Because a great cast always deserves an extra bow:
MONSTER by Neal Bell from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
DIRECTOR: Randy Baker
FEATURING: Lily Balsen, Nicky Daval, Jeremy Goren, Jason Linkins, Tiernan Madorno, Paul McLane, Ryan Nealy, Robert Rector, Jon Reynolds
DESIGNED BY: Debra Kim Sivigny (Set), David C. Ghatan (Lights), Erin Nugent (Costumes), William Burns (Sound), Andrew F. Griffin (Asst. Lighting Design)
Local folk legend and Shear Madness "Fanatic", Arch Campbell is leaving local television. After over 30 years at WRC (Channel 4 NBC) the Washington Post is reporting that Arch is being axed. This comes after the demise of such main stays at WRC as George Michael, Susan Kidd and I.J. Hudson.
Mr. Campbell will long be remembered for making one of the most damning statements in local theater history:
Arch Campbell - WRC-TV: "The most fun I ever had at the Kennedy Center"
This is of course in reference to the long running Shear Madness where locals dump their out of town guests for a night of non-threatening theater. Now I have nothing against Shear Madness, but there have been a lot of shows come through the Kennedy Center over the years, and to make such a sweeping statement about what amounts to an evening of gay hair dresser jokes and pick-your-own-ending comedy, one has to ask, what the hell?
Perhaps it would not rattle my cage that an arts and movie critic made that pronouncement, if when I moved to DC it hadn't been plastered on the side of every Metro Bus and cab in the City.
Mr. Campbell you and your jaunty hat will be missed on the red carpets of whatever movie is opening at the Uptown. Your NBC peacock microphone will be absent at each Kennedy Center honors and Mark Twain Comedy Award night. I hope you have plenty of time to see even more theater in town, something besides the longest running show in the Kennedy Center's history.
We had some pretty decent crowds this weekend for the final performances of MONSTER. We are gearing up now for Rough Magic and I hope to have some information for you very soon. Remember that Rorschach is still selling Season Subscriptions for the last three shows of the Season for just $44.00 or $32.00 for Students/Seniors. I have one last Ask the Cast to do today for Mr. Paul McLane, a three show Rorschach Vet.
1. Where are you from, originally?
I was born in Hell's Kitchen on the west side of New York at a hospital now known as St. Vincent's Midtown (the first child of a New Jersey-born airline employee named Jim and a Brooklyn-born nurse named Terry who can kick your ass). It's as close as I'm likely to come to Broadway.
2. Where did you go to school?
Westfield, New Jersey, for secondary school and the University of Delaware for my communication degree. I've also studied at the Theatre Lab and Studio Theatre Conservatory. But I teach in the school of love.
4. When you first learned that you would be working on MONSTER, what was the first thought that crossed your mind?
Whether I'd get to kiss Clerval.
5. If you could reanimate anyone, who would it be and why?
Johnny Cash, absolutely my demigod. The rest of the world just now seems to be catching up.
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
Clark bars.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006."?
I heard Shawn Colvin and Brandi Carlisle sing a superb duet at the Birchmere last night of "Calling All Angels," a tune that had been done by kd lang and Jane Siberrry
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
"Hamlet" featuring Jeremy Goren as Hamlet, me as the evil uncle king and Jason Linkins as the gravedigger (a part he was born for).
9. What are your words to live by?
No one ever said it better: Do unto others...
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
I once burned down a pair of Porta Potties.
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
Walk on stage.
12. Why DID Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
Have you ever seen a happier group of actors, designers and crew in your life? Well maybe once or twice in my life but I have lived a life full of happy casts. These are the folks who are going to be finishing their run ofMONSTER this weekend.
You know what would make them even happier? A couple of sold out shows this weekend. Have you seen MONSTER? Have you seen it twice? If you answered no to either one of these questions, I don't even know you any more. Who are you and what are doing reading this blog? Fine person you are reading a blog and not seeing the shows that it documents in gorey detail.
I can only tell you what I know, and that is that there were three adaptations of Frankenstein on stage this season and only one of them did I bother to go see. And that one is closing on Sunday. Get yourself over to Casa and see this show before it is over or I swear by all that is good in this world you will regret not seeing some of the best performances on stage in DC and what I consider to be the finest bit of directing that Randy Baker has done so far.
