Life and all in Redding California
Wow, this is local theater tour de force. Take two of Redding’s most experienced actors and put them in a play that is little more than constant tightly written dialog.
The play takes place on a BART train in the wee hours of a morning commute. We’re taken along with these two on their journey from strangers to intimacy in two compelling but funny acts that breeze by like scenery from the train.
The spare action contrasts with the quick wit, and soon you are drawn into to the inner worlds of these complex characters. Their love of the New York Times crossword puzzles serving as theme to solving the puzzles of their own lives. The outcome is satisfying, and perhaps predictable. But the journey is so utterly engaging that the destination seems only an afterthought.
Obtaining tickets to a Riverfront production is ridiculously simple. Log in to the Cascade Theatre website at the link, and pick your seats. Tickets with our printed name on them were waiting at the door. It works flawlessly.
Terrific work by actors Bob Koroluck, and Lisa Murphy Collins. Directed by Kay Overbay. You’ve still got a few dates to choose from. Don’t miss your train!
We went for Realtor night to the final performance of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some), Directed by Russell Piette at Redding’s Riverfront Playhouse.
The cast consisted of Chris Gomez, Tyler Penn, Ian Dalziel, Amy Cicerello, Ben VanSickle and Jorin Antero-Towle. In their central role, Chris, Tyler, and Ian filled the frenetic 2 hours with rapid fire dialog and endless references to Christmas classics. It had everyone smiling and laughing the whole evening.
Frankly, it looked truly exhausting for the players. Their timing and delivery was spot on, as one might expect for a 21st and final performance. I am always amazed at the high level of productions our local troupe achieves in their soon-to-be-former storefront theater. They are so creative and energetic. You can see about their next productions at the Riverfront Playhouse website. Here is the upcoming 2013 season:
January 26 to February 16: LEADING LADIES directed by Jennifer Levens
March 16 to April 6: PARADISE LOST & FOUND directed by Leon Compton
May 4 to May 25: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF directed by Samantha Clark (Fork)
June 22 to July 20: BELLES ON THEIR TOES directed by TBA
August 17 to August 31: WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE directed by Elizabeth Johnson
September 28 to October 26: A LITTLE MURDER NEVER HURT ANYONE directed by Maria Drake
November 16 to December 14: A CHRISTMAS STORY directed by Jonessa Brittan
Local theater, it’s Really Redding.
Last night was was Realtor and Affiliate night at Riverfront. A fun benefit for our local community theater, and for building their much needed new facility downtown. A funny romp through “Nana’s” Plays weekends thru June 16. More info at our Redding local theater group’s website
