Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Theater review: Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst

by Richard Blake of John Garcia’s The Column

It’s hard to surprise me with a production I’ve seen so many times, but Artisan Center Theater does just that by executing a difficult production that is entertaining, with a confident cast and exciting technical aspects in Big River.

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (playing through March 17) is a musical based on Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, with music and lyrics by Roger Miller and book by William Hauptman. In keeping with the setting of the novel, Big River features music in bluegrass and country styles.

The original Broadway production opened at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on April 25, 1985. It ran for 1,005 performances and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards. It won seven, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. A critically acclaimed revival of Big River opened on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre on July 24, 2003.

This production, staged by the Roundabout Theatre Company and Deaf West Theatre, was exceptional in that it featured both deaf and hearing actors performing together. About half the characters, including the leading role of Huck, were played by deaf or hard-of-hearing performers. All dialogue and lyrics in the production were both spoken or sung and signed, making the production equally accessible to hearing and deaf audiences. The character of Mark Twain was expanded so that that actor also provided the voice of Huck, who was portrayed by a non-hearing actor. In fact, Twain was performed in the revival by Daniel H. Jenkins, who created the role of Huck in the original Broadway cast.

The revival was nominated for three Drama Desk Awards and three Tony Awards, and won one of each — the 2004 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical and the 2004 Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre. It was remounted for a U.S. tour in 2004, and was nominated for several regional awards for excellence.

Artisan Center Theater usually produces its shows in the round, but for Big River, they have rearranged the entire space into a small “proscenium-esque” stage with a thrust. Well, not just a thrust, but a massive river (a.k.a. the Big River Wishing Well Tank) with complicated moving and floating platforms! There are many more exciting production elements you will have to see for yourself, but from the moment I walked in I knew this was going to be a truly unique production of Big River.

Dennis Canright’s direction is very well done and very fluid. There are great opportunities on this ever-changing stage, and Canright uses them all excellently. Big River has many locations, and the choices he makes in direction keep you in every one of them. I will credit Canright for making the “river” just as important a character as Huckleberry Finn himself. I am very impressed with the overall use, style, scenic innuendos, and transitions of the production, which never takes away from the performers but excellently enhances them.

Musical direction by Mary Helen Atkins is very well done. Atkins has a wide variety of voices, ages, and styles in this production, and her choices with each performer are very well done. From solos and duets to full ensemble pieces, she obviously works very hard with the cast. There are a few moments of vocal “pushing,” but I believe most of them are just nerves as this was opening night for this particular cast. Overall, musically, Atkins does a splendid job and her cast sings wonderfully.

The set design team of Dennis Canright, Jason Leyva, and Lily Stapp-Courtney has done one of the most remarkable designs for a small space I believe I have ever seen! The use of a massive tank, building the set on it, moving, adding, and replacing the set pieces flawlessly throughout the performance, shows a massive amount of conceptualization of this musical’s needs.

The design makes for some amazing scenic presentations and offers the cast great opportunities to perform. I can’t imagine that first production meeting when the concept was discussed … “Okay, so I want a huge tank that holds thousands of gallons of water in the center of the theatre and oh … the set has to break apart with the cast on it while singing and floating!” Bravo to this wonderful design team!

The costume design by Nita Cadenhead is perfect for the production. At no time is something out of place, unfitted, or inappropriate. The colors, fabrics, and accessories are appropriate for the period and are functional for the actors, even those that get very wet in many scenes. Overall the costume design is very well done.

This large ensemble cast is lead flawlessly by Christopher Dorf as Huck Finn. This young man took the stage, the story, and a MASSIVE amount of lines on a journey that is simply spectacular! In this storyteller-type of role, Dorf has you in the palm of his hand. When narrating he captures your attention, then immediately goes right into acting it out for you. Vocally he is strong and confident but did seem to have a bit of opening night jitters in a few places, but with time in the role, I believe those will smooth out. There is a lot of talent in this young man and the DFW area has a rising star on its hands.

Ecko Wilson as Jim is confident, secure and commanding in his difficult role. He makes very good choices in his character presentation and looks very comfortable. His voice is strong and controlled in various scenic elements and interactions. The role of Jim can be a challenge to present to an audience. However, Ecko is spot-on in his presentation.

