Theatre North Carolina

Spectacular Spectacular! WICKED Wows Durham!

WICKED is nothing less than SPECTACULAR! From the shimmering, twinkling curtain that greets you as you enter the theatre -  to the requisite flying Wicked Witch - to more hocus pocus than you can shake a broom stick at - WICKED is a spectacular spectacle!

Shockingly, I've never seen WICKED. I know the soundtrack pretty well and like many of the songs. Defying Gravity and Popular are two of my favorites and are both of these songs are pretty standard musical theatre audition material. I was, needless to say, exceedingly excited to see this show. In fact, I have tickets for next week as well.

In case you have no idea what show I'm talking about (which would be pretty funny as you are reading a theatre blog) here's the basics. WICKED currently on tour at the Durham Performing Arts Center is a lavish multi-award winning Broadway musical based on the book by Gregory Maguire. The book, which is fantastic, is loosely based on the books and characters created by Frank Baum. The musical's songs and lyrics were written by Stephen Schwarts and the book was written by Winnie Holzman.

OK, them's the basics!  If you want more info try Google. On to my experience!

First, I was seated in the FIRST ROW. A blessing and a curse. This is not an intimate little show. It's big and loud and needs to be seen with a little bit of distance. That said, beggars cannot be choosers and I actually LOVED sitting up close. It's a bit like looking at an impressionist painting. You need to see it from a distance to fully appreciate the beauty, but you really want to stick your nose right up to the painting and look at that detail. Well let me tell you, I saw some detail. I saw every move, every flourish on every costume, I even saw a bit of the magic happening off stage in the wings. (I could also make out the dancebelt lines in the male leads form-fitting pants, but that another note for another blog!

Before I move on, I have to say that these costumes are incredible. Can you imagine saying to costume designer Susan Hilferty, "OK, so everything needs to at least not clash with witch green and emerald green, but it all needs to be fantastic and beautiful. Oh and it all needs to remind you of the movie without copying the movie. Also, could you make it kind of modern, but fantastical? Cool, thanks!" I mean for real! These costumes are amazing. The entire design is fantastic, but I really thought the costumes, and specifically the colors, were out of this world!

So, the show is fantastic. Yes, it's a bit silly and sentimental, but it's funny and fun! The (HUGE) chorus is wildly talented. The supporting characters are a delight, but the real standouts are Vicki Noon as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Natalie Daradich (Glinda, the Good). These two women are stars and they hold the show together and keep it moving full-steam ahead. The both have wonderful voices and precise comedic timing.

The thing I love the best about the show - aside from the amazing spectacle of the sets and costumes and the cute chorus boys - is how gay it is! Wait, isn't it the spectacal and chorus boys that makes it gay? Well, yes, it helps, but that's not what I mean. I also don't mean the references to the movie, friends of Dorothy or even the tiny Evita reference that apparently only I got (and since I was sitting in the first row the entire cast knew there was at least one gay in the house)! No what I mean is that this show is all about being different and about learning to accept people as they are. It's about falling in love and defying expectations. OK, so maybe the messages could apply to lots of, or any minority, but add in the camp and the boys and, well, you get the picture...

I'm seeing the show again, next time from the balcony. I'm sure to enjoy it, but I fear I might miss seeing the details up close!

Upcoming Performances and "Just So Busy"

No matter how much I prepare myself mentally I'm never fully prepared for it to hit me, and when it hits, it hits hard. We all have them and some are worse than others. Sometimes they last for a few day, sometimes a few weeks and for some it's an ongoing way of life.

I'm talking about the busy times. Not the normal busy times, the REALLY busy times. People in my business (the business that is theatre) are always talking about how busy they are, and we usually are crazy busy. We are forced into insane deadlines because of lack of resources, we strive for the unimaginable because an artist imagined it and we love what we do. I've often worked several jobs at once or at jobs that required 70+ hours per week. I have even occasionally been paid for those hours! I know a lot of people who are always "just so busy", as if that wasn't just standard operating procedure for a theatre. Those people, for the most part, drive me crazy. They are on boards and committees and they promise to check that email as soon as they can... they just have so much to do! As if the rest of us aren't "just so busy" too.

