SHSU Maredith Zaritski: 2009

Friday, April 24, 2009

Project #6: Flexible, option #1

Theatre Review of UTC's Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is an overall beautifully written musical about beauty, love and letting go of the past. A wonderful, powerful and magical story is one in a million. It is about a little girl named Mary who loses both her parents in a cholera epidemic. She is sent to live with her Uncle. Upon arrival, she learns the house is haunted with ghosts from long ago, one of which is her uncle’s deceased wife, Lilly. Lilly shows Mary the location of a secret garden which she died in. Mary with help from hired hands and her sickly cousin, revive the garden and restore happiness to their household. The script is serious and gloomy, but at times has its moments of hilarity and warmth. With opposite characters such as Martha and Ms. Medlock, it brings a sense of love and humanity amidst the dark corners of the human race. This is a good contrast for the audience since no one wants to feel they should kill themselves before act one is over. The music is hauntingly beautiful and captivated me the moment the orchestra started playing. This masterpiece of an arrangement compliments the eerie underlying story of ghosts and memories of the past. It is a strange and dissonant composition which evokes strong emotions, especially during the lovely song "Lilly's Eyes" which brought tears to my eyes. Most pieces even had lyrics overlapping one another giving the feel of urgency and chaos, which most scenes were full of. The characters were wonderfully portrayed with the exception of some. The dialects were also a wonderful accomplishment of these young actors and it made the performance even more beautiful and believable. Some characters however were somewhat overplayed, mostly in the children. Yes, children are over the top and should be played bigger and bolder than most other characters, but beautiful moments were ruined by the over intensity of the childlike behavior. The character Collin was way too much for me to handle. I know one is not supposed to like Collin, but there needs to be a sense of pity for him. Because of his over annoying nature that was being portrayed, I didn’t care if he was healed or not. Bottom line, his character was not very believable and was borderline farce. I didn’t care much for Mary’s character either. She was way too snooty and not loveable in the least bit. She seemed like a brat and I was upset that Lilly would choose such an awful, rude, bratty child to give her garden to. Yes, Mary is spoiled, bratty and annoying at times, but I wish there would have been a more loveable side to her so I could care more about her well being and be excited about the fact she was to inherit the garden from Lilly. Martha’s performance stood out among the rest. Everything about her and her character development was wonderful, loveable and heart-warming. I found myself becoming excited when she was to come on stage. It seemed like she knew her character very well and she made the entire audience love her. Her physicality she brought to the stage matched everything about Martha the audience discovers. Martha’s performance was downright exquisite. The singing throughout the show was incredible and brilliant. “Lilly’s Eyes” was overall the most enchanting song out of the entire performance. I was half ready to burst from my seat to give a standing ovation. The roar of applause afterward told me the rest of the audience felt the same. There were a couple of songs I didn’t care for. The contrast between Lilly’s and Collin’s voice in “Come to my Garden/Lift me Up” did no justice for that song. I wish Collin’s voice was somewhat fuller and even toned. It is rare to have a gifted ensemble such as this musical did. Not one person stood out among the rest and they all sounded like angels singing those beautiful songs. This show was completely amazing and beautiful. I caught myself thinking about the show a week after I had been to see it. Although there were some slight technicalities that I do not share the same opinion on as most, this show was beautifully directed and performed and deserves the best recognition.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Project #4: Unconventional Theatre

Title: "4-ISH"
Company: The ISH Ensemble
Dates: January 19 –28, 2007
Artists: Artistic Director: Jacqueline Russell

http://www.exploredance.com/article.htm?id=1663
"The name ISH comes from the suffix, ‘-ish', which is used to describe the indefinable,"

This production is composed of tricks, stunts and dance forms on a stage with a half pipe constructed in the back. Throughout the show there are a number of street dances, human beat boxers, martial arts routines and skating. "If this isn't considered art, well, it should be."

Title: Romeo and Juliet
Company: TBTB (Theatre Breaking Through Barriers)
Dates: 2008

http://www.tbtb.org/romeo.htm
"Gregg Mozgala who has cerebral palsy, in particular shatters the myth that actors with mobility problems make for static productions, throwing himself around the stage with abandon.”

TBTB is a theatre which is known for their acceptance of actors with disabilities. Some are blind, some deaf and some are physically handicapped like Gregg Mozgala who has cerebral palsy. But despite his disability, his performance was that of a healthy young man.

Title: "Blind and deaf actors take center stage at Jaffa theater"
Company: Jaffa Theatre
Artists: Adina Tal

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/951413.html
"Rehearsals can be chaotic"

This theatre company is specially designed for the deaf and the blind. The only way for the cast members to communicate is through touch. Unfortunately for one of the actresses who is from Russia only communicates in Russian sign language.

Title: Cabaret
Company: NTWH
Dates: May 2008
Artists: John Spalla

http://www.ntwh.org/index.php?globalnav=news_productions&sectionnav=news#articles_8
"Too good to be true!"

