‘Crucible’ topped playhouse fare in 2005

* EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two columns reviewing the year 2005 in Huntington Beach theater.

Few playwrights have had the impact on local theater of Arthur Miller. The recently departed dramatist left behind a mighty body of work that included, perhaps most famously, “The Crucible.” His drama of 16th century witchcraft was the finest accomplishment by Huntington Beach Playhouse during 2005.

“Director Michael Ross has woven a rich and powerful tapestry in his compelling production,” was the reaction of the Independent in reviewing this show in May. “An enormous company of actors creates a resounding ensemble in this difficult period production.”

No. 2 in the playhouse’s top four for the year was another revival, the musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie,” a “sheer escapist package of energetic entertainment.” Director Michael Lopez mounted “a fun-filled package that nostalgically recalls the ‘50s.”

A world premiere, the medieval musical “The Golden Dream,” ranks third on the year-end list. Written by Joe Syiek with music by Erik Przytulski and directed by Stephen Reifenstein, it was a “robust, dynamic production.”

Finally, there was “Plaza Suite,” Neil Simon’s three-pronged comedy set in a New York hotel room. Director Tessa Jacobs’ “cast was well-chosen for the three particular forms of comedy required.”

Turning to individual honors, the playhouse’s top actor and actress of the year were Anthony B. Cohen as John Proctor in “The Crucible” and teenager Skye Bronfenbrenner in “Bye Bye Birdie.”

Cohen, as our review reported, “delivers a brilliant, thought-provoking performance, his strength of character underscored by a superlative stage voice.” Bronfenbrenner, termed the “standout of the cast,” was a young lady who “kicks up a storm in her production numbers and renders a feisty, rebellious character.”

Other noteworthy performances at the Huntington Beach Playhouse during 2005 came from Tom Bien, Nick Cook and Lewis P. Leighton, all in “The Crucible,” James Gruessng Jr. in “Bye Bye Birdie,” Shaun M. McNamara in “The Second Time Around,” Michael Ross in “Plaza Suite” and Dan Wozniak and Nathan Heiger, both for “The Golden Dream.”

Next week the Independent will offer the second part of its year-end review, focusing on Golden West College and the Academy for the Performing Arts at Huntington Beach High School.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.

20051208h3hei2kf(LA)20051208ifxthdkf(LA)Anthony B. Cohen as John Proctor confronts his tearful servant girl, played by Melissa Donn, in “The Crucible,” named by reviewer Tom Titus as the Huntington Beach Playhouse’s production of the year.