DCMetroTheaterArts’ Scene Stealers-Week Ending 9/18/14

Here are this week’s Scene Stealers. Congrats to all our honorees. 

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Jennifer Berry as Blanche DuBois and Anna Fagan as Stella Kowalski in the Final Scene of The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s A Streetcar Named Desire
Left to Right: Anna Fagan (Stella Kowalski) and Jennifer Berry (Blanche DuBois. Photo by Matthew Randall.
Left to Right: Anna Fagan (Stella Kowalski) and Jennifer Berry (Blanche DuBois. Photo by Matthew Randall.

Jennifer Berry (Blanche DuBois) and Anna Fagan (Stella Kowalski) have seamless chemistry on stage. The two make for a magical theater. They steal the show in the culminating scene of Little Theatre of Alexandria’s A Streetcar Named Desire.

At this point we see Berry (Blanche DuBois) fully break down, the facade she had been building has been fully destroyed, her reaction to being taken away by the mental health doctors is very raw. Stoically trying to maintain herself for her sister is Anna Fagan (Stella Kowalski). Fagan is strong and subtle in her pain as she sees her sister lead off, finally breaking down in the end. Both actors are worth the ticket alone to see them in this powerful production.”-Anne Vandercook

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Ari Jacobson as Gregor Samsa Appears to His Family in Metamorphosis at Alliance for New-Music Theatre

From left: Lily Kerrigan (Greta Samsa), Pamela Bierly-Jusino (Mrs. Samsa), David Millstone (Mr. Samsa), and Ari Jacobson (Gregor Samsa) in ‘Metamorphosis.’ Photograph © Hilsdon Photography.
From left: Lily Kerrigan (Greta Samsa), Pamela Bierly-Jusino (Mrs. Samsa), David Millstone (Mr. Samsa), and Ari Jacobson (Gregor Samsa) in ‘Metamorphosis.’ Photograph © Hilsdon Photography.

“Kafka’s story Metamorphosis begins with a man named Gregor having become a giant insect. When he tries to speak from inside his locked bedroom to his family and to his boss, who has dropped by to locate the no-show employee, his voice comes out not human. On the page, the words Gregor speaks are comprehensible; only the author’s notation tells us they’re supposed to sound strange. At the same point in the story as enacted on stage in Alliance for New Music-Theatre’s Metamorphosis, Ari Jacobson playing Gregor enters into an excruciatingly painful dimension that the written word cannot possibly convey. As Jacobson’s gnarled, tormented body struggles, his voice breaks, skips, squeaks, crackles, squeals. His family have not yet seen the creature he has become; they are only learning now it does not sound at all like their meal ticket. They listen stricken, sickened. Just then Jacobson’s performance steals the scene and becomes its epic center, eliciting horrified fascination from the audience in a tour de force of masterful vocal monstrosity.”-John Stoltenberg.

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Gracie Jones Singing “A Nurse Named Desiree” in Breast in Show at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn
Gracie Jones ( Chelsea) sitting sings the song “A Nurse Named Desiree.” Megan Westman (Desiree) is standing. Photo by Betty Adler.
Gracie Jones ( Chelsea) sitting sings the song “A Nurse Named Desiree.” Megan Westman (Desiree) is standing. Photo by Betty Adler.
“One of the most powerful performances of the evening, at Breast in Show, comes from actress Gracie Jones. She plays multiple roles, but her portrayal of the young single mother Chelsea is remarkable. From her demure introduction to the group of cancer patients in the ‘Chemo Café,’ to the subtle interaction with her therapist regarding her “bad dreams” and her future is spot on. He heart-wrenching rendition of “A Nurse Named Desiree” is incredible – so real, so raw.”-Anne Vandercook

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Alie Kamara as Kyle Reading His Brother’s Manuscript in Masquerade at Wolf Pack Theatre Company

Alie Kamara (Kyle).
Alie Kamara (Kyle).

“After listening to Energizer Bunny brother Kyle – played with non-stop anger and frustration – by young actor Alie Kamara – who was emoting at the top of his lungs for almost 100 minutes, finally, finally, finally we see the quiet younger brother, more confident, more secure, reading a manuscript. It’s been written by the hand of his dead brother who had committed suicide, although Kyle has lied and told the family he destroyed it the ‘work of art’ reappears.

With quiet dignity, pride, self-confidence, and some inner peace, Alie Kamara’s heartfelt reading of his late brother’s love for Key West and his yearning for some beauty in his life – gave me chills. Quiet, dignified, regretful, sad, heart-wrenching, and beautiful. Unforgettable.”-Joel Markowitz

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Darren McDonnell Singing “Freddy’s Prosthesis Emporium” in Breast in Show at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn

Darren McDonnell.
Darren McDonnell (Freddy).

“Darren McDonnell is touching as the supportive and encouraging husband of his cancer ridden wife. His short monologues about his struggle caring for his wife are affecting and heartwarming. McDonnell then effortlessly transforms into the jovial Freddy, a friend of Nurse Desiree who helps to heal Breast Cancer patients by supplying glamorous wigs and prostheses . His fun rendition of “Freddy’s Prosthesis Emporium” is one of the scene stealing moments of the evening.”-Anne Vandercook. 

LINKS
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 9/11/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 9/1/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/24/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/17/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/9/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 8/2/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 7/5/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week- Week Ending 6/28/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/21/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/13/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 6/06/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 5/29/14.

Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 5/22/14.

Capital Fringe Scene Stealers Part 1 and Part 2.

Magic Time! ‘Metamorphosis’ at Alliance for New Music-Theatre by John Stoltenberg.

‘Metamorphosis’ at Alliance for New Music-Theatre review by Cyle Durkee.

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ at Little Theatre of Alexandria review by Anne Vandercook.

‘Breast in Show’ at The Gaithersburg Arts Barn review by Anne Vandercook.

Meet the Cast of Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s ‘Masquerade’ Part 2: Alie Kamara (Kyle).

https://vimeo.com/103210231

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Joel Markowitz
Joel Markowitz is the Publisher and Editor of DCMetroTheaterArts. He founded the site with his brother Bruce to help promote the vast riches of theatre and the arts in the DC Metro area that includes Maryland, Virginia, and DC theater and music venues, universities, schools, Children's theaters, professional, and community theatres. Joel is an advocate for promoting the 'stars of the future' in his popular 'Scene Stealers' articles. He wrote a column for 5 years called ‘Theatre Schmooze’ and recorded podcast interviews for DC Theatre Scene. His work can also be seen and read on BroadwayStars. Joel also wrote a monthly preview of what was about to open in DC area theatres for BroadwayWorld. He is an avid film and theater goer, and a suffering Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. Joel was a regular guest on 'The Lunch and Judy Show' radio program starring Judy Stadt in NYC. Joel founded The Ushers Theatre Going Group in the DC area in 1990, which had a 25-year run when it took its final curtain call last year. Joel is a proud member of The American Critics Association.

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