ACT's Moonlight Remarks On The "Passages" Of Life

In this post-pandemic world, we find ourselves slowling crawling back into some semblance of normalcy, although a now very different place we once knew from whence we left some two years ago.  In like fashion, live theatre is slowly beginning to once again find its footing, figuring out along the way how to create art in this 'brave new world' to connect, heal, and bring some meaning to the madness of which we all lived.

This weekend, Ashland Contemporary Theatre opens their first show after a long hiatus due to Covid19, with "Moonlighting 2022: Passages".  The show features the writings of John Yunker with his "SkipIntro", Teresa Peterson with her "Simple Treasures", Dori Appel with her "Shelf Life", Diane Nichols with her "Click", and Bob Valine with his "Gabe".  Bringing the writers' works to life are some of the most talented actors of the Rogue Valley; Trevor Pekas, Janna Mitchell, Lia Dugal, CJ Reid, Kristen Caron, Jeannine Grizzard, Alayha McNamara, and Noah Fitterer.   The pieces are directed by Jeannine Grizzard, Teresa Peterson, Dori Appel, and Kate Sullivan.

The theme of the show, with all its various short plays, is vital as we move forward in this post-Covid19 world besought with new fears, uncertainties, and divisiveness.  No longer can theatre alone be about entertainment or distraction (if it ever was), but as a means to find pure meaning and hope despite seemingly massive amount of troubling circumstances. 

From the start of the play with Yunker's "Skip Intro", the characters Max (Trevor Pekas) and Shel (Janna Mitchell) discover that running away from the difficult does not bring true happiness, then Peterson's "Simple Treasures" describes how trials and hardships in life can be overcome and true victory can be found as told by Diana (Lia Dugal), Appel's "Shelf Life" finds mother and daughter, Liz (CJ Reid) and Susan (Kristen Caron) seeking to find healing in the wake of the loss of a loved one, Nichols' "Click" deepens the struggle with the reminder of the local tragedy of the Almeda Fires of 2020, and finally, through the writings of Valine's "Gabe" resolves the show by showing that all of life's circumstances, both the highs and the lows, are made satisfying because of the growth of soul and purpose found in overcomng and thriving.

ACT's Moonlight 2022: Passages opens Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Grizzly Peak Winery and runs through April 3,2022.  The shows all commence at 4 pm, with a 15 minute intermission.  For more information, https://www.facebook.com/events/512645443750229/512645453750228?ref=newsfeed

ACT's Moonlighting: A Night of Magical Theatre!

Ashland Contemporary Theatre opened their annual Moonlighting Series this last weekend with this year's rendition, Moonlighting 2017: Go Rogue.  Go Rogue features short plays from the Rogue Playwright's Circle, three of which are fully produced and three of which are staged readings.  The playwrights of such plays are Mark Saunders of "Playthings", Cynthia Rogan of "Give", Jeannine Grizzard of "Emmeline Pankhurst", Bob Valine of "The Other Side", David Copelin's "Quite Contrary", and Molly Tinsley of "It Is What It Is."

The short plays are directed by Cat Gould, Jeannine Grizzard, Michael Meyer, and Peggy Rubin and have an ensemble cast with ACT alumni, Karen Douglas, Cat Gould, Jeannine Grizzard, Michael Meyer, Mabrie Ormes, and Judith Rosen, with ACT fresh faces, Alex Bringer, Nicholas Madtson,  Russell Mitchell, and Elizabeth Suzanne.  The show also features narration by Lia Rose Dugal, also an ACT alumni.

The show starts with the adorable "Playthings".  Nicholas Madtson gives a spot on performance of GI Joe and binds the show and the other characters helping to sustain the strength of the story.  Alex Bringer sparkles on stage as Babs while Mabrie Ormes warms our hearts as the lovable Teddy.

Give is the next story to unfold with a thought-provoking and motivational story.  The cast, Alex Bringer, Karen Douglas, Cat Gould, and Elizabeth Suzanne, each give strong, passionate, and honest performances which heightens the interest in the story and characters.   Elizabeth reveals an honest and heart-wrenching performance and Karen brings an air of the comedic honesty to this raw story. It is Cat who shines with a riveting performance, the connecting force that guides the other characters through the story.

Jeannine Grizzard's "Emmeline Pankhurst" is a powerful message of eternal perseverance in fighting for one's cause.  Grizzard gives a truthful solo performance and shines beautifully under the stage lights.    It is clear that she cares deeply for the character as well as the message.

Bob Valine's "The Other Side" is brought to life beautifully by the excellent talents of both Jeannine Grizzard and Elizabeth Suzanne.  Jeannine brings a sense of comedy to the story which helps Elizabeth's character learn to trust again.  Elizabeth moves the house to tears with her honest portrayal of her character, which may be to date this actress's best Rogue Valley performance.  She is both truthful, brave, and real, which helps the powerful message of love everlasting become more tangible for the viewers.

Next up is David Copelin's "Quite Contrary".  ACT newcomers Russell Mitchell and Nicholas Madtson play off each other well with honest comedy and both appear to truly understand their characters.  Its Judith Rosen and Michael Meyer who carry the story forward through their exchange ranging from comedic repartee to pathos.  The show ends with a beautiful prayer sung over the audience.

The last show is Molly Tinsley's "It Is What It is" starring Karen Douglas and Mabrie Ormes. Once again, Karen Douglas gives a heart-felt, truthful, and sometimes comedic performance but this time its Mabrie who shines in her role.  Mabrie's work is both surprising in its moving simplicity and a touching performance, which is one of the finest of Ormes roles to date.

Moonlighting has one final weekend.  Friday at 3 pm at Grizzly Peak Winery in Ashland, followed by a Saturday evening show at 8 pm at the Ashland Community Center, and a closing matinee Sunday at 2 pm at the community center as well.

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Medea, Medea, I just met a girl named Medea...

...And suddenly that name will never be the same...

My name is Helena, a townswoman with 6 children at home and a husband too ill to work.  Because of this, I am over-worked, worn-out, tired, and hopeless.

My one relief is my visits with Jason, Medea's husband.  Indeed, some of my children might be of his lineage, but keep that between us.

I am constantly in fear of Medea's rage since I am a slave of the bed with her husband and so to perserve my life from her homicidal thoughts I seek to appease at all times.

Come see me and my fellow townswomen this weekend and next in Ashland Contemporary Theatre's 7 Shorts of Christopher Durang.  The show runs March 7th - March 9th at Ashland Community Center and the following weekend, March 14th-March16th at Grizzly Peak Winery, in Ashland.  Show starts at 8 pm, with two intermissions.  Doors open at 7:30.

The show is directed by Evalyn Hansen.  Medea stars Jeannine Grizzard as Medea, David DeMoss as Jason the argonaut, Richard Royce as the Deux Es Machina, and Krystal Brewer, Mabree Owens, and myself as the Chorus.

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