Lies and ruined lives: Bonstelle’s “The Crucible” mirrors modern media mudslinging

Aeisha Reese (left) of Flint as Mary Warren, Malvina Mirowski of Sterling Heights as Betty Parris and Mackenzie Conn of Walled Lake as Abigail Williams perform in the Wayne State University Bonstelle Theatre production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."   Photo by Patrick Pozezinski

Lies and ruined lives: Bonstelle’s “The Crucible” mirrors modern media mudslinging

By SUE SUCHYTA

           

            Wayne State University presents Arthur Miller’s powerful 1953 Tony Award-winning play, “The Crucible” for two more performances, at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 and 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Bonstelle Theatre, 4743 Cass Avenue in Detroit.

For more information call the Bonstelle box office at (313) 577-2960 or go to www.bonstelle.com.

            The show, known as a drama about the Salem witch trials and an allegory of McCarthyism and the Communist witch-hunts of the 1950s, resonates eerily during the current presidential campaign. In each scenario, opportunists blur the line between truth and falsehood unfettered by a moral conscience.  

            Directed by Lavinia Hart, The Bonstelle Company delivers a masterful piece of theatre that draws one in and leaves its audience emotionally drained with its intensity and powerful message. Self-serving lies destroy innocent lives, and paralyze a community with fear in its deadly aftermath.

            Anthony Karpinski’s set is stunning and versatile. From a stark leafless tree dominating the wall upstage, grow branches that resemble headless bodies running frantically in space but getting nowhere. Rough-hewn wooden fencelike backdrops paired with platforms serve as many different locations, transformed by splashes or absence of color created by lighting designer Gabriel Rice.

            Rice also creates both a blood red sky and spooky jack-o-lantern lighting against the austere gray set, adding a passionate contrast to a rigid, repressive society that eschewed indulgence.

            Sound designer Mike Thomas sets the mood before any dialogue is spoken with eerie rumbling techno-music and the rustle of skirts amplified to sound like thunder before even the first line of dialogue is uttered.

            Once the words begin to flow, though, they capture the audience with a cavalcade of lies spilling uncontrolled out of the floodgates. Some lies begin out of jealousy; others are merely to hide personal transgressions. However, in the rigid, judgmental society of 1692 Salem, words used to save ones’ life turn on others to condemn them to death.

Technical director Fred Florkowski helps makes the stage magic come to life, while costume designer Donna Buckley clothed the cast in the era.

            Mackenzie Conn of Walled Lake turns in a riveting performance as Abigail Williams, the 17-year-old antagonist who, spurned by John Proctor after an affair when she was a household servant, accuses his wife Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft, hoping to see her hang so she can win back John Proctor.

            Young girls, caught in the woods without alibis, start accusing others of witchcraft to explain their transgressions.  As the group feeds on the power of their lies and hysteria builds in the community, fear encircles the town, where they begin to kill those pleading innocent to the crime of witchcraft.

            Other outstanding performers include Ivy Haralson of Belleville as Tituba, Michael Meike of Clinton Township as Judge Danforth and Aeisha Reese of Flint as Mary Warren.

            Others in the strong cast include Jacqueline Fenton of Allen Park as Susanna Walcott, Daniel Finn of Armada as Ezekiel Cheever, Jordan Fritz of River Rouge as Giles Corey, Amber Gale of Detroit as Girl 1 and Robert J. Hammond of Troy as Willard.

Shannon Hurst of Warren plays Girl 4, Sharayah Johnson of Birch Run portrays Ann Putnam, Sara Kline of Royal Oak is Rebecca Nurse and Kelly Klopocinski of Sterling Heights embodies the role of Elizabeth Proctor.

Other cast members include Alyssa Lucas of Garden City as Mercy Lewis, Colin Mallory of East Lansing as Reverend Parris, Jackson McLaskey of Mt Clemens as John Proctor and Matthew Miazgowicz of Dearborn as Thomas Putnam.

Yesmeen Mikhail of Wyandotte plays Sarah Good, with Malvina Mirowski of Sterling Heights as Betty Parris, Hope Morawa of Lincoln Park as Girl 3, Bryauna Perkins of Chesterfield as Hopkins and Girl 2 and Aeisha Reese of Flint as Mary Warren.

Laith Salim of Dearborn plays Francis Nurse, Stuart Sturton of Dexter portrays Judge Hathorne and Nicholas Yocum of Royal Oak is Reverend Hale.

             For tickets or more information, call (313) 577-2960 or go to www.bonstelle.com. 

Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Photos and review by Sue Suchyta

The Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 8 p.m. April 27 in the Berwyn Center, 26155 Richardson in Dearborn Heights.

For move information, go to www.dhctstage.org.

Children and adults will enjoy the the Peanuts characters in the musical based on Charle's Schulz's much-love characters.

From the excellent opening number, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" to the closing number "Happiness" you'll find yourself reliving memories from your youth as you see a favorite comic strip come to life on the DHCT stage.

Director Marc Walentowicz has brought together a strong cast.

Ron Williams brings out the kid in all of us with his trusting, optimistic Charlie Brown, who manages to stay hopeful despite the curveballs life throws his way.

Emily Gedert is entertaining as Lucy, the bossy big sister who does a very good job of getting her way most of the time.  Her song "Little Known Facts" is very funny.

Brian Welch shines as Snoopy, whether he's waiting for supper or stalking the Red Baron as he flies his dog house.

Sara Mayne is funny and full of childish joy as Sally.  Resplendent in a pink dress any little girl would love, she  hunts rabbits with Snoopy, expresses righteous indignation about her "C" grade on a coat hanger sculpture, and practices her "new philosophy" -- "Why are you telling me?!"  -- to the amusement of all.

James Mayne has fun with Linus, Lucy's little brother who survives her bossiness with his clever comebacks. He has fun with his blanket dance, with Clara Albright (who also plays Peppermint Patti) bringing the dancing comfort object skillfully and enthusiastically to life.

Others in the strong supporting cast include Cory Chambless as Schroeder, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie, Dustin Hanson as Roy, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, and Sophia Tyler in a delightful cameo role as Woodstock. 

Laura Tyler's choreography is fun and whimsical, and works well with the theatre-in-the-round seating.

For fun for all ages, take a trip down memory lane and spend some time with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang.

For more information, go to www.dhctstaage.org.

Marissa Campitelle (left) as Marcie, Sara Mayne as Sally and Emily Gedert as Lucy.

Ron Williams (left) as Charlie Brown and Emily Gedert as Lucy.

James Mayne (left) as Linus and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.

James Mayne (left) as Linus, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.

"The Producers" opens April 27 at the Players Guild of Dearborn

Photos by:  Sue Suchyta

Dearborn residents Dan Hartley as Leo Bloom (left) and Brian Townsend as Max Bialystock rehearse a scene Wednesday from the Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical comedy “The Producers.” The show runs for four weekends, April 27 to May 20 at the Players Guild of Dearborn. For more information call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

Dearborn residents Dan Hartley (left) as Leo Bloom, Brian Townsend as Max Bialystock and Mike Falzon as Franz rehearse a scene from the Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical comedy “The Producers.” The show runs for four weekends, April 27 to May 20 at the theater, located at 21730 Madison in Dearborn. For more information, call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

The cast rehearse a scene Wednesday from the Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical comedy “The Producers.” The show runs for four weekends, April 27 to May 20 at the Players Guild of Dearborn, located at 21730 Madison in Dearborn. For more information, call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

"Grease" cast fills HFCC stage with energy and enthusiasm

Photos by: Sue Suchyta

Shauna Rae Hazime (left) as Sandy rehearses “Summer Loving” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are Danya Talab (second from left) as Jan, Megan Oliver as Marty, chorus members LaToya Letman, Danielle Addington, Amanda Pierce and Courtney Butterfield, Samantha York as Patty Simcox, chorus member Brittany Lowrey, Judo Manko as Frenchy, Samantha Hales as Betty Rizzo, and chorus members Andrea Wells-Preister, Ellen Neiman, Khadijah Carr and Zena Elayan.

Raymond Filipek (fifth from left on pedestal) as Danny Zuko rehearses “Summer Loving” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are chorus members Miekyle Turner (left), Maurice Whitsett, Bowen Underwood and Brent Baldridge Jr., Marcellus Hogan (sixth from left) as Roger, Corey Allen as Kenickie, Joey Kulza as Doody, Eric Vega as Sonny and London Johnson as Johnny Casino.

Corey Allen (fourth from left) as Kenickie rehearses “Greased Lightning” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are Marcellus Hogan (left) as Roger, chorus members Randall Nicholls (who also plays Teen Angel), London Johnson (who also plays Johnny Casino), VicAngelo Offutt (fifth from left) as Eugene, Raymond Filipek as Danny Zuko and chorus member Bowen Underwood.

By SUE SUCHYTA

            Henry Ford Community College continues a run of “Grease” through April 22 with 8 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

GREASE IS THE WORD

            Highlights of the 29-member cast include strong male dancers in the “Greased Lightning” number, a fun-to-watch high school dance with the full ensemble, and strong vocals in the production numbers.

