Here are our new DCMetroTheaterArts Scene Stealers. Congrats to all our honorees.
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The Cast and Orchestra of Children of Eden Performing “The Return of the Animals” at 2nd Star Productions
“True to the Biblical account, Noah is told to build and ark and to bring two of every kind of animal on board. The most delightful part of the entire show was the imaginative costume pageant of rabbits, turtles, cats, ostriches, peacocks, polar bears, giraffes, monkey, zebras, and elephants who marched from the back of the theater onto the stage to fill the ark. Animal Costume Designer Beth Starnes pulled out all the stops with original, creative animal costumes inhabited by those adorable children as well as adult actors. Carrie Dare and Linda Swann designed the other colorful traditional Biblical ensemble costumes. The animal pageant was a showstopper as the orchestra played “The Return of the Animals.”
Under the excellent musical direction of Joe Biddle, the 2nd Star Orchestra with Mike Monda on Keyboard 1, Lynn Graham and Elisa Poole on Keyboard 2, Steve Hudgins on Keyboard 3, Mari Hill on Reed 1, Dan Longo and Matt Elky on Reed 2, Mary Haaser on Reed 3, Jeff Eckert and Larry Ansted on Bass, Emily Busch playing French Horn, and Rob Gersten and Zach Konich on drums all deserve individual special mention for the tremendous contribution their musical performance made to the success of Children of Eden. They were superb.”-Ramona Harper
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Jacob Gee as Jake Stolker Explaining his Science Project in Toast at dog & pony dc
“dog & pony dc’s unique audience-integration experience called ‘Toast’ begins when you enter a room ringed with exhibits about innovation and technology. One of them is presented by young Jake Stolker, who will show and explain to you his clever science project, a disassembled toaster. Ask him what the diagram of visible and invisible waves means and he’ll talk you through it in detail. Ask him about the heating element he took out of the toaster and he’ll tell you exactly how it works and what it’s made of. Ask him anything and he’s got the answer. You believe he’s really this preternaturally bright kid named Jake Stolker, just like his name badge says. Nothing and no one else in the room comes near him in fascination and convincingness (which you don’t think is a performance…but then again with dc dog & pony dc you never know). Turns out in real life “Jake Stolker” is 12-year-old Jacob Gee. He has amazing poise and presence. And I’ll bet he was one of those fifth graders you’re not smarter than.”-John Stoltenberg.
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Bob Harbaum as Michael Defending a Hamster in God of Carnage at Silver Spring Stage
“Bob Harbaum‘s most ingenious moment to shine was when he is encountered with Annette and is forced to defend his “murder” of his daughter’s hamster, Nibbles. Harbaum (Michael) is sidesplitting in his defense of the murder of his daughter’s favorite pet. The entire diatribe is humorous, but his well-timed “Fuck the Hamster” is quite sidesplitting.”-Anne Vandercook.
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Michael Mayes as Charlie and Emily Pulley as Beatrice Sing a ‘Sole-ful Song’ in Three Decembers at Urban Arias
“In the funny, subtle libretto, Scheer tells the story of Madeline Mitchell (Janice Hall) and her two children, Charlie (Michael Mayes) and Beatrice (Emily Pulley). Over the course of three Decembers and three Christmas letters, they explore their family history – touching on AIDS, fame, infidelity, depression, and mothers with their children. There’s no easy scapegoat or hero, making for a more nuanced experience than most traditional opera. It’s also darn funny. Madeline is a famous actor, which is not always easy for her children, and at one point in “She’s late. No she forgot you,” Bea and Charlie sing a hilarious song about 40 years of shopping for shoes instead of therapy.”-Jessica Vaughan
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Brian Merritt as Jesus Singing ‘Beautiful City” in Godspell at Port Tobacco Players
Brian Merritt is a charming Jesus. His choice of a Boy Scout costume resonates very clearly with his boyish charm and with the acting choices he makes in the role. He relates beautifully and playfully with the ensemble and audience, and his tenor voice renders a lush and chilling “Beautiful City.”-Diane Jackson Schnoor.
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Bernardine Mitchell as Olive, Ashley Ware Jenkins as Irene, and Roz White as Marsha, Sing “In My Father’s House’ at the Beginning of Three Sistahs at MetroStage.
“I was sitting inches away from the ‘Three Sistahs’ when that heavenly sound filled my ears with divine joy as Bernardine Mitchell, Ashley Ware Jenkins, and Roz White began their singing of “In My Father’s House.” The audience was immediately moved. A few ‘Hallelujahs’ and ‘Glorys’ were shouted out. And a couple of “MM MMs’ filled my row and these Sistahs were off and running with the most beautiful and heartfelt and soulful singing I have heard on the stage this year. This gorgeously sung opening number was a great jumpstart for the vocal delights that awaited the enthusiastic audience. Glory!”-Joel Markowitz
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Brendan Murray as Howie Corbett Releasing His Pain in Rabbit Hole at Peter’s Alley Theatre Productions
“If you have not seen Rabbit Hole before, I urge you to see it now. And if you are easily affected by emotions, get ready for your eyes to get misty. Forgetting my tissues was a big mistake; especially during a scene in which [Brendan] Murray is at his best, impersonating Howie breaking down and revealing the true depth of his pain. It’s a scene and a play not to be missed!”-Eliza Anna Falk.
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Zane Oberholzer as Luigi Gaudi Lets Loose and Confesses in Lucky Stiff at Being Revived and The Fredericktowne Players
“Special mention must be made of Zane Oberholzer as “Luigi Gaudi and others.” He steals every scene in a role so well suited for him that you might think he originated it. Oberholzer is a masterful character actor who knows when to show restraint and when to cut loose – and after a virtually non-singing performance, he rips out some stellar vocals in the final scene’s “Confession #2.”-Andrew L. Baughman.
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Stephen T. Wheeler Hides Evidence in The Game’s Afoot, or Holmes for the Holidays at McLean Community Players
Photo by Irish Eyes Photography by Toby.
“However, amongst a talented ensemble, Stephen T. Wheeler is a standout as the philandering Felix Geisel. Wheeler’s comic timing is impeccable and he has a scene stealing turn in the second act that involves hiding evidence.Wheeler’s fantastic facial expressions, deadpan delivery, and adroitness with physical comedy make his attempts at hiding a body one of the highlights of the show. (I can’t give more away for fear of spoilers).”-Diane Schnoor
LINKS
Top Scene Stealers of the Week-Week Ending 9/18/14
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.
