Studying other actors is a good way to learn about acting. One of the best ways to do this is to see stage shows regularly. I recently saw two shows that offer excellent opportunities to observe superb acting.
The first play is "Harvey" by Mary Chase, which is playing at Prince George's Little Theatre in Bowie, MD. "Harvey" follows the comic misadventures of one Elwood P. Dowd whose best friend is an imaginary six-and-a-half foot rabbit named Harvey. After Elwood starts introducing Harvey to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, tries to have him committed to a sanitarium, but after going on and on hysterically about the eccentricities of her brother, Dr. Sanderson (Peyton Johns) decides to have Veta committed. Shenanigans ensue. And through the course of the play, one is encouraged to re-think the meaning of insanity and normal.
"Harvey" sported a marvelous cast, which did an excellent job. When you go see this play, there are five actors I want you to pay particular attention to.
Danny Brooks, who played sanitarium boss Dr. Chumley was a joy to watch and brought a mix of authority and--when he starts believing Harvey exists--vulnerability to his role.
Millie Ferrara as Veta was off-the-chart funny and showed impeccable comic timing. Ferrara has received WATCH nominations for outstanding featured actor for her roles as Fannie Church in "Painting Churches" and Nat in "Rabbit Hole".
Another actor I want you to watch is Rich Fogg, who played sanitarium bully Duane Wilson. From his double-takes, to his menancing sneers and threats directed towards Elwood, to his awkward passes at Elwood's niece Myrtle Mae (Heather Harris), Fogg lit up the stage and threatened to blow everyone else off it.
The backbone performance of the play was given by Mike O'Donnell as Elwood. Brilliantly understated and always the calm in the storm, O'Donnell's Elwood is a performance you should study if you are intent on being a lead one day. O'Donnell is also a study in knowing what you want and going after it--playing Elwood P. Dowd was a long time dream of his.
Look out for Patrick Ready's performance as cab driver E.J. Lofgren, whose performance is a study in how to get the most out of a "small" role.
Kudos to Sherry Fogg, Shirley Greenwald, Peyton Johns, Heather Harris, Eliot Malumuth, Rachel Simms and Director Keith Brown.
Tune in for my next review, What DC Actors can learn from local shows part 2.
When you go:
Harvey
February 25 & 26 @ 8pm and February 20 @ 2pm
Tickets $19 adults, $14 for seniors/18 and under
Call 301.937.7458
The Bowie Playhouse, White Marsh Park, Bowie, MD (Directions)
Comments