SANDY AND DANNY

            Shauna Rae Hazime as Sandy and Raymond Filipek as Danny Zuko lead the cast with strong vocals and acting.

            Some of the character roles provide some of the most interesting and memorable performances.

BUTTERFIELD AS LYNCH

            Courtney Butterfield is entertaining as Miss Lynch, the all-knowing principal, who is wise to the tricks of Eric Vega’s Sonny, who talks a good game but can’t escape class or detention time.

YORK PLAYS PATTY

            Samantha York is a natural as Patty Simcox, the perky cheerleader you love to hate, and VicAngelo Offutt makes nerdish Eugene out to be much more human than the usual simplistic stereotype.

TWINKIES AND DESSERT WINE

            Danya Talab is entertaining as the always munching Jan (who wisely knows that Twinkies go well with dessert wines), while Judo Manko’s Frenchy is warm, welcoming and innocently funny.

RIZZO'S SHOW STOPPER: SAMANTHA HALE HOLDS HER OWN

            Samantha Hale’s Rizzo nails her part excellently, and her number “There are Worse Things I Could Do” is one of the best in the show.

SNYDER's KENICKIE

            Corey Allen Snyder, as Kenickie, is a strong dancer, and he leads a fast paced show-stopper in the first act’s “Greased Lightning.”

MARTY, DOODY AND ROGER

            Megan Oliver as Marty, Joey Kulza as Doody and Marcellus Hogan as Roger are also strong in their supporting roles.

BROTHERS IN DIFFERENT SHOWS SAME NIGHTS

                        Talent runs in the Hogan family: while Marcellus is playing Roger in “Grease” at HFCC, his brother Tauren is playing Seaweed, one of the leads in “Hairspray” at the Bonstelle, Wayne State University’s undergraduate theatre.  Both shows run for two weekends at the exact same times, so neither brother will be able to see the other perform live.

FLETCHER DIRECTS, DZUIBLINSKI TECHS

            Judy Fletcher directed the show, with musical direction by G. Kevin Dewey, choreography by Barbara Selinger and technical direction and scenic design by Gerry Dzublinski.

RICH IN COLOR AND LORE

            The show is rich in color, and features fun set pieces and clever costuming.  It includes many authentic-looking late fifties era props, and entertaining high school dance moves.

SILVER SPRAYED SPARKLIES

            The “Beauty School Drop Out” dream sequence features some fun sparkly silver hair roller headpieces cleverly created from hundreds of carefully hoarded and repurposed spray-painted cardboard tubes.

HIGHLIGHTS TO SEE

            Things to watch and listen for:  The “Teenage Werewolf” drive-in movie segment; Dewey’s amazing closing trumpet solo; Sandy Dumbrowski and Patty Simcox’s delightful period outfits, and Dzuiblinski’s giant high heel shoe bed.

            For more information call (313) 845-9817 or go to theatre.hfcc.edu.

More than a movie: Beauty and the Beast at the Fisher

Photos by: Joan Marcus

The Disney Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast,” with Emily Behny (left) as Belle and Dane Agostinis as the Beast runs through April 22 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. For tickets or more information call 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com.

The Disney Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast,” runs through April 22 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. The enchanted objects include James May (left) as Cogsworth, Jen Bechter as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Michael Haller as Lumiere, Chandon Jones as Babbette and Julia Hosack as Mrs. Potts. The role of Chip (in tea cart) is played by Noah Jones and Jordan Moore. For tickets or more information call 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:  MORE THAN A MOVIE

            The Fisher Theatre’s touring Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast” is not a remake of the Disney movie. It features new songs, beautiful sets and big song and dance numbers that go beyond enchanted dancing silverware.

TOO LONG FOR TOTS

            However, be forewarned: young children – even those who enjoy the movie – may become bored. If a youngster can’t sit through live entertainment or religious services, don’t expect them to last for a musical.

            Even from mid-house it is difficult even for early elementary children to remain focused, especially during the soft ballads.  There are also frightening fight scenes that can scare little ones. During Act II one of the two youngsters seated in front of us fell asleep while the other retreated to the lobby with his father. A word to the wise: spend money on a sitter instead of tickets for preschoolers. They aren’t ready for a large professional venue, even if they do keep quiet like the two children in front of us did.

A SMALL PROVINCIAL TOWN

            “Beauty and the Beast” (if you’ve been in isolation for the last twenty years) is the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and a once arrogant prince trapped in the body of a beast until he can learn that love is more than skin deep. Throw in a lively chorus of villagers and enchanted objects, and you have a fun show to savor.

