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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us March 11, 2006 Review SOU’s ‘Entertaining Strangers’ offers strong performances from large cast By Evalyn Robinson Tidings Reviewer Father Christmas, King George and the Dragon appear with a host of carolers to herald in “Entertaining Strangers” by David Edgar and directed by Dennis Smith now playing at the Center Stage Theatre on the Southern Oregon University Campus through Sunday. Set in an English village during the industrial revolution, “Entertaining Strangers” presents a 30-year-long contest of wills between Sarah Eldridge, owner of the town’s leading brewery and the Rev. Henry Moule, a fundamentalist pastor. In this portrayal of commercial zeal vs. religious intractability, neither character has the insight to realistically address the local social conditions contributing to the oncoming cholera epidemic. Sarah Eldridge declares, “There’s nothing I can do. ‘Cept waste time wallowing in silly sentiment, ‘bout folks I don’t know and I can’t do nothing for.” Reverend Moule pronounces: “This dreadful sickness is a visitation of God’s just and wrathful judgment on His sinful and forgetful children.” The climax of the play is a brilliant epiphany for Reverend Moule as he begins to understand the concept of brotherly love. The evening begins and ends in song, with traditional arrangements by Bo Leyden and vocal direction by Christine Williams. The production is enhanced by country dances choreographed by Brooke Friendly and Chris Sackett. All 27 actors playing 87 roles bring fine performances to the stage. Peter Diseth is imperious throughout as the uncompromising Reverend Moule. Daria Lisandrelli is the angelic and loyal Mrs. Moule. Kelsi Knudsen shows great strength as the superhuman Sarah Eldridge, but lacks the down-to-earth quality one would expect in a pub owner. Doug Reynolds is a lovable and fragile Charles Eldridge. John Michael Goodson has marvelous stage presence through all of his six roles and displays perfect timing as a quite believable Caroline (the sheep). Natty Seale and Pig Man are played by the personable Scott Gillis Fullerton. Kristen Martz plays a compelling Martha Lock. Anthony Bianco is an appealing Horace Moule, however he lacks the pathos of a man who pursues such a tragic end. Libby Barnard plays a spunky Fanny Lock. Craig Hudson’s stark wooden set spans the stage in a series of balconies, boardwalks, bridges and galleries. The structure silhouettes the exquisite lighting effects provided by Ariel Fuller. Unfortunately, the set design did not take sound into account. The constant clatter of leather footwear on wooden boards disrupts the flow of action and dialogue. Simone Kujak’s Victorian costumes are perfect in texture, shape, and detail. The subtle colors are well suited to the solemnity of the times. For all the pageantry involved in the play, the script demands personal moments in which characters confront each other one-to-one. Individual scenes are rushed in this production. They lack focus, losing their poignancy, giving an overall wash of events rather than highlighting the intimate dialogue inherent in the script. David Edgar, who became a prominent playwright in the 1970s, infuses his plays with transformational myths and political analysis. He still possesses an idealistic political vision. He states, “It isn’t just about you. It’s about you and somebody else. And I think that is still an important way of looking at the world.” “Entertaining Strangers” plays at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Center Stage Theatre at Southern Oregon University. For tickets and reservations call 552-6348. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Deep Muscle Stimulator Ceramic Piggy Banks FREE Entertainment Guide Women's & Men's Slippers Accelerate Weightloss Products Backpacks Online Pharmacy Vegas Travel Guide Search Engine Optimization Student Loans Hotel & Airline Reservations Hammocks Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Online Casinos Community Bonus Casino Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Mailing Lists Click Here Advertisement .:Advertisements:. Site Search: RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams