Stage Works Fresno

Wow, well done! I have seen productions in San Francisco that weren’t as good as this company’s productions.
Tonight we enjoyed Into the Woods. I didn’t know much about the play before tonight, so I arrived with no expectations. When we entered the theatre I immediately noticed that it was «in the round». I’m sure there is a technical phrase for this, but it was configured with the audience on three sides close enough to the actors to see them sweat. I have had good and bad experiences with this seating configuration. I think it depends a great deal on the material — and, of course, the cast.
Both were exceptional! The closeness created an intimacy that immediately connects the audience with the cast — I’m sure that is intentional. But it pulls the observer right into the story, and again, it worked outstandingly well with this production.
How wonderful to say there were no bad apples in the cast. Everyone played their roles well and no small amount of congratulations goes to the casting director. One of the realities of theatre in a town like Fresno is that a director has to work with what’s available. Each of these actors seemed ideal for the characters they played. There were some incredible standouts though.
The young man who played Jack, from Jack in the beanstalk fame, had such a strong voice and projected to the audience well. Given his small physical stature, I think one would be forgiven the assumption that he might not have an incredibly strong voice. But when he’s singing, the voice might well come from a giant. His talent and training come through in equal measure.
Rapunzel’s prince was played by another young man of incredible talent. He catches your eye immediately with an exceptionally handsome face and and athletically fit body. But this is a young man who does not rely solely on his appearance. His acting commanded attention and his athleticism was a gift to the character he played. And that voice, his singing voice was the professional voice one is likely to hear on the radio or on a New York stage.
And the Baker’s wife was brought to life by an actress with a strong, beautiful voice. She infused the baker’s wife with such vitality and humor, she was often the focus of attention whenever she stepped on stage. She made her character real.
I mention only these three actors — not because the other actors and actresses weren’t outstanding — it’s because by the time I had been alerted that I had not finished my review, so much time had passed that these were the performances I remembered well enough to discuss. Above all, I want my reviews to be honest and I didn’t think I could provide honest feedback on the others in sufficient detail to be readable. There wasn’t a single member of the cast who didn’t bring talent and presence to the production. We enjoyed the musical from beginning to end and look forward to the next offerings from this company.
As an aside, many thanks to Unilocal member, Umar R. If he hadn’t commented on my review I’m not sure when I would have realized that it was incomplete.

As good as it gets, Joel Abels knocks it out of the park again with «Grey Gardens». The staging, sets, costumes, lighting, talent, and orchestration were first rate.
His production of Les Miserables was excellent considering the venue (Paul Shaghoian Hall) and vocal challenges presented in staging such an «operatic» musical.
Looking forward to the rest of Mr. Abels productions for this season… shades of Theatre Three and some of the great stuff that came from that venue… Joel exceeds and sets a new level of excellence with talent performing beyond the old Fresno standard. Great show Joel.