What is it we look for in a theatrical experience? For everyone of us there is something different. Some look for an emotional experience, some for a moment of learning and some simply want to be entertained and all of these are valid. Sometimes, on the rare occasion, they can exist in the same production. That event would surely compel me to leap to my feet and offer a standing ovation. The last show that did that for me was The Light by Loy A. Web produced by Portland Center Stage the 24/25 Season. Everything worked so well together from the moment I walked into the space to the moment the lights went down and I was on my feet before the lights came up.
We all talk about the work we see. I have conversations about the shows I see with friends or colleagues over coffee, very civilized. And although we may share strong opinions, sometimes in agreement and sometimes not, they tend to never leave that conversation. I know I’m not the only person who feels the way I do about the work and about our community. I have opinions, critiques and observations that I’m going to begin sharing. I will strive to be respectful but honest as I see it. I have no illusions that what I have to offer will, at times, be controversial. I simply encourage folks to cultivate a thick skin, this profession requires it, demands it actually. One more thing, in order to be able to speak freely about my experience I will be a paying theatre goer. It’s only fair. If I am comped into somebody’s house I feel as if I’m not allowed to speak frankly about the host. I’m not sure if that is true but it’s how I feel.
There’s this thing about walking one’s talk so, with a big breath in and a big exhale, I will say right off the bat…
NOT EVERYTHING EARNS/DESERVES A STANDING OVATION. It’s too easy to give a gold star to everything and everyone. We loose perspective of what is truly an extraordinary event and offer nothing to aspire to.
I don’t see everything, I see a lot of stuff but not all.
In the past week I went to three shows and here are my thoughts.
Here we go…
X by Alistair McDowall produced by Third Rail Repertory Theatre. This play is not for everyone, I know folks who would have left at intermission. I have been known to do that myself. But I stayed. Even though this is not my cup of tea it was executed really really well. If you are a lover of the theatrical experience, this is certainly it. It’s been a week and I am still thinking about the production. I’m still not sure what I saw and that’s ok.
Strong acting throughout, though I would have liked to see a stronger young performer, there were two and I’m unclear who I saw.
The design, across the board, was very strong. A very unique world-set, sound, lights, projections, props, costumes all really well done-all in the same universe! And a really good use of the space.
Though strongly directed, I would have liked a bit more orchestration throughout. Too many scenes played on the same level for me. One scene however, the “X” scene-if you know you know- was beautifully drawn and adequately uncomfortable and soulfully nuanced. Kudos to Ms. Lingafelter, Ms. Porter and Mr. O’connell. DAMN!
There are very few plays that make me want to run out and buy it, this is one!
I wish it were still running. I would encourage everybody to see it because stuff like this, executed at this level doesn’t happen often enough. It’s something we can usually expect and count on from Third Rail.
Once Upon A Mattress produced by Broadway Rose Theatre Company. Music by Mary Rodgers, Lyrics by Marshall Barer, Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer
Though I haven’t performed in musicals in decades, my last was My Emperor’s New Clothes by Larry Shue- I played Clodney Skreech, the villain, in something like 1990- I love musicals, there I admit it! And, during my undergrad years I listened to the Carol Burnett cast album ad nauseam.
Overall I had a good time and left with a smile on my face. The direction felt a little disjointed and I would have liked to see more from the choreography, though some of the numbers were really well done and found the heart of the moment. I liked, in no particular order, The Swamps of Home, Song of Love, The Minstrel, the Jester and I, Man to Man Talk, Happily Ever After, Shy, and I just love We’ve An Opening for a Princess– what a great way to start a show.
I appreciated the relationship and work between Mr. Baldwin and Ms. Terry. Though it is Ms. Terry’s show- thank goodness they found them for the part. The two of them were so balanced, so playful and an absolute delight to watch develop during the course of the show. We usually don’t experience such an equal balance- spot on! I couldn’t help but smile.
As good as the band is, I sure would have liked to hear that score with a larger orchestra and I’m curious why it was presented at the new space rather then Deb Fennel auditorium. The choral numbers are so expansive a larger space would have been welcome.
The thing that struck me on the way home was wether or not the casting of the Queen and King felt right or appropriate or fair. Though I enjoyed Mr. Murphy and for the most part Ms. Maroney -the audience sure had fun with both of them, I kept thinking there are so many actors and actresses in Portland that could have served those roles well. Maybe better, certainly different. They are both AEA actors and I don’t imagine they are receiving health insurance through Equity where so many Union performers strive to garnish enough work weeks to be covered- so that’s two opportunities for members of our community, gone. It’s their theatre, they can do as they please but this is what I see. I fear they are training actors of a certain age this community to not audition for roles like those because it is fruitless.
This is not just an observance about this production but other theaters and directors in town cast from a staple of actors show after show after show and how does that help the community? Where is the opportunity? How do directors grow? How do the artists grow? It’s all very confusing to me and sort of sad and eventually becomes uninteresting. I was a member of a resident company for several years- for which I am eternally grateful- but I loved when I would get to work with folks I didn’t know or hadn’t worked with, as an actor or director, it was a thrill. I knew I would grow.
Back to Mattress, like I said, I had a smile on my face for a couple of days. If you can get tickets do so…It’s rarely done and this one is fun! You’ll experience some joy which is sorely lacking in our world right now…spoiler—they lived happily, happily, happily ever after!
The Roommate by Jen Silverman produced by Profile Theatre. This is, I think, the best if not one of the best productions I have seen this theatre season, and I saw the first preview. This play just opened so get your tickets now because it will sell out. It’s such a special kind of play. Intimate, funny- because we see ourselves in these women, and full of complicated mother/child relationships- the themes of navigating our way through this world, finding a reason to go on and trying to protect those we love. There is so much to unpack in this play and it creeps up on you as you watch it unfold.
Like I said I saw the first preview, the first maybe 5-10 minutes I could sense the actors getting used to the audience, the reactions, searching for one another and then I could feel them settling into a rhythm that pulled us right in. I feel as if I saw it happen in their eyes. They are so in tune with one another. Once they relaxed into the show I felt very well taken care of Kudos to Ms. Rae, Ms. O’brien and Ms. Dartez who is new to me.
There were a couple of scene shifts that felt wonky, I have no doubt those are operating like a well oiled machine now.
I’m not going to say too much about it but go!!! There is so much curiosity and discovery going on. What do we do to feel alive, what does it take to feel alive and what is the cost.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT!!! Alex Meyer- every set I experience is a world unto itself. Meticulous down to the last detail and every one of them could not be more different from the last. We are certainly lucky to have this artist in our community
Oh, I was lucky enough to get into The Sponge Bob Musical at Portland Playhouse this weekend, it’s closes today- such a wonderfully schlocky fun experience! So glad I caught it to see Mr. Weinstein and Ms. Greer step in. Everybody was so engaging. Loved Ms. Mars number in Act II, and Ms. Freeman-Lytle could not stop watching her such great charisma! And, of course, Mr. Tissell were does he get it? How does he do it? the set, the lighting, costumes and props and the band! the space never looked waterier! Shout out to the SM!
There will be more…
The photo is from a wonderful production of A Doll’s House Part 2 by Lucas Hnath produced by Artists Repertory Theatre with Linda Alper and directed by Luan Schooler