No, I'm not talking about the "just so busy" type of busy, or the "always busy" life in theatre. I'm talking about knock-down drag-out busier than is humanly impossible busy. The busy that gives me the shakes, and I have a high capacity for getting things done! It happens about three times a year for me in my current job. Once in the summer for about a month when the beginning of the season is getting closer and closer and deals need to be done, planning needs to be wrapped up and materials proofed and edited. Once in the fall towards November and December when everything is due, and we are in the middle of the season. Then once in the early spring (is it spring yet), right before a major fundraiser and in the middle of about a dozen events. It's this "early spring" crazy that I now find myself. I'm swamped.

Why have I written all of this dear blog buddy? Just to let you know that I haven't fallen of the face of the earth and that I have every intention of blogging again ASAP. I'm "just so busy"! :)

OK, on to some shows I'm seeing... Honestly, not much coming up soon. Did I mention I was busy?

Tonight I'm going to the American Dance Festival Season Announcment Event! You should come! Then off to Raleigh tomorrow night for a show at Raleigh Ensemble Players called SLIENCED by Wildfire Theatre. Deets below!

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American Dance Festival
Season Announcement Event

Friday, March 19th - 7:30pm
The Cotton Room, Golden Belt

Be among the very first to learn which companies and choreographers will be presented this summer right here in Durham.

Don't miss:

• the 2010 season video montage
• dance party with your friends
• an informal dance showing by local youth
• valuable door prizes
• cash bar & other food options!

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SILENCED by Wildfire Theatre

March 18 - 21

Produced in Conjunction with Raleigh Ensemble Players

REP's Upstairs Studio at 213 Fayetteville Street

Silenced: Rhythm, Intensity, and Consequence examines the darker side of attraction and kinship, and what happens when we are placed in moments of extreme intensity and fear. The evening will be comprised of three different acts, each one dealing with a certain art form: Acrobatics, Music, and Theatre/Visual Art, but all are connected thematically.

Wildfire Theatre Company bursts into the Triangle theatre scene, in one of its first major public appearances, with an explosive night of art and entertainment in conjunction with the reputable and acclaimed alternative theatre, Raleigh Ensemble Players. Silenced: Rhythm, Intensity, and Consequence examines the darker side of attraction and kinship, and what happens when we are placed in moments of extreme intensity and fear. The evening will be comprised of three different acts, each one dealing with a certain art form: Acrobatics, Music, and Theatre/Visual Art, but all are connected thematically.

Our first act will feature The Musicians Royale from the North Carolina Renaisssance Faire, who will perform original music dealing beauty and history. Our second musician is Jon Sebastian from the local band Paper the Operator to give us some acoustic introspection and heart. In our second act, Nickolas Fields & Jeffrey Fowler together form Exentrik, an intense acrobatic duo who will tell a story of love and loss through spectacular feats of strength and agility. Our closing act will be the world premiere of an original work, MARKED, written by Carmen-maria Mandley. The show features Triangle theatre veterans Jesse R. Gephart, and Shawn Stoner. The piece tells the story of two men hiding from the new government, trying to preserve all forms of art in a single cell, and waiting for the footsteps outside that let you know when your end is near.

This piece will contain mature subject matter and is not recommended for young audiences.

Shows I'm Seeing This Weekend! Drama, Comedy, Burlesque & the Mandolin!

Here's a list of the performances I'm seeing this weekend! Gonna be a good one! Four performances in three days! Eek!

*****

Limbo
by Declan Feenan

Burning Coal Theatre Company
March 11-21, 2010

Burning Coal’s ‘Wait ‘til You See This’ second stage series presents this haunting tale of a quiet young woman from Dublin who finally allows her workmates to take her out for a night on the town. There, she meets the man of her dreams .. or is he?