SETTING THE TONE

            The sets are rich in jewel tone colors, with tapestry-like designs. The tavern scene actually features a Latvian needle point star pattern in the design. While the original touring company sets brought the movie to life, the latest version incorporates eastern European wood carvings and gilded manuscripts, giving the production a rich visual appeal.

FROM ASHMAN TO RICE

            Several new songs were written in 1994 when the story took to the stage. While Alan Menkin wrote the music and the late Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics for the movie, Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for the additional songs created for the stage version.

QUIET BALLADS DON'T CAPTURE ATTENTION QUICKLY ENOUGH

            However, some of the new songs are too quiet in the beginning, and they lose the attention of the audience – especially the children.  The Beast’s song “If I Can’t Love Her” at the end of Act 1, and its reprise in Act 2, are not good showcases for Dane Agostinis, who plays the Beast. His belting voice is strong, but his soft voice is weak, and just barely stays on key. His acting is wonderful. However, when he finally becomes a prince again (when the mask comes off) he looks plain and tired – he reminded me of Luke’s father (Darth Vader) in Star Wars when the scary black face shield came off at the end of the battle – he’s pale and sweaty. Audiences expect a handsome prince, and one would think a Broadway tour could make any actor look good.

BEHNY AS BELLE

            Emily Behny as Belle is all around wonderful – a marvelous actress, vocally strong and sincere and she effortlessly make the part hers.

WHEN GARGOLES CAN'T WALTZ

            The chorus is a lot of fun, even if some of the male chorus were weak dancers. During “To Be Human Again” some of the female chorus dragged some of the male ensemble through a brief waltz segment. However, the kids won’t notice that, and most grownups won’t either.

MUGGING FOR THE HOUSE

            There is a delightful percussive pewter tavern mug scene that is original and fun, and the show-stopping enchanted servants’ “Be Our Guest” is fun and uplifting.

DISNEY RAIN

            The special effects are neat – including the illusion of rain generated through the use of a scrim and superb lighting effects. Be advised, though, that a strobe is used when the beast turns back into human form if you are suseptible to seizures.

VIOLENT END

            One other warning – Gaston stabs the Beast in the back after the Beast spares him – which is very frightening for children. The other scary stuff – wild wolves and fist fights – aren’t too terrible.

SHOW CLOSES APRIL 22

            The show closes Sunday, April 22, so if you’re a fan of the tale old as time, catch it while you can.  Tickets are available at the Fisher Theatre box office and through TicketMaster.

AKT Theatre Company to hold "Into the Woods" auditions

By SUE SUCHYTA

            The AKT Theatre Company will hold auditions for “Into the Woods” at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25 at the Wyandotte Art Center at 81 Chestnut St. in Wyandotte.

            Those auditioning should prepare 16 measures of a song that best displays their vocal ability. The auditions will also include movement, cold readings and improvisation.

            The show will run Aug. 2 to 11 at the Wyandotte Art Center. For more information, go to www.AKTtheatre.com or send an email to Angie Kane Ferrante, Angie@AKTtheatre.com.

Allen Park H.S. Senior Katie Weiss honored at April 3 Pistons game

Allen Park HS senior Katie Weiss was honored at the April 3 Piston game at the Palace during halftime. She started a group at her high school to stop the use of the R word (retarded). — at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Photos by:  SUE SUCHYTA

Katie Weiss (second from left), 17, a senior at Allen Park High School, enjoys a Pistons game April 3 at the Palace in Auburn Hills with her boyfriend Trevor Stier (left),17, a senior at Allen Park High School, her father Michael Weiss (third from left) and her sister Kelsey Weiss, 13, an eighth grader at Allen Park Middle School. Katie launched a presentation at her high school to get people to stop using "the R word"(retarded).

Katie Weiss (right), 17, a senior at Allen Park High School, received a jersey from Detroit Piston
basketball player Jason Maxiell, number 54, on April 3 during half-time at the Palace in Auburn Hills.

Katie Weiss displays the jersey presented to her and autographed by Detroit Piston Jason Maxiell, number 54 on April 3 during half-time at the Palace in Auburn Hills.

Katie Weiss (third from left), 17, a senior at Allen Park High School, displays the jersey presented to her and autographed by Jason Maxiell at the April 3 Pistons game  during half-time at the Palace in Auburn Hills. Shown with Katie Weiss is her mother Veronica Weiss (left), her sister Kelsey Weiss, 13, an eighth grader at Allen Park Middle School and her father Michael Weiss (right).