The role of Tom Sawyer is played by David Seil, and is pivotal in this production even though the actual stage time is a bit less than the primary characters. Seil does such an amazingly full of energy, raucous, outside the box presentation on stage you just can’t take your eyes (or ears) off of him! He bounds around the stage as if he is the mischievous Tom Sawyer, and tells his parts of the story with amazing flair. His vocal presentation is perfect, commanding, and just fun to hear. I congratulate him on a job well done.

The large ensemble cast does very well vocally and works with each other on stage with great ease and confidence. Every member of the cast at some point shines on stage and carries this story with wonderful presence and passion.

A few of the stand-out performances within the ensemble are worth recognition: Eric Gentry as Duke and Dan Nolen Jr. as King play off of each other very well. The over-the-top monologues of Shakespeare by Gentry are side-splitting and just a pleasure to watch. Nolen, as his partner in crime, plays the part very well and makes the duo believable. The Young Fool, played by Andrew Gentry, keeps you laughing until you cry with his song “Arkansas!” I’ve never seen the role done this way, and it is magic … kudos to the young Gentry for an amazing job.

Seth Johnston’s portrayal of the drunkard Pap is simply wonderful. He is all over the stage with energy and fully in character. He also does a very unique appearance later in the production that you have to watch closely for but will definitely be surprised by.

Finally, there is an amazing gem hiding in this cast, and when Sandy Pruitt enters the stage as Alice and leads the song “How Blest We Are,” you are captivated! The power and control in her voice is spectacular and the emotion she exudes is palpable. She does a stunning job with this scene and draws you into her soul with every note.

I am only disappointed in one aspect of the production, the wireless microphones. The popping, hissing, and cutting in and out throughout the entire performance are very distracting. There are points when they cut out completely and it actually sounds better on stage.

Only the strength of the vocalists saves the show over these highly distracting microphone issues. I know how difficult these are to work with in productions, but this issue needs to be resolved for the sake of the production quality overall.

Artisan’s presentation of Big River will entertain you, expose you to some amazing DFW talent, and is an exciting evening at the theatre.

When offered the chance to direct BIG RIVER I wanted to afford that same opportunity to our community. Though not as intricately signed as the revival, our production does incorporate signing into the actual production. Individuals sign for the speaking parts and the cast, with the help of our interpreters, sign all of the musical numbers.

Signed performances will be Monday evenings at 7:30 February 6, 13, 20 and March 5. Also, Saturday afternoon matinée performances will be at 3:00 on February 11, 18, 25 and March 3 & 17.

I hope that you will take the opportunity to join us for these select performances during the run of BIG RIVER at Artisan Center Theater.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Dennis Canright
Director BIG RIVER
Artisan Center Theater

AUDITIONS FOR OLIVER!

Book, Lyrics, Music by Lionel Bart
Based on “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens

Directed by Christine Chambers

Music Directed by Richard Gwozdz

AUDITION DATES:

Monday January 23, from 7 – 10pm

Tuesday January 24, from 7 – 10pm

Auditions are by appointment which can be made by calling the box office at 817 284 1200 or by email: boxoffice@artisanct.com. Auditions held at Barbara’s Dance Studio, located at 204 West Holloway Drive, Hurst Texas, 76053

AUDITION PREPARATION:

Auditioners will be asked to sing 16 to 32 bars of two contrasting Classic Broadway songs only (1975 or before).  Bring sheet music in your key, ready and marked for the accompanist.  An accompanist will be provided. You will be asked to speak with a cockney accent. Those auditioners whom the director wishes to see further may be invited to a call back audition.

Special skills such as juggling, acrobatics, tumbling are a plus!

NOTE: You must have no conflicts during tech week!

PRODUCTION DATES:

March 23 – April 28, 2012, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30pm, and Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm.

ABOUT OLIVER:

Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Oliver Twist comes to life on Artisan’s stage in the hit musical OLIVER!  Join Oliver on the colorful but perilous streets of London, as he meets the Artful Dodger and Fagin’s gang of young pick-pockets in the search for a family to call his own.  “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Where Is Love?” “Consider Yourself,” “As Long as he Needs Me,” are musical theatre classics from Lionel Bart’s score.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:

Christine Chambers has many professional and community theater credits to her name.  She is well acquainted with the musical OLIVER, having been in multiple productions of it (most recently at Lyric).  Some of her acting credits include: Lily in THE SECRET GARDEN and Annie Oakley in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (both at Artisan), Sugar in SUGAR, Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Mable in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Eva Peron in the national tour of EVITA.  She has directed over 30 plays and musicals and teaches private voice and performance in her studio in Arlington.

