Tag Archives: Play

All’s Well / fix

Posted on by
Reply

Well, as both of these shows have closed it’s a bit late to be doing a reviews, but I thought I might still share some thoughts on them.

Design by Rodney Smith

All’s Well That Ends Well – Shakespeare – Montford Park Players – Directed by Scott Keel

This was a beautifully fluid production of a not so fluid play. “All’s Well” is one of Shakespeare’s Problem Plays. The ending seems random and devoid of sense, and the main character is a bit of a stalker. Scott Keel’s production avoids apologizing for the play or trying to fix it. The script was cut to a manageable length, and eliminated a lot of the unnecessaries. I think presenting the play this way encouraged discussion about the oddities, which is was stimulating. The production design was beautiful, and the actors inhabited their characters such that I can barely think of them as actors. Gorgeous.

Design by Steve Shell

fix – Del Vecchio / Crutchfield / Vorus – Magnetic Theatre – Directed by Hope Spragg

“fix” is an evening of short plays and pieces based on the theme of addiction. This was an evening of bracing and sometimes harrowing theatre. The whole ensemble did a wonderful job of portraying such intense moments. I think the best thing about the evening was the unity that held together despite the different style, approaches, and in one case, mediums of the different pieces.

There’s my three cents,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

Troilus and Cressida Opens Tonight!

Posted on by
Reply

Tonight, the Montford Park Player‘s production of Troilus and Cressida, directed by Jason Williams, opens at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre!

I will be playing Priam and Margarelon for the first two weekends, after which I am leaving the show to get ready for the Fall Semester at Montreat College.

Doublets and camo and swords, oh my! This play is very rarely performed, so don’t miss your chance to see romance and sex and lechery and wars and politics and wrestling and sword fights!

The show runs from July 30th to August 22nd, Friday/Saturday/Sunday at 7:30. Visit the Montford Park Players website for more info.

An old bastard,
Nathan Hathaway

Carrie, By Stephen King

Posted on by
Reply

One of my favorite posters.

WARNING: This post contains spoilers concerning the plot of “Carrie,” but unless you live under a rock, it’s nothing you don’t already know.

I have always had a special affinity for the story of Carrie White, a tortured teenager who eventually rains terror upon her mocking classmates, pious mother, and apathetic town. Perhaps this affinity comes from knowing how similar my story would be if only my menstrual cycle had activated my telekinetic abilities. Sigh.

Having recently finished the novel, I can say it was everything I had hoped for and more. This was my first time reading Stephen King, and I anticipate that it will not be the last. The book moved me in a way few others have. I found myself having to put the book away because it upset me too much to continue. The picture he paints of pain, rage, and panic is horrible and vivid. I think it should be required reading upon entrance of Middle School. “Here’s what you can expect, try not to burn down the village.”

Here’s a video of Stephen King talking about “Carrie.”

My first proper encounter with the story of “Carrie” came in the form of (surprise, surprise) the musical version from the 1980′s. This musical is perhaps of one of the most decried plays in recent theatrical history. Poor directorial and design choices sunk what was at least a decent show, with moments of sheer brilliance. To give you a taste of what I mean, check out the song “And Eve Was Weak, ” sung by Carrie’s mother after Carrie gets her first period.

It saddens me to see such dramatic, moving music tucked away from the rest of the world where only theatre rats like me can find it. It also saddens me when I hear people react to the the mere idea of “Carrie The Musical.”

Musicals are not just about lovers singing about clams and flowers. Thankfully, movies like “Chicago” and “Sweeney Todd” have begun to alter this opinion. Unfortunately, misconceptions about what art forms can do are everywhere.

Some think books boring, comics lowbrow, theatre boring, television dumb, painting pointless, etc. What can we do to break down these barriers and help us to see the limitless potential art in every form? Perhaps it’s just a simple matter of stepping outside of our comfort zones, and giving something a second chance.

What don’t you see the potential in? Why not give a shot?

Introspective,
Nathan Hathaway

Ruth

Posted on by
2

Last night, I found the time and money (Huzzah!) to go see the Magnetic Theatre’s “Ruth” by John Crutchfield. It was produced as a part of NC Stage’s Catalyst Series, which allows other companies to perform in their space.

The Cast
Nancy – CJ Breland
David – Peter Brezny
Ruth – Kathryn Temple
Paul – Kelley Hinman
Boy – Erik Moellering

Quite simply the play was sublime. Everything about the production was beautiful. The set, the sounds, the actors, the show. It was wonderful.

Basically, the play takes the Biblical story of Ruth, and takes to Buncombe County. The play is pay its dues to its source, without avoiding or tacking on religious themes.The writing is beautiful, borrowing liberally from ancient theatrical tradition, the Bible, and modern symbolism. As someone very familiar with the Biblical Ruth I was able to pick out little quotations from the book. However, the placement of some quotes made me wonder if those unfamiliar with the story felt like they were missing something. The ending was very abrupt, which isn’t necessarily a criticism., but I found myself filling in some bits from the Bible story, and I wasn’t sure if that was the playwright’s intent.

All the actors were brilliant, which sounds cliche, but everyone was a stand out. I find myself trying to remember who else was in the cast, because they all did such a good job of filling that theatre, and inhabiting the world they were creating.  There were a few little slip ups here and there, but it’s complex play, and the slip ups did not detract from the overall experience.

The direction and technical elements  (Steven Samuels, Jason Williams, and Jessica Kammerud.) were beautifully invisible. I was surprised when I read that they had a choreographer (Julie Becton Gillum); all of their movements looked so natural that I didn’t notice.

There are only two performances left, tonight and tomorrow, but if you happen to read this before those are over, please take my hearty recomendation and go see this beautiful play.

Content,
Nathan Hathaway