“The School of Scandal” and “The Altar Boyz”

Role Players present outrageous farce

“If the world were like the movies

we would never make mistakes

we'd correct our little blunders

and select our better takes”

- From the 1982 film

“My Favorite Year”

The shows I'm reviewing this week, “The School for Scandal” and “The Altar Boyz,” are a mixed bag of entertainment pluses and minuses. While each show has a lot going for it, each has a way to go or grow, depending on how you look at it.

The Role Players Ensemble Theatre in Danville is presenting a brilliantly clever restoration comedy, “The School for Scandal,” by the articulate author, renowned orator and British parliamentarian, Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

First produced in 1777, Sheridan's marvelous play affectionately satirizes the fashionable society of the wealthy class, with its overt materialism, gossip and hypocrisy. His story takes place within an elitist social circle whose members' favorite pastime seems to favor finding someone to defame, ridicule or malign through carefully constructed falsehoods and/or innuendo. These individuals focus their primary interests into devising secret, cunning and complicated schemes, all to achieve a particular goal or to cause harm to others, often for their own personal gain or pure entertainment. These egregious character-slayers comprise many layers in “School for Scandal.”

This is a complicated play and certainly a very ambitious play for community theater

There are 15 diversely comic and intriguing characters in this farcical story about sibling rivalry, love, lust, fidelity, infidelity and artificial relationships. The characters are given names that in some small way describe some aspect of their character, such as Snake Lady Sneerwell, Sir Benjamin Backbite, Mrs. Candor, Mr. Crabtree, Sir Peter Teazle and Lady Teazle, Moses and the Surface Brothers.

The plot is blunt. Practically everyone has something to glean by mischievous and treacherous means.

Director Sue Trigg has done an excellent job of selecting cast members capable of providing full meaning to their characters. This play is an outrageous farce, a grand comedy and for the most part it is carried off very well. The language is “stately English” and at times is difficult to capture, for lack of familiarity.

It was not until I went online to review the actual script that I fully grasped some of the relationships. The play opens with two of the lesser support characters plotting to spoil Charles Surface's character. It is here where we begin to grasp that there is a circle of socializers who gather routinely to pander in slander, to gossip and trade “delicious” tales out of context, fabrications and fornications of the truth.

Lady Sneerwell wants to damage a budding relationship between Charles Surface and Sir Peter Teazle's ward, Maria, because she had at one time been in a relationship with Charles and doesn't want him to marry this beautiful younger woman. Sir Peter Teazle has a much younger wife, who has romantic aspirations toward Charles' brother, Joseph. While Joseph pretends to have similar inclinations toward Lady Teazle, he does so in order to get back at his brother, Charles, because he also lusts after the attractive young Maria.

Intrigue after intrigue compound the relationships, especially that of a wealthy uncle of the brothers, Sir Oliver Surface. He arrives on the scene incognito to determine the true character of his nephews, to help him decide who is the most worthy to inherit his estate when he dies. Sir Oliver Surface is played by Chris Chapman. Lady Teazle is played by Kathryne Davidson, Maria by Xanadu Bruggers, Mrs. Candor by Melynda Kiring, Mr. Crabtree by Candy Campbell (a lady who plays an older man very well), Moses by Elias D. Protopsaltis, Rowley by Michael Green, Careless by Jill Davidson, Snake and Sir Benjamin Backbite by Paul Plain and the stalwart servant by Joel Stefani.

Sir Peter Teazle (John Blytt) acknowledges his uneven and contradictory friendship with his deceased friend's sons, the brothers Joseph Surface (Michael Sally), and Charles Surface (Craig Eychner). He believes Joseph to be the epitome of virtue and honor, while he believes Charles to be the opposite in character, the epitome of personal corruption and deplorable financial carelessness. He wishes that his young ward, Maria, would find Joseph an acceptable suitor for her hand in marriage, over her obviously romantic admiration for the more colorful and more handsome Charles Surface.

As the play develops, we quickly discover that brother Joseph Surface is a two- faced individual. Lady Snearwell describes him thus, “I have found him out a long time since. I know him to be artful, selfish and malicious-in short, a sentimental knave; (but) while with Sir Peter, and indeed with all his (general) acquaintance, he passes for a youthful miracle of prudence, good sense, and benevolence.”

I enjoyed the play very much and laughed at times. I did find fault with some aspects, but not enough to belabor any specific points. It was obvious that the play fell shallow on some ears. This is a long play, too long without a full professional cast. The first act was hard to sit through, but the second act moved much better. On the whole, the production never quite came together.

While every member of the cast contributes significantly to this production, the following actors deserve “outstanding” kudos for their efforts: Michael Sally, Melynda Kiring and Craig Eychner.

