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11/14/2019 0 Comments FOOLS IN: Cabaret at Selma Art Center Meg Clark as Sally Bowles in SAC’s production of “Cabaret”. Photo by Kyle Lowe. Life is a cabaret and this one is full of Fools. 15 to be exact. The Selma Arts Center is happy to invite you inside the Kit Kat Klub in pre-WWII Germany. Fools Board Members Ryan Gilmore and Nicole Spate recently reached out to fellow Fools Michael C. Flores (Director/Choreographer) and Meg Clark (Sally Bowles) to ask them a few questions about Cabaret. Here is their interview. Q: Michael, What first made you feel connected to Cabaret and why did you want to bring it to the stage this season?A: After seeing Cabaret for the first time, 5 years ago, I remember leaving the show, enthralled, and uneasy. This was something I hadn’t experienced with theatre before, and that feeling stayed with me ever since. When I finally felt ready to submit for the season the year before last — I originally intended to submit Cabaret, but instead ended up doing Bring it On. So, when I planned to submit this past season, it seemed fitting to want to finally put on Cabaret, and I feel like I wouldn’t have been as ready as I am now. Q:What creative liberties have you taken with this production compared to previous productions of Cabaret? A: Through various clips I’ve seen of the show, I noticed many similarities especially when it came to the costumes, and choreography. So, I knew I wanted to take some liberties on the choreography inspired by editorial fashion posing, dolls, and of course Fosse. I felt as though this also needed to be attributes the Emcee possess as well, and Abigail fit perfectly, not taking too much from Joel Grey, or Alan Cumming, but embodying the alluring, mysterious, ethereal figure I wanted her to portray. I never thought of it as me casting a woman but instead me casting a person that I felt embodied the qualities I wanted my direction to go in. In that same vein, I spent much time delving it the art movement that is, German Expressionism, this really gave me the courage to be unapologetic with the aesthetic of the Kit Kat Klub, and the queerness of the piece, especially since Cabaret has a queer narrative. Being a fan of film, I looked heavily into German Expressionists influence on cinema. Having been a fan of the work of Tim Burton, and Alfred Hitchcock, and seeing the influence in their work, I felt it easier to create a world in which was glamorous, alluring, yet ominous and distorted in a way. This allowed me to heighten the story telling part of the piece by having the moving mirrors on stage, and it feed into the characters most self reflective, and self destructing moments in the show.  Juan Luis Guzman as Herr Schultz and Amy Esten Ryan as Fräulein Schneider in “Cabaret”. Photo by Kyle Lowe. Q: This production has an option of purchasing on stage seating. What kind of experience do you hope will one have being seated on the stage as opposed to being seated in the risers? A: The onstage seating is a real fun way to feel a part of the show, you’re right in the middle of the action, and it’s a different perspective of the show that allows the audience to engage fully into the story. Plus free beverages, and being waited on throughout the night by two fabulous waitresses are perks, too. Q: What do you hope the audience takes away after leaving this production of Cabaret? A: In today’s society, I feel we are content with reposting, sharing, and hash tagging, but is that enough? I have been guilty of it, and can certainly do better, in trying to fight what I believe in. This show has allowed me to become more self reflective, and aware. I hope audiences do the same. We can all find a common thread in humanity. I hope people see the show as a reminder to take action before it becomes too late.  Meg Clark and Adam Chavez in “Cabaret”. Photo by Kyle Lowe.
Q: Meg, How did you prepare for the role of Sally Bowles? A. I was honestly pretty intimidated at the thought of playing Sally. I did a lot of research on the legacy of the character, through the different stage versions and, of course, the 1972 movie. I also did some journaling about Sally/as Sally to explore her psyche and background a bit deeper. Michael C. Flores facilitated some really fascinating conversations between me and Adam Chavez, who plays Cliff, about our characters and their relationship to one another. Q: Have you personally connected with Sally? If so, how? A. I have definitely connected with Sally’s fear of being hurt and can understand where her self-preservation tactics are coming from, even if she handles those situations differently than I might. Other Fools in the production include Adam Chavez (Clifford Bradshaw), Amy Esten Ryan (Fräulein Schneider/ Dialect Coach), Juan Luis Guzman (Herr Shultz), Casey Ballard (Fräulein Kost) , Joshua Plowman (Ernst Ludwig) , Kindle Lynn Cowger (Rosie), Nia Luchau (Lulu), Aaron Pierce (Max), Dominic Grijalva (Graphic Design/Marketing/Additional Scenic Dressing), Kyle Lowe (Production Video/Photo), Damen Pardo (Costume Designer/Costume Construction), Mindy Ramos (Vocal Director/Sound Designer), and Dakota Simpson (Sound Designer). Cabaret continues it’s run through Saturday Nov. 23 at Selma Arts Center. Tickets range from $17- $30. Cabaret is rated R. For more information, visit their website or follow them on social media.
