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Jeff Marlow and members of the cast. Photo by Jim Carmody. |
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(L-R) Martin Meccouri, Shaun T. Evans, Katherine Ko, Scott Drummond and Lee Sellars. photo by Jim Carmody. |
Chasing the Song) and directed by Playhouse Artistic Director, Christopher Ashley brings to the stage, the 1922 unsolved murder case of Irish born, antique businessman turned actor, then turned Hollywood film director William Desmond Taylor (Scott Drummond). I liked this work because of the following:
- Reliving old Hollywood. Some of the actresses of that time, like Mabel Normand (Kate Rockwell) and Mary Miles Minter (Talene Monahon) along with her kooky stage mother Charlotte Shelby (Harriet Harris) the silent movies and the way contracts and ‘agreements’ were made.
- So, the rumors… you know, drugs, sex and rock and roll…TRUE.
- Paul Tazewell’s Costume Design and Tara Knight’s Projection Design. Loved it.
- It is like a history lesson. Being that, most of the characters in the plot, were real.
The piece thoroughly goes into this famous tragedy. For those of us who
did not know who Desmond Taylor was, as well as ‘enlightening’, it also
leaves us with this ‘murder’ image. Not going deeper into who
he was. A man who had been married with a daughter and just plain
decided not to come back one day, after going for lunch. I understand
that, this was not the point of the play and I applaud Dramaturg:
Shirley Fishman on her work because, having a 15 person cast with all
these clues, history and lose ends, ain’t easy. I also like the fact of how the Hollywood industry, the film industry is portrayed. And really, how things well, have not changed much, regardless of the decades that have passed, the millennium arrival and you know everything else…
A comic book is included
in the program, executive summary style, in order to better explain who
the suspects are. It is better to read it before the show starts because
then, the illustrated explanation takes place onstage in silent movie
mode. Which I thought was totally on point, and very smart.
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Harriet Harris (top) and Talene Monahon photo by Jim Carmody. |
You can pick up a southern accent, which becomes confusing at times with Talene Monahon’s work because, her accent sounded sort of British. Monahon as the famous starlet, I consider good in mannerisms and intention, the loony stare is always there. It was the tone in her voice, that just did not mesh with me. High pitched and weird. It gave the idea that she was always under something, instead of a true portrayal of a childish woman.
Kate Rockwell as Mabel Normand, although subtle, sets a firm presence. Scott Drummond as the murdered Director, I consider did a flawless job. Both coming in and out after being ‘killed’ and, in the silent sequences that are shown along the course of the play.
Overall, I think it is an excellent attempt to ‘recreate’ a (stage) version of what happened. As I always say, theater is a powerful tool with much more potential than just entertaining. Piece by piece, the end result is a very decent effort. Again, Paul Tazewell’s costume design is on point. There is a scene in which actor Jacob Bruce (mooning the audience aside), dresses. It is a very nicely choreographed scene where you see the pants, suspenders, shirt, vest. All showcasing that time period. Contoured by Howell Binkley’s Lighting Design. The Scenic Design by Wilson Chin was also on point, reproducing Taylor’s bungalow as well as film sets. And off course, the suspense cannot be boosted without a good Sound Design, courtesy of Chirs Luessmann. There was a gunshot in the second act that was a little TOO loud for my taste but, maybe that was the point, to freak everybody out.
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Kate Rockwell and Scott Drummond. Photo by Jim Carmody. |
HOLLYWOOD has so many elements plot wise, character wise and visually wise, that it is hard to maintain the same on going rhythm from beginning to end. As the energy became evident during the first act, the intermission came; then, the energy built up again, wanting more, I was ready for more and it just…ended… Abruptly. If the ‘digestion’ of the facts was done a little slower, the ending would have been savored a little more.
Thirsty Thursdays
Every Thursday during
the run of Hollywood,
the run of Hollywood,
performance, complimentary beer tastings from Mike Hess Brewing. Presented by
La Jolla Playhouse in partnership with James’ Place. Includes two 3-oz beer
tastings plus a $5 special on Mike Hess draft.
during the run of Hollywood, starts at 6:45 pm
Reinhardt-inspired gypsy jazz” by Trio Gadjo before the show in front of the
Weiss Theatre.
Performance
pm
added open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2:00 pm
La Jolla Playhouse provides American Sign Language interpretation for audience
members who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio description for patrons who
are blind or have low vision.
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Martin Meccouri and Harriet Harris. Photo by Jim Carmody. |
Events
the 7:30 pm performance
facilitated discussion with actors and artistic staff immediately following the
performance. A great way to share your thoughts and learn more about the show!
Sponsored by Holland America Line
the 7:30 pm performance
facilitated discussion with actors and artistic staff immediately following the
performance. A great way to share your thoughts and learn more about the show!
Sponsored by Holland America Line
6:45 pm
special pre-performance presentation by members of the Playhouse staff that
highlights the history and making of the production you are about to see.
1:15 pm
the 2:00 pm performance
engage audience members in a moderated discussion exploring the issues and
themes in the play.