Category Archives: Show Time

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
High Potential – Hulu

4 out of 4 palm trees

In the new ABC series “High Potential”, Kaitlin Olsen plays Madison, a quirky single mother of three with a genius IQ that has tended to get her into more trouble than it helped. While working as a night janitor at the local police station, Madison knocked over a box of evidence related to an adjacent case board and though she only saw a few photos of a dead guy from the scene, she went to the board and crossed out a woman listed as suspect and changed it to victim.

The next morning, Detective Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) began to review the case and was very upset that someone had scratched out suspect and wrote victim under the photo of the wife of the victim. Upon reviewing the security video, Det. Karadec went to Madison’s home and insisted she come down to the station to discuss her actions. Madison explained that in accidentally knocking over the box of evidence, her brain immediately began reviewing the evidence like a puzzle and she came to the conclusion that the police had wrongly suspected the wife.

Madison noticed details that others overlooked such as in the crime scene photos the male victim lying on the floor was not bound with tape in any way, but Madison noticed that the photo of the chair in the room had small pieces of hair sticking to the legs, meaning someone had been taped to the chair. This meant there were three people at the scene and now had to assume there was a second victim, most likely the wife who the police had actually considered the prime suspect. Det. Karadec said that Madison would be temporarily detained while they reviewed her story.

When Madison was released, she passed the team reviewing the security footage from the murder scene to try and find the third person, but she noticed right away that the date was wrong on the timestamp. She said the video could not have been from the day of the crime because seasonal winds blow the opposite direction from what was scene in the footage as well as knowing the direction the wind was blowing by the east facing church in the background (noting that all churches were built facing east). In reviewing her comments online, both facts were true.

Madison explained she had to “solve the puzzle” or it would drive her crazy due to her extremely high IQ of 160, classifying her as a high potential individual with advanced cognitive abilities, intellectual creativities, and photographic memory. Madison did not consider it a gift, for it caused her to obsess over every problem she saw, hence why she had to point out the problems with the criminal investigation, and generally it makes it hard to hold a job, relationship, or conversation.

Though Det. Karadec was very skeptical of Madison and not on board with her being part of the investigation, Captain Selena (Judy Reyes) told him that they obviously needed her cooperation now that they discovered there was a second victim. Captain Selena believed Madison’s unusual methods could assist them with their now botched murder investigation and find a victim they didn’t know existed before Madison’s review. Madison’s unconventional ways proved to be helpful to the investigation, and Captain Selena felt Madison would be an asset so made her a job offer.

Madison asked her to add 20% and include child care, and Captain Selena agreed. Madison had one other condition and that was for Captain Selena to look into the disappearance of her first husband from ten years earlier. Madison was convinced it happened under suspicious circumstances but written off by the police at the time. Captain Selena said they had a deal, so serendipity not only got Madison a great new job suited to her quirky style and intellect, it also had the potential of solving her own unsolved case.

Runtime: 10 – 45m Episodes (airs on ABC Tuesdays 10pm)

Vol. 18, No. 01 – Oct 2 – Oct 15, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

New Art City Offers Diverse Voices

Ventura County has a great deal to offer in the way of live theater. Our stages are routinely graced with performances equal to and even exceeding those found at the Pantages, the Civic Arts Plaza, and many other venues. Why go anywhere else?

Recently I had the pleasure to attending a sneak peek at a new musical being developed by New Art City Theatre. Haven’t heard of them? You will.

New Art City is a fledgling entity whose mission is to provide avenues for actors, writers and more to develop their skills, offering open doors to all. The brainchild of exceptionally talented duo Kirby and Beverly Ward, New Art City has already firmly placed itself on the Ventura County theater community map by inviting patrons to the first New Plays Festival this past June. It featured four brand new works at the best cost possible – free.

Writers submit works blindly (no author noted) and all works are read. All actors are auditioned. No one is turned away. Doors are opened. Diverse voices are encouraged.

According to the Wards, they want audiences to be drawn in by the new works that are presented. One of their major goals is to always, and only, work in the black. That requires ongoing funding which is translated to patrons as “ways to be part of the journey.”

