Favorite ‘Scene Stealers’ of the 2012-2013 DC Area Theater Season: Part 4

There were many wonderful Scene Stealing moments on DC Metro Area stages in our professional, community, children’s, and university theaters during the past theater season (August 1, 2012-August 1, 2013). The DCMetroTheaterArts staff has selected its favorite Scene Stealers. Here’s our fourth set of honorees:

From Jessica Vaughan:

Ian Armstrong (Sir Toby Belch) and Jennifer Hopkins (Maria). Photo by Teresa Castracane.
Ian Armstrong (Sir Toby Belch) and Jennifer Hopkins (Maria). Photo by Teresa Castracane.

Ian Armstrong singing his monologues in Twelfth Night or What You Will at Taffety Punk Theatre Company.

Ian Armstrong played Sir Toby Belch in a Twelth Night production staged under the sea. It was already a trippy experience with mechanical fish floating on stage and shells everywhere and then Armstrong took the stage with a pink electric guitar in fishnets and leather to deliver his hilarious, drunken monologues to first rhythm and blues and then heavy metal and more. My jaw was on the floor and no Toby Belch will ever measure up again.

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From Andrew Baughman:

(L-R): Juan Bianch, Alex Alburqueque, Jerry Daniel, and Alex López. Photo by Mauricio Cuevas.
(L-R): Juan Bianchi, Alex Alburqueque, Jerry Daniel, and Alex López. Photo by Mauricio Cuevas.

Juan Bianchi as “El Mudo” disposing of his late wife’s cremains in Club de Caballeros (Rotas de Amor) at Teatro de la Luna.

Teatro de la Luna’s uproarious and poignant Club de Caballeros is my favorite production so far this year. It’s pretty impossible to choose a favorite from this four man dream cast (Juan Bianchi, Alex López-Montañez, Jerry Daniel, and Alex Alburqueque), but if anyone stole a scene, it was the silent one: human cartoon Juan Bianchi as “El Mudo.” I still laugh when I think of the inappropriate hilarity that ensued when a funeral service for El Mudo’s deceased beloved went horribly wrong.

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From Joel Markowitz:

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Paul Luckenbaugh singing “Normal” in One Night in New York! at the 2013 Capital Fringe Festival.

It was the week that DOMA was thrown in the garbage (where it belonged) and I was sitting at GALA Hispanic Theatre on ‘Cloud 9.’ After trying to catch my breath after laughing loudly for the umpteenth time in One Night in New York!’s first 30 minutes – one of the most beautiful and touching songs I have ever hear called “Normal” was sung with heartfelt sincerity by Paul Luckenbaugh. If we ever needed a Post-DOMA anthem – this is the one! This song is the real deal and Paul sang every lyric as if it came straight from his heart. (Tissue please!) Record this song Eric and I will buy a dozen copies – to start.

Anya Randall Nebel as Caroline Singing “Lot’s Wife” in Caroline, or Change at Elden Street Players.
Anya Randall Nebel as Caroline. Photo by Jacki Young.
Anya Randall Nebel as Caroline. Photo by Jacki Young.

The first time I heard Tonya Pinkins sing “Lot’s Wife” at The Public Theatre in 1999 I was blown away. It was a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Fast forward 14 years later and those fond memories flooded my mind and heart as I watched Anya Randall Nebel perform “Lot’s Wife’ it at Elden Street Players two weeks ago – and Anya took me to an even higher and deeper emotional place. She not only sang it – she lived it – hitting crystal clear notes as she climbed up several octaves singing Jeanine Tesori’s heart-pumping music and Tony Kushner’s brilliant lyrics. They soared to the heavens and right through my soul in this heart-wrenching – but hopeful – rendition of this powerful soliloquy. With a touch here on the shoulder and a splash here and there – Anya and her Director Evan Hoffman created something so intensely moving and jaw-dropping that I will never – ever – forget it. Amen!

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From Carolyn Keleman:

Katherine Williams in ‘Le Corsaire.’ Photo by Marty Sohl.
Katherine Williams in ‘Le Corsaire.’ Photo by Marty Sohl.

Katherine Williams in Le Corsaire at The American Ballet Theatre.

The husband-and-wife dancing couple, Stella Abrera and Sascha Radetsky, gave us those fabulous flirty moments in the American Ballet Theatre’s production of Le Corsaire at the Kennedy Center this past April. He was dashing; she was demure and gorgeous – even standing still. Nonetheless, my eyes kept watching Maryland’s own Katherine “Katie” Williams. She sparkled in many scenes but especially in the dance variation with the scarves. Underneath the gauze was a pretty face and a lovely smile.

LINKS

Favorite ‘Scene Stealers’ of the 2012-2013 DC Area Theater Season: Part 1.
Favorite ‘Scene Stealers’ of the 2012-2013 DC Area Theater Season: Part 2.
Favorite ‘Scene Stealers’ of the 2012-2013 DC Area Theater Season: Part 3.


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