char dibelka
writer-reviews
North Coast Repertory Theatre:
Presents . . . .
Per Charlene Dibelka:
What a perfect time of year with Halloween coming up for one of San Diego’s top theatre companies, North Coast Repertory Theatre, to open their 37th season with
Noel Coward’s polterguist filled Blithe Spirit. This was my first visit to the theatre, and I immediately was aware that this was a well-supported company.
What a perfect time of year with Halloween coming up for one of San Diego’s top theatre companies, North Coast Repertory Theatre, to open their 37th season with
Noel Coward’s polterguist filled Blithe Spirit. This was my first visit to the theatre, and I immediately was aware that this was a well-supported company.
The set, designed by Marty Burnett, transported me to
England of the 40s. The cheery yellow house, was elegant with high
quality floor boards and crown molding and other trim, as well as a
chandelier and wall light sconces, and a lovely garden with French
doors in addition to French hallway doors. With such a lovely set, I
wondered if they would really be able to have the final physical
“shake up” of the house that would come from the feuding female
ghosts. In addition, I was amazed by the large number of lighting
instruments. Lighting designer, Matt Novotny, had the tools for his
great lighting design. Then, I looked at the program, and saw that
all, but one performer, are Equity Actors - and from tech to
performers ... the audience was not disappointed.
England of the 40s. The cheery yellow house, was elegant with high
quality floor boards and crown molding and other trim, as well as a
chandelier and wall light sconces, and a lovely garden with French
doors in addition to French hallway doors. With such a lovely set, I
wondered if they would really be able to have the final physical
“shake up” of the house that would come from the feuding female
ghosts. In addition, I was amazed by the large number of lighting
instruments. Lighting designer, Matt Novotny, had the tools for his
great lighting design. Then, I looked at the program, and saw that
all, but one performer, are Equity Actors - and from tech to
performers ... the audience was not disappointed.
The actors are absolutely delightful in their specific characters. All are outstanding with excellent comedic timing, English accents (one of the performers is British) and vocal strength. RUTH, 2nd wife of CHARLES, performed by Joanna Strapp, had the acerbic wit which set the fast pace and tone of the show. J. Todd Adams’ role as CHARLES, was over the top in energy, quick wit, and frustrated impatience as the vain socialite novelist. He has a very impressive resume’ - which I believe, is why anyone attending the show will be thrilled by his interpretation of the character.
Madame ARCATI (Susan Denaker), filled the role perfectly as the delightfully silly and wacky medium. That role is particularly difficult as it can be overdone, or completely off.
Susan certainly was captivating, and Teagan Rose as ELVIRA,
the dead first wife, was anything but dead. She was fun in her playful, spoiled, and teasing way.
Jossnna Strapp - Tegan Rose
Susan certainly was captivating, and Teagan Rose as ELVIRA,
the dead first wife, was anything but dead. She was fun in her playful, spoiled, and teasing way.
Jossnna Strapp - Tegan Rose
Elisa Benzoni, the Costume Designer, really stands out in my
mind as having some of the most memorable, unique and lovely 40s dresses. Ms. STRAPP, definitely got to enjoy those costumes, which represented her character, RUTH, so well … overly formal, stylish with a flare of superiority.
David Ellenstein - Producer N.C. Repertory Theatre
Rosina Reynolds is truly a talented and creative director.
I thought her blocking and fast paced, creative use of a fairly small stage was done with true expertise. I hope to see more of her work, as I found it stronger than many directors I have seen at other professional houses here in San Diego. So with that said, Blithe Spirit plays just for the month of September - so don’t miss this mystical, magical, witty tart. There’s a reason Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit was one of the longest running plays on the West End, and the North Coast Theatre, has treated it with the expertise needed to bring it to
life in Southern California.
CONTACT: Nancy Richards – 917-873-6389 (cell) /nancy@northcoastrep.org
Photos - by Aaron Rumley
mind as having some of the most memorable, unique and lovely 40s dresses. Ms. STRAPP, definitely got to enjoy those costumes, which represented her character, RUTH, so well … overly formal, stylish with a flare of superiority.
David Ellenstein - Producer N.C. Repertory Theatre
Rosina Reynolds is truly a talented and creative director.
I thought her blocking and fast paced, creative use of a fairly small stage was done with true expertise. I hope to see more of her work, as I found it stronger than many directors I have seen at other professional houses here in San Diego. So with that said, Blithe Spirit plays just for the month of September - so don’t miss this mystical, magical, witty tart. There’s a reason Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit was one of the longest running plays on the West End, and the North Coast Theatre, has treated it with the expertise needed to bring it to
life in Southern California.