The performance of snippets of “Sunday After Next,” a musical loosely adapted from Oscar Wilde’s short story Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, was intriguing and engaging. Kirby, Beverly and actor David Burnham played a cadre of roles, with plots points being described between songs. All three displayed impressive vocal power and harmonies. John Enrico Douglas provided musical accompaniment. The abbreviated script produced laughter and delight as the personas were changed. Eleven years so far in the making, this work promises to be well worth the wait.

When the full play finally reaches the stage, a cast of 8-10 actors will fill nearly 25 roles. Beverly described the results as “more Monty Python and less Downton Abbey.” The preview was moving, deeply funny and extremely well received.

Watch for news of Festival ’25, when another four brand new plays will be offered. The venue is yet to be determined, as the group is in process of seeking suitable venues.

In the meantime, however, New Art City is pleased to present a one-man show titled The Day I Accidentally Went to the War featuring actor, writer, comedian and U.S,. veteran Bill Posey.

There will only be three opportunities to catch this compelling theatrical experience– October 18, 19 and 20. The performances will be at the former American Legion Hall at 83 Palm Street, downtown Ventura.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Seating is limited. Tickets are available now online at www.newartcitytheatre.org . $20 general admission, $10 for military, veterans and their families. Sign up to be on the mailing list. You’ll be glad you did.

Vol. 17, No. 26 – Sept 18 – Oct 1, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Rebel Ridge – Netflix

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees,
4 being best.

Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) was riding a bike to Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin when he was hit by a police car. Officer Marston said that he had been following Terry for two miles trying to pull him over, but Terry had headphones on and had no idea. Officer Marston handcuffed Terry saying he fled, then searched his backpack and found $36,000 cash which was confiscated.

Terry explained he sold his vehicle because he needed to get $10,000 bail for his cousin to the courthouse by 5pm to and the rest was for them to start a new life together. Officer Marston said that he would let Terry off with a warning, but they would keep the cash, stating they concluded it was drug currency and Terry would have to appear in court to get it back. Terry explained it was legally obtained through the sale of his vehicle and cashing out his share in a restaurant.

Terry went to the courthouse to explain the situation to a public defender, who said he couldn’t help but the conversation was overheard by Summer (AnnaSophia Robb), a woman who worked in the courthouse. She took Terry to the local diner to explain what was happening and that he most likely would never get the money back. Terry explained that his cousin was a witness in a capital murder case and that if he was not bailed out and transferred, that his life was at risk.

Terry went to report the money stolen, but was met by Police Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson) who told Terry he needed to leave. Terry felt his only option was to ask Chief Burnne to use $10,000 for his cousin’s bail and they could keep the rest. He agreed and told Terry to come back Monday to see his cousin. Terry showed, but Chief Burnne said he was late so Terry chased the transfer bus on his bike and told his cousin they were on to him and to seek protective custody.

Terry contacted his ex-business partner to loan him the $10,000 for the bail, but he said the police were searching his restaurant and took his safe. Terry went to ask Summer for help, but she was concerned about her job and asked him to leave, though met him outside saying she had found some cases similar to Terry’s cousin that didn’t seem right. Back at the station, Chief Burnne was investigating Terry’s background and learned he had been a Marine Corps martial arts specialist.

It was at that moment that Terry arrived at the police station and Chief Burnne met him outside, followed shortly by Officer Lann which both pulled guns on him. Terry quickly disarmed them both and grabbed Chief Burnne to make his way into the station. Inside he cuffed Chief Burnne and Officer Lann together, then asked Officer Sims (Zsané Jhé) to retrieve his money from the evidence locker, telling her to seperate $10,000 for the bail and left the rest to honor his deal.

Terry returned to the courthouse to post the bail and Summer tried to help when numerous police officers showed up to arrest him, with his hope of ending up where his cousin was held. Officer Marston put Terry in a police car and picked up Chief Burnne who explained to Terry that all the guns and cash he saw at the station was legal. He gave Terry his $26,000 back and explained that they were at a hospital where his cousin was being medivaced after being attacked.

