Showing posts with label Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

What They're Saying about the Show Already

Even though they saw the show on opening night, people are not being shy about speaking their minds about it. Here's what they're saying on the See-a-Play website (http://www.seeaplay.com/productionsReviewsJudas.htm)

audience reviews

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Beyond the Proscenium Productions

Review: Simply amazing. From the first monologue to the fading of the lights at the end, it is an emotional roller coaster. The director has pulled together a great cast to give us the laughs and the tears of this production. The language can be on the rough side, so I would recommend this for mature theatre-goers. I will be seeing this production again.

Review: Unforgettable-- if I should surmise the content of the writing, the caliber of the performers, the impression this corroboration has imprinted on me into a single word. I am not faint of heart nor am I easily moved (however, my taste may be somewhat out of sync with the rest) yet I limped out of the theatre raccoon eyed and in undeniable need of a Costco sized box of Kleenex. There is such bona fide humanity in this ensemble: using simple, common and everyday words one's eye lids may be slit open to reveal another aspect of people, morals, perspective and (that socially infamous heading) Christianity. Hailing from any creed/religion, I genuinely believe that this production shall stir something awake within you.

Review: I saw "Last Days..." on opening night. The theater was small, yet personable. While waiting for the show to start, two of the actors sat and remained motionless until the start of the play. The monologues by each of the actors help provide the factual information to set a strong foundation for the coming character exchanges. The other actors were very skilled, taping into my emotions consistently. There wasn't really "One Actor" that stood out because each of them was very strong and professional. While the play, at times, seemed to drag on (some of the exchanges seemed too long) it is well worth anyone's time to see this amazing play. It's thought-provoking, emotional, and an absolute necessity to experience!

Review: I enjoyed this show very much! The actors were able to draw me in from the first scene and keep me enthralled completely. I loved how the religious figures are modernized in a way that makes them accessible without diminishing the root of their characters. With the information given and projection of energy, I was on a rollercoaster of emotions the entire time. Standout performances were given by each actor, but I will have to give props to the fabulous St. Monica who played up the comedy in her role without harming the meaning of the words, and the monolog from St. Augustine bringing a tear, a smile, and the deep understanding of their friendships was strongly received. And to all Thank You for an Excellent Performance, I look forward to your next production

Review: An overwhelming experience of an amazing play made more memorable by fine acting. From the poignant comments by Judas' mother, the powerful depiction of Saint Monica, the smooth yet diabolical Satan, the tragedy of Judas, the comments by Freud and the gentle passion of Christ, I was deeply moved: to tears, to laughter, to hightened awareness and finally, to the direct experience of love's healig power. This is a unique, well directed, not to be missed play.
- E.

Judas is Up and Running

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot opened last weekend. Artistic Director and video maestro Nick Avdienko was there with his trusty camera and filmed this great promo. Call 916-456-1600 or email contact@beyond-pro.org to reserve your tickets!


The Last Days of Judas Iscariot from NVA Productions on Vimeo.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Rehearsals Heating Up


Nick Avdienko, BPP's Artistic Director, checks on rehearsals as they enter the final week. Opening Night is Friday, February 13th!
Renee DeGarmo, one of the lawyers and Jay Patrick, the bailiff


Justin Munoz, the other attorney, has a "moment"

Justin tries to get the goat of p joshua laskey who plays Dr. Freud.

Mark Hoffman as the Judge considers a request, while his trusty bailiff, played by Jay Patrick, keeps order in the court.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Rehearsals ...


Assistant Stage Manager Alley Krumm takes notes while Michael RJ Campbell, the show's director, keeps an eagle eye on the actors.


Renee DeGarmo, Mark Hoffman and p joshua laskey (yes he wants his name lower case)
Mark Hoffman and p joshua laskey
Mark Hoffman and Justin Munoz, who was last seen in the North American premiere of MedEia. You can see a video link HERE



Since the Wilkerson Theatre (the old California Stage) is small, it might be a good idea to call BPP at 916-456-1600 to reserve tickets soon! And yes, we do have special group rates and student/senior discounts (and we don't ask for ID).

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Cast Announced for Next Show

BPP's next show opens on February 13th - Last Days of Judas Iscariot at the Wilkerson Theatre (formerly known as California Stage) and is directed by Michael RJ Campbell. This Broadway hit poses the philosophical question: “If God is all-forgiving, why is Judas condemned to an eternity in hell?” Live from a courtroom in purgatory, Judas’ retrial provides a comedic retake on the most famous betrayal in history.

We recently had auditions for the show and are pleased to announce that some old friends who have worked with us before are in the show. You'll also see actors from other companies and shows around town.

Renee DeGarmo plays Cunningham

Margaret Morneau plays Henrietta Iscariot

Joelle Wirth plays St. Monica

Ashley Miguel plays Mother Teresa\Loretta

Kellie Raines plays Gloria\Sister Glenna

Kristine David plays Mary Magdalene/Gentlemen

David Campfield plays Judas

Barry Hubbard plays Satan

Justin Muñoz plays El-Fayoumy

Mark Hoffman plays Judge\Caiphas the Elder

James Ellison plays Pilate

Ben Ismail plays Matthias\St. Peter

Colby Salmon plays Matthew\Freud

Jay Patrick plays Baliff\Simon

Shawn B O'Neal plays St. Thomas\Uncle Pino

Kyle Gundlach plays Jesus

P Joshua Laskey plays Butch

Nic Candito is our Stage Manager and also plays Soldier 1

Robert Phillips is our Technical Director and also plays Soldier 2

Michael RJ Campbell is our Director and also plays Soldier 3

If you can answer the following question, then you will win two tickets to the show.

What actor has worked with BPP before and what was the name of the show? This is a trick question because there are several actors who have work with us before, but you only need to name one of them. Email your answers to us at beyond.proscenium@gmail.com by December 31st.

Click on this link for the review from the Broadway production.
--

Thursday, October 23, 2008

2008-09 Season

Matt & Ben

Opens Oct. 17th at the Wilkerson Theatre - Directed by Katie Chapman

Plays Thurs, Fri & Sat @ 8 pm until Nov 15

Sun @ 2 pm Nov 16 – closing show


Last Days of Judas Iscariot

Opens Feb. 13th at the Wilkerson Theatre - Directed by Michael RJ Campbell

This Broadway hit poses the philosophical question: “If God is all-forgiving, why is Judas condemned to an eternity in hell?” Live from a courtroom in purgatory, Judas’ retrial provides a comedic retake on the most famous betrayal in history.


Smoked Butt - An Evening of Comedic One-Act Plays

Opens April 3rd at the Three Penny Theatre

Something I Smoked Last Summer, directed by Nick Avdienko

A hilarious take off on the oeuvre of Tennessee Williams

Does This Show Make My Butt Look Fat?, directed by Ann Tracy

Playwright Joni Hilton takes on middle age and the fashion industry



My Name is Rachel Corrie

Opens May 15th at the Three Penny Theatre - Directed by Karen Nylund
This true story is based on the journal entries of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old American crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer while working in Gaza as a “human shield” protesting the razing of Palestinian homes. A BPP premiere