‘Birdman’ honors aviation pioneer

Tom Titus

Over the past couple of years, South Coast Repertory’s Educational

Touring Production has focused on California history, depicting the

lives of American Indians and migrant workers, but this year, the

spotlight falls closer to home -- on one of Orange County’s most

famous figures.

“Birdman,” the new project from playwright Richard Hellesen and

musician Michael Silversher, is subtitled “The Amazing Aeronautical

Adventures of Glenn Martin.” Will it fly?

Undoubtedly, as presented Monday on the Rep’s Julianne Argyros

stage for local educators.

Martin, who moved to Santa Ana from Kansas as a youth, taught

himself to fly six years after the Wright Brothers did their thing at

Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Within two years, he was numbered among the most famous of the

“pioneer birdmen” following a historic over-water flight to Catalina.

His fame ranked second only to Orville and Wilbur Wright.

In South Coast Repertory’s inspiring musical version, four

performers under the direction of John-David Keller recreate the

early 20th century and Martin’s obsession with the skies.

The central role actually is taken by two actors -- Scott Johnson

as the boy and Robert Negron as his adult counterpart -- both

brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

At home, the jury was divided about Glenn’s aeronautic ambitions

-- his father (Travis Vaden) preferred his son’s feet on the ground,

while his mother (Hisa Takakuwa) was his strongest supporter.

Both render strong cases in their opposite camps.

There are several characters divided among the four performers,

including James Irvine (Vaden), who draws sustained laughter when he

visualizes his Orange County of 100 years in the future -- covered

with acres of lima beans.

Musically, the show’s highlight is the song “I’m Gonna Fly,” sung

as a duet by both Glenn and young Glenn.

Martin’s determined “Somebody to Believe” also merits high marks,

as does the spirited “Lima Beans and Flying Machines.”

“Birdman” will be touching down at schools throughout Southern

California between now and the end of April, and school officials can

book a production of the show by contacting South Coast Repertory at

(714) 708-5549.

*

“Take us the little foxes that spoil the vines: for our vines have

tender grapes.” It’s a passage from the biblical Song of Solomon

2:15, and provides the title for the new production at the Newport

Theater Arts Center, opening tonight.

Lillian Hellan named her tragic post-Civil War drama, “The Little

Foxes,” after this passage from the song of Solomon. The Hubbard

family, is indeed, the evil that could possibly poison the future of

its own offspring. “The family breeds on deception, greed and

prejudice,” director Phyllis Gitlin explains. “They are blinded by

their vision of wealth and power. Part of the power play is within

the Hubbard family itself. To use the phrase, ‘sibling rivalry,’ is

just a hint at the play’s plot.”

“The Little Foxes” is seldom presented locally -- the last time in

memory was in Huntington Beach probably three decades ago. The

current revival features Reed Boyer, Sean Engard, Jules Fleming,

Arlon Gabriel Greene, Olivia Hayes, Karly Pierre, Michael Ross, Peter

Stone, Susan E. Taylor and Harriet Whitmyer.

Performances will be given weekends through Feb. 27 at the Newport

Theater Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. Call (949)

531-0288 for more information.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Fridays.