Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Review: Color and Light Theatre Ensemble's LIZZIE is Rage Rock at its Finest
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| L-R: Jenni Marie Lopez, Brooke Van Grinsven, Leslie Rubino and Samantha LaBrecque. All photos by Corwin Evans |
How much rage would a person need to feel to kill two people with 29 whacks of an axe? The short answer is, a lot. That’s the number Andrew Borden and his second wife Abby actually sustained in 1892 - not the 81 immortalized in this haunting nursery rhyme.
“Lizzie Borden took an axe,
And gave her mother forty whacks;
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.”
To this day, no one knows who committed the murders although Andrew’s youngest daughter, Lizzie, has always been guilty in the court of public opinion. She was acquitted at trial but rumors followed her to her grave. What we do know is that a crime of passion enacted with this much violence can only mean there is more to the story.
LIZZIE, by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Alan Stevens Hewitt, and Tim Maner, draws its own conclusions about what might have fueled Lizzie Borden’s rage to the point of committing murder, and Color & Light Theatre Ensemble brings that rage to the forefront in a ballsy 90-minute musical character study that is part throat-ripping rock concert, part riveting theatre invention. This is rage rock at its finest and the four women who tell the story have the vocal ability and acting intensity to deliver a moving tale with unrelenting ferocity.
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| Jenni Marie Lopez and Leslie Rubino |
Revelations of incest, a forbidden lesbian love affair, and a stepmother with no love for her husband’s children make up the bones of the piece. Director Joanna Syiek’s minimalist staging shows a wicked sense of humor and an ability to create visuals that are streamlined but set to stun.
Poisonous steam billows from an innocent tea cup, a tangle of dead pigeons cling to a bloodstained sheet, and the meaty flesh of two watermelons makes an enactment of the murders as deliciously spoof-worthy as it is sobering.
An act break would have come in handy at this climactic moment to help facilitate the tonal shift (and ensuing cleanup). As presented, the current version of the piece is done without an intermission. I’m not certain that’s the right choice.
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| Leslie Rubino |
At the center of this macabre universe is an explosive Leslie Rubino who plays Lizzie. Slight of stature and sporting a punk pompadour with a blood red streak, as if to presage later events, we see both her vulnerability and the rage that erupts when the weight of betrayal finally cracks her open. It is a charismatic high-voltage performance, the kind that matters when you consider that stories about sexual abuse and men attempting to suppress a woman’s voice are still staples of the modern daily news cycle.
In her orbit are three equally fierce women: older sister, Emma (Brooke Van Grinsven); next door neighbor and Lizzie’s eventual lover, Alice (Jenni Marie Lopez); and Bridget, the Borden’s cheeky Irish maid (Samantha LaBreque). Van Grinsven attacks her role with the intensity of a bomb going off and never lets up. Lopez lends balance to the driving assault on your senses in softer scenes with Lizzie but lets it rip when the emotional angst of a number requires her to grind it out. LaBrecque is an amusing addition to the foursome playing a servant with a mind of her own. She’s smarter than she lets on and her face is a running commentary on what is really happening at any given moment.
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| L-R: Brooke Van Grinsven, Leslie Rubino and Samantha LaBrecque |
The venue is Resident LA, a club in the DTLA arts district, which adds to the rock concert feel of the evening. It’s the right place with the right atmosphere and it also means the band, led by musical director Jennifer Lin, makes as powerful a statement as the characters. There are only four of them - Lin on keys, Johanna Chase on bass, Carlos Flores on guitar and Nicole Marcus on drums but they sound like they’re opening up the gates of hell. Besides, who doesn’t love seeing a girl drummer?
Of course, the sound is loud but I appreciated how well the sound team (Corwin Evans-sound design, Eric Huff-sound engineer, James Graham & Kyle Ormiston-sound mix & tech) created a balance that made it still possible to understand the lyrics. That’s incredibly important because the production is sung-through and those songs tell the story.
