Follow Us on Our Trip To Asland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival

We're Reviewing the Following Four Shows This Week at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Watch for Our Reviews Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

COCOANUTS
Sun, sand and shtick

The service stinks but the gags are four-star in this Marx Brothers romp. Groucho owns a bum hotel in Florida and peddles dubious real estate to gullible Northerners seeking a place in the sun. He’s after a rich society dame, who’s after an eligible match for her daughter, who’s in love with the hotel’s head clerk. Trouble rolls in with the tide when the other Marxes arrive and mama’s eligible match turns out to be anything but. Mark Bedard (Groucho in 2012’s Animal Crackers) will adapt this jazz-age gem with songs by Irving Berlin.

THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW
No man is an island

It’s 1964, and Sidney Brustein is in his element: a Jewish intellectual in the heart of Greenwich Village, a hotbed of artists, activists and social upheaval. But nothing has brought him happiness—not his bohemian friends, his wife Iris, his failed folkie nightclub, or even his own lofty ideals. Then, when a turbulent political campaign sparks him into action and Iris begins yearning for a different life, he’s forced to decide what’s really worth fighting for. 

This 50th-anniversary production of a neglected classic by Lorraine Hansberry ("A Raisin in the Sun") explores the rocky landscape of love, choices and consequences with poignancy and biting humor.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
Double double trouble

Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, go looking for family they lost years ago. Traveling from the rural South, they journey to the big city and find themselves in the heart of the Harlem Renaissance. And surprise! Suddenly there are two identical Antipholi and two identical Dromios, which has everybody in town (including significant others) seeing double. To make matters worse, another family member is about to be executed for breaking local law. Laughs fly as the clock ticks in Shakespeare’s farce about the craziest family reunion ever.

A WRINKLE IN TIME
Across the universe

Meg Murry is the quintessential square peg: a middle-school math whiz with glasses and a short temper. But when she and her strangely gifted little brother set off to find their missing father, they’re catapulted across time and space to a world where being different isn’t just an annoyance—it can cost you your life. Even with the help of curious otherworldly beings, Meg will have to conjure every power she can find, and then some, to put her family back together.

OSF presents a new adaptation of this mind-expanding science fiction story  by Madeleine L'Engle that’s still a favorite with the young and young at heart. The book won a Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award, and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, and was runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

PLUS WE"LL BE REVIEWING THE ASHLAND EXPERIENCE. WHERE TO EAT, HOW TO ENJOY YOUR STAY AND MORE!

Reviews will be by Gregory E. Zschomler with Ruth Zschomler.

Additional reviews by Dennis Sparks will be linked (some of the same shows and some different).

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon

JUST ONE WEEK! We'll be reviewing four shows presented at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival near the end of May.

On May 21 we'll be seeing THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW from the playwright who wrote A Raisin in the Sun.

On May 22 we'll be seeing the stage adaption of the Marx Bros. musical COCOANUTS with music by Irving Berlin. We'll also be seeing the Bard's THE COMEDY OF ERRORS that day.

On May 23 we'll be seeing the stage adaption of Madeleine L'Engle's A WRINKLE IN TIME.

WATCH FOR OUR REVIEWS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

DOUBLE REVIEW: BGHS's "Much Ado About Nothing" Really Something

Sometimes you do Shakespeare just for fun (and because it's royalty-free). Or maybe you do it for educational purposes. Whatever the reason the Battle Ground High School Drama Club presents William Shakespeare's comedy "MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING" as their winter production:

The Play's the Thing

Most dramaturges consider the play one of Shakespeare's best comedies "because it combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame, and court politics." In other words you've got satirical commentary wrapped in comedic content so that "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

Some might consider the Bard's material archaic and hard to understand. Indeed that may be true in part until one studies the master enough to appreciate the historical context and witty words. Certainly there is hidden context which moderns may not readily appreciate, but with proper direction and educated interpretation the actors can bridge the historical gap.

