REVIEW: "Shadowlands" Cast Walks Through the Shadow of Death and Suffering Without Fear

Shadowlands, a drama about Narnia author C.S. Lewis by William Nicholson and directed by Rachel Keen will be playing through May 4 at Magenta Theater, located at 606 Main St., Vancouver, Wash.  

The Man Behind Narnia

Clive (Jack) Staples Lewis was a well-respected writer and teacher from England's Oxford University. Much of the subject matter of his books and lectures concern Man’s relationship with God. But his most famous books were the bestselling Narnia collection, many of which have been adapted for film. In fact, he was, also, good friends with J.R.R. Tolkien, writer of the Lord of the Rings books, also filmed. [Shadowlands, too, was made into a movie starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger and Edward Hardwick.]

The story takes place in 1950s Oxford, his home for most of his life. Jack (played by Philip Giesy) and his older brother, Warnie (Bob Lawson), were confirmed bachelors and roomed together. Jack was constantly exploring the relationship between God and Man, questioning why, if there was a God, he would allow so much suffering in the world.

Lewis also had little to do with relationships, in the loving sense, with women. Both these feelings reflected back to losing his mother to cancer at an early age, which was painful for him. He felt the best way to deal with that scenario was to not hold anyone too close, therefore, avoiding the pain when death came calling. That is, until a fan from America, Joy (Shaye Eller), perked his interest into reopening intimate feeling for another.

Eventually they form a warm friendship, and finally love, and they marry. But suffering seems to be a permanent part of Lewis’s life, as cancer, once again, raises its ugly head and invades Joy’s body and bones. A remission sets in, but it is only a short reprieve for the inevitable. The man sworn to keep Love at a distance, to avoid the pain of loss must, once again, deal with it. “Pain is God’s megaphone to wake a deaf world,” he says.

The Actors Behind the Play

Although the play deals with a grim subject matter, it never wallows in the maudlin. This is due, in a large part, to the interpretation of the story by the director, Rachel Keen, and her talented cast. Keen also has the unenviable task of keeping the play flowing, though it takes place over a few years and in many different locations. In both these areas, she does a superior job with quick set changes, a cast playing multiple roles, and finding humor wherever she can.

Publicity Photo provided.

And the actors are universally good. The actors in the key roles of the two Lewis brothers and Joy are well-suited for their roles. Giesy underplays Jack, adding to the mystery of this complicated man. He is not overt in showing his emotions but you see the inner turmoil of this conflicted individual. He is especially effective in his monologues/lectures where he is totally believable and convincing. So convincing, that one audience member was nodding her head and whispering agreements as he was speaking these words.

Lawson also played Warnie in a low-key manner and the loving connection between the two brothers was evident. When they dialogued with each other, there was an air of authenticity and a sense of real conversation between the two. And Eller, as Joy, is impressive on the stage. Having last reviewed her as the detective in Magenta's Something to Hide, she, once again, shines. It is a pleasure to watch her react and enact, giving the impression this is all being done and said for the first time, as it should be.

As to the supporting roles: Josiah Keen as Joy’s son, Douglas, has some nice moments. Mike Nettleton as Christopher, Jack's atheist friend, gives a good account of himself as the bombastic member of the group. Bob Madsen (a local theater veteran) as Harry, the preacher who offers Jack religious homilies, another aspect of Jack’s relationships with friends, also does quite well.

This is a well-written show and should be seen for some very important questions it raises about Love, God and Man’s purpose in Life. Heady questions with no easy answers. It is a story that should create dialogue long after one’s viewing. According to Lewis, although Man has often been rebuked and condemned by God, He has never regarded us with contempt…a complicated relationship, to say the least. 

For further information and tickets, check Magenta's website.

I recommend this show. If you do go, please tell them Dennis sent you.

Dennis Sparks, Guest Reviewer 
www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com

REVIEW: Love Street's Comedy-Drama "Harvey" Wrestles with Reality and a Rather Large Rabbit

An Invisible Rabbit?

"Harvey" is a sweet gem from the 1940s and starred Frank Fay on Broadway. It was made into a film starring James Stewart and made-for-TV with Art Carney. It has played constantly at high schools and community theaters ever since then. This is always a crowd-pleaser and last night’s fans were no exception.

[Note: Another jewel that Love St. might consider from the same author is "Mrs. McThing" which starred Helen Hayes, a sort of prelude to Mary Poppins.]

