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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 2005)
Bravo • Winter 2005 A Life In The Theatre opens at Lord Leebrick Theatre on Jan. 14. Find the Time January’s theater line-up is packed with must-see shows. By Sharleen Nelson A play-within-a-play and an American classic take center stage in mid- January. David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre opens Jan. 14 at Lord Leebrick. Mamet’s brief stint as an actor pro- vided him with fodder for this early work, which centers around the relationship between two repertory actors: Robert, an actor at the end of his career, and John, his younger, less experienced protégé. This bit- tersweet comedy follows their friendship and rivalry onstage and behind the scenes as they discuss acting and life from their differing perspectives. “It’s about what happens to two actors,” director Hans Christofferson said. “It’s funny. There’s lots of slapstick, but on the other hand, it’s also very affectionate and warm.” Christofferson said he enjoys revisiting Mamet’s work, in part because of Mamet’s Death of a Salesman has often been described as a tragedy of the common man and a social commentary about disillusionment with the American dream. gift for writing realistic dialogue with all the “er’s” and “um’s” included. “Mamet’s dia- logue is unmatched by anyone in the the- ater,” he said. He also likes Mamet’s work because it’s grounded in reality. “[Mamet] writes about work, real people, real jobs. And even though these two characters work in a second-rate theater, their work isn’t dimin- ished.” Christofferson, who previously directed Uncle Vanya and Nora at Lord Leebrick, cast veteran actor Ken Hoff as Robert and Bruce McArthur as John. The production will include live sound effects and an additional character, an omnipresent stage manager, played by Sarah Lenn. Also on Jan. 14, Very Little Theatre opens its production of the classic Death of a Salesman. Arthur Miller’s seminal Pulitzer Prize-winning story follows the struggles of Willy Loman, a down-on-his-luck, traveling salesman. Willy relives the past in his mind. Estranged from his oldest son, Biff, Willy’s job loss further exacerbates his deepening depression. Salesman has often been described as a tragedy of the common man and a social commentary about disillusionment with the American dream. Surprisingly, director Stephen Speidel views Salesman as a mes- sage of hope. “The play is so tied up with our culture, of who we are as a society,” he said. “But, it’s also about the way people really are in families and relationships, and ultimately, the play is a transcendence of struggle to sur- vive and remain intact.” Lord Leebrick offers deep discounts. G Tap • Jazz • Ballet • Pilates • Hip Hop • Break Dance • Cheer/Dance Team www.eugeneweekly.com By Melissa Bearns tickets for $10. Usually, tickets cost $12-$15. ood theater often comes with a price tag only the solid- “The way I look at it is that there should always be at least one ly middle class and up can afford. But more and more, or two price options that are roughly the cost of going to a local theater companies are offering special deals to movie,” Willis said. “Because that’s what a college student is entice a younger audience and make it possible for anyone to going to compare it with.” check out a hot play or performance regardless of income. If Students and younger theatergoers in the know are taking you’re looking for a deal in Eugene’s theater world, beat a hasty advantage of the discounted rates. At a Thursday night perform- path to the Lord Leebrick Theatre Company. ance of The Goat or Who “Our mission state- ‘The way I look at it is that there should always be at least is Sylvia? in October, more ment is to use the space to engage the community one or two price options that are roughly the cost of going than half of the seats were and cultivate art in the to a movie. Because that’s what a college student is going to filled with college students and people in their early community,” said Craig compare it with.’ — Craig Willis 20s. Willis, the company’s In April the “FLEX” and “Starving Artist” passes go on sale director. “Part of that should be making the art accessible.” for the 2006 season and the discounts are available to everyone. Lord Leebrick has created an innovative program called 20/25 Last year, the Convenience FLEX 5 Pass — five tickets to regular aimed at 20 somethings and people on a tight budget. Any adult season productions — was marked down from $70 to $55. making less than $20K a year or younger than 25 can go to one of In a time when movies and television often serve as the staples the preview dress rehearsals for $5. They’re held Wednesday and of entertainment, the intimate performance space and Lord Thursday nights before the show opens. On Thursdays, students Leebrick’s cutting-edge productions offer a wonderful alternative. can see a show for $8, and on Sundays, seniors get a deal with Dance Classes for All Ages 485-2938 ioral gestures. Miller’s masterpiece remains universally admired after 50 years and Speidel is certain that the play will strike a chord with local audiences as well. “It’s the work of great poetry and genius. It’s such a primal play,” he said. Play-ing On a Shoestring Register Now for January Classes • • • • As Willy Loman, actor Patrick Torelle “personalizes every line and moment as the character,” Speidel said. He doesn’t plan to change the script but will expand on the minor and often overlooked characters of son Happy and wife Linda, through small behav- "Dҿ̢OH6Ҁ DFWLQJOHVVRQVIRUNLGV "Dҿ̢OH˪ΝS"ȜӅ͝UT \RXDUHQHYHUWRRROGWRVWDUW 1MBZX҅JH̙ӂT8ΝS͙ҙIPѿ SHUIHFWWKHFUDIW $̢̙MȠT1MBZ ODXJKDQGOHDUQ R eas on eason ons s to Ch Cho o o s e Our Studio: Convenient Class Times Fit Your Busy Schedule Our Sprung Dance F Fl l oors Help Prevent Injury Sma Smal l l Clas Class s es Provide More Personal Attention Qualified Caring Instructors LPSDFWDUWVJURXSFRP www.musicalfeet.com Call or Sign Up On Line %ULQJ2XW<RXU ,QQHU$FWRU est 1979 'UDPDWLFHGXFDWLRQE\VWDJHSURIHVVLRQDOV 420 W est 12th • Eugene Bravo! EW’s Winter 2005 Guide to the Performing Arts ■ 5