This suspenseful one-woman show by one of Ireland’s brightest young playwrights receives its American premiere at Burning Coal.

*****
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde

PlayMakers Repertory Company
March 3-21, 2010



Absolutely one of the funniest comedies in the English language. Wicked wit and dead-on social satire wrapped in a Victorian confection of dual identities, matters matrimonial and the provenance of a particularly pertinent handbag. Wilde's exquisitely delicious dialogue and hilarious turns of phrase are an irresistible delivery system for his subversive look at society. In the words of Wilde himself “A trivial comedy for serious people.”  And what tremendous fun to cap off our Mainstage season!

*****
When a Man Makes Love…
A Uncle Typhus Uncommon Burlesque

Common Ground
March 13, 2010



featuring
International Male Dual-Sensation, “Menvious”
The Exotic Dance Stylings of “M.I.L.F.”
Dana Marks as Nick Cave Does Leonard Cohen
Lucius Robinson’s Children’s Theatre of Cruelty in “The Further Adventures of Timothy Dentist”
Stand-Up-and-Spread-’Em Comedy by Annie Zipper
Another Death-Defying 80’s Video Reenactment by Rachel & the Klembots
Wil “Sexual Sunshine” Weldon, Screamin’ Geraud Hawkins and Dr. Tony Perucci, PHD.

All supported by our gentleman house band, Captain and Tunnell.
Children and the infirm will be escorted from the premises…

*****
The Miraculous Mandolin!
An Evening with Chris Thile

Winston-Salem Symphony
March 13, 14 and 16, 2010

This concert brims with virtuosity! Bach’s brilliant Brandenburg Concerto no. 2 celebrates the unconventional with a most unusual instrumental ensemble: trumpet, violin, flute, and oboe. Strings sing warmly in Tchaikovsky’s graceful Serenade, loved by audiences the world over since its premiere in 1880. And mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile offers a change of pace as he and the orchestra present the East Coast premiere of his newly commissioned Mandolin Concerto. A member of the progressive acoustic trio, Nickel Creek, and the bluegrass band, Punch Brothers, Thile will thrill you with his bold style and Grammy Award winning playing.

Spring Awakening Rocked My World!

I'm not sure how to even write this post. I'm still in a post Spring Awakening haze. The show was so amazing, so beautiful, so well done, that I'm not sure I have, or can, fully process it just yet. I can't believe it's taken me this long to see this show. I've listened to the soundtrack repeatedly since it was released, but without actually seeing the show it's difficult to fully comprehend.

Ok, so the the basic story is this. One hundred years ago or so Frank Wedekind wrote a shocking play called Spring Awakening. The play was banned due to explicit portrays of sexuality, suicide, abortion... with a side of masturbation and radicalism! Now, about 100 years later it's been turned into a Broadway musical! Yes, a musical, but this ain't your grandma's Auntie Mame. This is an in-your-face, punk-folk-rock juggernaut. This is a musical on steroids. I don't mean big sets and costumes, both quite minimal. I mean this is a rock musical done right.

The story is simple, beautiful and chilling. In short, a bunch of kids are becoming adults and confusion, innocence, death and love all play major roles. I won't bore you with the synopsis. The performances are super stylized with very cool choreography by Bill T. Jones, yet very true. The staging is part concert-style, part theatre. The script is funny and heart-breaking and the music by Duncan Sheik pure perfection. Just go see this show!

One thing to note though. I think this show might have lost some of the impact because it's in such a large house (Durham Performing Arts Center). I was stilling on the first floor just 20 or so rows back, but I never felt completely swept up in the music and emotion... Almost, but not quite. That's not to saw that the show isn't amazing. It is, but I think it does lose some power in such a large space. My friends who say it in New York have described a more intimate experience. That's why I'm hoping there are still stage seats available. Yes, there's a trend in theatre these days to have people sitting on stage. I'm not sure what it adds to the performance, but I think it would be great to watch the show that close to the action.