ROLES AVAILABLE (parts may be double cast):

Oliver Twist (sweet and innocent workhouse orphan boy).
Voice: Tenor. . Age range: 9 – 13

Fagin (a con man who trains children to be pickpockets) strong actor.
Voice: Baritone. . Age range: late 30’s – 60’s.  Magical presence!

Artful Dodger (a roguish youth)
Voice: Tenor. Age range: 9 – 16

Nancy (A cockney girl with a warm heart)
Voice: Alto. Strong belt. Age range: mid 20’s – 30’s

Bill Sykes (A villain)
Voice: Baritone. Age range: 30 – 40

Mr. Bumble (Stout man who runs the workhouse)
Voice: Baritone. Age range: 30’s – 50

Widow Corney (The domineering workhouse mistress)
Voice: Soprano. Age range: 30’s – 50

Mr. Sowerberry (Undertaker)-Voice:
Baritone. Age range: 40’s-60

Mrs. Sowerberry-Voice: Soprano. Age range: 30 – 60

Mr. Brownlow (A kind and wealthy older gentleman)
Voice: NA. Age range: 40’s – 60’s

Bet (Nancy’s loyal friend)
Voice: Alto. Age range: 15 to mid 20’s

Charlotte (Mr. Sowerberry’s daughter)
Voice: NA. Age range: 16 – 20

Noah Claypole (A tall bully who is Sowerberry’s apprentice)
Voice: NA. Age range: 16 – 20

Mrs. Bedwin (Mr. Brownlow’s friendly housekeeper)
Voice: Soprano. Age range: 30’s – 50’s

Dr. Grimwig-Voice: NA. Age range: 30’s – 50’s

Old Sally-Voice: NA. Age range: 50’s – 70’s

Charley Bates-Voice: NA. Age range: NA

Knife Grinder

Milkmaid

Rose Seller

Strawberry Seller

Workhouse Children-Dancing required. Age range: 9 – 16

Fagin’s Gang-Dancing required. Age range: 9 – 16

Ensemble-Dancing required. Age range: ALL

If you have any questions or need further information, please email Christine at ccsongdiva@sbcglobal.net

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

For BEST CHILDREN’S THEATER

On Wednesday June 8, 2011 Artisan hosted its annual Spotlight on the Season Gala, where it announced its 2012 Season of shows.

Artisan hosted its annual Spotlight on the Season on June 8, 2011 where it revealed its 2012 Season.

Artisan is very excited to announce its 10^th season of live, theater-in-the-round productions featuring nine mainstage productions that include seven musicals, a classic comedy, and a drama.  The season will begin with a New Year’s Eve special event and run through December 22, 2012.  The shows are:

ALL HANDS ON DECK – a new musical review – December 31 – January 28

All singing! All dancing! All Big Band! Based on Bob Hope’s 1942 USO tour to the troops in the field, ALL HANDS ON DECK is a new, two-act revue performed by four charismatic singer/dancer/comics and a live orchestra featuring the songs, dances, and laughs that America has loved since the ‘40’s.  Songs include:  Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Atchison Topeka And The Santa Fe, I’m In The Mood For Love, Pennsylvania Polka, I’ll Never Smile Again, Any Bonds Today?, Don’t Fence Me In, America The Beautiful, Deep In The Heart Of Texas, Thanks For The Memory, and a powerful Military Medley.  This musical hits all the things that are good about the USA!

BIG RIVER (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – a musical) – February 3 – March 17

BIG RIVER is the winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score, and Book Winner.  Time Magazine said, “ A classic American musical with the most fetching score of the decade.”  Twain’s timeless classic sweeps you down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River.  Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful, and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel.  Propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, the King of country music this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.  Musical highlights include: Muddy Water, River In The Rain, Do Ya Wanna Go To Heaven, Worlds Apart, Waitin’ For The Light To Shine, I, Huckleberry, Me, Freedom.  BIG RIVER will continue Artisan’s history of innovative entertainment in its in-the-round format.  Not only will there be a real river but there will be rain when Huck and Jim sing River In The Rain.  You’ve never experienced this marvelous story until you’ve seen it live at the Artisan.