CONTACT: Nancy Richards – 917-873-6389 (cell) /nancy@northcoastrep.org
Photos - by Aaron Rumley
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Sweetwater Union High School
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THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Per Charlene Dibelka
The Sweetwater Union High School District’s Summer Institute
proves, that the district puts its money ... to help develop the arts. The
Institute has been supported for over 15 years and is under the VAPA
department headed by Jeff Kover. Students audition from throughout the middle
and high schools in the district for either performing parts, tech or playing
instruments in the orchestra for the selected musical theatre production.
This year, The Addams Family, was selected and performed from July 25th-28th.
The Sweetwater Union High School District’s Summer Institute
proves, that the district puts its money ... to help develop the arts. The
Institute has been supported for over 15 years and is under the VAPA
department headed by Jeff Kover. Students audition from throughout the middle
and high schools in the district for either performing parts, tech or playing
instruments in the orchestra for the selected musical theatre production.
This year, The Addams Family, was selected and performed from July 25th-28th.
Sharon Maley, the director, Michael Sakell vocal director, and Mark
McCann the music director, bit off a lot, as they did the full production
rather than a Jr. version - and basically spent a little over a month on the
project. The students also attended the institute all day weekly during that
period of time ... so it’s quite a commitment.
I was very impressed by the cast. Samuel Castillo (GOMEZ ADDAMS,) was absolutely clever, believable, and outstanding in his comedic timing and character interpretation. Yelka Gonzalez-Vargas (WEDNESDAY ADDAMS), and
Jordan Eddington (PUGSLEY ADDAMS), the youngest member of the cast -
along with Shae-Lin Carr (MORTIIA ADDAMS), and Diego Dela Rosa (UNCLE FESTER), and Marianna Parra (GRANDMA ADDAMS), rounded-out the family
members, and were all delightful as the funky, weird and spooky family.
Ms. Maley was excellent in her direction and blocking of the show.
Valerie Ingram as the choreographer, did an outstanding job. All the dance
numbers were visually perfect and creative. The orchestra sounded
professional, and the wonderful accompaniment of Barbara Schroeder,
certainly enriched the show. Finally, the lighting, sound and stage set and
technical crew, were also very effective and supported a quality show.
Parents and friends and their families, were definitely rewarded by
having their students receive the theatrical training of being in the production.
Jordan Eddington
If you have children in the SUHSD, look out for the auditions next
year in the April/May period. There is no charge for the students to be in
the productions, and the costuming is amazing ….further,
you don’t have to sew parents!
year in the April/May period. There is no charge for the students to be in
the productions, and the costuming is amazing ….further,
you don’t have to sew parents!
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SD Old Globe Theatre:
Presents . . .
Per Char Dibelka
A Thousand Splendid Moments:
Having seen the notice over a year ago, that Ursula Rani Sarma’s play
version of the intensely moving, yet down to earth and heartbreaking
novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, was being
commissioned by the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco,
I couldn’t wait for the time when I would be able to see the play.
Fortunately, we San Diegans were blessed to have this play performed at
the Old Globe Theatre this past May and June, and I squeezed it in just
before leaving the country to perform in Italy, but delinquent at getting a
review out.
A Thousand Splendid Moments:
Having seen the notice over a year ago, that Ursula Rani Sarma’s play
version of the intensely moving, yet down to earth and heartbreaking
novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, was being
commissioned by the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco,
I couldn’t wait for the time when I would be able to see the play.
Fortunately, we San Diegans were blessed to have this play performed at
the Old Globe Theatre this past May and June, and I squeezed it in just
before leaving the country to perform in Italy, but delinquent at getting a
review out.
The technical aspects of the play were brilliant. The lighting, designed by Robert Wierze was dramatic, and enhanced the events working well with the sets and backdrop which were minimalistic. I felt like I was experiencing Kabul, Afghanistan, with its war torn scars and yet, a hopeful feel mixed intermittently with hopelessness and despair - much like Afghanistan is today. It truly was an outer reflection of the turmoil, yet routine life of the main characters. The scenic design was by Ken MacDonald, and was utilitarian and yet artistic in every way. The original music by David Coulter was haunting and exotic and rich.
Carey Perloff, did an excellent job as director in her staging and flow
of the show. This play was challenged by having had to condense so
much information from the novel into a play. It is in this area, that I felt that
I wanted a little more development. I wanted to see the growth between
LAILA, played by Nadine Malouf and MARIAM, performed by Denmo Ibrahim,
happen a little more gradually and yet more realistically. I felt that some of
those golden moments were a bit rushed. RASHEED, played by Haysam
Kidri, put some good nuances into his character - and yet, again, I felt that
the unveiling of his true personality came so quickly. In spite of that, these
actors, in fact, the entire cast were capable and interesting.
