Comments for Ensemble Theatre Group http://www.molassestank.org Molasses Tank Productions is an ensemble theatre group that attempts to make its performances contribute in a visible way to the quality of life in both the city and the region. Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:52:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Death of a Salesman by Jeffrey N. Massie http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html/comment-page-1#comment-171 Jeffrey N. Massie Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:52:28 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html#comment-171 ... the closest you'll get to the original cast of arguably the greatest American play of all time. Stunning. Rating: 5 / 5 … the closest you’ll get to the original cast of arguably the greatest American play of all time. Stunning.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Death of a Salesman by Michael Psarakis http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html/comment-page-1#comment-170 Michael Psarakis Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:11:55 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html#comment-170 Having assembled the vast majority of Broadway Archives and even classic movies, modern and B&W alike.......this along with Jason Robards in "The Iceman Cometh" simply stand alone. <br /> <br />After watching Lee J. Cobb in 12 Angry Men, On the Waterfront, certainly you can understand why he was one of the great character actors of his day. But this performance stands alone from anything I have ever seen and heard. It is as powerful, as resonate, as skilled a performance as one can expect. It is said that when an actor can make you feel his pain, his suffereing, think his thoughts beyond the words...that is what happens here, it transcends the work itself almost. <br /> <br />I have seen many and heard many versions of this play (George C. Scott, Dustin Hoffman, Brian Dennehy, Frederich March, even Paul Douglas on cassette), but this creation of Willy Loman belongs only to Mr. Cobb. <br /> <br />The supporting cast is stellar, but they do revolve around this tragic truly American character, akin perhaps even to King Lear in a sense. No one can heap to much praise for this production, you might as well start at the top if you're going to watch the American Stage on DVD in your home. I don't know that we can expect to see something this powerful again. It is that good. Rating: 5 / 5 Having assembled the vast majority of Broadway Archives and even classic movies, modern and B&W alike…….this along with Jason Robards in “The Iceman Cometh” simply stand alone.

After watching Lee J. Cobb in 12 Angry Men, On the Waterfront, certainly you can understand why he was one of the great character actors of his day. But this performance stands alone from anything I have ever seen and heard. It is as powerful, as resonate, as skilled a performance as one can expect. It is said that when an actor can make you feel his pain, his suffereing, think his thoughts beyond the words…that is what happens here, it transcends the work itself almost.

I have seen many and heard many versions of this play (George C. Scott, Dustin Hoffman, Brian Dennehy, Frederich March, even Paul Douglas on cassette), but this creation of Willy Loman belongs only to Mr. Cobb.

The supporting cast is stellar, but they do revolve around this tragic truly American character, akin perhaps even to King Lear in a sense. No one can heap to much praise for this production, you might as well start at the top if you’re going to watch the American Stage on DVD in your home. I don’t know that we can expect to see something this powerful again. It is that good.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Death of a Salesman by Alfred Johnson http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html/comment-page-1#comment-169 Alfred Johnson Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:32:58 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html#comment-169 Arthur Miller had a good ear for the foibles and traumas of the ordinary people of the old middle class put up against the wall in a world that was dramatically changing after World War II. The time of the man in the gray flannel suit and the victory of corporate culture that destroyed the old independent professions was not Willie Loman's time. In this play, seemingly only about the trials and tribulations of Everyman Willie Loman a used up salesman at the end of his career, the underlying tension is that he cannot keep up with those changes and therefore has to be discarded. This has a fallout effect on his personal life as well. He does not understand what has happened to destroy the integrity of his dysfunctional nuclear family. The old standards that had guided him do not stand up in the new suburban-dominated world where he must try to survive. Obviously there is some dramatic tension between him and his sons who have in their own way nothing but contempt for the old man, his old ways, his illusions and his duplicity. But also, as is always the case with rebellious children, love, at least their conception of it, as well. That this is not good enough to save him in the end is one of the lessons to be learned from the play. Read the play and see the Lee J. Cobb version of the movie. Cobb is Willie Loman. <br /> <br /> Rating: 5 / 5 Arthur Miller had a good ear for the foibles and traumas of the ordinary people of the old middle class put up against the wall in a world that was dramatically changing after World War II. The time of the man in the gray flannel suit and the victory of corporate culture that destroyed the old independent professions was not Willie Loman’s time. In this play, seemingly only about the trials and tribulations of Everyman Willie Loman a used up salesman at the end of his career, the underlying tension is that he cannot keep up with those changes and therefore has to be discarded. This has a fallout effect on his personal life as well. He does not understand what has happened to destroy the integrity of his dysfunctional nuclear family. The old standards that had guided him do not stand up in the new suburban-dominated world where he must try to survive. Obviously there is some dramatic tension between him and his sons who have in their own way nothing but contempt for the old man, his old ways, his illusions and his duplicity. But also, as is always the case with rebellious children, love, at least their conception of it, as well. That this is not good enough to save him in the end is one of the lessons to be learned from the play. Read the play and see the Lee J. Cobb version of the movie. Cobb is Willie Loman.

Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Death of a Salesman by Douglas G. Andrews http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html/comment-page-1#comment-168 Douglas G. Andrews Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:14:17 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html#comment-168 I have always considered "Salesman" the greatest American play and saw the original production when I was only 15 and was floored. But, even allowing for my then easily impressionable age, I still believe I saw, as near as possible, theatrical perfection. Since then there have been many hundreds (thousands?) of productions including some excellent "revivals". But this is as close as you can get to that original production. Although the script was altered a bit because of tv constrictions, the power of the play shines through and you have the amazing performances of the original Willy and Linda Loman and a fine supporting cast. This is a must for anyone interested in the theatre whether playwriting, production, ot acting. Rating: 5 / 5 I have always considered “Salesman” the greatest American play and saw the original production when I was only 15 and was floored. But, even allowing for my then easily impressionable age, I still believe I saw, as near as possible, theatrical perfection. Since then there have been many hundreds (thousands?) of productions including some excellent “revivals”. But this is as close as you can get to that original production. Although the script was altered a bit because of tv constrictions, the power of the play shines through and you have the amazing performances of the original Willy and Linda Loman and a fine supporting cast. This is a must for anyone interested in the theatre whether playwriting, production, ot acting.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Death of a Salesman by R. Wright http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html/comment-page-1#comment-167 R. Wright Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:22:40 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/death-of-a-salesman.html#comment-167 The DVD was in excellent shape and arrived promptly. So far as Amazon and their affiliate are concerned, they get 5 stars. <br />The cast and acting were excellent. <br />The play is dark, depressing and disturbing. I had to get this movie for a graduate class in American Literature. In a couple of weeks I will be doing my best to get it out of my head and will never watch it again. Rating: 4 / 5 The DVD was in excellent shape and arrived promptly. So far as Amazon and their affiliate are concerned, they get 5 stars.
The cast and acting were excellent.
The play is dark, depressing and disturbing. I had to get this movie for a graduate class in American Literature. In a couple of weeks I will be doing my best to get it out of my head and will never watch it again.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Faerie Tale Theatre: Funny Tales by Byron Kolln http://www.molassestank.org/faerie-tale-theatre-funny-tales.html/comment-page-1#comment-166 Byron Kolln Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:50:55 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/faerie-tale-theatre-funny-tales.html#comment-166 Some of the greatest comedians and comic actors appeared during the run of Faerie Tale Theatre. Collected here are four of the all-time best with the emphasis on comedy... <br /> <br />PINOCCHIO: <br />This is a wonderful adaptation of Carlo Collodi's timeless classic, about a wooden puppet who is brought to life thanks to a lonely man's desire to become a father. Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) plays the title role with Carl Reiner as Geppetto, Pinocchio's loving father. Lainie Kazan is a sassy delight as Sophia, the Blue Fairy who grants the gift of life to Pinocchio, and James Coburn is fantastic as the evil Gypsy. Also in the cast are James Belushi and Michael Richards. <br /> <br />THE THREE LITTLE PIGS: <br />Larry (Billy Crystal) and his two brothers leave home to find their way in the world. Whilst his two brothers (Fred Willard and Stephen Furst) carelessly squander their savings and build flimsy houses of sticks and straw, Larry wisely builds his house of bricks...which proves to be an extremely wise move when a Wolf with an attitude problem (Jeff Goldblum) goes a-hunting for bacon... Will Larry be able to stand up to the Wolf and win the affections of feisty piglette Tina (Valerie Perrine)? Wait and see! <br /> <br />THE TALE OF THE FROG PRINCE: <br />A spoilt, bratty Princess (Teri Garr) loses her beloved golden ball down a very deep well. Her only option of retrieving it is to accept the friendship of a 'repulsive' frog (Robin Williams). In exchange for a meal at the palace and a nights' sleep on her silken pillow, the frog retrieves the precious ball, but will the Princess uphold her part of the bargain?... <br /> <br />THE PRINCESS WHO HAD NEVER LAUGHED: <br />Princess Henrietta (Ellen Barkin) lives a life dominated by lessons, lessons and more lessons. Her only friends are her poe-faced father the King (Howard Hesseman), the tutor (Barrie Ingham) and governess (Mary Woronov). When her life becomes too much to bear she retreats to her room and won't come out unless someone makes her laugh. Enter 'Weinerhead' Waldo (Howie Mandel), who's considered the most funny boy in the kingdom. Will he make Henrietta laugh, or perhaps even capture her heart? <br /> <br />Fun entertainment for the whole family! Rating: 4 / 5 Some of the greatest comedians and comic actors appeared during the run of Faerie Tale Theatre. Collected here are four of the all-time best with the emphasis on comedy…