Title: A Murder of Scarecrows
Company: Arizona Deaf Theatre
Dates: November 2-4, 2007

http://www.arizonadeaftheatre.com/nextproductions.php
"We provide a cultural bridge to both deaf and hearing communities"

AZDT is made up of both deaf and hearing people working for the common goal of presenting the beauty of ASL through theatre.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Project #3:Too Hot To Handle

1. NYC Today
Who: Sarah Kane
What: "Blasted"
When: October 2, 2008
Where: NYC, Soho Rep

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/121915.html
"'Kane's startling imagery and bleak humor forge a potent theatrical vision of destruction, collapse and, ultimately, redemption and love,' read production notes."

This play first raised eyebrows in the London debut back in 1995. This play was and is considered controversial due to "scenes of brutal rape and cannibalism." When people scrutinized this production, fellow playwrights of Kane came to her aid and stood up for her work. Unfortunately, Kane committed suicide in 1999.
2. Naked Broadway
What: "10 Naked Men"
When: July 3rd
Where: Toronto

http://www.ginoempry.com/releases/10nakedmen.htm
"And yes, they all get naked!"

Ronnie Larson's play "10 Naked Men" is about prositution in California. These 10 actors seek their fame and fortune in the entertainment industry throughout this show. This show was well recieved by the public in New York and sold out performances in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
3. Gay Broadway
What: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: "Keep It Gay"
When: February 11, 2007
Where: Circle Square Theatre

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/105399.html
'"the students of Putnam County are sure to show you the definition of F-U-N at Gay Night."'

This special performace is directed by James Lapine. It was only open to mature audiences over the age of 16 on the "gay night." "If you're feeling pretty and witty and gay, the students of Putnam County are sure to show you the definition of F-U-N at Gay Night."
4. Racist Broadway
What: "Showboat"
When: opened 1927
Where: Broadway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_Boat#Original_1927_Production
"The show has also come under much attack, primarily because of the use of the word nigger in the lyrics "

This show is controversial, mainly because of the song "Old Man River" which has the word "Nigger" in the lyrics. Some directors make the choice of omitting the word and replacing it with a less offensive word. This happened when the show opened in the Lincoln Ceter at the height of the Civil Rights Movement for fear of retaliation or offended viewers.
5. Raided or Closed
Who: "Naked Boys Singing!"
What: Lack of license
When: August 2005
Where: Milwaukee, WI

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/94724.html
"The Milwaukee City Vice Squad closed the show a week after its Aug. 11 opening on the grounds of 'lack of license and public nuisance'"

This show produced by Mark Hooker was closed by the Milwuakee Vice Squad on August 18th. That day, a production was supposed to happen, but due to a lack of license, Detective Wilcox advised Hooker against it due to legal issues. After a thorough investigation, the police came to the conclusion that the theatre was fully licensed to perform a nude show, but not licensed to have a small theatre.
6. Arrested
Who:
What:
When:
Where:
7. NEA4
Who: Karen Finley, Tim Miller, John Fleck, and Holly Hughes
What: Sexual/Gender Orientation, Sexuality and Nudity
When: June, 1990
Where: Washington, DC

http://www.cd.sc.ehu.es/FileRoom/documents/Cases/338neafour.html
John Frohnmayer vetoed grants that were given to these four actors. The reasons being these actors' works were "lewd" and their political views controversial. in 1993, however, their grants were more than reimbursed, but the use of content restriction is still in court and being debated over to this day.
8. Regional Theatre
Who: Barter Theatre
What: Nudity protest
When: October 29, 2003
Where: Abington, Virginia

http://www.sullivan-county.com/w/naked.htm
"they opened the door to controversy."

The Barter Theatre in Abington, MA put on a performance of "Liquid Moon" which contained a nude scene. The main male character (Ryan) is in a problem marriage and having a non-sexual affair with a young girl named Kelly. Kelly tries to have sex with Ryan and enters a bedroom scene naked on stage. The town disapproved of this show and voted to have a protest outside the regional theatre to get them to cancel the show.
9. College Theatre
Who: Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Minnesota
What: Protest "The Pope and the Witch"
When: October 25, 2006
Where: University of Minnesota

http://www.catholic.org/prwire/headline.php?ID=2278
'“If the University of Minnesota allows Catholic-bashing to qualify as higher education, then the academia there is demeaning education, and harming the good reputation of the Catholic Faith.”'

