Artfully Edmonds: Driftwood’s ‘Forum’ a fantastic Roman romp, plus more arts news

Driftwood Players
950 Main St.
A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum
Directed by Martin J. Mackenzie
Production runs through Sunday, May 10

All Roads Lead to Rome! This cliché rings true even when Rome is placed in Edmonds, as is the case with the Driftwood Players’ current run of “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum”.

Artfully Edmonds joined the throng of hundreds making a chariot dash to Wade James Theatre for the extravagant Opening Night of one of Steven Sondheim’s most popular, and farcical, productions.

“Build it and they will come,” seemed to be the modis operandi for Driftwood Company’s staff, headed by Amy Gentry for this one. Because, indeed, the company created one of the most extravagant productions that the revered theatre has done this season as the house was packed with friends, family and fanatics of all-things-Roman!

Before the performance began, while standing in the crush of the front lobby, I felt a tap on my shoulder and discovered gallery director Kurt Mattingly of Dragonfire Neighborhood Gallery standing behind me wanting to say, “Hello.” Kurt had with him eight gals and pals – a full entourage. And “entourage” was the key word for Opening Night.

Driftwood Board President Ted Jaquith noted in his welcoming remarks, “This evening we are joined by celebrities and luminaries!” (Don’t you just love the ring of those words?)

I took the opportunity of being at-the-same place at the-same-time to chat with luminary Sandra Williams, Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Membership & Events Director.

Once the House opened the doors we found our seats and took in the set. Oh! What dramatic splash of brilliant, vibrant colors bathed the Roman neighborhood containing the homes of Senex, Marcus Lykus, and ancient Erronius

Says Driftwood of its production: “Sondheim satire at its best, this is a whacky musical tale of a slave who attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. That is, if his master can keep his story straight! With so much slamming of doors, groan-worthy puns, and mistaken identities, this is a toga party you don’t want to miss!”

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It is in this Roman district that lust challenges love, freedom is fought for, and mistaken identify mixed with misunderstood intentions drive the plot forward at a hysterically funny, thrilling pace.

Here is a production that undeniably rises or falls on the timing of the choreography. To its credit the “Forum” choreography was kicky – and in many spots kinky – as characters chased each other, draped themselves over one another, leapt, rolled and frolicked. We have the brilliant imagination of Carissa Meisner-Smit to thank for staying true to the Broadway production, and Jack Cole’s (the father of theatre jazz dance) styling.

Keep your eyes on Meisner-Smit (which is easy to do). The woman is never, ever out of character! She was plucked for the plum role of Vibrata and tiger-milked it for all its worth. Hilarious is an understatement. As the stage tigress and ‘painted woman’ she snarled, she clawed, she pounced. No wonder characters Lycus and Pseudolous (played by Rick Wright and Jay Vilhauer, respectively, vie for her err . . . love.)

On the topic of love: Artfully Edmonds was smitten over the styling and costume design for “Forum.” Costume shop manager Meagan McDonald really showed her stuff on this one. I wondered to her out loud in the lobby during the pre-show crush in the ticket line, “How did you come up with enough togas for everyone?” She laughed with all the confidence of an experienced production costumer and teased, “You’ll see! You’ll see!”

On the topic of love: Artfully Edmonds was smitten over the styling and costume design for “Forum.” Costume shop manager Meagan McDonald really showed her stuff on this one. I wondered to her out loud in the lobby during the pre-show crush in the ticket line, “How did you come up with enough togas for everyone?” She laughed with all the confidence of an experienced production costumer and teased, “You’ll see! You’ll see!”

Hair and makeup kudos go out to each cast member as, according to Amy Gentry, was responsible for their own styling. WoW!.

My faves in the costume and hair and makeup departments go to woman-gladiator “Gymnasia” played by Amy Korver costumed to tease and taunt; and to Krista Erickson’s Domina, whose majestic carriage and elegant hair style rules – as it should!

Erickson chose to upsweep her hair into a stunning display of jewels, pearls, and glittering accents woven into a thick, generous chignon. The results were mesmerizing.

For Gymnasia’s costume McDonald selected from the Driftwood’s wonderful wardrobe inventory a . . . (Oops! No spoilers!) All I can say, in wonderment over how in-character Gymnasia is, “Think Wonder-ous and you’re on the right track.”

Everything about the evening hit the right note – including the ♫ notes! Historically, we have Broadway’s Jerome Robbins to thank for the opening number, “A Comedy Tonight” with its accompanying preview of zany, pratfall-laden, on-with-the-show antics.

Music community locals know that any musical endeavor led by the talented team of Nancy and Mark Press is not to be missed. Having a live orchestra supporting “Forum” was brilliant – so Edmonds! The ‘House of Press’ stayed note-for-note true to Sondheim’s vision and, for that, Mark and Nancy deserve high praise.

