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HOLLYWOOD,
CA - There’s something to be said about a play where every cast
member is killed at least three times.
The latest production of Gorey Stories, arriving in time
for the Halloween season, promises that and then some at the Sacred
Fools Theater. It’s morbid. It has a freakishly creepy script.
It’s pure fun.
Adapted
for the stage by Stephen Currens and based on the works of illustrator
Edward Gorey, Gorey Stories brings to life a collection of
stories and songs for the morbidly twisted. There are accidents,
murders, and many inventive ways to achieve death.
Among the
tales showcased in Act One is the Elementary Primer of death, ‘The
Gashleycrumb Tinies’, in which the ABCs are taught in a no holds
barred grisly manner. ‘The Willowdale Handcar’ sends three chums
on a rail ride of no return. ‘The Blue Aspic’ tells the story of
an opera singer and the obsessive fan who stalks her. Act Two delights
with ‘The Unstrung Harp’, a story within a story where a fading
author’s attempt to complete a story is distracted by thoughts of
characters from totally different storylines.
Directed
by Pat Towne, Gorey Stories shines with a talented ensemble
cast. Henry Dittman, Joe Fria, Jennifer Hamel, Kelley Hazen, Joe
Jordan, Paul Plunkett, Ryan Templeton, Pat Towne, and Lola Ward put in
solid performances. With so many doomed and twisted characters on the
stage, the actors happily sink their teeth and other assorted objects
into their roles.
The band
on the sidelines, consisting of Kat Edwards, Douglas Lee, Graham
Jackson, and Gary Viggers, compliment the actors extremely well. The
music by David Aldrich isn’t stand out memorable however it succeeds
in adding an eerily vibe and remains faithful to Gorey’s words.
There were just a few instances where the singing lyrics became hard
to comprehend in the ensemble numbers. No doubt continued performances
will vanquish that irregularity.
The set
design by Joel Daavid is top notch and any Masterpiece Theater fan
would smile with appreciation.
Be warned,
this show is not for simple minded children or the weak heart. That
being said, Gorey Stories is a wickedly entertaining must see.
- Adrian Rennie
Produced
for the Sacred Fools Theater Company by Michael Franco, Paul Plunkett,
and Tina Gloss-Finnell, Gorey Stories performs at the Sacred
Fools Theater, located at 660 North Heliotrope in Hollywood, CA.
Running through October 31, 2005, performances are Fridays and
Saturday at 8pm, and Sundays at 7pm. General admission is $20.00.
There will
a special closing performance on Monday October 31, 2005, themed as
The Contested and Clandestine Closing Night Party. This gala will
include the show, a party complete with food and beverages, and a
costume competition. Admission for this event will be $30.00.
For more
reservations and info, please call (310) 281-8337. Online tickets are
also available.
Website to
Explore:
http://www.sacredfools.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Gorey
http://www26.brinkster.com/taraxwic/Ed-Gorey/gashly.html Return
to Arts & Reviews Main Page
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Pat
Towne, Lola Ward
and
Joe Fria
Pat
Towne(l.), Ryan Templeton, and Paul Plunkett
Joe
Jordan and Ryan Templeton
Ryan
Templeton(l.), Jenifer Hamel and Henry Dittman |