PINOCCHIO:
This is a wonderful adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s timeless classic, about a wooden puppet who is brought to life thanks to a lonely man’s desire to become a father. Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) plays the title role with Carl Reiner as Geppetto, Pinocchio’s loving father. Lainie Kazan is a sassy delight as Sophia, the Blue Fairy who grants the gift of life to Pinocchio, and James Coburn is fantastic as the evil Gypsy. Also in the cast are James Belushi and Michael Richards.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS:
Larry (Billy Crystal) and his two brothers leave home to find their way in the world. Whilst his two brothers (Fred Willard and Stephen Furst) carelessly squander their savings and build flimsy houses of sticks and straw, Larry wisely builds his house of bricks…which proves to be an extremely wise move when a Wolf with an attitude problem (Jeff Goldblum) goes a-hunting for bacon… Will Larry be able to stand up to the Wolf and win the affections of feisty piglette Tina (Valerie Perrine)? Wait and see!

THE TALE OF THE FROG PRINCE:
A spoilt, bratty Princess (Teri Garr) loses her beloved golden ball down a very deep well. Her only option of retrieving it is to accept the friendship of a ‘repulsive’ frog (Robin Williams). In exchange for a meal at the palace and a nights’ sleep on her silken pillow, the frog retrieves the precious ball, but will the Princess uphold her part of the bargain?…

THE PRINCESS WHO HAD NEVER LAUGHED:
Princess Henrietta (Ellen Barkin) lives a life dominated by lessons, lessons and more lessons. Her only friends are her poe-faced father the King (Howard Hesseman), the tutor (Barrie Ingham) and governess (Mary Woronov). When her life becomes too much to bear she retreats to her room and won’t come out unless someone makes her laugh. Enter ‘Weinerhead’ Waldo (Howie Mandel), who’s considered the most funny boy in the kingdom. Will he make Henrietta laugh, or perhaps even capture her heart?

Fun entertainment for the whole family!
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Faerie Tale Theatre: Funny Tales by z hayes http://www.molassestank.org/faerie-tale-theatre-funny-tales.html/comment-page-1#comment-165 z hayes Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:18:38 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/faerie-tale-theatre-funny-tales.html#comment-165 If you're a fan of Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre series, then I'd recommend purchasing the entire collection as it's more value for money given the huge discount here on Amazon [currently listed around $40, after discount]. <br /> <br />This compilation features 4 classic tales: <br />- The Tale of the Frog Prince has Robin Williams playing the frog and Teri Garr as the princess. <br />- Pinocchio has Carl Reiner as Geppetto, Lainie kazan as the Blue Fairy, and Paul Reubens as Pinocchio. <br />- The Three Little Pigs has Jeff Goldblum playing the Big Bad Wolf, and Billy Crystal, Fred Willard, and Stephen Furst as the three little pigs. <br />- The Princess Who Had Never Laughed has Ellen Barkin as the Princess, Howard Hesseman as the King, and Howie Mandel as Waldo. <br /> <br />It's a great compilation, but once again, for the great discount offered by Amazon for the entire set, I'd recommend purchasing the entire collection. Rating: 4 / 5 If you’re a fan of Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre series, then I’d recommend purchasing the entire collection as it’s more value for money given the huge discount here on Amazon [currently listed around $40, after discount].

This compilation features 4 classic tales:
- The Tale of the Frog Prince has Robin Williams playing the frog and Teri Garr as the princess.
- Pinocchio has Carl Reiner as Geppetto, Lainie kazan as the Blue Fairy, and Paul Reubens as Pinocchio.
- The Three Little Pigs has Jeff Goldblum playing the Big Bad Wolf, and Billy Crystal, Fred Willard, and Stephen Furst as the three little pigs.
- The Princess Who Had Never Laughed has Ellen Barkin as the Princess, Howard Hesseman as the King, and Howie Mandel as Waldo.

