‘Mockingbird’ fills stage with visual impact
Theatrical review by John Busbee, West Des Moines, Iowa, January 22, 2012

The Des Moines Playhouse brings in the new year with an old classic, one of the most iconic works in literature, stage and cinema: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Harper Lee’s novel retains impact and relevance today, and the Playhouse delivers a deliciously defined production of this landmark story.

At midpoint during its 93rd season, the venerable Playhouse flexes its creative muscles with this stunningly beautiful production. Veteran director John Viars, supported by an enviable production team of dedicated staff and volunteers, delivers a brooding rendition of this iconic story. Delivered with a deliberate, pulsating pace, this production of “Mockingbird” demonstrates why it so ably has withstood the test of time. Indeed, even the scenic design becomes a vital presence in this production.

Upon entering the theatre, be sure to take a moment to savor the full impact of master Scenic Designer Tim Wisgerhof’s set. Standing in the middle of the theatre, behind the orchestra seating section, the sheer artistry of this show’s visual elements make a profound establishing impression, as one’s eyes drink in the color palette on stage, then pull out to the floating window and gable elements suspended above stage and seating. When the action begins, Wisgerhof’s design recedes with a sublime power, wrapping the theatre in a series of visual trasnformations through clever hidden scenic elements and the evocative lighting design of Virgil Kleinhesselink. At times, when well-lit, the houses and ground glow in a weathered copper patine, washing the stage in a somber, textured turquise undertone. When the lighting is subdued, the dripping accents take on an almost bleeding illusion. All these scenic manifestations serve to enhance the stage action in subtle, powerful ways, radiating a cornucopia of scenic magic.

With a keen eye for stage patterns, Viars uses an excellent ebb and flow of his cast to keep the action moving forward. This story unfolds through a series of introductions of key characters. Scout (the nickname of Jean Louise Finch, daughter of protagonist, Atticus Finch), played with precocious pluck by Sarah Schott, carries herself with a presence beyond her years. Strong Southern dialect and clear voice, Schott excels. (Scout is played on alternate performances by Mary Katherine Gillette.) Scout’s brother, Jem (for Jeremy Finch), proves to be an able foil to his sister, and this role is well-delivered by Ben Spence. A new friend to town, Charles Baker Harris, who prefers the nickname, “Dill,” is given strong stature by Asa Stanfield. Stanfield’s sense of timing and comic delivery are wonderful. This trio of young performers work commendably together, and in the full context of the show. Other standouts include Elizabeth Knoll as Calpurnia, the Finch’s housekeeper. Knoll brings an earnest believability to her part. Susan J. Eisenhour is delightfully droll, tossing perfectly crafted quips and glances as Maudie Atkinson, one of the Finch neighbors. As the victim precipatating the courtroom drama, Katelyn McBurney brings a cowering, angry realism to her Mayella Ewell. Her fear of her father, Bob Ewell, is palpable. The father role is played with loathing arrogance by veteran local actor, Eric Bench. Bringing his character to a finessed sense of finality with his closing monologue, Terry Yakish earns high praise in the role of Heck Tate, the local lawman.

With visions of the movie adaptation of this book and play burned in the mind, Greg Blumhagen is able to capture much of the understated resolve of Atticus Finch, a color-blind attorney now fighting for the life of his client, Tom Robinson, a role nicely played with beaten fatalism by Pernell D. Ferguson. As Judge Taylor, Jim Arthur seems to have been pulled from Central Casting as the iconic Southern magistrate.

Other production elements to be applauded are Angela Lampe’s costume design, garbing a large cast in a plethora of period costumes. Lampe’s consistently excellent work should never be overlooked – just experience a show where costuming is an afterthought or addressed with a “that’ll do” approach, and Lampe’s successful tenure as the Greater Des Moines goddess of design is even better appreciated. Sound Designer Chris Nelson adds a blend of natural sounds which enhance the visual and acting journey, and Mr. Renaissance Man, Maxwell Schaeffer, brings a solemn musical sound track to further flavor the production.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” harkens to a different era in theatrical presentation, and the Playhouse excels with this production. Savor the rich influences of classic American literature, and journey to another time and place with this fine piece of theatre.

‘Dancing with the Moon’ delivers process insights
Theatrical review by John Busbee, West Des Moines, Iowa, January 21, 2012

what has become an eagerly anticipated annual rite for Iowa’s playwright community, Tallgrass Theatre Company celebrates its sixth version of their annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop. In this competitive arts discipline, Tallgrass gives Iowa-connected playwrights the opportunity to submit scripts, and the coveted winner gets the opportunity to participate in developing a production of his or her work. This year, Tom Deiker’s “Dancing with the Moon” received the nod, and runs Fridays and Saturdays through February 4 at the Rex Mathes Theatre in West Des Moines.

