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CAMILLE GAVIN: Mathey back in director's chair

The Bakersfield Californian | Wednesday, Oct 05 2011 12:42 PM

Last Updated Wednesday, Oct 05 2011 12:43 PM

After an absence of five years from Bakersfield Community Theatre, Roger Mathey is directing a show at the South Chester playhouse.

And the current one is far different from his previous stint.

The last one Mathey did at BCT was the rollicking musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." This time around he's staging a powerful drama with a thought-provoking theme about the folly of leaping to conclusions without knowing all the facts.

Titled "Doubt: A Parable," the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by John Patrick Shanley opens Friday at BCT. Set in a parochial school in the Bronx in 1964, it concerns Father Flynn, a Roman Catholic priest played by Brian Sivesind, who is accused of a terrible crime by Sister Aloysius, a nun portrayed by Barbara Gagnon.

Mathey tells me that earlier this year when he was invited by BCT artistic director Sheila McClure to direct a show, she presented him a list of titles then being considered for the 2011-12 season. "Doubt" was the one that intrigued him, mainly because he felt he understood its message and could relate to it.

His reasons, he said, had nothing to with the Catholic Church or priests.

"It had to do with truths and perceptions -- what happens when someone accuses another of something without all the facts," he said. "I have known several friends who have fallen victim to this and I know I have. In the play, doubt is called a 'powerful thing' and indeed it is."

In today's world, he added, it's not uncommon for people to make judgments based merely on what they have heard from others. And that sometimes leads to tragic consequences.

"It's funny to me," Mathey said, "that in an information age where we could try to find the facts, we still just listen to the surface noise and sound bites instead of digging for the truth."

Also in the cast are Ellie Sivesind, as Sister James; and Althea Williams, as Mrs. Mueller. Performances continue through Oct. 22. The show is not recommended for children younger than 13.

Mill Creek site of wine tasting

For its second annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser, Grace Episcopal Church has chosen the Gardens at Mill Creek Park, a pleasant site in Central Park that is fast becoming a popular place for outdoor gatherings.

Guests at the Friday event, which will benefit three Bakersfield-based charities, will be entertained by several different styles of music, ranging from Mexican dancers to classical musicians and even an operatic singer.

Last year the money raised went to an education program in Africa. But this time the money will stay strictly local. Miriam Raub Vivian, coordinator, said all proceeds will be divided among Ricky's Retreat, a hospice for AIDS patients; the Dream Center, which provides assistance for emancipated foster youth; and the Bakersfield Homeless Center.

Danza Folklorico, led by Sandra Paz, will undoubtedly provide one of the more colorful parts of the evening's program. Paz, an instructor at Bakersfield Adult School, said the group was formed a year ago as a way of celebrating their Mexican heritage. The dancers range in age from 14 to 60.

"The dances we are performing at this time are from the state of Jalisco," she said. "The dresses for these particular dances are very elaborate, very colorful -- and very difficult and expensive to make."

All of the costumes are adorned with multiple rows of ruffles, ribbons and lace. A few were purchased but most were made by Mary Lozano, one of Paz's former students.

Also scheduled for various times during the evening are Aaron Conner, who will play a cello solo; a string trio made up of Paulette Shires, Donna Fraser and Karen Blockley; a wind duet with Nancy Ayala and Larry Gardner; classical guitarist Nicole Dandy; and Ingrid Borja, who will sing an operatic aria.

Winning artwork on display

As it has done for the past several years, the Bakersfield Art Association is exhibiting the work of artists who won first place ribbons at the Kern County Fair. Opening reception is Friday at the Art Center as part of the downtown arts district's First Friday.

I mentioned some of the award winners in a story about my visit to the fair that ran in last Thursday's Eye Street.

Others that caught my eye were these: James E. Pugh's "Ice Age Horse," a textured painting reminiscent of an ancient petroglyph, which won best of show in the amateur category, and Phyllis Oliver's watercolor, "Dewar's Sundae," best of show for professionals.

Also impressive were three that were named "judge's choice" in their categories, "Birds," by Michelle D. Nosco; a vivid abstract painting by Kelly J. Wonderly; and David J. Vandepool's finely detailed drawing, "As the World Turns," for best depiction of the fair's theme, "It's Magic."

Another highlight of the opening reception is the drawing of opportunity tickets for 15 paintings contributed by BAA artists that were exhibited in a special section of the art exhibition at the fair.

Multifaceted exhibit at CSUB

A group show called "Disorder" opens with a reception this evening in the Todd Madigan Gallery at Cal State Bakersfield.

It features the work of four Southern California artists: Cal Crawford, Drew Heitzler, Robert Levine and Amanda Ross-Ho.

Joey Kotting, curator, said the exhibition, which includes video, film, installation, sculpture and painting, "explores the space between order and disorder, a fine line that is sometimes blurred."

Starting next week, a series of lectures by three of the artists with be held in the Albertson Room, adjacent to the gallery. Levine will speak at 2 p.m. on Oct. 13; Ross-Ho, at 2 p.m. Oct. 20; and Heitzler, at 2 p.m. Oct. 27.

Following the reception the exhibit can be seen through Nov. 5 during the gallery's usual open hours, 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Foundry open for First Friday

As of now The Foundry, which moved from Chester Avenue to a new location on 20th Street between Dagny's Coffee Shop and Henley's Photo a few months ago, will be open only for First Friday events or by appointment, says Christina Sweet, spokeswoman.

Three artists are being featuring Friday evening in a show called "Fright Sights." Those participating are Jason Stewart, whose work is done in comic book style; ceramicist Susan Roussel who nearly always adds a bit of humor to the figures she creates; and Alan Willis, whose work leans to renditions of super heroes and villains.

Sweet said The Foundry now has 28 members and is working toward getting its nonprofit status.

Plans also are moving forward to build two offices within the space it rents, one of which will be occupied by commercial graphic designer Alan Urquhart.