"Harvey" concerns a "tippler" named Elwood P. Dowd (Paul Segren—who resembles Mr. Fay a bit). He is a friend to kin and stranger alike, especially a pooka named Harvey. Harvey seems very opinionated, enjoys imbibing a bit too much, perhaps, can foretell the future and, oh, yes, he’s a rather tall, white rabbit and invisible (to most people). Needless to say his presence is a constant embarrassment to his affluent family, his sister, Veta (Joann McClanahan) and his niece, Myrtle (Glendyne Reinmiller).

His kin seem to love this dear, little man, in their own way, but would rather control the family fortune with Elwood snugly tucked away in a sanatorium. I mean, who wouldn't  being related to a person who is friendly to strangers on the street and invites them home to play cards; or asks a phone telemarketer over to dinner; or offers to buy everyone drinks at the local pub; and then, of course, there is the problem with…Harvey. A stranger trapped in a strange land…for both of them, perhaps.

His sister and niece conspire, with the help of a Judge (Tom Golik), to have him put away or, better yet, be cured by the famous Dr. Chumley (Michael McElliot) and his associate, Dr. Sanderson (David Roberts). The problem is that Elwood manages to befriend everyone, friend and foe alike. His (and Harvey’s) charms work a deep magic on all, and when his Waterloo seems to be inevitable…well, you just have to see it, won’t you.

An Incredible Actor

The success of the play lies mainly with the actor who plays Elwood. He has to convince us of his belief in the unbelievable. He has to charm an audience with his very presence. He has to be the better side of us all, the child-like, trusting spirit that exists within. And Segren is more than up to the task. He has convinced us in past shows of the darker side of humanity. Now he has rotated full circle to portray the lighter part of the human spirit. These outstanding examples of his talent mark him as a true artist. Bravo, Paul! See his Artist Profile here.

Another noteworthy performance is McElliot as Chumley. He has the timing and essence of the character and is fun to watch as we see his transformation. Hope to see more of him onstage. Overall, the rest of the performances are good, but seemed uneven with slow cues and awkward pauses at times. This was opening, so I assume these will be ironed out as they adjust to the audiences. And the audience, as mentioned, fully enjoyed the production. Director J. Christopher Cleveland has brought in all the right ingredients for a very good show. 

An Interesting Staging

I must admit that the set changes [a first for LSP, since they usually have a unit set] became a delightful part of the show. The speed in which it was transformed from a room in a mansion to a doctor’s office was amazing and drew well-deserved applause from the audience. The lighting effects, attempting to highlight certain individual moments in the play, were a good idea, but they simply don’t have enough instrumentation to pull them off effectively.

A Side Note: In the past, drunks were portrayed on the stage and in film with some amusement: As per example, Frank Fontaine in Jackie Gleason’s TV show, or Foster Brooks on variety shows, or Dudley Moore as Arthur (perhaps a kissing cousin to Elwood). Nowadays, it is considered a disease. Wisely, Elwood is not played as a drunk, but a man with a gentle spirit. So, it is that “spirit” we should be in tune with, when watching the play. 

I recommend this show (for the whole family). If you do go to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.

The classic comedy-drama, "Harvey," by Mary Chase, directed by J. Christopher Cleveland and produced by Melinda Leuthold, is playing now through April 21. The theater is located at 126 Love St., Woodland, Wash.  (only a few minutes from I-5). For ticket and season information go to www.lovestreetplayhouse.com 

Review by guest blogger Dennis J. Sparks  

http://www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com/

ARTIST PROFILE: Sparks Flies as Vancouver Writer, Director, Producer and Filmmaker

Dennis J. Sparks. Source: The Columbian files.

Dennis J. Sparks could be regarded as somewhat of a Renaissance Man. He’s a writer, director, producer, filmmaker, actor, visionary and entrepreneur. The Vancouver man has long been a fixture on the local theater scene.

The 66-year-old Sparks, graying now, but looking at least ten years younger, is a story-teller.

His love for stories and theater began at an early stage, performing in front of the blanket that served as a curtain. He and his friends would put on shows—short plays based on TV programs they watched as kids. Then, as a sophomore at Hudson’s Bay High School he got involved in drama and the fire was ignited.

The Sparks That Ignited It All

“It was sort of on a whim,” said Sparks, “my Mom talked me into it.” And he found that he loved the applause and laughter. He said, “at the time it was [only] acting, but evolved into a whole lot of other things.”

Over time he began directing as well. Then he was starting and running new theater companies. Soon he was writing shows, producing and more. Now he’s ventured into filmmaking.

His new film “Nightbumpers” will premier at Kiggins Theater this June. A year in the making, this feature length movie stars local talent and was shot entirely in Clark County. But that journey began more than 60 years ago.

