Comment Archives: Stories: Arts and Culture: Theater
Re: “Christ Church Cathedral raises the roof with Crowns, Regina Taylor's lively gospel musical”
An Encore performance is coming! Friday, February 17, the show will return for one last rousing evening. Tickets are on sale now at christcathedral.org/sacredspace/ticketsale…. Don't miss your last chance to see this unique and wonderful show!
Re: “Though it has its moments, Nashville Shakespeare Festival's Julius Caesar lacks spirit”
Wrong, Wrong, wrong!! I saw it tonight and thought Eddie's delivery was nearly perfect! The other main characters also delivered with professionalism and soul. Delivery is so important (and so difficult!) in Shakespeare. I have yet to hear a Shakespeare play where I could follow all the dialogue. But tonight's play displayed the clearest delivery and best acting I have seen yet. The choreography was also excellent. And as for being melodramatic-- this is Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, DUH!
Re: “Out Front on Main's staging of Bug, Tracy Letts' tale of paranoia and dissolution, is uneven but worthwhile”
After seeing 'Team Tracy' last week, I felt compelled to see 'Team Letts', since I've never had the opportunity to see the same play with a different cast in the same month, in the same theater. Quite a unique concept.
The differences were evident from the start. In this performance Agnes was played with a touch more fire and attitude by Jessica Theiss. A very talented and beautiful actress who oozes sensuality and vulnerability in this play, she comes off as being down and hopeless about her grim life, but there is a spark of confidence left. She gives Agnes a more defensive and tough veneer. Although it is just a facade, we later see.
As I sat there watching this for the second time, subconsciously comparing the two casts, I realize how much of acting is in the interpretation and ownership of the character. I let go of the comparisons and allowed myself to let these talented and beautiful people on this stage to carry me into the chaos that is Bug.
Peter, played by the gorgeous and unassuming David Bennett, takes more of a matter of fact approach to the character. He is very convincing. His portrayal of Peter is more serious and dark. He gives a sense of having suffered for so long that he is oblivious to anyone who he doesn't find important to him at the moment. Just so happens, Agnes and her shabby hole in the wall is the only thing he is focusing on in the here and now, except for the bugs, of course.
As I am drinking this all in, enter RC, Agnes' lesbian friend, played by Quiche Fletcher. She is the one responsible for the meeting of Agnes and Peter. Fletcher gives RC a nice feminine touch. She is breathtakingly beautiful and very protective of her friend. She quickly shows that pretty don't mean weak. Her portrayal of RC gives you a sense of a lioness, exotic and graceful, you just don't get too close, because she can take your head off if she so chooses.
As expected, in walks, completely unannounced or invited, Goss, played expertly by Buddy Jones. His adaption of Goss is so disturbing. Instantly you sense the intimidation and brutality of his personality. More mind game, less physical game, although he does throw his physical weight around some on Agnes. Jones immerses himself in Goss so thoroughly it is impossible for me to describe in words. His performance alone is reason enough to see this show. I have watched Buddy Jones evolve over the past year or so at Out Front and he never ceases to amaze me. His range and versatility is second to none.
As expected the paranoia takes over. Peter and Agnes holed up in isolation, in fear of being found fighting the infestation alone. That is until Dr. Sweet, played with a disturbing, slightly evil twist, by Hudson Wilkins, shows up looking for Peter. Wilkins gives this character a dark sinister flair. When he helps himself to the crack pipe that is ever present on the table, you get a feeling that he is perhaps just as disturbed as Peter. Just maybe there is some truth to Peter's paranoia? Right when you think it is all in their heads, Dr. Sweet makes you wonder...could it be true? Unfortunately we never find out.
