A View from the Bridge

The Edge Theatre Company: 12/2 – 12/31

    L-R: Kevin Hart and Rick Yaconis
(Photo credit: Rachel D. Graham)

     There wasn’t a standing ovation for A View from the Bridge on the night this reviewer was in attendance. Not because it didn’t deserve one. It did. However … the audience was so caught up in director John Ashton’s superb realization of Arthur Miller’s masterwork and the revelatory nature of his cast’s acting that there needed to be a moment of reverent silence at final curtain.

     Although one wished to extend his appreciation the curtain call was a jarring experience that shattered the reverie.

         Rick Yaconis was born to play Eddie Carbone. This is the second production of “A View from the Bridge” in which he’s proven that!

     Abby Boes’ portrayal of Eddie’s wife Beatrice, is deeply felt and richly imagined.

     Kevin Hart brings a studied wisdom and sad foresight to his portrayal of the lawyer, Alfieri. Hart’s performance as the voice of reason grounds the piece and bridges the scenes with the professional excellence theatre audiences have come to expect of him.

    

     Ben Cowhick provides us with a poignant interpretation of Rodolpho, the young immigrant who’s in love with Eddie’s niece, Catherine.

     Jonathan Brown’s performance in the role of Marco, Rodolpho’s older brother, is sheer heart-pounding potency.

     Amelia Carrada is a beautiful and talented actor whose portrayal of Eddie’s niece, Catherine makes us wish to see her onstage again soon. Marlowe's Musings

    

The Edge Theatre

“A View from the Bridge”

What happens when family devotion becomes obsession?

Dec. 2 - 31

Fri./ Sat., Mon., Dec. 19 & Thurs, Dec. 22 at 8:00 p.m.; Sun. at 6 p.m. (No performance Dec. 24 & 25)

Tickets are $28; $20 on Mon., Dec. 19

303-232-0363 or online at www.theedgetheater.com.

The Edge Theater, 1560 Teller Street, Lakewood CO 80214. Free Parking.

The Gershwins’ PORGY AND BESS

Aurora Fox Arts Center: 11/25 – 1/1/17

                Leonard Barrett and Tracy Camp

Who couldn’t love an opera that’s wall-to-wall Gershwin? The most famous of its now classic songs are so delicious to the ear that one wishes they could have encores.

     Director Donnie Betts (2015 Marlowe Award for Best Director for “Ain’t Misbehavin'”) has enlisted the talents of some of the very best actors in Denver as well as a few from out of town.

     Leonard Barrett’s (Porgy) “I Got Plenty of Nuttin,” Erica Papillion-Posey ‘s “Summertime’ and Tyrell D. Rae’s (Sportin’ Life's)“It Ain’t Necessarily So” are three unforgettable musical moments. Anna High (Serena) breaks hearts with her singing of “My Man’s Gone Now.”

     Tracy Camp’s soprano soars with Bess’s glorious “I Loves You, Porgy.”

     Upon entering the auditorium one is regaled with Jen Orf’s outstanding scenic representation of Catfish Row.     

     The technical aspects of the show are overseen by the astute eye of Brandon Philip Case. 

     Playwright Susan Lori-Parks has reimagined the piece in her recent adaptation. Why, however, would one wish to fix something that ain’t broken? Something which has been such a part of the respected repertoire for so long? So if you happen to be one of us who is in love with the original be aware that what you remember “ain’t necessarily so.”

     To make the opera more accessible to an audience Parks believes is more in love with the Broadway musical some of the recitative has been clipped or changed to spoken dialogue. Fans of the original may also be surprised to find that Porgy is now ambulatory. His goat cart has been replaced by a cane.

     Younger theatregoers may not even notice these things. Stephen Sondheim did though and wrote a scathing letter to the New York Times regarding Parks’ choices. Regardless of where one stands with regard to these changes, there is so much of the magnificent in this production you simply must see it.

For tickets call 303-739-1970 or go online at aurorafox.orgMarlowe's Musings

Beauty and the Beast

Vintage Theatre Company: 11/25 – 1/8

                          Angela Mendez as Belle

Vintage Theatre Company’s 100^th production, "Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST," is a charming delight.

       Angela Mendez enchants as Belle. Preston Britton is hilarious as Lumiere!

     Director Clay White has directed this beloved musical with great pacing. It features Denver favorites James Francis(Beast), Suzanne Connors Nepi (Mrs. Potts), Ben Hilzer(a deliciously funny LeFou), Caitlin Conklin(Babette),Dave Gordon(Gaston),Jeff Jesmer(Cogsworth) and Craig Ross(Maurice.) New to this reviewer, Sullivan McConnell is adorable as Chip.

     Kelley Von Oosbree’s vibrant choreography will bring a smile to your face. The dancing of “Human Again,” “Be Our Guest” and the waltz to the title song, are all beautifully realized.

     This “tale as old as time” will make you feel as though you’ve been transported once upon a time all over again.

     

Vintage Theatre presents

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast"

Nov. 25 - Jan 15

The classic story tells of young Belle and the Beast that only she can change.

Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:30 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

$28 - $31

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010

Marlowe's Musings