Sunday, August 13, 2006

Leonard Nimoy's Vincent


Sam Lovett and Cynthia Parks are returning to Santa Cruz after a 10 year absence. And they are bringing with them their hit production of Leonard Nimoy's play Vincent, a theatrical portrait of Vincent van Gogh.

Written by Leonard Nimoy, Vincent, a one-man stage play, is based almost entirely on the letters Vincent van Gogh wrote to his art dealer brother Theo van Gogh. Under the direction of Cynthia Parks, Vincent is presented by Chapeaux Productions in a completely different fashion than it has been in the past, namely without the slide show which has accompanied all previous productions of the play. The production focuses instead on the characters of the Van Gogh brothers and their close relationship, and features Lovett playing both Vincent van Gogh and his art dealer brother Theo van Gogh.

Los Angeles audiences and critics alike have been raving about Chapeaux Productions' take on Vincent, with The Los Angeles Times calling the show "Stylish and haunting," The LA Weekly saying "Lovett undergoes lightning bolt transformations to deliver two exceptional performances."

Cynthia and Sam were very active in the SC theatre community, Cynthia as a director and Sam as an actor. They were an important part of Central Coast Theaterworks, which produced, among other plays Angels in America.

For three weeks only, with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM, September 21st through October 7th, 2006 at Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre, 1001 Center Street in downtown Santa Cruz. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for all students (with student ID) and seniors (over 60). For reservations, call (831) 515-4118. Photo credit: Kevin McIntyre.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Reviews of Guys and Dolls

Ann Bennett in The Santa Cruz Sentinel writes "This year, Cabrillo Stage celebrates its 25th anniversary season — and does it with an exuberant, spectacular production of one of Broadway's splashiest classics, "Guys and Dolls." Full review.

Nathalie Plotkin in The Herald of Monterey County writes "an absolutely sumptuous production". Full review.

Joyce Mann writing for the Metro says "one of the most energetic and colorful shows to hit the Santa Cruz area in a long time" Full review.

Christa Martin describes in The Good Times "an eye-popping, visual and theatrical treat." Full review.

Bruce Bratton in BrattonOnline writes "Hands down this is the finest, best fun musical Cabrillo has ever presented.".

And various people writing in their MySpace blogs. Zack.

Guys and Dolls at Cabrillo Stage. Plays through August 13, 2006. Ticket info.