Chief Burnne apologized telling Terry he bought his truck for him but he had to leave town permanently and unfortunately his cousin also passed away. Summer showed Terry proof of the chief’s corruption and helped him to leave town, but helping Terry would cost Summer in being drugged to frame her. She was able to call Terry who came back to rescue her, but his return would bring a world of trouble to both of them that only Terry’s special skills could resolve.

Runtime: 2h 11m

Vol. 17, No. 26 – Sept 18 – Oct 1, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Neil Simon’s Chapter Two Still Delivers

Dubbed one of the most prolific script writers in history (stage, screen and television), Neil Simon’s works are primarily comedies laced with hard-hitting truths. Several decades ago, one would have been hard pressed to find a local theater not staging one of his works in any given season. However, the years go by and newer, edgier stagings became the norm. The truth is though, that Simon’s acumen still hits at the heart of matters that are commonplace, emotional and challenging. Drawing from his own life experiences and those of others, he has successfully brought everyday life issues to the forefront with humor and empathy. He uncovered an essential truth – it is critical to laugh at ourselves as we tackle the travails of life.

Santa Paula Theater Center is currently staging Chapter Two directed by Brian Robert Harris. The play covers Simon’s exploration into the life of George Schneider (Anthony Elias Contreras), a widower who is understandably reluctant to reenter the dating world. George’s ever-helpful brother, Leo (Brian Wulfekotte) assumes the role of matchmaker even as his own marriage is struggling.

Leo randomly meets Jennifer Malone (Sophia Montano), whose own marriage recently ended, and decides to push George into meeting her. With encouragement from best friend Faye (Amber Rae Bowyer), Jennie takes a “what the heck” approach and agrees to meet George.

The two hit it off immediately and leap headfirst into a rebound relationship that, while perfect on the surface, harbors hidden feelings of loss that they are reluctant to acknowledge until after rash decisions are made.

Each of the four characters carry baggage heavier than they can emotionally manage. Each wears a shell of anxiety that shields their true feelings.

All four of the actors are excellent in their portrayals. Simon interjects many funny lines to keep things from getting too heavy, while at the same time causing the audience to think a little deeper.

Subplots keep the action surprising and humorous. These, too, reveal a lot about what is really going on in the characters’ heads, adding layers of indecision and consternation.

This is classic Neil Simon – identifying with the common person and allowing the audience to find the inherent humor and absurdity of the characters’ plights. We root for the characters, knowing that in the end the resolution will be satisfying.

The split set design credited to Nick Caisse of both Jennifer and George’s apartment interiors works quite well and is beautifully appointed in both cases. Costuming transports us back to the 1970’s in a flash. Leo’s print polyester shirts and Faye’s free spirit ensembles especially hit just the right notes.

Due to cast illness, the opening was pushed back a week, shortening the run to just four weeks. Be sure and try to catch this refreshing classic before it ends.

Chapter Two continues through September 29, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org or (805)525-4645.

Vol. 17, No. 25 – Sept 4 – Sept 17, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Glass Menagerie Classic Endures

Some writings stand the test of time by tackling ongoing themes of life that do not seem to change significantly from era to era. Such a play is The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. Now on stage at the Conejo Players Theater, the emotional strength of this classic play clearly translates to any time or situation.

Set in 1944, the character Tom (Tanner Redman) narrates this story of his recollections of circumstances within his family. His mother, Amanda Wingfield (Dana Marley-Kolb) , harbors many resentments that manifest in her emotional treatment of son Tom and daughter Laura (Timorah Brown). Tom is the family breadwinner, enduring a factory job that he dislikes. Laura lives in a world of her own, impaired by a childhood illness that left her with a limp and debilitating shyness. Instead of leaving the house, she creates her own idyll with her menagerie of glass figurines.

Tom’s dreams of striking out on his own are hampered by his guilt at wanting to leave the ladies to fend for themselves. Amanda tries desperately to encourage Laura to expand her world by bringing up her own memories of days gone by. As a unit, they are all dysfunctional, deluded and emotionally wounded.

