Bob Bowersox The Wonderful
As theater critic for Solares Hill, I met Bob Bowersox soon after he premiered Key West Summer Stage. Over the past three seasons I believe I’ve reviewed all of his shows; some are a bit better than others, but all are very good and some have been knock-outs. He has managed skillful casting on the slim pickins of summer on the Rock and has proven himself talented in every aspect of the theater; if there’s something he can’t do, I haven’t found it.
I even acted for him in a little Key West MysteryFest skit and thus discovered what I suspected: he is a sincerely nice human being.
So here we go into the fourth season of Summer Stage, and halleluiah! By way of announcing auditions for the season, set for Saturday, April 12 from 3 till 5 p.m. at the Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St., behind the Woman’s Club, Bowersox has revealed his 2014 Season—and a strong season it is, indeed.
Production dates — generally in July — aren’t noted, but first up is the chilling Pulitzer Prize-winner, ‘Night, Mother by Marsha Norman, directed by the gifted Rebecca Tomlinson. Then comes the famed classic tragicomedy Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, directed by George Gugleotti of enduring Waterfront Playhouse fame. Finally comes something new and, well, huge: Whale by Samuel D. Hunter, to be directed by Bowersox. I’ve never heard of it, although it won the off-Broadway version of the Oscar, the Lucille Lortel Prize, and a stack of other awards. It’s about a 600-pound man and those who care about him.
On to the auditions. Some leads have been cast, but in ‘Night, Mother both the lead, the suicidal Jessie and her mother, are up for grabs. In Waiting for Godot, supporting roles of Pozzo, Lucky and the Messenger Boy wait to be cast. And in The Whale, reports Bowersox:
“The role of Charlie, a 600-pound recluse, has been filled.” (Chad Newman in a rubber Sumo suit?) Still needed are two adult women (mid-30s to mid-40s), one man early 20s and a young actor able to play a 17-year-old girl.” This I cannot wait to see.
“Readings will be from the scripts. Sides available upon request. Call Bob at (302) 540-6102 ,” the notice reads. (I’m guessing “sides” are the scenes folks will be reading — but then I worked in journalism for 35 years without ever knowing till now that “budget” was the list of stories and images the managing editor sends to production; when I was a managing editor of a small NJ weekly in the early ‘90s, I was my own production department, with cut-out copy, “boards” and a wax machine.)
Back on topic: Bowersox is also importer and producer of the fabulously popular Sunday Story Slams at the Little Room Jazz Club, 821 Duval, the next of which is Sunday, April 13, and the topic is “The Moment I Knew.” The stories begin at 8 p.m. and sign-ups are open till 7:50 pm. But get there early if you want a seat. “Each storyteller will have five minutes and can tell their story any way they choose. The story just has to be true, and have happened to them.”
Prizes are pretty good money, $250 as I recall, and admission is $10 at the door.
On quickly to other events. On Friday, April 11, The Key West Art Center, 301 Front St., welcomes Rick Worth as special guest for the season’s annual member meeting and artist demo. The meeting begins at 3:30 p.m. and Rick’s painting demonstration follows promptly at 4 p.m. He will bring some of the tips and techniques he shares with aspiring painters of all ages at his “Painting Bootcamp” classes at The Studios of Key West, they report. Check www.Keywestartcenter.com.
Ever-creative (well, they have to be to raise a couple of million dollars), The Studios of Key West on Saturday, April 12, is hosting a Jeff Beal Memorial Yard Sale Challenge. Say the Studios folk: “Inspired by Jeff Beal, a master at transforming found objects into whimsical painted creations, TSKW rolls out a DIY art contest like no other. First, sharpen your eyes and hit the town in search of a yard sale treasure or flea market find with untapped potential. Bring it home, or back to The Studios to paint it, bedazzle it, or otherwise remake it as your own individual creation. Just turn it in by 4 p.m., then relax at 4:30 for a reception with juried prizes to bask in your accomplishment. (Note: with prior approval, you may work on a piece you already have at home or that you pick up between now and April 12.)” For complete rules and schedule call them at 305-296-0458.
That’s it for now—gotta fly!
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