You don’t have to be a fan of Dolly Parton to appreciate 9 to 5: The Musical, now at Ferndale Repertory Theatre, but if you are, you’ll probably love it even more. . The music and lyrics are written by Parton, the book by Patricia Resnick. It’s of course based on the 1980 movie by […]
Front Row
Posted inArts + Scene
Urinetown is Absurdly Fun
Urinetown is a silly, overacted, melodramatic, musical political satire that is pure excessive hilarity. The talented cast of North Coast Repertory Theatre’s incarnation of the show understands the assignment and creates an entirely entertaining evening of must-see theater. The surface of this production is stupid, stereotypical theater complete with puns, gags, terrible writing and an onslaught of […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Clue is Game
A dark and stormy night outside a lush mansion on Van Duzer Theater’s stage sets the melodramatic tone for Cal Poly Humboldt’s Department of Dance, Music and Theatre production of Clue by Sandy Rustin. The madcap, stylized parlor game whodunit is based on the movie of the same title, which was inspired by the board […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Steel Magnolias Blooms in Ferndale
It’s a bold choice to present a piece of theater as beloved and acclaimed as Steel Magnolias. For people of a certain (cough) maturity, the movie is a go-to experience for anyone needing a deep laugh, a cathartic cry and brilliant writing. It’s hard to separate the cinematic masterpiece from the stage play, and the iconic actors […]
Posted inArts + Scene
All the President’s Frantic Women
POTUS Or, Behind Every Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive by Selina Fillinger is a fast-moving farcical comedy set in the White House during a fictional presidency. The President has (yet again) said something awful at the worst possible moment. His chief of staff Harriet (Christina Jioras), her beleaguered intern Stephanie (Ximena […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Patrons in the Arts
As Leo Tolstoy once said, “All happy families resemble one another; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Every member of the MacTwatt Clan’s 10-year family reunion reveals unique unhappiness as they meet again after years apart in the Logger Legends, Liars and Lookers, the third in the Logger Bar-located series of plays written and directed […]
Posted inArts + Scene
A Gentleman’s Guide Kills Again
I think many directors salivate at the idea of reworking their theater pieces despite knowing it is a double-edged sword. As a production runs, actors’ discoveries, relationships and the merging of tech solidifies, creating a slew of nuance that can be explored and expanded. However, that evolution could result in the production feeling overworked to […]
Posted inArts + Scene
The Valiant Red Rooster Crows
By reimagining the classic folk tale of The Valiant Red Rooster for the annual holiday musical pantomime at the Arcata Playhouse, director Evan Grande offers this year’s post-earthquake, holiday spirits-boosting entertainment enjoyable for all ages. Backed by the equivalent of a Greek chorus (the talented and funny Blue Lake Choir in chicken costumes) that witnesses […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Mystery and Mirth
The Game’s Afoot If local theater awards existed, North Coast Repertory Theatre’s last production of the season, The Game’s Afoot, would be nominated for several coveted (and imagined) Woody awards. With ugly Christmas sweaters, oversized magnifying glasses and half-in-the-bag smiles smattering the audience, the production is lively, spirited and fun. Despite my having one of […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Silence and Depth
Voices of a Silent Stage After an absurd week, Cal Poly Humboldt’s production of Voices of a Silent Stage is food for a tired soul. The dichotomy of the entire piece creates the perfect balance of levity and depth, joy and mourning. It is a show where empty space feels full, so much is said […]
Posted inArts + Scene
NCRT’s Sweeney Todd Stays Sharp
Sometimes the uncanny ability that live theater has to evoke jouissance is more a product of the audience than the production. On the night I attended North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Sweeney Todd at the 5th and D Street Theatre, people clutching flowers waiting to reward months of their friend’s commitment to the show, new-to-theater locals […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Blithe Spirit‘s Cast Brings the Comedy to Life
Conflicting production designs are not enough to hinder interesting directorial choices and strong acting in Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s new production of Noel Coward’s classic Blithe Spirit. Originally a British farce in three acts, director Merrick D. Yra removes an act, relocates the show to America, mutes the setting to gray and sepia tones, and plays […]