEAN HOUSE at RVP Scores As Best Play of 85th Season!

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

With thanks to expert Playwright Sarah Ruhl and the artistic talent of Director JoAnne Winter (Co-Founder and Director of Word for Word Performing Arts Company ), and Set Designer David Shirk’s Academy Award-winning (Visual Effects) design experience, as well as a talented cast, The Clean House is a big hit!

A 2005 Pulitzer-Prize-finalist, The Clean House, is a comic drama that mixes fantasy and reality as it tells the story of five dissimilar people.  Throughout the play, the actors address the audience to talk about themselves or imagine situations involving other characters.  The play opens with three characters coming out to address the audience.  Matilda (Livia Demarchi) comes out first, with a tantalizing untranslated joke told with an exuberance that transmits a fair amount of its humor.  As we learn, she is from Brazil.  Some of the jokes and comments are translated for the audience on a projection screen at the back wall of David Shirk’s elegant white set, which also includes a small stage behind a painting which is lifted to enact Matilda’s description of her parents.  Matilda tells us in her long opening monologue that when she’s not thinking of jokes she gets depressed, and, when she get depressed, she doesn’t like to clean. 

Next, Lane (Sylvia Burboeck), a doctor in her 50s, comes out to explain that Matilda, her Brazilian maid, is depressed and has been failing to clean her house.  She is followed by Virginia (Tamar Cohn), Lane’s older sister, a housewife who argues that people who do not clean their own homes are “insane.”

Virginia persuades Matilda to let her clean her sister’s house on the sly, thereby setting in motion a series of events that gradually re-orders and deepens the relationships among the play’s other characters, who include Lane’s husband Charles (Steve Price), a surgeon, and his new mistress Ana (Sumi Narendran), on whom he recently performed a mastectomy, just after instantly falling in love with her during a breast consultation.

The Clean House is a play that keeps revealing surprising secrets and layers of rich feelings as it goes along.  Director JoAnne Winter blends its contrasting tones with subtle precision.  Her cast displays a keen understanding of Sarah Ruhl’s ability to see the absurdity in extremes of emotions with authenticity.  We may never come to a full understanding of the jokes life plays on us, but the wisest and possibly noblest response is to have a good laugh, anyway.

The Clean House will run through Sunday, June 14th. Thursday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday Matinees at 2:00 p.m. All performances are at the Barn and Theatre, home of the Ross Valley Players, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., in Ross. To order tickets, call 415-456-9555, ext. 1 or online at www.RossValleyPlayers.com

Coming up next at the Ross Valley Players will be Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance,  from July 17 through August 15, 2015, directed by James Dunn.

Flora Lynn Isaacson

Photos by Ross Valley Players

May 11 2015
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Fringe of Marin One-Act Play Festival Celebrates 25 Years!

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Fringe of Marin One-Act Play Festival Celebrates 25 Years!

The Fringe of Marin is one of the oldest Fringe Festivals in the country and the oldest in the San Francisco Bay Area.  The Fringe of Marin is now celebrating its 25th season with some of the most innovative work of San Francisco Bay Area playwrights, directors, and actors.

Established by Dr. Annette Lust in 1985, who was a professor at Dominican University and who continued to run the festival until her death two years ago in late February.  At this time, Gina Pandiani, Dominican alum who graduated in 1985, stepped up to the plate as Managing Director to make sure that the show will continue to go on at the Fringe of Marin.

This review is centered on Program B which consists of four plays and one monologue.  Program B was presented on Saturday, May 2, and Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Angelico Hall at Dominican University.  

Program B opened with Chill, written and directed by Nathan Day.  In Chill, a bickering young couple, Suzy (Iris Mallgren) and Bobby (Nick Coelius) are dressed in bathing suits and sitting in beach chairs.  It is supposed to be warm, but they’re freezing to death.  They wrap their beach towels around themselves.  Bobby’s towel is very patriotic – like the American flag.  Chill was well cast with a good contrast in character.  It was well directed with a lot of laughs from the audience.