For example, lets begin with the title: "nothing" sounds similar to "noting," which a few hundred years ago meant gossip, rumor, and overhearing, and is used as a play on words. And that, along within the context of the plays ado--two couples in courtship while friends meddle--gives you an indicator of what you're in for.

In fact, some of the most hilarious blocked scenes are when the lead characters are listening in on conversations they think they are not meant to hear.

Merely the Players

Benedick (Tullee Standford) and Beatrice (Sarah Russell) by the fountain.

The production, directed by Stephan "Cash" Henry, features a cast of twenty, among them: Sarah Russell as Beatrice, Tullee Stanford as Benedick, Brendan Groat as Claudio, Desiree Roy as Hero, Dalton Hidden as Leonato, Sky Ring as Dogberry, and Jake Gailey as Don John.

Many in the cast are first or second time players, but you wouldn't know it. The standouts among them were: Cody Bronkhorst as Don Pedro, Jake Gaily as Don John, Tanner Leeds as Friar Francis; and especially, Tullee Stanford as the leading man Benedick, Desiree Roy as the second leading lady Hero and Ryan McNeal in the bit part of Balthasar. The latter three seemed far more seasoned in their performances than their bios let on. Standford and Roy's (sounds like a Vegas magic show) performances were both very strong.

I must also note two especially fine performances by the more seasoned members of the cast: Sarah Russell as the strong-willed Beatrice and Sky Ring (playing cross-gender) as Dogberry. Both actresses, whom I've seen many times before, gave exceptional performances, but I must say that I feel Ring nearly stole the show.

Sky Ring gave a simply amazing comic performance. Delightfully flamboyant, physically and vocally masterful with 100% amusing energy. Part Capt. Jack Sparrow mixed with an audacious amount of Carol Burnett, Ring's performance was just too much fun. Perfectly played!

However, while all in the cast played well--especially for high-schoolers doing Shakespeare for the first time--I felt their performances, for the most part, were under-informed. Let me explain...

The World of the Stage

Hero (Desiree Roy) faints.
Photos by Stephan "Cash" Henry.

There are good Shakespearean experiences and there are bad ones. They can be dull and confusing or entertaining and eye-opening. Much depends on "translation" and character development. In order for an untrained/uninformed audience to "get it" the cast must convey the historical and contextual meaning of the words and actions. Those unfamiliar with the archaic terms, phrases and traditions of Elizabethan England--and especially the oddness of iambic pentameter--might be left scratching their heads saying "huh?".

I have seen Shakespeare well translated/interpreted with the "secondary languages" of facial expression and physical innuendo. Such an effort takes a great deal of time on the part of the director and cast. Each unfamiliar phrase or double-meaning must be explained and explored. This is great if you're doing Shakespeare for educational purposes, but can also be a bore if you're not really into it.

This production was not entirely boring nor was it completely entertaining. I felt the cast was under-informed because not all the subtext was made apparent to the audience. Certainly some time and attention was given this education by the director--that is apparent--but not enough. It could have been more clear and, therefore, more enjoyable to those who are not Bard snobs.

Which also brings to mind the style of delivery. Purists, who would set the play authentically in period only, might insist on the poetic lilt/cadence and rhythm of the textual style (iambic pentameter). It's artistic and traditional, but can be annoying and hard to follow (due to its line breaks and flow). Then there's the idea of "conversational" Shakespeare which is delivered without regard to the poetry of the text, but spoken in the thought flow of modern American English, which seemed to be, generally, how this production approached the work.

I believe one can strike a balance with the two styles. Again, this requires painstaking education and every line must be scrutinized and marked for pace, breath, and cadence--practiced and critiqued--until perfected. To a degree one does these things with every script, but it is more difficult when using a language you are not fluent in (and this is, for all intents and purposes, a different language). Americans are generally sloppy with English anyway.

