64 THE QUEENS COURIER • MOTHER’S DAY • MAY 4, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM mother’s day Take Mom to a show! Kevin Spacey to perform one-man play in Queens BY ANGELA MATUA amatua@qns.com / @AngelaMatua Kevin Spacey is coming to Queens this summer to perform a one-man play about Clarence Darrow, the famous attorney who represented Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes in the Scopes Monkey Trial. Th e play, titled “Clarence Darrow,” made its Broadway premiere in 1974. Spacey starred in the play when it premiered at Th e Old Vic in London and will make its New York debut at Arthur Ashe Stadium on June 15 and 16. Spacey, a two-time Academy Award winner who currently stars on the Netfl ix drama “House of Cards” as President Frank Underwood, plays Darrow and recounts some of the famous trials over which the Ohio lawyer presided. In the infamous 1925 Scopes Monkey trial, Darrow defended Scopes who violated Tennessee’s Butler Act, which made it illegal for teachers to teach evolution in state-funded schools. Darrow was also fi ercely against the death penalty and took on high-profi le murder cases to criticize capital punishment. He represented Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two Chicago teenagers who murdered 14-year-old Robert Franks. Leopold and Loeb came from wealthy families and were extremely intelligent, carrying out the kidnapping and murder to prove their superiority and ability to commit the “perfect crime.” Darrow performed a 12-hour summation at Leopold and Loeb’s sentencing hearing and criticized capital punishment for being a form of retributive justice. Th e teenagers were sentenced to life in prison rather than the death penalty. Spacey played Darrow before this oneman play in a 1991 PBS fi lm called “DARROW” where he portrayed the lawyer through three decades of his life. He also played Darrow in the 2009 theatrical production of “Inherit the Wind.” On his website, the actor said he fi rst came across the 1974 play in high school. “I jumped at the opportunity of tackling this character again, as I continue to fi nd his rich, sympathetic personality and fertile mind intriguing, even though by now he is a character that I have come to know very well,” Spacey wrote. “I also feel the play is uplift ing – an examination of the best in all of us. Th is is especially signifi cant when so many of the things we observe and are confronted with in this world highlight the worst of humanity.” Tickets are $89 and offi cially go on sale on May 5. Th e play will last 90 minutes. ‘Little Women’ is big hit at RST Th e unbreakable bonds between four sisters and their mother are musically celebrated in Royal Star Th eatre’s version of “Little Women.” Th is beloved classic unfolding during the 1860s is a feast of colorful period costumes, talented singers and heartwarming nostalgia. At the opening night performance, director Erik Neilssen off ers entertainers who have previously made their mark on RST stages. Th e lead role of Jo is masterfully fi lled by beautiful Lisa N. Bondi. Judging by the repeated shouts of approval from the audience, her charisma and theatrical interpretations continue to attract a loyal following. Her facial expressions, physical reactions and strong voice are all unmistakable. Clearly her niche on Queens stages is well earned. Meanwhile, as “Laurie,” JK Larkin returns with his enjoyably mischievous grin and broad deliveries. Jackie Moe as oldest sister Meg provides sincerity and warmth. Brash youngest sister Amy (Jordana Keller) is a willful little girl in Act I. She returns in Act II as a world traveling adult (Alex Jamison). Th e four daughters constantly learn about life from “Marmee” (Kim Guarino) who suffers bravely while her husband fi ghts distant Civil War battles. Musical director Paul L. Johnson with his musicians (Dane Scozzari, Walker Beard, George Cortes) delivers polished support. It is Johnson playing with seamless professionalism when fragile, likable but doomed sister Beth (Meghan A. Flaim) appears to play piano onstage. Flaim has a pivotal role in the storyline. She must win our compassion and demonstrate soft -spoken courage. She does this successfully with her outstanding singing and acting. Supporting players all have their moments of strength and individualism. Jason Kell, playing Professor Bhaer as a much older suitor, helps Jo develop her independence and confi dence. Devon Norris indisputably earns Meg’s aff ections. Paul Mastrella, Donna Falzon and Ellen Armet fi ll their characters’ personalities with wisdom and strength as they interact with the four March sisters. Behind the scenes, an experienced and eminently knowledgeable team continues to improve the quality of performances. Kudos to Amanda Doria, Cookie Knisbaum, Charlene Greenberg, Dena Rae Civello, Amanda Montoni, Maryellen Pierce, Alison Kurtzman, Rachel Rodriguez, John Palmieri and Chakira Doherty. Th e troupe currently performs in the large school auditorium at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jamaica Estates. For further information on this and future productions, surf to www. royalstartheatre.org or call 718-428- 8681. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN
SC05042017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above