Tyler Ledon’s lighting is dramatic and quite saturated. Costumes by Samantha Teplitz do more than simply set the period. They reflect a great deal about each character. For example, Emma is cinched in so tightly at the waist that it seems she’ll burst at any moment from the pent-up rage within her, and Lizzie starts the show in demure black and white but a flash of her tights foreshadows a future Lizzie you know won’t be content to live by the constraints of Victorian repression.
As the costumes slowly transform to contemporary rock-inspired looks, the show also begins to transcend time and place and connect the sins of the past with the sins of the present. It may be subtext but we can hear it loud and clear. We’re pissed as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore.
All of it adds up to a production that doesn’t compromise its message or back off in the way it delivers it. It’s an altogether gripping experience.
LIZZIE
September 14-29, 2018
Color and Light Theatre Ensemble @ Resident LA
428 S. Hewitt St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tickets and info: www.lizzielosangeles.com
For more info about Resident: Residentdtla.com
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| Brooke Van Grinsven and Samantha LaBrecque |
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| Leslie Rubino and Samantha LaBrecque |
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| Jenni Marie Lopez and Leslie Rubino |
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| Jenni Marie Lopez, Leslie Rubino and Brooke Van Grinsven |
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Labels: color and light, resident la
Monday, June 16, 2014
Fringe Review: GIRAFFENSTEIN, Frankenstein with Giraffes
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| James Penca and Edred Utomi. Photo s by Rich Clark. |
This original one-act pop musical aims high and often hits its mark although it may not be the musical you think it’s going to be. While it contains a fair amount of wry humor, don’t expect the kind of silliness you found in The Pokemusical, the team’s entry into last year’s Fringe Festival. This twist on the Frankenstein story has a more sophisticated harmonic structure and a richer musical texture that gives it an edge while still delivering a lot of fun for the money.
The ensemble handles the singing beautifully and there is plenty of funny choreography and quirky direction by Joanna Syiek. It’s an all-animal cast so they’ve also found creative ways to modify their appearance which makes for some great sight gags. Forearm crutches, high heels and grease paint are the main elements for the giraffes; boot walker casts and football shoulder pads complete Josh Hillinger’s transformation into a rhino; and rhinestones, black leather pants and fur turn Seth Salsbury into the kind of lion who would be completely at home in a revival of CATS. (Someone cast that boy in Rocky Horror Picture Show already. He’d make a great Frank N. Furter).
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| Seth Salsbury |
Giraffenstein follows the callous Dr. Giraffenstein (James Penca) and his failed attempts to create a superior being, in this case the first giraffe who can eat from the top of the tree, and raises questions about how much responsibility we have to that which we create. When its jokes land it is hilarious but the humor is still hit or miss.
The tone of the book is often quite dark and there are gaps in the story that could use more explanation. It’s unclear why the doctor’s fiancé (Katharine Kelly McDonough) agreed to marry him in the first place since all she does is complain about him, or why the Monster (Edred Utomi) tells Dr. Giraffenstein he’ll never see him again but then comes back to confront him near the end of the story. The show currently has a running time of about 75 minutes so there is plenty of room for it to expand. Odd though it is, Giraffenstein still has a lot going for it.
There are lessons about acceptance and standing up for yourself, as well as how important it is to find a place we can call home. Technically, this is also a good example of how to create a movable set on a budget that gets the job done and still delights with its ingenuity. Two reversible set pieces are hand-painted to create the expansiveness of the Serengeti and they even manage to make the sun rise in a creative way.
