Doubt

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley

Date: Tues, Feb 6, 11:09 PM

Quicktake on DOUBT

     John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt" starts out with a homily on "doubt," preached by Father Flynn, the pastor of Saint Nicholas, here played by actor/director Chris McGarry in his fifth collaboration with the author. In a sense, the play is Shanley's explication of the conflict between doubt and faith, between faith and "rules." The latter is personified by Sister Aloysius, the principal of the convent school associated with the parish, played by Cherry Jones, who received a Tony for her performance in the role on Broadway. The former is personified by Lisa Joyce as Sister James, a young 8th grade teacher who becomes Sister Aloysius's informant. The matter of the play is a possible improper relationship between the school's only black student and the pastor, who's also the basketball coach. In the course of Sister Aloysius' relentless pursuit of Father Flynn, whose liberal ways she does not approve of, the fourth member of the cast, the boy's mother, played by Caroline Stefanie Clay, who appeared in the original off-Broadway Manhattan Theatre Club production

     Shanley's emotional and intellectual puzzle involves various unseen characters as well; the elderly monsignor who Sister Aloysius avoids since she's sure he'd side with the pastor, the boy himself, the sexton who caught him drinking communion wine, and in a sense, the world outside the Church which Sister Aloysius seeks to fend off by a firm application of rules. This ninety minute piece is very tightly constructed with measured revelations, always leaving room for multiple interpretations, which Doug Hughes Tony-winning direction evenhandedly maintains. With scenes moving across on John Lee Beatty's set, costumes by Catherine Zuber, and effective lighting by Pat Collins, this is probably the best mounted touring show the grace the Colonial's venerable boards in a long time.

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"Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley, Feb. 6 - 18

MTC, Jon B. Platt, etc at the Colonial

106 Boylston, (6i7) 931 - 2787
Colonial

Beauty and the Beast

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "Beauty and the Beast" by Ashman, Menken, Rice & Woolverton

Date: Sun, Feb 4, 10:32 PM

Quicktake on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

     For their annual musical, the Wheelock Family Theatre has added to the current crop of "Beauty and the Beast" productions. The cast is made up from a number of returning professionals, a variety of local theatre students, and a few WFT participants, plus guest artist Douglas Jabara as the Beast. Angela Williams, seen previously in "The Sound of Music" plays Belle, while Christopher Chew who sang Von Trapp gets to be comic as Gaston. Mansur plays Belle's Father while Gary Ng gets knocked about as LeFou. The magical inhabitants of the Beast's castle include Robert Saoud as Lumiere the Candlestick, Chip Phillips as Cogsworth the Clock, Lisa Korak as Babette the Featherduster, Jeanine Belcastro as the opera singing Wardrobe, and Gamalia Pharms as Mrs. Potts, who gets to sing the title song.

     Director Jane Staab relies on her professionals to develop the drama, while she manages a large ensemble who play the villagers, the magical dishes and tableware, etc. IRNE winning choreographer Laurel Stachowicz puts them through their paces for the Act I finale, "Be Our Guest," which might be more impressive with a bit of food. She does pull off the final battle with plenty of slapstick. Conductor Steven Bergman and a professional ensemble provide strong support from the pit. Anita Fuch's multilevel set on wagons is solves the complex staging for the castle with three wagons but seems a trifle under-decorated. Stony Cook's lighting creates all the necessary moods. The production is definitely a first-rate introduction to live music theatre, if a mite too long for some of the younger set.

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"Beauty and the Beast" by Woolverton, Menken, Ashman & Rice, Feb. 2 - Mar, 4

Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway

Boston, (617) 879 - 2300
Wheelock Family Theatre

Midsummer Night's dream

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "A Midsummer Nights' Dream" by Wm.Shakespeare

Date: Sunday, Feb 4, 10:07 PM

Quicktake on A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS' DREAM

     One of the Bard's most produced comedies, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is almost actor and concept proof. Even the ART's aerial version had its moments, thanks to a strong group of rude mechanicals. Director Daniel Elihu Kramer's approach has had some less than intriguing publicity concerning the gender-switching between Paula Plum and Timothy John Smith. Plum plays Hippolyta and Oberon while Smith plays Theseus and Titania. The conceit works not because of insight but because of the skill of these principals, but an impressive ensemble of local Shakespeareans and fast paced direction.

     The remaining six actors double their way through the action. Robert Pemberton is a stentorious Bottom assaying "Pyramus" and a powerful Egeus. Shelley Bolman is Lysander, in love with Egeus' daughter Hermia, and Peter Quince, the author "Pyramus and Theseus." Angie Jepson is petite Hermia, claimed by Risher Reddick's Demetrius, who also does Francis Flute, who of course plays "Thisbe." Jepson is a cute "Lion" as Snug the Joiner. Elizabeth Hayes is taller Helena, desperately in love with Demetrius, also plays Snout the tinker aka "Wall." Finally Ben Lambert is lithe Puck, as well as Starveling ("Moonshine"), and Philostrate. The four young lovers become Titania's fairies. Very basic costumes facilitate these character changes on a bare set, covered with red flowers, which might suggest field of poppies from Oz.

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"A Midsummer Nights' Dream" by Wm.Shakespeare, Feb. 2 - Mar.3

Boston Theatre Works at BCA Plaza

539 Tremont, (617) 933 - 8600

BTW