THE BUSY WORLD IS HUSHED – The past always rears its ugly head. The times they are a changin’! Just think that not too many years ago it would have been unthinkable to see a play that features a woman priest and two men kissing on the stage.

Hannah is a woman of God and she has a wayward son “Thomas” who feels sorrow and pain for the father that he never met. His mother is not exactly the warmest personality around ...

In comes a shy, young man (Brandt) who is there to help Thomas’s mother with a book that she is writing about religion. He is an expressive, intelligent young man. Out of the blue one afternoon the wayward son reaches out and kisses Brandt on the mouth. Brandt is stunned and shocked for the moment -- but his body movements seemed to say otherwise. Why didn’t he run – why didn’t he quit the job? Well, it turns out that he is Gay, but he certainly did not want to get involved with someone who has a resume of being a drifter.

No – Brandt is looking for something long term. He has been hurt before and does not want that experience again. His performance is nuanced and fascinating. His emotions turn to convictions and he finally gets the courage to let us all in on his pain. It is so strong, that you wish that you could cuddle him and say that it will all be all right. But he knows, and we know that it won’t be.

One of the things about the “Busy World” is that it creates a web that slowly wraps itself around us. We realize that we know these people. We have suffered the same emotions – and we care what happens to them. And when Thomas shows us his pain – the floodgates open and all Hell breaks loose.

The staging is Top Drawer, and the design elements are soothing – but something about the room (a Library) makes you uneasy from the beginning. You feel right off, that something bad is going to happen here. And no matter what you think – this play is not what you would expect it to be. “Busy World” is inspiring, poetic and powerful. It’s a tale of courage, conviction and survival.

Sensational performances by: Anne Darragh, Chad Deverman and James Wagner.

Masterful Direction is by Robin Stanton. Eric C. Sinkkonen designs fabulous Set, and the great lighting is by Kurt Landisman. Rebecca Ann Valentino’s Costumes are brilliant.

AT THE AURORA THEATRE IN BERKELEY

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and has produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED.)))


Cameron Weston now in "A New Brain". Courtesy Photo

A NEW BRAIN – DARKLY FUNNY

It isn’t easy being a small Theater in a big town, but the Off-Market Theater comes off with a real winner in their production of “A New Brain” (William Finn).

This is a musical journey set to music about a songwriter who discovers that he has brain cancer. We follow him through his songs as he deals with the uncertainty of living or dying, or if he lives to be able to create something again. Benjamin Pither plays the lead Gordon Schwinn, who opens the show with the delightful “Frogs Have So Much Spring Within Them.” And guess what? We actually get to see his imaginary frog (Richard Wenzel) that also is Mr. Bungee in the show.

This is a fast moving show with very little dialogue. The story is all in the music. Here are some examples. As The Doctor and Mimi sing “Trouble in his Brain” – we find out that Gordon has a slim chance of surviving a very serious operation.

Later on in the show Cameron Weston, who is Gordon’s partner sing the beautiful “Sailing” which is reprised again as Rodger and Gordon sing it in a duet. And then of course there is the sometimes annoying Mr. Bungee who sings too everyone in sight – “Be Polite”.

When they think that Gordon has died, his mother sings “The Music Still Plays On” (Pat Christenson). Oh, and I almost forgot, she throws out her sons books when she thinks that he’s dead. You know how mothers are. The lyrics on many of the songs are pure genius. As many writers’ do-now-a days – there are many derivative touches of Cole Porter, Sondheim and even a hint of Andrew Lloyd Webber. On the other hand there are only so many notes available, so there is always going to be some kind of similarity.

You may think that the subject matter is depressing. Not at all – this is a really fun romp about a talented person who survives what could be the end of his life.

Having seen this musical before – I have to say that this is the best production of “Brain” that I have seen so far. On a small budget on a teeny-tiny stage the actors literally perform miracles in big production numbers like “Don’t Give In” (Mr. Bungee and cast).

Yep, they got this one right. Even though it is darkly funny, it also is life affirming. It’s funny and #*&%&- ing Trippy! The very impressive acting carries the show to delicious delights. It’s a joyous celebration. Guarantee – It will have you smiling as you leave the theater. Remember…Frogs have So much spring. Why can’t you?

Benjamin Pither (Gordon) is great. You will follow him anywhere. Lisa-Marie Newton (Homeless Woman) is Stellar and fascinating. Leah S. Abrams (Rhoda) knows how to belt out the music. Giana DeGeisco (Waitress/Nancy D) is hugely entertaining. Richard Wenzel (Mr. Bungee/Frog) is very inventive and exuberant. Cameron Weston (Roger) who would rather be sailing, -- is a good reason that this should be a huge summer smash hit. Terrific acting, and singing! Charles Evans (The Doctor) is so smarmy that he could go to any hospital and pass for a real doc. Pat Christenson (Mom, Mimi) is funny and touching. David Fierro (Richard) helps round out the awe-inspiring actors. Also on stage is the Musical Director, Pianist – who is the entire orchestra right in the middle of the action. It works beautifully along with her spectacular arrangements.

DELIGHFULLY DIRECTED BY BRIAN KATZ.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-

FOOTLIGHT PARADE

THE ROCK MUSICAL ‘bare’ will make its San Francisco debut sometime in 2009, the producer Randy Taradash quoted in the press. Beginning in Los Angeles in 2000 – and then to off-Broadway. Some thought that the show would go on to Broadway – but that never happened. You can get glimpse of the show on My Space, Face book and of course You Tube. Also the recording is on iTunes. According to over-the-fence word – the San Francisco production is to be directed by Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz), he also directed Ragtime in London and Candide at the SF Symphony. 'bare' is set in a co-ed Catholic high school and deals with sexuality, coming out, drug abuse and the BIG ONE – Church and family issues.

LOOK FOR IT SOON. The huge “Help Is On The Way” will be at the Palace of Fine Arts in August. To paraphrase C.D. Demille: “There are more Stars in the Palace of Fine Arts, then there are in Heaven.” And they are all going to be here – and I’m talking Big, Big Stars. Next Column I will reveal their names.

AND THAT’S A WRAP!



The Photo of Lee Hartgrave Boy Reporter is by Jim Ferreira – Film Noir & Hollywood Glamour. www.lafterhall.com.

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