Amanda asks Tom to find a “gentleman caller” to spark Laura. He does so, asking a co-worker Jim O’Connor (Rayve Tay) to come to dinner, not knowing that Laura pined over Jim in high school. Amanda is ecstatic at what she considers to be a matchmaking opportunity, putting all her Southern charm to work in her attempts. Despite her high hopes however, the evening is a failure, and despair once again enfolds the meager apartment.

Director Elena Mills has assembled a quite capable cast to bring this classic to life. The setting is impeccable, employing clever scrims to highlight certain memories. All four of the actors are excellent in their roles. Pacing is rapid and dialogue is crisp. The tone of frustration, anger and impatience bubbles to the surface throughout. Even the gentleman caller, who is often seen as the most empathetic character in his gentle approach to Laura’s shy demeanor, is played with an abundance of bravado that kept the anxiety level high.

The play is reportedly autobiographical of Williams’ own life, at least in many areas. The author’s emotional pain is clearly felt, with easily identifiable themes that are as pertinent today as they were decades ago. Some things don’t change – our desire to have more than we do, to be happier than we are, and to have our dreams of what we consider a better life fulfilled.

The play offers a stark reminder that our successes and failures are within our control, and our control alone. We bring to the table what we have, and it is up to us to reshape it into what we desire.

The Glass Menagerie continues through September 14. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, Saturday Sept. 7 and 14 offer 2 pm performances. (805) 495-3715, www.conejoplayers.org/upcoming-shows.

 

Namba Performing Arts Space’s 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival Weekend #2

September 20 – 22
Namba Performing Arts Space is thrilled to announce the second weekend of its 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival, a three-weekend celebration of innovative theater that will run from August 30th through October 20th. This year’s festival brings to Ventura the best of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, featuring eight carefully curated shows that highlight new voices in theater.

“Our first weekend was nothing short of spectacular!” states Executive Director, Tamara Varney. “Weekend Two’s women’s solo performances are full of drama, myth, and magic. They are sure to make a splash with you.”

Friday, September 20 at 8 PM, The Godmother
Kicking off the second weekend, we are proud to present “The Godmother,” which brings to life the story of Griselda Blanco, one of the most notorious drug lords of her era. Melina Farahani’s solo performance is guided by the intricate direction of the piece, offering a tale of power, sacrifice, and the indomitable bond between mother and son. This show is a profound exploration of family and the human condition.

Saturday, September 21, 8 PM, Mermaid
“Mermaid” intertwines a personal narrative with African mythology. Italome Ohikhuare’s solo show follows a Nigerian-American woman discovering a link between her health and an ancient mermaid goddess. This poignant and magical performance explores themes of identity, heritage, and healing.

Sunday, September 22, 7 PM, Magic For Animals
“Magic For Animals” closes weekend two on Sunday, September 22, at 7 PM, with Liz Toonkel’s witty and insightful one-woman show that blends magic, humor, and activism. Toonkel, who is the actor, writer, and producer, uses allusions to explore pressing issues like animal welfare and climate change, delivering a heartwarming and thought-provoking narrative.

Weekend #3 (October 18 – October 20) – Mental Health Awareness/Poetry Weekend with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy, “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart, and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola, with shows in Spanish and English.

The 2024 Playwrights’ Splash Festival brings new playwrights to Ventura and provides a platform for emerging artists to share their stories. Support for the festival is provided by the City of Ventura Cultural Funding Grant Program and Ventura County Behavioral Health.

Learn more on NambaArts.com. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street, Ventura. Tickets for each show are $20 online or $25 at the door. Or purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for each show and waives ticket fees. Join us at the SPLASH Festival and support the flourishing performing arts scene in Ventura!

About Namba Performing Arts Space
Namba Performing Arts Space, Inc provides an intimate theater for residents and visitors in the Ventura area to be immersed in a variety of performing arts and education programs.