Which brings me to my last critical point: Diction was generally good, but some of the players ran words together by speaking too quickly. Multiple thoughts ran together at times because proper pauses and rhythms were not observed.

Exits and Entrances

Claudio (Brendan Groat) in the Graveyard.
Keep in mind that these are pre-show photos without
final paint or stage lighting.

The blocking was generally excellent (however, the eavesdropping scenes decidedly favored the stage right audience), and set changes came quickly. The set, though simple and stylistic, was nicely done. I particularly enjoyed the color and gobo projections on the cyc. 

The lighting of most scenes was near perfection with the exception of the more intimate locales (house, street, dressing room) which used only a pool of key light with no fill or back light. The graveyard was very nicely and subtly lit utilizing (among other things) a steely blue (fantastic color) spot on Hero's grave. (Note: Death was not "allowed" in the comedy theatre of Shakespeare's time and here he is playfully thumbing his nose at the traditionalists.) 

The simple, but effective, stylized scenic design was by Sundance Wilson Henry (the director's talented wife) who also contributed with him to the lighting design. Mrs. Henry also contributed to costumes, and the director to the sound design. No one wore body mics, and all but one actor (Dalton Hidden, occasionally) could be heard well at all times.

Sky Ring as Dogberry (pictured here in partial
costume and without makeup) gave a stunning
and entertaining performance.

The costumes were all beautifully done though not elaborate. The pre-show music and slide show was cool, as always. The production moved along well under the direction of stage manager Kali Worthley.

I often give credit to those on stage and the principle designers, but I would like to mention that a large crew of back stage personnel also contributed (as is the case with every show) to this production. Though I cannot list them all by name, they too are heroes (no pun intended) of this production.

The audience did enjoy themselves and laughed from time to time (largely at physical comedy and obvious relational jokes though they missed many). This is quite a worthy stab at the Bard's work and really something of an undertaking. I admire the talent and effort, and while not perfection, the show was quite fun.

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler

Photos, by Stephan "Cash" Henry, provided.

A second review by guest blogger Dennis Sparks can be found here: http://dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com/2014/02/much-ado-about-nothingbattle-ground.html .

The show plays February 21, 22, 27, 28 and March 1, 2014 and starts at 7 p.m. sharp; doors opening at 6:30. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with an ASB card from Battle Ground High School. Advance tickets may be purchased here.

We Are Committed to Bringing Our Public Honest Reviews

We at the SWWASTAR blog are committed to our public. We will always continue to bring you honest reviews as we see them. You should know we will never kowtow to the theater companies in order to appease them with our "take" on things.

That, unfortunately, means that some have and will refuse us comp tickets due to what they might consider an occasional bad review or opinion. Without these passes we will be unable to review their shows. (Therefore, you will likely notice the disappearance of some companys' show reviews in our posts.) We are sorry.

Is everything perfect? No. But you need to know that. Often we are full of praise--but it is always merited praise. Sometimes things are flawed (as we see it through the filter of more than 40 years of experience), and you need to know that, too. Most of you can't go to every show that opens, so you need to know where your entertainment dollars are best spent.

We can't like everything we see, just because the companies would like us to. Otherwise what service would we be to you? The companies need to realize that any press is good press, too. They forget that what we have to say is just our opinion--just like any other review publication. The "big boys" know this and have developed the "thick skin" to take it, when it happens.

In the future, we would like to be able to review shows that wouldn't otherwise have us by purchasing our tickets. But, for now, we do not have the budget to do so. In the meantime be assured that will always follow the ethics of good journalism.

REVIEWS:" Pinkalicious" and "How I Became a Pirate" Presented by Rising Star Productions

Longview's Rising Star Productions offers up a couple of kid-friendly shows this Halloween season for your enjoyment. Both shows, "Pinkalicious" and "How I Became a Pirate," are musicals based on two very popular children's picture books. Both, directed well by Jueanne Meyers, run again next weekend (October 25 and 26). Laurel Moore was the vocal director and Meyers the costumer for both shows.