OLIVER (a musical) – March 23 – April 28

OLIVER is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ OLIVER TWIST, about a boy who runs away from an orphanage and gets taken in by a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor.  Ultimately he finds his way to his real family and the love he has always dreamed of.  Food Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything, Where Is Love, Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, and Who Will Buy are some of the musical theater classic from Lionel Bart’s score.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – May 4 – May 26

This Tony Award winning play by Oscar Wilde is a timeless comedy of mistaken identity smartly that glistens with brilliant ‘tongue in cheek’ humor . . . Is the English gentleman the same man in town as he is in the country?  Can he bamboozle the ladies or will the “importance” of his name spoil his game?  A true classic.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN – June 1 – July 14

Join the Reverend Oglethorpe and the Sanders Family Singers in an uplifting evening of singin’ and witnessin’ and hilarious story tellin’.  It is 1938 on a Saturday night in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina and Reverand Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders Family Singers to provide an upliftin evening of singin’ and witnessin’.  SMOKE features more than two dozen songs, many of them vintage pop hymns, and hilarious stories from the more or less devout Sanders.  In SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN the musical talent is surpassed only by the comedy of the Sanders Family.

ANYTHING GOES (a musical comedy) – July 21 – August 18

The age-old tale of Boy-Meets-Girl and the complications which ensue are intriguing and ANYTHING GOES tells it better than any other musical!  Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engagegd to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.  Night club singer Reno Sweeney and public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin aid Billy in his quest to win Hope.  Cole Porter’s musical highlights include: I Get A Kick Out Of You, All Through The Night, You’re The Top, Blow Gabriel Blow, Friendship, and It’s Delovely.  It’s a wonder that all the romances are sorted out and disaster is averted aboard the magical ship where ANYTHING GOES.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (musical) – August 24 – October 6

By popular demand Artisan brings back Stein, Bock, and Harnick’s magnificent  Broadway treasure.  It’s Russia, 1905 . . . Tevye and Golda – with Jewish tradition and unbreakable faith as their guide – shepherd their five girls through education, romance, and marriage in the face of persecution.  Experience the majesty of this landmark Broadway masterpiece up close and personal in Artisan’s intimate in-the-round setting.  Extraordinary musical numbers like Tradition, Sunrise Sunset, Sabbath Prayer,  If I Were A Rich Man, and Far From The Home I Love, are just a few of the beautiful songs from this Tony Award Winning tale of family, hope, and love.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (drama) – October 12 – November 10

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK is an impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic during WWII.  THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK captures the realities of their daily existence – their hopes, fears, laughter, and grief thru the eyes of a young girl.  Over a period of two years, Anne’s voice shines through, “When I write I shake off all my cares.  But I want to achieve more than that.  I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met.  I want to go on living even after my death.”

THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS – November 16 – December 22

THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS is a timeless classic that exudes the warmth of the Christmas spirit.  Constance is a nurse whose empty life is changed when she takes on a new patient.  He recounts the story of Christ’s birth as told by little known characters in the nativity story.  The accounts from the Innkeeper, the Shepherd, and others help her discover what the world has forgotten about Christmas, and open her heart to the joy of this special season.  This is a warm and magical story, perfect for inspiring the Spirit of Christmas.

Season Tickets for Artisan’s 2012 Season are available to current Season Ticket now.  Non-Season Ticket holders may begin purchasing on July 5, 2011. For more information about Artisan Center Theater please go to www.ArtisanCT.com or call the Artisan Box Office at 817-284-1200.

