THEATRE NEWS: MID-MONTH OPENINGS

Lots of show openings this week and next week, just in time to kick off the Fall theatre season here in San Diego!  Check out the following shows and check back here to read my reviews on some of these exciting productions.

The cast of "PIPPIN."  Photo by Ken Jacques.

“PIPPIN” at Diversionary Theatre: Join them….they’ve got magic to do!  Diversionary Theatre’s re-imagined, innovative staging of the musical favorite, “PIPPIN,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson, upends the story of a young prince searching for happiness and fulfillment.  Diversionary’s season opening production is directed and choreographed by James Vasquez and features Courtney Corey (Original LA & Chicago Wicked, 1st & 2nd National Tours of Rent) as Leading Player and Louis Pardo (National Tour of Jesus Christ Super Star, San Diego’s MixTape) as Pippin.

“PIPPIN” runs September 7 – October 14, 2012 at Diversionary Theatre at 4545 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92116.  Tickets are $27-41 and can be purchased by visiting www.diversionary.org or by calling 619-220-0097.

Manny and Melissa Fernandes in "Same Time, Next Year."  Photo by Daren Scott.

“Same Time, Next Year” at New Village Arts: One of the most popular romantic comedies ever produced, “Same Time, Next Year” is written by Bernard Slade and tells the fresh, touching, and funny story of lovers George and Doris, a couple who – while married to other people - meet once a year for twenty-four years at the same time and place and experience the changes to themselves and their society.  Through their yearly rendezvous, they find a connection that transcends the initial spark of passion and ultimately find common ground that sustains their unique friendship.  New Village Arts’ production is directed by Kristianne Kurner and features real life married couple (and San Diego favorites) Manny and Melissa Fernandes.

“Same Time, Next Year” runs September 7 – October 7, 2012 at New Village Arts Theatre at 2787 State Street in Carlsbad Village. Tickets are $25-$30 and can be purchased by visiting www.NewVillageArts.org or calling 760-433-3245.

A scene from "Scandal in the St. Florian Valley."  Photo by Josh Freeman.

“Scandal in the St. Florian Valley” at Chronos Theatre Group: Just in time for election season, “Scandal in the St. Florian Valley” is about small town corruption, blackmail, and folks struggling to “keep up appearances” while an outsider strives to undo them all, for his profit.  Chronos Theatre Group is proud to announce this U.S. premiere of a classic dark comedy by the “Shakespeare of Slovenia” (Ivan Cankar). Arguably the most famous play in Slovenia, this performance showcases the first professional English translation of the play, and the first to be endorsed by the Slovenian Ministry of Culture.

“Scandal in the Sr. Florian Valley” runs September 14 - 30, 2012 at Chronos Theatre in the historic Victory Theater in Grant Hill, a silent movie theater built in 1913 which has been turned into a live theater by Technomania Circus. Please arrive early for parking. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at http://scandal.bpt.me or by calling 619-981-4179. 

And opening next week….

“Allegiance” at The Old Globe (opens Sept 18)

“Sweeney Todd” at Moonlight Stage Productions (opens Sept 19)

“Glengarry Glen Ross” at La Jolla Playhouse (opens Sept 22)

NOTE: The SD Drama King will be reviewing all three of these upcoming shows, so stay tuned for reviews on this very blog.

TIS THE SEASON FOR SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS: PART ONE OF FOUR

Apparently, it is that time of year when San Diego theatre companies that run on a pseudo-fiscal year announce their upcoming seasons. I’ll be revealing the full seasons of four theatre companies – New Village Arts, San Diego REP, La Jolla Playhouse, and North Coast REP – in four separate blogposts over the course of the next few days.

Up first is New Village Arts. Their Season 12 includes two musicals, two Pulitzer Prize winners, and three classic American plays. In addition, they are expanding their partnership with the Playwrights Project with two New Play Festivals (one in July and one in January) featuring workshop productions of new work by San Diego playwrights. Here is their full - and might I add, quite ambitious - lineup of shows:

New Play Festival

July 20-22 & 27-29, 2012

A continuing collaboration with Playwrights Project of San Diego, NVA will produce two workshop productions of new plays by San Diego artists. The New Play Festival will happen twice a year: once in the summer and once in the winter.

