SAN DIEGO — If you think Coronado Playhouse is going to let a pesky thing like covid upset their plans, you’ve got another thing coming! While this show was canceled a few weeks back due to the virus, the big-hearted little theater company offered a free matinee to patrons today.
This lovely cabaret setting was a great venue for this romantic comedy. Blake McCarty’s set was simple, yet effective. The small space served as a bedroom, an island, a balcony, and more. At the back of the small stage, in plain view, was the band. Conductor Imahnni King-Murillo, bassist Oliver Shirley, Guitarist Evans Kontopuls, and Drummer Christopher Potente accompanied actors with familiar songs to fit the story. “I Will Follow Him,” “I’m Sorry,” and “He’s a Rebel,” underscored the plot twists and conflicts of the principals on stage. Erin Petersen’s choreography was spot on with a few grapevines, kick-ball-changes, and dips. Era-appropriate costumes (think bobby socks, poodle skirts, argyle sweaters, and saddle shoes) were designed by Lisa Samson, and Pam Everett is to be credited with props, including a stuffed animal puppy, a central character!
My theater companion (another San Diego Jewish World contributor) and I concurred that some of the cast standouts were Russell Clement and Ria Carey. Clement has appeared on this stage a handful of times and is always an audience favorite. He inhabits the role of Launce and the Outlaw comfortably and exudes a spark of mischief and fun. Each time he appeared on stage, my companion stated that she was riveted. Similarly, each time Carey appeared she consumed the lighting and simply captivated the audience with her vocal capacity, physical presence, a well-placed bump-and-grind, seductive growl, and apparent delight.
I also was supremely impressed with the acting and singing of Sam Castillo (Valentine), another debuting actor for CPH. His voice was lovely and his obvious understanding of character and story was impressive. Other cast members are to be lauded for their voices and performances. Hannah Bosworth, Sylvia, has a lovely voice, and though a native of Coronado, this is her maiden voyage with the CPH. Camelina Cedillo, Eglamour and chorus, is enjoying a debut at Coronado and winning fans for her musical performance. Marcy Ledvinka, debuting in this show, has been seen at the La Jolla WOW festival.
Maura McMillan (Julia) is another newcomer to CPH and is currently a senior at San Diego State’s Musical Theater program. She has appeared in the Fringe Festival and Teatro San Diego. Raymond Evans who portrayed Proteus has a fascinating niche in his acting career. He has been on a number of stages, but what I found most interesting is his interest and effort to engage in the deaf culture. Returning to CPH is Lu Garcia. He plays a few roles in this performance and all of them splendidly. He has twice received Aubrey nominations. Daniel Ehrlich (Thurio) did a great job of being the unwanted suitor of Sylvia. He was a sympathetic and smarmy character all in one! Gary John Ziccardi portrayed the Duke of Milan and was no stranger to the music, as he had previously performed in Buddy Holly. Finally, returning to CPH is Kara Tuckfield. Her return to this theater follows Murder on the Orient Express and A Winter’s Tale.
This show was conceived by director, James Saba, with the musical arrangement of Steve Gunderson. This duo teamed up with Alyssa Hayden to create this delightful diversion. I must say that one of the reasons I love and support this theater is that they understand the importance of community. Typically for each show they produce CPH partners with a community non-profit. They generously and mindfully share ticket sales and donations with the featured group. I know of no other local theater that has this same level of community commitment and I love it!
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