Thursday, April 30, 2009

New York, I Miss You

Because I do.
I miss NY and I have only vacated there
But I miss The Great City
I miss the steam rising from the streets on a muggy August night
Being surrounded by giants on all sides
and mostly the snow that seems to remember to fall at just the right time

I wasn't bred for sunny days... I much prefer the rainy, sticky nights, thank you.


"Here Lies Jeremy Camp" Glendale Centre Theatre Review


So the lawyer is a liar. Surprise, surprise right? Well yes and no.

The show is based on the fact that Jeremy Troy, played by Daniel Roebuck, is a comedic convincing liar. So much so that he has fooled everyone he knows including his ivy-league educated boss, Sven Ivorsen (Mario DiGregorio), into believing he obtained law degree with the falsified diploma and graduation picture to prove it. When and old college friend, Charlie Bickle (Kelly Flynn), comes to town and by chance finds out about the faked degree, Jeremy Troy, in true lawyerly fashion, devises a plan to cover up the truth.

“Here Lies Jeremy Troy” finds the funny. The actor’s all had strong comedic timing, and I honestly enjoyed the slapstick-natured comedy. Though some moments were a bit far-fetched for my likes (i.e., Jeremy fainting multiple times), solid acting balanced the overdramatic faux pas. One buoyant actor floated above the rest, JJ Rodgers as Tina Winslow. For the few moments that this two and a half hour show moved slowly, JJ peppered up scenes with spunk and vibrancy.

The 1960’s era suits were exquisitely created, hats and headbands off to Costumer Angela Wood for JJ’s canary yellow vintage ensemble. As for the set, the structure of the theatre does not permit set changes but the authentic 60’s living room setting worked. That said, thumbs up for theatre structure. It is as cozy as grandma’s living room, with the stage in the center and seats surrounding all 360 degrees of it, every seat in the theatre is equally good. One drawback that took me out of the show is the doors that were part of the set opened very narrowly, and therefore created an uncomfortable exit for the actors to the staged bedroom or bathroom. The short opening along with the obvious empty wood the audience saw behind the bedroom or bathroom door every time an actor came and left drew me out of the show. But then JJ’s effervescence would pull me right back in to the scene.

One of my favorite things about the Glendale Centre Theatre was that there was no need to sneak sweets and coffee into the theatre by means of an oversized purse, food is allowed inside. But if you do choose to visit this theatre in the future (and I highly recommend you do) please do not be the guy who is unwrapping his candy bar all through the first act. Or at least don’t sit behind me while you do.

“Here Lies Jeremy Camp” plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 pm from April 9 to May 16. Tickets are $21-23 Tickets are available at (818) 244-5042. All performances are at Glendale Centre Theatre located at 324 N. Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203