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 GCP Promotional Photo, Facebook Fool Heather Parish is the director of Good Company Players' current production of My Cousin Rachel, which runs at their Second Space venue through mid-October. Heather has been chronicling her directing journey on her "What's My Call Time?" blog , an local arts-centric site she runs to help market and celebrate the work of Fresno-area theater companies and artists. To steal from her latest post on WMCT (which, by the way, you should definitely subscribe to if you're interested in keeping up with local theatre scene), here are some of Heather's thoughts on the show: "It is an age-old story in Gothic novels: inexperienced ingenue becomes infatuated with someone years older, with a past, and who is possibly a danger. But Daphne du Maurier always has a twist: the ingenue is a young man and the “menace”, as she called such characters, is an attractive widow. While Philip Ashley is the principal point of view character in My Cousin Rachel, it is Rachel who wields the power – and who possesses the mystery, sensuality, and ambiguity that people often find threatening. That ambiguity is at the root of My Cousin Rachel. Doubt is everywhere in this story, even through to the end. People’s assumptions are questioned, the facts of the case reversed, and reversed again, until everyone involved has doubts – including the audience. And while the play has a definite resolution, it doesn’t offer easy answers. It’s my favorite kind of theater. The kind that we keep turning over in our heads for days after we’ve seen it. We hope that you enjoy this play set in the Victorian age full of breathing, visceral people with “all the human weaknesses, good and bad mixed together” as Rachel says. And people full of doubt. . . always doubt." This production of My Cousin Rachel also features the talent of a couple of other Fools: actors Brooke Aiello and Thomas Nance. The show runs through October 13th at GCP's 2nd Space Theatre in the Tower District (928 E. Olive Ave. in Fresno’s Tower District. MAP) Tickets are $20, general admission and $18 for students/seniors. The show is rated PG. Showtimes vary: Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Tickets available online at gcplayers.com.  Production Photo, Good Company Players CategoriesAll Brooke Aiello Cal Arts Cyndle Cee Dakota Simpson Damen Pardo Fools In Good Company Players Government Inspector Heather Parish HypoTheatricals Joel Abels Juan Luis Guzman Justin Ray La Cage Aux Folles Michael C. Flores My Cousin Rachel Randy Kohlruss Rodolfo Robles Cruz Second Space Selma Arts Center Severance Sinnta StageWorks Fresno Terry Lewis Thomas Nance Wait Until Dark  SWF production photo: Michael C. Flores gets make-up assistance from Mallory Parker. The original La Cage aux Folles was a French farce written in 1973 by Jean Poiret. It was adapted to a film five years later, then into a musical version five years after that. Many folks who aren't familiar with title might better know the story through the vantage point of the successful 1996 American film remake. The Birdcage (starring such famous names like Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Christine Baranski, and Calista Flockhart), opened at #1 on the US box office charts and stayed there for three weeks before continuing on as a favorite guilty pleasure among video rental houses (r.i.p.) and streaming sites alike. All versions of the story have the same basic plot: A night club owner and his fabulously flamboyant life-partner embark on a crazy journey when they receive word that their heterosexual son is bringing home his new fiancé's very conservative, very religious, very powerful in-laws-to-be. Chaos ensues with, as Desson Thomson from The Washington Post describes it, "eyeliner to one-liners." One might like to think the world has advanced far enough from the social politics of the 70's and 80's (and even the 90's) to hope a show like La Cage is no longer topical. Unfortunately, in a society where gay youth still disproportionately experience homelessness, where trans women continue to be killed at alarming rates, and where the president of the United States continues to roll back LGBTQIA rights, the script remains just as necessary for American audiences to ingest as it was thirty years ago.  SWF production photo: Damen Pardo applies make-up backstage. Damen Pardo, who has performed in drag multiple times at Fools events, is very at home in his role as a "Cagelle" (one of the drag queens) in this cast. "In a culture that still undervalues different types of non-traditional family dynamics, this show presents that conflict against tradition in a comedic way that is still able to tug at your heart strings," he says. "I think it might be a thing where many people in the audience will find themselves thinking of family in a new way, maybe even for the first time." Fool Michael C. Flores, another one the SWF production's Cagelles, agrees. "Sometimes family isn’t always what you’re born with, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Underneath the feathers and glitter of this show, there’s an important lesson of pride and acceptance that still needs to be told." Flores says that building non-traditional family is just as much a behind-the-scenes theme as the story itself. "My favorite part about being in the cast is the bond I’ve made with my fellow Cagelles," he says. "Prepping for drag is kind of a vulnerable thing to do, and we’ve all helped each other along the way. " For someone like Pardo, who often performs as his alter-ego Harley Sinn, being in a theatrical production of a drag show has been different from performing in a regular drag show, in the best kind of way. "As a working drag queen, I've never been so catered to!" he says, with delight. "I'm usually the one doing everything myself but here I have someone picking out my costumes, helping with my make-up, helping with my wig. People are constantly asking for my advice, which I do give happily, but it's nice to all feel a little taken care of, too."  