Vol. 17, No. 25 – Sept 4 – Sept 17, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
French Girl – Prime Video

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Middle school teacher Gordon Kinski (Zach Braff) was excited for the last day of school as he had planned a romantic getaway with his girlfriend Sophie Tremblay (Evelyne Brochu) where unbeknownst to her he was going to propose. Sophie, who was a gourmet chef in New York, had just gotten a rave review in the New York Times that caught the eye of her past head chef Ruby Collins (Vanessa Hudgens) who showed up out of the blue after several years apart to ask Sophie to interview for the executive chef position in Ruby’s new Michelin 3-star restaurant in Quebec.

Sophie knew that would mean she would have to postpone her trip with Gordon, but Gordon knew it was Sophie’s dream so supported her choice to go and decided to join her on the trip to Canada. Sophie was originally from Canada and her parents Ginette (Isabelle Vincent) and Alphonse (Luc Picard) were looking forward to her visit and meeting her new boyfriend. Unfortunately, Gordon had taken a pill on the plane that his father gave him for nerves that caused him to be quite incapacitated which made a bad first impression with Sophie’s parents.

The first night with the family Gordon didn’t do well, accidentally kissed grandma on the the lips and revealing Sophie’s brother Junior’s secret to learn English and become a cop. Ruby arrived at dinner unexpectedly with Sophie’s dad’s favorite wine and took over for the rest of the evening. The next day Sophie headed off the begin her training for the job with Ruby, while Gordon was left home alone and decided to look through Sophie’s room to learn more about her and her past.

To his surprise, Gordon found photos of Sophie and Ruby from a past lesbian relationship and in his shock called his dad Peter for advise, who told him to propose to Sophie before she switched teams again. Gordon was found by Alphonse in the yard who invited him into the barn where he slaughtered a lamb, making Gordon very uncomfortable. Then Gordon went to talk to Junior to apologize for accidentally sharing their arrangement, and in asking about Ruby and Sophie learned Sophie broke up with Ruby because Ruby cheated numerous times and broke her heart.

At the restaurant Ruby didn’t favor Sophie, rather seemed to be even harder on her than the other two candidates. Meanwhile, Junior took Gordon to a MMA match and discovered Junior was and actual local MMA champion. After Junior beat the first challenger that was twice his size, he was challenged by his father Alphonse. Alphonse made a deal with Junior that if he won that Junior had to work on the farm and if Junior won he could take English lessons and pursue being a cop. Gordon jumped in the ring and in trying to keep them apart accidentally knocked out Alphonse.

Back at the farm Ruby offered to film her cooking show at the farm to highlight their lamb and help save the farm. The show was a great success and Ruby committed to using Tremblay lamb at her restaurant. Then Ruby offered Sophie the job in front of her family and friends, and Gordon got drunk and due to his extreme jealousy made several offensive comments about Ruby and Sophie, including that Sophie slept her way into the job so she asked him to leave, backed up by Ruby.

Gordon booked a flight home but his dad told him he needed to fight, so he decided to surprise Sophie in the most extreme way by dawning some pantaloons and headed for the restaurant. There he saw Ruby kiss Sophie, then took off and stole Ruby’s car not knowing that Sophie had punched Ruby in the face. Gordon crashed Ruby’s car, but after coming to Sophie asked him to marry her having found the ring when he ended up unconscious in the hospital after the crash.

Runtime: 1h 50m

Vol. 17, No. 24 – Aug 21 – Sept 3, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Wicked Little Letters – Netflix

4 out of 4 palm trees

Straight from the 1920’s British headlines, “Wicked Little Letters” is based on the strange true story of a lonely spinster named Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and her outspoken Irish neighbor Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley) who were embroiled in a scandal that rocked the seaside town of Littlehampton and had the nation in an uproar. The situation involved local residents receiving anonymous wicked letters filled with outrageous profanities, and since Rose was well-known for her foul-mouthed behavior she was arrested for writing the letters.