Character                                           M/F/S-mat                              T/Th/S-eve

Maria Rainer                                     Morgan Mabry Mason              Connie Kegg

Captain Georg von Trapp                   Brian Sears                              Dave Cave

Liesl                                                    Mandy Foster                          Jennie Titiryn

Friedrich                                            TJ Little                                   Michael Davis

Louisa                                                 Bonnie Gentry                        Melody Knight

Kurt                                                     Brandon Shreve                      Pearce Colwell

Brigitta                                                Taryn Cates                             Omega Priddy

Marta                                                   Camryn Wright                       Mary Strauss

Gretl                                                    Eleanor Sebastian                 Mary Claire Probasco

Rolf Gruber                                        Jacob Fergus                           Jacob Matheny

Baroness Elsa Schraeder                     Jessica Mize                            Elizabeth Dewhirst

Max Detweiler                                   Eric Gentry                             Michael Durington

Frau Schmidt                                      Janette Oswald                       Louise Childs

Franz, the Butler                                 Adam Livingston                    Ted Ung

Mother Abbess                                    Carolyn Hohle                         Gena Robbins

Sister Sophia                                       Meredith Jeppson                    Lennie B. Knight

Sister Margaretta                                 Donna Cates                           Kelsey Heine

Sister Bertha                                       Nichole Hostetler                    Pam Lack

Admiral von Schreiber                        Travis Miller                            David Priddy

Herr Zeller                                           Dan Johnston                          Ron Staggs

Baron Elberfeld/German Soldier        Connor Thompson                  Connor Thompson

German Soldier/Party Guest               Tevin Cates                             Colton Hess

German Soldier/Party Guest               David Seil                               Rob Colwell

Bishop                                                 Chris Seil                                 Rob Colwell

Nun Ensemble/Party Guest                 Katie Womble                         Tina Colwell

Nun Ensemble/Party Guest                 Stephanie Rucker                    Hanna Bowen

Nun Ensemble/Party Guest                 Lan Mei                                   Michelle Neat

Nun Ensemble/Party Guest                 Allison Duncan                       Madeleine Deneault

Nun Ensemble/Party Guest                 Victoria Savill                         Hope MacKenzi

Nun Ensemble/Ursula                         Natalia May                            Katie Cannant

Nun Ensemble/Postulant                     Christi Herring                        Stephanie Harris

Nun Ensemble                                     Melina Quintanar                    Annessa Robbins

Nun Ensemble                                     Mary Miller                             Carolyne Robbins

John Garcia’s THE COLUMN-Wednesday May 11, 2011

www.thecolumnonline.com

www.thecolumnawards.org

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504595304

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THE COLUMN STAFF:

SENIOR CHIEF THEATER CRITIC: John Garcia

ASSOCIATE THEATER CRITICS:

Sten-Erik Armitage

Clyde Berry

Mary Clark

Cheryl Cory

Bonnie K. Daman

Kristopher A. Harrison

Lyle Huchton

Chris Jackson

Jason Kane

Shelley Kaehr

Laurie Lynn Lindemeier

Eric A. Maskell

Ashlea Palladino

Christopher Soden

Mark-Brian Sonna

Kelley Vest

Laura Watson

*THE COLUMN IS READ BY OVER 19,800 SUBSCRIBERS WORLDWIDE!!*

*THEATRE REVIEW*

PROPOSALS by Neil Simon

Artisan Center Theater

Directed by John Wilkerson

Produced by Dee Ann Blair

Set Design – Jason Leyva and John Wilkerson

Lighting Design – Robert Molina

Costume Design – Jennifer Cadenhead

Properties Design – Tammie Phillips

Sound Design – Jason Leyva

CAST

Clemma Diggins- LaNetia Taylor

Burt Hines- Mark Winter

Josie Hines- Lori Jones

Ken Norman- Michael Alger

Ray Dolenz- Zeke Branim

Annie Robbins- Rose Ann Holman

Vinnie Bavasi- Mateo Prada

Sammii- Lynsey Hale

Lewis Barnett- Charles Bryant

Reviewed performance on May 7th, 2011

Reviewed by Lyle Huchton, Associate Critic

for John Garcia’s THE COLUMN

_____________________________PROPOSALS_______________________

Reviewed by Lyle Huchton, Associate Critic

for John Garcia’s THE COLUMN

In his curtain speech at Saturday evening’s performance of Neil Simon’s Proposals, Artisan Center Theater founder, Richard Blair, announced to the audience this was the third time that his wife and Artisan Producer, Dee Ann Blair, has decided to mount this production. Judging from what I witnessed on stage that night, I would say third times the charm for Artisan.

