Here is Part 3 of our list of Fall Scene Stealers. Feel free to leave a congrats and comment in the Comment Box below.
From Catherine Artois:
Ian Armstrong as King John in King John at WSC Avant Bard
King John is famously known as one of the worst kings of England ever. Shakespeare’s King John does nothing to alter that estimation. It is, however, fascinating to watch. John (Ian Armstrong) is portrayed as a brilliant politician who is plagued by ill luck and his own moral failings.
In his book The Meaning of Shakespeare, Harold Goddard refers to John as, “like a bewildered child in the night.” Harold Bloom has referred to him as, “mostly a dour puzzle and an unhappy surprise.” However, like many another narcissistic dictator, John loves his mother. And Ian Armstrong’s performance as he learns of his mother’s death is a Scene Stealer. His utter collapse is strangely moving, and painfully accurate. It is a reminder that all human beings suffer, even those who seem to enjoy causing pain. Kudos to Mr. Armstrong for exploring the nuances which make John a complex and compelling character.
From Joel Markowitz and John Harding:
Natascia Diaz as Mariana singing ”Immer Weider’ in Measure for Measure at Shakespeare Theatre Company
As the pill-popping torch singer Mariana – inexplicably besotted with Angelo – Natascia Diaz stole the opening cabaret scene at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Measure for Measure. Her haunting rendition of ‘Immer Weider’ was gorgeously sung by this multi-talented singer. She then wandered like a veiled ghost through subsequent scenes before playing a decisive role in the final revelations, proving once again that Natascia Diaz is both a gifted singer and actress.
Ashley Gerhardt, as Daria Chase, in the Salem Players production of The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays)
From the moment Ashley Gerhardt storms onto the stage as theatre critic Daria Chase all eyes are on her, if not for her garish black and gold dress, for her fierce commanding stage presence. A true scene stealer, she grabs the audience’s attention with her audacious and scandalous approach to sinister blackmail and devious flirtations with Felix (played by Ed Higgins). Her salacious ego-maniacal character evolves into a flurry of fury as she unleashes a personal verbal tornado on the stage a few scenes later in front of the entire group.
From Amanda Gunther:
Maddie Poole playing Lily St. Regis, singing “Easy Street” in Annie at Colonial Players
When Rooster (Stevie Mangum) is entertaining the idea of getting rich with his sister Miss Hannigan (Rebecca Feibel), Maddie Poole as Rooster’s obnoxious bimbo girlfriend, Lily St. Regis, steals the scene for good measure with her crass accent, and wildly absurd gestures that occur in the background. When she joins Magnum and Feibel for “Easy Street” all eyes are on her as she struts around the stage like a crazy chicken, flapping her arms, and really owning the space in that dance number.
Darren McDonnell as Mr. Shellhammer in Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia‘s Miracle on 34th Street
Taking the title for show-stealer, however, is the ridiculously over-the-top flamboyant performance by Darren McDonnell as Mr. Shellhammer, Personal Assistant to Doris Walker. Between his melodramatic fainting every time he says the word “Gimble” and the zany over-the-top number “The Plastic Alligator,” where all eyes are on him as he desperately pitches this absurd toy to the department store clerks, McDonnell catches everyone’s eye and brings forth a world of laughs from the audience.
Eitan Mazia (Chris) singing “Why God, Why” and Chani Werely (Kim) and Eitan Mazia (Chris) singing “Sun and Moon” at Young Artists of America and Maryland Youth Orchestras‘ Madama Butterfly and Miss Saigon
On Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 4:00 pm at The Music Center at Strathmore a sold out audience was treated to two of the most talented young singers delivering powerful and heartfelt renditions of two songs from Miss Saigon. First, Eitan Mazia delivered a soul-filled “Why God, Why?” and was then joined by Chani Werely on “Sun and Moon.” The blending of their gorgeous voices brought forth lush harmonies, passion, and well-deserved loud applause from the appreciative audience. That afternoon we saw two stars shining very bright on the Strathmore stage.
LINKS:
Fall 2013 ‘Scene Stealers’ Part One by The DCMetroTheaterArts Staff.
Fall 2013 ‘Scene Stealers’ Part Two by The DCMetroTheaterArts Staff.
Read the DCMetroTheaterArts Staff’s Best Scene Stealers of 2012-2013.
