THEATER REVIEW: The Wizard of Oz

(Note from Wendy:   I apologize profusely for not getting this review out on time.  Pat wrote it in plenty of time, but I have been having computer trouble.  Again...my sincerest apologies... especially to the cast and crew.)

Millbrook Playhouse opened its 51st season with THE WIZARD OF OZ, but a Wizard as you have never seen before. It is the movie we have all come to love, but thanks to director Alex Perez , updated in ways that made it a treat for all ages.

The first clue that this would be a different production is that Toto is played by Andrew Brown. I found myself watching the “dog’s” reaction to what was happening on stage more often than not. If good acting is a matter of reacting, Andrew hit the mark. He proved the old theatre advice of never share a stage with a child or a dog because they will upstage you every time. Andrew will be going into third grade this fall.

Costume designer Michael Turner provided other hints that we were in for something different. I liked the monochromatic brown costumes at the opening of the show, allowing for the contrast of bright, vibrant colors in the Land of Oz. The ruby slippers were perfect. I was impressed that Dorothy could dance in them.

Kali Haines returned to Millbrook to play Dorothy. Hali carried the show like an old hand; she and her little dog Toto are on stage almost the complete evening. She dances (in red ruby heels!) plus, she sings and acts. Later in the season,we will see a different side of Hali in Happy Days.

Dorothy’s friends, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, were each delightful. Richard Spitaletta was as loose limbed as any scarecrow that I’ve seen. There were times that it was hard to tell if his “falls” were real or part of his dance. Jake Evans had a sweet dignity as Tin Man. We knew all along that he already had a heart. Everyone loves the cowardly Lion and Philip Bolton was adorable---very loud roar and all. I have always been a big fan of Bert Lahr’s and so was very happy to see Philip channell this old burlesque star so well at times. We will see all three of these talented young men later in Happy Days.

Tom Lavalee does triple duty as Professor Marvel, the delightful guard in Oz and the Wonderful Wizard himself. Tom takes control of the stage, especially as the guard who protects the Wizard from unwanted company. There was enough of the lively leprechaun in him that I wondered if Finnigan’s Rainbow has ever been considered. Look for him in a major role in Happy Days.

Good Witch or Bad Witch? It makes no difference. Both were so much fun. Katrina Diehm’s Glinda, the Good Witch of the North gave depth to the goodie-goodie role. She may have been wearing a sweet smile throughout the evening, but at times it seemed just a touch sarcastic and maybe a bit judgemental. I loved her.

The Wicked Witch of the West was gleefully played by Maren Fischer. Not only was she perfect as the grumpy Miss Gultch, she was evil itself as the Wicked Witch. She may also have endured the longest death scene in the history of dramatic theatre. She had the audience right from “ I coulda been a contender”. Both of these talented actors will be in Happy Days. If you think that you know The Wizard of Oz, go to Millbrook and you will be surprised how fresh this classic can be. It will run June 18 through the 22 with a matinee at 2:00 on the 18th.

Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage starts on June 20 in the Cabaret. (This will star Marc de la Concha, a Millbrook favorite from the past). Happy Days will open June 27 on the Main Stage. Call 570 748 8083 for tickets or check out their website for more information.

BOOK REVIEW: The Fault In Our Stars

Grandparents should really listen to grandchildren. I am blessed with children who love to read and when one of them recommends an author I usually pay attention. Our granddaughter had raved about John Green but it took me awhile to get to him. I just finished his THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. I should have listened to her earlier.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is told by sixteen year old Hazel Grace Lancaster. Hazel spends most of her time re-reading her favorite book, An Imperial Affliction, the story of a young girl dying from cancer, by Peter Van Houten. Hazel understands why the book ends mid-sentence; either the girl dies or is just too sick to continue. She does become obsessed with what happens to the other characters in the book, especially the mother and the pet hamster.

Hazel relates to the lead character in the story because she too has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Thanks to a miracle drug, the cancerous tumors in Hazel’s lungs have shrunk, and her time has been extended, with the help of constant oxygen tanks.