Regardless, this is a show that cannot, must not be missed. It's only here at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, March 7th and I figure it's probably selling well, so get your tickets now! You will not be disappointed. Oh, I was also thrilled to see a featured performer in the show is a student at Elon University right here in NC and two other performers are from my alma mater Emerson College in Boston!

I'm planning on seeing the show again, so I might have more to say, especially if I can snag a seat on stage...

Stay tuned!

The Full Monty is Ridiculously Good!

I had the opportunity to see The Full Monty at North Carolina Theatre this weekend and I'm so glad I caught this show. I originally saw the National Tour when it made its way through Boston many years ago. I enjoyed the sweet, uplifting story about unemployed and emasculated men looking for a quick buck who find self-respect, the true meaning of friendship and the importance of keeping one's word. OK, so the story is a little hokey and the songs might not be the best show tunes ever written, but this show, based on the 1997 movie is about as feel-good as it gets.

I was looking forward to the show, and I expected to have a good time, but I never expected to be blown away!

Well, this production was all about the unexpected. Who would have thought that Sally Struthers would convey such humor, comedic timing and show biz glamour? Who would have thought that Ira David Wood would go all out, and I mean all out, in a g-stings and much less? These two quintessential performers (with help from a truly stellar cast including Tony-winner Jarrod Emick and Broadway veterans Kingsley Leggs, Julie Reiber, Angie Schworer, Thomas Cannizzaro and Joe Coots) brought The Full Monty to a whole new level. In short - ridiculously good! Ridiculous that it is so good! This is a timely, goose-bump educing hoot and you must see it before it closes. Do it quick, you don't have much time. The show only runs through March 7th! 

North Carolina Theatre has produced high-quality Broadway caliber productions for years. There's been lots of press about Broadway Series South leaving Broadway to Durham Performing Arts Center, but no worries Raleigh. While the National Tours may go DPAC, NC Theatre will continue to provide home grown, high-quality musicals... NC Theatre truly is the Broadway of Raleigh.

Theatre, Theatre and More Theatre!

I've seen a lot of theatre over the past few weeks (Xanadu, All My Sons, Psychosis 4.48, The Seafarer, Around the World in 80 Days...) and it's all been great! Well the trend isn't stopping anytime soon. I've got a full plate for the next couple weeks. Here's what I'm seeing next!

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Manbites Dog Theatre

Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom
by Jennifer Haley
Directed by Jeff Storer

February 18-March 6, 2010
(I'm going 2.19.10)

When kids in a suburban neighborhood immerse themselves in a sinister online game, the lines blur between reality and fantasy and fear takes on a life of its own.


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Raleigh Ensemble Players

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
by Paul Zindel
Directed by Jesse R. Gephart

February 5-27, 2010
(I'm going 2.20.10)

Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre Company presents the Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award winning play The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds by Paul Zindel. Performed in REP’s upstairs studio space at 213 Fayetteville Street, ‘Gamma Rays’ is a semi-autobiographical drama, based on Zindel’s own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, that focuses on an eccentric, embittered widow and the two teenage daughters she must raise.

 

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Deep Dish Theater Company

AN IDEAL HUSBAND
by Oscar Wilde
directed by Tony Lea

February 12 - March 6

(I'm going 2.26.10)

The irrepressible wit of Oscar Wilde is in fine form with this story of a politician being blackmailed by a woman from his past. A delightful satire by a true comic genius.

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Durham Performing Arts Center

Spring Awakening

Music by Duncan Sheik

Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater

WINNER 8 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL!

March 2 - March 7

(I'm going 3.2.10)

Broadway’s most talked about new musical is now the biggest Tony Award Winner in years. SPRING AWAKENING is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget. We agree with the NY Times “Broadway may never be the same again!”

