PERCEPTIVE CVREP COMEDY “NATIVE GARDENS” SCORES ON MANY LEVELS

Dennis Gersten, Janellen Steininger, Marta Portillo and
Andrew Joseph Perez star in CVREP's "Native Gardens"

As the early scenes of playwright Karen Zacarias’ 2019 comedy play-with-a-bite unfolds, one would think ‘I’ve seen this play /story before’.  But, you would be incorrect.  More precisely, we’ve all seen productions of the subject matter in “Native Gardens”, however, playwright Zacarias brings a new and fresh authenticity to her story solidly and deftly directed with sensitivity by Michael Mathews.

Latina/American born in Mexico, Zacharias bases her “Native Gardens” comedy on her book of the same name, becoming the most produced playwright in America over the last four years.   Her plays include The Copper Children, Destiny of Desire, The Book Club, and Legacy of Light, among many others

We’re now producing plays and movies in the 21st century that appeal to a different age demographic. Today’s entertainment productions are not the choices that your grandfather, nor your father made 50 years ago.  Everything on planet earth is constantly evolving from climate change to the way we speak, look and relate to our various communities in 2022.  

America today is a melting polyglot numbering 338 million souls who call America home.  We need to get on board the ‘future’ train or we’ll be left at the station wondering where the country and our society went. The realities of today’s world may sound a little scary but as the young people of today say, “It is what it is. Get over it.”  Harsh words?  Yes; but much wisdom lies between the lines of Zacarias’ clever and intriguing dialogue spoken by this talented four-member cast and the four-member on-stage ensemble. 

The 2022 Oscar Awards telecast visually validated that we are many individuals with creative skills and intelligence (except for the ‘slap’ seen around the world) that contribute to every aspect of American life.  We may not all look alike but we are all unified in its spirit.

The comedy, set in an upscale neighborhood in present Washington D.C., revolves around young new neighbors Tania and Pablo (wonderfully played by Marta Portillo and Andrew Joseph Perez, respectively) who live next door to Frank and Virginia (Dennis Gersten and Janellen Steininger) an established older couple who cherish their prize-worthy English Garden, among other memories. 

Pablo is a rising star attorney at a posh D.C. law firm and Tania is his very pregnant doctoral candidate wife.  We all know how young competitive lawyers are when it comes to being at the top of their profession.  We also recognize, how difficult and important it is for ‘seniors’ to embrace change as they get older.  How the characters resolve the situation that each finds itself in is the beauty of “Native Gardens”.  We could all learn its important messages once one gets past the obvious obstacles.

Tania is set on redoing the garden that existed when they bought the property. She wants to plant sparse native plants.  There is nothing wrong with her plan except that it flies in the face of Frank’s lush English Garden that he enters yearly in the Best Neighborhood Garden competition.  Competition may be great for business, but it can turn friendly neighbors into enemies when personal lifestyles clash.

Seeing problems from another’s point of view is the essence of compromise. It isn’t easy to walk in other people's shoes when one is not used to the path less traveled. That is at the heart of playwright Karen Zacharias’ thoughtful and reflective comedy play.

It’s the splendid cast that makes this production such an entertaining evening in the theatre. Dennis Gersten as Frank delivers a fully realized performance as a resistant to change senior.  I remember his two memorable performances in past CVREP’s productions of “The Chosen” and “How I Learned to Drive”, both powerful and entertaining.

His co-star Janellen Steininger may be new to me but her portrayal of Virginia, a senior who displays a softer yet stubborn side, delivers a nicely nuanced characterization. Experience and talent, like cream, always rise to the top. 

Marta Portillo as Tania, makes her ‘uncomfortable’ points in negotiation mode which comes across as a highly intelligent and savvy young Latina who knows how to gently but firmly resolve the escalating thorny issues (no pun intended) between Frank, Virginia, Tania and Pablo. The end result produces a winning portrayal.

Right from the instant Andrew Joseph Perez as Pablo, breezily and confidently comes on stage, the audience knows they’re in for a treat.  His energy and his stage presence signals the comedy’s message of this is going to be a fun evening.  Just go with the flow as the story unfolds.  You won’t be disappointed.

In the technical department led by director Mathews, the first thing the audience will see as they enter is the absolutely stunning set design created by Emmy-winning resident designer Jimmy Cuomo.  It’s one of the best designs he’s created at CVREP over the years.  

