NORTH COAST REP THEATRE DRAMA “DR.GLAS” PRESENTS ITS FINAL STREAMING PLAY OF 2021 SEASON

Daniel Gerroll plays the title role in "Dr. Glas"
at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Photo by Aaron Rumley

It’s amazing what the human mind can understand and accomplish when it comes to the world of theatre and its sister art form the motion picture.  Both are potent art forms that appeal to audiences worldwide.

Creative arts practitioners of today however, are still traditionally bonded to the western culture of the Greek Theatre of 2500 years ago.  It’s a base that has served us well. The immediacy of the written word spoken on a stage by live actors resonates with live audiences everywhere, just on a different level than film. The world of theatre is the province of the playwright, ideas, words and actors.

The motion picture camera, on the other hand, with its sweeping mobility for vistas and action sequences or for capturing the intimacy of a moment in a close-up, has the luxury of taking the audience anywhere during its presentations along with an unseen technical army of highly skilled professional artists that make the screen magic happen. 

Film is the kingdom of the director and his or her vision and together with the actors can at times become an out-of-body experience. Think Emile Zola's “Therese Raquin” or Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” for sci fi junkies or “The Exorcist” directed by William Friedkin, for fans of the horror genre. Add Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, the film that scared the wits out of half the known world, to the list as well. Yes, film is powerful as well as the stage. We the audience are the beneficiaries of both art forms.

North Coast Repertory Theatre (NCRT) of Solana Beach, CA, produces and presents world, state, city and regional premieres with Equity cast productions.  NCRT’s current streaming production “Dr. Glas” is based on the original novel written by 19th century Norwegian author Hjalmar Soderberg in 1905.

American journeyman playwright and author Jeremy Hatcher has fashioned a new version that takes into consideration the heart of the story set in 1905 Sweden, while creating a riveting psychological thriller. It's a perfect vehicle for the talent of polished British actor Daniel Gerroll, in a solo tour-de-force performance that is smartly directed by NCRT artistic director David Ellenstein. 

The story in short is about Dr. Gabriel Glas a respected doctor in Stockholm, is told in the form of a epistolary diary and follows Dr. Glas as he struggles with his depression - a favorite Scandinavian subject matter along with sexual fantasies - that fueled the plays of the great Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and literary giant Swedish playwright August Strindberg.  Swedish film director, playwright and author Ingmar Bergman became a world celebrity in the 20th century with his provocative and profound movies that forever changed the world’s image of Scandinavia as a region of Europe with stern moralists, repressed females and lots of snow.

The antagonist in this Chekovian-like play is Reverend Gregorius, a morally corrupt clergyman. Gregorius’ beautiful young wife confesses to Dr. Glas that her sex life is making her miserable and asks for his help. Glas is immediately smitten with the young wife to the point where he agrees to help even though he’s aware she already has a much younger lover.

Glas attempts to intervene, but 56 year-old Reverend Gregorius refuses to give up his “marital rights” of having sex with his own wife. Glas reluctantly advises her that she must have sex with Gregorius whether she likes it or not. So, in order to make his ‘fantasy lover’ happy, he begins to plot her husband’s murder. Shades of Emile Zola’s novel and later the movie “Therese Raquin” or the film “Double Indemnity” both plotlines were bold and scandalous for their time.  

The real beauty of this streaming production lies in the professionally nuanced, modulated performance of Daniel Gerroll.  He is also a voice-over actor whose silky delivery keeps the audience fully engaged right from the get-go in the excellent 65 minute film adaptation. It’s obvious to the viewer of the rapport and trust that exists between director Ellenstein and Mr. Gerroll. Timing in solo actor productions is critical and are visually evident in this excellent production at North Coast Rep.

The technical credits at NCRT are always first rate.  Director Ellenstein is fortunate in having a team of technical wizards close by.  First and foremost is the camera crew of cinematographers; Aaron Rumley,  Christopher Williams and Philip Korth nicely capture the shifting drama components and deliver another winning production for NCRT’s “Filmed Plays OnLine” series during the pandemic. 

In addition, resident set designer-magician Marty Burnett, Costume designer Elisa Benzoni’s costume for Mr. Gerroll is evocative of the period and spot on for the eyes and authenticity. Props are by Phillip Korth and the production is managed by Aaron Rumley. This will be the final NCRT production in a streaming movie format; the theatre returns to live performances this fall with a charming production of “Dancing Lessons” written by Mark St. Germain and directed by Richard Baird.  It debuts September 8th and runs through October 3rd 2021.

For reservations and ticket information contact the box office at 858 – 481 – 1055 or go online to NorthCoastRep.org. 

And remember: A great nation deserves great art. Support all the Arts!

-- Jack Lyons

BROADWAY AND FILM STAR TOVAH FELDSHUH MORPHS INTO “BECOMING DR RUTH” AT NCRT

Tovah Feldshuh as beloved 'sexologist' Dr. Ruth Westheimer in North Coast
Repertory's production of "Becoming Dr. Ruth"

North Coast Repertory Theatre (NCRT) of Solana Beach, CA, brings gifted, multiple award-winning actor Tovah Feldshuh to their stage to star in playwright Mark St. Germain’s breezy and delightful one-woman stage play “Becoming Dr. Ruth” in the platform streaming movie format. 