"Pink" plays both evenings at 7:30 and "Pirates" plays the Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. This weekend's showings were the other way around. So, basically, you have one chance left to catch "Pirates" and two for "Pink."

"Pinkalicious" is decidedly for girls. Pinkalicious is a little girl who loves pink so much that she develops a serious case of pinkatitus. The book on which the musical is based, is the first in a growing series by Victoria Kann  and Elizabeth Kann.

50 Shades of Pink

The house was nearly full; over half the seats were filled with little girls dressed in various hues of pink. There were  several moms and some grandparents, maybe a dozen guys (no boys). As an adult male I was sorta expecting not to like this much. And honestly, to me, it was quite silly, but still entertaining because the songs were so well written and Rose Graff was truly amazing in the lead.And the audience ate the show up like pink cupcakes.

The cast all sang well enough with Rose Graff (as Pinkaliciuos) shinning above the rest. She sang quite well (especially for her age), though had some trouble, from time to time, with the higher registers. Her acting and enthusiasm was top notch.

Additionally, Jeffrey Meyers played Peter (her brother), Mayci Bloomfeldt played Alison (her best friend), Greg Moore and Laurel Moore played her parents (a bit old for the parts) and Stephanie Biwer played Dr. Wink with a very nice song and dance.

There was also an array of cute dancing cupcakes, birds, bees and butterflies. The choreography, by Kristy Larson, was well designed, but under-executed for the most part--lacking snap--but, then, most were young girls. The cast also danced, but only Biwer and Graff were really in the pink.

Production Notes:

The sets were good, with a book page background that turned with the scenes. However, I felt I spent about half of the one hour showtime waiting in the dark for sets to be changed. The audio was generally good, though, at times, it was hard to hear plucky, young Meyers. Accompaniment was provided by a nicely scored track. Costumes were cool (well, with a lot of hot pink).

Lighting, which was okay, could have been designed better. Since it was a musical, and, at that, one about all things pink, the lighting should have been gelled with no color pink (Rosco #33). Some no color blue and an additional spot over the bed in the bedroom would have improved the look of those scenes as well.

None-the-less, as stated, the audience of little girls loved the show. After all, "you get what you get and you don't get upset" and it is a show for them. The songs, music by John Gregor and lyrics by Gregor and the authors, were very catchy and creative. I especially liked "Buzz Off" and "Green Food."

"Pirates" is somewhat of a boy's tale, but girls may like it too. In the story, Jeremy Jacobs is minding his own business on the beach when suddenly a group of lost pirates turns up and recruits him to help them dig for buried treasure. The book, by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon, is also a big seller and is being serialized as well. The show's book, music and lyrics were adapted by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman.

On the Deep Blue Sea

The boys came out for this one and there weren't so many girls in the audience. They were all on stage! I guess it may have been a tad hard to find young guys for the cast--most of the pirates were gals. Which was funny, when Kylee Hoffman sings "I'm Really Just a Sensitive Guy."

So, the cast consists of Sam Larson as Jeremy Jacob, and the pirates: Stephanie Biwer as Capt. Braid, Alex Wallis as Swill, Kylee Hoffman as Sharktooth, Erik Rentner as Pierre, Natalie Ransom as Max, Gina Moore as Scurvy Dog and Kari Pierce as First Mate Seymour Braunschwagger. Hope Bernhardt, CeCe Elkinton and Jeffrey Meyers round out the unnamed pirate crew.

Most of the songs are delivered by the ensemble though Larson, Hoffman, Wallis and Ransom sing brief solos. All did well though Larson was a bit quiet and shaky at times. This is one of those shows where an adult part is written in to lead the cast of youngsters. That role fell to Biwer who truly seemed to be enjoying herself as the flamboyant and kooky pirate captain. She sings and dances well, has good comic timing (and reminds me of my sister Suzi, but who cares).

