A Great New Take on “A Christmas Carol”
Looking for something unique and different during the holidays? Join OKC Theatre Company for JACOB MARLEY’s CHRISTMAS CAROL, a creative twist on the Dickens classic anything on OKC stages this season. Supported by inventive lighting (Kathrine Mitchell) and sound designs (Jason McKelvy) the minimal costumes and scenic effects empower the audience imagination to re-envision the familiar Dickens tale. Under the direction of Doug Van Liew who previously starred as Jacob Marley in two previous OKCTC productions, the company brings Tom Mula’s MARLEY to City Space Theatre starring OKC theatre scene favorite Don Taylor in the title role.Chicagopublications called the original MARLEY production: “…an inspired and moving story that makes all that old stuff about ghosts and graves seem both immediate and revelatory…” -Chicago Tribune. “…MARLEY blends a Dickens sensibility with a taste for fairy tales and contemporary wit…thoroughly charming–a holiday treat…” -Herald (Chicago). “Delectably zany…inspired theatre…gives the audience cause to ache, and to laugh, and in the end, to exalt.” -Citybeat. “Of all the holiday shows dotting the theatrical landscape, none shines brighter than JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL.” -The Life. MARLEY is presented in the intimate City Space Theatre atCivicCenterMusic Hall, 201 N.Walkerin downtownOklahoma City. PERFORMANCES: Thursdays-Saturdays December 6 (preview), 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, & 22 at 8:00 pm and Sundays December 16 & 23 at 2:00 pm.
“The Last Romance” addendum Review and a Lasting Hit!
“The Last Romance” is showing at Carpenter Square Theatre and has two sets of leading lady cast members playing alternate nights. After seeing the wonderful job done by Jane Hall as Carol Reynolds and Vickie Wilcox as Rose Tagliatelle with Paul Smith as Ralph Bellini, a second viewing with the alternate cast became a must!
Kitty Fisher stars as Carol Reynolds in the alternate cast, however, Laurel Van Horn Jaworsky did not perform. Vickie Wilcox normally plays alongside Kitty Fisher, and they had a magnificent rapport as did Hall and Wilcox. Although it is clear that Jaworsky provides an excellent performance as well, seeing Hall with Wilcox followed by Fisher and Wilcox gives a delightful dimension to Joe DePietro’s work.
This is an excellent show and the review above is rather lengthy. “The Last Romance” is a wonderful play and Doobie Potter directs a wonderful cast of personal contemporaries. As a result, the review was over-long initially and the reviewer had to edit. Self-editing is never the wisest choice, although it is often necessary. Unfortunately the paragraph that mentions the young singer who portrays the young man so poignantly was removed. The role is beautifully handled and masterfully sung by Robby Ray. Apologies to him for this oversight and belated congratulations on his performance. Ray has a great future as a singer, and his stage presence will enhance future acting roles as well as straight singing opportunities.
In addition to Ray’s great voice, Smith’s best performance, Hall and Jaworsky or Fisher and Wilcox in excellent performance mode, the little dog, Peaches is played by Coco Chanel Carr. Director Doobie Potter has a great show for Oklahoma City audiences. “The Last Romance” plays at Carpenter Square Theatre through December 23, 2012 and should not be missed! Call 405-232-6500 for reservations at Carpenter Square Theatre, 800 West Main in downtown Oklahoma City.
The Last Romance — Unusual and Delightful Carpenter Square Offering — A Smash Hit
Every now and then a role comes along that is so dynamite it can’t be overlooked. Award winning author Joe DiPietro is known as a great playwright—I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Over the River and Through the Woods are examples of his work. Along comes The Last Romance with two roles that would have my name right up in lights! The names filling those roles in this production are Jane Hall and Kitty Fisher for the role of Carol Reynolds and Laurel Van Horn Jaworsky and Vicki Wilcox for the role of Rose Tagliatelle.
Director Doobie Potter then cast the role of Ralph Bellini with Paul Smith. Yes, his name was on that role as well. As a matter of fact this may be absolutely his best performance in any show he has ever done because it suits his speech patterns, and he displays an intricate knowledge of the character that makes him shine. Potter perfectly cast Coco Chanel Carr as the little dog. She designed an open set that works wonderfully for all the locations. But ultimately Potter had to make the hard decision: Hall or Fisher and Jaworsky or Wilcox. She made the best decision imaginable. The result of her decision is romantic and hysterically funny.
The leading ladies are double cast and perform alternately. The performance this article refers to has Hall as Carol and Wilcox as Rose in the roles. (Look out for an update in a few days; next Saturday night, this reviewer will see the alternate cast in performance.)
Smith is inspired as the Italian sweetie-heart who hasn’t lost his appeal as a student of humanity–or his sex appeal. Hall as Carol is a gorgeous older woman who believes she is past any thoughts of romance. Smith’s character Ralph can see beyond her shell to the beauty lurking behind a rare smile. Rose, Ralph’s sister and ‘keeper’ has also lost touch with humanity in general, but if she watches her brother, she may find it again. Wilcox beautifully shows the audience that transformation.
Under Potter’s expertise these three actors create a show that is well worth seeing for the older set. It is also very much a family show. Younger people can relate to The Last Romance much as they relate to their first romance or fantasize about the romance yet to come.
We are never too old to love–never to old to bind our passion–and never too old to step out to Carpenter Square Theatre where The Last Romance plays through December 23, 2012. What great gift a couple of tickets would be for parents or grandparents who only like to pretend to you they are over the hill. They are not!
The excellent cast and crew–as well as Jon and Jaefinn (proud poppas of Coco Chanel Carr, aka Peaches)–welcome patrons to Carpenter Square Theatre. Located at 800 West Main in downtown Oklahoma City, Carpenter Square is easily accessible from the Interstate or from Classen Boulevard. Parking is available nearby; the theatre stocks a nice bar and encourages patrons to come a little early for the art show. Mort Hamilton is the artist for The Last Romance, and her exhibit is entitled “The Sound of Water.” Interested patrons should look closely at some of these paintings because they are not only lovely, they are mysterious. Remember “The Iceman Cometh” and enjoy Hamilton’s work.
Reservations can be made at 405-232-6500. Enjoy a great script choice from Artistic Director Rhonda Clark, and a great show from Director Doobie Potter!
Look for an update with the alternate cast next week here at Oklahoma Arts: Scene & Hurd.