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Ensemble Member Kristianne Kurner

Featuring Ensemble Member Justin Lang with Max Macke and Durwood Murray

August 2-5 & 9-12, 2012

Shakespeare in the Park returns to the beautiful campus of Pacific Ridge School in southeast Carlsbad. MUCH ADO is a romantic comedy and Shakespeare’s wittiest play. In this charming story, soldiers returning from war stop in to the estate of Leonato for relaxation, romance and rivalry.

"Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps." – MUCH ADO

"Next to Normal" will be lead by the husband and wife team of Manny and Melissa Fernandes (pictured above). Manny will be making his directorial debut and Melissa will be returning to NVA after her recent appearance in "Into the Woods." Photo by Pam Kragen.

Next To Normal

By Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey

Directed by Ensemble Member Manny Fernandes

Featuring Melissa Fernandes as Diana

September 8 – September 30

Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama, this groundbreaking musical stars Melissa Fernandes as Diana, a woman struggling with bi-polar disorder. This unforgettable rock musical examines mental illness and its affect on the family.

“No show on Broadway right now makes as direct a grab for the heart — or wrings
it as thoroughly — as does this brave, breathtaking musical.” – New York Times.

Wait Until Dark

By Frederick Knott

Directed by Ensemble Member Dana Case

Featuring Ensemble Member and Actors Equity Member Daren Scott as Harry Roat

November 3 – November 25

A recently blinded woman is terrorized by a trio of thugs while they search for a heroin stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment. The woman takes charge of her fate in this classic 1960’s thriller. As the lights go out in the theatre, the audience will jump out of their seats in fear.

“made me jump ... in a theater ... in front of people. That’s not an easy feat” – The Herald Bulletin

Director of NVA's holiday musical "Plaid Tidings," Jason Heil played the role of Smudge in the Old Globe's 2010 revival. Photo by Daniel Baird.

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings

By Stuart Ross

Directed by Jason Heil

December 8 - 24

Plaid Tidings – A Special Holiday Edition of Forever Plaid continues the story of the singing group whose lives were lost in an accident involving a busload of teens en route to see “The Ed Sullivan Show.” This holiday favorite will be directed by Jason Heil, who appeared as one of the actors in the production at the Old Globe Theatre. Full of Christmas favorites such as “Mr. Santa,” “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Plaid Tidings is a holiday treat for the entire family.

New Play Festival

January 11-13, 2013

A continuing collaboration with Playwrights Project of San Diego, NVA will produce two workshop productions of new plays by San Diego artists. The New Play Festival will happen twice a year: once in the summer and once in the winter.

The family in "The Trip to Bountiful" is usually a Caucasian one, but NVA plans to examine the play through the experiences of an African-American one, lead by the luminescent actress Sylvia M'Lafi Thompson (pictured above). Courtesy photo.

The Trip to Bountiful

By Horton Foote

Directed by Kristianne Kurner

Featuring Actors Equity Member Sylvia M’Lafi Thompson as Carrie Watts

February 9 – March 3, 2013

All Carrie Watts wants before she dies is to see her hometown of Bountiful, Texas one last time. Her son and daughter-in-law don’t believe she should make the trip, so she heads out herself to make her dream come true. Starring the amazing actress Sylvia M’Lafi Thompson as Carrie Watts. Produced in honor of NVA Ensemble Member Sandra Ellis-Troy.

“If there's any such thing as a bulletproof play, “The Trip to Bountiful” may be it. Horton Foote's elegiac study in the diminution of old age, which featured Oscar-winner Geraldine Page in the 1985 film, is a sure-fire crowd pleaser” – Los Angeles Times

ion Theatre Executive Artistic Director Claudio Raygoza (above) will make his NVA directorial debut with "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Courtesy photo.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

By Dale Wasserman

Directed by Claudio Raygoza (Executive Artistic Director of ion theatre)

Featuring Ensemble Member Kristianne Kurner as Nurse Ratched

March 30 – April 21, 2013

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST is arguably the greatest anti-authority protest novel of the 20th century. The story pits RP McMurphy (a convict who has feigned psychosis so that he can spend the final months of his sentence at a mental institution) against Nurse Ratched (the icy head nurse of the ward), who believes that rules must be followed without exception. A band of patients get caught in the crossfire and the audience is left to decide who was right and who was wrong.