The ensemble actors Ariana Carrillo, Allan Looney-Escobar, Raven Cheikhi-Murphy and Alex Hernandez work their scene changes as well as performing on-stage as the gardening construction team.  

Lighting Director Moira Wilke Whitaker who doubles as the Technical Director, along with award-winning  Hair and Makeup artist Lynda Shaeps, plus Tony nominated Sound Designer Cricket Myers and Prop Manager Louise Ross, complete the creative team.  Gabrielle Bruno stage manages the production.

Postscript:  This marks the final production of CVREP under the outstanding 13-year stewardship of founding Artistic Director Ron Celona.  It appears that the siren call of the rocking chair of retirement was too strong to resist.  Well Done and Bon Voyage!!  He will be missed.

Performances of “Native Gardens” will be available to enjoy from April 16th to April 24th, 2022.  Call the Box Office for reservations and ticket information at 760-296-2966. The production is performed without an Intermission and runs about 90 minutes.

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

-- Jack Lyons

SWORDPLAY AND ROMANCE ON STAGE AT PALM CANYON THEATRE'S "CYRANO DE BERGERAC"

Michael Pacas (L) stars as Cyrano in Palm Canyon Theatre's
production of "Cyrano de Bergerac". All photos by Paul Hayashi.

It's springtime in Palm Springs, CA and love is in the air, especially on stage at the Palm Canyon Theatre where bravado and bragging go hand in hand in 17th-century French playwright Edmond Rostand’s famous classical romantic comedy/tragedy of unrequited love “Cyrano de Bergerac”.

The rousing production directed by PCT founder Dr. William Layne, Ph.D., is an homage to one his favorite plays on the subject of unconditional love.  Rostand specifically wrote the play for an actor friend who needed a winning play to boost his sagging career. Well, he certainly provided that, as well as penning a romantic dramedy that audiences around the world have come to embrace and enjoy for 125 years.

The Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT) usually does about four or five musical productions in their season.  The pandemic has been punishing all live theatre productions for over two years, however most of our Valley and Hi-Desert theatres are pushing the envelope and will mount productions whenever possible for the rest of 2022.

Director Layne has cast 22 performers to tell the achingly poignant story of Cyrano and Roxane. There are a couple metaphors on the foibles and folly of the human condition that run throughout that could easily recall a memory or two bringing misty eyes to those in the audience who can still relate. Yes, it’s somewhat of a tragedy masquerading as a comedy in dead earnest. Love is like that sometimes.

Cyrano de Bergerac (played with flair and style by the commanding presence of Michael Pacas) is a brash, strong-willed man of many talents. In addition to being a remarkable, loyal and feared duelist, he’s also a gifted, joyful poet and musical artist. However, he also is the owner of an obnoxiously large nose which causes him to doubt himself. 

Katrina Dixon as Roxane

This doubt prevents him from expressing his love for his distant cousin, the beautiful and intellectual Roxane (wonderfully and convincingly portrayed by Katrina Dixon). Cyrano believes that his ugliness would prove to be a detriment to any romantic entanglements with women.  But we’ve seen what can happen when kindness and empathy in the world of romance via ‘Hollywood’ is introduced to audiences.

Just remember that actor Ernest Borgnine portrayed plain looking, stocky Marty Piletti, a New York butcher, in the 1955 film “Marty” that went on to win him a Best Actor Oscar along with the Best Picture Oscar.  Never underestimate the power of love, which is not to be taken lightly, whether in fiction or real life.

Solid support comes from Cameron Keys as Christian de Neuvillette, who falls hopelessly in love with Roxane but lacks the ability to express himself romantically and begs Cyrano to help him win Roxane’s love; William Stetz as the Count de Guiche, the Nobleman suitor of Roxane whose constant proposals of marriage are constantly being rebuffed by Roxane; Ragueneau, the Baker and the closest friend and confidante of Cyrano, is delightfully played Stan Jenson. Linda Cooke as The Duenna shines in a little gem of a comedy role which she has been doing at PCT for the last ten years. Terry Huber as Le Bret and Matt Whitaker as Viscount de Valvert lend additional support as do a group of costumed nuns who become the stagehands in the changing of the set pieces, a clever directorial touch.

In the technical department led by director William Layne, the Resident Costume Designer Derik Shopinski has created some of his best looking costumes with this production which says a lot about his creative gifts as a designer  He’s a multiple Desert Theatre League (DTL) award-winning Costume Designer who deserves his many awards.  

