The Drawer Boy by Michael Healey
October 5 - November 11, 2007
Directed by CB Brown
LA WEEKLY Go (Tom Provenzano)
Review
“Michael Healy’s moving play, based on the true adventures
of a Canadian acting troupe, uses storytelling as its central theatrical
conceit, and theme. In 1972, some Toronto actors created a docudrama
after living and working with family farmers. Morgan (Marty Lodge)
is an embittered middle-aged farmer who has been taking care of
his childhood best friend, Angus (Bob Morrisey), since the latter
lost his short-term memory, brain-damaged during their army stint
in London as the WWII blitz raged. Miles (J. R. Mangles) is the
young actor who comes to stay and learn about farming. At first
Morgan patronizes the young man, but when Miles overhears him retelling
the war story to Angus and takes it to his troupe, the lives of
all three are dramatically altered. Chris Brown directs Healy’s
often weighty script (leavened with flashes of bright humor) with
a kind of meticulousness that perfectly draws out every moment
of frivolity and gravitas. However, he does have a very gifted
cast to work with — the characterizations are vivid, and elevated
in style with a hitch or two more theatricality than one usually
finds in psychological realism. The physical production elements
are superb, particularly Craig Siebels’ simple farmhouse set.”
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The West Coast Premiere of
Palace of the End by Judith Thompson
June 1 - July 8, 2007
Directed by Sara Botsford & CB Brown
LA TIMES CRITICS CHOICE
"Palace of the End raises the bar”
“beautifully specific writing”
“packs a mean punch”
“directors Sara Botsford and CB Brown send their superbly invested actors on
a collision course with our nerve ending”
“as quietly unforgettable as it is purposely rending.”
LA WEEKLY PICK and GO (Steven Leigh Morris)
“finely directed … a lament that is theological and tragic and contains a rare,
eerie beauty… Playwright Judith Thompson paints a richly textured portrait. Her
landscape is Iraq… Kate Mines, (Lynndie England)…. cavalier, quick-witted interpretation.”…
Michael Catlin, (Dr. David Kelly), …engrossing Anna Khaja… mournful, merciful
restraint.
“PERSPECTIVES ON IRAQ VIVIDLY STAGED” … STUDIO CITY SUN
“Kudos for the direction…. a minimalist approach…strong performances.” Tolucan
Times
REGARDLESS OF YOUR POSITION ON THE WAR, THIS IS A MUST SEE PRODUCTION
It is NOT just another Bush bashing.
Instead it looks at 3 victims of the war.
Lynndie England, who took the fall for the ABU GHRAIB prison scandal.
Dr, David Kelly, the British Microbiologist who blew the whistle that there were
no weapons of mass destruction, and was found dead in the forest. Suicide? Or
murder!
An Iraqi mother who lived during the time of Saddam Hussein, and now oversees
the catastrophe continuing in her country.
Sara Botsford
Artistic Director, 49th Parallel Theatre |
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Anna Khaja in Palace of the End
“Written
with poetry and passion, multi-layered, intense yet understated,
this is Thompson's most brilliantly sustained piece of writing
in years… this is a play that does what every great play
should do – have you hotly debating the issues and arguments
as you head out of the theatre and into the street.”
Robert Crew, The Toronto Star |
The American Premiere of
The Good Life by Daniel Brooks
March 17 - April 30, 2006
Directed by Sara Botsford & CB Brown
Official Press Release of The Good
Life
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Reviews
"Filled with potent dialogue, pertinent issues and
fine acting, the 49th Parallel Theatre Company's production of
The Good Life wittily examines what it means to be happy and
secure in marriage and love. Serious yet playful, the production
caustically studies love and sex between adults." - Entertainment
Today
"The ensemble cast do a fine job addressing issues
regarding intimacy. Sara Botsford and CB Brown’s directing is
tight in this intense production. It is a challenging piece.
Set designer Scott Boyett’s set is fine functional upper middle
class contemporary. Excellent ensemble cast in this character
driven story that is truthful, and honest, with a lot to say." -
American Radio Network |
