A (Partial) Night At The Theatre

Chad had been very kind to allow me to use one of his comp tickets to come to see him in Twin City Stage's production of Is He Dead? 

I'd planned to attend on opening night and to participate in the champaign reception that only occurs on opening night. My boss, my co-workers, my variable instructors, my trained observers, everyone knew I was going to the theatre and needed to leave work by 7p.

While not part of my job description, I am also a counselor, psychologist and bartendar rolled into one. So when one of my newhires had to speak to me, I asked her to see me before her dinner break. I knew this would keep me from the champaign, but I didn't want a newhire going postal.

At 7:30p, with the newhire crisis diverted, I was packing up my office and signing out of various work applications. At this time I could still make the curtain. Alas, my phone rang and without thinking I answered it. A supervisor had to speak to me about a newhire who was days away from coming out of probation. Resigned to the fact that I wouldn't make the show before 8p the supe came to see me.

Ultimately I didn't get out of work until a bit after 9p. I headed to the theatre and was lucky to get there right at intermission. I can tell you that the second act was great and the audience loved the show.

A Night At The Theatre - "Into The Woods"

Last night Chad and I attended the Final Dress/Preview performance of Twin City Stage's production of Into The Woods.

I have seen this show a couple of other times, though I must say that Twin City Stage's production is, by far, the best one I've seen. Yes, the performance was riddled with numerous and disappointing technical problems, but the quality of the actors, the costumes and sets allowed me to forgive the lighting, spotlight and mic hiccups.

Overall, the entire cast was very strong. There were two actors who frustrated me with their overacting. I felt the talent of Troy Hurst, who played the Steward, while effeminately funny, was wasted. I much would have preferred to see him in the role of Rapunzel's prince.

There were 3 actors who, in my opinion, gave outstanding performances.

(photo by Daniel Alvarez)

I'll be the first to admit, when I saw the cast list I cringed a bit at seeing that Sally Holmes Meehan had been cast as Jack's mom. I wasn't aware that she could sing and the only thing I'd seen her in, well, I wasn't at all impressed with her performance. From her first to final appearance she was spot on! Jack's mother can come off as a selfish, uncaring bitch. Sally played the role with the perfect amount of moxie and tenderness. Never did I doubt that she had Jack's best interest at heart.

(photo by Daniel Alvarez)

I've recently become acquainted with Sarah Jenkins. She ran lights and sound for our Saturday matinee performance of 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche and I spent some time talking with her during one of our cast parties. While I've not seen her on stage, I knew she was talented. (Not to mention smart and pretty!) I was blown away by how good Sarah was. It was such a treat watching her! She is a stunning singer and actress. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her Cinderella bloom.

(photo by Daniel Alvarez)

My favorite performance was that of David Joy. Now, I'll admit, I am a bit biased. Like numerous other folks in the Triad area, I've got a little crush on David. It's not just because he's handsome. He's a bonefide talent. He played both the Wolf and Cinderella's Prince in the show. Both roles made me shiver in delight; his Wolf especially. While I'm in no way a singer, I've never wished so hard that I could have played Cinderella instead of Sarah!

A Night At The Theatre, "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel"

Last night, Myla and I caught the delightfully funny, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel at Twin City Stage.

I had read the script and didn't find it particulary funny. But in the hands of Ken Ashford (as the more knowledgable Duane) and Chad Edwards (as the bright eyed innocent Duwell) absurd situations were played touchingly honest. And of course, they were funny. Very funny.

Performances by Don Gunther and Laurel Ulman were also wonderful.

The set was designed by Larry Hurych. Particularily notable was the tree Duwell had to climb for the final scene.

All in all it was a highly enjoyable show! Bravo to all!

An Evening At The Theatre

Earlier tonight I had the pleasure of serving pre-show and intermission beverages to Twin City Stage patrons who were attending the final Friday performance of Dearly Departed. As "payment" for my time, I was able to say and watch the show. And what a delightful show it was!

First of all, I cannot tell you how proud I am of Dillon Robertson's stage debut. He was wonderful! I was also very proud of Beth Frazier, who played Delightful. She remained true to her character without stealing focus.

