The Play’s the Thing

This trip is sans Bennett who is busy being a two-year-old at his home.  For those who enjoy (or tolerate) our obsession, here is another cute photo of the boy.

Now on with our late summer travels.  A few days before leaving in our motor home, we went to Berkeley Rep for “Monsieur Chopin” by Hershey Felder.  This is a one-man biography/concert.  Previously we had seen Felder’s “George Gershwin Alone” and “Maestro Bernstein.”  Felder becomes the composer and takes the audience on a fascinating journey into the music.  If he performs anywhere near where you are, go, go, go.

That play was a prelude to our return to Ashland, OR, for more theater.  Back in June, while we enjoyed an evening with Bennett, our kids saw “Into the Woods,” which we had seen years ago starring Bernadette Peters.  The play is the story of what happens after “happily ever after” in fairy tales (or real life).  We now know why Cheryl, Dave and Jeff enjoyed it.  The musical was a colorful, charming, amusing, and poignant production acted by wonderful singers/dancers/actors.  Our kudos also go to the costume designers whose creations were so delightful.

In 2012 we saw the world premier of “All the Way” at OSF (see blog entry August 18, 2012).  The play was the 2014 Tony winner for best drama.  This year we came for “The Great Society.”  Having experienced the turbulent Johnson Administration, we found this three-act play gripping.  Watching LBJ’s first term success evaporate during the second term of race riots in our cities and war in Viet Nam was painful.  Both of these plays are outstanding.  They will be performed this fall in Seattle, and, of course, the second play will also go to Broadway (and probably win a Tony).  We recommend your seeing them if you can.

Outside the theater, the air is brownish-gray with smoke from local fires.   During the day, the sun is a muted coral ball barely seen in this photo. 

In the evening the moon looks like a slice of an orange. 

 So sad.