Shows tonight at 8pm, Saturday at 4 and 8pm and Sunday at 7pm.
And while you are shopping today might I recommend a Season Subscription to the rest of Rorschach's Season 7. We still have Rough Magic, References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot and birds. this season and you can see all three for just $44.00 or less than half what it would cost you to get good seats at the Shakespeare theater. Remember at Rorschach you are never more than 15 feet away from the action on stage (not an actual measurement but a number I pulled out of a hat). Give the gift of theater this Holiday Season and you will be surprised by how appreciative people can be.
You may now return to your left overs and shopping! Monday I will have the final installment of Ask the Cast and pics from the cast party. See you at the theatre!
Once again ladies and gentlemen a Final Weekend LOOMS, with a capital OOMS. MONSTER must close this weekend and what better way to say goodbye to a very talented cast then by seeing the show this weekend.
I know many of you have already hit the road for either Jersey or Upstate New York, because that seems where everyone heads during the holidays even if they aren't from there. But for those of you who remain, I know most of you have probably already seen the show, so thanks. But wat have you done for us lately? Consider my suggestion of sending your out of town relatives to see a show this weekend.
After the football games are over and the turkey is eaten, why not shoo them out the door Friday at 8pm, Saturday afternoon at 4pm or Saturday evening at 8pm to catch MONSTER. And don't forget that November Sweeps are over so, Desperate House Wives is a repeat on Sunday evening, come on by Casa and see the final performance at 7pm.
Before you all leave for the weekend why not check out the answers provided by Ms. Lily Balsen. Lily is what is becoming and endangered species in this town, a recent graduate of Middlebury College. She is that lady on your right. She adds the lady in peril factor to our tale of Gothic Horror. So with out further ado, Lily!
4. When you first learned that you would be working on MONSTER, what was the first thought that crossed your mind?
Yay!
5. If you could reanimate anyone, who would it be and why?
One of my Grandfathers—what could be more remarkable than discovering where you came from?
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
My brothers and I bartered for each other's candy after a night spent greedily taking treats from strangers. Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (the large ones) were always most coveted.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006"?
"Clam Crab Cockle Cowrie" –Joanna Newsom
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
A musical rendition of Monster.
9. What are your words to live by?
Empathy, humor.
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
Mr. Jason Linkins, you will never hear my pun!
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
I scream.
12. Why did Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
Bobby Rector is on the block today in this edition of Ask the Cast. However before we get to know this man who puts the Monster in Monster (or does he? Discuss!), we have some more internet love to share from Brad Hathaway at Potomac Stages.
Brad says:
Each of the characters, if you will pardon the expression, comes to life in a production that feels smoothly created, not at all like the haphazard patch job that is the central character pieced together from spare parts by the good (?) doctor. That patch job is the most fun of the piece, however, as Robert Rector takes us through the evolution of the creature's consciousness of self. -Potomac Stages
I think we can pardon the pun, Brad. If you want to read the whole review follow this link.
Now on to the man of many parts (and I ask for no forgivness for my puns because they are good) Robert "Bobby" Rector. Bobby has been getting some excellent notice for his portrayl of Dr. F's creation. His physical work is outstanding and you are drawn and repelled by his creature at the same time. Here he answers the questions put to him by Jason Linkins:
4. When you first learned that you would be working on MONSTER, what was the first thought that crossed your mind?
Does this mean I have to wear bolts in my neck?
5. If you could reanimate anyone, who would it be and why?
What Jeremy said.
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
Three Musketeers.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006."?
Anything that is NOT played on 99.5.
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
Monster II, in which Frankenstein creates another monster to fight the first, but they end up teaming together to kill...his pets, I guess at this point.
9. What are your words to live by?
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. - Mahatma Gandhi
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
Holler at your boy...when you...see... him in the street.
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
I kill most of the other characters.
12. Why DID Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
Let's just be glad he gave him a REDACTED and not a REDACTED.
Please remember that this is the final weekend of MONSTER coming up. And I know many people head out of town for the Holiday Weekend, but there are also a bunch of you who I know will be around this weekend with out of town guests. Bring them to see MONSTER, you will thank me.
Megan Reichelt is the Stage Manager of our happy cast of misfits. And by misfits I refer you to the ancient greek meaning of the word, which meant lovely bunch of people who are quite mad you know. Megan as the stage manager is responsible for making sure the show runs smoothly and that the lights and sound cues are called at the appropriate times. Which in a show like MONSTER can be quite an undertaking (excuse the pun unless you thought it was funny). Please note she is the only person who has answered this survey who has found it necessary to curse.