Ray Stewart as Ray-Bud and Becki West as Suzanne were fun and hilarious to watch. I was so excited to see Ally McCauley and Paul Van Loon. I wished their characters could have had more stage time. The Joy of Life Singers (Katie Abel, Holly Bostick, Kirby Carespodi, and Diana Coe) were, well, a joy.

And I absolutely loved the set designed by Larry Hurych.

A Night At The Theatre

Stephen and I volunteered to help with concessions so we could see Twin City Stage's All Shook Up for free. We usually man the wine table, but tonight we were in charge of the ice cream. (Actually it's Wolfie's Frozen Custard and it's outta the world yummy!)

I absolutely enjoyed the show! There were so many great things about it, I'll see if I can break it down.

First of all, the set was wonderful. Bland Wade never ceases to amaze me with his sets. Shawn Hooper's lighting design complimented Bland's sets so beautifully. I loved the rich background colors.

One of my favorite numbers was "Let Yourself Go" where garden statues come to life and perform a ballet number. Beautiful choreography by Angela Fuller, and the statue costumes were amazing. The entire time I was transfixed.

Miriam Davie was wonderful as the sexy librarian Sandra. Michele Groneck and Angela Hodges were hoots in their various ensemble roles. Roberts Bass was touching as Jim, and his "Don't Be Cruel" number was too, too funny. Jeremy Kuhn, who I worked with for the staged reading of The Velveteen Rabbit, was very impressive as Dean. I so enjoyed watching him on stage.

Maggie Gallagher almost stole the show with Matilda's "Devil In Disguise" guitar number. I say "almost" because in my opinion it was Danny Alvarez's Sheriff Earl who actually stole the show. Sheriff Earl doesn't speak until the last 10 minutes of the show when he finally has enough of Matilda's antics. He speaks his mind and also professes his love for Matilda. Danny took Maggie in his arms, dipped her and proceeded to kiss her with such passionate abandon. The audience roared!

But it was Lalenja Harrington's portrayal of Sylvia that most impressed me. She is astoundingly talented and has such a beautiful voice. I was mesmerized.

Unfortunately, I did not think the leads really stood out. Darren Fuller played Chad, the Elvis-like Roustabout. Watching him I truly missed the energy and verve I knew David Joy would have brought to that role. Katlyn Shaw, who played the dual roles of Natalie/Ed just seemed too young.

Overall the show was highly energized and entertaining. And the Wolfie's Frozen Custard was the perfect compliment to a great evening.

f-u-n: Twin City Stage's 'Spelling Bee' is charming

By Mary Martin Niepold
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
Published: January 31, 2010

There's little wrong and so much right in Twin City Stage's latest offering -- the charming, award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee that opened Friday night, despite the snow.

As improbable as it sounds, a spelling bee made up of misfit, terribly bright 12-year-olds has the ability to steal our hearts. Such is the stuff of good theater.

Under Gene Johnson's nimble direction, all of the actors -- six contestants, the bee's hostess, a vice principal and a counselor -- bring heart as well as neuroses, brains, raging puberty and a whole lot of talent to the annual bee where we witness the pursuit and questioning of what winning really means.

The play won two Tony awards in 2005, and its songs are as inventive as they are complex.

Four-part harmonies that would challenge the best of singers seem easy for this skilled ensemble of actors, several of whom are making Twin City debuts and one in particular is showing us what teenage talent looks like.

Savannah Lee Mumford, a sophomore at Mount Airy High School, has already appeared in more than 20 musicals and dramas.

In her Twin City debut, she received much applause, particularly for her trio with two other new actors to the company, Justin C. Hall and Sheri Masters, both of whom have radiant voices, as well.

The show included a cameo appearance by local television anchorman Cameron Kent, who became one of four audience members tapped at each performance to come on stage as other contestants in the bee.

Rounding out the talented cast are area favorites Chad Edwards, Brad Stephenson and Carlos Luis Nieto.

Nieto as Barfee, a neurotic contestant who can spell because of a "magic foot," brings to mind the body and facial pyrotechnics of comic Jerry Lewis.

In the end, how can you not love a bumbler or a girl with two fathers for a mother?

Spelling, after all, is what makes them feel normal.

