Author Michael Hollinger
– a concert violinist turned playwright – wrote this delicately
balanced story about the anxieties, differences and discords of a
fictional, outstanding string quartet.
‘Opus’: Author Michael Hollinger – a concert violinist turned playwright – wrote this delicately balanced story about the anxieties, differences and discords of a fictional, outstanding string quartet.
Five gifted actors – Jackson Davis, Richard Frederick, Jennifer Le Blanc, Mark Anderson Phillips and Kevin Rolston – who do not actually play their instruments, but co-ordinate with exact cuing to make their playing moving and believable, deliver a solid 90 minutes of pure enjoyment.
The story revolves around the renowned Lazara String Quartet, which is set to perform at a gala at the White House in two weeks. Their gifted (possibly bi-polar and off his meds) viola virtuoso disappears and has to be replaced. A frantic search finds an amazing substitute in Grace. The story builds with a mixture of dramatic, comedic moments of how they get to their ultimate goal and possible solutions to their vulnerability, their passions their individual unpredictable relationships and challenges.
Meredith McDonough directs each character with a delicate hand and, in return, receives performances that are deep, satisfying and complete.
The stark, simple set by designer Erik Flatmo and lighting by Chris Studley fit the moods of each fast-moving scene.
This is theatre at its best and the usual fine offerings by TheatreWorks. If you enjoy great theatre and glorious classical music, don’t miss “Opus”.
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‘Opus’
Where: TheatreWorks, Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro, Mountain View
Through: June 27
Tickets: $39-$62
Details: (650) 463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org
‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’
Just go, relax and enjoy the nostalgia of music from the ’50s and ’60s, when Holly Davis, Christina De Cicco, Betts Malone and Lowe Taylor belt out the songs of that era, including “Mr. Sandman”, “Respect” and “Leader of the Pack”, as part of nearly three dozen tunes that gives an opportunity to visit the mid-century pop charts.
Thin on plot but fast-moving the first act, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” begins at Springfield High’s class of ’58 as students provide entertainment for the senior prom and vie for prom queen. There is sensible Missy, popular Cindy Lou, tomboy B.J. and ditzy Suzy. They run through the high school’s follies and foibles, which are an excuse to fit in the marvelous songs. The second act meets the girls 10 years later at their reunion where they share information about their marriage, boyfriends and possible divorces.
This fluffy bit of distraction is enjoyable. The close harmony of the four and the individual renditions are marvelous and well worth attention. This is more of a vehicle to get the songs out there than a musical as we know it.
“The Marvelous Wonderettes” is well done and one can’t help feeling that warm cozy feeling of a more innocent time. Here is something to relax and reminisce with and for a few minutes sink into the euphoria of remembering.
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‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Through: June 27
Tickets: $35-$74
Details: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com