At a meeting of the Cancer Kid Support Group she meets Augustus Waters. Gus has come in support of his friend Isaac who is about to have surgery to remove the cancer in his eye which will leave him cancer free, but blind.

Gus and Hazel soon become close friends and eventually fall in love.She introduces him to An Imperial Affliction and he and Isaac soon have her playing computer games. Gus is also a cancer survivor, having lost his leg to the disease. The fact that he has his driving license at all, he says, is one more case of “cancer kid perks”

The journey through the relationship between Gus and Hazel as well as with friends and parents makes this a very good read. Hazel has the ability to understand what those who love her are experiencing and how hard it must be to be the parent of a terminally ill child.

The amazing thing about THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is that it really is full of humor. Hazel and Gus see things with an eye that mixes the silly with reality. Throughout the story they ask the questions that we all ask. Will I leave any mark on the world? Will I be remembered? and Why do people say such dumb things at funerals?

Again we have a book that is categorized as  “Young People”, but please do not think that this is just another “teen- illness” book. The author has captured the reality of what could be a mawkish, tear-jerker, to the real life of young, intelligent, witty people who just happen to have a fatal illness. After all, we know that all star-crossed lovers have something standing in their way.

I am finding that so much of the insightful writings of today are supposedly being aimed at the youth market. (think The Book Thief). THE FAULT IN OUR STARS may be another case of “youth being wasted on the young”.

John Green is definitely an author to watch. He may make you cry, but you will laugh also. And isn’t that what we want in a good read?

Now I have to check what my granddaughter is presently reading.

Postscript: Just saw the news that filming has started for the movie version of this book. That is news that always makes me nervous. Hollywood has been known to miss the point.

BOOK REVIEW: Bespelling Jane Austen

Mary Balogh is one of my favorite Regency Romance  authors and when I found a new book with her name in large letters across the top, I quickly dropped it in my shopping cart. A closer examination showed that the title of the book was BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN. This is even better. If you are not familiar with the background of Regency Romance novels, Jane Austen actually wrote during that period of English history and she is the author most copied by today’s followers of the genre.

It keeps getting better and better. I felt that I had found a book that would pay proper homage to the great Jane Austen by an author that I love.

BESPELLING JANE AUSTEN was not at all what I was expecting, though the other authors in the anthology should have given me a hint. Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany are better know in the field of paranormal fiction. Still, I felt that it would be worth the try. Mary Balogh and Jane Austen were involved.

Susan Krinard was the editor of this unique collection of short stories. She invited the others to take part and simply take a favorite Austen novel and turn it into a story that included vampires, werewolves, faeries, etc. Should be easy. Right?

Mary Balogh chose Persuasion as the base for her “Almost Persuaded”. Persuasion lends itself perfectly to a story that follows two lovers through time, but never the right time for them. Balogh admits that this is not her style of writing and this may be the weakest story in the collection. It is a sweet love story, but does not fit the requirements of the book.

Colleen Gleason’s choice of the brooding Northanger Abbey  for her “Northanger Castle” gave her room to write a tongue in cheek take off of Gothic novels in general. Our heroine sees vampires everywhere, laughs at silly girls in stories who enter dark rooms in the middle of the night... alone, and is easily taken in by a handsome face and smooth manners. And, of course, it includes the dark, mysterious man who remains a mystery until the very end.

By  far my favorite was “Blood and Prejudice” by Susan Krinard. This story had me from its opening line, “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that ever decent straight guy who isn’t dead broke, is in want of a good woman”. (A line that sounded almost familiar). Set in present day Connecticut, “Blood and Prejudice” does an admirable job in following the original story. It seemed natural for the Bennet sisters to have modern careers and it really made sense, at least to me, for Mr Darcy to be a vampire.

It also made sense that Emma, who tried so hard to play matchmaker for her friends, should be moved to Washington,D.C. and be helping with a dating service that specializes in finding mates for the lonely, vampire, werewolf, or elfin.  “ Little to Hex Her”, Janet Mullany’s contribution, sticks to the original, Emma, closely... with some weird twists.