This humorous restoration comedy plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through Saturday, May 10, in the Community Center Theater at 420 Front Street in Danville.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 314-3400 or 314-3463, or online at www.villagetheatreshows.com, or in person at the Community Center, 420 Front Street, in Danville. Tickets are a reasonable $22 to $25 each.

“Altar Boyz” at the Willows

The Willows “Cabaret” Theatre in Martinez is carrying forward the little theater's theater of Catholicism with another musical that will be appreciated by anyone with a personal history closely aligned with Catholic experiences. This cabaret-style theatre is presenting the Off-Broadway musical, “Altar Boyz.”

This is a venue where the audience sits at small tables where they can order drinks and snacks to enjoy during the show.

This upbeat, modern religious rock musical professes no one specific religious point of view. It must have been penned by someone with a great knowledge of Catholic ritual and rhetoric. “Altar Boyz” tells the inspiring, upbeat story of five guys from small-town USA who are drawn together in their quest to “save souls.” They form a singing, dancing company that travels town to town, like a comic revival show, seeking to inspire, cajole, convert and re-commit a sagging religious following among the young; to seek out and embrace Jesus as their savior. They make fun of religion, but not too offensively.

With songs such as “Jesus Called Me on My Cell Phone” and “Girl You Make Me Want to Wait,” the verbal message is loud and clear, but their sinfully terrific dancing, suggestive body language and straight street talk are modern and in touch with today's hip overtures.

The musical is youthful, exuberant and exciting, tuning the audience into their party-exhilaration wavelength before the evening is over. The songs include the terrific “Rhythm in Me,” “Church Rulez,” “Something About You,” “Everybody Fits,” “La Vida Eternal” and “I Believe,” to mention a few. The songs relate to issues in the boy's lives as well as issues that many audience members must have found relative as well. The audience was enthusiastic and appreciative. The lyrics are clever and fun.

Director and Choreographer Mickey Nugent has brought together five unique young men that include Kenneth Scott as Matthew, Bobby Bryce as Mark, Michael Scott Wells as Luke, Rod Voltaire Edora as Juan and Herbie Raad as Abraham. The musical director, Carl Pantle, provides great accompaniment.

The sound didn't work for me. It too loud to be comfortable and many lines were walked over or just not delivered clearly. Rod Voltaire Edora who portrayed Juan had such a thick accent that I missed many of his lines entirely. They are all outstanding talented performers, but if you cannot understand them, the show loses much of its punch.

The other problem I have is that the theater seating is just too crowded for comfort. Other guests expressed the same feeling to me. This is a great show, an attractive little venue, but how often does one want to be so crowded that when the young women who serve drinks and snacks (at a fairly hefty price) have to shove their way past you so that they can reach other patrons.

If you sit near the aisle, you continually have to move your chair even closer to an already uncomfortably small table and other guests, so much so that it disturbed my enjoyment of the show and its hardworking performers. This is not good. One reason I don't often go back to this theater to review shows is that the experience of the theater itself is basically the same, and that's a shame! The whole concept is a great idea, if they just didn't try to squeeze so many people in.

“Altar Boyz” continues Wednesdays at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays at 8, Saturdays at 2 and 8, with Sunday performances at 3, now through May 11.

The Willows Cabaret “Campbell” Theatre is located at 636 Ward Street in Downtown Martinez, one block east of Main Street at the corner of Estudillo Street. Call 798-1300 for tickets or visit the Willows Web site at www.willowstheatre.org. Tickets range between $20 and $30 each with discounts for seniors.

May Special Events sponsored by the Recreation Department

The following are the May Special Events sponsored by the Rossmoor Recreation Department. For more information on any of these events during the month, check the Special Events listing on the calendar page each week, look for the article in the Arts and Leisure section of the News, or call the Recreation Department at 988-7732. Events are free unless otherwise noted. This information is posted throughout the month of May on the Rossmoor News Web site at www.rossmoornews.com.

Acalanes Adult Ed class will focus on financial basics

Learn the basics of how to be a savvy do-it-yourself investor and stop throwing money away on unnecessary fees, expenses, and taxes. Learn all this and more in a class to be held on two consecutive Mondays, May 12 and 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Acalanes Adult Education Center in Walnut Creek.

Al Hart presents a new radio show, “Aging Your Way”

Award-winning KCBS newsman and Rossmoor resident Al Hart is partnering with On Lok Lifeways and Institute on Aging to host a radio series exploring the topic of aging. “Aging Your Way” premiered April 21, on KALW 91.7 FM.

