Annie

I've seen a couple of other stagings of Annie recently, and attending the second performance of the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy's production, I was wondering how it would compare. Sitting at a table in the lobby waiting for the house to open, I chanced to meet the star's 6th grade teacher. "So, is Baysia McCollam, spunky enough for this role?" I asked. "She certainly is. I can vouch for that," she answered. And indeed Baysia was, with a strong voice that fit the part beautifully and filled the house, especially on her high notes. But throughout the evening, I witnessed many inspired performers. Some were young children, easily the majority of the cast of 47, and it was fun to see them really get into character and pull off the numerous cute staging touches which, along with the dialog, yielded a show that was full of laughs.

But this was a mixed cast, with many older teen cast members who delivered excellent strong singing as individuals and who strengthened the many production numbers that filled the stage. Besides that, the exaggerated characterizations in so many of the older roles were played beautifully. But I have to single out Tristan Harness as Miss Hannigan -- deliciously evil, practically possessed, and over-the-top funny.

Not every community theater production can muster a live, 6-member orchestra, and their playing made the most of the show's strong musical score. Another impressive feature of the production was the frequent set changes, an ambitious touch that demonstrated director Colon Archey's commitment to make this a quality experience for the audience. And I think all of us present that night would agree that he succeeded.

Placer County Youth Orchestra - "Carnival of the Animals"

Placer County Youth Orchestra presented an outstanding program March 16, 2014, at the Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville, CA. Margie Hartung, Artistic Director, with input from Wayland Whitney and Benjamin Hartung, Assistant Directors, selected a lively, exciting program which entertained the many youngsters in the full audience and thrilled the amazed and proud adults. Performers in the Jazz Band, the Intermediate Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra delivered performances of tight timing and smooth blending.

Every piece--from Baby Elephant Walk, Flop Eared Mule, The Waltzing Cat, to Peter and the Wolf –all were played expertly in a bouncy and colorful manner so that the music escorted each listener through a landscape of birds and critters.

The Suite from Swan Lake, by P.I. Tchaikovsky, was breathtaking. The Symphony Orchestra played with such sensitivity and passion, particularly in "Scene and Dance of the Swans." One just swam in the beauty and depth of this music, wanting it not to end. When one thought the music couldn’t get any better, the audience was treated to "Carnival of the Animals" by C. Saint-Saëns. Each of the fourteen segments was performed superbly under the exquisite direction of Wayland Whitney’s baton. Special mention is demanded for Benjamin Hartung; his cello sang and whispered its beauty in "The Swan" with maturity and understanding and deep feeling. So moving and exquisite! Such precision. Wayland Whitney then brought forth from the well-rehearsed Symphony Orchestra in "The Finale," a big, exhilarating finish. The audience loved it, slapping their hands together and rising in appreciation of the excellent and all-too-short hour of great music by three groups of Placer County young musicians. A great big “Thank You,” Marjorie Hartung, Artistic Director, for this gift of music.

-Letha Dawson

The Miracle Worker

Helen Keller was an important, inspirational figure in American history.  And the story of how Anne Sullivan brought her out of the isolation of deafness and blindness is powerfully depicted in The Miracle Worker.  The play itself is well written, engaging an audience, not only with the drama of the early interaction of teacher and pupil, but with thought-provoking insights.  The small, intimate space of Sutter Street Theatre (with a well thought out and surprisingly elaborate set) creates an effective setting for this story.  For me, it was drama that, after a fairly slow start, drew me in, grabbed me by my emotional handle, and held me there until the end.

Among the cast of 13, there were some truly fine actors, but the success of a production like this rises and falls on the quality of the two main characters – and they were superb.  Camy Rae Wilson was totally believable as Helen.  Without the help of any dialog (obviously, because young Helen was mute), she crafted her character with consistency and intensity from the moment she appeared on stage.   And Heather Warren did beautifully in portraying the internal conflicts and personal strengths of Anne Sullivan, especially her assertiveness and determination.  But it was the interaction of the two principals that was so forcefully and effectively done – full of physical action that seemed perfectly choreographed.

I expected a good story when I went to see the show, but there was much more to it than that.  It was an evening of intensive, fulfilling entertainment.  And if you miss it, especially the extraordinary interaction between Helen and Anne, you will have missed something truly special.

Lend Me a Tenor

Placer Community Theater’s Lend Me a Tenor is a fun show, and for me, it was full of laughs from beginning to end.  The script for this farce has a lot of built-in humor, but what makes it work is some excellent comic acting.  Much of that comes from PCT regulars, but there is also some new talent in this production – new to PCT, but players with significant experience elsewhere.  Topping that list would be director Chris Harada, who really made a mark in his debut with this company.

The show pulls all the comic levers:  mistaken identity, double-entendre, physical comedy – and strong portrayal of some of the main characters.  Also impressive about this show is the set, which seemed more elaborate than those of past PCT productions and that seemed to fit the action perfectly.  This show has “good time” written all over it.  Lose your worries, get some laughs, and take it in before it closes.