Joseph Cillo

Ensemble Photo by Robin Jackson

New Works at Ross Valley Players presents a delightful and entertaining new musical, The Divine Sarah by June Richards and Elaine Lang on stage now through April 7 at the Barn Theatre in Ross.

Lovely live music by Jon Gallo (Keyboard/Music Direction) and Diana Lee (Cello), fine direction by Jay Manley and the cast’s outstanding acting, singing and dancing bring Sarah Bernhardt’s incredible story to life. Co-producers Michael Cohen and Gina Pandiani hope this play will “honor Bernhardt’s artistic brilliance and inspire audiences with her passion, determination and resilience.”

Forty years ago Richards and Lang wrote and staged a reading of the play that included fourteen songs and ensemble music, but a full production never happened. Then a few years ago, Richards and Lang updated the script keeping the original music and songs in place. Next Manley agreed to direct the piece for Ross Valley’s New Works. He calls the show “a true labor of love,” and describes French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) as “a pioneering woman…magnetic…able to cast a spell on the great playwrights of her day,” (Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde and Edmund Rostand to name a few). He hopes the production brings “excitement, respect and awe for this magnificent star.”

Merrill Grant is brilliant playing Sarah, first as a young woman, then through the years as she develops into an accomplished actress and international celebrity. Grant’s singing is amazing and so is the voice of Lucas Michael Chandler who stands out in the role of Jean Mounet Sully, a fellow actor who became Bernhardt’s good friend and lover.

The other cast members show extraordinary talent and range playing multiple roles including Alexandra Fry (young Sarah /Regine), Keith Jefferds (Oscar Wilde/Czar Alexander III) and Robin Schild (Victor Hugo/Mark Twain). The rest of the company (Amy Dietz, Anna Joham, Julia Ludwig. Brad Parks and Ron Talbot) shines—their singing, dancing and acting adds much to the production.

Kudos to Ronald E. Krempetz (Scenic Design), Michael Walraven (Technical Director), Michael Berg (Costume Design), Michele Samuels (Lighting Design) and Lucas Chandler (Choreography) for the imaginative set, lovely costumes, creative lighting and wonderful dancing. Special recognition goes to John Diestler for giving the audience a look at the real Sarah Bernhardt with “Block” digital images of her placed all around the stage.

The New Works program presents new, original works by Bay Area playwrights and consists of a full production and staged readings on two nights each season. Along with The Divine Sarah, the four readings this season are AI Threesome by Joe Wolff, Dead People by Bridgette Data Portman (March 17), Cowboy and Widow by Lynn Lohr and Lance Belville with music by Dolan Ellis, Wayne Hamilton and Eric Peltoniemi and Swing Set by Keith Jefferds (March 24).

Coming up next at Ross Valley Players is The Book Club Play by Karen Zacarias, directed by Mary Ann Rodgers, May 10-June 9.

Joseph Cillo

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Marin Theatre Company presents the West Coast Premiere of Bees and Honey, a new play by Guadalis Del Carmen on stage now through March 10.

In an interview with the Theatre Times Del Carmen explains the play is “about love…we’re taught that love is this perfect and beautiful thing that can magically fix everything, but everyone leaves out the part about love being hard work. To see two people of color (specifically Afro-Latinx) on stage having a real and raw relationship is rare.”  Karina Gutierrez’ excellent direction and the extraordinary talent of Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (Manuel) and Katherine George (Johaira) bring Del Carmen’s powerful love story to life.

As the play begins, Juan Luis Guerra’s bachata song, “Como Abeja al Panal” plays in the background while Manuel and Johaira talk about the thrill of dancing to bachata music (popular in their shared Dominican culture). They reminisce about how they met before they got married and their first dance together. The lights dim and the music gets louder as they begin dancing in complete sync with one another. Their movements are rhythmic, sensual, intense and demonstrate the strong connection and passion they feel for each other.

But the spell is broken as the lights go up and the next scene takes us inside the couple’ small apartment.  As the story develops, their individual differences, work challenges, family conflicts, gender roles and sexuality all come into play illustrating how even the most loving relationships can be difficult.

The play requires both actors to express a broad range of emotions. Lendeborg Jr.’s acting is especially impressive when portraying his character’s vulnerabilities. George exeplifies her character’s ambivalence, frustration and sorrow.  Their performances are authentic, heartfelt and deeply moving.

Carlos Antonio Aceves (Scenic Design), Jeunee Simon (Intimacy Coordinator), Mark Ellis (Dance Consultant) and Kate Boyd (Lighting Design) all deserve special recognition for their contribution to this incredible show. In fact, all of the creative team and show staff makes it a memorable experience–not to be missed!

Coming up next at Marin Theatre Company is Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song, directed by Richard Mosqueda, May 9-June 2.

Joseph Cillo

forallevents.com