It’s a great compilation, but once again, for the great discount offered by Amazon for the entire set, I’d recommend purchasing the entire collection.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Faerie Tale Theatre: Funny Tales by Lisa T http://www.molassestank.org/faerie-tale-theatre-funny-tales.html/comment-page-1#comment-164 Lisa T Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:00:21 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/faerie-tale-theatre-funny-tales.html#comment-164 I'm too old to have seen these as a kid. Now I know why it was so critically acclaimed! Each story is visually artistic, well written, and performed by some of our most talented actors. Our favorite is "The Frog Prince" with Teri Garr and Robin Williams. Rating: 5 / 5 I’m too old to have seen these as a kid. Now I know why it was so critically acclaimed! Each story is visually artistic, well written, and performed by some of our most talented actors. Our favorite is “The Frog Prince” with Teri Garr and Robin Williams.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull by Bruce Kendall http://www.molassestank.org/anton-chekhovs-the-seagull.html/comment-page-1#comment-163 Bruce Kendall Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:25:15 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/anton-chekhovs-the-seagull.html#comment-163 There really isn't a lot to compare this production to, as I don't know of any other filmed versions of "The Seagull" available. This is Checkov's third-most-often produced play, after "Uncle Vanya" and "The Cherry Orchard," though it is equally powerful, dramatically. <p>Actors and actresses run, rather than walk, to be cast in Checkov plays. It's easy to understand why, as he consistently wrote scripts that allow for character reinterpretation. His are also wonderfully cadenced lines, even in translation. His plays have depth and weight to them, even though the surface themes may appear ephemeral. "The Sea Gull" is no exception. <p>The reason I can't quite give this production four stars (but I would give it 4 1/2) boils down to personal tastes. I prefer my Checkov, as I prefer my Shakespeare, performed by British casts. Something about the training, and the innate ability to get at the essence of a character more convincingly. As American casts go, however, this one is nothing to sneeze at. A look at the roster will show you that these are all actors that have had a marked impact on the Broadway stage. This is a well staged, thoughtfully directed production, and is the best representation available to the home audience. Rating: 4 / 5 There really isn’t a lot to compare this production to, as I don’t know of any other filmed versions of “The Seagull” available. This is Checkov’s third-most-often produced play, after “Uncle Vanya” and “The Cherry Orchard,” though it is equally powerful, dramatically. Actors and actresses run, rather than walk, to be cast in Checkov plays. It’s easy to understand why, as he consistently wrote scripts that allow for character reinterpretation. His are also wonderfully cadenced lines, even in translation. His plays have depth and weight to them, even though the surface themes may appear ephemeral. “The Sea Gull” is no exception. The reason I can’t quite give this production four stars (but I would give it 4 1/2) boils down to personal tastes. I prefer my Checkov, as I prefer my Shakespeare, performed by British casts. Something about the training, and the innate ability to get at the essence of a character more convincingly. As American casts go, however, this one is nothing to sneeze at. A look at the roster will show you that these are all actors that have had a marked impact on the Broadway stage. This is a well staged, thoughtfully directed production, and is the best representation available to the home audience.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull by R. W. Rasband http://www.molassestank.org/anton-chekhovs-the-seagull.html/comment-page-1#comment-162 R. W. Rasband Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:04:00 +0000 http://www.molassestank.org/anton-chekhovs-the-seagull.html#comment-162 The actress Blythe Danner is Gwyneth Paltrow's mother, and some of us think she could have been just as big a star. Here is one of her very best performances in this PBS version from the 1970's of Anton Chekhov's classic play, "The Seagull." She plays Nina, a country girl who falls in love with the dissolute novelist Trigorin (Kevin McCarthy). She is the very incarnation of innocence and happiness in the first three acts. She uses that throaty voice, enormous eyes and piercing sweetness to make us care deeply about the character. Then in act four she transforms herself into Trigorin's destroyed victim and the result is heartwrenching. A great performance by a sadly neglected great actress. This video is part of the "Broadway Theatre Archive", a collection of plays taped for PBS as part of their "Theatre in America" series. Every drams buff should seek them out. Rating: 4 / 5 The actress Blythe Danner is Gwyneth Paltrow’s mother, and some of us think she could have been just as big a star. Here is one of her very best performances in this PBS version from the 1970’s of Anton Chekhov’s classic play, “The Seagull.” She plays Nina, a country girl who falls in love with the dissolute novelist Trigorin (Kevin McCarthy). She is the very incarnation of innocence and happiness in the first three acts. She uses that throaty voice, enormous eyes and piercing sweetness to make us care deeply about the character. Then in act four she transforms herself into Trigorin’s destroyed victim and the result is heartwrenching. A great performance by a sadly neglected great actress. This video is part of the “Broadway Theatre Archive”, a collection of plays taped for PBS as part of their “Theatre in America” series. Every drams buff should seek them out.
Rating: 4 / 5

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