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Ph.D., the diminutive (4’ 7”) munchkin-like, giggling, ‘grandma’ image and author of some 40 plus books on human sexuality became an overnight sensation back in 1980 with her open, fresh approach to the subject of sex.  Dr. Ruth, as she is popularly known, is a licensed sexual therapist and grandmother.  

Call-in listeners to her 1980 radio show on station NYNY 103.5 FM in New York City would ask for her advice on personal sexual matters, which she discussed in an open, straightforward, professional medical manner.  Listeners heard words they thought they would never hear coming from their radios. The popular show went viral when Dr. Ruth moved one year later from radio to America’s television screens, becoming; a worldwide celebrity in the process.  

Playwright Mark St. Germain was of the opinion that the life and career of the pixie-like German-born American citizen and holocaust survivor would make for a wonderful uplifting stage play.  He was absolutely correct, of course.  “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” his stage play, is filled with drama, bravery, courage, wisdom, wit, tragedy and yes, comedy.  All of the components necessary for a wonderfully poignant and compelling stage play for all to enjoy in its 2021 streaming movie format. 

In 2019, the uninvited pandemic guest of covid-19 forced brick and mortar venues to switch their productions from ‘live stage mounted’ to ‘streaming service’ in the movie format.  NCRT has been a leader in the vanguard of presenting quality entertainment in Southern California both on stage and now in the pandemic era of streaming movie formats.  All of their 39th season of productions have been presented in the movie-style format.  But it appears that these restrictions are about to be lifted by California Governor Gavin Newsom on June 15, 2021.  Stay tuned.

The next step and challenge facing David Ellenstein, North Coast Rep Theatre artistic director - who directs “Becoming Dr. Ruth - was to cast an actor who has the talent and skills to breathe life into St. Germain’s insightful and entertaining 90-minute play.  Not to worry, Ellenstein’s search was a no-brainer.

Actor Tovah Feldshuh is a theatrical force of nature in performance and a six-time Tony and Emmy nominee who, as Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Ms. Feldshuh not only immerses herself literally into becoming Dr. Ruth (no pun intended) that one forgets she’s also an actor of uncommon talent who happens to specialize in one woman productions.  Who can forget her powerful and riveting performance as Golda Meir in “Golda’s Balcony”?  Or laugh at her antics in TV’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” series as the yenta-like Naomi Bunch, mother of the show’s lead character Rebecca Bunch that starred Rachel Bloom.

Ms. Feldshuh’s mesmerizing performance as Dr. Ruth gives her audience a peek into the life of a holocaust survivor from the POV of a young girl to becoming a famous elderly celebrity whose personal philosophy of never giving in to the ups and downs of life; it's what makes her performance so compelling to watch.

Director Ellenstein’s many clever directorial touches are so seamless that one is unaware of the movie being directed at all.  The rapport between director Edelstein and Ms. Feldshuh is evidence of two pros doing their thing.  One marvels at her stamina, range, and pace while we embrace and laud the vision of director David Edelstein.  It’s great stuff.

The technical team that makes the movie magic happen includes Aaron Rumley, as director of photography and co-camera operator along with Phil Korth and Chris Williams; Marty Burnett, Set Designer extraordinaire, transfers the Solana beach stage into a New York City Condo with a sweeping view of the Hudson River from Dr. Ruth’s front room window that lends additional authenticity to this, at times, inspiring story about the celebration of life and the human condition.  

Costumes by Elisa Benzoni and Properties by Phil Korth; Wig designs by Peter Herman along with Camera operators Phil Korth, Aaron Rumley and Chris Williams, complete the technical film unit team.  The Board Operator is Matt Fitzgerald.

“Becoming Dr. Ruth” streams until July 11, 2021.  For ticket information, go online to NorthCoastRep.Org It’s a must-see production! 

Remember… a great nation deserves great art.  Support all the arts!

HBO SCORES WITH A NEW RIVETING FILM VERSION OF THE BROADWAY STAGE DRAMA “OSLO”

If this Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything it’s forced the American viewing public to think outside the traditional creative arts box when it comes to entertainment. “Streaming” was not a familiar term a couple of years or so ago, unless one was speaking of water or possibly flags streaming in the wind on National Holidays.

Today “streaming” is how a majority of Americans view their entertainment options at home. But the light at the end of this runaway train nightmare pandemic is finally coming into sharper focus as long as we continue to follow the CDC guidelines. Vaccination is free and relatively painless and it contributes to the health and well-being of all Americans. It works! Do It!

It’s anticipated that most brick-and-mortar venues will open in 2022. In the meantime, one can still enjoy quality stories and productions via streaming services. For anxious brick and mortar theatre owners, however, their concerns about returning audiences is an unknown X factor. Will audiences indeed return or stay at home and view plays on film with a snack and a beverage? Time will tell whether live theatre audiences, moviegoers, and the moviemakers themselves will win the fancy of future fickle audiences.

