Page 66 - Sonoma County Gazette - May, 2018

Hubris and Loyalty in Upcoming Theater
Mother’s Day is what May is all about. If you’re lucky enough to have your mom in your life, start a new tradition and take her to a movie after brunch this Mother’s Day! Two good movies open this Mother’s Day weekend. First is “The Seagull” starring academy award nominated actress Annette Bening and another academy award nominated actress Saoirse Ronan. Based on the Anton
Chekhov play, “The Seagull”
is about an aging actress who
obsesses over her own stardom
while belittling her son’s artistic
aspirations. Bening has been
nominated many times for the
Oscar but has never won. This is the
movie that could end that curse. The
other movie opening May 11th is
“Terminal” starring academy award
nominated actress Margot Robbie
and Mike Myers. Robbie plays a
con who is pulling the strings. She
can find the sweet spot in any of
the men that she deals with. This
reminds me a lot of the “Sin City”
movies. Opening May 4th is “Tully” starring academy award winner Charlize Theron. The movie is about a desperately overburdened wife and mom who is rescued from the breaking point by a wise and upbeat nanny named Tully. This film is written by Diablo Cody who won the Oscar for writing “Juno”. Fans of Jane Fonda and Diane Keaton will be happy to see “Book Club” which opens May 18th. Also starring Richard Dreyfuss and Candice Bergen. It’s about four mature women who spice their lives by reading “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Also opening May 18th is “Deadpool 2” starring Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin. After grossing $783 million worldwide and becoming one of the biggest box office surprises in recent history, Reynolds returns for another round of R-rated superhero fun. Finally, on May 25th, “Star Wars” fans will run to the theaters to see “Solo: A Star Wars Story” starring Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han solo. Woody Harrelson aappears as Solo’s mentor. That’s all I’ll say because
I don’t want to ruin anything. For those of you who have never seen “A Fish Called Wanda” in theaters you will have your chance May 17th at the Roxy theater in Santa Rosa. It’s part of their very popular CULT series. Jamie Lee Curtis has never been better. Treat yourself and see this movie at the theater. For those of you who love film festivals, Petaluma will be hosting their short film festival Saturday, May 5th at the amazing Mystic Theater. Call 707 778 3687 for information.
Main Stage West’s ‘Eurydice’ is an inventive retelling of the Greek myth, empowering characters with unexpected choices and relatable personalities. Sarah Ruhl’s contemplative play explores Eurydice’s relationship with her father and the tragic tale of lost love. A
water feature of the forgetful river Lethe meanders through Ruhl’s tale of missed connections and fleeting bliss.
Intricate lighting design by Missy Weaver and Doug Faxon’s mesmerizing soundscape weave what artistic director Elizabeth Craven describes as “something completely different” from what is expected in the intimate theater, guiding the audience on a magical exploration through realms apart from time.
The Seagull stars actress Saoirse Ronan.
Director Chris Ginesi’s first
impression of the language is striking.
“At times, it’s jazz, sparkling with life
and love, at times it’s the blues, reveling in loss and memories of the past and what might have been, but most of all, it’s a love letter to humanity.”
Brianna Dinges portrays a courageous Eurydice beside Taylor Diffenderfer’s Orpheus and an imaginative performance by John Craven as the Father, whom she encounters in the Underworld. Ginesi assures that the play “transcends the myth we all think we know, and breathes a new life into the story...an impressive and immersive experience.”
‘Eurydice’ by Sarah Ruhl, May 11 – June 2
Main Stage West, 104 N. Main Street, Sebastopol Tickets: $15-30, Thursdays Pay What You Will www.mainstagewest.com (707) 823-0177
Estranged brothers attempt to collaborate over a screenplay in ‘True West’ at Cloverdale Performing
Arts Center, their disparate personalities clashing toward a wild denouement. Mingling dark comedy with grounded drama, Director Christopher Nevin Johnston calls
it “deceptively simple” with actors who have “the ability to shift quickly between pathos and comedy.” He has been working with Rusty Thompson and Robert Zelenka to hone tone and pacing, finding a balance between wit and sorrow, discussing scenes until they flow naturally, conveying the rich layers of Sam Shepard’s subtext.
For my live theater fans there’s a lot to be excited about. First there’s “La Cage Aux Folles” at the 6th Street Playhouse. It opened last weekend and closes May 20. Starring many local talented actors including Anthony Martinez as Georges, Joseph Favalora as Jacob the Maid, Lorenzo Alviso as Jean-Michel and Nate Mercier
Yave Guzman’s claustrophobic,
desaturated set design conveys the
brothers’ inability to deviate from predefined paths, adding “to the level of anxiety that occurs in the play”. Johnston describes a building momentum within the environment. “By the end of the play, they both appear as caged animals trying to get free”.
May 20. Directed by the very talented Sheri Lee Miller, this show is perfect
for the whole family. Call 707-588-3400 for more information. The Mayflower Chorus presents: “Showtime! A Tribute to Broadway” at the Marin Center. Opening May 11 and closes May 12.
‘True West’ by Sam Shepard, May 18-27
Call 415-473-7000 for more information.
David Spade fans will want to see his comedy show at the Graton Casino in Rohnert Park on May 11th. Go to Graton casino’s website for more information. Finally, if you’ve never been to the Mountain Play in Marin, you have to go this year to catch “Mamma Mia”. Opens May 20th at the Mount Tamalpais State Park. Go to info@mountainplay.org for more info. Email me at dongibblecast@ hotmail.com with any film or theater questions.
Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Boulevard, Cloverdale, Tickets: $12-25
www.cloverdaleperformingarts.com (707) 894-2214
66 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 5/18
Email me at dongibblecast@hotmail.com with any film or theater questions.
as Cagelle, this show is not to be missed. Call 707-523-4185 for more information. “Peter Pan” opens at Spreckels in Rohnert Park on May 4 and closes