Tag Archives: Firehouse Theatre

longarmslocker 10:08 pm on September 2, 2018
Tags: farce, Firehouse Theatre, INVALID, Moliere,   

Firehouse’s INVALID: Just What The Doctor Ordered

Every once in a while, it’s nice to be reminded that laughter at times can truly be ‘the best medicine.’ Firehouse Theatre’s latest production. ‘INVALID’, an adaptation of Moliere’s THE IMAGINARY INVALID, is perhaps just the prescription we need as we navigate these uncertain and occasionally divisive times.

Written by Josh Chenard (who also directs) and Jane Mattingly, ‘INVALID’ is an uproarious farce delivered in iambic pentameter with a Mel Brooks twist.

We first meet Argan (Andrew Firda), who is certain he’s dying as he pores over a tray of potions designed to make him well, or at least keep him complacent. Frida’s Argan appears all at once sure of himself, nervous, neurotic and put upon by those who also inhabit his daily life.

Playing Argan’s gold digging wife Beline is Kirk Morton, in a show stopping turn that is truly ‘Divine.’ Allison Paige Gilman plays love-struck daughter Angelica with a sultry sweetness that can’t help but have the audience rooting for her. Her father wishes for her to marry his doctor’s son. Thomas (Kenneth W. Putnam) so that his mounting medical costs will be reduced via a family discount, but Angelica wants to marry Cleante (Jamar Jones).

In the midst of this maelstrom is the maid, Toinette, portrayed with unwavering confidence by Donna Marie Miller. She gives as good as she gets when trading insults with a miffed Argan, and shuttles characters in and out of the room, always keeping her wits about her while everyone else goes a bit crazy.

Chernard and Mattingly’s script certainly pays homage to its influences (Brooks and his muse Madeline Khan, Oliver Hardy and the aforementioned Divine), but the stellar cast makes each character their own, so while it may seem nostalgic, it’s never tired or trite. A marvelous set designed by Chris Raintree and costumes by Nia Safari Banks add to the frivolity, helping to ensure everyone in attendance has an enjoyable and memorable evening.

Go get poked and prodded by men in white coats, but most importantly go laugh. While you’re there, remember that laughter is a lot like flatulence: it’s healthier when it is let out.

Check out the promotional video here. (Bonus points if you recognize the soundtrack.)

Production Information

INVALID

Adapted from Moliere’s THE IMAGINARY INVALID by Josh Chenard and Jane Mattingly

directed by Josh Chenard

Cast:

Argan – Andrew Firda*

Beline – Kirk Morton

Angelica – Allison Paige Gilman

Toinette – Donna Marie Miller

Cleante – Jamar Jones

Dr. Diaforus – Christopher Dunn

Thomas Diaforus – Kenneth W. Putnam

*appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

Production Team:

Josh Chenard – Director

Jane Mattingly – Dramaturg

Chris Raintree – Set Designer

Nia Safarr Banks – Costume Designer

Andrew Boniwell – Lighting Designer

Composer – Brandon J. Johns

Blair Rath – Chair Fabricator

Cailin Lindsay – Stage Manager

Performance Schedule:

Thu, Sep 6 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Sep 7 @ 7:30pm

Sun, Sep 9 @ 4pm

Thu, Sep 13 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Sep 14 @ 7:30pm

Sat, Sep 15 @ 7:30pm

Sun, Sep 16 @ 4pm

Fri, Sep 21 @ 7:30pm

Sat, Sep 22 @ 7:30pm

Sun, Sep 23  @ 4pm

Thu, Sep 27 @ 7:30pm

Fri, Sep 28 @ 7:30pm

Sat, Sep 29 @ 7:30pm

Tickets:

$15-$35

http://www.firehousetheatre.org / 804.355.2001

–Barry

longarmslocker 8:07 pm on September 11, 2017
Tags: Circus, Firehouse Theatre, Food Clothing Shelter, Freaks, Premiere,   

‘Food, Clothing, & Shelter’ a Wonderful Surprise 

‘We know…it’s a show.’ 

Richmond writer Bo Wilson’s latest creation, ‘Food, Clothing, & Shelter’ is anything but the ‘typical theatre going experience.’ For starters, it’s staged at The Firehouse Theatre, a local space that I have always had a soft spot for because it is able to be funky, inviting and intimate all at once, which suits this production perfectly. As you enter the building and grab a program, you are greeted by ‘circus freaks’— A man with a boa constrictor around his neck, a woman doing hula hoop tricks and a man offering a game of three card monte. Within seconds, you know that this will not be a ‘typical’ evening. It’s an exercise in ‘Immersion Theatre’ where the audience and cast have the chance to interact. For some theatergoers, this may seem awkward or uncomfortable. Even if you fall into that category, don’t let that stop you from seeing this show while you can.   

It’s 1927 and as the play opens, The Yankee Doodle Circus Train has derailed and left its passengers stranded in the very small town of Vinton, Indiana. Over three scenes, the circus folk interact with the townspeople in hopes of obtaining food, clothing and shelter for the penniless troop.

The results are at times hilarious, sweet, and deeply moving.

The cast, which includes Kirk Morton, Frank Creasy, Foster Solomon, Keisha Wallace, Rebecca Turner and Donna Marie Miller along with many other ‘roustabouts’, is able to convey in three scenes how we are all more alike than we are different and, no matter if you’re from Small Town, America or a passenger on The Circus Train, all of us are, in our unique way, freaks, trying to find our way and gain acceptance.
I could write a lot more about this play, but I don’t want to give anything away and, more importantly, I want you to go see it! I will simply say that I did not have any idea what to expect as I walked in, and by the time of the final bows, I was deeply moved, knowing I had seen something that I will carry with me for a very long time.

 

You can see eveing shows at 7:30 on Wednesday, September 13 thru Friday, September 15 and then your last chance to catch it is a Sunday matinee at 3:00pm on the 17th. You might be hesitant, because it’s different, but trust me. Go see this show.

You can thank me later.

 

Happily, forever a freak….

–Barry

longarmslocker 6:32 pm on March 20, 2017
Tags: Firehouse Theatre, Fundraiser, Hamilton, Hamiltunes   

Shameless Self-Promotion (but it’s for a good cause)

Here is a blog post about two things I don’t normally do:

First, a bit of shameless self-promotion, but it’s for a good cause. On Saturday afternoon, (March 25), The Firehouse Theatre is sponsoring ‘Hamiltunes’, a fund-raiser for The Richmond Theatre Artists Fund Taking place at The Virginia Historical Building, ‘Hamiltunes’ is a unique interactive experience that allows those in the audience to sing their favorite songs from ‘Hamilton’. As of this writing, tickets are still available, starting at $10.00.

 

Which leads to the second thing I don’t usually do: Sing in public! It’s been decades since I last made the karaoke rounds with friends, but I will be singing two songs from ‘Hamilton’ on Saturday, so if you need incentive to buy a ticket, there ya go!

The fun starts at 2pm. I recommend arriving early, because it is going to be packed! Full details here. 

Thanks for reading. I hope to see you there if you’re in RVA; it promises to be a fun afternoon.