Stephen and I were supposed to work concessions last night and I was soooo looking forward to seeing the show. Unfortunately Stephen was in Phoenix visiting his boyfriend and the snowstorm canceled the performance. I could have gone to this afternoon's matinee but the call canceling my own tech rehearsal for The Nerd came too late.

I've only heard good things about this show, so if you can catch it, please let me know, so I can live it vicariously through you.

Another Evening At The Theatre

Tonight was opening night for Twin City Stage's The Shadow Box. I read the script back in the early 90's, so I was very interested in seeing it. I volunteered to work concessions so I could see the show for free.

I was aware of the trio of terminally ill patient "stories", so I was prepared for a heavier evening. But I was not prepared for some very lackluster performances.

I was most disappointed in the vignette with Brian (Gregg Vogelsmeier), his lover Mark (Mark March) and his floozy ex-wife Beverly (Gesche Metz). All three actors are seasoned players and yet each failed to bring their characters to believable life. March's attempt was honorable, but with nothing much given to him by the other two, all three were simply "acting" on stage.

Joe (Ken Ashford), his wife Maggie (Star Lee) and teenage son Steven (James Kuhn) featured in another vignette. These actors were a mix of seasoned and "green". The success of this story was carried by Ashford. Both Lee and Kuhn had to raise their game to keep up with Ashford's talent.

The most intriguing, and, in my opinion, the most heart wrenching vignette involved Agnes (Miriam Davie) and Felicity (Carole Midura). Felicity is hanging on, waiting for the arrival of her favorite daughter, Claire, who has been sending regular letters. Agnes explains to us that Claire has been dead for many years. We ultimately learn that Agnes has mistakenly created her own prison, as it is she who authors the letters. Midura's Felicity was barely likeable. Not recalling the specifics of the script I caught myself hoping Agnes would do in her mother! I've long admired Davie for her singing talent, and was pleasantly surprised by her acting ability. I know she has been taking acting classes, and her hard work is definitely paying off.

Michael Cristopher's play won a Tony and a Pulitzer. His movie adaptation won a Golden Globe and several Emmy nominations. Unfortunately, for me, Twin City Stage's production did not rise to award level.

Well Stated

A very well stated response to a recent "Letters To The Editor".

Buyer beware

While I was sorry to read that the writer of the letter "Increasingly common" (Sept. 25) and his wife did not enjoy the language they deem to be obscene in Twin City Stage's Moonlight and Magnolias, I do believe that some of the fault is their own. There is such a thing as "buyer beware."

Much as one should not buy a used car without checking under the hood to make sure that an engine is included, if one is easily offended by certain language at entertainment events, shouldn't one ask before investing in tickets whether such language is included? The couple needs to try to understand that not everyone agrees with their position, and certainly many people do not agree with censorship. The very best way to avoid hearing words one does not want to hear (without having to pass such value judgments as "such language … contaminates the person who is speaking") is to make sure none is included in the event one chooses to attend.

They certainly have the right to complain about such language if they wish. They also have the right to avoid it.

BILL CISSNA
Kernersville

Kudos for Moonlight and Magnolias

Sorry I didn’t get to catch you after tonight’s show. It certainly looked like you were having fun up there, Miss Poppengul!
~BC 9.24
**********
Cheryl Ann....What can I say? In the hands of a lesser actress Poppenghul could be lost and not really add much to the show. In your hands, you really give the guys a run for their money. You are so incredibly funny and make every time you come on stage something special. She could be just a generic secretary. But with your performance she is a unique character and you've carved out a very specific and very strong personality for her. And most importantly she is so very, very funny. This is a wonderfully funny show and I love watching you on stage.
~SB 9.18
**********

Is There Such A Thing As Bad Publicity?

This "Letters To The Editor" appeared in the paper today.

Increasingly common

My wife and I recently attended a performance of Moonlight and Magnolias at Twin City Stage ("Movie Stage," Sept. 13). What we were hoping for was a wholesome comedy. What we experienced was a profanity-laced production that made frequent use of a variety of obscene language.

This is the type of language that is becoming increasingly common not only at Twin City Stage and in movie theaters, but also throughout our society.