Cast highlights include Ireland Woods as Philia (the “girl next door” in this ridiculous plot) and Erronius (David Dugwell) with his halting Tony-worthy gait perfected as his character circles the Seven Hills of Rome. Terry Boyd, who played Hysterium, won the hearts of the audience – and this reviewer. In Boyd’s first audition with Driftwood, he admits coyly, “But . . . I don’t sing! I don’t dance!” We’ll teach you, came the response, and a star was born. He mugs, he whines, he flails and winces – all while singing and dancing. You’ll laugh over how hysterically funny he is at being Hysterium. (Cheat! Cheat! Watch for the bridal ensemble scene!)

A round of applause is owed to Rob Falk (Lighting Design) and Gay “Hawk” Hawkins (set design).

However, I am not the only reviewer to fall in love with the many fine elements of Driftwood’s “It All Happened On the Way To the Forum”. Victoria Gilleland writing for Shoreline Area News also had high praise.

In short, it was obvious to regular theatre-goers that Director Martin J. Mackenzie, the cast and crew of “Forum” poured their hearts into this production.

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Demetri’s Woodstove Taverna
101 Main St.

Now on to the Greek – Roman connection – the brainchild of Amy Gentry and Nick Demetri. Want to make it an ‘Edmonds-Kind-Of’ Evening? Then, make it Demetri’s and Driftwood for their dinner-and-theatre package!

Why would it occur to anyone to pair a Greek restaurant with a Roman theatre production? Well, each ancient civilization formed its first governments in the city-state model. The Greeks wore togas. The Romans wore togas. And the comparisons don’t stop there; both Demetri’s and Driftwood are fun and popular; and both are located on Main St. (‘a straight chariot race distance from each other.)

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My one criticism of opening night for this dazzling community theatre production at which laughter and deafening applause was lavished, is that the audience did not come to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation as the cast took its bows. Maybe the audience was being shy?

But when it is you sitting in the Wade James Theatre, and the lights dim, the extended Sondheim overture begins, remember: “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” And, the Romans were never shy.

Stand up and give this great company their due! Ovation (which is a Roman tradition) is in order for “It All Happened On the Way To the Forum”.

Tickets here.

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Quick Notes on Hot Happenings

over the river

Phoenix Theatre
9376 Firdale Ave.
Through May 2
Over the Rive and Through the Woods

By Joe DePietro
and Directed by Christine Mosere

This ridiculous, contemporary comedy stars stage veterans Larry Albert, Melanie Calderwood, Susan Connors, J. Woody Lotts, Michael McFadden and Rebekah Dawn.

From the playbill: Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey. He sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he’s been offered a dream job, marketing executive—that would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents.

The Phoenix crew is the best at making things seem the worst. Guaranteed to be absurdly ridiculous!

The Phoenix Theatre features reserved seating, and intimate wine bar. The online box office is here.

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149395-p18nh2c1o718eu1m9thp0tieabk6n3grease222x150pxEdmonds Center for The Arts
410 4th Ave. N.
Friday, April 24
7:30 pm
Sing-A-Long: Grease

What was the world of teens, fast cars, greaser T-Birds, and Pink Ladies like back in 1959? Easily we can lead you back to those years of real innocence and incredibly groovy years by way of Sing-A-Long Grease.

Loveable tough guys (the T-Birds) roam the halls of Rydell High School, the Pink Ladies primp in the girl’s bathrooms. And Danny Zucco is falling for Sandy Olsen. Remember?

In the final scene of the film “Grease”, Danny and Sandy roar off in “Greased Lightning” together as yearbook styled credits roll.

If you have ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a T-bird or a Pink Lady but never quite felt cool enough to pull it off, “now is your chance shop vintage boutiques for one of those men’s bowling jackets – in just the right shade of pink; pull out that poodle skirt, and let your inhibitions go wild! And remember: “Grease” is the word!

There are “just enough” tickets left for the Friday night performance:

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Aaron Nigel Smith

Saturday, April 25
2 p.m.
ECA Family Series: Aaron Nigel Smith

Aaron Nigel Smith’s fun, inspired and lively show is guaranteed to get you out of your chair and dancing, swaying, applauding!

Aaron collaborated with Ziggy Marley on B is for Bob, a Bob Marley children’s CD. Aaron will be easily recognized by your children as one of the featured cast members of the PBS kids series Between the Lions.

There is no better Saturday afternoon performance alternative for you and your young people!

Ticket link here. You can also obtain your family’s tickets for this energetic and electrifying show by calling the ECA box office, 425-275-9595.

— By Emily Hill

Emily ~ 2015 Bio jPeg for News

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. She also writes the “Lynnwood Lifestyle” column for Lynnwood Today. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.

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