Also worthy of mention was the fun French accent by Erik Rentner as the ship's cook Pierre and Alex Wallis' wonderful singing. I would like to see him do more.

Production Notes:

The tunes borrowed heavily from everything nautical and seafaring--Gilbert and Sullivan to Gilligan's Island. Lyrically the were mostly okay (frankly, "Pinkalicious" was better written). Greg Moore provided the keyboard accompaniment.

The show was again choreographed by Kristy Larson, but lacked the spark and ambition there was in "Pink." However, the steps seemed easier and were better executed. The backdrops utilized the same technique as described for "Pink." There were fewer set changes so the show seemed to move faster.

Lighting was virtually unchanged from the previous show. Some blues would have been nice. This was cornier than "Pink" and many of the jokes fell flat. Adults, who got them, mostly groaned inside, and the kids didn't get them at all. There were a few laughs from the lines (though Biwer's antics garnered many). It just wasn't all that well written. "Pink" was funner and funnier, in my opinion.

Best songs were "Green Teeth" and "Where Do We Bury the Treasure?" though I also enjoyed "Read the Map" (with solo by Wallis). I did not understand the relevancy of the song "Soccer By the Rules." The show runs about an hour, in two acts with an unnecessary 15 minute intermission added on.

For more information on either show and tickets: ($5 for kids 12 and under, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults) visit RSP's website. The productions are being shown at RSP's theater located in Kelso's Three Rivers Mall.

Reviews by Gregory E. Zschomler.

Ashland or Bust: OSF Bound

Three days in Ashland at the Oregon Shakespearean Festival coming up with Dennis Sparks this week and that means three (actually six) reviews for you.

We'll see a play each day for three days beginning Tuesday. Look for the first review to be posted Wednesday, with one following Thursday and one on Friday.

We'll be seeing "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams on day one. Southern aristocrat Blanche, down on her luck, is reduced to living with her sister Stella and Stella’s pugnacious blue-collar husband, Stanley. Life with them in their tiny tenement apartment is unbearable until a kindly suitor appears and seems to offer Blanche a ticket to a better life. But Stanley, bristling at Blanche’s high-handed dismissal of him, sets out to dismantle her genteel façade, hurtling them toward an epic battle in Williams’ Pulitzer Prize–winning classic.

We'll also be seeing "Two Trains Running." It’s 1969, and change is in the air. But for the owner of a threadbare diner in a dying Pittsburgh neighborhood, the civil rights movement may just be an impractical dream. Torn between whether to gamble on an urban-renewal buyout or sell his building to a predatory businessman, he finds himself caught between idealism and brutal reality. August Wilson’s searing portrait of African-American life in the ’60s tells a complex story of the inner lives of ordinary people at an explosive turning point in American history.

Finally, there's the new musical "The Unfortunates." A musical pilgrimage through uniquely American genres delivers five prisoners to salvation — or at least keeps the terror at bay. Facing an uncertain end, they bring to life the story of Big Joe, a tough bartender who risks everything to save the armless courtesan Rae from a deadly plague. Combining the heat of a gospel revival with the sweet sorrow of the blues, "The Unfortunates" convinces us that any great challenge can be faced with dignity, grace, and compassion.

HOLY SMOKES! Raving Rash of Reviews Rising

There will be at least one new review posted each week for the next five weeks (sometimes more)! 

Yes, it's true. There are a LOT of shows opening and we are covering a great many of the them. Most reviews will be posted on Saturday morning, though a couple will appear Friday mornings for shows that are opening Thursday.

COMING SOON: Four New Shows; Four New Reviews

A new batch of shows open this November adding to the Fall theater line-up of Southwest Washington. While there are others, these are four which we have been asked to share with you, so here's the heads-up:

Clark College opens the month of November with "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" by Edward Albee (Winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play) beginning November 2. 

