Tonight as part of Upstairs at the Annoyance I participated in A Fine Actor Presents: Classics the second production produced by Scott as his alter ego world-weary devoted-thespian S. Charles Nelson. A follow up to his show last summer Closing Night: A Fine Actor Says Farewell To A Theater. The conceit was S. Charles was in town as part of the closing of the long running musical he directed Hot Dogs For Sale. Inspired by the musical's classic status S. Charles put together an evening of scenes from classic(fictitious) plays performed by his favorite actors. The range of scenes spanned from present day works to as far back as the Greeks. There was a scene from the modern PLOP!(a la Stomp), the contemporary interpersonal drama Camden, On His Birthday, the controversial and confrontational underground 80's piece *edit (blank), the 70's women-in-the-work-place comedy Dorrie Keebler, to name a few. The night concluded with the final scene from the Greek tragedy Tenticlese.
Again, Scott constructed a great night of theater, both as a comedic send up and genuine celebration. A series of scenes making fun of theater genres and tropes while simultaneously doing original compelling versions of those genres and tropes. Scott is able to do something incredibly unique, incorporate a lot of people and elements to weave together something really special. Its a show that puts a lot of pressure on him to make it work and he's the kind of person who thrives under that kind of stress. A rare and indelible performer.
"This is a night of theater. An honoring of those classic works that have touched us, enlightened us, and stayed with us. This evening you will be moved. Before I discourse on what makes a work of art a ‘classic’ some words on our gracious and versatile leading man S. Charles Nelson.
It is no secret I have been following his work for years. An actor, a working actor, concerned with the craft and affecting lives rather than commercialized debasement. An actor who has consistently given us reinvention, transformation, and exaltation.
Some time ago I was at a remount of Waiting For Godot produced and reimagined by our S. Charles. I was skeptical to say the least, what does this tired french work have that remains to excite the modern mind? Does it still have breath? Does it still have soul? I needn't have doubted. For lo minutes into the first act Mr. Nelson appeared as the titular Godot, a feat here-to-fore no actor had the tenacity to undertake. It was a truly courageous piece of art to personify one of theater’s most famous unseen characters. And with his portrayal he cut through the plays residual existential mystery putting to rest the lingering 20th century post-modern obsession with asking the broad and bleak question “why?” That night S. Charles Nelson gave us an answer."
No comments:
Post a Comment