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PlayMakers Repertory Company

The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

directed by Matthew Arbour

March 3 - March 21

(I'm going 3.6.10)

Absolutely one of the funniest comedies in the English language. Wicked wit and dead-on social satire wrapped in a Victorian confection of dual identities, matters matrimonial and the provenance of a particularly pertinent handbag. Wilde's exquisitely delicious dialogue and hilarious turns of phrase are an irresistible delivery system for his subversive look at society. In the words of Wilde himself “A trivial comedy for serious people.”  And what tremendous fun to cap off our Mainstage season!

Shows I'm Seeing in the Next Two Weeks!

Wow! I've got a busy couple weeks coming up! I'm seeing all kinds of shows and I'm looking forward to them all! Here's the rundown of what I'm seeing... Hope to see you at the theatre!

Friday - 2.5.10
Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern

4.48 Psychosis

By Sarah Kane

A woman wakes at 4:48 every morning to experience an hour and twelve minutes of clarity. As her psyche spins out of control she savors each period of calm and reason, wrestling the angel of insanity with the help of her doctor and her lover.

The final work of the late Sarah Kane, one of Britain’s most accomplished young playwrights, delivers a poetic, stirring story which is wildly and delicately interpreted by guest director, Tom O’Connor, and company actors, Dana Marks and Chris Burner. 

A cry of hope and grace from the void of clinical depression.

Runs February 4 - 13

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Saturday 2.6.10

Ira Glass

at Memorial Hall - UNC-CH

Ira Glass, host and producer of the public radio program This American Life, will be speaking at Memorial Hall.

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

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Sunday 2.7.10
PlayMakers Repertory Company

All My Sons
by Arthur Miller



Consequences of a father’s business decision rock the foundations of his World War II era family and send shockwaves into the larger world. This Tony Award-winning masterpiece born of war in another time speaks as clearly to us today as when it premiered in 1947, exploring the moral questions — what are we responsible for and who are we responsible to in a time of war? We’re proud to be among the first theatres given the rights to present this masterwork since Miller’s death four years ago.

Runs through February 14

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Friday 2.12.10
Triad Stage

Around the World in 80 Days
by Mark Brown

It's not the destination, it's the journey.
Jules Verne's classic tale springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. Proper gentleman Phileas Fogg strikes a wager and sets off on a race that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his faithful servant at his side, he has just 80 days to circle the globe–an inconceivable feat in the year 1872! Fierce natives, furious typhoons, runaway trains, a damsel in distress and a dogged detective threaten to delay him at every step in this delightful, whirlwind odyssey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to unexpected end.

Runs February 7 - March 7

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Saturday 2.13.10
Burning Coal Theatre Company

The Seafarer
by Conor McPherson



On Christmas Eve, the boys have gathered at Sharky's place for their weekly poker game. But one of them has brought a stranger into their midst. And there will be Hell to pay.

Runs February 4 - 21

XANADU at Broadway Series South is a Hysterical Delight and Children's Theater for 40-year old Gay Men

Not rain, sleet or snow could keep me away from a big Broadway musical! Last night as my brother and I headed to Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium we were immediately confronted with the beginning of the blizzard of '10. We'll maybe not a blizzard, but it's a lot of snow for NC. After witnessing a car accident literately 5 minutes after we left our driveway I though maybe it was best to just go back home. Maybe it was the muse Clio (played by Elizabeth Stanley) who whispered encouragement in my ear (or maybe it was the thought of seeing Max von Essen (who plays Sonny Malone) in super short-shorts), but I new I had to keep going... and boy am I glad I did!

So some back story. Xanadu "Broadway's Surprise Hit Musical" is based on a 1980 movie by the same name. The movie, staring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, yes Gene Kelly, was a remake of Down to Earth with Rita Hayworth (1947), which was a remake of Cover Girl (1944) staring... Gene Kelly! Quite simply the movie Xanadu is terrible. That's not really fair to say because it has a certain charm and it's a fantastic period piece. I recommend seeing it if you have a sense of humor and irony. If you are a cynic or only go in for high art, well you might as well stop reading this post now. I'm also a fan of Newton-John. (She was the first concert I ever went to in 1983 - "Let's Get Physical" was lost on my innocent 8 year-old mind, but I loved the leg-warmers!)

