Oak Park Newspaper

photo by Anthony Aicardi

THE BEATS

Adapted by Marilyn Campbell
Directed by Ann Filmer

September 15 - October 15, 2011
Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 PM
Saturdays @ 5:00 & 8:30 PM
Tickets: $18
Group Tickets: $13 for 8(+)

★★★★
"A brilliant job of directing a talented ensemble of gifted performers.
A blast from the past, relevant today and alive for tomorrow,
a must see show". Highly recommended.
Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.

review by Ed Vincent

The play begins in front of a "wordle" showing words from the drama displayed as a map of the United States in the background (Wordle). The actors each recite the words of writers from the American Beat generation, some of it quite provocative and some of it youthful rebellion. The American 1950's and 60's were furtile fields for discontent and cries for change. The Viet Nam war was raging, with a forced draft of America's young men and
songs of protest across the land. There were acts of civil disobedience and young folks preaching love instead of hate, and wild libidos with visions of unity and peace. It was also the time of Dobie Gillis and Mynard G. Krebs.

Allen Ginsberg, LeRoi Jones, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Diane di Prima (2009 named the Poet Laureate of San Francisco), and Jack Kerouac are all the poets whose works are read and acted in this timeless drama of pathos and place on earth.

Carly Ciarrocchi, plays the Beat Chick, young and sensuous, and bold and daring. All the actors hit their marks in performance and delivery. Wardell Julius Clark as the Jazz Cat, is the newest member of this repeat team of the Beats. Mr. Clark is new to this ensemble, but his work fits like a glove with the team.

photo by Anthony Aicardi

John Taflan as the Student in glasses, thanks his family and friends for their support, but he also has a history of wins in a local Jeff Award winning production of Chess. Malcolm Callan playing the Dharma Bum flows with events and brings great drama to his role.

Adam Poss, playing the Holy Hipster is enthusiastic and vibrant in his portrayals and this ensemble has their work cut outfor them, given the road they're driving and all the views acted upon by the many pens of creation.

Doug Lofstrom on Bass and Grant Strombeck on Drums

photo by Anthony Aicardi

The band is great and set the mood so well I wanted a mixed drink and a cocktail waitress, but could only get a soft drink at intermission.

On the night of our review we had the pleasure to meet and hear Mr. Sixto Lopez do his vocal work with great timing and art. He doesn't come every night, but when he does he is well worth hearing and meeting after the show.

THE BEATS
Adapted by Marilyn Campbell
Directed by Ann Filmer

September 15 - October 15, 2011
Thursdays & Fridays @ 7:30 PM
Saturdays @ 5:00 & 8:30 PM

Tickets: $18
Group Tickets: $13 for 8(+)

Kerouac, Ginsberg, LeRoi Jones, Ferlinghetti, DiPrima. Beat poets took on 1950’s mainstream America and dragged change kicking and screaming into the '60s. With Grant Stromeck and Doug Lofstrom bringing the jazz.

Marilyn Campbell is the author of Crime and Punishment w/Curt Columbus (2003 Jeff Award for Best New Adaptation). Her play Mixing It Up was written and performed at 16th Street with Marilyn’s daughter Maria Merrin in 2009.

Thursday & Friday performances are followed by post-show dialogues.

Running time is under 2 hours with one intermission.

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