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.
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