Xanadu, the musical, however is a delight! I honestly wasn't expecting too much. Sure, there would be some fun songs and a few good dance numbers, but I was pleasantly surprised to find an incredibly talented cast in a charming, touching and hilarious production. I purchased stage seating and was a bit nervous as we were walked on stage before the show. Looking at the tiny stage and the huge theatre I though that I might have made a bad mistake. Could I sit here just inches from these actors and in front of the entire audience and relax enough to have a good time. The answer is yes! We were dead center and we got to see every moment up close and personal. I cannot recommend stage seating enough. Yes, a lot of shows do it and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but in this case it did and I loved it. I mean I LOVED IT! You could smell the glitter powder and see every wink, nod and gesture!

The story itself, young artist meets muse, fall in love, find success and happiness, might not be much to work with, but mixed with some great 80's songs, a lot of self-depricating humor and very talented cast and you have a suburb production. There were some amazing lines, but my favorite was, "with all this hiding and cackling you'd think this was children's theatre... children's theatre for 40 year old gay men!"  Uh, we'll they should have just throw that line on the poster and I woulldn't have thought twice. This was like candy for a 40-year old gay man!

Elizabeth Stanley as muse Clio is funny, charming and beautiful. Max von Essen is adorable...I mean really adorable, has a GREAT voice and plays dumb very, very well. He also rocks those short-shorts! The rest of the cast, including the fierce Natasha Yvette Williams and knee-slapping funny Annie Golden, are brilliant. So, as I ast there, on stage, watching all this magic take place I couldn't help but smile. The audience was beaming, the high school muscial theatre nerds (adorable) sitting behind us were giddy with delight and I was in heaven... or Xanadu.

To make this experience even better was that an old friend of mine introduced me (via Facebook) to the show's Company Manager. He walked us around after the performance and we talked theatre and touring and snow. He was so great and it was a pleasure to have a little back-stage insight. As we were leaving I told my brother that I wish I'd been able to meet Max von Essen. He's a UNC grad (he threw out a nice little Tarheel reference at the top of the show), and I'm a rabid follower of his Tweets (@maxizpad), so I was feeling a bit disappointed that I wasn't going to meet him. Then, as we were about to leave I see him talking to some fans. My brother and I waited to say hi and get this... As he turns to me he say, "Hey, Shane right?" - What, what!! I was blubbering then..."uh, yeah, uh huh, how did you..." "I keep up with the Internet," he says. OMG, I love the interwebs! He knew my name. I mean, I have Tweeted and blogged about him and the show all week, so it's not like he read my mine or something, but still... I was tickled and thrilled.

That's the way Xanadu made me feel. Tickled and thrilled. I love all types of theatre. Drama, Shakespeare, comedies are all wonderful, but it takes a musical to really move me. This musical is silly - and that's exactly what it's supposed to be.

I had a great time and I hope you can make it to the show. They have four more performances and there are seats available. With the snow the houses are a bit light. There were probably only a few hundred people in the house yesterday and I know that must be tough for the performers. The next two days of performances are going to be really light with all the snow, so if you can, buy a ticket and get to the theatre. You won't be disappointed! You might even be tickled. I know I'm still smiling!

Thanks Xanadu cast and crew for a great performance and thanks Max for being so cool!

A promo from the Costa Mesa leg of the tour! Wait till the end and you get a preview of Sonny's short short-shorts!

From the Movie

A really FUNNY and VERY Gay video about Xanadu with Nathan Lane and Cheyenne Jackson (the original Sonny on Broadway)

OPUS Is Magnificent

As I've said before, I don't do reviews. I'm not qualified to do reviews. However, I like what I like and part of the fun of social media is telling people about what excites you. I also work at PlayMakers, so I never feel comfortable praising one theatre's work over another.

