Dinner: Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, and Sauteed Curly Leafed Spinach

 

Snowy Hippo!

 

Folgers Shakespeare Library: Cymbeline: A Telenovela Melodramatic Western

As I've mentioned there's a set of lines from Terrance McNally's play "Andre's Mother" that are taken from Shakespeare's tragedy "Cymbeline" that I have loved and remembered whenever some one dear passes into Ancestry.  Unfortunately, I've never seen the play performed on stage.  It's not a commonly acted play.  And after this evening, I'm not certain I could say that my longings have been fulfilled.  What I can say, is that I had a very enjoyable experience!

The production was part of a 4 day event curated by the Folgers Shakespeare Library entitled "The Reading Room Festival".  A reading room refers to what happens when a playwright is working through the (usually) the end stages of a new work.  Actors assume the roles and read through the script infusing their lines with dramatic and/or comedic emphasis.  It can also be a way of presenting a play without having to commit to all the accouterments like sets, costumes, props, staging, lighting... So it's also a lot less expensive.  The festival itself promised Reading Room takes on not just Cymbeline, but also a new King Lear, and "Dark Lady" a musical set in Shakespeare's lifetime.  Other events include a series of symposiums with themes like "Shakespeare and the American Musical" and "Diversifying the Classics".  Additionally, there was a workshop titles "Seven Ages of Music," a Gallery Talk "Making Myths: The Legacies of William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and American Actors".  Also receptions for treat and libation breaks.  The first two days Thursday (22) and today Friday (23) are limited to evening events, and Saturday and Sunday were scheduled for a full day each.  The total cost for the 4-day package was $120, but tickets were also available at $20 a pop for some of the individual experiences.  It's all such a wonderful idea, and the production this evening was nearly SRO.  

Cymbeline is actually Shakespeare's final tragedy.  Written in 1609, he would complete only 3 (or 4 depending on how you think about his final play "The Two Noble Kinsman") more plays before his death. Scene through the lens of the Telenovela--it very well could be called one of his final comedies!  

The cast of nine actors and one musician charged with bringing the play to life were wonderful.  Camilo Linares as Caballero (The Cowboy) performed a new role as that of narrator to help move the work's plot along.  The principles: Queen Cymbeline (Fran Tapia), Prince Posthumus (James Carlos Lacey) and Imogene (Ixchel Hernandez) all knew exactly how to work a line for comic effect.  James used his physicality--or physique--to grab a laugh; and Fran's facial expressivity was a wonder to watch.  Other shout outs go to Derek Garza as Iachimo whose dexterous hands told the story as much as his excellent presentation.  To Pepin as Pisanio not only for her empathetic facial expressions, but for the clear power of singing.  Finally, Alan Gutierrez-Urista in the lesser roles of Guilderius and Dr. Cornelius was a reliable source of comic genius in both his presentation and his timing.  

Toss in the wonderful musical accompaniment by Seamus Miller, and what transpired was magical.  Yet another confirmation of the unequaled genius of William Shakespeare.  And I would love to see this transferred into an Audio Radio Drama format OR staged.

Camilio Linares played Caballero

Fran Tapia played Queen Cymbeline

James Carlos Lacey played Posthumus

Ixchel Hernandez played Imogene

Pepin played Pisanio, et. al. 

Derek Garza played Iachimo et. al.

Alan Gutierrez-Urista played Guilderius and Dr. Cornelius

Seamus Miller played a range of musical instruments

Greenland

STOP THE MAD MAN!

Dinner: Chicken, Noodle and Broccoli Casserole

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - The RANDY Awards: Category XI, Season Two

 And now for the finale.  The moment you've all been waiting for...  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, category XI: The Bronze, Silver and GOLD medalist of the BEST Shows of Season 2.

The BRONZE Medal goes to "Hegemony, part 1" the final episode of the season.  It was written by Henry Alonso Myers and Onitra Johnson.  It first aired on August 17, 2023.

The SILVER Medal goes to "Charades."  It was written by Kathryn Lyn and Henry Alonso Myers.  It first aired on July 13, 2023.

And the GOLD Medal for Best Episode of Season Two goes to "Those Old Scientists".  It was written by Kathryn Lyn and Bill Wolkoff.  It first aired on July 22, 2023.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - The RANDY Awards: Category X, Season Two

 As the Awards Ceremony is approaching its second round apex, one more RANDY stands between now and the announcing of the Best Episodes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.  The X category is that of the Most Ambitious Episode.  Among the things that make Star Trek: Strange New Worlds a singular success among the franchises is its willingness to step outside of the "box."  Hell, toss the box and make a bubble!

In the first season the Most Ambitious Episode went to "Spock Amok" with its overlapping themes and well woven plot twists that came together on multiple levels.  It was a brilliantly conceived and exquisitely executed use of characters and story arcs.  Season Two's winner is really nothing like season one's!  

Ambition and success are not the same critter.  It seems likely that the episode I chose was the most controversial of the season.  The creators swung for the bleachers and depending on who you ask the result was somewhere between a bases loaded homer to an infield fly catch!  Personally, it definitely got to third base, and drove in at least one runner.  The winner is "Subspace Rhapsody."   Written by Dana Horgan and Bill Wolkoff, it first aired on August 3, 2023.

Epilogue:
The music was composed by Kay Hanley and her longtime collaborator, Tom Polce.  Kay performed with Letters from Cloe.  The two have a lot of talent, what they didn't have was what every real musical has...a out of town tryout, or two, or three...  Had they I would like to think that the following edits would have been made.  The Gilbert and Sullivan homage piece would have been turned over to someone who understanding Gilbert and Sullivan MUCH BETTER.  Two other numbers needed some serious reconsideration, as well.  Both involved sub-plots involving La'an and Number One.  I question the focus on their premise when other possibilities were available like a spirited duet between Sam and James Kirk.