That light satirical play was followed by Wii, written and directed by Gary Green.  Stacey Anderson plays Sharon, a transgender (who was Liam’s father but is now Liam’s mother).  Nico Canivet, a child actor plays Liam, who was trying to make a difficult adjustment.  Director Gary Green should have moved the important scene on the couch forward toward the audience instead of at the back.  Nico Canivet is wonderful as Liam in a challenging role.

The last play before intermission was Alby and Me, written, directed, and acted by veteran Fringe favorite, Steve North.  Steve North is a real pro, who has performed stand-up comedy at the Marsh in Berkeley.  Steve has a great sense of comic timing, and he had the audience roaring with laughter as an aging actor trying to remember his lines.  He carries a script as a prop.  “Alby,” in the title, comes from the albatross which he drags in at the end from the Rime of the Ancient Mariner.  Steve North has the skill to keep the audience in the palm of his hand.

The second half of Program B opened with Sheroe by Nick Hadikwa Mwaluko and directed by Sydney Painter.  In this play, Jasmine Williams plays Cheryl, who is visited by the ghost of her dead Mother, skillfully played by Paige L. Mayes.  This play was beautifully acted and directed.

The final play of Program B was Safe House written and directed by Fringe Festival veteran Charley Lerrigo.  In Safe House, a hurricane drives the Sheriff John Hurlbut, solidly performed by Bruce Carlton to the safe house of Hattie Peterson, a long-time friend, seductively portrayed by Sanna Cook.  She offers the sheriff something warm to drink and sets about to seduce him.

Program A was performed on Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, and Saturday May 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday May 2, at 2:00 p.m., at Angelico Hall.

At the end of the Festival program, Gina Pandiani announced the 2015 Fringe of Marin winners.  All of the winners were from Program B, except for the Best Ensemble, called Pizza Man from Program A.  These are the results:

Best Director: Sidney Painter
Runner-Up: Gary Green

Best Male Performance: Nico Canivet
Runner-Up: Nick Coelius

Best Female Performance: Jasmine Williams and Paige L. Mayes
Runner-Up: Iris Mallgren

Best Ensemble: the cast of Pizza Man

Best Play: Sheroe
Runner-Up: Chill

 

What a wealth of talent I witnessed in Program B, of directors, actors, and playwrights!  

Congratulations to Gina Pandiani for keeping the show going on!

 Flora Lynn Isaacson

Apr 28 2015
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The Way West – an Old West Pioneer Story of Survival at MTC

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Two daughters Meesh (a feisty Rosie Hallett) and Manda (a sleek Kathryn Zdan) try to help their Central Valley mom (an energetic Anne Darragh), as she regales them with songs and tales of the optimism that won the West, in this West Coast premiere of Mona Mansour’s comic family drama at Marin Theatre Company.

Complementing this incredible cast of Bay Area actors – MTC veterans Anne Darragh, Stacy Ross, and Kathryn Zdan, as well as newcomers Rosie Hallett and Hugo E. Carbajal – are the musical compositions of the country by the amazing folk duo Misner + Smith who create catchy musical tunes.  All of the actresses accompany themselves on guitars. 

Mona Mansour’s cautionary tale about a true-believer in her notions of Old West pioneer values has a wonderful cast and a fine director (from the Minneapolis Playwright Center), Hayley Finn.  Haley Finn has a nice way of including lit-up cards for each of the different scenes to keep the audience on the same track.

One could say The Way West is a clash of Old West myths and modern financial reality.

Well-known Bay Area actress Stacy Ross has a clever cameo as Tress, mom’s wonderfully funny friend to join her magic water therapy business.  Hugo E. Carbajal appears as two different characters, first as Manda’s lawyer ex-boyfriend and a secondary role as a pizza delivery man, who is quite amazing.