A sewage pond is not pleasant to smell. Most people would try to avoid being anywhere near it. Yet, it seems as if many people in our society today don't mind hearing -- and even speaking -- obscenities.

Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth."

Likewise, Colossians 3:8 instructs us to rid ourselves of "filthy language out of your mouth."

It would be no stretch to assume these biblical passages also imply that Christians shouldn't casually stand by and listen to such language when it is spoken by others. Such language not only contaminates the person who is speaking, but may also contaminate those who are listening to it. Consider what the psalmist says in Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

How pleased God would be if each of us tried to honor him through the words we speak and the words to which we listen.

HARVEY E. ARMOUR
Winston-Salem

The Journal Review

Spoofing Scarlett for the Fun of It - Twin City Stage delivers the laughs
By Mary Martin Niepold
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
Published: September 20, 2009

You can't make this stuff up, and in the new play at Twin City Stage, we get a dramatized comedy about the real deal behind the making of Gone With the Wind.

Moonlight and Magnolias is set in 1939 when Hollywood mega producer David O. Selznick actually locked famous writer Ben Hecht and film director Victor Fleming in his office for five days to save his production of Gone With the Wind.

Selznick fed them peanuts and bananas. He needed a new script to resuscitate what would become one of the most popular movies of all time and was willing to lose $50,000 a day while production was delayed and the men worked.

Knowing the plot of the movie means that audiences already have a good handle on the events and characters we see acted out by three grown men.

Director Stan Bernstein has parodied the actual events with restraint.

The whole situation is made for laughs, and the lead actors manage to bring some slapstick humor to reworking the movie's script, especially Melanie's giving birth and Scarlett's slapping of Prissy.

Anthony Liguori as Selznick carries the show.

He can deadpan lines as easily as he can bark out producer's edicts.

When he mimics Scarlett, he's hilarious.

His counterpoint, the morally earnest Hecht, is effectively portrayed by Chad Edwards.

It's a fun sendup of the famous melodrama.

Twin City Stage (formerly the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem) will present Moonlight and Magnolias at 2 p.m. today and Sept. 27 and at 8 p.m. Sept. 24-26 in the Arts Council Theater, 610 Coliseum Drive. Tickets are $22, $20 for seniors and $18 for students. For more information call the Twin City Stage box office at 336-725-4001.

Making of classic film is play's backstory

By Mary Martin Niepold
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
Published: September 13, 2009

Afrenzied romp through the era of Southern legend and Hollywood moguls will open the season at Twin City Stage this week.

Moonlight and Magnolias is based on real events in Hollywood's golden era and takes us behind the scenes in 1938 when famed producer David O. Selznick decides that things are not going so great in filming his epic, Gone With the Wind.

He stops production. The film needs resuscitation.

To that end, Selznick grabs famous writer, Ben Hecht, to rework the script alongside the film's new director, Victor Fleming, who had just completed The Wizard of Oz.

Atlanta has already burned and been put to film, but Selznick is adamant. The epic needs a new script, and so he locks himself, Hecht and Fleming in his office for five days to produce one. The three men are literally locked inside his office, and they have only bananas, peanuts and dueling egos to sustain them. Fueling the dramatics and laughs is the fact that Hecht has never even read the book.

"This is straight-up comedy," Anthony Liguori said. Liguori, an associate professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, plays Selznick. "These are real events in a real place and people trying to tell this story that everyone knows except the screenwriter."

Selznick's secretary, Miss Poppengul, played by Cheryl Ann Roberts, supplies the bananas and peanuts.

At the center of the action are Selznick and Fleming taking turns acting out the roles for the rewrite. Since Moonlight and Magnolias is based on true events, playwright Ron Hutchinson simply takes the improbable and works it for all it's worth. Stan Bernstein returns to Twin City Stage as director.

Selznick, one of Hollywood's more infamous couch producers, plays Scarlett and Ashley while Fleming, a successful director, plays Melanie, Prissy and Rhett.

"So you can imagine these two men enacting the birth of Melanie's child," Liguori said.

Meanwhile, Hecht, the no-nonsense journalist, is typing.

