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Theater
Reviews
"Stop.
Think. Consider. Do."
NORTH
HOLLYWOOD,
CA - Watching Theatre West's presentation of
Drunk and in Charge of a Bicycle was like tuning into an old favorite television
show, or spending an evening with good friends. The two act play revolves around a group of friends
whose lives are spent sharing a drink at the local pub, Heeber Finns. Ray
Bradbury, writer and co-producer of this world premiere, used scenes from his novel,
Green Shadows and White Whales to create this play, as well as its
sequel,
Falling Upward! which premiered at Theater West last year.
The first act involves a visit from George Bernard Shaw who's car breaks down in front
of the local pub in a small Irish town, a town Shaw wanted to visit because
it published a story in the paper with the headline "Drunk and in Charge of
a Bicycle." As Shaw gets to know the crew in the bar as well as the town
clergy, he shares with them mysterious ceramic tiles, each of which holds a simple message. King Stuart, an actor of obvious talent and background, is utterly believable in his quirky portrayal of George Bernard Shaw.
After a short intermission the show continues with the same group of men
that we're now familiar with, but on a completely different adventure titled
"The Great Conflagration."
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In touch with their deep Irish pride, the crew decides
to burn down the local aristocracy's castle. Astonished that Lord Kilgotten
welcomes them with open arms, the men spend some time talking with the
gentleman about their plans and ultimately learn a more valuable lesson.
Again, an impressive job of casting the roles of this first-rate ensemble and
Lord Kilgotten, played by Jay Gerber. The production values of this 99-seat
theatrical presentation were exceptional, from the soundscape by Sean Phillips to
the extraordinarily realistic sets by Joseph M. Altadonna and Daniel
Keough. But the true gem is the material. Long time veteran of stage, screen and novel, author Ray Bradbury knows how to capture an audience with his
captivating narratives, and he plans to visit many of the performances at Theater West. -
Ruston Harker
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Opens Saturday January 24, 2004, runs through Saturday February 28. Thursdays through Saturdays at 8p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. $20. Student, senior and group discounts available upon request.
Reservations and information: (323) 851-7977. Website: www.theatrewest.org.
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"Parallel
Lives"
HOLLYWOOD,
CA - The evening begins with two heavenly beings organizing
creation, deciding the future of mankind with the flip of a
coin. Each subsequent scene is a snap-shot of the lives of two,
sometimes three different characters and how they relate to each
other and the world around them.
“Parallel Lives” two cast members Maggie Grant and
Lisa Joffrey portray an extensive range of characters from
prostitutes and Lesbian goddess worshipers to poor Russian dirt
farmers. Most often
comic with morose moments, these fine actresses move between
scenes and characters (some with major costume changes) with the
grace and ease of dancers.
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An amazingly synchronized ‘morning routine’ was
riveting considering it’s a practice we all perform on a daily
basis. Written by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy “Parallel Lives”
paints a dizzying glimpse of the colorful world in which we
live, and Grant and Joffrey are remarkable artists. - R.
Harker
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January
9th through February 7th
Reservation Line: (323) 960-7726 or visit Plays411.com/plivesla.
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