Geoffrey M. Curley’s set, which is an open-arch living room, full of clutter, suggests a type of covered wagon.

While The Way West has true moments of poignancy and even a few laughs, it needs a more compelling plot and a flushed-out tone.  If we’ve learned anything from the gold rush and westward land-grabbing, it’s that that true pioneer spirit lives on, and with some work so will this play.

 

The Way West runs April 16 through May 10, 2015, with performances at:

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Thursday, April 30 at 1:00 pm
Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 pm

All performances take place at the Marin Theatre Company, located at 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley 94941.  To order tickets, telephone 415-388-5208 or go online at www.marintheatre.org.

Coming up next at the Marin Theatre Company will be Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Kent Gash, from June 4 through June 28, 2015.

Flora Lynn Isaacson

Mar 31 2015
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Successful Sold-Out Performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” at NTC

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Novato Theater Company brings Tevye’s Russian village, Anatevka, to life with an outstanding cast, great choreography by Kate Kenyon, and excellent directing by award-winning Director Pat Nims and Musical Director, Carl Oser.  The cast includes 24 actors and 5 musicians.

One of the most popular musicals in history, Fiddler on the Roof was written in 1964 with Book by Joseph Stein, Music by Jerry Bock, and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.

Fiddler on the Roof is the story of family, love, change and tradition.  Its defining statement is spoken by the philosophizing milkman Tevye at the end of the first song “Tradition”: “Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof!”  Based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem, who himself had to flee the tumultuous times of early 20th century Imperial Russia, Fiddler captures the heart of a people seemingly forced to be on the move.  Set in 1905, Fiddler brings Aleichem’s tales to life.

Michael Walraven stars as Tevye the milkman and carries the show with an outstanding performance. He is given able assistance by wife Golde (Paula Gianetti).  Both must cope with the strong-willed actions of their three older daughters and each of their miss-choice for a husband.  Tevye tries to arrange a marriage for his first daughter Tzeitel (Bouket Fingerhut) to the wealthy butcher Lazar Wolf (Patrick Barr) which he must undo when Tzeitel professes her love for the poor tailor Motel (James Gregory).  When Tevye’s second daughter Hodel (Gina Madory), falls in love with the poor student revolutionary Perchik (Ben Knoll), Tevye loses his dream again.  As each of his daughters depart from their culture’s long-time traditions, with the mild Tzeitel marrying for love to the severe Chava (played by Bessie Zolno) falling in love with a non-Jewish Russian Fyedka (Nicholas Moore), Tevye loses his dream yet again.  Michael Walraven has some wonderful scenes as he talks to G-d about his dilemma.

From the first sweet notes of “Tradition” through the hearty “To Life To Life LeChaim” to the poignant spirit of “Anatevka,” Musical Director Carl Oser handles these famous songs with pleasing finesse.  Director Pat Nims and Choreographer Kate Kenyon recreate the rough grace and exciting energy with gliding circles and boisterous folk dances.

Amy Dietz is a capable, bothersome Yente – the matchmaker – and Patrick Barr is a reasonably solid Lazar Wolf, but it’s the daughters who challenge and erode Tevye’s treasured traditions and who provide the chief dramatic and musical joys, edging the shtetl’s inhabitants into a new world.

The daughters’ “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” is a delight; “To Life To Life…” and “Wedding Dance” explode with energy, and the swell of “Tradition” and “Sabbath Prayer” and “Sunrise and Sunset” work with unusual charm.

Fiddler on the Roof will run at the Novato Theater Company Playhouse from March 27th through April 26th. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, with Sunday Matinees at 2pm.  There will be one Thursday show on April 23rd at 8pm.

For tickets, call 415-883-4498 or go online at www.novatotheatercompany.org

Coming up next at Novato Theater Company will be Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith, with Director Billie Cox, from May 21 through June 14, 2015.

FLORA LYNN ISAACSON

Photos by Mark Clark