Laguna Playhouse, in concert with Lythgoe Productions, has fashioned an Americanized version of the classic, wildly popular, British holiday pantomime.  While it may not check all the boxes for our friends across the pond, it features plenty of verbal treasures ripe for its target audience (i.e. families anxious to entertain the children with broad, stageworthy antics, etc.).

The Sherwood Forest adventures celebrated in ROBIN HOOD & MAID MARION are populated with all the usual suspects.  In addition to the title characters, the attentive youngsters attending this performance encounter his merry band of cohorts including “Little John” and “Friar Tuck” and, of course, the villainous “Sheriff of Nottingham” (BOO!). Immersed in a selection of 1970’s disco hits from the likes of Donna Summer, the Pointer Sisters and the Bee Gees, the show benefits from these embellishments along with the musical interludes provided by resident Sound Designer Ian Scot  in addition to Jamjor Music.

Kristopher Lythgoe has crafted a book giving due credit to the basic story elements, carving out freedom for the hero to rob from the rich and give to the poor, allowing the heroine opportunities to demonstrate her cunning in addition to her physical prowess as well as providing the villain quite a few instances to be bamboozled, together with his coterie of bumbling henchmen. The script, though, screams for a few carefully designed entrances for “Robin” to generate cheers from the audience.  Not only that, this critic is not sure that all of the disco insertions warrant the “mirror ball”, although there can be no doubt the “Disco Inferno” set the Moulton Theatre ablaze and “Le Freak” offered choreographer Mason Trueblood a palette of bizarre, contorted movements which appear just right in amping up the silliness factor.

Mr. Trueblood’s dances provide jolts of energy to the zany goings-on and all of his dancers are right on the mark. Shout out, in particular, to James Velasco and Bryce Moyer who deserve some extra recognition for their notable prowess.

Title players Michael James Ryan (who may have been a bit “tight” – I know, insert GROAN here) and Sohm Kapilka (who still needs a  dose of demure near the beginning and a sprinkle of sly applied to her manipulative nature) will undoubtedly secure their footing as they settle into the run. Featured player  Jo Osmond (“Sherwood Sprite”) handles the narration with airy ebullience. Likewise, Tyler Shilstone (“Little John”) flexes the muscle appropriately, while Daniel Kim (“Friar Tuck”) approaches the altar of godliness with his own version of piety (in this case, no need for a diet anytime soon!). All in the Ensemble, no matter the task, perform admirably as well.

Sherwood Forest could not thrive for sure without the enormous contributions of two thespians who fill the stage with a heavy helping of mirth. This critic “sure would” like to recognize the talents of Jared Machado (“Will Scarlett”) and Andrew Lynford (“Sheriff of Nottingham”) respectively.  The former galvanizes the appreciation of the young ‘uns with a steady diet of glee, kneading the collective appreciation for these onstage hijinks.  The latter slithers around the stage with evil aplomb, prompting those in the seats to relish his undoing.  Bravo, guys!

As for the physical production, Ian Wilson succeeds with the scenic elements without getting lost in the forest.  Likewise, Nita Mendoza’s lighting is truly “lit”. In addition, Tiffany Maxwell’s costumes impress with special note warranted for the ladies of the Ensemble, “Robin Hood”, “Sheriff of Nottingham”, ”Sherwood Sprite” and the wedding party of the Finale.

Lastly, any observer would be remiss by not recognizing the contributions of Director Bonnie Lythgoe who squeezes the glue which melds this entire enterprise together. YAY!

In case you are wondering, Covid protocols currently in force do not require vaccinations, although face masks are required. Guests will be happy to know that compliance appears to be widespread. In fact, this critic only witnessed one mature gentleman ignoring this requirement throughout the show; then again, he may have been somewhat inebriated as evidenced by his occasional goofy exclamations.