Most modern authors have to give credit to Jane Austen for their plot lines. She has stayed a classic all these years for good reasons. These short stories are excellent rip offs. They are fun, but I would guess that some of the more tongue in cheek humor will be missed if the reader is not familiar with the originals.

It always amazes me the books that just seem to jump into my shopping cart! Some good, some bad, but almost all turn out to be interesting.

BOOK REVIEW: Afterwards

AFTERWARDS is my second book written by Rosamund Lupton and again the author kept me up all night. I thought that she could not out -do her first novel, Sisters, but AFTERWARDS is another thriller.

It started on a beautiful day, a perfect day for the students to be outdoors for their games. Grace had just given her eight year old son, Adam, permission to return to the school building for his birthday cake so that he could share it with his classmates. The building was empty except for the youngest class and the nurses suite, today being manned by Grace’s seventeen year old daughter.

When Grace turns to look at the school again, smoke is pouring from the top windows. Her children are inside the burning building. Grace rushes in to save Adam and Jenny. Later in the hospital, she learns that she and Jenny have been gravely injured and Adam has stopped speaking. All evidence points to arson. Grace has information that will help, but is unable to share what she knows with anyone and Adam may know too much.

A Rosamund Lupton novel is so full of twists, turns, and surprising characters that a fuller plot summary would be unfair to you. Grace does learn that people, even best friends, are not always what they seem and that true evil might just exist. She also learns how far a mother will go to protect her children and, maybe, how far a child will go to protect a parent.

This is a crime novel with a creative premise and a lyrical style. The contrast between the ordinary family, complete with teenage angst, and hidden evil is well done. After the fire, Grace has been faced with a horrific crime as well as a painful betrayal, but she has also learned the power of deep love.

Rosamund Lupton is an author that I do suggest that you try. AFTERWARDS may require a temporary suspension of disbelief for some of you, but in the hands of a good author, it is worth it.

BOOK REVIEW: The Bookshop

Comments about THE BOOKSHOP by Penelope Fitzgerald have run from “a little gem of a book” to “what was the point?” I fall someplace in between.

In the late ‘fifties, in an isolated seaside town, Florence Green decides to use her small inheritance to open a bookshop. The town of Hardborough has never had a bookshop, or much of anything else for that matter. Her decision barely is made before she runs into opposition. The other shop owners are barely seeing a profit and resent competition, plus Mrs. Gamart, the local expert on all things cultural, is venomously determined to keep the bookshop from happening.

THE BOOKSHOP is almost an anthem to how hard a small town, or small minds, will go to stay ordinary. It was hard for me to understand why people, especially the leader of the local social scene, would go to such great lengths to put a bookshop out of business.

The book is full of great but slightly underdeveloped characters. I am sure that was a deliberate move on the part of the author. The only person in town that Florence formed any relationship with was her very young assistant, ten year old Christine.

I loved the very subtle British humor of the author. So many of the throw away lines summed up people so well, especially Mrs. Gamart. People were kind to Mrs. Gamart because it made life easier.

The decision whether or not to carry the new sensation Lolita also told us much about the town residents. I was so afraid that Florence had ordered way too many copies for a shop in a small town; I was surprised how many she sold.

The style of writing is not one of my favorites, but it suited the book. The sentences had a tendency to ramble and jump around a bit. This seems to be the style of many modern British authors.

I also had real problems with the ending. In so many ways kindness is not well paid, but seems to be punished. Although short and easily read, this is not a book that I will be recommending to my friends.

THEATER REVIEW: Aida

The choices for high school drama clubs should never surprise me any more. When I heard that Bellefonte High School was doing Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA, I was skeptical to say the least. Well, Luke Skerpon and Shaun McMurtrie, co-directors and producers, did it with style.

The stage was the first impressive point of the evening. The sets were beautiful. I like a play that makes use of multi-levels and this set included raised platforms and ramps that were quickly and unobtrusively changed The lighting was beautiful. The colors of sunset and the serenity of the starry nights added so much to the mood of the production.

Costumes were also perfect from the magnificent gown that  Amneris wears in the prologue and epilogue to the slaves’ tattered garments. Even the props were well thought out.