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| James Penca, Edred Utomi and Josh Hillinger |
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| L-R: Kelley Dorney, Ian Klingenberg, Kelsey Schulte and Katie DeShan |
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| Katharine Kelly McDonough and James Penca |
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| Kelley Dorney and Kelsey Schulte |
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| James Penca and Edred Utomi |
Book and music: Alex Syiek
Direction and musical staging: Joanna Syiek
Musical direction: Jennifer Lin
Sound Design: Corwin Evans
Set and Lighting Design: Eric Mitchell
GIRAFFENSTEIN
June 8 - 29, 2014
Lillian Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Tickets are $10 at http://hff14.org/1888
www.colorandlighttheatre.org
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Labels: color and light, hollywood fringe
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Fringe Spotlight: GIRAFFENSTEIN, a New Musical
From the award-winning team who brought you last year’s hit The Pokémusical, comes a new musical GIRAFFENSTEIN based on the tale of Shelley’s Frankenstein, as you’ve never seen it before. Song, dance, and danger. And they’re all giraffes.
With book & music by Alex Syiek, direction & musical staging by Joanna Syiek, and musical direction by Jennifer Lin, the story follows Dr. Richard Giraffenstein on his journey across the African savannah where he creates a Monster, who, confused and angry, attempts to find a true home for himself.
I asked Alex about the inspiration for the musical and he said, “I chose this topic because I’ve always loved giraffes and thought they were funny. I think the piece is: fantastic, because it’s extremely hilarious; timely, because we need to stop the reanimation of giraffe corpses in Africa; and fringey, because it’s fast, fun, and full of people jamming their hearts out. If you’ve ever wondered where a giraffe monster would be able to find a home, then I guess I wrote a show for you...weirdo.”
Joanna agreed adding, “I have always found the Frankenstein story to be a fascinating one, particularly with its themes of taking responsibility for what one creates. That’s something all artists must contend with every time they begin a new project. The monster in this version is a creature who is 1/2 giraffe, 1/4 rhino, and 1/4 lion. And while the premise is lighthearted at the start, the character serves as an example of the possibility inherent in creation, illustrating that without proper guidance a ‘work of genius’ can take control of its creator. It reminds us of the responsibility we have to that which we create – be it children, art, relationships – and offers stark warnings of the result of neglect.”
Did they have any challenges adapting the material? “The source text adapts frighteningly well to its new savannah setting,” according to Joanna. “The doctor’s (Giraffenstein’s) experiments with life take on a new context in our age of technological and biomedical advancements. With today’s instances of cloning and stem cell research, this tale subtly highlights the discussions surrounding how we can manifest life through scientific achievement, and asks us again to be accountable for our choices. The difference between re-imagining and meddling with life is in the hands of those creating. To be flippant with these achievements may spell out a precarious future.”
Sounds like a hilarious and thought-provoking addition to the Fringe.
The cast for Giraffenstein will include James Penca as the Doctor and Edred Utomi as the Monster, with Josh Hillinger (Ivan), Katie McDonough (Elizabeth), Seth Salsbury (Moopaseh), Caleb Mills Stewart (Walton), Katie De Shan (Adhra), Kelley Dorney (Bimbaya), Ian Klingenberg (Chiumbo), and Kelsey Schulte (Nthabi). The Female Swing is Rachel Hirshee and Male Cover is Tyler Ledon.