Tallgrass’ Iowa Playwrights Workshop gives cultural patrons the chance to be part of the development process, as each year’s work yields valuable information about audience response when a play finally journeys from page to stage. Those who attend “Dancing with the Moon” during its 6-performance run will see an original work which holds much promise to continue its development, with an end goal it will likely be produced in other markets. Is this show Broadway-bound? Probably not, but that does not lessen the importance of this creative process, and the role patrons play in that process.

Deiker’s plot follows the interactions of a small band of everyday folks, linked through work and inter-relationships, with the lines sometimes getting quite blurred, and even a bit bloodied. Kate (Melissa Powell) anchors much of the action as the older woman who seems to be “searching for love in all the wrong places.” She is part of a trio of co-workers at a small establishment: there’s the relationship-challenged college student Francis (Timothy W. Rodriguez) and the younger woman Jeanine (Shaylee Young). They work for the Greek owner, Mr. Theodorakis (R. J. Lundgren), whose propensity for walking into situations at the wrong time adds a bit of comedic spice to the action. Add a couple of erstwhile love-interest types – Slim (Scott Hoyt) as the truck-drivin’ tough with the tempestuous link to Kate, and Leesa (Abby Clayton) who’s attracted by fellow psychology student Francis – and the potential for some interesting results is set.

Powell plunges into her role with unconstrained enthusiasm, mostly capturing the free spirited essence of Kate. Rodriquez presents his Francis with a bit too much mono-dimensionality, but has some nice moments throughout the show with the many conflicted crossroads he travels. As Jeanine, Young brings some nice balance and supportive interplay to the trio of workers, whose clock-punching lives often stray into personal and romantic grounds. With patron-like gravitas, Lundgren helps his Theodorakis evolve from a stern taskmaster into a more complex, interacting part of this community family. In roles as love interests, Hoyt (with a rollicking relationship with Kate) brings a rough element into the fray, and Clayton (whose passion for the physical is not matched by Francis) adds the love-lost aspect to that relationship.

Under the direction of Jerry Eisenhour, this ensemble doesn’t achieve a spontaneous tempo the script demands. Conversely, there often was a sense of the script seeming to try too hard. While the core characters were fairly well defined, the energy for each character didn’t play off her or his fellow actors as strongly as could have happened. A sense of self-conscientiousness seemed to cloak the ensemble, rather than seeing characters grow through a strong sense of intuitive commitment.
The choice to use set elements and props is good, as it gives focus to the script and character development. However, more backstage help would definitely have helped the slow scene changes, which were clumsy due to slow light cues and a lack of scene shift urgency.

All things considered, however, this is part of the process, and those who appreciate peeking through the window to see how a play is made will appreciate the many elements that did succeed in this show. There are many fun moments through the show, such as when the older Kate reflects on her inevitable maturation from “a 36 C to a 36 Long.” With a script filled with such potential sparkle, a little more time, and little more work, “Dancing with the Moon” can evolve into something many other troupes will enjoy producing…and, many future audience members will delight in.

Masterfully presented musical packs a memorable punch
Theatrical review by John Busbee, Des Moines, Iowa, January 15, 2012

There comes a time when a relatively new theatre company sheds the label “emerging” or “new” and makes a creative statement that shows it stands with any and all of a community’s creative producers. “Parade” makes such a statement. StageWest Theatre Company’s latest offering boldly and successfully establishes the seeming oxymoron: an epic musical in the Stoner Theater space. “Parade” is a legacy-proving milestone bringing a production value rivaling any Iowa theatre company’s best, including touring productions. “Parade” is a show which must be seen, or forever regretfully missed.

“Parade,” book by Alfred Uhry, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, sweeps us back almost one hundred years to a regrettable time in American history. The gruesome rape and murder of Mary Phagan, a 13-year old pencil factory laborer, in Marietta, Georgia, becomes the ignition point for a firestorm of prejudice, injustice and hatred. The factory’s manager, Leo Frank, is a Yankee Jew from Brooklyn, an unwanted intrusion into the culture of the South. Due more to manipulation by a profit-seeking press than the judicial process, Frank is sentenced to death for this murder. This musical, while a dramatization of the facts, closely and accurately follows this catalytic story which brought many landmark changes to journalistic ethics, the founding of the Anti-Defamation League, and even the unfortunate resurrection of a Ku Klux Klan sect.

