Thespian Thoughts – “The Autumn Garden” ‘The Idealists and The Dreamers’
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Hello, I’m Erica Mer from Actors Entertainment, welcome to Thespian Thoughts, for theater reviews. The Antaeus Company presents the remarkable double-cast of “The Autumn Garden,” written by Lillian Hellman. The Antaeus Company at Deaf West Theater is located in North Hollywood, CA. Within the theater’s doors, an outstanding play shines. “The Autumn Garden” has a phenomenal cast, great set, and overall imaginative approach to theater.
The story behind “The Autumn Garden” surrounds a home set during the summer of 1949. Groups of longtime friends come to the summer home every year to spend quality time under the same roof. There are celebratory, happy, and depressing moments shared. The play is a combination of dreamers and idealists.
The Antaeus Company takes pride in having two sets of casts for their shows. The casts are named cast 1 and 2 or cast A and B. However, things are different for “The Autumn Garden.” For this show, one group is called ‘The Idealists’ while the other, ‘The Dreamers.’ I was lucky to attend both casts’ performances. While the storyline is the same, the different dynamics are visible.
‘The Dreamers’ cast in “The Autumn Garden,” included 12 performers, including Kurtwood Smith. The chemistry between each actor was staggering and a pleasure to watch.
‘The Idealists’ cast in “The Autumn Garden,” also included 12 performers, including Jane Kaczmarek. Kaczmarek absolutely shines on stage. She takes on a different character compared to her well-known role on “Malcolm In The Middle.” Kaczmarek is in great hands with her fellow actors, who equally excelled.
The artistic set designs, stylish clothing and overall elegant ambiance of “The Autumn Garden,” leaves an affirmative message to the audience. It is recognized that every person within the production, positively impacts the show’s outcome. “The Autumn Garden” is a must-see presentation that is commendable in more ways than one.
Whether you attend ‘The Dreamers’ version of “The Autumn Garden,” or ‘The Idealists, you will be pleasantly delighted.
“The Autumn Garden” plays at The Antaeus Company @ Deaf West Theater until December 19. For information, please visit HYPERLINK “http://www.Antaeus.org” www.Antaeus.org.
I’m Erica Mer, with Actors Entertainment. Thank you for joining me on Thespian Thoughts. Remember, all the worlds a stage. See you next time!
Cast:
Rhonda Aldrich
Susan Boyd Joyce
Anne Gee Byrd
Stephen Caffrey
Josh Clark
Joe Delafield
Dawn Didawick
Eve Gordon
Faye Grant
Jeanie Hackett
Shannon Holt
Jane Kaczmarek
Lily Knight
Saundra McClain
Jeffrey Nordling
Zoe Perry
Kurtwood Smith
James Sutorius
Kitty Swink
Jeanne Syquia
Reba Waters
Stoney Westermoreland
Josh Zuckerman
Crew:
Director: Larry Biederman
Dramaturg: Christopher Breyer
Scenic Design: Tom Buderwitz
Lighting Design: John Eckert
Costume Design: Tina Haatainen-Jones
Playwright: Lillian Hellman
Stage Manager: Ritz Gray
Producer: Young Ji and Adam Meyer
Properties Design: Jen Prince
Production Assistant: Josh McGill
Dialect, Voice, Acting Coach: Paul Wagar
WHAT:
Previews: Oct. 22 – 27
Performances: Oct. 28 – Dec. 19
Thursdays @ 8 pm: Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16 (dark Nov. 25)
Fridays @ 8 pm: Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17
Saturdays @ 8 pm: Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18
Sundays @ 2:30: Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19
Sundays @ 7:30: Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19v
WHERE:
THE ANTAEUS COMPANY@ Deaf West Theatre
5112 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood CA 91601
(one block south of Magnolia; free parking available in covered Citibank lot on Otsego Street)
HOW:
(818) 506-1983 or http://www.antaeus.org
TICKETS:
Thursdays and Fridays: $30
Saturdays and Sundays: $34
Previews: $20
Press Openings (All press openings include a post-show reception with the actors):
Friends and Family Openings (October 28 & 29): $40
Gala Openings (October 30 & 31): $75