Ann Arbor's theatrical offerings provide entertainment for students

Henry V

John Neville-Andrews' futuristic interpretation of Shakespeare's history play seemed not only artistic, but moving as well.

David Smith/UNIVERSITY PRODUCTIONS The cast of "L'Enfant et les Sortileges" becomes angry at The Child.

Best Actor in a Play:

Jeff Bender, the Priest in "The Marriage of Bette and Boo"

Bender's interpretation of a sexually frustrated servant of God provided for some of the play's best comedy. His impersonation of frying bacon proved slightly more than hilarious. If only most of the other actors/actresses within the department could take a lesson from this gifted young performer.

Best Actress in a Play:

Sophina Brown, Antigone in "Antigone"

Brown's performances are always a treasure. Now, having conquered the famous Sophoclean role, it would be a treat to see Brown star as Medea in Euripides' classic tragedy (but only years from now, when she's added a few wrinkles to her face).

Best Opera Theater Production :

"Le Rossignol"/"L'Enfant et les Sortileges"

Director Joshua Major gathered a talent group of singers and delivered an excellent set of one-act operas. It's good to see that some of the lesser-known works aren't always ignored.

Best Opera Performance:

Jennifer Larson, "The Turn of the Screw"

Larson's beautiful soprano voice is becoming regionally famous. Having premiered the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra's season with a set of aria classics, including a few by the always difficult Puccini, Larson's involvement in "The Turn of the Screw" made the opera worth sitting through.

Best Musical Theater Production:

"Sweeney Todd"

Director Brent Wagner achieved the impossible. He gathered a group of semi-amateur performers and guided them to deliver one of the best performances of recent years. Sondheim is always difficult to present, but under Wagner's directon, it seemed a simple endeavor.

Best Actor in a Musical:

Gavin Creel, Anthony in "Sweeney Todd"

Creel will definitely conquer Broadway someday, and we can all say we knew him way back when. Creel's warm and passionate voice provided for the perfect interpretation of Sweeney's romantic lead. Creel's rendition of "Johanna" should be recorded.

Best Actress in a Musical:

Catherine Marsh, Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd"

Marsh is a Sondheim gal. She should be a Follies girl. Excellent two years ago as Little Red Riding Hood in MUSKET's "Into the Woods," excellent is she still. The role of Lovett, challenging for any actress, was originally written for the definitive Angela Lansbury. While she's no Jessica Fletcher, Marsh was able to whip through the quick lyrics of "Worst Pies in London" and soothe young Toby with the tender "Not While I'm Around."

Courtesy of University Productions Sweeney Todd swings his razor high as Mrs. Lovett fawns over him.

Best University Director:

John Neville-Andrews for "Henry V"/Brent Wagner for "Sweeney Todd" (tie)

While both professors are seasoned professionals, they rightly deserve the recognition. Hopes for the future: productions of "Titus Andronicus" and "Follies," respectively.

Best MUSKET Production:

"Pippin"

"Pippin" is probably one of the hardest shows to produce well, simply because its success lies within its choreography and dancing. MUSKET fared well, even though there are no future Bob Fosse's on the University's campus.

Best MUSKET Director:

Gavin Creel, "Pippin"

"Pippin," his first attempt at directing, was such a success that an indication of him being a great actor and director is a result. Hopeful hint: we'd like to see his version of "Once on This Island."

Best MUSKET Actor:

Eric Jackson, the Tin Man in"The Wiz"

Enough said. Actually, one can't limit themself to just that. This big daddy shined as the Tin Man, and that's no pun. Slide some oil to him. We'd like to see him in Gavin Creel's production of "Once on This Island."

Best MUSKET Actress:

None

While all of the actresses featured in "The Wiz" gave good performances, unfortunately, no one performer stood out as being "the best" in the show.

Best Rude Mechanicals Production:

"All in the Timing"

It was a relief to see that contemporary comedy was served well with David Ives' set of one-act vignettes. Unfortunately, director Adam Weiner chose to present only half of what Ives orginally created. Maybe for next year: "All in the Timing 2"?

Best Rude Mechanicals Actor:

Kristopher Chung, Macbeth in "Macbeth"

This young performer came to the University and was instantly cast in last year's untimely dead "King Lear." Returning to Rude Mechanicals this year to portray the Scottish thane, Chung showed his Shakespearean versatility.

Best Rude Mechanicals Actress:

Karen Wooley, Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth"

A far cry from Audrey II in SophShow's "Little Shop of Horrors" two years ago, this Lady is both an honored singer and actress at the 'U.' We hope she was finally able to remove that spot of blood from her hand.

Best Basement Arts Production:

"The Tempest" (upcoming)

While Basement Arts seemed to flounder this year, it did manage to present a healthy offering for winter semester. Although none of the productions stood out, "The Tempest" seems to be an interesting attempt to deliver a Shakespearean work in the University's small black-box Arena Theater.

Best Newcomer to Basement Arts:

Benjamin Hurvitz

This promising playwright presented a new play this season. Hopefully his new, vibrant talent will give way to the next Arthur Miller of the University campus.

Best Gathering of Future Actors and Actresses:

Casting call for "The Real World" and "Road Rules"

More than 500 students showed up for the scam of the century. No where else could such a large gathering of hopefuls be found. If you're fond of actors, Touchdowns was the place to be.

Honorable Mentions:

The Entire Cast of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

It is becoming a tradition within the musical theater department to showcase the acting talents of its students with a non-musical theater production each February. Last year saw a presentation of a play by then-University Prof. Ari Roth. This year, the department, under Phillip Kerr's direction, presented an eclectic version of the Shakespearean love swap pseudo-porno.

Michael T. Newberry of "Rude Mechanicals"

This passionate student devotes most of his time to UAC's Rude Mechanicals. Having directed last year's "A Few Good Men," and this year's "Macbeth," this boy knows how to direct a show. Recently appearing in "All in the Timing," Newberry has thrust upon the University his lust for the theater. Not bad for an Engineering student.

"West Side Story" (opening tonight)

Not having opened by the time of this printing, an honest opinion of the show cannot be given. However, this evening's cast looks to be stunning.

- Compiled by Christopher Tkaczyk, Associate Weekend, etc. Editor and Daily Fine / Performing Arts Editor.

04-16-98