The climactic ending to this play leaves you feeling a little uneasy. Aside from feeling a little itchy, you want more. One wonders if the paranoia is because of the drugs or the bugs, or the drugs and the bugs are because of the paranoia? Just go see it and draw your own conclusion. Well worth the effort. If you haven't experienced Out Front on Main yet, you are missing out. I promise you will be welcomed with a smile and swept away into the disturbing reality of Tracy Letts Bug. There is no comparison, both casts are phenomenal in there own right. Either way you go, you will be glad you went.
Re: “Out Front on Main's staging of Bug, Tracy Letts' tale of paranoia and dissolution, is uneven but worthwhile”
I have been anxiously awaiting this play for quite some time now. Having been a fan of it I figured I would treat myself twice. I saw both casts. I was not expecting much difference, well I was wrong! No big surprise for those who know me. Although I'm no expert, I found both casts compelling and very believable. Last weeks performance featuring 'Team Tracy' was a great way for the paranoia to begin.
The setting is rather depressing. Agnes, played with realistic perfection by Molly Breen, is a lonely, broken woman trying to live in obscurity from her ex husband, soon to be released from prison. She lives in a hole in the wall, messy motel room in Oklahoma. This poor woman has had some serious losses in her life that would be impossible to overcome. Breen's performance is extremely moving. The pain and hopelessness is evident from the very beginning. Her portrayal of Agnes is reminiscent of a woman who has already died inside, going through the motions, not expecting any happiness.
Her only bright spot is her good friend RC, played with just the right amount of humor and loving concern by Tara Mc Bay. If you are going to have a small circle of friends, you need somebody like her on your side. She is a loyal and take no crap kind of gal.
Enter Peter, played by the talented and versatile Andy Woloszyn. At first you don't realize how complex this guy is. His slight build adds to his performance in my opinion. It makes it more believable that he would be chosen as a human lab rat. He seems harmless. Woloszyn gives this character a touching, sympathy inducing quality. He makes you want to comfort and assure him that everything is going to be okay. Obviously Agnes felt the same way. Woloszyn really taps in to the psychopathic side of Peter. Fate brought him to Agnes it seems. He fills the void in her life. She grabs hold and don't let go.
Her ex husband, Goss, played with a cocky mean streak and a knack for emotional and physical abuse, by Mic Rex, finds her and shows up every now and then to create more tension to the mix. He is intimidating, but in that uncertain mind game playing sort of way.
As the show evolves, the unseen bugs multiply and so do the tokes on the crack pipe. As I set watching the paranoia grow, I start to get caught up in it. Peter has convinced Agnes that the bugs are in him, planted in his body as an experiment by the military. Although it seems impossible, you find yourself wondering if he is right. This is when I started to itch a little. I guess the paranoia is contagious after all.
Everything comes to a disturbing climax not long after Dr. Sweet, played with a touch of subtle madness, by Anderson Dodd, shows up looking for Peter. This play has all the elements of a good psychological mind game, with a little room for doubt about what is really happening. It is disturbing, gripping and leaves you with a jittery feeling.
I can’t imagine the emotional ride Manus had in preparation for this, considering the dual cast twist. The intimate setting of Out Front on Main allows you to feel as though you right there in that sleazy motel too, bugs and all. Highly entertaining, true to the mission statement of Out Front, very edgy, thought provoking, to say the least, and contemporary. This theater is evolving into it’s own in a very unique way. The talent and love of the craft is evident as soon as you walk in the door. If you haven’t experienced it yet, go get caught up in the chaos of Bug.
Re: “Nashville Opera opens season with Verdi's classic tale of a courtesan heroine”
Mr. Caruso! Love you on CSI: Miami!
Re: “Nashville Opera opens season with Verdi's classic tale of a courtesan heroine”
Martin did a nice job. Excellent work! As for John Hoomes, he doesn't have to worry about making this opera's quaint controversies seem relevant to our time. Thanks to the Tea Party, it's 1853 all over again.
Re: “Nashville Opera opens season with Verdi's classic tale of a courtesan heroine”
Fixed. Our apologies — the byline has been fixed also.