Interestingly, Stephen Sondheim was first offered the musical creative role for this project, but turned it down. The music still seems infused with Sondheim-esque influences, however, complete with layered song stylings, complex lyrics and wide variance in musical styles. Brown’s captivating score is superb.

With appealing clarity, Andrew Ryker wraps himself in a completely believable Frank. From his workaholic, fish-out-of-water cultural outsider place, delivered brilliantly in “How Can I Call this Home” where he laments, “That being Southern’s not just being in the South,” Ryker gives one of this show’s strongest performances. One magical moment is during the trial, in a fantasy sequence number “The Factory Girls/Come Up to My Office,” when Frank briefly, demonically shifts to the preying monster he’s unjustly being portrayed. Other highlights include duets with Frank’s wife, Lucille (Lauren Shun).

Ryker is ably matched by many other strong performances. As Leo’s wife, Shun mesmerizes with a vocal power and poise as she shares the resolve of a Southern belle wife devoted to her husband. Lauren Knutson brings a vulnerable innocence coupled with a firm voice to her Mary Phagan in recurring appearances long after her Act One death. Douglas Cochrane delivers a chilling lullaby over the open grave of Mary Phagan, foreshadowing his newspaper’s influence of the pending trial. Like a refreshing tonic, Colin Morgan imbues his multiple characters with ebullient energy, from his debauched newsman, Britt Craig, to his ultimately crusading Governor Slaton. Likewise, as both the governor’s wife and Mary Phagan’s mother, Sarah Hinzman brings subtle yet distinct differences to these roles through her strong stage presence and heartfelt singing. Ben Raanan, as the unctuously evil prosecutor Hugh Dorsey, provides more than enough power and presence to serve as the primary antagonist.

Two audience favorites are theatre veterans Aaron Smith and Casey Gradischnig. As Newt Lee, who should have been the prime suspect and not the primary witness against Frank, and other characters, Smith brings his soul-touching singing coupled with an occasional dark persona to his stage work. Gradischnig delights as the Old Confederate Soldier and Judge Roan, capturing all the skewed Southern pride with poised authority and a bold, textured voice.

The rest of the ensemble similarly enhances this show, with each cast member delivering key highlight moments, while working together with fluid efficiency. Even with most of the cast serving in multiple roles, the flow and energy of “Parade” is continuous and irresistible.

“Parade” is richly filled with engaging songs, staging and ensemble work, thanks to the expertise of Director/Choreographer Karla Kash. Through the design wonder of Eleanor Kahn’s open, versatile and evocative setting, the audience is quickly transported through a range of locations, carried by the moody lighting design of Ian King, Kash excels at filling the space with eye-catching production numbers, driven by talented Musical Director Ben Hagen’s exceptional eight-piece orchestra. One of Kash’s more visceral numbers is the brooding chain gang scene and number, “Feel the Rain Fall” – unforgettable.

Occasionally inconsistent Southern dialects, some incongruous costuming, and minor technical execution are quickly forgiven in the overall context of this exceptional production. These small flaws only serve to remind the audience of the superb caliber of talent available in our community, in a memorable show surely to serve as a future high point of theatrical excellence. When such talent is blended with a masterful production team into the established creative excellence of StageWest, the results are gratifying and delectably sublime. So, don’t let the parade pass you by, and get your tickets while they last. “Parade” runs through January 29.

Political thriller with heart - 'A Fashion of Bastards' resonates
Book review by John Busbee, March 2011

Bounding onto the international literary scene is an alluring new force by the name of Joanna Louise Johnson. A Fashion of Bastards is nimble, quick-witted and absolutely irresistible. A Fashion of Bastards quickly draws the reader into a world of political power-broking at its intriguing best, or, worst, depending on your view. It also begs the question, when does high level, self-serving manipulation reach the tipping point of permanent harm to our planet? Johnson's double-edged sword is a first-rate page-turner while giving the reader respectful pause for thought about our environmental vulnerabilities.

Part of Johnson's appeal is how quickly her characters spring to life, quickly weaving them into a rich tapestry on an electrically charged political stage. The dialogue is believable and natural, and, while the action unfolds in an arena to which few of us truly are privy, we experience a privileged surveillance into what could really happen behind those Washington DC closed doors.
The irresistible Lacey Ames anchors Johnson's masterful first work, instantly layered with an appeal (leaving me hoping for her quick return in future adventures). She is resilient; a woman of vitality and keen intelligence, yet she shares an inner voice, playfully unveiling personal foibles and insecurities. Lacey is soft-hearted, yet protected with a Kevlar determination. Her personal default allows her to back down to no one, yet Lacey radiates a vulnerability which often works to her advantage. Intolerant toward pretense and posturing, she quickly realizes that fitting into her new world of politics often challenges her core traits.