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
Dear Brutus by J.M Barrie... that's not really primal though.....more dark magicy.... A version of Jekyll and Hyde? Dracula's always sexy and bloodspattered. That's what Rorschach needs. More blood.
I never get tired of Jason Linkins. There are many people in this world that I can not say the same of but I need me a does of Linkins about every couple of weeks or I start to go into withdrawal. Here he asks himself the questions and slngs back the answer. Remember this is the second to last weekend before MONSTER closes. Don't miss it!
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
Hershey's SPECIAL DARK. They just seemed so EXOTIC. Also, like my friend Sommer, I believe Krackel to be heaven-sent.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006."?
All of these: The Strokes, "You Only Live Once" The Dresden Dolls, "Delilah" Bishop Allen, "Flight 180" Rainer Maria, "Catastrophe Keeps Us Together" Keane, "Is It Any Wonder" Jarvis Cocker, "[REDACTEDS] are Still Running The World" The Hold Steady, "Stuck Between Stations" Middle Distance Runner, "Naturally" The Daybreak Line, "Bleeding Hearts"
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
"This is how it works: You're young until you're not. You love until you don't. You try until you can't. You laugh until you cry. You cry until you laugh. And everyone must breathe until their dying breath. And this is how it works: You peer inside yourself. You take the things you like, and try to love the things you took. And then you take that love you made, and stick it into someone else's heart, pumping someone else's blood. And, walking arm in arm, you hope it don't get harmed. But even if it does, you'll just do it all again." --Regina Spektor
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
I had never dipped them into the gravy before that day...now, I can't help myself.
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
I bury ancient Indian remains under their seats.
12. Why DID Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
I think the real question is, how did he learn to use it just from reading Paradise Lost?
Those of you coming here today for the next installment of Ask the Cast will have to wait a day. Hotmail, that poster child for unreliability has blocked me from digging into the creamy goodness that is Jason Linkins's repsonses to his own questions. Instead I bring you word of another bit of written press goodness from The Washington Post and 2 for 1 Ticket Deal for this weekend.
First off Jeremy Goren and Bobby Rector do the MONSTER cast pround in a nice little feature in yesterday's Style Section over at the paper of record. Getting Inside Someone Else's Head In 'Frankenstein' Redux, Acting From the Neck Up, Jane Horowitz asks our dynamic duo of Corpse Re-animation what it takes to fill the shoes of literatures greatest God and Monster since Paradise Lost. Of special note is Jeremy recalling his previous DC role of Christopher Robin in Eeyore's Christmas Present at Adventure Theater. That tidbit was picked up by the good folks at Eeyore Fun News, where they have linked to the Post Article. If you folks at Eeyore happen to stop by on these pages of Adult Angst and Negativity, I hope you feel right at home. Thanks Jeremy and Bobby for representing.
On to the bargain I mention in Paragraph One. We are offering 2 for 1 Tickets this weekend for any of the performances of MONSTER. Just use the code word "FEAR" , call 1-800-494-TIXS and you and your honey can see the show and get out in time to do all the bar hopping you were planning on doing before you are forced to go home and once again hear about how well your brother is doing in dental school and how your nephew is doing now that they have figured out that he is allergic to papaya.
Five count them five chances to see the show this weekend. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 7pm. The show is a brisk 90 minutes (I read that somewhere) so you can always plan on making other plans after the show.
Jeremy Goren is our own Dr. F in this here production of MONSTER. And I will say this for him, he is more than just side burns and a black coat.
Before we get to Jeremy's answers I just want to take this opportunity to thank the good people at Benny's House of Hair Wax for their sponsorship. When your hair needs a good wax there is only one house of wax, Benny's House of Hair Wax. Take Interstate 95 to the Slawson Cut-off, get out cut off your Slawson and proceed 5 more miles to the fork in the road where you will see a sign for Benny's House of Hair Wax. Now stay tuned for Ron Howard, Ron Pearlman, Rhea Pearlman and Jo-Jo the Wonder Horse in Attack of the the 50 Foot Giant Thing With Tenatcles.
