More Droppings

I had another weekend of Theatre-Going.






On Friday, I attended the Academy of Classical Acting's "graduation production" of "Much Ado About Nothing." The ACA is affiliated with the Shakespeare Theatre Company, and they offer a one year MFA in Acting. A buddy of mine, with whom I appeared in "Shear Madness" a long while ago, was playing Benedick, so I dropped by the rehearsal hall, where the performance was held. I'm pleased to say that the ACA did not rob Josh of his talent, and he was the stand-out.




On Saturday, I attended the matinee of the American premiere of "The Witches of Eastwick" at Signature Theatre in Arlington. I had a couple of friends in the ensemble, the leads all being played by Broadway actors imported in the hopes that the show might get a NY showing with themselves in the roles. All the leads were exceptional, and the show is an entertaining hoot. They have received a rave in The Post, which can only help the show's chances of further life. (The piece ran for a while in London several years ago, helmed by the same director, but was ultimately deemed a loser and died without the planned transfer to Broadway.)


On Sunday, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip out to Olney Theatre to catch their fund-raiser, a cabaret performance of Stephen Schwartz songs. I'm not a huge fan of that composer, but I am a huge fan of Debbie Gravitte and Liz Callaway, which is why I attended. I love really good cabaret, where the performer sits alone and a bit naked in front of the audience, and weaves a story with just a song and a microphone. These ladies are experts, and would be big celebrities if we lived in an era when Broadway stars became nationally known. Sadly, those days are gone, so these terrific talents schlep across the country playing small regional theatres.