By Leigh E. Rich
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 5, 1996
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By Leigh E. Rich
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 5, 1996
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"When I consider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment;
That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
Wherein the stare in secret influence comment; ...
Then the concert of this inconstant stay
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight..."
- Shakespeare (Sonnet 15)
Theater is often referred to as "art in the moment." Whether as artists or audience members, we return to it again and again, like a poet's glade or wood, only to find that is never quite the same. Nothing drastic. Rather, nuances and shades. The light is different, a tree has grown, the cast has changed.
From the standard proscenium to the round, from Shakespeare and Ibsen to Albee and Willliams, theater is an everchanging experience, lasting only in the moment and only in our memories. The play, with a second performance or a different production, can ma ture or regress, grow more playful or insidious, satiate or nauseate. The structure remains, but each visit cannot be the same.
Being an audience member means being a part of this inconstant experience. And here in Tucson, theater can be "affordable art in the moment."
- Sycamore Humor
The Arizona Repertory Theatre celebrates its 60th anniversary season with "You Can't Take It With You," a comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Set in the late 1930s, this lighthearted lovestory plays with the good ol' American theme of individuality . Performed in the round, "You Can't Take It" tells the story of the zany and idiosyncratic Sycamore family as they meet with their future stodgy and stuffy in-laws. UA Laboratory Theatre. Sept. 5-15. 621-1162.
- Bawdy Bridesmaids
The Borderlands Theater has extended its run of Alan Ball's "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress," a punchy tale of bridesmaids hoping to escape those wedding reception horrors. Directed by Chris Wilken, "Five Women" is a feminine perspective on today's soc ietal pressures and social climate. Not for the estrogen-weary. PCC West Campus Black Box. Sept. 5-15. 882-7406.
- Buffet and the Bard
The Arizona Theatre Company opens its 30th anniversary season with an early Shakespearean comedy, "Two Gentlemen of Verona." Artistic Director David Ira Goldstein sets this rarely done classic in 1920s Hollywood during the rise of the silent film. Opening night (Sept. 21) is also the ATC's annual Gala Event, which includes a buffet dinner catered by B&B Cafe and dancing 'til dark with Bobby Taylor and the Real Deal. Tickets for the event are $150. The ATC also offers discount tickets for regular performan ces to all full-time students. Call for information. Temple of Music and Art. Sept. 21 Oct. 5. 884-8210.
- Count-less Comedy
The Gaslight Theatre continues its latest concoction, "The Vampire, or He Loved In Vein." Starring Armen Dirtadian, this melodramatic rendition of the classic tale has been brought to life by twisted minds of Dick Hanson and Lisa Otey. 7010 E. Broadway. S ept. 5 - Nov. 2. 886-9428.
- Shepard's View of Tinseltown
The Upstairs Theatre Company takes a probing look at Hollywood with Sam Shepard's "Angel City." A reliably insightful playwright, Shepard's work always forces audiences to delve beneath the surface. Tucson Center for Performing Arts. Sept. 5-15. 791-2263.
Catch this diverse mix of local theater through next weekend, before these plays are bulldozed for the new ones.
Please send all theater-related items to the Arizona Daily Wildcat Arts' Desk.
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