Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/18939
A View From the Bridge: A Story About Obsession a STAFF REPORT Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge is a departure from recent stagings at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. The drama, fi rst staged in 1955, plays much like a Greek comedy although it is set in Brooklyn. The story revolves around the lives of a Sicilian family who resides within sight of the Brooklyn Bridge. The story centers on the Carbone family, and the obsession that ultimately rips them apart — much in the vein of its Southern version, A Street Car Named Desire. Eddie Carbone, played by veteran television actor, Ed Kershen, is married to Beatrice, played by CFRT-veteran Gina Stewart; but he is obsessed with his niece Catherine, played by Molly Griggs. As we all know, obession never leads to anything good, and in the case of A View From the Bridge, it ultimately leads to tragedy. The play is directed by Michael Dove, the artistic director of Forum Theatre in Maryland, where he has produced 19 productions in six years, garnering nine Helen Hayes Award nominations. Dove has worked in various roles for several area companies including The In Series, Open Circle Theatre, Rorschach Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Studio Theatre, Washington Shakespeare Company, and Staunton’s American Shakespeare Center (Shenandoah Shakespeare). He was also a member of the KCACTF Director/ Designer Intensive with Ming Cho Lee and Constance Hoffman at the Kennedy Center. Dove teaches acting and design for young people and is a monologue coach for professional actors. Of the play, Dove noted in his director’s notes, “Of all the Arthur Miller plays, A View from the Bridge is often overlooked in discussions of our great American playwright’s best work. It’s not often studied in academic settings or included in many theatre anthologies of revered plays but it’s a story that begs to be told and is not only a brilliant piece of writing, but just as fresh as the night it premiered in 1955. “Issues raised in Bridge are just as taboo and hot-button in 2010’s social/political climate and has been an extremely eye-opening experience to delve into this story that rings so true and so relevant,” he continued. “It’s no surprise that the heart-breaking tale of Eddie Carbone is often compared to Greek tragedy: the themes and stakes are epic and the message is eternal, no matter the time period.” Dove explains that Eddie is not a “perfect man... maybe not even a good man,” but instead is one who is “deeply human: both his strengths and his fl aws.” Bringing Eddie to life is Kershen. Kershen is a well-known television actor who many will recognize from the Sopranos, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and One Life to Live. He also has an impressive theatrical resume, and is joining the Cape Fear Regional Theatre for the fi rst time. Stewart has graced the CFRT stage a number of times, and may best be remembered for her performance in Good Ol Girls. Last year she direct the CFRT’s holiday tradition, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and will be directing it again this year at the close of A View From the Bridge. The play has adult themes and is recommended for those over the age of 16. Shows start on Friday, Nov. 5 and run through Sunday, Nov. 21. The box offi ce is now open for reservations. Tickets are $10 for preview shows; $18 on Fridays; $21 on Saturdays; and $16 on Thursdays and Sundays. Show times are 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. CFRT’s traditional discounts of $1 are available for seniors 55 and older, active duty military and their dependants on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday matinees. For information call (910) 323-4234, or to purchase tickets, call the CFRT Box Offi ce at (910) 323-4233. Please visit the website at www.cfrt.org for complete information. ATTENTION FASHIONISTAS! Do you need extra income, flexible hours and a daily fashion facelift? Endless Possibilities....it’s in the bag! 263-0028 One Bag, Endless Possibilities™ Internet Connection Business Directory Best In Town! PRIME RIB SPECIAL Thurs. & Fri. Nites from 5 ‘til 9 MaryBills Cafe (Steps away from NC License Plate Offi ce) WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Come Play or Stay! The Urban Dog 822-3647 NOVEMBER 3 - 9, 2010 UCW 13