New company rocks one-acts
by Christopher Key
One of the most exciting things that can happen to an old,
jaded reviewer is to be invited to the premiere performance of a new theatre
company. It’s exciting for me, too. Rimshot.
Mijo Buiskool and Spenser Stumpf are two Lynden theatre veterans
with a vision. It’s called Clear Space
Youth Repertory and is sponsored by the Lynden Performing Arts Guild. Artistic Director Buiskool calls it “…a
community of like-minded people who create art, regardless of whether they’re
on the cast or crew.” Their productions
are designed, managed and directed by theatre students from around the state.
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| Photo credit - Christopher Key |
I was all prepared to lower my standards a bit for a first
production by students, which goes to show how much I know. Clear Space is a serious contender among
local theatre groups and you’ll be impressed and entertained by their first
effort. They’re smart enough to start
with one-acts and that’s refreshing because we don’t get to see enough of them.
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| Photo credit - Christopher Key |
The plays are a very well-balanced group of comedies and
dramas by everyone from Anton Chekov to some local playwrights that are getting
first exposure. There are remarkably few
weak spots.
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| Photo credit - Christopher Key |
Directors include Buiskool and Stumpf, in addition to Julia
LaFortune, Laurence Meenk, and Weston Whitener.
The actors are an intriguing mixture of veterans and newbies and they
play very well together. Because this is
an ensemble effort, I’m not going to single anyone out. More or less in order of appearance, they are
Emma Ritchie, Trevor Burden, Skyler Jones, Kit Vonnegut, Madra Likkel, Sarah
Miller, Evan Riccii, Chelsea Burlile, Jonathan Phlaum, Isaiah Stumpf, Gillian
Dodson, Kyle Anthony Pennington, Carole May, Laura (Williams) French, Levi
Langstraat, Skyler Jones, Carmen Ferran, Dale Ross and Laurence Meenk.
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| Photo credit - Christopher Key |
All of the techies are students, as well. Elizabeth Barrett has designed a deceptively
simple set that serves all the one-acts with a few changes of props. Her work is enhanced by Lighting Designer
Gavin Wynne. The cast as a whole is
responsible for the props and costumes and they come through like champs.
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| Photo credit - Christopher Key |
Ever since Mickey Rooney said, “Hey, let’s put on a show” to
Judy Garland, young artists have been doing theatre with varying levels of
success. This company will astonish you
with the professionalism of their first production and it’s because they did a
lot of homework before hitting the stage.
They seriously deserve your support and you have only three
nights to show them your appreciation: June 23, 24 and 25 at the Claire vg
Thomas Theatre in Lynden. Tickets are
$5.00 at the door or at the Clear Space website.
You’ll want to be able to say, “I saw them back when…”
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