This was the year for Mr Skerpon and Mr McMurtrie to tackle such a large undertaking; the senior class has two powerful ladies for the two powerful leads.

Jessica Brown already has an impressive list of credits and was a natural as the flighty Amneris who has to mature to make the life and death decision for the two people she loves.  Jessica sparkles on stage and is always believable in upbeat roles, but she proved that she could handle the growth that this role required.

Cat Rokavec also has earned her acting reputation. I was mostly familiar with her dramatic work though I knew that she sang. I was not prepared for the power of her voice as Aida. Her regal bearing kept us aware that this young woman was a royal princess.

Christian Hopple, who played Radames, was the perfect leading man. He had to be a strong presence to play against his leading ladies. We have seen Christian play lighter roles, so it was good to see that he could handle heavier roles.

Bellefonte will be losing these talented seniors, but I keep my eye out for  up and coming talent. Although the three leads dominate AIDA, several featured actors also are worthy of note.

Stephen Giacobe played Aida’s fellow Nuian and friend, Mereb. Good voice, good stage presence, we will see more of Steven. His fatal duel scene was especially well choreographed.

Zoser, father of Radames, was played by Jordan Emely. This was freshman Jordan’s first play with Bellefonte, but he has had some basic training someplace. He owns the stage, not to mention a good voice. I wish makeup would have aged him a bit more, but I never would have guessed that he was a freshman.

The extras were all excellent at keeping character, especially since many of them played various roles. Their very large contribution was the excellent choral work.

The orchestra was one of the best I have heard at a high school production. Many members appeared to be beyond their high school days, but the music was a character on its own. My only problem with the night was that the music over shone the voices at times. This was particularly annoying to me during dialogue. It might have been where I was seated, but I hate to miss lines.

The Bellefonte Drama Club can be very proud of their production of AIDA I will never doubt Mr McMurtry again.

THEATER REVIEW: Shrek, The Musical

SHREK, THE MUSICAL is an ideal choice for a high school drama group and Bald Eagle Area Drama Club did it proud. The show requires a large cast with several fun featured parts, giving some up and coming “stars” a chance to shine. The problem for a reviewer is that it is hard to give everyone as much space here as he or she deserves.

Sets kept with the fairy tale theme, simple and easily moved. I loved the fabric draped trees. If the idea has been used before, it was new to me. Costumes also kept to the traditional fairy tale ideas. It was easy to spot the Wicked Witch, Humpty Dumpty, Peter Pan, The White Rabbit, etc.They also provided good choral music.

Shrek and Fiona were played by seniors Cody Mandell and Abby Crago. Both roles demanded a lot of stage time and even more energy. Their best number though was “ I Think I Got You Beat”. It reminded me of   “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better” from Annie Get Your Gun only with belches.  We will miss the two of them in future plays.

Two of the featured players who really stood out were Matthew Blaylock as Lord Farquaad and Colton Lucas as Pinocchio. Matthew not only captured the little lord, but played the role on his knees throughout the show. His dance steps had to be seen. Colton channelled Pinocchio perfectly. I have heard Colton sing on other occasions and was amazed how he kept Pinocchio’s voice true to character.

Virginia Hillman was the voice of the Dragon and it was the voice of a dragon. Virginia is a sophomore so we should be seeing much more of her in the coming years. The dragon puppeteers need special recognition; they were Virginia as well as Kate Snyder, Emily Jozefik, and Sarah Torres. It was actually believable when Dragon “flew” over the crowd.

I loved the energy of the show, especially Tyler Bickle’s Donkey. Shrek’s fast- talking, all-over-the-stage best friend could easily have stolen the show. Tyler is another senior who will be missed.

There were so many neat little touches. The choreography was fresh and fun. I loved the “ What’s Up Duloc?” number.The sets were well designed. Everyone stayed in character while having fun. And, of course, Shrek has one of the best curtain calls in theatre. The night that I was there, the packed house joined the cast and crew in “ I’m a Believer” because we were.

Good job Ms Allison and Mr Brinser, as usual.