Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Thespian Archive for 2007

Contact thespians-info@uucpa.org
Philip Hodge, Chair

January 8 & 23: Bus Stop by William Inge

A warm drama about a handful of appealing people who are marooned overnight in a small mid-western café.
Philip's Commentary

February 12 & 27: Solid Gold Cadillac by G. S. Kaufman & Howard Teichman

A hilarious farce in which a retired actress owns 10 shares of stock in a large corporation, uses her new-found leisure to attend a board meeting, and winds up leading a stock-holders revolt against a corrupt board.
Philip's Commentary

March 12 & 27: The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder Thornton

Wilder makes the Antrobus family seem real, although they represent all humanity – from the Garden of Eden to the early days in WW II.
Philip's Commentary

April 9 & 24: Brooklyn Boy by Donald Marguilies

A book by an unknown Jewish novelist suddenly becomes a best-seller. The author goes to Hollywood, but discovers that you can take the boy out of Brooklyn but you can't take Brooklyn out of the boy.  
Philip's Commentary

May 14 & 22: Diamond Orchid by Jerome Lawrence & Robert Lee

Lawrence and Lee have pioneered a new theatrical genre -- drama inspired by history where history is freely modified to enhance the drama (as opposed to a historical drama where drama is often sacrificed to historical fact). Fictional Felicia is to historical Eva Peron as Henry Drummond was to Clarence Darrow in the author’s “Inherit the Wind”.
Philip's Commentary

June 18 & 26:  Lion in Winter by James Goldman

The relation between Henry II, King of England, and his imprisoned queen, Eleanor of Acquitaine is more martial than marital as they maneuver over which of their three sons will be Henry’s heir.  Middle son Geoffrey tries to play off Henry’s choice young John and Eleanor’s favorite Richard the Lion Hearted.  It all takes place in December 1183.  Philip's Commentary

July 9 & 24: Cato by Joseph Addison 

The play was written in 1713 – the action takes place in 49AD – the themes are relevant today.  Cato the younger, great-grandson of the famous censor, rules Utica (modern Tunis) as the last holdout of the old Roman aristocracy against the rampaging Julius Caesar.  The country is divided about fighting a hopeless losing war or suing for a few concessions in a peace.  The situation is complicated by both of Cato ‘s sons being in love with the same woman, and his daughter’s being in love with Cato’s sole ally, Juba of Numidia. Philip's Commentary

August 13 & 28: Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

The original Shakespeare classic of Oberon, Puck, Bottom, and all the other familiar characters. Philip's Commentary

September 10 & 25: Shakespeare in Hollywood by Ken Ludwig

400 years later Puck and Oberon find themselves time-transported into the middle of a movie production of guess what?  There’s a bit of real history here, but it’s mostly great comic fiction. Philip's Commentary

October 8 & 23: The Lady’s Not For Burning by Christopher Fry

Is this a play about the hypocrisy of petty tyranny?  Is it about the ridiculousness of the human condition?  Is it about the redemptive power of love?  Or is it a play to be read for the sheer beauty of its language?  The answer is “Yes!”  Philip's Commentary

November 12 & 27: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams

As the days get colder, the plays get hotter.  An American classic with Big Daddy, Big Mama, and all the other larger-than-life characters. Philip's Commentary

December 10: The Pleasure of his Company by Samuel Taylor

Pogo Poole, utterly charming, admired by all including himself, had been divorced by Kate Dougherty shortly after their daughter Jessica was born.  He shows up unexpectedly for Jessica’s wedding.  Complications ensue!  Philip's Commentary