A Fashion of Bastards quickly spins into a dizzying interplay of manic maneuvering, as factions broker to claim leverage and power, often paid for by human and environmental capital. Johnson effectively blends such diverse locations as a Japanese coastal village with a despoiled Western mining operation and the Oval Office with Lake Michigan, concocting an international thriller that leaves the reader dizzy with its intoxicating effect.

So, toast the new darling of political intrigue and action. Even if you toast only with water, your first sip of Johnson's work will leave you thirsting for more.

Aphoristic Effectiveness - if only in one glorious volume
A book review by John Busbee for The Culture Buzz

September 28, 2009 - Des Moines, Iowa   For fans of quotes, humor and life-enhancing philosophy, Dr. Mardy Grothe has done it again, and with a flair and appeal none in this genre can match. His latest cerebral feast is "Ifferisms: An Anthology of Aphorisms That Begin with the Word 'If"." And, what a delicious feast it is! I can think of no other word in the English language that holds as much power and promise as the word 'if.' Grothe has marvelously captured the range of this gateway word in this neat little tome.

As Dr. Mardy (his aptly used name) so eloquently explains, "An aphorism is a succinctly phrased observation that attempts to express a truth-or sometimes just an opinion-about the human experience." Mix the passion of an author, completely and irrevocably immersed in his world of quotations, with insights of an experienced psychologist's ability to clarify issues to others, and you will better understand how Dr. Mardy built this book. Each chapter is defined as an ifferistic aphorism, using an appropriate quote to lead the reader into the chapter's subject. "If Anything Can Go Wrong, It Will" headlines the chapter on classic Ifferisms."If the World Were a Logical Place, Men Would Ride Side-Saddle" covers gender dynamics. (When I first saw this chapter heading, I absolutely laughed out loud when the preposterous image of John Wayne riding side saddle in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" flashed through my head.) You quickly grasp the beauty of his method in categorizing the nearly 2000 Ifferistic quotes contained herein. Sublimely direct with the irresistible appeal of a siren…without the catastrophic results.  

Another way Grothe excels is through his meticulous back story research, giving the reader much more than just a wonderful quote. One of many examples was in talking about this book with my brother-in-law, we both marveled at the story behind one of our most well-known quotes, often referred to as Murphy's Law, "If anything can go wrong, it will." This irksome axiom is rooted in World War II when an aircraft engineer bemoaned the fact that no matter how well he explained directions, his crew would find a way to misinterpret them. This is a clumsy translation of Dr. Mardy's wonderful back story, but you get the idea. Throughout this deceptively and densely packed little book are sprinkled many such delectable tidbits that further enhance the relevance of some of the quotes selected and used.

This is a book that not only needs a space in your personal library, but makes a perfect gift for anyone who loves the power of a well placed quote, especially when planted in such a diverse and inviting landscape as "Ifferisms" presents. So, if you want to feast on a healthy diet of witticisms, insights and observations, get your copy now. To pull another quote from this incredible author, consider that "An aphorism is a one-line novel," says the Ukrainian writer Leonid Sukhorukov. Imagine that. One book; an entire library. If only I had started this library sooner…

Dr. Mardy Grothe provides a free weekly e-newsletter filled that is a wonderful, quick read, filled with enticing information, masterfully helpful quotes and stimulating ideas. Visit www.drmardy.com to join the legions of appreciative members.

At a small independent bookstore in Des Moines on a chilly Thursday evening, friends and family gathered together to listen to some great poetry. Wendy Xu, Kyle McCord, and Matthew Guenette were the poets featured on Thursday February 24th at Beaverdale Books and there was not an empty seat in the house. The Younger American Poets Reading Series is a monthly event which brings poets from across America to Des Moines for readings at local establishments, specifically Beaverdale Books this spring. You can find their mission statement on their facebook page in which they highlight their passion for great poetry and networking with striving poets, to “…provide exposure to a less visible art form”.

Matthew Guenette came from Madison, Wisconsin to read for us from his hilarious and somewhat autobiographical book, American Busboy. His personal experiences with the service industry provided listeners with that pure connection to his words. When he spoke of grilled cheese, we knew he had seen many and that knowledge allowed us to understand his plight when dealing with such busboys that would “fuck an eel if [he] could hold it down by its ears”. Matt brought humor and sincerity to the evening’s lineup and was in vast contrast to Wendy’s poems, often referencing wolves.