Our review will appear on this blog by noon Saturday, November 3.

The play is directed and designed by Mark Owsley and runs November 2-3, 9-10, and 15-17 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday matinee on November 10 at 2 p.m.

Description: George and Martha invite a new professor and his wife to their house after a party. Martha is the daughter of the president of the college where George is an associate professor of history. Nick (who is never addressed or introduced by name) is a biology professor who Martha thinks teaches math, and Honey is his mousy, brandy-abusing wife. Once at home, Martha and George continue drinking and engage in relentless, scathing verbal and sometimes physical abuse in front of Nick and Honey. The younger couple are simultaneously fascinated and embarrassed. They stay even though the abuse turns periodically towards them as well. (From Wikipedia.)

Tickets for individual plays go on sale three weeks before the first performance. Tickets may be purchased through the Clark College Bookstore by mail, by telephone, or in person (or at the door if tickets are still available). To reach the bookstore, call (360) 992-2815.

WARNING: While this play (which runs three hours) will be unsuitable for children (for psychological realism, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and foul language) the following options are kid-friendly.

CYT also opens "Great American Tall Tales" on November 2. 

Our review will be posted Saturday, November 3. 

Description: When several kids stumble into a dusty exhibit during a museum field trip their adventure comes to life. Together they meet the beloved characters of American folklore; Annie Oakley, Davy Crockett, Pecos Bill, Annie Christmas, John Henry and more. Through story, dance, and song, they learn that history is alive and vibrant while discovering that sometimes fact and fiction work together to create unforgettable legends.

Performances are at Fort Vancouver High School, Nov. 2 through 11. Friday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.

Advanced purchase adult tickets are $12, youth, senior and group tickets are $9; family day tickets for November 3 are $9 in advance. All tickets are $2 more at the door. There are also school day performances as follows: Tuesday, November 6 at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Tickets for these performances start at $5.

For tickets go to www.cytvanport.org or call 360-­750-­8550 or email info@cytvanport.org.

Prairie/Ground Drama (the combined theater departments of Prairie and Battle Ground High Schools) offer "Singing in the Rain" at Prairie High School, 11500 N.E. 117th Ave., beginning November 8. 

Our review will be posted by noon November 9. Note: The last  Prairie Ground show we reviewed was awesome.

Dates: Nov. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. Show starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30. 

Description: Same as the beloved movie with lots of singing, dancing and comedy. A silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound.

Tickets and ticket information are available online at http://www.seatyourself.biz/prairiehighschool.

CYT also offers "Bugsy Malone," November 9 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal Wash.

Click here for directions

Our review will be posted by noon on November 10.

Description: A slapstick musical comedy following the rivalry between two half-witted street gangs and the washed up, well-intentioned, one-time boxer who steps in to take control of Fat Sam’s gang and give Dandy Dan and his boys what they’ve got coming. In this film noir spoof, the message is one of good, clean fun; the characters are wonderful 1920's cartoon cutouts; and the weapons of choice are "splurge" whip cream guns, flour bombs, and custard pies. Written to be performed by younger cast.

Public Performances are Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.. Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

School Day Performances are Thursday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

Advance Ticket Information: Adult (ages 19 and up) - $12, Youth (ages 2 to 18) - $9, Senior (ages 62+) - $9. Groups of 10 or more - $9 and Family Day $9 (November 10 at 7 p.m. only).

School Day Advance Ticket Information: Groups (10 to 99) - $6 with one free ticket with each 15 purchased. Groups (100 or more) - $5.

Sales at the Door: $14. - Adult (ages 19 and up), $11. - Youth (ages 2 to 18), $11. - Senior (ages 62+), $11. - Groups of 10 or more. Family Day $11. each (Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. only).

School Day Sales at the Door: All Tickets - $10.

