THE DEVIL’S DISCIPLE – A FUN CLASSIC

George Bernard Shaw’s play is set in a small New Hampshire town in 1777. The colonists were in rebellion against British rule, and you could get hanged for treason for doing so. In the first act, Shaw gives us straight melodrama. There is a widow, a destitute mother, and a black-sheep son, who saves the husband of the woman he is having an affair with. Talk about desperate housewives. Then there is the local minister. The Redcoats want to hang him to make the townsfolk sit up and take notice that they could be next. But, comes along Richard Dudgeon who proclaims himself as the ‘devil’s disciple.’ When the British come for the Minister, who is out at the time Dudgeon puts on the Minister’s Long Coat and pretends to be the man that they are looking for. And he is headed for a trial and a surefire hanging. His own!

The second act has more farcical intrigue. While the first act, is the set-up for Richard Dudgeon who becomes a hero by pretending that he is the Minister. Richard is convicted and ‘sentenced to be hanged in the second act. The fun begins during the trial leading up to the conviction. General Burgoyne, is an effete man who lets loose some really amusing and witty mutterings about the American Revolution (some would say bitchy.)

Near the end -- just before the hanging takes place – the town’s Minister becomes a hero by telling them who he is and he bargains for Dudgeon’s release. It’s unusual for a second act in a play to be better than the first. However, that’s the way it is in this play. And that is what the ‘surprise package is’. Shaw saved the best for last. The cat and mouse interplay between Dudgeon and the General is priceless. This political play is now very current considering the politics of the day in America.

Shaw said it perfectly: “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.” And then there is this gem: “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” Those quotes are not in the play – but they fit nicely to describe this play.

As good as Shaw’s writing is – it takes a bombshell of a cast to bring out the true worth of The Devil’s Disciple. And lucky for us – the Aurora Theatre has brought together a cast of monumental talents. “Warren David Keith as General Burgoyne, is an absolute triumph!” – “Gabriel Marin, as the Devil’s Disciple gives us a merry romp that’s smart-as-a-dart!” – “Allen McKelvey (Uncle Titus/Swindon) puts on a Great Act!” – “Stacy Ross as Judith Anderson (The Minister’s wife) is irresistibly astonishing!” – “Trish Mulholland (Mrs. Dudgeon/Soldier) is the best shrew that I have ever seen. She is dynamic!” – “Anthony Nemirovsky (as Cristy ‘Richard’s Brother’) is a live wire who is in top form!” Soren Oliver (Minister Anderson) is terrific!” – Tara Tomicevic and Michael Ray Wisely, also gave “Impressive performances.”

AT THE AURORA THEATRE IN BERKELEY

RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Date Book and produced a long-running Arts-segment on PBS KQED)) Like the show? Let millions know about it. Send this story to “Digg”.


Ben Fisher, Johnathon Bock, Juliet Heller in 'As Bee's in Honey Drown". Photo: Lois Tema

THIS IS AN EVENT NEVER TO FORGET!

The New Conservatory Theatre hosted an evening of music and fun to introduce their new season. Held at the fabulous “Starlight Room”, with its perfect lighting, views and comfortable seating it is probably, if not the best – Night Club in the Bay Area. Nothing, and I mean nothing, has that much romantic appeal. The Bar Attendants where magnificently dressed in evening gowns. You know the type where one shoulder strap keeps the dress from falling to the floor. Not only were they perfectly dressed, they looked like models or actresses from Veronica Lake’s time in the movies or Rita Hayworth. This is the kind of club that Lana Turner would have been very comfortable in.

Ed Halvey, the Marketing Director of The New Conservatory introduced the Artistic Director Ed Decker, who said that he was so happy that all the NCTC supporters where here together in this Glorious Starlight room to Celebrate New Conservatory and the new season. Decker also said: “If you look towards the Bar – you’ll see one of the ‘History Boy’s’. It you look to your right, you’re likely to see some of our producers. You might even be sitting next to one.” After introducing the Board of Directors – the beguiling cast of the New Musical ‘Zana Don’t’, that will be at the New Conservatory was introduced. The cast sang a visionary song called, I believe – “Do You Know What Its like?” I was very impressed with the melody and the talent and can’t wait to see it. Here is a lyric from the song. It’s a song that you WILL leave humming. The lyric: “Do you know what its like not to hold your hand?” When you hear it sung – you won’t be able to control your emotions. I guarantee that you will get goose bumps. It’s powerful, and might even bring some tears. The audience shouted, applauded and whistled for a long time.

Andrew Nance, Actor/Director, introduced Andrew Phillis, who gave a short 5-minute excerpt from his upcoming show about a Southern Bell. Great Acting! Katya – The Russian Diva Drag Artist sang “A Red Xmas” – to the tune of “White Christmas”. She’s a hoot. She asks the audience to sing along with her. Then, after a few phrases, she says: “Stop! Now, Katya sings alone.” Very funny, with her broken Russian. Katya looks at the audience and says: “I’m so happy to be here for the New Conservatory Theatre in front of such a HANDSOME Audience!” Someone next to me said – “NOT ONLY CAN SHE SING -- She lies too!” Katya will be back at the New Conservatory for her Holiday Show – “A Red Christmas.”

And this was the Icing on the cake as far as I’m concerned. A man behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked? – “Are you one of the teenagers from the youth academy?” I said: “How did you know? – actually right this minute I’m learning ‘Romeo’s’ lines from this script.” Of course, it was flattering – but I think it was in jest. But then, the lighting WAS perfect! See you soon at NCTC for “As Bees in Honey Drown” – one of the funniest plays that I have ever seen. You must see it! And NCTC could use a little help to keep bringing this wonderful entertainment to us. So, remember to let the moths out of your billfold, open it up and take out a few bills. It’s for a great cause. Our entertainment!


Movie Star Veronica Lake was not at The Starlight Room

SPOTLIGHT PARADE:

CARLO D’ AMORE returns to The Marsh with “No Parole” – a tale of Childhood mis-adventures. D’ Amore brings his hit comedy back to San Francisco, Nov. 13- Dec. 13. D’Amore plays a con artist mother, and her son through the many changes in their life. It’s wry and energetic. brownpapertickets.com.

GET YOUR CAPE READY. The Phantom of the Opera opens on Tues, Dec. 2 at The Orpheum Theatre. Like Bats, tickets are flying out of the Box Office. I wouldn’t wait to get them, if you want to see and hear this soaring epic again. www.shnsf.com. Please Mr. Phantom…take me down to the depths of the Opera House again! I love the candles.

DARING THEATRE COMPANY has opened with “Blackbird:” – A Queer Vocal History. This limited Theatrical engagement is written & performed by Seth Eisen, Nov. 14 – 23, at Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory in SF. www.eyezen.org. Eisen, a visionary performer – gives a hybrid of live performance that includes puppetry, movement, music, video, song and storytelling. This World Premiere is in for a short-run – so, if you want to see something a little different and edgy, then you better see it soon. Tix at: www.brownpapertickets.com. To see a video clip from the show visit: www.eyezen.org/blackbird _preview.html.

PETER NACHTRIEB’S “Hunter Gatherers” stunned the Theatre Community in 2006. Everyone loved it – even grouchy old critics. Even, this old grouch of a Critic. It won awards, praise and an award for “Best Play”. Now the ‘Sharp as a Tack’ writer, Nachtrieb has written a new play “T.I.C. Trenchcoat in Common” This world premiere has been commissioned by Encore theatre and it will be directed by the famed director Ken Prestininzi. The story is about a teenage girl, who is smart beyond her years. She starts to publish a blog about her new TIC (Tenant-in-Common) apartment building. She enjoys a great view from her windows in her room and records all the comings and goings. Then the Teen publishes them online. But, someone is reading and someone is watching. She is treading dangerous ground. The All-Star cast includes Lance Gardner, Arwen Anderson, Michael Shipley, Liam Vincent, Rebecca White and Anne Darragh. Tix: www.encoretheatrecompany.org. Jan. 2 – Feb. 1st 2009 at the Magic Theatre.

BAD BOY! SCOTT ECKERN, Artistic Director has resigned from the California Musical Theatre in Sacramento, because he voted “Yes” on Prop 8. The Turmoil over his vote brought up a lot of questions. The biggest one: “How can an Artistic Director who works with so much Gay Talent, vote against them? Eckern made a huge Career mistake. The whole story has been in the Sacramento Bee, and all over the Blogs and Theatre publications and the Gossip Blogs. His $1,000 contribution to the LDS (Mormons) has not served him well.

IT’S PLAYGROUND NIGHT AT SF PLAYHOUSE.

“Playground” is presenting the world premiere of Aaron Loeb’s “Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party!” The first preview is on Dec. 3. And right after the show on that date, they will have a reception with the playwright and directory in the lobby. Sounds intriguing! info@playground-sf.org. They are having this special preview to whet your appetite for the six original short plays to be featured on Nov. 17 at the Berkeley Rep Theatre.

AND THIS JUST IN…Famed Entertainment writer Richard Connema, (Talkin’ Broadway) who was with MGM Studios for years, emailed this: “Lee, since you did such a great write up on the Starlight Room, I have asked our readers on the Chat Line (talkin’ Broadway – West Coast Edition) to check out beyondchron.org.” Cheers…Richard. (Note: The “Starlight” piece is above.)

(For Daily additional Events Updates) visit: forallevents.info/leehartgrave/

AND THAT’S A WRAP!



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