SWF Production Photo: Joel Abels and Terry Lewis. La Cage opens tonight (July 26th) and runs until August 11 at the Dan Pessano Theatre at Clovis North High School campus. Other Fools in the production include Terry Lewis and Joel Abels, alongside many other dear and talented community members. Visit StageWorks Fresno's website for more information or to purchase tickets. Get them quickly, though. Opening weekend is already sold out!  Josh Plowman as Michael in SAC's production of "Be More Chill". Photo by Kyle/Brandon Lowe. Our friends at the Selma Arts Center are excited to present the Central Valley premiere of Be More Chill. This new musical follows a high school loser, Jeremy Heere, who swallows a pill-sized super computer to help him become popular. Fool Christy Hathway, who served as assistant director for the production, sat down for a Q&A with actor Josh Plowman. Josh plays the role of Michael (Jeremy’s best friend) in the show. These questions cover Michael's back story as well as Josh's reasons for loving the show. Many other Fools are involved in this production, including founding Fools Dominic Grijalva (projections) and Kyle Lowe (band), some of our favorite performers (Jessica Meredith, Randy Kohlruss, and Teya Juarez), and make-up/hair artist, Logan Cooley. The show was directed by our very own marketing designer/ board member, Miguel "Migs" Gastelum. All pictures on this post are by Kyle and Brandon Lowe, for the art center.  Ian Jones and Josh Plowman (drinking the perfect Slurpee) in "Be More Chill" Here is Christy's interview with Josh. Q: The first time we see Michael, he’s slurping on a slushee. What’s Michael’s fave Slurpee flavor? A. Michael’s ideal Slurpee is made by layering Blue Raspberry Slurpee on top of Cherry. The trick is to tilt the cup and dispense the Blue Razz slowly, or else it’ll plunge right through the Cherry. Q. Michael’s favorite video game? A. Definitely Apocalypse of the Damned, due to Michael’s connection to it through playing with Jeremy for years. Q. What about Michael’s favorite TV show? A. The original Star Trek series with William Shatner because it’s freaking awesome and Michael geeks out rewatching episodes and learning as much trivia as he can.  Josh Plowman and Ian Jones. Q. Why do you think this story is important right now? A. This story is especially important in this age of social media because we are constantly bombarded with direct comparisons of ourselves to others. Q. How do you hope the audience feels after seeing the show? A. I want audiences to feel empowered in their own identities. Hopefully their cheeks will also be hurting from laughing, but primarily the empowerment thing. I want people to really like themselves after this show. It’s a powerful message conveyed in an extremely entertaining fashion. Q. Any other thoughts? A. I definitely do want to say that the role of Michael has been daunting. The followers of this musical fell in love with the character because of George Salazar’s iconic performance [on Broadway]. I neither wanted to copy that performance, nor did I want to ignore the elements of it that made the character special and relatable. In Michael, I have found an amazing source of positivity that I try to hold with me as I go through day-to-day life outside of the show. I hope that audiences will feel that positivity and find an optimism inside themselves that they didn’t know was there before. Be More Chill runs tonight through the 27th of July at Selma Arts Center. For more information, visit their website or follow one of their (great) social media platforms.  The cast of Hypo-Theatricals production of "The Government Inspector". ***We want to do a better job highlighting the great work our members do out in the community, even when they're not singing or acting or foolin' around with us. As such, we're starting a blog series called "Fools In:" that features commentary, behind the scenes photos, and other inside information, delivered to you straight from Fools participating in upcoming local productions and events.*** Hypo-Theatricals founder and executive director, Dakota Simpson, leads several Fools (including himself) in the upcoming production of The Government Inspector at Cal Arts Severance in the Tower District. Promotional material describes the play as "a wild, farcical romp through dim-witted Russia." Other Fools involved in the show include S'willers Randy Kohlruss and Justin Ray, along with Damen Pardo, who is the world's best Sinnta (that's a Harley Sinn Santa reference, for those of you who missed out on last year's Joyful Noise cabaret). Other cast members include Michael Brandon Fidalgo, Will MacDonald, Scott Champan, Jesse Parr, Hannah Weyant, Brittany Zenz Toschi, Laura Hay, and Alexis Macedo.  We chatted with Simpson about his reason's for picking the play and his experience working with this particular cast and creative team. So, tell us about the plot. The corrupt officials of a small Russian town, headed by the Mayor, react with terror to the news that an incognito inspector will soon be arriving in their town to investigate them. The flurry of activity to cover up their considerable misdeeds is interrupted by the report that a suspicious person has arrived two weeks previously from Saint Petersburg and is staying at the inn. What is/are your role(s) for this production?
