Camille Gavin: Spotlight show embraces taboo theme
| Wednesday, Mar 04 2009 02:24 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Mar 25 2009 06:17 PM
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Don Kruszka and Kamala Kruszka in a scene from "The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?" at the Spotlight Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Jarred Clowes)
Don and Kamala Kruszka in a scene from "The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?" at the Spotlight Theatre.
I applaud artistic director Hal Friedman and the powers-that-be at Spotlight Theatre for continuing to stretch the envelope for actors as well as audiences by presenting contemporary plays that deal with social taboos.
The latest example is Edward Albee’s “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?” a candid and emotional drama about such issues as infidelity, domestic violence — vases are thrown, furniture gets tipped over — homosexuality, incest and bestiality, with a strong emphasis on tolerance.
I attended a preview performance Saturday evening, along with an appreciative audience made up mainly of college students. And there was never a dull moment in this fast-paced and extremely well-timed production. Surprisingly, given the serious subject matter, there’s plenty of comedy in “The Goat,” the kind that brought laughter in all the right places. On a couple of occasions the actors had to improvise until the laughter died down. I would quote some of the funniest lines, particularly the one about the spontaneous removal of tattoos, but they aren’t suitable for a family newspaper.
Don Kruszka and Kamala Kruszka, who are married in real life, are superb in their roles of Martin and Stevie, a successful architect and his wife who have had a happy marriage until Martin admits he’s having an affair with a goat named Sylvia. Yes, a goat. Bob Kempf is the perfect foil as Martin’s best friend. All three are experienced professional actors, and it shows.
Michael Kapphan portrays the couple’s gay son, who attempts to be a mediator until the third act when Albee pulls out all the stops.
I won’t reveal the play’s final scene but I will tell you it’s shocking and entirely unexpected. At the preview, it produced a chorus of gasps from the audience.
Overall, it’s a play that causes you to examine your own values and the so-called rules of society. I urge you to see “The Goat,” and when you do, to approach it with an open mind. Performances continue Friday and Saturday evenings through March 21.
CSUB Concert Band
The highlight of the CSUB Concert Band’s program on Saturday evening at the university’s Dore Theatre will be the performance of new works by two guest composers, said Doug Davis, music director.
Selections include “No Strings,” by Frank La Rocca, who has a doctorate in music composition from UC Berkeley, and “Danse Moods,” a piece for symphonic winds by Daniel Montoya Jr., a graduate student at Central Michigan University. Also on the program will be the premiere of Davis’ “Psalm of an Orange Angel,” and works by Charles Ives, Otto Schwarz and Thomas Mahr.
NOR Junior Theatre
In a departure from its usual lighthearted fare, NOR Junior Theatre will present “John Lennon and Me,” a play concerning teens with terminal illnesses, this weekend at the Rasmussen Center. Part of the proceeds will be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, said Vickie Stricklind, director of the play.
Noting that the group is in its 41st season, Stricklind said, “This year we wanted to step out of our comfort zone and do something that would benefit the community. I believe that (by) teaching our children the importance of community involvement and getting them involved, we are growing future leaders in the community.”
‘The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?’
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19th St.
ADMISSION: $15 to $18
INFORMATION: 634-0692
Note: Play contains adult themes/language
CSUB Concert Band
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Dore Theatre, 9001 Stockdale Highway
ADMISSION: $6 to $10, children under 12 free
INFORMATION: 654-3093
NOR Junior Theatre
WHAT: “John Lennon & Me”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane
ADMISSION: $10
INFORMATION: 392-2000