GIRAFFENSTEIN
June 8 - 29, 2014
Lillian Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Tickets are $10 at www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1888
www.colorandlighttheatre.org
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Labels: color and light, hollywood fringe festival
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Musical News for Tuesday, March 4, 2014
OPENINGS: The Visceral Company has announced its 2014 season production schedule. Included in the lineup are a fresh from off-Broadway west coast premiere (Recall), an LA premiere and the company’s first musical production (Zombies from the Beyond), plus two world premiere productions developed by The Visceral Company (The Call of Cthulhu and a still-in-development holiday show). You can read all about the shows on their website but Zombies from the Beyond looks especially hilarious. This rarely performed musical comedy is a sendup of 1950s B-movies and takes a satirical look at American ideals and foibles in the Eisenhower era. Cold War and space race paranoia threaten the good folks at the fictional Milwaukee Space Center in 1955 when a flying saucer lands. The craft is piloted by Zombina, a buxom alien aviatrix bent on procuring he-specimens to repopulate her planet. The show brings the 1950s nostalgically and hilariously to life with a tuneful, toe-tapping score. Its long-delayed LA debut will be part of the 2014 Hollywood Fringe Festival, May 30 – July 20. Book, music, and lyrics are by James Valcq (co-writer of the musical The Spitfire Grill) and the show will be directed by Dan Spurgeon, with musical direction by Garth Herberg and choreography by Anna Safar. The company performs at the Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood, CA. www.thevisceralcompany.com
The Garage Theatre in collision with Alive Theatre are celebrating 10 years on 7th Street in Long Beach with a diverse 2014 lineup that includes Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera. Dates for the show are August 1 – 30 and the production will be directed by Eric Hamme, with musical direction by Ellen Warkantine. Often described as brutal, scandalous, perverted and humorous; The Threepenny Opera is one of the earliest and most successful attempts to introduce jazz into the theatre. Season Subscriptions are on sale at www.thegaragetheatre.org or by calling (562) 433-8337. Single tickets go on sale Monday, March 10th. The season will also include:
Sans Merci by Johnna Adams, directed by Katie Chidester
April 4 – 26, 2014
Night And Her Stars by Richard Greenberg, directed by Matthew Anderson
May 30 – June 28, 2014
Pink Milk by Alex Paul Young, directed by Ashley Allen
Oct. 3 – Nov. 1, 2014
11th Annual Holiday Melodrama, written and directed by Jamie Sweet
December 5 – 20, 2014
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Labels: chromolume theatre, color and light, garage theatre, visceral company
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Musical News for Saturday, December 21, 2013
LIVE EVENTS: Cabrillo Music Theatre celebrates its upcoming production of In the Heights with Carnaval De Cabrillo on January 12. Modeled after the “Carnaval del Barrio” that plays a pivotal role in the show, Carnaval De Cabrillo unites enthusiastic young people, dancers of all ages, city officials, community leaders and local businesses for a free afternoon of dance, music, food and fun. Carnaval will take place from Noon to 5:00 pm in Carpenter Park, directly outside Cabrillo Music Theatre’s home venue, the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.The event will feature a live participatory demonstration by the entire community of a dance from In the Heights using the original Tony Award-Winning Broadway Choreography of Andy Blankenbuehler, and taught by Cabrillo’s director-choreographer, Morgan Marcell. Participants may sign up in advance at http://carnavaldecabrillo.rsvpify.com/ or in person on the day of the event. The choreography will be taught at all skill levels, allowing for full participation from anyone who wants to learn. Participants can show up at any time from Noon to 1:30 pm and learn the moves. The presentation and performance, as well as a sneak peek of In the Heights, will take place at 1:45 pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Additional prizes will be given out hourly. For more information visit www.Facebook.com/CabrilloMusicTheatre or call 805-497-8613 x 1.
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The Sound of Music starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer will air on ABC 7 at 7:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 22. You can also watch The Polar Express on ABC Family at 8:00 pm, Monday, Dec. 23.
FILMS: The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will host a special engagement of the Sing-A-Long version of Disney’s classic Mary Poppins, January 10 – 20. Audiences are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters from the film, and sing along to the classic soundtrack as the words to the songs are projected up on the screen. There will also be a costume contest on opening night and other special opening night surprises. El Capitan guests may also go “Behind the scenes” of the making of Mary Poppins with rarely seen unit photography from the Walt Disney Archives and a special “Walking On Cherry Tree Lane” photo opportunity on display throughout the run. In addition, January 14 is Tiny Tot Tuesday. During the 10:00 am performance parents and small children can enjoy the movie in a Tiny Tot-friendly way, with lights dimmed rather than out and reduced sound levels. Daily showtimes are 10:00 am, 1:15 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:45pm. Special General Admission ticket price of $10 includes popcorn. VIP price of $20 includes a reserved seat, popcorn and drink (for all ages). Tickets are available at the box office, at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. I also highly recommend the current film Frozen, starring Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Santino Fontana. The pre-show is terrific!
