Fall, 2003

The first mainstage show of the fall season had a bit of deja vu, but with a twist. A quarter century ago, our first production of THE FANTASTICKS featured Martin Wolf as Hucklebee and Phil Murphy played his son, Matt. In our recent production, Phil doubled as director and played Hucklebee, essentially becoming his own father, while Martin portrayed Bellomy, the other proud papa. Sarna Salzman stepped into the old Carlene Saints role of Luisa and showed that her talents were broader than just the classical straight roles we have previously seen her do. Heidi Kelsey had her first nonspeaking part, but performed with great panache, showing strong physical discipline and obviously having a great time. Newcomer Harry Gillen (formerly of the St. Francis drama club, but now going to T.C. West) understudied Matt Archibald as Matt while also playing Albert Einstein in the Studio show, PICASSO IN THE LAPIN AGILE.
What can I say about PICASSO? It was directed by Gary Bolton (I believe it was his first directing task downstairs). He was one of the most demanding directors I have worked with, always striving for perfection, frequently rethinking blocking and character nuances and reshuffling his actors, but the end result was one of the best shows to come out of the Studio. Scotty McManus, who's been away from the Playhouse for a number of years (he dates back to the first production of WEST SIDE STORY) made a welcome return as the title character, and Linda Smith, who once played Tom Paine's reputation, was back in a bit of gender switching after years of NMC and outdoor Shakespearean roles. My Schmendiman role stirred up echoes of my Playhouse debut 23 years ago as Evil Eye Fleegle in LI'L ABNER (I wish the Suttons Bay High School good fortune should this great musical be their next production). We had two Elvis Presleys, one portrayed by first time actor, Mike Collison in a solid, believable debut, the other being an unforgettable musical interlude by Chris Cooke in an impromptu post show mini concert. Audience members sat at restaurant tables and ordered refreshments while pre-show mimes, singers, and jugglers entertained. Bonnie Diegh and Stephanie Leach, who joined our performing family earlier this year, were perfectly cast as a sassy barmaid and saucy teen, and Yugoslavian import Visnja Kreiser lent a European flavor to her countess role. Tom Pritchard added a solid bartender role to his growing repertoir, and Wizard (bless him) sang (picture him as a Jordanaire for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", and you get an idea of the unusual nature of this incredible show). Behind the scenes, there was some of the most wonderful cast bonding since the 2000 WEST SIDE STORY, with several brand new friendships that look open-ended. I must not forget to mention onetime children's theater participant, Kirsta Wilson, who helped work the lighting, which included stars in the sky achieved with Christmas tree lights. Next up on the mainstage is another musical we have done before, CHICAGO. Stephanie Leach was born the second day of the original show's run, and, like Phil in THE FANTASTICKS, Brian Dungjen has moved up from chorus to Billy Flynn. Michelle Perez debuts as a mainstage director 3 years after helming the very likable SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE in the Studio. She even got Sam Copeland and Dana Monks to put on their dancing shoes. Awesome! In closing, let me wish Ashley Frost, WEST SIDE STORY's "Anybody's" and GREASE's best "Sandy" lots of success as she pursues a singing career with the Young Americans.

Hedges Macdonald

hedges@chartermi.net