After high school Sparks went to Clark College and studied under Hermine Decker, performing in nearly every show (up to six per year) for his two-year stint. The theater bug was burning like a fever and, with an internship landed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, he moved to Ashland to fan the flame.

Fanning the Flames

He recalls that the experience was a great one and even though he played only small roles he got exposed to great talent. After a while, he decided to stay in Ashland to attend Southern Oregon College (now University). Two years in, Uncle Sam came calling him to Vietnam. Registered as a conscientious objector, he “served his time” stateside in Buffalo, NY, working with children.

Sparks stayed in New York nine years and was involved in several theater companies. Finally, in 1977, the bitter winters drove him back home to Vancouver. That year the snow there was so deep the city closed down and declared Marshall Law. Upon return to Vancouver he became involved in community theater.

At first, he worked with Blue Parrot Theater in Camas as their Artistic Director, directing most of their shows for two years. He played Capt. Von Trapp in the Peanut Gallery production of “The Sound of Music” and directed their production of “Oliver!” He was doing a lot of shows as an actor in Portland, as well, and was in the very last show at the Civic Theater there.

Sparks in his film "Nightbumpers"

In the 1980s, he founded On the Edge theater company and then Heartland Theatre Productions. Heartland has created productions for more than 20 years at The Old Church in Portland and at the Columbia Arts Center in Vancouver. The company’s shows and actors have won numerous acting and production awards including the coveted C.A.T.E. Awards for best over-all productions of “West Side Story,” “Sweet Charity” and “Witness For the Prosecution.”

Sparks is the recipient of the Decker Award for “outstanding contribution to Clark County theatre.”

He’s enjoyed playing The Old Shakespearean in “The Fantastics!” which he said he played four or five times, and the role of Starbuck in “The Rainmaker.” Having played more lawyers than anything else, he said his most difficult role was He in the Russian play “He Who Gets Slapped” because he had to do a Russian accent and get slapped so many times.

Stoking the Inferno

He began writing plays while in Buffalo; his first being “Games” an avant-garde piece modeled after shows he liked. The one-act, now a full length play, was nominated for several awards. Sparks has written half a dozen plays and as many screenplays. His short film “Wordspeaker,” was a finalist at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Sparks likes to kindle appreciation in new theater-goers.

“It’s amazing what kinds of minds you can wake up,” he said, “it’s not something you can predict. There’s something that can be said about theater waking up a part of the psyche.” He said to never underestimate people and what you think they may or may not enjoy. He believes in the educational value of theater in the culture, but he also believes in cinema as a great storyteller.

He got into filmmaking when he realized there was "no place to do [original] theater." He could do the writing, but “didn’t have the ‘whatever’ to do the technical” so he gathered others about him to ignite his vision. The first effort was “Wordspeaker” a movie starring KXL’s Clyde Lewis as an end of the world talk show host.

The film "Nightbumpers" premiers at
Kiggins Theater this June.

Soon he produced the first 30 minutes of “Nightbumpers” and showed it at the Battle Ground theater. A year later—slowly funding the effort and shooting around the casts’ busy schedules—the film is complete. It premiers at Kiggins Theater June 9 showing at 8:15 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. on the 10^th.

The theme of “Nightbumpers” is the importance of stories and storytellers in our civilization—a theme that burns passionately in the heart of Sparks. The fantasy-thriller tells the tale of Val Corman (John Rowe) a graphics novelist whose stories revolve around creatures of the night. But one of his creations of the Dark doesn’t want to be exposed and it comes after him with a vengeance. Thus begins an epic battle between the Light and Dark for the control of the Stories of the World.

“True, there may be things that go ‘bump in the night’ but, there are also, on occasion, things that…bump back!” says filmmaker, Sparks.

The film was completely shot in Vancouver and all of the actors are from the local area. Sparks not only wrote and produced the film, he stars in a supporting role.

The Blaze Burns On

But it is theater that has always been Sparks’ love. He loves seeing it, doing it and writing about it. He has reviewed shows for this blog as well as the (now defunct) Vancouver Voice and for UnCouvered.com.

So what does the future hold for Mr. Sparks?

“I’m going to write film off after this,” said Sparks with a half chuckle, citing all the work involved. “Well, of course, we learned a lot,” he said, so three months from now, “maybe I’ll change my mind.” He’s ready to direct another play, he said, eager to tinder another story.

“We’re losing our story-telling—our stories,” said the storyteller, “and storytellers are important in our culture” and, that, he adds, is what “Nightbumpers” is all about.

To learn more and see the “Nightbumpers” trailer visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nightbumpers/324390524298231

By Gregory E. Zschomler