Rose was a single mother who said her husband had died in the war, leaving her to raise their daughter Nancy with her new partner Bill. Initially Rose had been friends with Edith and her parents Edward (Timothy Spall) and Victoria (Gemma Jones) until Rose beat up one of Edward’s guests at his birthday party. Soon after Rose was visited by the local child protective services and believing it was due to Edward ended her friendship. Then profanity-filled letters began arriving at the their home, and after receiving the 19th letter Edward contacted the local constable.

Edith blamed Rose, who was arrested but because she couldn’t afford bail she was sent to jail until her trial date over two months later. Fortunately Bill was there to take care of Nancy and Rose also had an ally on the police force, Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) who noticed differences in Rose’s handwriting to those in the letter, but was shutdown by her boss Chief Constable Spedding. Due to Gladys being the only female officer on the force, she was constantly dismissed and was told specifically that handwriting evidence did not count and to stay out of the investigation.

Though no one else was aware, Edith had been writing the letters as a form of therapy for her repressed anger toward her father Edward’s controlling abusive treatment toward her. Edith addressed another profane hate-filled letter to herself, but her mother got the mail and in opening the letter had a heart attack and died. Gladys was very concerned that Rose had been arrested unjustly, and gathered a small group of women who were Edith’s friends, Ann, Mabel and Kate, who felt similarly about Rose’s innocence to try to help Rose.

Ann and Mabel bailed out Rose a couple of weeks before the trial, but on the eve of the trail Rose noticed the handwriting on the sign of a local ice cream shop was distinctly similar to that of the letters. During the trial, Rose was confronted about her brash behavior and had no issue with embracing it, but also commented that she had no problem confronting people face-to-face and would not use letter writing to express herself to others. Rose’s attorney attempted to use the compelling evidence of the differences in handwriting but was also dismissed.

Gladys and Edith’s friends had a strong suspicion that Edith would write a last letter before Rose would be found guilty and incarcerated, so Gladys hatched a very clever plan to catch Edith in the act. Gladys’ plan included the use of invisible ink, had witnesses to confirm the truth and even enlisted the help of her niece to intercept the letter for evidence. Once the truth was brought to light, Rose was exonerated and Edith was arrested, found guilty and was sentenced to twelve months hard labor, though seemed relieved by finally be away from her controlling father.

Gladys Moss, who never gave up fighting to prove Rose’s innocence regardless of the obstacles in her path, has an English Heritage blue plaque in Littlehampton recognizing her as the First Woman Police Officer in West Sussex and for her tenacious efforts to reveal the truth.

Runtime: 1h 42m

Vol. 17, No. 24 – Aug 21 – Sept 3, 2024 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine

Prom – An Uplifting Experience

Remember the excitement of going to the high school prom? Did you miss going to the prom? Never been to a prom? In any case, The Speakeasy Prom event, an underground evening of new theater and live music, put on by the Fractured Actors Theater Company is now yours to enjoy, reminisce and revel in.

Donning my prom-best, complete with glitter ball earrings, I and a friend entered the hallowed halls of the 2024 prom. The room was decked with strings of lights and set for the arrival of the live band. Excitement hung in the air as the glitter ball on the ceiling spread its magic across the room. The band, Class Action, provided the tone via vintage pop and modern rock with energy that translated easily to both the attendees and the actors.

Fractured Actors has once again brought forth short, original vignettes that delve into familiar and explore more obtuse topics that may or could affect the event’s success in this day and age. The writing keeps up with the prevalence of technology as well as social stereotypes showing how much has changed since some of us were in high school. Traditional this evening ‘s prom was not. It was, however, filled with fun, hilarity and unexpected twists. It provided not only a look back, but also a glimpse into what the present and future may hold.

Between each vignette, while the minimal stage settings were being changed, the attendees’ focus was drawn to the band which got everyone moving to the beats. The band is even comprised of characters in the show – the principal, the librarian, the coach, the professor and the driving instructor. A clever way to incorporate them seamlessly. Vocals by Mrs. Paige Turner, librarian, (Shelby Figueroa) are smoky and solid. In one song she is joined on vocals by the youngest member of the cast, Harper Rose Ham. Very nice harmonies. The band itself is delightful to watch as well as being musically talented.

