52 The Queens Courier • buzz • NOVEMBER 10, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF/ BY CLIFF KASDEN ‘Blithe Spirit’ materializes in Douglaston Irreverent British farces are a popular staple of local theatrical productions. Among the most frequent offerings is world-class playwright Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit.” The talented actors of Douglaston Community Theatre are currently presenting this 1940s revival. On opening night, director Marilyn Welsher once again confirms her many years of experience as the troupe delivers a well-polished production. The comedy focuses on a remarried society gentleman whose ex-wife unexpectedly “materializes” as a ghost. Virginia Green is the gleeful spirit who pouts and plots with supernatural delight. D r e s s e d entirely in white, she keeps us guessing. Is she a befuddled apparition or a sinister wraith? The harried husband is well played by Rich Weyhausen. Frankly, it’s impossible to have followed Queens theatrical productions for decades without enjoying one of his countless performances. As expected, Weyhausen delivers a smooth, sophisticated interpretation with a hint of mischief. Well done! The long suffering second wife is convincingly portrayed by Barbara Mavro. Elegantly dressed, she is skillfully frustrating as a sometimes confused, sometimes compassionate socialite who changes her moods in mid-sentence. The cast roster also includes community theatre veterans Nick DeCesare and Annette Daiell. Their consistency over so many dramatic and comedic plays is duly noted for this show as well. Daiell is upbeat, almost bubbly. DeCesare’s ever elongated inflections and sarcastic facial expressions are always a welcome comedic touch. Eccentric clairvoyant medium Madame Arcati (Joan Edward) and down to earth housemaid Edith (Sharri Mandel) are the charming bridge connecting the most important elements of the real and supernatural storylines. There is basically just one set. It is a well-appointed sitting room with the flavor of a 1940s English country estate. Some special effects involve unexpected lighting changes with doors and props that move without assistance. Behind the scenes, a strong support system includes stage manager Marionanne Rourke. More consistency is provided by Ian McDonald (set design/construction), Robert Stivanello, Gary Tifeld, and Eric Leeb (light and sound). Nods as well to Robert Gold, Teresa Zugger, Dana Jaffe and the ever watchful Micahel Wolf. The show is housed at the Zion Episcopal Church Parish Hall on Church Street off Douglaston Parkway. For information on this and future plays call 718-482-3332 or email them at [email protected]. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘My Fair Lady’ bows in Bayside The musical comedy, “My Fair Lady” lampoons class distinctions and spotlights feminism. It has continued to shine brightly as a masterpiece enjoyed by audiences throughout the world. The play’s most recent renaissance is currently on stage at Theatre by the Bay in Bayside. On opening night, several standout performances merge with excellent support. The title role is played by Michele Lindner. She has very capably played countless leading roles on local stages but the Eliza Doolittle character could be her finest. Her always outstanding voice shows its versatility in “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “Just You Wait!” and “I Could Have Danced All Night” among others. Director/choreographer Ovi Vargas, leading his third production at TBTB brings energy and wit to the troupe’s interpretations. Of course, producers Martha Stein, Barbara Koenig and Eli Koenig with musical director Alan Baboff continue to offer seamless support to every production. Magnificent costumes are provided once again by Chery Manniello. The storyline follows a very poor flower girl whose atrocious dialect becomes a challenge for a wealthy linguist. Numerous characters of varying social station become charming caricatures as we reach the expected happy ending. The self-absorbed language expert, Henry Higgins is played by Frank Josephs. He adds some well positioned physical humor to his characterization. Josephs honors Broadway’s Rex Harrison with his vocal inflections and singing style. As the good natured housemate, Colonel Pickering is well played by John Canning. Clearly local troupes have benefitted from Canning’s ongoing participation and versatility. Their trio with Eliza, “The Rain in Spain…” has joined our lexicon Subplots are also noteworthy. Higgin’s worldly wise society mother is delightfully played by community theater veteran Lila Edelkind. Eliza’s father (Sam Hunt) swaggers and struts with amiable pride. He embraces his poverty, his drinking excesses and takes jabs at the wealthy in musical numbers “With a little bit o’ luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.” Long suffering Mrs. Pearce (Ruthe McKeown) tends to Higgins’ eccentricities with grace and wisdom. Infatuated “Freddy” (Jonathan Schuyler) sings “On the Street Where You Live” as he waits longingly for Eliza’s affections. More support by Phoenix Gray and Mark Solkoff are among the dozens of ensemble, staff and creative members in the production. For information on this and future projects, call 718-428-6363 or surf to www.theatrebythebayny. com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. ‘Spamalot’ rides into Queens Once upon a time in the darkest Dark Ages, a group of unconventional knights begin searching for the legendary Holy Grail. Known as Monty Python, their fictional, funny and gloriously anachronistic story is now on stage at Royal Star Theatre. Their hilarious musical comedy is called “Spamalot.” With satire that spares no one, the British based storyline follows King Arthur, the Lady of the Lake and everyone involved in Camelot’s round table. Director Erik Neilssen utilizes energetic performers who thrive on the story’s irreverence. Musical director Paul L. Johnson and choreographer Lisa Bondi also contribute to the evening’s hilarious pace and power. The story is deliciously farfetched—full of magical rabbits and holy hand grenades. Pompous but likable King Arthur (Jim Haines), accompanied by faithful and shrewd servant Patsy (Amanda Montoni) ride imaginary horses with clip clop sound effects from a hollowed coconut. Sir Robin (Anne Klatsky) is disarming while wearing modern eyeglasses. The Historian (Kaitlyn Abdul) often wears a cheerleader’s costume while dancing with the Laker Girls (Marleen Moise, Christine Rivas, Stephanie Sands). Plenty of music and dance punctuate the performance. Among the upbeat melodies are “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and “The Song that Goes Like This.” Sets and costumes are sometimes garish, sometimes cleverly understated. Bawdy characters are matched by several gender bending roles. There’s voluptuous Jackie Moe who plays the Lady of the Lake. She struts across the stage with a smile and a decidedly showy costume. M e a n w h i l e , Prince Herbert (Alex Jamison) is a wistful young lady and her hero is an “outed” Sir Lancelot (Jason Kell). Assorted chivalrous characters and stumbling peasants leave their hilarious mark on the many musical moments. Could there ever be a more perfect parody of western civilization? Meet Sir Bedevere (Mark York), Sir Dennis Gallahad (Paul Mastrella) and Sir Bors (Kenneth Gelb). Don’t miss Ellen Armet. She is a mime who pulls herself across the stage while medieval chaos ensues. Kudos to clever and capable support from Andrew J. Koehler, Edwin A. Palacio and Elias Avalos. Bows as well to the entire staff and creative team. The troupe performs at the Immaculate Conception School Auditorium in Jamaica Estates. For information on current and future productions call 718-428-8681 or surf to www.royalstartheatre. org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
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