The University of Minnesota was putting on a show called "The Pope and the Witch." The play and the playwright was considred blasphemous because of the depiction of the Pope and religion itself. The peaceful protest happened on October 18, 2006 when 904 callers in less than 24 hours from 716 colleges called up the director to tell him he needs to cancel this show.
10. High School Theatre
Who: Ron Martin (theatre director)
What: “Rent: School Edition” causes controversy in the school
When: February 20, 2009
Where: Corona del Mar High School

http://www.theliberaloc.com/2009/02/20/rent-controversy-makes-frnt-page-of-ny-times/
"I stopped her and looked her in the eye and said, 'First, there is no prostitution in 'Rent,' and second, homosexuality is not wrong,' "

Ron Martin wanted to perform the show "Rent" at his highschool. Knowing how mature the content was of the original show of "Rent" is, he decided to do a "school appropriate version." When the principal caught wind of his work, at this time in progress, she demanded a copy of the script so she could approve its content for the highschool students. When Ron could not do so, she cancelled the show. This has now caused much strife in the high school between this director and the principal, especially after she offended Ron by saying how she "objected to the show because of its treatment of 'prostitution and homosexuality.' "

Friday, February 6, 2009

Project #2: Angels in America: Part 1: Millenium Approaches: Option #2

Pre-Broadway
On Stage, and Off
By BRUCE WEBER
Published: December 4, 1992, Friday

http://theater2.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?res=9E0CE0DC1039F937A35751C1A964958260
"political in theme, historical in scope, fantastical in its theatrics, savage in its humor and, not incidentally, homosexual in its outlook"

Tony Kushner was 36 when he wrote Angels in America. He tried to make the play "political in theme, historical in scope, fantastical in its theatrics, savage in its humor and, not incidentally, homosexual in its outlook." His efforts rewarded him in Los Angeles, London and soon New York.

Broadway
Angels in America. - Walter Kerr Theater, New York, New York - theater reviews
by Scott Tucker
Nov-Dec, 1993

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1374/is_n6_v53/ai_14289343
"Tony Kushner's epic drama"

"A Gay Fantasia on National Themes" is the subtitle Kushner has given his play. Finally homosexual consciousness, which has been the underground force behind leading art movements in America since World War II, is out in the open. Louis, for all of his leftist idealism, abandons a lover dying of AIDS; and Joe emerges from the closet as a gay man, while his wife retreats into a fantasy world.

Non-NYC Professional
Theatre Review (Boston): Angels in America
Written by Greg Hard
Published February 01, 2008

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/02/01/154041.php
"The relationships it depicts, and its themes of human frailty, mortality, moral choices, and political corruption, all transcend time"

Boston Theatre Works has performed Angels in America for the first time in a decade. The set and lighting were minimal. Jason Southerland, the artistic director stayed true to the script and didn't altar the obscene parts of this play.

College/University
K-College theater hits most notes of 'Angels in America' just right
Posted by Mark Wedel
May 16, 2008 07:27AM

http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2008/05/kcollege_theater_hits_most_not.html
"Tony Kushner's Tony and Pulitzer winning masterpiece hits notes of love, guilt, sexuality, politics, fear, disease, evil, history, religion, comedy, tragedy and death, all played through quick scenes packed into around three hours."

At Kalamazoo's College Festival Playhouse, Angels in America was performed on May 16, 2008 and directed by Rebecca Patterson. Angels in America is set in the 1980's during the AIDS crisis. The characters either suffer from AIDS, have a pill popping addiction or have an inner struggle with their sexuality.

HBO Mini Series
Angels in America (2003)
Reviewed by Harry Jacobs Summers
Nursing Editor: Sandy Summers, MSN, MPH, RN
Reviewed April 4, 2004

http://www.nursingadvocacy.org/media/films/angels.html
"The six-hour movie is a dazzling exploration of faith, politics and sexuality in the United States soon after the start of the AIDS era"

This HBO mini series of Angel in America stars actors like Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Jeffrey Wright and is directed by Mike Nichols. It is a six hour movie based on the stage play by Tony Kushner. The series follows the plot of the original play script and is six hours long.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Project #1: Theatres: Alliance Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel
by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

"the hit musical"
http://www.alliancetheatre.org/performance.aspx?id=3402&subsec=CS

"a shaggy, hippie-style rock opera"
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2009/01/27/jesus-christ-superstar-gospel-rock-me-sexy-jesus/

Smart Cookie
by Julia Brownell

"a sly, wicked comedy"
http://www.alliancetheatre.org/performance.aspx?id=3406&subsec=CS

"a wickedly funny comedy"
http://atlanta.broadwayworld.com/article/Brownells_SMART_COOKIE_Opens_At_Hertz_Stage_24_20090108

Class of 3000
by André Benjamin and Tommy Lynch; Adapted by Rosemary Newcott

"award winning comedy"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_of_3000

Alliance Theatre only had titles for these three plays/musicals. All the others were either reviews or concerts.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Project #1: College: University of Georgia

Julius Caesar
by William Shakespeare

Agnes of God
by John Pielmeier

"Two mysteries in one"
http://www.qwipster.net/agnesofgod.htm

"philosophical murder mysteries"
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/15/103910.php

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
by Edward Albee

"Genre: Dramas"
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/whos_afraid_of_virginia_woolf/