‘Hermione’ (Monica Schneider), ‘Polixenes’ (Matt Merchant) and ‘Leontes’ (Matt Walker) in the Troubadour Theater Company’s A WITHER'S TALE at the Falcon Theatre.
The Troubadour Theater Company’s “A Wither’s Tale“, the first play in our 2010-2011 season, officially opened last Friday to a standing ovation! The Troubies have quite a show on their hands – using the soulful music of Bill Withers (“Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone”, “Lean On Me”, “Grandma’s Hands”) to tell the Bard’s complicated romance, “A Winter’s Tale” – often referred to as one of Shakepeare’s “problem plays.” And they don’t disappoint.
Before officially opening, director Matt Walker sat down with the LA Stage Blog and talked about working with the Troubies and this show in particular.
It's not Opening Night without our famous meatballs...
Our opening night reception went swimmingly – with champagne and meatballs aplenty. And we’ve had some great reviews so far. Here are some of the highlights:
“Matt Walker leads an astounding ensemble and proves once and for all just how intensely versatile an actor he really is…This is a stellar evening of theatre with one great surprise that proves the Troubies rise to any occasion. The quintessential acting troupe…they are once again in rare form!” – Don Grigware
“Kennedy, in typical fashion, never disappoints – a wonderful actress, straight or hilarious, as the play demands.” –Don Grigware
“The trajectory of Leontes’ personal tragedy is handled with a rare finesse here. Walker, who…is a superb clown, proves that he can also portray real anguish – the tragic clown, if you will.” –Santa Monica Mirror
“Cudos to the adroit comic performance of Valenzuela’s other role as Leontes’ jolly son Mamilius, to Katherine Malak’s beautiful singing voice as Perdita, to the dancing and physical comedy of the ensemble, and to the hot Troubie band, led by Eric Heinly. A Wither’s Tale is a nice change of pace for the Troubadour Company…” – Santa Monica Mirror
“Bill Withers’ soulful, heart-felt songs perfectly enhance the play’s plot and character…As always, Walker is fascinating as Leontes and hilarious as the Clown. Equally powerful as Paulina, Troubie veteran Bethe Kennedy also provides many belly laughs as the Shepherd with her flock of one lamb…this is one terrific show. Another triumph for the Troubies not to be missed!” – Candyce Columbus, Examiner.com
“The somber saga builds to Walker’s showstopping rendition of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, enhanced by Jeremy Pivnick’s elegant lighting design…the entire cast can sing, harmonize and dance exquisitely.” – LA Weekly
‘Camillo’ (Mike Sulprizio), ‘Leontes’ (Matt Walker) and ‘Paulina’ (Beth Kennedy) in the Troubadour Theater Company’s A WITHER'S TALE at the Falcon Theatre.