One thing that was really difficult to capture in the play from the novel, was RASHEED’s attraction to pornography. Hosseini didn’t put all the blame of oppression of women on the culture - though the play clearly lists all the prejudices towards women - but includes, RASHEED’s abuse being rooted in his addiction. In this aspect, women all over the world have had to deal with this type of abuse.
I highly recommend the novel and the play. Both have at least a thousand splendid moments as they help us all to see, that even though on the surface we feel our culture may be worlds apart from the middle eastern world, the same sun shines on us all - and we are all just trying to thrive, even though much of the time it seems like we just survive.
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SD International FRINGE Festival:
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Having been occupied in Italy in the month of June in order to perform
with the Southwestern College Choir at the Santa Croce Basilica in
Florence (Firenza), I missed my volunteer work with the Fringe Festival during the
first week, and then with a lot of catchup when returned, I was only able to
attend 3 shows - but, I hit the jackpot this year!
with the Southwestern College Choir at the Santa Croce Basilica in
Florence (Firenza), I missed my volunteer work with the Fringe Festival during the
first week, and then with a lot of catchup when returned, I was only able to
attend 3 shows - but, I hit the jackpot this year!
My first show of the evening was [I]SLAND [T]RAP: THE EPIC REMIXOLOGY OF THE ODYSSEY. In our small venue at the Bristol Hotel, I was amazed by the artistic multi-faceted effects of the lighting. The sound was a little challenging, as there was outside noise which made some of the play difficult to clearly understand, but these aspects could not hinder the brilliance of the talent of Austin Dean Ashford (photo left), the writer and performer of this one-man show, which has already won awards at the Kennedy Center in the Spring. Austin’s performance was very much physical theatre, as he portrayed multiple characters, using sound effects that he made himself, music through playing the ukulele, and incorporating
hip hop at various times throughout the show.
Austin Dean Ashford
hip hop at various times throughout the show.
Austin Dean Ashford
He was particularly
fascinating to watch as he played a monkey and a snake. His snake was
frighteningly real to me with his profound performance and the lighting
effect. Though I didn’t quite get the transitions, the message seemed to
be that we are not trapped when we let go of our issues (he addressed
prejudices, PTSD). He said, “I am a sin that can be washed away. The
island is inside of us, not outside." Austin was so versatile in his body and
voice, and moved at an amazing energized rate, that he certainly
captivated the audience … so much so, he won the
Solo Performer Award
for the Fringe Festival.
fascinating to watch as he played a monkey and a snake. His snake was
frighteningly real to me with his profound performance and the lighting
effect. Though I didn’t quite get the transitions, the message seemed to
be that we are not trapped when we let go of our issues (he addressed
prejudices, PTSD). He said, “I am a sin that can be washed away. The
island is inside of us, not outside." Austin was so versatile in his body and
voice, and moved at an amazing energized rate, that he certainly
captivated the audience … so much so, he won the
Solo Performer Award
for the Fringe Festival.
Loren Kraut
The second production at the Bristol was A BIT TOUCHED in which we get inside the life of Loren Kraut, who daily deals with OCD and depression, though none of this production was depressing. Kraut infused a lot of humor and we couldn’t help but celebrate her survival. Her cat perspective, as an additional character she played, seemed a bit unclear to me - but, in general, the show was insightful with good energy - albeit a bit
too much profanity ... for the sake of profanity.
The second production at the Bristol was A BIT TOUCHED in which we get inside the life of Loren Kraut, who daily deals with OCD and depression, though none of this production was depressing. Kraut infused a lot of humor and we couldn’t help but celebrate her survival. Her cat perspective, as an additional character she played, seemed a bit unclear to me - but, in general, the show was insightful with good energy - albeit a bit
too much profanity ... for the sake of profanity.
The final production I enjoyed was CODY CLARK: A DIFFERENT WAY OF
THINKING. I found this show particularly delightful and quite frankly
surprising. Clark is a talented actor who is on the autistic scale, but truly
uses his talent to tell his story with skill, humor and humility - topped with
comedic timing and improvisational expertise. Clark used magic tricks
that were very good - that were metaphorically instilled into his story of his
life. He talked to the audience, and reacted to their comments with perfect
timing…even some rough audience comments with skill that many
improvisational actors would envy. I loved his sweet innocence, and his
courage to put himself out there with strength and talent. I wish that
everyone who is or is not autistic could see this production.
Well done,
Cody Clark.