So, join the merry band of outlaws in residence at the Moulton Theatre in Laguna Beach. Help the theatre celebrate its 100th Anniversary while you’re at it.  Don’t forget to bring the kids (who likely will welcome the opportunities to cheer and boo w/o the admonition of their parents).

pc: Mason Trueblood

Theatre Curtain Calling… Reviewing the Situation

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Sweet dreams!  When traveling, a comfortable bed is at the top of the list.

No lumps, please! Plenty of room to sprawl. Two large, billowy pillows that one is free to mangle. Smooth sheets on which to glide (especially vital if nekkid is one’s preference) and a toasty comforter to warm the tootsies. Oh, and a glistening white facade in order to create the necessary allure.

Currently, aboard the Royal Princess, our stateroom sends the appropriate invitation for a heavy dose of R & R. The steward embellishes the voluptuous folds with a couple of chocolates to massage the palate before diving into the bliss.

Now it’s off to slumber land. Embrace the dreamboat! Make sure the sliding door is open to the sounds of the ocean lapping at the vessel’s hull. Let the rhythms of the waves caress as they are wont to do. And zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Vacays…Port by Starboard (Oceans of Pleasure on the High Seas)

Mish & Mash…A Reflective, “Yours Truly” MUSINGS about Life’s Travails, Juicy Tidbits and Crass Behaviors, Too!

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I had an opportunity this Spring to attend a performance by a celebrity at the Escondido Center for the Arts, a facility which demonstrates the importance of the Arts to its citizenry.  The above sprawling complex features an elaborate Concert Hall, a smaller theatre venue, a museum and a series of buildings offering possibilities for community involvement. Impressive…really!  The show was ALAN CUMMING: LEGAL IMMIGRANT. And no, that’s not “all there is”.

Yes, that happens to be one of the classic cabaret songs that Mr. Cumming interprets during the evening. In his own distinctive style, he handles a varied array of tunes including a Scottish song, some made famous by Adele and Liza Minelli, a Sondheim medley (“Losing My Mind”/”Old Friends”/”Not While I’m Around”) and some representative selections from the Kander & Ebb catalogue (e.g. THE VISIT). My first experience with this man was in the Broadway revival of CABARET for which he won a host of awards. On this stage, though, he fronts an accomplished combo of four musicians.

Cabaret singer is not all there is with Alan Cumming.  Most audience members would be familiar with his TV work in “The Good Wife” or other TV series and guest appearances. Actually, this singer/actor struts his stuff in other ways as well, including the following: provocateur, engaging storyteller, Scottish patriot, United States patriot, comedian and immigrant advocate.

Some of his stories prove to be quite memorable. The subjects themselves demonstrate a probing mind not afraid to go anywhere.  Here are a few of them: Guns on the TV set, Botox/Scrotox, Jessica Lange’s boobs, Sean Connery, Cheesy songs from Mariano, Molly’s placenta, Aging scrotum and more.  Most affecting is his description of his naturalization ceremony when he became a U.S.citizen.

The title of the show, though, proudly identifies him as a  “Legal Immigrant”. From his perspective, he quite clearly frowns on his new country’s abandonment of its immigration past.  Why, for example, does the ICE website no longer proclaim that we are a nation of “immigrants”? Also, he points out the misinformation that seems to follow any exploration of the issues.

So proud that the Escondido Center for the Arts hosted this stop on the Alan Cumming national tour of the LEGAL IMMIGRANT show. I look forward to visiting Club Cumming in Manhattan on my next visit to NYC.  Surprising the knowledge that emerges after an evening in the theatre.

Theatre Curtain Calling… Reviewing the Situation

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Black & white tees on servers, nose rings, male hair buns, sandals in the Winter, multi-colored hair design, jeans – formerly it might have been referenced as a “Yuppie” hangout. Let’s just say, instead, that TOAST on Temecula Parkway has a contemporary, hip vibe and, if today’s crush of anxious guests is any indication, it likely will be on a lot of to-do lists for breakfast or lunch (and they serve booze, too!).

The menu includes plenty of espressos, mochas, lattes, etc., but no Maxwell House. Visitors have a wide selection of craft beers on tap, wines, unusual cocktails and an array of Bloody Marys at their disposal.

