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Los Angeles Theater Review: MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE (The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum)
by Sarah Taylor Ellis | September 3, 2011
in Los Angeles
A PATCHWORK OF THE PERSONAL AND POLITICAL
My Name is Rachel Corrie is a solo show comprised of a patchwork of actual e-mails and diary entries by a young female activist in Gaza who was tragically run over by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003. Edited together by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner, it is not a particularly well-written play, yet the current production at Theatricum Botanicum makes the most of this collage-like script, grounded in Samara Frame’s superb performance as Rachel.
Unfortunately, this production suffers from an awkward employment of technology. While a slide show sometimes brings a welcome visual supplement to Frame’s performance, it also has the occasional effect of turning the show into a didactic lecture. A video segment is disappointingly amateur, with rough cinematography and ambient noise. Overamplified sound recordings of Rachel’s parents feel at odds with the naturalism of the rest of the production. The play is strongest when simply focused on Frame’s performance, which is strong enough to hold an audience’s attention without the gadgetry.
As an aesthetic entity, then, it may be a stretch to call My Name is Rachel Corrie a “good” play, but in Theatricum Botanicum’s often gripping production, this work instigates an urgent and necessary dialogue.
photos by Ian Flanders
My Name is Rachel Corrie
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Topanga
ends on September 22, 2011
for tickets, call 310.455.3723 or visit Theatricum
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I agree with this review! Certainly the priests, particularly Caiaphas, were the best I ever heard. Amazing performances that did not disappoint.
I don’t know how to hate this. As a suggested alternate ending to this “update for the new millennium”, imagine music arranger Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie being crucified alongside man-bun Jesus, who is covered in gold flakes from that viscous glitter-lashing, and Ted Neeley appearing as Chamuel saying, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.â€
I give this show 5 stars, the set and the talent, and the message.
Just saw this nation tour in Baltimore and it was great. The approach and performance were both exciting and memorable. The band was on stage and they brought the songs to a new high. Thank you for such a great show. Money well spent.
Jesus Christ Superstar has been one of my favorite shows since I was a child. The last time I saw it was with Ted Neeley as Jesus. I have to honestly say that Aaron LaVingne as Jesus was beyond disappointing.
If there had been an intermission or if we had a seat on the end we would have left. He sang with no feeling, heart or passion. He ruined the show. Mary Magdalene, Judas, Caiaphas — all were great! No complaints there. When I got back to my car I immediately put on the Ted Neeley soundtrack of JCS and was trying to figure out how to send it to Aaron LaVinge in hopes he would listen to it and find some heart and passion for the role of Jesus.
This was the first time I have ever seen JCS.
The first part was very confusing. I was very disappointed that Jesus had a “Man-Bun”! It took awhile to know what was going on. I feel that it was a little too modern. Judas did the best in singing, considering who his character was.
I have mixed emotions towards this 50 year rendition of the JC Superstar classic I saw today in Minneapolis. Overall, I give 3 out of 5 stars.
Pros: Love the way the band was prominently incorporated on the stage (2nd floor). The actress playing Mary Magdalene was flawless. Pilot was fantastic. Annas was clearly the star of the pharisees. Jesus singing Gethsamane was fabulous.
Cons: 1. The opening song was sung well by Judas. But Jesus did nothing during this whole song. It was awkward. Like he was bummed he didn’t have his cell phone. He should be teaching his followers in the background during this song. 2. On many occasions Judas was very stiff like he was uncomfortable and singing karaoke. He needs to be much more animated. 3. On many occasions throughout the show the singer is singing directly to another character, but NEVER looking at them but instead always looking at the audience. I appreciate the acknowledgment of me in the audience but this was very distracting and awkward. The band of followers included. 4. The hanging of Judas was disappointing. Throwing a microphone with a red cord over an I-beam was a poor choice. 5. Jesus, look up when you’re singing to God. not row ZZ on the main floor.
Until he sang Gethsemane, I agree.
Yeah I wasn’t a fan of the man bun either. But I was able to get past it. Incorporating modern items is part of the art. Every version of JC Superstar has this. Watch the 70s movie. It has machine guns and tanks.
I hated it. I brought a senior in high school who loves and participates in drama and she hated it. The first half was horrendous, we couldn’t understand the words. I decided they removed the intermission because everyone would leave. Three people in my party, zero stars given.
I just saw it in Buffalo and I really felt ripped off. They managed to speed up the score yet never connected one song to the next. This is supposed to be an opera…which suggests that it tells a story. The actors barely acknowledged each other. It was like a weird concert.