CONCERTS/CABARET: Color and Light Theatre Ensemble will bring a one-night presentation of Joe Iconis’ Things to Ruin to Southern California on January 11 at 9:00 pm. The theatrical rock concert is an incendiary collection of songs by Kleban and Larson Award Winner Joe Iconis (SMASH, The Black Suits and Bloodsong of Love) about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don’t have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to cause. Featuring direction and musical staging by Joanna Syiek, with musical direction by Jennifer Lin, the cast includes Emily Arkuss, Jeff Buco, Ben Burch, Samantha Eve, Ari Gwasdoff, Josh Hillinger, Tyler Ledon, Katharine McDonough, Jamie Mills, Kelsey Schulte, and Kristofer Sundquist. The concert will take place at Surf Dog’s Sports Grill located at 5932 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. For tickets and more information, go to www.colorandlighttheatre.org.
Pasadena Playhouse is offering 30% off tickets for its star-studded concert One Starry Night to benefit The ALS Association - Golden West Chapter, on Mon. Jan. 13, 2014 at 8pm. Use the code BLOG30 when you order tickets HERE. Joining the cast is Richard M. Sherman (two-time Academy Award-winner for Best Song and Best Score of Mary Poppins, who is being portrayed by Jason Schwartzman in the just-released Disney film Saving Mr. Banks), Kerry O’Malley, Amy Paffrath, Barry Pearl, Drew Seeley, Daniel Tatar, and Bruce Vilanch. Directed by Grammy Award-nominee Bruce Kimmel, with musical direction and orchestrations by Richard Allen, the evening will also feature performances by Obba Babatunde, James Barbour, Kay Cole, Daisy Eagan, Crow Garrett, Ilene Graff, Juliana Hansen, Melora Hardin, Jean Louisa Kelly, Jason and Nolan Livesay, Gary Morgan and The Flying Morgans, James Mulligan, Reagan Pasternak, Jonathan Pendragon, Joan Ryan, Rex Smith, and Terri White. The evening will also feature special appearances by Terri Ivens, Kate Linder, and Charlene Tilton.
Kritzerland at Sterling’s Upstairs at The Federal presents New Kids in Town on Sunday, January 5, at 7:00 pm. The show will star Paige Befeler, Brennley Brown, Quintan Craig, Oliviana Marie, Hadley Belle Miller, Jenna Lea Rosen, Sami Staitman, Sarah Staitman, and Carter Thomas, with Music Director: Tom Griep. Reservations: (818) 754-8700. Doors open for dinner at 5:30 pm. Show starts at 7:00pm. For more about Sterlings, visit www.msapr.net.
The Grove Theatre in Upland invites you to spend a Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with The King and Company at The Grove Theatre. Chris Luna and the TCB Flashband are returning to The Grove Theatre on New Years’ Eve at 9:00 pm. Luna is one of Southern California’s premier Elvis Tribute artists and has been performing his Elvis Tribute Show (Chris Luna - A Tribute to ELVIS!) since 1998. Joining Chris is award winning Jacob Roman, the 17 year old Elvis Tribute Artist who has been wowing audiences all over Southern California and Nevada. The show also features Beach Boys’ tribute band, The Nocturnes, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello tribute artists AK Kist and Megan Walker, Wendy Lynn Adams, who performs tributes to Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, and Blues Brothers tribute artists Gary Anderson and Chris Luna. Chris pays tribute to Tom Jones and Gary brings Johnny Cash back to the stage. For tickets call (909) 920-4343 or go to www.grovetheatre.com.
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre, color and light, kritzerland, pasadena playhouse, pbs, the grove theatre