From director Claudio Raygoza: “I first read the novel on a long, bleak Arizona road-trip during my junior high years and it's haunted me for decades. Kesey's novel has to be one of the finest, most shattering contributions to modern literature, and Wasserman's faithfully gutsy adaptation wrestles with essential questions regarding morality, heroism and personal freedom. I'm thrilled to be undertaking this challenge -- and overjoyed to be working at New Village Arts.”

Seascape

By Edward Albee

Directed by Ensemble Member Amanda Sitton

Featuring Ensemble Member Dana Case as Nancy and Ensemble Member Justin Lang as Leslie

May 18 – June 9, 2013

Winner of the 1975 Pulitzer Prize. While having a picnic on the dunes of a quiet beach, Nancy and Charlie, a couple facing retirement, have a spirited debate about how to spend the rest of their lives. Nancy wants adventure and excitement and Charlie would just like to rest. A very unique couple arrives on the same sand dune and have Nancy and Charlie questioning their relationship, each other and their very sanity. An examination of marriage and family that only Edward Albee could create.

Season subscriptions are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting www.NewVillageArts.org or by calling 760-433-3245.

THEATRE REVIEW: "Comedy of Errors" at New Village Arts Theatre

Shakespeare ... with sound effects?

New Village Arts’ zany and cartoon-ish “Comedy of Errors” gets a Hollywood makeover that doesn’t quite click

By Donnie Matsuda

It’s a tricky thing, that Comedy of Errors.

As one of William Shakespeare’s earliest plays, it is somewhat the “black sheep” in The Bard’s family of plays as it doesn’t contain the same amount of pomp, circumstance, and substance as most of his later works. It is also his shortest play and his most farcical of comedies, relying mostly on oddball characters, outrageous antics and slapstick scenarios of the most absurd kind. But, despite all the silly shenanigans, the play still bears the stamp of Shakespeare in both its masterful language and brilliant word-play.

(Foreground, L-R): Manny Fernandes as Duke Solinus and Kristianne Kurner as Adriana in New Village Arts' production of "The Comedy of Errors." Photo by Daren Scott.

The Comedy of Errors tells the tale of two sets of identical twins (Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus and their man servants Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus) who are accidentally separated at birth. When Antipholus of Syracuse arrives in Ephesus with his manservant by his side, things get complicated and confusing as they are frequently mistaken for their twins: Antipholus of Ephesus and his manservant, Dromio of Ephesus, respectively. For instance, Adriana, the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus, mistakes his twin brother (the one from Syracuse) as her husband and things become awkward when he begins making sexual advances at Adriana’s sister, Luciana. Meanwhile, the real Antipholus of Ephesus faces problems when he is unable to pay for a gold necklace that was actually sold to his twin. And so the preposterous cases of mistaken identity play out over and over again to the point that even master mistakes manservant and manservant mistakes master.

While the genius of Shakespeare remains intact here, the slapstick comedy feels fresh and open to interpretation. So, it may come as no surprise that recent revivals try to contemporize the time and place of the piece in an attempt to make it more accessible and fun for modern-day audiences.

Kyle Lucy as Dromio of Syracuse, John DeCarlo as Antipholus of Ephesus, and Durwood Murray as The Officer. Photo by Daren Scott.

Director Justin Lang and the New Village Arts Ensemble should be commended for having the ingenious idea of setting this crazy comedy in Hollywood, California during the golden age of the television sitcom. It is a brilliant concept in theory, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite play out so well in the flesh. The major problem with their revival is that the look of their slick 1950’s television broadcast doesn’t jive at all with the language of Shakespeare’s richly metaphoric and archaic rhyme schemes. And the frequent attempts to make it feel like a good fit only make it more glaringly obvious that this concept is about as gratifying as trying to fit a round peg in a square hole.

