Last night we began our final week of performances for MOTHER COURAGE at Quintessence Theatre Group. There's no doubt that the show has been a massive undertaking, but the hard work feels like it has paid off, and the audiences have been incredibly responsive throughout the run. (Each of our two post-show discussions have started out with the usual, tentative talk-back fodder, and then escalated into very thoughtful exchanges about a boatload of current event topics - a testament, perhaps, to both the "timelessness" of the play, and to how deeply it taps into so many of the things on everyone's mind's nowadays.)
On a personal note, it's been lovely to work with this ensemble, all of whom have worked very hard to bring this piece to life every night. But I'm am especially pleased to share and observe the work of Janis Dardaris, Forrest McClendon, Leah Gabriel, and Leigha Kato, each of whom I find myself watching intently every night in my quieter moments, both on and back stage, trying to learn better how to do what they do, how they seem to succeed so effortlessly. They each offer, in their separate ways, a little master class on a daily basis, and I am deeply grateful for that.
Anyhow, if you want to come see for yourself, you currently have four more chances. We close this Sunday, November 6th. Tickets are still available, but that may not remain the case for long. (You know how we all procrastinate until closing weekends.)
Tickets can be purchased via the Quintessence Theatre website.
But once again, don't take my word for it. Here's a little bit of what the press has had to say about us...
"Quintessence Theatre brings to life a beautifully staged, truly epic production of Bertolt Brecht's MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN." - Phindie.com
"Janis Dardaris [as Mother Courage] plays the role in a way that Brecht himself would have admired." - The Philadelphia Inquirer
"Kattrin, the dumb daughter, suffers greatly in the story, and Leigha Kato's exquisite expresssiveness shouts it out loud. Leah Gabriel gives Yvette Potter, the camp prostitute, some glorious moments and a fabulous voice." - Phindie.com
"The best number is comic extravaganza led by Forrest McClendon, who gives a sly, cutting performance as a military cook." - DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Gregory Isaac and Forrest McClendon - the Chaplain and Cook, respectively - give strong performances and their acerbic dialogues are a highlight." - TalkinBroadway.com
Janis Dardaris and Forrest McClendon (Photo by Shawn May)
Leigha Kato (photo by Shawn May)
Gregory Isaac (photo by Shawn May)
Forrest McClendon and the Ensemble (photo by Shawn May)