Sunday, September 25, 2011
By LORRAINE WARDLE
The Oakland Center for the Arts returned to its roots Friday for the opening of its 25th season. To celebrate the milestone, the Oakland chose “A… My Name is Alice,” which was their very first production as a new theater 25 years ago.
“A… My Name is Alice” is a musical revue-style show performed by a cast of women. The show, conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, is a combination of songs and sketches by various writers and composers. Some of the songs are light-hearted and humorous, while others are sweet and touching, and the short scenes are all hilarious.
The Oakland is known for producing newer, edgier plays. In 1986, “Alice” fit that description. After 25 years, however, the edge has worn off. Though the play doesn’t necessarily seem dated, it does seem more cute than edgy, more funny than groundbreaking. Not that that’s a bad thing. The Oakland’s “Alice” is a thoroughly entertaining production from the opening number to the final curtain.
Alexandra Vansuch, co-founder of the Oakland, was the director of that first production. She has returned to the Oakland to direct this anniversary production, along with Brendan Byers, another theater veteran. Together, they have gathered a cast of some of the area’s best and most- experienced actresses, along with a few promising newcomers.
Vansuch herself is an amazing performer who helps to carry the show. Her solo, “Sisters,” was especially touching. Carla D. Gipson, another veteran actress, played a perfect blues singer in the strange but funny “Honeypot” while her solo, “Portrait,” was beautiful and moving. Starr E. McClure’s “Pay Them No Mind” was sung sweetly while her “Welcome to Kindergarten…” was cute and funny. The trio harmonized perfectly in “Bluer Than You” and their “Watching the Pretty Young Men” was hilarious.
Newcomer Laurie Lyden Greer showcased her lovely low voice in “I Sure Like the Boys.” Donna Smith Downie’s “For Women Only Poems” were the funniest moments in the play and kept the audience roaring. Monica Beasley-Martin, Kris Harrington and Tricia Terlesky rounded out the cast, each adding her own talents to the show.
“Alice” is dedicated to Anne Finnerty James, one of the original founders of the Oakland. In tribute, local legend Maureen Collins played and sang some of James’ songs throughout the production. Her performances were mellow and soulful and gave the audience a glimpse into James’ life.
The set, designed by Vansuch and Leslie Brown, fit the production perfectly. The simple unit set was flexible enough to be whatever the scene required and gave the production an intimate feeling. The excellent band was on stage for the production, never distracting and playing perfectly.
As it begins its 25th season, it is clear that the Oakland, like Alice, is doing all right.
“A… My Name is Alice” continues at the Oakland Center for the Arts Oct. 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 8 p.m. with a special performance next Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 330-746-0404.