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About The Clackamas print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1989-2019 | View Entire Issue (June 3, 1992)
Page 4 THE CLACKAMAS PRINT FEATURE June 3, 1992 Review CCC production of 'Love's Labor's Lost' skillful, entertaining by Robert A. Hibberd Co-Editor*In-Chief The Clackamas Community College Communications and Theatre Arts Department is pre senting William Shakespeare’s play entitled "Love’s Labor's Lost" in die McLoughlin Hall Theatre. The synopsis of the play is as Director Diane Olson writes: The King of Navarre (Shane Fraley) and his followers vow to devote the next three years to a life of study and contemplation. "Love's Labor's Lost" • :GeneraI: $6:; = x, ' i .Student^: $3 ' ; ■■■■■■■. > ervatlons) , Performance ?chfiduig June 5 at 8 p.m. . Jü he 6 at 8 p.m. June 7 at 2:30 pjn. . McLoughlin Hall Theatre One of the rules of this “Little Academe” is the strict avoidance of women. This rule is immedi ately violated by the arrival of The Princess of France (Diana C. Brainerd) and her attendants (Jennifer R. Kirkpatrick and Kerry V. McQuaid) on a diplomatic mission. At their first meeting, the King, Berowne (Ian Kennedy) and Longaville (David Amundson) are immediately smitten by these French girls and begin to woo them secretly. With the help of the village swain, Costard (John Abbott), the braggart Armado (Eddie Murphy), the school marm, Holofemes (Diele Shoebridge) and the local mother superior (Christina Vlassis), the young men’s missives go astray and expose the youths’ secrets to each other. To win the ladies over, the three men propose a pageant which the ladies, being forewarned, vow to disrupt The young men, frus trated, return and learn the true labors of love, and a pageant in honor oi the Princess is performed. The sudden arrival of a messen ger (Herther Kahut) from the King of France’s court brings a halt to the merriment. The death of the ly wood and remind ourselves of the universal appeal of Shakespeare,” said Olson. Each actor was asked "Which 1940’s movie actor or actress are "By producing 'Love's Labor's Lost' as a black and white comedy, we hope to re call those films from the golden age of Hollywood and remind ourselves of the universal appeal of Shakespeare. " -Diane Olson Princess’s father requires her to return to France for one year. Although seemingly tradi tional, a bizarre twist exists with the cast presenting the play in 1940’s movie style. The entire cast dresses in 1940’s attire and the play is interrupted periodi cally with an abrupt “Cut!” from Chayla-Dion, who plays Moth, Armodo’s page. “By producing Love’s La bor’s Lost’ as a black and white comedy, we hope to recall those films from the golden age of Hol- you basing your characterization on?" “Jean Arthur,” said Brainerd of her characterization. “Shehad a lot of spunk and went after what she wanted despite what others thought” “I am basing my character on Jean Harlow because she was so promiscuous and she had a way about her that really attracted the men,” said Danielle Davis about her role as Jacquenetta. Kennedy mentioned “Berowne is sort of half Groucho Marx, half Clark Gable. He is a smooth talker, like Gable, and has the same wit and humor as Groucho.” “I based Maria on Joan Fon taine,” said McQuaid. “Maria’s sister killed herself because of love. I think Joan Fontaine had the quality of reserved sadness which Maria also has. Abbott bases his characteri zation on a cartoon character. “My characterization is based on the most respected, most provoca tive, most controversial actor in the Forties: Bugs Bunny.” This presentation of "Love’s Labor’s Lost" was skillful in its merging of 1940’ s comedy to that of Shakespeare, providing an entertaining play and evening for all. The play was performed beautifully with powerful perform- ances handed in by all cast members. Kennedy and Abbott did superb and came out appear ing strong among an already strong cast. Review 'Psycho Beach Party' cast presents enjoyable take-off of 'surf-and-sex' films by Jean Tamerius Contributing Writer T awzv k* «r»/4 c « rica 01 above a sand dune. “Look at that” drools the binocular-be spectacled YO-YO to his buddy Provoloney. Shades of the past envelope us as the “Psycho Beach Party” begins. “Gidget meets Psycho meets the Three Faces of Eve meets Mommy Dearest” is how the promotion material describes this avant garde, hilarious take-off of ing from the Beach Boys’ “Cali fornia Girls” to “Where theBoy s Ajsa’2.t>v C oo ni e Frances. A-tone point, the cast comes into the aisles and “twists” with willing members of the audience. Debra-Ann Lund is superb as Chicklet (a small chick). She changes character from a 15-year- old surfer groupie to a whip-wield- ing woman, switching parts as quickly and effortlessly as flip ping a switch. The supporting cast is equally ... if you are a liberal-minded person who just wants some laughs, Charles Busch's play "Psycho Beach Party" is a must-see. these and many more of the ado lescent “surf-and-sex” films of the early 60s. The recorded music is as nostalgic for many of us as it is contemporary for others, rang- adept at spoofing the past. Kam Sisco as “beach bunny” Marvel Ann, and Brian Haliski as “Mommy Dearest” Mrs. Forrest, were wonderful at playing the roles of females, and Liz Russell was incomparable as the great Kanaka-the surfing Kahuna.. Chicklet’s best friend, Berdine, played by Christine Calfas, played a mean cello to punctuate her “Dear Diary” entries. The come dic expertise of Sylvia Sewell as the runaway movie star Bettina Barnes regaled us with her “dumb blond” routine. . She minced around the stage and spoke in a squeaky baby voice reminiscent of the “blond bombshells” of yes teryear. Some of the language and content of this rendition may not be to everyone’s liking, but if you are a liberal-minded person who just wants some laughs, Charles Busch’s play “Psycho Beach Party” is a must-see. The play opened on May 1 at the Theater Paris at 6 SW Third in Portland. It will run through June 13, with a special Rose Festival Performance on June 3, to “bring a sailor for half-price.” Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. "Psycho Beach Party," a humorous take-off of "surf-and- sex" films of the 60s, is playing at the Theater Paris in Portland.
