Donde?
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish," prayed Michelangelo. He exulted in the feeling of having too much to express. He thrived on the stimulus of his delicious frustration, and used the inspiring sting of his nagging inadequacy as a fuel for his boundless creativity. Are you willing to experiment with this approach, Gemini? Do you have the nerve to love what's imperfect about your life? Are you brave enough to laugh at the probability that your yearning will never be completely fulfilled?
New Camino Real review:
AS CHAOTIC AS LIFE
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
A splendid 'Camino Real' playing Downtown
W hen it comes to urban theater, nothing seems as genuine as plenty of chaos revolving around a rich, ensemble cast. Art House Productions' (AHP) adaptation of "Camino Real" by Tennessee Williams at Victory Hall in Downtown Jersey City, deftly captures the insanity and humor that filters through our daily lives.
I mean, sure it's only a dream, Don Quixote's dream that propels the play, but I ask you, how many times have you felt trapped and unable to get where you're going, shunned by the rich or shoved around by authorities?
"Camino Real" in all its grandeur is the perfect metaphor for city life. From the moment it opens, you're riveted to the stage. Directed by Jack Halpin and produced by Artistic Director Christine Goodman, AHP's dynamic duo, it's a multimedia extravaganza about a nether world with no way out, featuring a flawless cast of 24 playing multiple roles in superb period costumes with puppets, masks and an imaginative set by artist Nyugen Smith that depicts the gap between the classes.
Fred Backus shines as Kilroy, the lonely American whose name is the same as the World War II icon. He's especially strong in scenes with Chris Sena, who plays Jacques Casanova with all the flair of Salvador Dali.
Liz Douglas is an ideal fit as Casanova's lover Marguerite Gautier, who'll do anything to escape "Camino Real," with or without him. In Act II when she cries "Lost, lost, lost," I had to laugh since the play brings to mind the ABC hit series "Lost."
Other standout performances include Richard Kirkwood's soliloquy as Lord Byron, and Ronnie Newman as Gutman, the authoritative proprietor of the Sietra Mares Hotel whose ability to provide tension by counting off time, is chilling.
But the play is not all about death and desperation. Much like life, it's comical. Maria Silverman as the Gypsy and Maggie Cino as her sadistic little sidekick Nursie are wickedly funny. The Gypsy's daughter, Esmeralda, is an excellent foil.
Standing in for a sick cast member, Goodman played the lovely Esmeralda the night we were there, demonstrating her range both as an actor and theater company head who knows that no matter what - the show must go on!
"Camino Real" is a wonderful, must-see evening at the theater with all the quality, power and pizzazz of Broadway. Why travel far and wide when you have professional theater right here in your own backyard?
New Camino Real review:
AS CHAOTIC AS LIFE
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
A splendid 'Camino Real' playing Downtown
W hen it comes to urban theater, nothing seems as genuine as plenty of chaos revolving around a rich, ensemble cast. Art House Productions' (AHP) adaptation of "Camino Real" by Tennessee Williams at Victory Hall in Downtown Jersey City, deftly captures the insanity and humor that filters through our daily lives.
I mean, sure it's only a dream, Don Quixote's dream that propels the play, but I ask you, how many times have you felt trapped and unable to get where you're going, shunned by the rich or shoved around by authorities?
"Camino Real" in all its grandeur is the perfect metaphor for city life. From the moment it opens, you're riveted to the stage. Directed by Jack Halpin and produced by Artistic Director Christine Goodman, AHP's dynamic duo, it's a multimedia extravaganza about a nether world with no way out, featuring a flawless cast of 24 playing multiple roles in superb period costumes with puppets, masks and an imaginative set by artist Nyugen Smith that depicts the gap between the classes.
Fred Backus shines as Kilroy, the lonely American whose name is the same as the World War II icon. He's especially strong in scenes with Chris Sena, who plays Jacques Casanova with all the flair of Salvador Dali.
Liz Douglas is an ideal fit as Casanova's lover Marguerite Gautier, who'll do anything to escape "Camino Real," with or without him. In Act II when she cries "Lost, lost, lost," I had to laugh since the play brings to mind the ABC hit series "Lost."
Other standout performances include Richard Kirkwood's soliloquy as Lord Byron, and Ronnie Newman as Gutman, the authoritative proprietor of the Sietra Mares Hotel whose ability to provide tension by counting off time, is chilling.
But the play is not all about death and desperation. Much like life, it's comical. Maria Silverman as the Gypsy and Maggie Cino as her sadistic little sidekick Nursie are wickedly funny. The Gypsy's daughter, Esmeralda, is an excellent foil.
Standing in for a sick cast member, Goodman played the lovely Esmeralda the night we were there, demonstrating her range both as an actor and theater company head who knows that no matter what - the show must go on!
"Camino Real" is a wonderful, must-see evening at the theater with all the quality, power and pizzazz of Broadway. Why travel far and wide when you have professional theater right here in your own backyard?