Proposals ran on Broadway for only 77 performances in 1997, making it Neil Simon’s least successful play. He did step out of his comfort zone by using an outdoor setting for the action. He also wrote his first African-American leading character in the part of Clemma Diggins (LaNetia Taylor).

Artisan chose to set the time period in early 1960 although Simon wrote the play to be set in the summer of 1953. The story was narrated by Clemma, the family’s longtime housekeeper, and centered on Burt Hines (Mark Winter) and his family’s yearly trip to their retreat in the Poconos. Nine different people visited the house on that particular afternoon. Among the guests were Annie Robbins (Rose Ann Holman) Burt’s ex-wife, Lewis Barnett (Charles Bryant) Clemma’s long absent husband, and Vinnie Bavasi (Mateo Prada) a Miami gangster. To make the plot thicken, Burt’s daughter Josie (Lori Jones) had just broken off her engagement Ken Norman (Michael Alger). If that was not enough Ray Dolenz (Zeke Branim) Josie’s old boyfriend showed up with his new model girlfriend Sammii (Lynsey Hale).

Director John Wilkerson brought together a competent and evenly balanced cast. Each member of this ensemble worked together as a whole but also allowed moments for each to shine. They took time to let the story be told honestly and didn’t play the script for just the laughs.

LaNetia Taylor as Clemma offered one the best examples of this gracious give and take. When narrating she gently cast the audience under her quiet spell. In the scenes with her fellow actors she rejected the opportunity to steal focus and played the comedy with truth. Mark Winter (Burt Hines) also gave a multi-layered performance. In one instance he would be the caring but nosy Father, handing out advice and hugs. Then his performance turned, showing a regretful side to all the past choices he has made. As his ex-wife Annie Robbins (Rose Ann Holman) also took a clear approach to her character. Before we (the audience) met her, the other characters painted a not so flattering picture of the former Mrs. Burt Hines. But when she arrived she was nothing like we perceived. Ms. Holman understood her characters motivation and was able to weave together a deep and meaningful performance.

The two biggest surprises of this ensemble were Mateo Prada as Vinnie Bavasi and Lynsey Hale as Sammii. Both actors could have easily pushed themselves over the top since both are written so flamboyantly. Mr. Prada’s Vinnie spoke only in malapropisms and Ms. Hale’s Sammii was not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree. But because both actors played each character with such sincere honesty, it was easy to believe them.

I was amazed when I stepped into the theater at Artisan. The scenic design was some of the best and most inventive around. The set for Proposals did not disappoint. Set designers Jason Leyva and John Wilkerson turned the stage into the summer cabin’s back yard. Against one wall was the backside of the house with two porches at either end. The adjoining wall was painted to look like a vast forest filled with pine trees. Across the way were more trees, this time 3-dimentional in form flanked by a child’s swing set. In the center of the playing area was a picnic table where most of the action took place. I did, however, find the benches on either side of the table to be too large and cumbersome. I say they were benches but they were more like church pews. Every actor who sat at the table had trouble getting in and out of them. They would function better without the backs on them. This would have allowed better flow of the action and ease for the actor’s blocking.

The biggest compliment a costume designer can get is to have a character enter a scene and, without saying a word, have the audience burst into applause. This is what happened when Vinnie Bavasi made his first entrance. Costume designer Jennifer Cadenhead predictably outfitted the Miami gangster in a white polyester leisure suit complete with a tacky print shirt, pinky ring and huge medallion necklace. Although most of the other costumes were not at all the right period, she could be forgiven because she did a fairly nice job of enhancing each character.

Artisan Center Theater is one of a handful of community theater companies in the area that stick to their convictions to offer wholesome and family friendly shows, usually large scale musicals with huge casts and ambitious production numbers. With a season ticket subscription base at 1,200 members and growing they are doing something right. But what they have proved with Proposals is when they strip down to almost bare bones there is still enough goodness to savor.

Reviewed by Lyle Huchton, Associate Critic

for John Garcia’s THE COLUMN

__________________________________________________________

PROPOSALS

Artisan Center Theater, 418 E. Pipeline Road Hurst, Texas 76053

Runs through May 21st

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday @ 7:30pm

Saturday matinee @3:00pn

For ticket prices or more information, please

call 817-284-1200 or go to www.artisanct.com.