By Chelsea Benjamin and Robert Craig
Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hollywood, an original play by Mahonri Stewart, opened Friday and our advice is GET TO THIS SHOW QUICKLY! It only plays two more times–a Saturday matinee at 2 PM and an evening performance at 7:30 PM.
Directed by Scott Bronson, this play reveals the sometimes harrowing, always interesting journey Jimmy Stewart made on his way to fame and fortune. What we find in Jimmy Stewart is that though Jimmy had some bumps and bumbles along the way, he really was that nice of a guy–just the guy you have seen on the silver screen.
Will McCallister plays Jimmy Stewart and has obviously done his homework–he has the mannerisms, the drawl and the stuttering down. He brings the genuineness to the role that is almost uncanny. Tall and lanky, McCallister makes a convincing Stewart–a difficult role to do well and Will nails it.
Kate Forsythe plays Margaret Sullavan–Jimmy’s Stewart’s first friend, and first love in his acting career. Forsythe is an strong actress who portrays Jimmy’s friend with passion and spunk.
The rest of the cast all play more than one character and this may be the only glitch in the show, and it is a small glitch. But it did get a little difficult that from scene to scene, the same actor would play two completely different characters. However, to their credit, every actor was able to portray those various roles with personality, variety and distinction.
Director Bronson created an effective set with all the actors sitting in a half circle on the stage with varying platform to show different levels. The actors all stayed onstage all the time except during costume stages. This gave us the idea that these were ACTORS in a show (or movie.) Each actor held their script on their lap or read through the script throughout the show, which gave it the feel of an elaborate rehearsal–except it was a play, or a movie, or…life? Bronson also kept the pace high and did a fun, effective bit that each scene had a clap of sticks, like the cut of a film scene. The show began and ended with the film slating as well.
Bronson also played Alexander Stewart (and several other smaller parts.) The relationship between Jimmy and his father was difficult and both men created this tension well without it becoming unbearably uncomfortable or awkward. Just a comfortable level of discomfort.viagra without prescription canada The medicine was manufactured with aim of treating heart related problem. The GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure offers getting viagra in australia patients a surgery that is safe, totally effective, with lasting relief in symptoms. cost cialis viagra However, people continue to combine these two despite knowing the consequences and the potential negative side effects. Usually known as PDE 5 inhibitor, this protein debilitates PDE 5, a compound found in the tissues especially in the penis. viagra brand 100mg
Jason Hagey plays Henry Fonda (and Donald Stuart) and his Fonda is very good. He had a quiet dignity and humor, just like Fonda. Clayton Cranford plays Josh Logan–Jimmy’s bisexual friend that got him into theater in the first place. Cranford’s drunk scene is hilarious. Don’t miss it.
Jennifer Mustoe plays Bessie Stewart, Jimmy’s mother. Her love for her son is very believable, as well as McCallister’s caring for his mother, as well. Alex Diaz plays a variety of characters, most especially Frank Capra and Cary Grant. This young actor has a nice range, a great look, and an ease on stage that makes him fun to watch. One of the most powerful moments in the play is Diaz’s portrayal of “Pilot.” It gave us chills and heard several audience members start to sniffle.
Rebecca Minson plays several characters as well, but her Katherine Hepburn is almost hauntingly realistic, in looks, mannerisms, and spunk. Adam Argyle plays Jimmy’s rather innocuous brother-in-law and the rather creepy Louis B. Mayer–creating totally different, effective personas with each role. Jessica Myer plays Jimmy’s sister Doddie and Ginger Rogers, another challenge to play two such opposite women. And does it flawlessly.
Because we have an insider track with Jennifer Mustoe, who is one of the co-founders of Front Row Reviewers Utah and a member of this cast, we learned that this ensemble performed this production tonight having never had a dress rehearsal with costumes ever, had never performed on this stage until the performance as they didn’t have access to the Covey’s facility until Friday morning and still pulled off what was a polished product.
Because this is such a short run, we can’t stress enough how you really are missing out if you don’t come see this touching, insightful, entertaining play about one of movie’s true icons.
Jimmy Stewart Goes to Hollywood, by Mahonri Stewart.
Covey Center for the Arts, 425 West Center, Provo, Utah 84601
The best way to buy tickets is to simply arrive up to an hour early and buy the tickets at the box office.
Saturday March 29, 2014 2 PM, 7:30 PM $14/$16
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