Purchase tickets at: https://www.cytvanport.org/gettickets.aspx

See Great SW Washington Theater This Weekend, Before It's Too Late

See one of these great shows this weekend before they are gone and a new batch opens in November. 

Look for our post about the four new shows we'll be reviewing next week.

WAIT UNTIL DARK at Love Street Playhouse

Review: http://swwastar.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-dont-wait-to-see-love-streets.html

SOMETHING TO HIDE at Magenta Theater

Review: http://swwastar.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-magenta-theaters-something-to.html

COMING SOON: Reviews for Magenta's "Something to Hide" and Love Street's "Wait Until Dark" (10/13/2012)

Two thrillers open this coming weekend to run through the Halloween season. 

SOMETHING TO HIDE

Magenta Theater
By Leslie Sands
Directed by Jaynie Roberts
PHONE: 360-635-4358

LOCATION: 606 Main St. Vancouver, Wash.

Set in the English weekend home of novelist Howard Holt and his wealthy publisher wife, Karen, this disarming mystery/thriller will keep audiences guessing at each turn. After Karen unexpectedly arrives at the house and inadvertently runs over Howard's young mistress with her car, the couple agrees to dispose of the body The situation becomes more complicated with the arrival of an unconventional detective and the interference of the village residents.

A cast of seven from the Vancouver/Portland area, featuring Brenda McGinnis as Karen. Brenda was most recently seen as the mouthy Juror Seven in "Twelve Angry Women."  Glenn Chipman as Howard. Glenn was seen in "Pride and Prejudice" as Mr. Darcy. Also featuring Shaye Eller who recently starred in "The 39 Steps."

Show Dates:
October 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.
October 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

Tickets Available Now! - Click Here

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Love Street Playhouse

Directed by Dave Roberts.
Produced by Melinda Leuthold

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, October 12 - 28 with a special HALLOWEEN performance, October 31st at 7:30 p.m. 

PHONE: 360/263-6670
EMAIL: info@lovestreetplayhouse.com
LOCATION: 126 Loves Ave, Woodland Wash.

[Left] Thugs Carlino (John McCamish), Roat (Paul Segren) and Mike Talman (Scott Clark) get ready to make their attack on the blind housewife Susy Hendrix (Dorinda Toner) and neighbor girl Gloria (Doris McCamish). But just wait until dark...

A sinister con man and two ex-convicts are about to meet their match. Having traced the location of a mysterious doll, to the apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy, a woman is murdered and the situation becomes very urgent. 

The con man and ex-convicts, through a cleverly constructed deception, convince Susy that the police have implicated her husband in the woman's murder, and the doll, which she believes is the key to his innocence, is evidence. She refuses to reveal its location, and with the help of a young neighbor, figures out she is the victim of a bizarre charade. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues. And Susy knows the only way to play fair is by her rules, so when darkness falls she turns off all the lights leaving the others to maneuver in the dark until the game ends. 

Tickets Available Online Now

LOCAL UPCOMING THEATER REVIEWS

The following shows are on our radar for the fall season. Several have already been lined up for review. The date following the show's name, production company and city is the date the review will be posted.

CONFIRMED FOR REVIEW:

• "Murder at the Mansion" Stageworks Northwest (Longview) Oct. 5
• "The Sunshine Boys" Serendipity Playhouse (Vancouver) Oct.6
• "Wait Until Dark" Love Street Playhouse (Woodland) Oct.13
• "Something to Hide" Magenta Theater (Vancouver) Oct.13
• "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" Clark College (Vanc.) Nov.3
• "Singing in the Rain" Prairie/Ground High School (Battle Ground) Nov.9

PENDING CONFIRMATION:

• "Annie" Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy (Washougal) Oct.6
• "The Notorious Women of Humbug" Vancouver Comm. Players, TBA
• Other High School productions

If you have a show you know of that you would like to have listed or reviewed, please contact us at swwastar@aol.com. We only have two reviewers so we can only do two shows a night; thus, first come, first served.