Hecht, who wrote the highly successful Broadway play, The Front Page, 10 years before, is hard-boiled and short on sensitivity. He doesn't think that Scarlet O'Hara is so likable, and even though he hasn't read the novel, he suggests that the story is a light-weight, essentially some fluff about "moonlight and magnolias."

Nonetheless, Selznick is losing about $50,000 a day while they squabble over the script; Fleming's reputation is on the line; and Hecht is Hecht, someone who is convinced that he can learn whatever he needs by watching the other men act out the plot.

Selznick, epitomizing the powerful mogul, sums up the stakes: "Big book, big brain, big guy, big shot. Five days, one screenplay."

Thus, the laughs.

Holding all the action together is a set that is a very proper rendition of Selznick's actual office. The space is large -- enough room for a birth and free-wheeling reenactments of the story -- complete with floral draperies and 12-foot ceilings, which designer, Charles Murdock Lucas, has created.

Lucas, who is completing his master's in scenic design from UNC School of the Arts, researched extensively and says that the set, true to the real thing, actually helps the laughs. "The more realistic the environment is in this, it throws the comedy in sharp relief."

In the play, the action is high-pitched, the laughs inevitable, but something obviously did work in those five days: The film went on to win 10 Academy Awards.

■ Twin City Stage (formerly the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem) will present Moonlight and Magnolias at 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sept. 24-26; and at 2 p.m. next Sunday and Sept. 27, in the Arts Council Theater, 610 Coliseum Drive. Tickets are $22, $20 for seniors and $18 for students. Call 336-725-4001.

Run Thru, Moonlight and Magnolias

I don't think I've been to a more enjoyable read thru.

First, Murdock, a UNCSA grad student and our set designer, brought in his model. He's done an extensive amount of research which reflects in the period set. It will be absolutely phenomenal. (Period blinds have been ordered.)

Next we were introduced to Bill, a UNCSA faculty member in the costume department, who will be designing our costumes. This won't mean much to the guys; they wear the same costume throughout the show. I will be getting 3 costumes and I'm very excited about my period look. I'm gonna look so fab!

Listening to Tony and Don, as Selznick and Fleming, act out Melanie's birthing scene was hysterical! There's some very funny stuff in this script! During the break Chad, Stan and Don told anesthesia stories. Don had the best story, by far. I was laughing so hard, I was crying!

I can't wait for the next rehearsal!

The Cast of Moonlight and Magnolias

David O. Selznick - Anthony Liguori
Ben Hecht - Chad Edwards
Victor Fleming - Don Gunther
Miss Poppenghul - Cheryl Ann Roberts

We are the first cast of the 75th Season, and the first mainstage cast for the renamed Twin City Stage.

I'm thrilled to be reunited with Chad and Don. I worked with both of them in The Foreigner, and Don and I just completed the extended revival run of Sordid Lives. And it's my dream come true to work with Tony. I am so honored to be working with these talented men. I can't stop smiling.

The Twin City Stage box office opens September 14, so mark your calendar! You won't want to miss this show!

Auditions, Moonlight and Magnolias

As I pulled into the Hanes Community Center parking lot at 6:45p I noticed a great many people in the Arts Council lobby. I was a bit taken aback. All those people were auditioning?! I met Dillon and Don in the parking lot, and as we entered the building we were directed down the hallway, toward the rehearsal hall. All those folks in the lobby were waiting for to see a show as part of the National Black Theatre Festival.

I greeted Pat and Janice, picked up an audition sheet and sat down to fill it out. I briefly talked with Roberts and Dan, who were also auditioning. I turned in my sheet, picked up a side, and was thrilled to see Tony holding sides. I've been dying to work with Tony, and as of yet we haven't been cast together. (He got both roles, I lost to Kelly and Shelley.) We chatted for a bit and then he was called in.

I was partnered with Brian, who is relatively new to theatre, and we reviewed the Miss Pop/Selznick scene. Stan came out and gave me some direction (try an accent..a New York or Southern accent, maybe?) and Dillon escorted me in, sans Brian. Stephanie read with me (Yes, Mr. Selznick. No, Mr. Selznick) and I left. Stephanie called me a little more than an hour later. I got the part!

I have no idea who else got cast. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Tony got a role.