All that said...You must, must see OPUS at PlayMakers Repertory Company. You've got a little over a week, so go to the Interwebs and get yourself a ticket!

OPUS is the story of a somewhat dysfunctional string quartet. I say somewhat only because most string quartets (in my opinion) are dysfunctional, but that's another story for another time! This play is so tightly written and so well acted that you will not be disappointed! The set is remarkable thanks to Jim Kronzer, the costumes are perfect due to Marion Williams efforts, the sound (and sound cues) are well rehearsed thanks to Sarah Pickett. But OPUS is really all about the acting. The five actors in this production are simply magnificent. Ray Dooley is, as usual, the true standout in this production, but Scott Ripley, Jeff Cornell, Jimmy Kieffer and the stunning Marianne Miller are all exceptional.

As wonderful as this team of actors and designers are the true accolades must go to Brendon Fox the director. He really pulled this production together and made each note sing.

OPUS reminds us that performances are effervescent. They live in the moment and then disappear into the ether. Take the opportunity to see this production before it disappears. You won't regret it!

Picnic at Triad Stage is a Triumph

I'm sorry to say that I was not familiar with William Inge's masterpiece PICNIC. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the opening night performance of Triad Stage's production of this "summer romance".

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I don't do reviews. That's just not the business I'm in and I don't really have any interest in being a critic of anything. I do, however, like what I like and when I like something you better believe I'm going to talk about it! Therefore...

Go see Picnic. Run, do not walk, to the interwebs and get yourself a ticket or two! Here's a little info about Picnic:

The greatest risk is love.

It’s a peaceful time for a quiet Kansas town in the early 1950s and summer is drawing to a close with the excitement of the annual Labor Day picnic. But the sudden arrival of Hal Carter, a handsome young drifter, stirs the emotions of a group of neighbors as he develops an instant attraction with Madge, one of the most beautiful girls in town. As Hal hides deep insecurities with grand shows of bravado, Madge is torn between her heart and her head in this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama where passions turn one small community upside down.

Picnic

A Summer Romance

by William Inge

directed by Preston Lane

September 6 – 27, 2009

This production is, as is to be expected from Triad Stage, top notch. The set by Howard Jones is glorious - a stark Kansas landscape that is both overwhelmingly vast and suffocatingly small, much like the inner lives of each of Inge's characters. Using the laundry lines to extend the sky creates a beautiful and expansive backdrop. The costumes by Kelsey Hunt are perfectly period and very well done with a color palate that is both as brown and dirty as the Kansas landscape, and as gold and glorious as a mid-western sunset. The acting is profound. Each character is fully developed and emotionally engaged. It was a joy to watch this story unfold. I'm completely in love with Elizabeth Ritson who plays Flo Owens (the mother) and the gorgeous Meg Steedle who plays Madge Owens. I also have a crush on Joe Tippett who plays the smoldering, charming, damaged Hal Carter. Did I mention he spends most of the show with his shirt off? Well, he does and that in itself is worth the price of admission! Watch out William Holden!

Congrats to Preston Lane, the cast, crew, technicians and everyone else involved on a stellar production! If you haven't seen a show yet this season, this is a good place to start! This production reminded me why I work in the theatre!

Now read what a real reviewer thinks!

“Director Preston Lane dares to show the power of passion in raw scenes that seem to combust before our very eyes. This dirty, dusty, superb rendition of a theater classic will hang in your memory like clouds in a Kansas sky.”  – Lynn Jessup, Classical Voice of North Carolina
Click here to read the full review.

Also, check out this insider's look at Picnic!



Check out this clip of William Holden dancing(?) in the 1955 movie version. Apparently, he would only do the dancing if he was drunk. I don't think this dancing is very sexy (plus Bill Holden is almost 40 in 1955!), so go see Triad Stage's production instead!