Re: “Nashville Opera opens season with Verdi's classic tale of a courtesan heroine”
Please change the title of this article. Verdi, not Puccini.
Thanks.
Re: “Though the ride is too long, Boiler Room's Streetcar makes some interesting stops along the way”
Yes Jack,
but the point James is making is that the one word was not enough to describe the performance-and I agree. ALL the actors-not just the guy playing Stanley but also the girls playing the 2 sisters- were deserving of a better review. they were great, and all Mr Brady did was prattle on about weather or not Stanley was barrel chested or buff! WHO CARES?!?!? And by the way,theaterluvr is also right- ANY ONE who wants to give playwriting advise to Tennessee Williams- (and Eugene O neill for good measure) should probably not be writing reviews.
Re: “Though the ride is too long, Boiler Room's Streetcar makes some interesting stops along the way”
Check out the dictionary. It's got definitions of all kinds of words!
From Merriam Webster: Notable: a : worthy of note : remarkable b : distinguished, prominent.
Re: “Though the ride is too long, Boiler Room's Streetcar makes some interesting stops along the way”
Saw this show on tuesday...Phenominal Acting. The guy playing Stanley was inspirational-reminded me of Christian Bale-that's how intense he was. The reviewer said "notable". How lame. I don't even know what that means....."notable?"
Re: “Though the ride is too long, Boiler Room's Streetcar makes some interesting stops along the way”
sadly, this is the only critic that the "Scene" employs....one who readily admits that he hates the play before reviewing it. Martin Brady is one of the main reasons that Nashville is still regarded as a "Hick" town. Stick to Hee Haw and other shows that are more your intellect level, please-while those of us who enjoy the Theatre go and see wonderful productions like this one at The Boiler Room.
Re: “Though the ride is too long, Boiler Room's Streetcar makes some interesting stops along the way”
The University of Memphis did Parade several years ago.
Re: “Dark forces conspire in the backwoods in Nate Eppler's original drama Long Way Down”
Theatergoers may count themselves fortunate that the surrealism built into Eppler's pained scenario will keep them at least front row's length from the play's deeper inspiration. It's dark stuff, but it's compelling and well-played — and it packs a serious wallop.
From: http://www.christianlouboutinclearancesale…
Re: “Street Theatre Company scores a hit with musicalized John Waters classic”
Online websites obtain discount with regard to their products and can be competent to sell them with only a great discount. Not surprisingly that you need to concur that a person is a diamond ring genuine Oakley and there is a large number of replicas accessible. No matter if yours tend to be the most expensive or maybe cheap oakley sunglasses is not the issue.
Re: “If the Nashville Shakespeare Festival needs your money, its Taming of the Shrew is good reason to give”
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
www.juicycoutureoutletsusa.com
Re: “Street Theatre Company scores a hit with musicalized John Waters classic”
I`m from Salt Lake City, it was well worth the trip..........
Re: “Rep's staging of Hitchcock send-up The 39 Steps is a rollicking good time”
Glad to see you actually attend some of the shows you review and even (gasp) manage not to refer to the actors by the color of their skin. Martin Brady=bigot.
Re: “Kaine Riggan’s original Christmas musical set in a Waffle House christens Nashville Dinner Theatre’s new downtown digs”
I was invited to attend the Musical when the theater first opened and I was amazed. The food was delicious and the musical was outstanding. Joyce Dewitt was so awesome and so were the other actors as well. The songs were all so good. Everyone that worked there was very nice. I enjoyed it so very much that I went back again and took 30 more people with me. Really glad you have the piano bar open now. Vance was fabulous on the piano. I am looking forward to enjoying many evenings at the Nashville Dinner Theater. Congratulations Mr. Riggan on a job well done! R. Johnson, Mt. Juliet, TN.
Re: “Christ Church Cathedral raises the roof with Crowns, Regina Taylor's lively gospel musical”
I'm so excited about attending the encore. My and my mom are hat wearing women and can't wait to be there.