Periodic appearances made by actors playing chaperones, staff and school support people became a source of continual laughter throughout the evening with their progression of well-played antics.

The large, diverse cast, including a mascot of the fictional school, the fruit bat, assured that the action was crisp and moving swiftly. Everyone was clearly having a blast, including the audience.

Producers Erica Connell, Jeff Ham and Shannon McNally Ham encourage attendees to dress in keeping with the theme, adding to the overall ambiance.

The company performs in a black box area adjacent to the Liminal Church in Ventura’s industrial section on Palma Drive.

Although it has been a few years since I went to the prom, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Need an excuse to dress up? Do it and go to the prom. Space is limited so reservations are highly recommended.

Playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through August 31. For more information, visit www.fracturedactors.com

Vol. 17, No. 23 – Aug 7 – Aug 20, 2024 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Bob Marley: One Love – Prime Video

3 out of 4 palm trees
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

Bob Marley: One Love” is based on the life of reggae legend Bob Marley who rose up from the adversity of growing up in the concrete jungle of Trench Town to becoming the biggest star of Jamaica. In 1976 Jamaica was experiencing great civil unrest due to two political parties driving the country to near civil war. In an effort to help unite the people, Bob Marley (Kinsley Ben-Adir) scheduled a free peace concert called “Smile Jamaica” that was expressly intended to promote peace and unity, and absolutely excluded any political ties.

Tragically, the day before the concert Bob, his wife Rita (Lashana Lynch) and his friend and manager Don Taylor (Anthony Welsh) were shot by several men who entered their friend’s home where the band rehearsed in an effort to prevent the peace concert from happening. Bob was shot in the arm and a bullet grazed his chest, and Don was shot six times needing to be airlifted to Miami. While outside in their car, Rita was shot at almost point blank range in the head, but luckily her dreadlocks stopped the bullet from coming within an inch of her brain.

Bob decided to still do the peace concert and Rita checked herself out of the hospital to join him on stage, as she was a backup singer in the band and also committed to the show going on. Bob started off with “War” but had multiple visions of his shooter in the crowd and stopped the concert after only one song. Bob told Rita she needed to go to America with their children to stay safe, and that he needed time to deal with his trauma and headed to London with his band mates.

Marley decided his next album would need to be different to have his message reach a global audience. After a few months, Bob asked Rita to join him saying he couldn’t finish the new album without her. When she arrived in London, Rita reminded Bob not to let what happened to them affect his music. “Exodus” was inspired when Marley’s friend played the soundtrack from the movie of the same name and they immediately wrote the song impromptu with the whole band having a natural synergy in creating the song.

While in London, Bob kept up with the problems back in Jamaica ,even seeing a number of his friends arrested. Carly Barrett and Tyrone Downie came to London to ask Bob to return to Jamaica and do a unity concert, but he refused. Marley continued to work on the the music with his band creating some of his most well-known hits and released the album “Exodus” by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1977.

Marley and the band started touring again to sold out shows throughout Europe as “Exodus” rose to 14 on the UK Singles Chart, climbed the US charts to number three with the album eventually being awarded a gold record. “Reggae music is the consciousness of the people coming together” was one way Marley described his revolutionary music to a growing world audience. Marley wanted to tour next in Africa, but his record producer had already committed the band to a U.S. tour. Bob had a toe infection that wasn’t healing, but refused to address it until the tour was over.

When Bob did eventually go to the doctor he discovered he had a rare form of skin cancer, but refused treatment and returned with Rita to Jamaica. Marley did do a unity concert in Jamaica in 1978 called the “One Love Peace Concert”, where the heads of both of Jamaica’s political parties held hands together with Marley on stage. Marley also realized his plans to perform in Africa in 1980 in Zimbabwe to commemorate the end of colonial rule before he died from his cancer in 1981 at the age of 36. Time Magazine called “Exodus” the greatest album of the 20th Century.

Runtime: 1h 50m