Despite the mismatched premise, Lang’s production is very fast-paced and incredibly well-acted. His spry direction goes off without a hitch (though we could do without the cheesy LooneyTunes inspired sound effects) and his actors are so poised and polished, they tend to speed through their dialogue faster than a bullet train. But, above all, the members of the New Village Arts ensemble are super savvy actors - equally adept at over-the-top characterizations as they are with broad physical comedy.

With identical hair and costumes, Kyle Lucy and Adam Brick are virtual carbon copies of each other as Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus, respectively. These two stooges are masters of comedy and deliver firecracker performances that are at times hilarious, at times silly, but always engaging. As the Antipholi (?), Max Macke and John DeCarlo don’t look anything alike, except for their similarly stout body types. But if one can suspend disbelief for the play’s speedy two hour run time, they each give solid performances and are convincing enough in their delightfully incredulous roles.

Kristianne Kurner as the brazen Adriana and Amanda Sitton as the endearing Luciana both shine in their Lucy and Ethel inspired roles. Without a doubt, they are the most successful at melding their “I Love Lucy” characters with Shakespeare’s tricky tongue-twisters and their winning performances give some vibrancy and verve to an otherwise oddball show.

The "Comedy of Errors" Company. Photo by Daren Scott.

Performance-wise, there is not a weak link in the entire 19-member ensemble cast, which includes fine supporting performances by Manny Fernandes as the sunglass-sporting, wheelchair-bound Duke Solinus, Jack Missett as the aged Egeon and clownish medicine man Dr. Pinch, Frances Regal as a chopstick-wearing, Chinese doll Courtesan, and Dana Case as an aloof, cigarette-smoking stage manager (among other roles). Chris Renda as Balthasar and Durwood Murray as The Officer round out the rest of the adult company.

This production also includes some young tweenage actors (most members of NVA’s Junior Ensemble) who are quite good in their cameo roles. Most notable is a spunky Jonah Gercke who is somewhat miscast in the role of gold seller, Angelo. He is a terrific talent and shows an incredible amount of acting potential already at his young age.

All things considered, New Village Arts’ Comedy doesn’t go off without a few errors of its own. But it is the strong acting chops of its sterling cast and the brilliance of the Bard’s own writing that remains the saving grace of this misfit, if a bit misguided, farce.

Things to know before you go: The Comedy of Errors plays at the New Village Arts Theatre through March 4, 2012. Running time is 1 hour and 50 minutes with a 15 minute intermission. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and Sundays at 2pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (760) 433-3245 or visit www.newvillagearts.org.

The Drama King Asked....

…and you answered! The Drama King has asked various esteemed members of the San Diego theatre community to talk about a) what projects (theatrical or otherwise) they are most excited about in 2012 and b) what their resolutions are for the New Year. Here are a few of their responses:

Kristianne Kurner

Co-Founder and Executive Artistic Director / New Village Arts

WEB: www.newvillagearts.org

Photo of Kristianne Kurner by Brian Meagher (from "The Playboy of the Western World")

At New Village Arts, Kristianne has directed such productions as “Death of a Salesman,” “Summer and Smoke,” “The Santaland Diaries,” “Be Aggressive,” “Bulrusher,” “True West,” “Sailor’s Song,” “The Waverly Gallery,” and “A Lie of the Mind.” She has also been seen on the NVA stage many times, most recently as Essie Miller in “Ah, Wilderness!,” Amanda Blue in “Waving Goodbye,” and the title role in “The Heidi Chronicles.” Kristianne received her BFA in Theatre from The College of William & Mary and her MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio/New School.

What shows and/or projects are you most excited about in 2012?

For New Village Arts, I am most excited about our world premiere production happening this June, THE ENSEMBLE PROJECT. For over a year now, we have been working with playwright Suzanne Bachner to create a new play written specifically for our Ensemble. It's been one of the most fulfilling, frightening and thrilling artistic experiences that I have had. In general, I'm excited to see the growth of San Diego theatre in 2012 - I think it's going to be a good one.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

I don't tend to do resolutions, I like to think of New Year's as more of a reminder: to live well and fully, surround myself with good people and to do my best to enjoy my life - the challenges as much as the joys. And to create some kick ass theatre.

