Laurence Fishburn (L) stars along with Orlando Jones in August Wilson's
"Fences".
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Over the course of the past two decades, August Wilson wrote ten plays that depict the experience of black people throughout the 20th century. I’m proud to say that I had seen seven of them, up until last week, but always felt bad that I had missed “Fences.” Now that I’ve seen it, I wish that I hadn’t spent time wanting to.
It was good, as are all his plays, but this one was just way too painful for me. All the actors were good enough, but nothing special, save for one. Orlando Jones, who you would recognize from those Sprite commercials a few years back, was unexpectedly touching as a war veteran, who’s messed-up with a metal plate in his head.
But after I had recently written a glowing review of Laurence Fishburne in “Without Walls” at the Mark Taper Forum (look for it in my archives, listed to the right of this page), I was somewhat disappointed by his performance here. Not majorly, but enough so that I spent part of the show with my thoughts drifting towards planning my outfit for the opening of “My One And Only” the next night.
So, to sum up, fans of Mr. Wilson will probably either enjoy or accept this production. For people who’ve never seen his plays before, this may not be the one to judge his work by.
Sidebar: I’m always amazed by the rude audience behavior I see at almost every theater event I attend. But this one at “Fences” is in the all-time top ten: A girl two rows in front of me, who looked like she should know better, took out her cell phone during Act I and started reading her emails!!! I swear! And showed several to her friend and they giggled about them! I will never understand how you can be savvy enough to choose to attend the theater and not know that you’re not the only one in it!
“Fences” running through October 1
Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molina Ave. Pasadena 626-356-PLAY
www.pasadenaplayhouse.org
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Betty Garrett and Michael Gruber star in the Reprise! Broadway's Best production
of the Gershwin Musical "MY ONE AND ONLY," directed and choreographed by
Dan Mojica and now playing through September 17 at UCLA's Freud Playhouse
on the UCLA Campus. For tickets, please call 310-825-2101.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Lamont
Growing up in NY, I got to see many original Broadway productions, including this one, starring Tommy Tune and Twiggy. Even though it’s a distant memory now, no one can compete with Tommy Tune, for me. Consequently, the new Reprise! (their punctuation, not mine) production pales in comparison. (Reprise! is a series of revivals of Broadway musicals presented at UCLA, starring well-known actors.)
But “My One And Only” is fun, light fare, of which I’m always a fan in this world of painful everything.
There were fabulous costumes, delightful Gershw in tunes (which I still can never believe were written in the 20s and 30s!), and lots of tap-dancing, although most of it was far from brilliant.
The absolute best part, by far, was 87-year-old Betty Garrett tap-dancing!!! We should all be as vibrant! I’m aware that she has co-starred on many TV shows, but I know her from old movies that I watch constantly on TCM. And to see her perform so up-close and personal, looking beautiful, I might add, was definitely worth the price of admission.
“My One And Only” running through Sept. 17
Freud Playhouse at UCLA 310-825-2101
www.reprise.org
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"A Still Small Voice"
Pictured (L-R) Jason McNeil, Jay Laisne (center), and Kenny Johnston in
a scene from A STILL, SMALL VOICE at The Complex Theater.
Photo by Johnny Olsen.
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On my TV show, “Karen’s Restaurant Revue,” I’ve mentioned many times that I don’t drink, which is due to the fact that I hate the taste of alcohol. (I know--I’m blessed.) But many people in this town seem to think that if a person doesn’t drink, he or she must be a recovering alcoholic. So, perhaps that’s why I was invited to this opening night.
The show is about an AA meeting. I was a tad confused because although it appeared to be a comedy, I’m sure it would be painful for some. I had a smile on my face through most of it, but didn’t laugh. I think it just didn’t elicit my mirth, but possibly I was being sensitive, in case any audience members were in that boat. Ninety percent were laughing, though, so maybe I just didn’t get the 12-step kind-of jokes. Or maybe I should worry for the viewers who did.
The play has only four characters, and the actors were all pretty good, especially Jay Laisne as the group leader. And I always appreciate relatively short (ninety-ish minutes) plays, with no intermission. Especially since I was anxious to get back to watching the US Open, of which I viewed every minute! No lie. For all fourteen days. Maybe I should look into a 12-step program for sports addicts.
“A Still Small Voice” running through October 8
The Complex 6478 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood 323-960-1055
www.plays411.com
And lastly, speaking of the US Open, I want to add my name to the beyond-long list of Roger Federer admirers. Casual tennis fans may not realize it, but, with this victory, he became the only player to have won both Wimbledon and the US Open three years in a row. It’s a privilege to bear witness to his brilliance. And, from all reports and observances, he appears to be a great guy, too. Way to go, Roger. And thanks for the respite from the problems of the world. |
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