1. Where are you from, originally?
Yo vengo de todas partes, Y hacia todas partes voy. Arte soy entre las artes. Entre los montes, monte soy.
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
Krackel.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006."?
"The Crystalline, Radiant Sky", by The Cynical Idealist
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
The Crown of Fire, Anonymous, 13th c. Albuquerque.
9. What are your words to live by?
"Arm yourselves with your array: Design, Wisdom, Intellect, Knowledge, and Vision, the power of Hands and Feet."
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
There were only seven of them, and it was Havana, not Cancun.
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
I play with menstrual blood. And I eat it.
12. Why DID Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
A wise man, on the edge of the wilderness of infinity, once told his disciples: "As for the whole gang-bang scenario, well, it just couldn't happen. Smurfs are asexual. They don't even have...reproductive organs under those tiny, white pants. That's what's so illogical about being a Smurf. You know? I mean, what's the point ofliving... if you don't have a redacted?"
Monster has some great technical support. A fantastic stage manager in Megan Reichelt and a spunky young gal name of Jillian serving as Assistant Stage Manager and Sound Board Op.
Here are Jillian's answers to Jason Linkin's Quiz of Doom:
4. When you first learned that you would be working on MONSTER, what was the first thought that crossed your mind?
"G-D I really hope that Jason Linkins will be a part of this project.... for if he isnt, I'll be so SCURRRRRED." 5. If you could reanimate anyone, who would it be and why?
No clue, but it would probably be really cool if I could reanimate someone as a present for a friend. "Merry Chirstmas! Here's the reanimated Humphrey Bogart just for you!"
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
I was not allowed to keep my Haloween candy as a child... this is what happens when your mother is a dentist. I didnt actually taste cotton candy until I was in college. But my favorite candy to hide in the various folds and pockets of my costume were Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006."?
"Take Your Mama" by Scissor Sisters or "I Hear the Bells" by Mike Doughty
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
"It is important to remember to always believe in love... and sandwiches.... but mostly love... and sandwiches."
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
And I said to him "I'm not taking my clothes off for ANYONE... even if it is ARTISTIC!"
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
I get to push a button that makes a gunshot happen in the first half hour of the show. Megan and I always look out over the crowd to watch the people jump.
12. Why DID Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
I think the more important question here isnt why the monster was given a REDACTED, but whether or not director Randy Baker explored the question of RECACTEDs with actor Bobby Rector while exploring this artistic moment in the play. Did Randy ask Bobby to go home one night after rehearsal and examine why HE, BOBBY was given a REDACTED and how he therefore felt about the creatures REDACTED? Are Bobby and the creatures REDACTEDS linked? I would like to think that a great deal of time and contemplation was spent on this.... yes, yes I would. . .
We have been playing to some very responsive and loving houses. Check out our cool advertisement on the DCist and the one with the trailer on DC Theater Reviews. And what better way to continue the love for MONSTER, than to continue our on going series Ask the Cast. Today we talk to Tiernan Madorno. Tiernan plays Justine the doomed servant in the House of Frankenstein.
4. When you first learned that you would be working on MONSTER, what was the first thought that crossed your mind? "Sweet! A chick flick!"
5. If you could reanimate anyone, who would it be and why?
I'm sure this comes at little suprise to some, but I'd have to bring back the one true king, Elvis Aaron Presley. From avid nine year old fan, to present day black female impersonator there's really no other worthy of reanimation in my mind!
6. As a kid, what was your favorite Halloween candy?
Those carmel apple pop thingies that got stuck all over your teeth.
7. What tune is going on your "Awesome MixTape 2006." ?
8. What story of primal horror would you like to see Rorschach stage next year?
Waking me up in the morning.
9. What are your words to live by?
"Risk more than others think is safe, Care more than others think is wise, Dream more than others think is practical, Expect more than others think is possible." -Cadet Maxim
10. I'm going to quote you out of context. Okay? Go.
"The best part of wakin' up, is Folgers in your cup! Yeah man! Haaaaaaaaaay-oooooooo! I've got an armor plated Rhinoceros what??? AND All the other wonderfully age appropriate comments I make while doing Bobby's make-up every night!:)"
11. What's something you do in every show to maximize the audience's fear?
Each night Justine enjoys sticking it to Elizabeth by graphically enhancing her 'incident' with Victor in the cellar.