Wendy and Kyle’s close relationship was apparent in his introduction and informal jokes about her love of wolves; she read a few poems from her book Wolf Theory. A soft-spoken and genuine reader, her poems were oftentimes dedicated to a friend or written for a family member. Xu’s poems prompted me to consider the reasons poets may write. Generally when novels or stories are written, the dedication follows the completion of the work; but it seemed that Wendy had some specific reasons for writing a poem. One in particular was written to cheer up a friend who was turning twenty-six, which was disheartening for him because that birthday would signify a closer correlate to his imminent thirties than his reminiscent twenties.

Kyle McCord fits somewhere in the middle of, what can be loosely defined as out-of-sight, stealing your tips, and seeker of the waitress panties, and poems written to cheer up a friend. Kyle has – in line with Wendy and Matthew – been published in many journals and his book, Valley of the Beloved and Torment, has a “lyric musicality” which was apparent in his readings on that dreary evening. The limited availability of reputable poetry readings in Des Moines is astounding and this organization has begun an explosive and exciting future for the art form formerly known as poetry.

Peace,

Bailey Schlegel

Culture Buzz Spring Intern

Exploring the dark recesses of our historical closets
Des Moines, Iowa
February 19, 2011 Stepping into a 1950s film noir train station scene where two lovers part, The Beebo Brinker Chronicles begins our journey through a microcosmic glimpse anchored by the Greenwich Village lesbian and gay world in a much different time. The show is filled with spotlit asides, sultry deliveries evoking that cinematic style of the story. This stage adaptation by Kate Moira Ryan and Linda S. Chapman, from books by the iconic Ann Bannon, is most assuredly not a look through rose-colored glasses - unless the spectrums are in shades of rage, boldness and blood. With heavy doses of take-your-breath-away viciousness and dark humor, The Beebo Brinker Chronicles adds a new element to StageWest Theatre Company's legacy of bringing new performing arts experiences to Greater Des Moines audiences.

For those familiar with the source material, this show undoubtedly brings Bannon's groundbreaking pulp fiction series of five books, The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, to a special life on stage. This production resonates with a stylized, sexual surrealism, bordering on the melodramatic. Co-directors Stacy Brothers (who also plays two cameo roles, Lili and Nina, in the show) and Karla Kash bring a wealth of experience to tackle this challenging show, and have assembled a gifted cast.

Read more: Stage West - Beebo Brinker Chronicles

Tallgrass annual original works event delivers content-rich performance
Theatrical review by John Busbee,West Des Moines, Iowa

January 22, 2011 One definite advantage of living in a community for a while is that it affords the opportunity to observe the creative evolution of cultural organizations. One organization worth not only watching, but engaging, is Tallgrass Theatre Company. Tallgrass has found its stride, presenting thoughtful plays with increasingly better production values. This company has developed its performing space in the Rex Mathes theatre into a wonderful, intimate performing arts venue. West Des Moines should proudly claim Tallgrass as its resident theatre company, and their current production, Again and Again, and Eventually, supports this claim.

One of the best programs Tallgrass Theatre Company established is its annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop, now in its fifth season. This year's winning entry, Again and Again, and Eventually, marks the second such honor for playwright, Erica L. Spiller, who was Tallgrass' original Playwright Workshop winner with this inaugural workshop's A Light that Burns. Between plays, Spiller achieved her MA at Virginia Commonwealth University before returning to Iowa. Greater Des Moines theatre audiences are the cultural beneficiaries with her return, and many hope this is one more in a growing body of creative work.

Read more: Tallgrass Theatre Company

Pure Magic: Performances, breathtaking sets and costumes make Cinderella shine at the Playhouse.
Theatrical review by Paula Poland

As a little girl growing up in the 60s I looked forward to the annual television screenings of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella starring Lesley Ann Warren. I was thrilled to attend the Des Moines Playhouse production, my first time seeing the musical on the stage. The sold out performance was pure magic.

Cinderella has seen her life spin out of control after the death of her mother. Her father remarries but soon dies himself, leaving Cinderella at the mercy of a nasty stepmother and two obnoxious stepsisters, Grace and Joy. Over at the palace Prince Christopher isn't much happier. Queen Constantina is pressuring her son to marry and organizes a ball, inviting every eligible young lady in the kingdom in the hopes that Chris will find a wife. You know the rest of the story.

Read more: Pure Magic: Performances, breathtaking sets and costumes make Cinderella shine at the Playhouse.