2008 Woodie Awards
Therapy, apple martinis, and unnatural candy bar fetishes
Chris Keilman
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
With such a big deal being made of Sonoma State University's main stage performances at the moment, it's easy to lose track of what other students are indulging in.
As such, on April 25 the humble Ives 76 showcased a trio of one-act plays, put on through Stage One, collectively titled "Happily Ever After…What a Load of Crap!"
The first one, entitled "Cindy and Julie," places Cinderella and Juliet of "Romeo & Juliet" fame, in a waiting room where they reminiscence about their relationship issues.
Though the dialogue is playful and witty, even a bit campy, the delivery employed here is somber and quiet, at times stunted. This stylistic choice is a bit off-putting and seemingly ill-fitting for the script, which seems to lean in a snarky direction.
The lushness of the set, the larger-than-life characters seem to lend themselves to over-the-top caricatures, but Crystal Carpenter (Cindy) and Sally Guerry (Julie) remain subdued.
It is not until Lady Macbeth, played by Emily Tomsic, enters the scene that the jubilant undercurrent of the play is finally realized. Rubbing her hands frantically with blunt lines and an irritably short fuse, Tomsic's performance brings forth a much needed energy and intensity to the otherwise low-key scene.
Perhaps the most memorable part involves Lady Macbeth jumping up and down on the couch, physically attacking Cindy.
This was followed by another playful rewrite of an old text. Entitled "In The Beginning," this play has Adam and Eve, portrayed by Noah Zepponi and Alexis Long, meeting in one of the seediest dive bars in town.
The animated and devilish Michael Eynon plays the part of the bartender-or rather, the snake-standing behind a leaf-covered bar with his face absurdly painted green.
Long, once drinking from the apple martini of knowledge, becomes shrewd and stoic and a treasure trove of random facts.
Adam, however, remains bubbly and thick-headed, and constantly proclaiming that he can lift heavy things.
As such, on April 25 the humble Ives 76 showcased a trio of one-act plays, put on through Stage One, collectively titled "Happily Ever After…What a Load of Crap!"
The first one, entitled "Cindy and Julie," places Cinderella and Juliet of "Romeo & Juliet" fame, in a waiting room where they reminiscence about their relationship issues.
Though the dialogue is playful and witty, even a bit campy, the delivery employed here is somber and quiet, at times stunted. This stylistic choice is a bit off-putting and seemingly ill-fitting for the script, which seems to lean in a snarky direction.
The lushness of the set, the larger-than-life characters seem to lend themselves to over-the-top caricatures, but Crystal Carpenter (Cindy) and Sally Guerry (Julie) remain subdued.
It is not until Lady Macbeth, played by Emily Tomsic, enters the scene that the jubilant undercurrent of the play is finally realized. Rubbing her hands frantically with blunt lines and an irritably short fuse, Tomsic's performance brings forth a much needed energy and intensity to the otherwise low-key scene.
Perhaps the most memorable part involves Lady Macbeth jumping up and down on the couch, physically attacking Cindy.
This was followed by another playful rewrite of an old text. Entitled "In The Beginning," this play has Adam and Eve, portrayed by Noah Zepponi and Alexis Long, meeting in one of the seediest dive bars in town.
The animated and devilish Michael Eynon plays the part of the bartender-or rather, the snake-standing behind a leaf-covered bar with his face absurdly painted green.
Long, once drinking from the apple martini of knowledge, becomes shrewd and stoic and a treasure trove of random facts.
Adam, however, remains bubbly and thick-headed, and constantly proclaiming that he can lift heavy things.
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