12. Why DID Victor give the Creature a [REDACTED]?
I am sooooooooo not the one to be answering that question.........but I do wonder what goes through Creature's head when he carries a dead Justine off stage........ I mean everybody needs love right??!!
Today is a holiday for some and a Friday and sowhile I slave away here in Rorschach's Northern DC Office, I know that readership of this blog will drop off like a Sunday Matinee audience member at a large theater of your choosing somewhere in the City. Therefore, I will hold off on publishing our next Ask the Cast segment for Monday, when all of our readers will be bright eyed and bushy tailed.
MONSTER continues this weekend with performances tonight and tomorrow at 8pm. Last night we were once again joined by students from Peter Marks's Theater Class from GW. Apparently the students were appropriately appalled by the appalling bits and experienced a rather honest response when the heard the Monster ask why Dr. Frankenstein gave him a (redacted). I love the honesty that a younger audience can bring to a performance. Adults will sit there and act like nothing shocks them but younger audiences tend to let you know what the are really thinking. That makes for a pleasant change sometimes and should be embraced.
Sometimes you get so caught up in what a reviewer who has seen a thousand shows thinks instead of someone who may be coming to the theater for the first time feels in their guts. You forget what it was like the first time live theater made you feel sick, cry, jump in your seat or made you feel better about the world you live in.
Now on to Trey Graham and his review in the City Paper. Well the less said of that the better I suppose. Overall Trey seems to not be a big fan of the script and spends a lot of time comparing this production of MONSTER to its previous iteration at Olney. I would once again like to point out however that the design of the show and some of the performances get special note. Go here if you want the whole bloody run down (scroll to the middle of the page). And here is a choice bit about the design:
. . . Sivigny builds a little wooden avalanche for actors to scramble and scrap and posture (and electrocute one another) upon, while swoops of that fabric frame a playing space that bleeds nicely out into the dark-arched recesses of Rorschach’s high-ceilinged home in the former Calvary Methodist sanctuary. There’s fun to be had with shadowplay (courtesy of lighting designer David C. Ghatan) and with various thunderclaps and heartbeat noises (William Burns) . . . -Trey Graham- Washington City Paper
Today marks the return of an old favorite feature, Ask the Cast. Roving blogger Jason Linkins has composed a list of questions for the cast and crew of MONSTER to answer. So far the only two people to get back to us are Assitant Stage Manager, Jillian Levine-Sisson and cast member Ryan Nealy. Since one of them is the blogger's girlfriend (I am not saying which one) I have waited until a couple of these bad boys made their way into my inbox. So without much further ado here is the first in an inderminately long series of Ask the Cast of Monster.
Ryan Nealy is the first on the block that is him on the left being lifted into the air by the blond guy. Enjoy!
The photos you have seen on the blog and in the media of Monster have been taken by Marigan O'Malley-Posada. As evidenced by the striking postcard image and the striking way that these production photos have turned out, we at Rorschach are becoming big fans of Marigan's work. Enjoy some shots of the show and then call 1-800-494-TIXS to book your seats.
Yes, ladies/gentlemen it is Election Day! And while Rorschach cannot endorse any actual poltical candidates, I would like all of you to think how a company that produces shows like A Bright Room Called Day, Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Family Stories: A Slap Stick Tragedy might vote. Then I want you to look deep into your soul and remember how much Rorschach's shows mean to you. Then I want you to vote. I am not saying who you should or should not vote for, but I think if you look deep down in the bottom of your theater going heart, the answer will present itself.
All right I will come out and say it! Its time to write-in Grady Weatherford for Senate in Maryland and Rahaleh Nassri for Senate in Virginia. They both meet all of the qualifications to be Senators: American Citizens and over 30. Either one would be willing to spend tax payers money on frivilous things like education, healthcare and the arts. And most of the incriminating photos of Grady and Rahaleh are the property of Rorschach Theatre. Here is a photo of them in an early political debate on the issue of Stem Cell Research.
I won't tell you it doesn't matter who you vote for but just go out there and vote, because that is rather a silly thing to say. Vote the way you heart tells you, and then ask your head who it likes and then let your kidneys break the tie.
Weekend 2 went off without a hitch. We had a great crowd on Friday night I heard and Saturday sounds like it was a great audience as well.
The college press chimes in with this contribution from The Eagle, American University's Student Paper, here is the link to the review.
