DOUBT AT FALCON THEATRE

"Innocence is only wisdom in a world without evil." 

Doubt: A Parable, the newest play presented by Falcon Theatre, tells the story of accusation in the Catholic church during the 1960s. Sister James, a young, naive teacher meets with her senior, Sister Aloysius and discussion ensues abut a passing observation made of Father Flynn and one of James's students, Donald Miller. The charming, glossy-eyed Father seems to be a little too friendly with the boys at the school, and gossip soon spreads of his unconventional behavior.

Inappropriate or innocent? The audience is left to judge as the facts unravel about rumors and reputations.

As always, Falcon did a wonderful job of melding a lighthearted opening act into the thought-provoking plotline. Terry Gosdin (Father Flynn) was a perfect portrayal of the priest, with rosey cheeks and a gentle demeanor. Cathy Roesner (Sister Aloysius) and Brittany Smile (Sister James) gave a strong presentation of contrasting personalities, with Roesner's stern, disciplinary character dominating the show. This 90-minute mystery was topped off by an outstanding emotional performance by Brittany Grant, who played Mrs. Miller, the mother of Donald.

A peek into the well-known story of suspicion vs. character, Doubt: A Parable will entertain and raise an eyebrow.


Doubt: A Parable runs February 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23 at 8:00PM at Falcon Theatre in Newport. Tickets are $17, or $15 for students and seniors.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

An American classic and one of my favorite holiday stories, It's A Wonderful Life takes the stage at the Falcon Theatre in Newport. Portrayed as a 1940s radio drama, the audience is transported back to the days of live voice actors and foley artists. The production finds creative ways to simulate sounds of doors slamming, crickets chirping, getting punched, and footsteps in the snow, all while using household items. With a cast of seven: five voice actors and two foley artists, the talented Falcon cast replicates dozens of characters in It's A Wonderful Life word-for-word.

Lisa Dirkes was a spot-on Mary Hatch, complimented by Jay Dallas Benson's George Bailey.
The pair was joined with talented foley artists Evan Blanton and Emily Hunt on the left.

A variety of household items were used to make sounds effects from the foley pit.

Emily Hunt mashes a bag of corn starch to simulate George Bailey's footsteps in the snow.

Kate Joos Glasheen (far right) carried a rendition of Zuzu that made both the audience and her fellow actors smile.

An old fashioned "applause" sign lit up to cue the audience.

Adam Drake, Jay Dallas Benson, Nathan Ruggles, and Kate Joos Glasheen
sang old radio jingles for hilarious products during the intermission.

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Drama is an amazing, heartfelt tale and a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit with your date, family or friends. Coupled with the Falcon Theatre's creative radio element, this amazing performance should be at the top of your must-see list this December.


It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Drama runs December 7, 8, 9, and 13, 14, 15.
Follow tweets about the performance at #FalconChristmas

SEALED FOR FRESHNESS

Prepare yourself for a lid-poppin' good time! Sealed For Freshness, a comedy about Tupperware, runs from October 18 -27 at Newport's Falcon Theatre.

Starring an eclectic cast of ladies, the play takes a light-hearted approach to the personal problems of five women in the 1960s, all taking place in the social circle of a Tupperware party.

 

At first, I thought I'd be watching a show about "Gosh Golly Gee Mary Sues" acting like dainty 60s stereotypes. That all went out the window after the introduction of the character Sinclair, played by Rebecca Wiesman. A boisterous antagonist, Sinclair is like the Roseanne Conner of 2012, with a foul mouth, drinking problem, and could-care-less attitude. I could just picture passing by her in a Wal-Mart with her five children in tow.

 

 

Hilarity ensues as the Tupperware party turns to discussion of criticizing women with a career, husbands having affairs, dissatisfaction with being a stay-at-home mom, and bra-burning hippies.

A fresh, bold comedy, this season opener for Falcon Theatre is anything but plastic.