(Re-printed
from a previous blog in September 2012)
As
you may know, my life in the last 4 weeks or so has been all but consumed by
yet another play….and her name is Other Desert Cities.
The normal 6 week rehearsal schedule
was condensed into 4 weeks of powerhouse rehearsals and a sprinkling of script
memorization “speed-throughs” and of course the cast parties (God: I NEED A BREAK! ). The ceaseless pouring out of blood, sweat and
tears will undoubtedly pay off though as I bear witness to a truly great
artistic and professional endeavor of San Miguel theatre being birthed right
before my eyes... Ok, that was a little
graphic. But seriously, that’s what this
script does to you. It makes you look,
think and feel deeper about life and it has the power to touch home on so many
levels. Aside from the very rich content
of the play, the experience of working with director, Taylor Korobow, and the
whole cast and crew has been nothing short of wonderful.
Other Desert
Cities, a play by Jon Robin Baitz
Directed by
Taylor Korobow
October 17-28
Wednesdays to
Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays at 5PM
Teatro Santa
Ana
100 pesos,
all performances
What do you
get when you cross a politically divided, dysfunctional family with Palm
Springs Yuletide Cheer? In the hands of the extraordinary, Pulitzer-nominated
playwright Jon Robin Baitz, it's the laugh-out-loud funny, poignant, tenderly
gut-wrenching play "Other Desert Cities" and it's coming to San
Miguel's Teatro Santa Ana on October 17th.
The winner of several awards
for its recent Broadway and off Broadway runs, “Other Desert Cities” explores
the right we have – or might not have—to
own and reveal our own stories even if it means hurting those we love. The writing is sharp and poignant with
exquisitely drawn characters that one might recognize from one’s own family: A
powerhouse of a mother who knows all too well how important it is to keep one’s
guard up. Then there’s the Republican father, a former actor who uses his
strong veneer to cover his crumbling core. Add to the mix a boozy aunt just out
of rehab and a brother who produces reality shows in Hollywood and knows how to
keep a flirtatious distance from his damaged-beyond-repair family in order to
stay sane.
With an incredibly gifted
cast featuring New York actor Carrie Haugh (who stunned San Miguel audiences
last year as the tortured daughter in “‘night, Mother”) and the brilliantly
talented local actor Jill Gottlieb as the sparring daughter and mother. Plus
the wonderfully talented Michael Gottleib and David Galitzky. And the
magnificent San Francisco actor Jennie Brick, who returns to San Miguel after
her breath-taking portrayal of Mama in last year’s production of ‘”night,
Mother”.
Welcome to Christmas in the
desert. It’s a wild ride that is sure to make you think, laugh and thank your
lucky stars for any normalcy you might find in your own family this coming
holiday season.
“Other
Desert Cities” is presented by Stray Dog Productions who recently brought San
Miguel “God of Carnage” and “’night, Mother” and is directed by Taylor Korobow
with scenic design by Joseph Kent. Tickets available at the Biblioteca box
office.
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