Sandy Campbell

Accomplished Singer, Actress, and Cabaret Artist

WEB: performerprofiles.com/sandycampbell/

Photo courtesy of Sandy Campbell.

Sandy is one of the premiere vocalists in the San Diego area and she has performed most of the leading soprano roles in the musical theatre canon, including Rosabella in “The Most Happy Fella,” Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha,” Johanna in “Sweeney Todd,” Maria in “West Side Story,” Rose in “The Secret Garden,” Abigail in “1776,” Amalia in “She Loves Me,” and Sarah in “Guys and Dolls.” Last year, she played Marian in Lamb’s Players’ “The Music Man.” She has also distinguished herself in stagings of works by playwrights as diverse as Theresa Rebeck, Terrence McNally and Alan Ayckbourne. Also a popular cabaret artist, Sandy’s collaborations with musical partner G. Scott Lacy have resulted in many successful concerts and the debut of her solo CD, CRAZYWORLD, which has received praise from listeners and critics alike.

What shows and/or projects are you most excited about in 2012?

The project I am most looking forward to this year is “Parade” at Cygnet (NOT just because I am a part of it!) Based on historical events, it’s a story that not many people know, and while the show may challenge audiences, that’s never a bad thing. I am also excited about “God of Carnage” at the Globe and the entire summer season at the Moonlight – not only because it sounds like a fun line up, but because everyone’s going to be celebrating the accomplishments of the wonderful Kathy Brombacher all summer as she heads into her retirement.

What is your resolution for the New Year?

I’m not one to make specific resolutions but as the New Year is a time to take stock, look forward and revitalize, I think I’d like to challenge myself a little more this year and see what happens. I read a quote recently that said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” I like that.

Rob Appel

Performing Arts Columnist and Arts Reviewer / SDTheatreReviews.com

WEB: www.sdtheatrereviews.com

With a MA in Theatre Arts and a Doctorate in Dance, Rob has been involved in some 4,000 productions over 44 years as a dancer, choreographer, director, and producer around the world. Locally, he is best known as the Founder and Producer of BRAVO SAN DIEGO for nine years, along with eight years producing SUMMERQUEST, as well as numerous non-profit gala events. Presently “retired,” Rob continues to support the vibrant San Diego arts community with reviews and coverage of special events in his weekly online newsletter (and his personal “Showbiz Report” column) at SDTheatreReviews.com.

What shows and/or projects are you most excited about in 2012?

With the traditional SD theatre venues - both major and minor - expected to mount successful productions, I am most excited about this past years' and 2012 year's birth and development of NEW theatre production companies ... NEW dance efforts ... and, of course - hopefully to be enjoyed - NEW fresh talents!

What is your resolution for the New Year?

My resolution for 2012 - is to maintain my health, energy, and drive to assist SD THEATRE REVIEWS to be the ultimate source for good theatre, dance, and special concert events!

David Ellenstein

Artistic Director / North Coast Repertory Theatre

WEB: www.northcoastrep.org

Photo courtesy of North Coast Repertory Theatre.

Before joining North Coast Rep in 2003, David served as Artistic Director for the Los Angeles Repertory Company and the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company (AJTC). A veteran of over 200 theatrical productions, he has directed at the Papermill Playhouse, Portland Stage, Renaissance Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Phoenix, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Laguna Playhouse, and the Coconut Grove Playhouse, among many others. This year at North Coast Rep, David will be directing two of the early one acts by master playwright Harold Pinter (“The Lover” and “The Dumb Waiter”) as well as Henry IV, Part 1 (a co-production with MiraCosta College). He will also be starring as Tevye in Moonlight Stage Productions “Fiddler on the Roof” this summer.

What shows and/or projects are you most excited about in 2012?

Shakespeare, Pinter and Tevye

What is your resolution for the New Year?

Spend more time with my family, exercise, and be good to people.

A very big THANK YOU to all the folks who have responded to my questions. Stay tuned for more responses in the weeks to come....