The SD Fringe Festival as in any of the international fringes have gems and have
coal. If you feel that you didn’t hit the mark with shows you really enjoyed
in the past, and have decided not to go again, I would like to encourage
you not to give up. You can ask the organization what shows seem to be
getting an extra 'buzz' and go to those - but the joy, is being adventurous
and trying. You’ll always find something you love at the SD Fringe Festival,
if you partake of the smorgasbord.
coal. If you feel that you didn’t hit the mark with shows you really enjoyed
in the past, and have decided not to go again, I would like to encourage
you not to give up. You can ask the organization what shows seem to be
getting an extra 'buzz' and go to those - but the joy, is being adventurous
and trying. You’ll always find something you love at the SD Fringe Festival,
if you partake of the smorgasbord.
SD International FRINGE Festival - AWARDS Ceremony
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Christian Youth Theatre:
Presents . . .
"SEUSSICAL - The Musical"
Per Char Dibelka
Oh, the ‘thinks’ those kids got me to think! Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) South County, has done another outstanding production - showing what the arts can do for our youth … some already veterans, and others, just spreading their wings. Though I have seen Seussical before, this production, directed by Jessica Couto, was definitely clearer and easier to follow the amazing plethora of Seussisms and characters from different Theodor Geisel’s stories.
Oh, the ‘thinks’ those kids got me to think! Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) South County, has done another outstanding production - showing what the arts can do for our youth … some already veterans, and others, just spreading their wings. Though I have seen Seussical before, this production, directed by Jessica Couto, was definitely clearer and easier to follow the amazing plethora of Seussisms and characters from different Theodor Geisel’s stories.
ZERO IN ON
“Seussical – The Musical”
Christian Youth Theatre
SD Balboa Park Club
www.sdjuniortheatre.com
“Seussical – The Musical”
Christian Youth Theatre
SD Balboa Park Club
www.sdjuniortheatre.com
Acting and singing were the strengths of this cast. Thomas Reasoner, was the narrator, Cat in the Hat. He certainly had the spunk, confidence and control; as well as the clarity and character in his speaking and singing voice, that was required for the part. In addition, his intense and wonderfully directed physicality was a joy to behold. Ty Felberg, at age 9, played JoJo, an important lead character, a Who kid. Ty was absolutely stunning in his performance - both as an actor and singer. His resume did not look extensive. So, I was amazed by his talent, and can see this little guy having a long future in the theatre.
Bailey Callen (Mayzie), Vivian Romero (Gertrude), and Alanna Morgan (Sour Kangaroo) were absolutely showstopper divas - who each had a unique style and character … and singing voice to match. Furthermore, I was very impressed with the trio of girls called the Bird Girls. They had a marvelous harmonic blend, and were used as backup singers for Mayzie, Gertrude and Sour Kangaroo.
Hats-off (including the Cat’s) to Musical Director Janie d’Avignon, in keeping all the kids on key, in harmony, and enunciating well enough, that we could understand the words. That is an amazing feat with children!
The sets were terrific as usual. The who, responsible for this, was Jeff Eddington and his crew of talented parents. Most people who come to see a CYT show, are surprised by the professional look of the sets, lighting (photo left), sound and costumes. One of the outstanding aspects of CYT, is the direct involvement parents have with their children - who are in the play by … providing tech service.
Choreographer, Kasey Viani, had a challenging job with such a large cast, but the choreography was clean and executed well. There were some touches of classical ballet, which was a terrific opportunity for the ballerinas to showcase their art. So look-out for the spring shows, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Aladdin … and ... The Adams Family, and take your children out for a special live theatre experience, or better yet, get them to audition!
Finally, Christian Community Theatre (CCT) (the adult wing of the organization) showcased the baby boomers …
in their San Diego Follies, this past June, 2017. We saw … lots of … thinks!!!!!!
CYT wins Eight 2010
National Youth Theatre ‘Awards”
Hats-off (including the Cat’s) to Musical Director Janie d’Avignon, in keeping all the kids on key, in harmony, and enunciating well enough, that we could understand the words. That is an amazing feat with children!
The sets were terrific as usual. The who, responsible for this, was Jeff Eddington and his crew of talented parents. Most people who come to see a CYT show, are surprised by the professional look of the sets, lighting (photo left), sound and costumes. One of the outstanding aspects of CYT, is the direct involvement parents have with their children - who are in the play by … providing tech service.
Choreographer, Kasey Viani, had a challenging job with such a large cast, but the choreography was clean and executed well. There were some touches of classical ballet, which was a terrific opportunity for the ballerinas to showcase their art. So look-out for the spring shows, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Aladdin … and ... The Adams Family, and take your children out for a special live theatre experience, or better yet, get them to audition!
Finally, Christian Community Theatre (CCT) (the adult wing of the organization) showcased the baby boomers …
in their San Diego Follies, this past June, 2017. We saw … lots of … thinks!!!!!!
CYT wins Eight 2010
National Youth Theatre ‘Awards”
CYT ... "me thinks"
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