I'm the director and I play the The Doctor and Penteleyvy. Why bring this particular show to town? I chose The Government Inspector because, looking around the Valley, people are trying to provoke audiences with fierce drama and fierce family dynamics and fierce fighting of racial prejudice... but there's no fierce farce to be found. One of the oldest forms of theatre that can talk about all these issues in the world, and no one wants to take it on. What's your favorite part of the production? My favorite part of the show is falling in love with how new and fresh it feels every night we perform this piece. What have you learned from this experience? I learned a lot about ensemble theatre and in approaching this I tried to delve deep into movement, tableaux, devised theatre and just building a hive brain within the company. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about the production? I think audiences will appreciate seeing some new faces in town. A lot of these actors perform in college shows or in Selma (and we've brought some out of hiding), so I think it will be nice to see a fresh group of hilarious actors in the community. This show is such a powerful piece to me because not only is it well crafted comedy, but it touches on the deep parts that make us human. It is very much a piece about absolute power and mans' lust for it. The Government Inspector opens tonight (May 23rd) at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 General admission, with $5 discounts for students, seniors, and military members. The show runs this weekend for four performances only, and closes on Sunday with an evening show. For more information on purchasing tickets, visit the show's brown paper ticket link, here. The company also accepts cash, Venmo, and Cash app at the door.  Wait Until Dark Promotional Image from SAC (designed by one of our founding Fools, Dominic Grijalva) We want to do a better job highlighting the great work our members do out in the community, even when they're not singing or acting or foolin' around with us. As such, we're starting a blog series called "Fools In:" that features commentary, behind the scenes photos, and other inside information, delivered to you straight from Fools participating in upcoming local productions and events. We're so excited to kick off this series with Wait Until Dark at Selma Arts Center! The show is a slowly-unfolding mystery centered around the life of Suzy, a blind housewife, who must outwit thugs who come to her apartment in search of a very special (spoiler alert: drug-filled) doll her husband unwittingly transported across the boarder from Canada into their home in Greenwich Village, NY. Longtime Fool, Juan Luis Guzmán, directs the piece. He says, "Aside from all the thrills and chills in this production, I think it is also a story that speaks to the strength of a character who must learn to trust in herself at all costs. There are themes of love and friendship in this story, of redemption and empowerment. Themes that teach us these qualities can often light the way for us even in the darkest of situations."
One of our favorite Fools, and cheerleaders-for-the-Fools, and general supporter-of-all-things-and-people-in-the-local-theatre-scene, Cyndle Cee serves as stage manager for the production. "I can't remember the last time I saw a show that scared me," she says. "Rehearsing the finale in the weeks leading up to opening always had me tense up even though I knew how it would end. The commitment the actors have blows me away every night and I am immensely proud of them and all the work they've put in to this show. I cannot wait for audiences to experience that as well."
Coming up soon: The Government Inspector at Hypo-Theatricals, which opens May 23rd and involves Fools Dakota Simpson, Randy Kohlruss, Justin Ray, and Damen Pardo!
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August 2019
CategoriesAll Brooke Aiello Cal Arts Cyndle Cee Dakota Simpson Damen Pardo Fools In Good Company Players Government Inspector Heather Parish HypoTheatricals Joel Abels Juan Luis Guzman Justin Ray La Cage Aux Folles Michael C. Flores My Cousin Rachel Randy Kohlruss Rodolfo Robles Cruz Second Space Selma Arts Center Severance Sinnta StageWorks Fresno Terry Lewis Thomas Nance Wait Until Dark |
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