Sierra Madre Playhouse

Reviews by Fran Syverson

Scene Shots

 

SIERRA MADRE PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES 2010 SEASON

            For its 2010 season, the Sierra Madre Playhouse is assembling a mix of plays ranging from midcentury classics to more recent fare, some comforting and others challenging, from the silly to the more serious. Here’s the production calendar as it stands so far:

            Jan. 15- Feb. 27: “The Sensuous Senator” by Michael Parker. Directed by Ken Salzman. Senator Harry Douglas’ re-election campaign centers on morality and family values. With wife Lois away for the weekend, he calls his voluptuous secretary, Veronica, to spend the night. She is busy so he calls an agency for an “escort” for the evening. Before she arrives, elderly Congressman Clyde Salt has locked himself out of his own house and asks to spend the night. Then nephew Jack comes to discuss the campaign. As Harry is juggling Clyde, Jack, and the escort, Veronica pops in; Lois’ flight is canceled; and a reporter for the National Intruder comes snooping for evidences of immorality. Oh, my! A hilarious bedroom farce to start the new season.

            March 12- April 17: “Da” by Hugh Leonard.  Directed by Bill Mesnick. Winner of the Tony and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award in 1978.  Living now in London, Charlie has returned to his childhood home in Dublin to see to his deceased father’s effects. Da was Charlie’s last link to the auld sod, and the council house is filled with memories, sweet, bitter and funny. Charlie and Da relive some hilarious and touching times.

            April 30- June 5: “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash. Directed by Bob Hakman. Lizzie Curry is best described as “plain,” and her marriage prospects are as dry as the drought-ridden Curry farm. Her dad and brothers’ clumsy efforts to marry her off are laughable.  Enter the fast-thinking, smooth-talking “rainmaker,” Starbuck, who just might be a solution to both problems. Starbuck convinces the men that he can make it rain and persuades Lizzie that she has a beauty of her own.

            June 18- July 31: “Anna in the Tropics” by Nilo Cruz.  Winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. In 1929 Florida, the cigar factory has a “lector” to educate and entertain the Cuban ladies who roll handmade cigars all day. When the handsome new lector reads from Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina,” he stirs dreams and emotions that might better be left undisturbed.

            Aug. 13- Sept. 25: To Be Announced. We’re looking for just the right light comedy, or maybe even a musical, for the end of summer.

            Oct. 8- Nov. 13. “Arcadia” by Tom Stoppard. Winner, 1994 Olivier Award and 1995 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play. An intriguing mystery set in Derbyshire on the elegant Coverly estate. The focus alternates between young Lady Thomasina in 1809 and present day descendants who are researching a possible 1809 scandal on the estate involving Lord Byron.

            Nov. 26- Dec. 23: The Christmas Show, To Be Announced.

            Tickets for most shows are $20; For seniors (65+) and students (13-17), $17;  For children 12 and under, $12. Reservations can be made by phone at (626) 355-4318, or online at www.sierramadreplayhouse.org . For subscription information, also contact the online address.

            Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. There is ample free parking behind the theatre. Sierra Madre is adjacent to and just east of Pasadena

 

87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA  --   For reservations by phone, call 626-256-3809 or click on
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