Firsts on SCR stages topped 2002

Tom Titus

* EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of columns

reviewing the year 2002 in local theater in Costa Mesa and Newport

Beach.

For South Coast Repertory, 2002 was a year to remember -- the year

the company took the “next step” and remodeled one of its theaters

while building the other from the ground up.

And, when the dust had cleared, the debut productions on each of

the stages clearly topped the list for excellence in the abbreviated

2002 schedule.

“Major Barbara,” directed by Martin Benson, set the quality

standard at SCR for 2002, launching the refurbished Segerstrom Stage

(formerly the Mainstage) with a superb revival of the George Bernard

Shaw classic. The show contained, as this column heralded, “the surge

of intellectual power that lifts the company’s current production

skyward.”

Right behind that late-19th-century play on SCR’s honors list came

one written in the 21st century -- the world premiere of Richard

Greenberg’s “The Violet Hour,” directed by Evan Yionoulis. As the

opening production on the newly built Julianne Argyros Stage, it set

a substantial standard for other shows to follow. The revival of

Moliere’s “School for Wives,” directed by David Chambers, ranked

third on this column’s appreciation list.

There should be little doubt as to the identity of SCR’s best

actor in 2002. Dakin Matthews, who headlined “Major Barbara” and

“School for Wives,” displayed intellectual and comic brilliance.

Matthews delivered a “phenomenal portrayal” of a “roaring lion” in

“Major Barbara” and displayed an “awesome comic talent” in the

Moliere play.

J.D. Cullum, runner-up for top acting honors, also made his mark

in two SCR plays -- “Making It and “The Dazzle.” Mario Cantome, who

stole the show as a constant irritant in a supporting role, also

deserves high recognition for “The Violet Hour.”

Nike Doukas and Kandis Chappell excelled in “Major Barbara,” with

Doukas winning the “best actress” nod for her performance in the

title role, while Chappell was runner-up for her sardonic ex-wife of

Matthews’ character. Also deserving high praise was veteran actress

Nan Martin’s splendid turn in “Getting Frankie Married -- and

Afterward.”

While the SCR season was shortened due to the construction and

reconstruction of the two theaters, there was no shortage of

excellent performances. In no particular order, these included Simon

Billig in “Lobby Hero”; Susannah Schulman in “The Dazzle”; and Linda

Gehringer in “Getting Frankie Married -- and Afterwards.”

South Coast Repertory has carved out an awesome legacy over its 37

years, first in Newport Beach, then in downtown Costa Mesa, and

finally for the past 24 years in South Coast Town Center. With the

completion of the Folino Theatre Complex, encompassing both the

Segerstrom and Argyros stages, another chapter in this unique history

is well under way.

Next Thursday, the year-end series continues with a look at the

highlights from our local community theater groups. After that will

be a review of the productions and performances from our three local

college drama departments. The series will conclude with the

unveiling of the Daily Pilot’s man and woman of the year in theater.

* TOM TITUS writes about and reviews local theater for the Daily

Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays and Saturdays.