Actors in Them get real, 
February 23, 2007

Theater
Them
Feb 28 & Mar 1–3, 8pm
Mar 4, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Reloj 50A
100 pesos

Good actors have the ability to become people they are not, and that is certainly true of the cast of Them. It is the story of a neighborhood that has been discovered, and now the residents will do anything to keep “them” out. But in the end, they go too far.

The actors are as interesting as the roles they play. The son, who is a disappointment to his father but in the end saves the day, is played by Ray Lanier, in real life a young entrepreneur. The father, an unbending, ill-informed FBI type, is played by Dick Robohm, a retired microbiologist and immunologist. And his wife, a bland yet conniving woman, is played by Vera Campbell, who in real life is anything but bland or conniving. Then we have the widow in search of a man, played by Amy Chankin, a happily married woman, a former management consultant and currently an actress. And finally the neighborhood lawyer, played by Harry Kenneth Coopersmith, a retired university professor and the officious, meddling civil servant played by Judith Jenya, who is a lawyer and director of a humanitarian association.

The actors bring their characters to life in wonderful and convincing ways. All in all, the character types represent a good mix for a comedy. And Them is a comedy, despite its serious theme. No, it is not about San Miguel de Allende, despite what some people may assume.

Them was written by Dean Taylor, who has written a number of comedies. His lampoon of the Bush administration, Shrub-a-Dub, was presented in San Miguel two years ago.

Them is directed by Tony Napoli, a director of wide experience and an actor in the US and Canada.

Tickets go on sale in the Biblioteca patio starting February 21 from 10:30am to 1pm and at the theatre office from 4 to 7pm. Tickets are also available at the door prior to performances.

Reading through Love Letters 
By Bob Kelly

Theater
Love Letters
Feb 23–Feb 25
Fri & Sat, 8pm; Sun, 4pm
Villa Jacaranda, Aldama 53
125 pesos/250 pesos with dinner

What a pleasant surprise! I reviewed a production of Love Letters several years ago with Robert Wagner and Jill St. John and remember that I was impressed at the time with that production. Love Letters by A.R. Gurney is usually performed as a reading by stars and celebrities who perform it on a rotating basis. When I saw a local production announced here in San Miguel, I thought I’d give it another look-see.

First, I must comment on the venue. I have attended the theater at Villa Jacaranda to see movies and gobble down popcorn and loved the cozy atmosphere. But, I now felt like I was going to a very lovely theater, a little jewel box right in the heart of San Miguel. Apparently, the Iguana Production people have put the beautiful old front curtain back to work; it’s charming and suits this production to a “T.” Can new carpeting be far behind? The set is simple, clever and provides a perfect backdrop for the actors. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with minimal lighting and well-chosen music. 

This play stands on its own and can be read and appreciated or viewed as a reading and enjoyed, but this particular production under Kirsten Dehner’s deft direction lifts the play up and off of the page and makes it sing. The actors, Billie Bremer and David Hunter, move from childhood to middle years before our eyes. Bremer’s Melissa is cute as a button one minute, flirtatious the next and finally grasping and heartbreaking. Hunter’s Andrew is dry, flip and very in control. Both actors give solid, first-rate performances.

If you don’t know the story of Love Letters, do yourself a favor: Don’t read the synopsis in the program. I don’t know why some productions feel they have to put the story in print when we are there to watch it unfold.

I didn’t partake of the dinner package that is offered with the show, but when I arrived at the theater at the last minute, thanks to some road construction, the dinner looked and smelled super. I can see why this production has been so well received.

Laugh your socks off!

Theater
Time Still Wounds All Heels
Mar 8–10, 8pm
Mar 12, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Reloj 50A 
125/75 pesos

Time Still Wounds all Heels, a slapstick comedy/variety show, is being staged for four 

days only at Teatro Santa Ana. This reprise of the show written and directed by Jane Casa and starring local talent will have the audience rolling in the aisles. The admission price benefits the Jóvenes Adelante scholarship fund. Tickets are on sale sale at La Tienda in the Biblioteca Pública.