My choice for breakfast features “Reuben Benedict” with rosemary potatoes preceded by a honey brown sugar latte. Susie opted for Biscuits & Gravy with potatoes preceded by an orange mocha. Both of these entrees caress the palate in a good way. The drinks achieve success in encouraging the taste juices to dance around (with “Bud”?) in the first place.

A noisy din envelops the environment which seats about 100. The service is just fine considering how hectic the circumstances are today. Prices are reasonable.

Looking to return soon to this small hoppin’ joint tucked away in the middle of a village shopping center. I desperately need to try that “Farm” Bloody Mary because sometimes one just needs a kick in the derriere!

Smackin’ the Lips…Echoes from the Land of the Smudged Menu

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“Yesterday” (actually quite a few days ago) we continued our mission to see as many shows as possible during our stay in Las Vegas. Susie Reese and I decided that the MIRAGE casino deserved another visit for BEATLES LOVE.

The Beatles song catalogue comprises the sound of the Sixties and the memories quickly cascade into our psyche with each and every vibration. Maybe that’s why it feels so right that we are able to celebrate again the beauty, the sadness, the energy, the idealism and – yes – the love of that decade.

Three cheers for CIRQUE DU SOLEIL‘s commitment to creative excellence and the surviving Beatles‘ willingness to explore their own frantic journey to musical stardom while welcoming a unique perspective from the performing artists as well.

There may not be a more complex Las Vegas production more thrillingly in tune with its music than this one. The technical challenges remain enormous, yet this show delivers with perfection. Acrobats, dancers, roller skaters, daredevil aerialists, etc. – all of them zip, dart, bounce, sail and slither throughout the arena in a dizzying array of costumes that capture the era to a tee.

Count me a fan of the piano/bubbles scene and the “Lady Madonna” sequence in particular (no spoilers here!).

Susie used to sing a soothing rendition of “All You Need Is Love” to our “Stella” who passed a few years back. Even she was a Beatles fan! Just another connection for us.

I can’t “Imagine” a better way to reconnect with the turbulence of those times while luxuriating in those amazing songs. Truly…BEATLES LOVE is destined to become one of your favorite shows, too (i.e. if you throw the dice and plan your own Las Vegas vacation).

“Here Comes the Sun” (I’m not kidding. 107 degrees at 11PM on the day of arrival!). Whew!

Theatre Curtain Calling…Reviewing the Situation

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There it is right in front of my eyes – a water-lily pond in tribute to the French master Impressionist Claude Monet on the grounds of the NORTON SIMON MUSEUM in the city of Pasadena, Los Angeles (LA). Surprised that this city has more to offer than roses?

If that were the only feature of this museum, it would still be impressive. But wait…there’s more! How about a front lawn displaying bronze sculptures molded by Auguste Rodin? This temple of Art offers concentrations of European 16th – 20th Century Paintings as well as South Asian/Southeast Asian Art to the tune of 2.5 billion valuation. That’s right… “b” as in BILLION. Nearly 10% of the collection takes a bow at any one time.

Susie and I spend a placid afternoon strolling the galleries as we focus this time on the European masterpieces. Van Gogh. Check. Manet. Check. Rubens. Check. Matisse. Check. Rembrandt. Check. Diego Rivera. Check. By the time we lose track of time, my head is spinning.

Next time the stunning outside gardens, the Asian collections or even a temporary installation might be on the agenda. BTW…admission fees are certainly reasonable, self-guided tours are available and there’s a snack bar abutting the glorious gardens. A spacious, free parking area also adjoins the stunning edifice of this internationally-acclaimed museum.

My only regret is not encountering some of their high profile board members like David Geffen, Candice Bergen, Tom Brokaw or the ghost of Cary Grant.

(N.B. Also visit the annual Pasadena Chalk Festival event and Great Maple Restaurant while in Pasadena, Greater Los Angeles (LA).)