Set Designers J.W. Layne and Kay Van Zandt deliver a functional performing space which they also arranged as the lighting directors for this show.  Sound design is by Nick Campbell, with projection designs and props by Nick Edwards and Marsha Berry complete the creative team. Resident photographer Paul Hayashi produced all the publicity photos for the production. 

All theatrical productions no matter where they are produced or performed require dedication and commitment on the part of the theatrical company to insure that every production is ready to entertain on opening night.  The only way to make that a reality is through the rehearsal process. 

Rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals!  It’s the only way to cure opening night ‘jitters’ and build confidence in the actors' performances.  If it ‘ain’t ready’, postpone it whenever possible.  Your loyal audiences will thank you in the long run.  Alas, it’s a pity that all this talent, blood, sweat, and tears was scheduled to perform for only four days. 

PCT’s upcoming production of the wacky musical of “Spamalot”, however, will perform for 10 days beginning April 22nd through May 1st.  For tickets and reservations contact the Box Office at 760 – 323 – 5123 or go online at: www.palmcanyontheatre.org. 

Remember, a great nation deserves great art… support all the arts!

-- Jack Lyons

21ST CENTURY COMEDY ROMP ABOUT THE VIRTUES AND PITFALLS OF SEX IN "ALL THIS INTIMACY"

When it comes to the subject of sex, with its ups and downs among 2022’s younger set, award-winning playwright Rajiv Joseph’s prescient 2006 play “All This Intimacy” is a funny but sobering commentary on the sexual mores and raging hormones of 21st century American society.

Desert Ensemble Theatre (DET) of Palm Springs concludes its highly successful 11th season despite the crushing two-year body blow that the worldwide pandemic delivered to Arts communities across the country.   However, it’s now springtime in the desert.  It’s time to leave the last two years as a bad memory to leave in the past.

Artistic Director Jerome Elliott and Executive Director Shawn Abramowitz picked up where they left off two years earlier bringing cutting-edge dramas and bold comedies to their audiences in Theatre #3 of the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Keith M. Cornell, seasoned Chicago stage director of some 30 years of experience – now living in Palm Springs - has smartly and skillfully staged this comedy along with crisp direction that helps cleverly mitigate a boatload of expletives.  Sometimes less is better when seeking an impact. 

“All This Intimacy” delves into the current social and sexual mores through the performances skills of its talented cast of six actors.  If you thought that “Tom Jones”, the movie with Albert Finney, was a bit racy or Michael Caine’s “Alfie” was a reflection of London’s over-sexed, swinging ‘60s, then Rajiv Joseph’s edgy comedy romp set in Brooklyn and Manhattan is a must-see for you.

The story revolves the around the hedonistic adventures of high school poetry professor Ty Green, a self-proclaimed Don Juan type who can’t resist his urge to bed every female he meets. Things get really sticky when Green accidentally impregnates three women - his ex-girlfriend Jen (Kudra Wagner), his married neighbor Maureen (Phylicia Mason), and his high school poetry student Becca (Eliza Convis) - all in a span of one week.

A special note at this point. DET Artistic Director Jerome Elliott made an announcement prior to the Opening Night that the role of Ty Green played by Sean Timothy Brown would be performed tonight by DET Executive Director Shawn Abramowitz due to Mr. Brown’s severe case of the flu, adding that Mr. Abramowitz would be carrying a copy of the script on stage. The audience sat back to await the happenings that would be unfolding in front of them over the next two hours.

The aforementioned talented cast includes Raul Ramiro Valenzuela as Seth, Ty’s frenetic best friend who wants Ty as his best man despite the objections of his bride-to-be Franny (J. Clare Merritt). 

The three mothers-to-be, Kudra Wagner, Phylicia Mason and Eliza Convis, shine in their individual responses to their relationship with bad boy Ty. Their scenes are juicy, witty, appalling and hilarious all at the same time. Kudos, ladies. 

The creative, technical department, led by director Cornell, features the clean lines and visual set production values of master set designer Thomas L. Valach, ably assisted by lighting designer Kevin O’Shaughnessy, and sound designer Gus Sanchez. The production is stage managed by Sierra Barrick.

There is a short window to see this provocative comedy production so make your reservations now as the show will only perform on Friday, April 1st through Sunday, April 3rd. Call the box office at 760-565-2476 or visit their website at www.desertensembletheatre.org.

Remember, a great nation deserves great art… support all the arts!

-- Jack Lyons