The “theatre” has long been the province of the playwright and the actors. Movies, on the other hand, belong to the vision of the director. Thanks to the breadth and sweep of the motion picture camera the movie industry’s technical wizards bring the insights and emotions of the screenwriter, the actors, and the director front and center in producing astonishing scenes with mind-blowing Hollywood-style CGI techniques.

The camera, with its creative and powerful use of movement and the intimacy of the close-up, would appear to have an audience advantage. Each medium, however, has its fans and followers. For variety, why not embrace both mediums, where and when possible, making the choice a win-win entertainment decision?

Savvy heavyweight Hollywood movers and shakers like Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt, Kristie Macosko Krieger, producer Mark Taylor, and director Bartlett Sher lend their considerable talents and heft into a timely remake of the 2017 Tony-winning stage production “Oslo”. The 2021 movie version is also written by J.T. Rogers from his eponymous stage play, adding new inputs as a way of sharpening and updating the dialogue by Rogers and others.

We live in an ever-changing society. What passed for questionable dialogue a generation ago is now woefully considered passe and behind the times. Today, four-letter word expletives are increasingly being hurled from the stage as well as from the TV and movie screens.

Think of all the film and plays we’ve seen in our lifetimes…how did we ever survive or enjoy those plays and movies without using those expletives in dialogue compared to now where every other word to describe what is happening begins or ends with the letters ‘F’ or ‘S’. Back in the day, it was the job of the actor to breathe life into the characters created by the playwrights or screenwriters. But I digress…

The movie version of the Tony-winning “Oslo” stage play follows the plot line pretty faithfully. The difference comes in the editing of the talky stage version that ran a tad over three hours. The 2021 film production only runs about two hours. Having seen both stage and film versions I would be hard-pressed to favor one over the other. However, when the story elements and the performers engage the audience, the litmus test of acceptance and success is when the performance time-elements seemed to have whizzed by.

The story of “Oslo” is how one international ‘shadow diplomacy’ coup – one that actually worked - was ‘touch and go’; based on true events that revolved around the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords. The shadow diplomacy occurring in the film became a fraught tool with secret negotiations taking place in distant Norway between trenchant enemies Israel and the PLO who were forbidden to acknowledge even the existence of one other, let alone discuss a covert peace plan for the Middle East.

The air in the initial meeting fairly crackles with electricity and pent-up emotions, along with nervous energy and uncertainty. The characters appear to be walking on eggs and holding their breath waiting to see what happens next in this intriguing and gripping drama - just like we the viewers. It's great stuff and so compelling to watch.

We can all thank a secret back-channel operation created and brokered by Norwegian husband and wife team of Mona and Terje Jull (brilliantly portrayed by Ruth Wilson and Andrew Scott) that followed two years of facilitated discussions. It was one of thorniest and incendiary-filled series of meetings ever undertaken by sworn enemies who rise above their personal feelings to come together in safe and neutral Norway, in the name of world peace.

The word “trust” was a keyword that kept the participants coming back to their secret meetings. The ground rules, laid down by facilitators Mona and Terje Jull, were only that the four diplomats present would be responsible for advancing forward the peace process. The only gathering and interactions of everyone occurs outside the meeting room at mealtimes and during personal time and relaxation.

Getting to know one another as human beings and 'friends', helps grease the wheels of understanding and generates a sense of trust in one another which becomes the mother’s milk of their dangerous undertaking. Despite the seriousness of what’s at stake, there are light moments that run throughout the movie… just as in real life.

In defense of no spoiler alerts here, it would be better if readers of this review search out the date and time of HBO’s next scheduled screening. “Oslo” is an important film that will resonate with many because it’s 2021 ‘déjà vu moments that are currently playing out in the Middle East to a shaky cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The burning question for all is: Will this latest attempt for a peace process hold?

The beauty of this movie relies on the collaborative efforts of many talented individuals. If one buys the premise of the story then you will probably buy the bits it takes to accept it. “Oslo” is blessed with a sublime cast of highly skilled and creative professionals. Some you will recognize, others will be newcomers to the American viewing public, but all will be remembered.

I consider this casting aspect to be a plus for viewers. The ring of authenticity as to what takes place at these meetings has been scrupulously researched by screenwriter J.T. Rogers and is smartly and deftly directed with insightful and creative touches by Bartlett Sher. Shout-outs also for the inventive, lush photography of Janusz Kaminski and to Jay Rabinowitz for his effective and nicely paced film editing.

The ensemble cast responds accordingly with a series of nuanced and finely judged performances. The aforementioned actors Ruth Wilson and Andrew Scott lead a list of wonderfully dedicated actors that include Salim Daw as Ahmed Qurie; Waleed Zuaiter as Hassan Asfour (both speaking for the Palestinian side); Jeff Wilbusch as Uri Savir; Igal Naor as Joel Singer; Dov Glickman as Yair Hirschfield; and Rotem Keinan as Ron Pundak.

This HBO production, which no doubt will be rescheduled, is well worth the wait. Quality filmmaking is still available for those who are not only discerning but are patient as well. A note of caution, however. “Oslo” has a boatload of expletives running throughout the film.

And, remember a great nation deserves great art. Support all the arts!