Ashmolean Singers make a French connection at May concert

Four challenging and meaningful pieces of solo and choral music with a French connection will be featured at the Ashmolean Singers concert on Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Asian Art Series continues Monday with “18th Century Kyoto Painters”

Sally Kirby will continue the series of presentations on Asian Art on Monday, April 28, at 1:30 p.m. in the Las Trampas Room at Hillside Clubhouse. This program will carry on in memory of Arnie Wasserman who died March 23.

“The School of Scandal” and “The Altar Boyz”

Role Players present outrageous farce

DVD Discoveries

“Lust, Caution”

Dyna Tones start new season of singing

The new season with an entirely new musical program has begun for the Dyna Tones. The group practices every Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Las Trampas Room at Hillside.

Foreign Film Fans Club presents the second part of its Greek Film Festival

The Foreign Film Fans Club announces Part II of its Greek Film Festival at Rossmoor this month. Four films will be shown between April 28 and April 30, all in Peacock Hall at Gateway.

Fourth Sunday Dance set for April 27

All residents are invited to attend the next Fourth Sunday Dance at Del Valle Clubhouse from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.

Goodwill Dialogues return to Rossmoor once a month

The Interfaith Council and the Atheists and Agnostics Group have made arrangements to offer Goodwill Dialogues to the community. These nonconfrontational meetings are held between two believers and two nonbelievers with only an impartial trained facilitator present.

Joanna Kraus' children's book receives honors

Add another accomplishment to the many author Joanna H. Kraus has already achieved.

“Let's Pretend We Are Playwrights: A Fun Way to Theater” to be presented at Grace Church by Interfaith Council

The Rossmoor Interfaith Council invites residents to an unusual theatrical event, “Let's Pretend We Are Playwrights: A Fun Way to Theater,” Tuesday, May 6, at 7 p.m., in the Oak Room at Grace Presbyterian Church. The church is located just outside the main gate at 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., directly across the street from the Jewish Community Center.

Library Association will hold paper sculpture exhibit in Peacock Hall

The Mystery Book Club will discuss author Alexander McCall Smith at its next meeting on Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. in the Eisenhower Room at Dollar Clubhouse.

Mann and Young present jazz for Fun Day

Jazz pianist Martan Mann and saxophonist George Young will perform at Fun Day on Thursday, April 24, at noon in the Sierra Room at Del Valle Clubhouse.

Memorial concerts honor founder of Performing Arts Society

Two memorial concerts are coming in May to honor the late longtime Rossmoor resident, Rosamond Davis, founder of Performing Arts Society 45 years ago at Grace Presbyterian Church.

Musical drama “Once” shows Thursday and Friday

The 2006 musical drama “Once” will be shown in Peacock Hall at Gateway on Thursday, April 24, at 1, 4 and 7 p.m., and again on Friday, April 25, at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The showings at 1 will feature language captions.

Recreation Department sponsors Arbor Day event

The Recreation Department will present its first Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 25, at 1:30 p.m. at Dollar picnic grounds.

Roslyn Kind returns to Rossmoor for Mother's Day with Barry Lloyd

Dynamic, multitalented entertainer Roslyn Kind returns to Rossmoor to perform a special Mother's Day concert Sunday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Rossmoor Going Green co-sponsors Green Rheem Movie Night

Rossmoor Going Green, a newly formed club devoted to helping Rossmoor and its residents become greener citizens, is joining Sustainable Moraga, Sustainable Lafayette and other area nonprofit environmental organizations in sponsoring the first Green Rheem Movie Night.

Sean Connery is 007 in “From Russia With Love” showing Saturday

The 1963 action drama “From Russia With Love,” starring Sean Connery, will be shown in Peacock Hall at Gateway on Saturday, April 26, at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The showing at 1 will feature language captions.

Show and Tell Film Club to show 1994 French film

The Show and Tell Film Club will view the 1994 French film, “Colonel Chabert,” on Wednesday, May 7, at 3 p.m. in Peacock Hall.

Show features three comedians in the Fireside Room

A comedy show featuring Jeff Applebaum, along with fellow comedians John DeKoven and David Kleinberg, will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway.

Sunday Funnies presents Julie Andrews in 1982 comedy “Victor, Victoria”

The 1982 comedy “Victor/Victoria,” starring Julie Andrews, will be shown in Peacock Hall at Gateway (on Sunday, April 27, at 4 and 7 p.m. The showing at 4 will feature language captions.

Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band comes to Sunday Showcase

The Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band will perform at Sunday Showcase on Sunday, May 4, at 5 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Gateway Clubhouse.

Walnut Creek Fine Arts Festival coming up

Artists will line the sidewalks of downtown Walnut Creek during the 60th Semi-Annual Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival on April 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.