By Tracy Goertzen
“Once upon a time . . .” Four simple words with mesmerizing power.
Once upon a time there was a beautiful Arabic maiden named Scheherazade, who knew that the power of words could change a life—or save one. There was also a tormented Sultan who put his wife to death for her infidelity with a palace slave. Fearing to trust again, he would give each new bride only one night and then have her put to death in the morning. As the Sultan’s new bride, Scheherazade had one night to save her life. She used the power of words to weave a story so enthralling that when morning came, the Sultan could not bear to have her killed. Each night, for one thousand and one Arabian nights, Scheherazade told story after story to win the love and trust of the Sultan. Next Stage Productions, in collaboration with Clearfield High School, brings a new telling to Scheherazade’s tales in a charming original production, directed by Anthony Buck.
Told in a series of eight vignettes, the audience enters the world of Arabian Nights through the nightmares of the Sultan, who is haunted by the memory of his dead wife. Used as a means of exposition, the scene is meant to provide insights into the Sultan’s past and motives for his current actions. Although well executed by the ensemble, some key pieces of information were obscured and left me a bit puzzled as the story progressed.
As Scheherazade tells the Sultan her nightly tales of adventure, the stage comes alive with the stories of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Sinbad the Sailor, and Aladdin. Interwoven with these stories are the nightmares of the Sultan as he struggles to come to grips with his past, and the blossoming love story of Scheherazade and the Sultan.
The storytelling scenes are action-packed, entertaining romps. The cast employs a melodramatic tone that was hesitant and unsure in the Tale of Ali Baba, but by the Tale of Sinbad the tone was more rollicking and humorous. Ensemble standouts included Katie Stong, with a clever portrayal of Morgiana, the slave girl who saves Ali Baba’s life, and Justin Lee as a dashing and sardonic Sinbad. As Captain of Sindbad’s sailing ship, Brandon Garlick, provided some laugh-out-loud comic moments. Austin Burt was a captivating Aladdin and Phil Tuckett was outrageously evil as the sorcerer, Sakar. Elinor Smith shone onstage with her confident performance of Mahin, the genie of the ring.
Backed by a versatile and talented ensemble, Liz Christensen as Scheherazade and Eric Millward as the Sultan carried the leads admirably. They carefully developed the relationship of the characters as they transitioned from adversaries to friends to lovers. Although Millward relied too often on yelling to demonstrate anger, he was successful in creating a character that was sympathetic and believable.
Cleverly staged as a black box theatre on the Clearfield High School auditorium stage, the sets and lighting were instrumental in creating the world of the Arabian Nights. The set was minimal, which allowed the lighting and prop pieces to successfully create the worlds of Scheherazade, from the magical cave of wonders to a genie in a bottle. The costume design by Nita Smith was rich and colorful and added texture and opulence to the stories.
Dance choreography by Phil Tuckett was effective and well-integrated, and Justin Lee’s combat choreography was exciting and well executed by the ensemble. Unfortunately, the technical aspects of the production often outstripped a weaker script.
If a combination works better than the pdxcommercial.com cheapest cialis current “standard” treatment, it will become the new standard therapy. The property of VigRx is that it buy cialis has the potential to prevent bad times in the bedroom by making you sexually active. Men most of the time do not female viagra australia approach the doctor as it can cause harm to your own health so never exceed the limit of medicines without the guidance of doctor. These are levitra canada pharmacy useful and effective medicines for the condition, which offers quick and longer care.
Next Stage Productions is a collaborative theatre company whose goal is to create original theatre works with quality production values. Cast members and the production team work together to build a dynamic and interactive creative process. Forming a partnership with Clearfield High School provides opportunities for alumni and current students to work together in producing entertaining and quality shows. This atmosphere is evident in the sense of fun and collaboration you feel in their productions.
Be aware that there is mild portrayal of violence that may be upsetting to small children. If you’re thinking you’ll need a sweater in an overly air-conditioned theatre, don’t worry. Dress in light clothes as the stage is not air-conditioned at all. Arabian Nights is family-friendly fun with modest ticket prices, so take the whole family.
Next Stage Productions is presenting Arabian Nights, an original play by Anthony Buck, Kellie Chapman, Liz Christensen, Justin Lee and Elinor Smith
Tickets: students and children $5, Adults $8 Tickets may be purchased in advance in the Clearfield High front office
Performances are August 27, 28, 29 and 31 at 7:30 PM with a matinee performance on August 29th at 2:00 PM
Performances at Clearfield High School Auditorium, 931 South 1000 East, Clearfield, UT, 84015
Email: info@nextstageproductions.org
http://www.nextstageproductions.org/arabiannights
0 Comments