Tare Abell writes:
Directed by Randy Baker, the show is sure to surpass the expectations of horror seekers everywhere with the on-stage adaptation of Mary Shelley's famous novel "Frankenstein."
We have other reviews coming but I just wanted to also direct your attention to the ad that DC Theatre Review put together for MONSTER on their front page. For those of you not familiar with DC Theatre Review, you should check them out they love Rorschach and were really excited to see the trailer and wanted to help us spread the word.
Also a special thanks to our friends over that the DCist for making us a pick for this weekend and spreading the word about MONSTER.
And a little more of the sweet sweet love that only the internet can deliver. From our favorite critic over at the DCist (unless you consider what Linkins does with the Red Skins critiquing), Missy Frederick adds to the choir of well wishers with her Monster review. Jenny says I can not use the following quote in our advertising, but here on the blog I rule supreme, so here is the quote of the day:
Monster is most riveting for displaying the way a family can be torn apart when one of its members is just a little bit off. It's a reality show starring an extended family that we actually want to watch: "Mom, There's A Body In The Basement." - Missy Frederick -DCist
Last night was nearly sold out ladies and gentlemen. Though I have to be honest that was because we were celebrating our Night of Free Theatre, but it was a full house and that means something to a cast who has only had one night off in a week.
Please book you tickets now! And might I suggest an interesting way of dealing with your out of town guests this Thanksgiving. Rorschach has four shows on Thanksgiving weekend. So pack up Aunt Hilda and Uncle Walter and bring them down to Casa del Pueblo on Friday 8pm, Saturday at 4pm, Saturday at 8pm or Sunday at 7pm. Or send them on a grand adventure into the City. Nothing says love and the holidays like sticking your cousins from Jersey on the Green Line and telling them to fiind their way to Columbia Heights and back on a holiday weekend.
As always tickets are available on-line here and at 1-800-494-TIXS.
And so it begins. There is an attitude among some in the business we call show, not to read the reviews. That it will make you doubt everything you do and if you believe the good ones then you will have to believe the bad ones as well. Over the years all of us at Rorschach have received our share of praise along with not-praise. It is when we take our biggest risks that we are sometimes lauded the loudest and also set ourselves up for the biggest disappointments.
All of that is a lead in to the fact that the reviews for Monster have begun to come in. There will be more in the coming days.
Washington Theatre Review offers a review of both adaptations in town, both ours and the two person affair at Roundhouse Silver Spring, featuring Rorschach Alum, Jesse Terrill. Here is some of the sweetness pouring our way from Ms. Debbie Jackson:
The entire production cackles with such moments of creativity, and Baker’s bloody fingerprints are on every scene. He keeps a laser-like focus on character-development, amazing use of space, even eerie lighting cues, all while commandeering a rollicking 90-minute show.
The review everyone waits for is the Post review and it came out today and while it heaps praise on many it also avoids heaping praise on others. Here are some of the choice bits that Mr. Marks had to share:
The invigorating source of disturbance is the big guy who's stitched together from exhumed arms, ears and kidneys. As played by the young, expressive actor Robert Rector, this creature out of our collective anxieties emits the requisite scent of the grave -- what you might call eau de crypt.
If I could just add to Peter Marks enthusiasm, Bobby Rector gives a powerhouse performance as the Monster of the title. The very real danger he embodies is a site to behold. The cast as a whole provides an evening of theatre that will make you shiver, but everyone knows why you really go to see a scary movie or play, it is to see what is hiding under the covers. And this Monster will be one you looking under the bed for when you get home.
Captain I-Hate-Candy-Corn and Princess Rainbow Brite over saw the festivities at our special Halloween performance of Monster last night and while the reviews haven't come out here is what our friend the CityMouse had to say:
Saw Monster last night. Extremely spooky in the very best way possible. Many interesting ideas about god creating man creating god creating man. Stuff to think about and creepy sexual and familial scenes. Again, what more can one ask for? Creepy facial hair too. On everyone, including Getman, who isn't even in the damn show, and Randy, who I think just didn't bother to shave. Lots of fun people there. And halloween candy goody bags to boot. Just FYI Randy's not shaving was due to some sort of instruction from Dceiver regarding the World Series.
Many people came in the spirit of the season, including a couple of fairies, Wonderwoman and Woody from a Toy Story.
We had some pretty decent crowds this weekend for the final performances of 
