By Linne Marsh
William Blake in Hollywood, the 2017 Neil Simon Festival New Play Contest Award Winner, brings a unique take on modern love and classical poetry to the Heritage Center Theater in Cedar City. This play provoked thought about the struggle between the head and the heart as we follow the budding relationship between main characters, Crystal and Angus.
The play opens with Angus, who has been invited to Hollywood to option his biography about William Blake for a film. Crystal is a passionate studio reader looking for her break into becoming a famous screenplay writer. When they come together, their passion for Blake and each other ignites, but they struggle to take the complete leap to being together.
Lynn Kaufman has written a witty script that evokes memories of my college English courses. Some of you might groan, but this was a good memory for me. I’m a complete nerd. I reveled in the witty quips about Blake and the British way of life, and I laughed out loud at the innuendos and hilarious sexual remarks. It was aptly rated PG-13, but it wasn’t ever over the top.
The cast is four characters, and each play their role well. Joseph Price (Waiter) offers intermittent comedic reprieve, and Henry Ballesteros (Kleinholtz, movie executive) stirs the pot of emotions between Angus and Crystal. A majority of the play is carried by Luke Sidney Johnson (Angus) and Emily Henwood (Crystal).
Johnson has a great British accent and nice voice. We only got a brief preview of his singing. I do wish we could have heard more. In fact, I would have loved if Angus and Crystal had a duet. Henwood really steals the show. She is extremely talented. She makes Crystal’s character come alive with passion. At the end of the play, I wanted to run home and read everything William Blake had ever written. I also thoroughly enjoyed the portion of the play when she pulled out a ukulele and sang a song to pitch her idea for a William Blake screenplay to Angus. She has a very lovely voice.
The play was enjoyable, but the chemistry between Crystal and Angus did not ignite a fire for me. Even though they delivered lines with feeling and interacted pleasantly on the stage, I just didn’t feel the romantic connection. I did enjoy the plotline, but with a couple of tweaks it could become something more romantically impressive.
Production staff Scenic Designer Henry Burlap, Costume Designer Nicole Lynn Bailey, Director Kade Cox create a lovely production that gives the audience an interesting experience to enjoy in the moment and to ponder after the show.
As a new play contest winner, I find it deeply gratifying to support rising talent and the birth of new ideas on the stage. Sadly, this was the last showing of William Blake in Hollywood. Do not fret because the festival continues through August 11th. It is worth the time to pop in and support the Neil Simon Festival; if not this year, then next.
Neil Simon Festival presents William Blake in Hollywood by Lynne Kaufman.
The Heritage Center Theater 105 North 100 East, Cedar City, UT 84720
Contact: 435-267-0194 noreply@simonfest.org
Neil Simon Festival Facebook Page
May i have a copy of the review of my play William Blake in Hollywood? Thanks, Lynne
Hi Lynne–
I’m not sure what you’re asking. You are welcome to copy and paste the actual text and give information about where it was published and/or share the link. Will that work?
~FRRU