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| ILLUSTRATION: Kim Hu-jeong |
My introduction
to Leira Satlof was one summer, many summers ago when she & James Floss
were auditioning for “1940’s Radio Hour” for a production being put together
for the Ferndale Repertory Theatre. Having been cast, we shared extensive
rehearsals for a 26 member cast and by all accounts, the show was a success. I
was aware that her mother Jane Hill was a co-founder of Dell-Arte, another
local company I had worked with, for a Christmas show.
When Gloria
Montgomery telephoned me late Saturday afternoon for going to the theatre that
night, I was thrilled. It is always wonderful to accompany such a talented and
well-known actress as Gloria. We went to see the current production of THE
WHITE SNAKE at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre with bells on.
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| Oregon Shakespeare Festival Photo |
First staged at
the Oregon Shakespeare Festival by Artistic Director Bill Rauch, this Chinese fable
has had updates by such notables as the Brothers Grimm. I found the show
brimming with talent, excellent casting, tasteful music written by Brian Post,
with loads of excitement riveting the audience between fight scenes, dance scenes,
love scenes, and scene changes, with drama and a driving story.
I particularly
enjoyed watching the mercurial temperament of Hanah Toyoda, playing the role of
the monk Fa Hai, along with playing the parts of Narrator #4, Canopus, plus
working as the Make-Up Designer. The other leads were very good, keeping the
show at a good pace, and developing their character depth as the Second Act
unfolded. I always look for those with a dance background, always noticeable.
I loved the poetic
elements held within the production decisions that could be compared to Cirque
De Soleil. Growing up in the Dell-Arte world fashioned Satlof’s vision for how staging
could and should work. I thought the
positivity of the teamwork expressed itself by the energy and creativity
demonstrated by the cast throughout the uniquely timed and detail oriented
blocking.
I want to close
with an official congrats! to Leira Satlof and the committee for having chosen
her. It’s a new day in Ferndale. It is my hope that the community will rally by
attending the final two weeks of the show. It is a good method to relax,
especially with relatives possibly visiting, or the children needing some
entertainment for the Fourth of July weekend. You are in luck, July 3 and July
10, 2016...both days have 2 pm matinees so you can take in the show with your family.
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