“The Actor’s Nightmare,” in which a hapless actor finds himself on stage performing in a play he’s never rehearsed and doesn’t remember, is among the works of playwright Christopher Durang to be presented at Everett Community College next week.
Durang’s blend of dark comedy and satire is showcased in this and other short works in performances Tuesday through May 21 offered by the Everett Community College Theatre Department.
“The Actor’s Nightmare” is reminiscent of dreams many actor’s have had, the actor’s equivalent of being naked in public,” said Beth Peterson, theater instructor at EvCC.
A cast of student actors also performs Durang’s “Mrs. Sorken,” “Desire, Desire, Desire,” “DMV Tyrant,” “Funeral Parlor,” “The Hardy Boys” and “The Mystery of Where Babies Come From.”
Christopher Durang, “is an important American playwright. His satirical look at current issues creates a comic relief as we recognize and consider problems in our world,” Peterson said.
“He shows the ridiculous, he demands that we look at our faults, forcing us to be aware of what we would rather hide away. Because it is comic, it makes it safe, in a way, but we can still learn important lessons, not only from the content, but also the controversy.”
The cast includes EvCC students Amanda Hale, Kate Stevens-Young, Alex Stevens-Young, Corey Gullikson, Jacob Reed, Olivia Sahlbom, Valerie Olson, Andrew Bell, Virginia Whipple, Natalie Cano, Christina Stephens, and Sean Mathews.
Because of strong language and subject matter, children will not be admitted. Performance are free and take place in Baker Hall 120.
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”: The 5th Avenue Theatre and Seattle Men’s Chorus team up to present the classic Jule Styne/Leo Robin musical comedy “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” in five concert performances beginning today.
The production will feature two high-profile entertainers in the lead roles: Broadway’s Faith Prince plays Lorelei, the character made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the film. Lucy Lawless, TV’s “Xena: Warrior Princess,” stars as her sidekick Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell in the film).
Local celebrities in the cast include John Curley and Pat Cashman.
In this concert staging (emphasis on the book and the music, less on sets and costumes) the leading actors will be backed by the entire 250-member Seattle Men’s Chorus and accompanied by a full orchestra.
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” follows the exploits of Loreliei, a blond bombshell on the lookout for eligible (read that rich) men, who is heading for Paris on an ocean liner with her friend Dorothy, a wise-cracking showgirl.
Among the musical highlights are “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “It’s Delightful Down in Chile,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “I’m Just a Little Girl from Little Rock” and “When Love Goes Wrong.”
“Grease”: Frankie Avalon is a natural for a part in the musical “Grease.” After all, he was in his musical prime during the 1950s, the era this popular show celebrates.
Avalon played Teen Angel in the movie version of the show, and he reprises the part in a stage performance of “Grease” that’s presented in four performances today through Sunday at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle.
Faith Prince (left) and Lucy Lawless appear with the Seattle Men’s Chorus in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
Frankie Avalon (center) is Teen Angel in “Grease” at the Paramount.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
