Molusi’s story is both comic and sad as he tells of the closing and destruction of the shopping center that allowed his community to have employment and a place to buy the goods they needed. He also speaks of his childhood sweetheart, who for many years he saw as something other than he remembered her.
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – PLAY
Peter Oyloe – “The Pillowman” – Redtwist Theatre
“Thank you to my parents,” said Peter Oyloe, winner in the category of best supporting actor in a play for his work in “The Pillowman” at Red Twist Theatre,”for believing that you don’t have to have money to be successful.”
The loneliness, that sexual urges and the pain of living the blues is honestly presented and sung here. “Good Morning Heartache,” “Lord, I Tried” and “Everyday I Have the Blues” each aptly describe the earthy feelings of this fabulous troupe of blues singers. Felicia P. Fields leads a fine group of blues folks here
Light Opera Works sure knows how to mount Gilbert & Sullivan’s operettas. Their latest production is a wonderful production of what this reporter believes is Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work – The Yeomen of the Guard. Yeomen contains all of the wit and satire expected in a G & S operetta yet it has the sweet charm and lovable characters with one in particular that brings us to tears at the end – Jack Point, played with comic aplomb and empathy by George Andrew Wolff.
While there is promise here in Dana Lynn Formby’s play, it has hints of Lanford Wilson and Tracy Letts in the emotionally charged family dynamics, it develops too slowly with all the early speechifying monologues.
The orchestra, under Ryan Brewster’s direction was excellent and not too loud. They made Menken’s score soar. Jonathan Hymen played the nerdy Seymour with gusto. Ashley Bush, as Audrey and Peter Verdico, as Mr. Mushnick offered sincere performances. The chorus of Irene Parino, Jill Valentine and Erin Elle East sang their hearts out.
There is much more in this fun filled two hours; hand balancing, cube aerialists, Ring rolling foot manipulators ( the amazing Laurinos from Argentina), strap flying, Perch balancing, wire walking and while all these events are taking place other cast members are creating the city scene as objects and people.
Ron Conner, Bakestra King, Ericka Ratcliff, Alexis J. Rogers and Samuel G. Roberson, Jr. pour energy, comic shops, and over-the-top acting to garner enough belly laughs to satisfy…
George C. Wolfe’s wild comedy pulls no punches as it satirizes, with exaggerated images of black life, by accentuating the extreme stereotypes of blacks in 11 sketches…
The Lester clan is a morally corrupt group of poverty stricken sharecroppers that find themselves without money, food or hope. The Lester’s give new depth to dysfunctional and desperate families. They are faced with starvation and eviction from the land they have farmed for generations.
I was never able to get over the above flaws. Added Phyllis’ insecurity or jealousy when Joyce tells her that she wants to pose nude for Frank. Phyllis threatens to leave Joyce if that happens. Phyllis, despite Cheryl Graef’s attempts to make her likable, comes of as a nasty, narrow-minded control freak feminist.