PWLT Presents: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Artwork Courtesy of Joshua McGuin

Darrell Poe

Greetings NoVA Showbiz Readers! I'm so excited to put this post up - and just so there's no illusion of objectivity - let me be clear. I directed this show. I'm now friends with most of the cast.

I am in no way being objective when I recommend that you go to see this show. I care deeply about the work that has been done to produce this show, and want very much for audiences to see it.

Having said that - I wouldn't be making such a strong recommendation if I didn't believe 1000% that it will be money and time well spent for anyone who sees it.

This is my first turn at the helm, and it is work that I couldn't be more proud of. The cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into this story, and I just can't say enough about how amazing they've all been to work with.

Make no mistake. They will absolutely blow you away.









Here are the details:
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Prince William Little Theatre: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

The Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Circle
Manassas, VA 20110

• October 21, 2011 & October 22, 2011 at 8:00 pm
• October 22, 2011 & October 23, 2011 at 2:00 pm
• October 28, 2011 & October 29, 2011 at 8:00 pm
• October 29, 2011 & October 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm

Adults: $15
Students/Seniors: $12

To buy tickets:
  - Click here: http://www.hyltoncenter.org/calendar/tickets/173/
  - Select the showtime you'd like to see
  - Proceed with purchase

 

 

There will be an Interactive Panel Discussion on 10/22, immediately following the 2PM show.
Here are the details for the discussion:

Beyond the Cuckoo's Nest: Mental Health in America
An interactive panel discussion covering the state of Mental Illness in America, as contrasted by what is depicted in both Kesey's novel, and Wasserman's stage play. We hope to entertain, enlighten, and dispel some of the fog and stigma surrounding mental illness in the U.S.

Join us, and please take part in the conversation.

Guests will include -
 

    - Mary-Beth Ault: Certified Peer Support Specialist, living with Bi-polar illness, working in a Psychiatric Emergency Service
 

    - Anjuli Jindal, MD: Clinical psychiatrist, specializing in community outreach and torture/trauma victims
 

    - Colby Mills, Ph.D.: Clinical and forensic psychologist; cast member of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
 

    - Ali Navidi, Psy.D.: Clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in hypnosis

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My deepest thanks for your time. Please take a moment to share this information with any friends or family who may be interested.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to novashowbiz@gmail.com

All the best - I hope to see you at the theater! 

Cheers,

Darrell

Godspell

Castaways Repertory Theatre presents "Godspell"   
directed by Zina Bleck   
musical direction by Jonathan Blank & Rachel Harrington   
choreography by Marji Jepperson 
   
May 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 8pm.   
ONE MATINEE only on the 14th at 1pm   
   
Godspell is a 1969 musical by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak.   
 It started as a college project performed by students at Carnegie Mellon University.   
"Day by Day" from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop   
singles chart in the summer of 1972. "Godspell" tells it's story using a series   
of parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew, and songs using many   
different music styles (folk, rock, gospel, vaudeville.) The crucifixtion is   
symbolically depicted at the end of the show.   
Suitable for all family members.   
   
General Admission $14. Seniors, students, children (12 & under), military,   
and PWC employees $11. Groups of 10 and Matinee $10.   
   
All performances will be held at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building,   
15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge VA.   
   
INFO/Reservations -   
www.castawaystheatre.org   
703-508-5418   
   
  

Vpstart Crow is at it again...

The Merry Wives of Windsor
review by: Darrell Poe

Director Bob Smith - a self proclaimed Shakespeare fanatic - takes the helm of this, Vpstart Crow's latest production, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Smith's love of Shakespeare is evident in this rendition - set modern day, but using an unedited (I dare say uncut) script. The first act is 90... (yes 90) minutes, followed by a brief intermission, and a 40 minute second act. Fret not - to this reviewer, overall it was 145 minutes well spent.

Aesthetically, the show excels - smartly dressed players, and a clean, simple set leave little to distract you as the story unfolds. The entire show is set inside the fictional establishment - Windosr Coffee, which consists of a leather couch, a small table and two chairs. My only complaint regarding the set was a poorly painted coffee bar. I would have preferred to see a solid color - as it was the bar looked unfinished. Nonetheless - there is no question when you enter the theater that you're looking at a coffee shop in. Above the bar is a large flat screen monitor upon which is the menu for Windsor Coffee. 

Fresh off his portrayal of Glen Gulia in PWLT's rousing success - The Wedding Singer - Jay Tilley takes on another stand up guy in the role of Sir John Falstaff - the portly slime ball who plots to cuckold the husbands of Windsor by wooing their merry wives. Tilley's mastery of the language, and energy in the role make his character very fun to watch. Local favorite Aimee Snow plays the confident, counter-plotting Mistress Page, who (along with her compatriot, Mistress Ford - played by newcomer Kecia Campbell) seek to bring ruin and sheer embarrassment onto the scheming Falstaff. Hilarity, of course, ensues.

Snow and Campbell own their roles, aptly bringing to life the modern day setting with some polished non-verbal acting, and impeccable comedic timing. Also of note is the physical timing of Timothy R. King - who plays Mr. Ford. On more than one occasion King takes Mr. Ford floundering about the stage a la Jim Carrey - much to the delight of the sizable audience in attendance.

The ensemble is largely passable with stand-out performances by Sara Joy Lebowitz as Mistress Quickly, and Jack Powers as Slendor, the would be wooer and ultimate buffoon. Powers portrayal of Slendor brought to mind Brad Pitt's performance in "Burn After Reading", while Lebowitz's grasp of the language helps keep the audience clued into the various plots and schemes taking place.

Another device attempting to keep the audience engaged throughout; Windspace - a fictional social network in the town of Windsor, frequented by all of the major players. Throughout the show, their status updates can be seen scrolling onto the monitor above the coffee house in the style of Facebook or Twitter. A fantastic idea if fully executed - this effort came off as amusing at first, but ultimately forgettable. I would've liked to see more done here. It's clear a lot of effort was put into the creation of the visuals, but the execution was - much like the coffee bar it resided over - unfinished.

All in all - for the avid Shakespeare fan, Merry Wives is a no-brainer. Paired with a casual dinner, this show makes for a perfect evening out.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is playing for one more weekend at The Hylton Performing Arts Center's Gregory Family Theater - for more info and to buy tickets visit www.VpstartCrow.com