Sensory Overload…Local & Tourist Destinations Sure to Generate Ooh’s and Ah’s

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They say that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Whether it’s a rush of overwhelming sadness as one gazes at the eyes of Vincent van Gogh’s subject in “Portrait of a Peasant” or the patriotic fervor rumbling heroically within one’s soul during Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, beauty is individual, impactful, yet ephemeral. Seeking the promise of joie de vivre, at least for a couple of hours, this guy engulfs himself in beauty tonight as he luxuriates among the artists of AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE (ABT) as they interpret LA BAYADERE on the stage of the DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION in Los Angeles (LA).

Often considered one of the five greatest classical ballets, along with SLEEPING BEAUTY, THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE and DON QUIXOTE, tonight’s ballet in 3 Acts features music by Ludwig Minkus as articulated magnificently by a 68 piece orchestra conducted by Ormsby Wilkins. It has been in the repertoire of this world class company for several decades using the choreography of the great ballerina Natalia Makarova after Marius Petipa.

LA BAYADERE (“Temple Dancer” in English) follows the story of a torrid love affair in India between the warrior Solor (Jeffrey Cirio) and Nikiya, a temple dancer (Isabella Boylston). A major complication arises in which the Rajah (Alexei Agoudine) demands that Solor marry his daughter Gamzatti (Misty Copeland). The High Brahmin (Roman Zhurbin), himself a suitor of Nikiya, likewise impacts the possibilities available to the pledged lovers. Now the forces of personal destruction intervene with intrigue, divided loyalty, suicide and murder all playing a significant role. Next, witness Solor’s opium-fueled reverie about his departed lover as well as preparations for his upcoming nuptials. Eventually, after the verdict of the gods is rendered, the tale continues on the “other side”. There is time, though, for a highly distinctive solo from a bronze idol (Joseph Gorak) before that occurs!

Count me a fan of the pre-show educational schooling about the ballet. Interested audience members learn the details surrounding the evolution of this ballet from its origins in St. Petersburg, Russia leading even to the current production and its specific dancers. After all, how else might I discover that Joseph Stalin was an avid balletomane? Curious, certainly.

As one might expect, the dance celebrity Misty Copeland finds herself a particular favorite of the sold out, opening night audience of 3200 ballet enthusiasts. Isabella Boylston also impresses with her sensitive portrayal of the temple dancer, replete with the technique and delicacy required to create the grandeur – the genre demands magnification –  of burgeoning love, its betrayal and its rejuvenation. Finally, it is the virtuosity of Jeffrey Cirio as Solor who manages to garner the most generous approbation from the adoring crowd. Truly astonishing athleticism!

The “The Kingdom of the Shades” reveals as an event unto itself, frankly. Its precision absolutely stuns. So grateful that fans on the west coast can sample its allure.

While this critic considers himself less a devoted fan of the ballet and – instead – more of a curious onlooker and voluntary prisoner of the Arts, he celebrates the opportunity to inhabit this incredible world if only just for a few hours occasionally.

Pc: Gene Schiavone

Kickass Dancing…Commentary on Pirouettes, Hippin’ ’n Hoppin’, Splits,Tutus and Any Rhythmic Gyrations Guaranteed to Get the Toes Tappin’ or the Heart  a – Thumpin’

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2021 – 2022

SAN DIEGO BALLET

San Diego, CA

Box Office: 619-284-7378

Website: sandiegoballet.org

Social Media: (F) @sandiegoballet; (I) @san_diego_ballet; (T) @sandiegoballet; (YT) @SanDiegoBallet 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Theatres

The Magnolia (M);  Liberty Station (LS); Balboa Theatre (B)                                                                                                                    

Productions & Dates/Extensions

RITMOS LATINOS (LS) (Ingram Plaza)…Oct 30,31 (2021) & Nov 6,7 (2021)    

THE NUTCRACKER (M) (Tour)…Dec 19 (2021)

GISELLE  (B)…May 21, 22 (2022)

Other Notable Events & Dates

Miscellaneous

Noted: 11/29/21                       Updated                      Updated                       Updated

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