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Shakespeare
Sedona Benefit Should Bedazzle
Story by Mindy Mendelsohn
In
the good old US of A, there are three cities recognized as the entertainment
capitals - New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Well, hold on to your
hats, because this month, a little bit of all of them is descending
upon Sedona.
Broadway makes a house call at the Second Annual Shakespeare Sedona
Benefit On February 21st. Hilarious comedians and stage acts from Las
Vegas take over Casa Rincon on February 19th. And Hollywood stars shine
on Sedona at this yearÕs Sixth Annual Sedona Film Festival, March 3-5.
Shakespeare Sedona Star
and Broadway veteran Patrick Page returns to perform in LoveÕs LabourÕs
Won. Last year, Page dazzled audiences in his one man triumph, Love,
Will. This year, he will be joined by another Shakespeare Sedona luminary,
the beautiful and highly skilled, Nicole Poole.
One of the things that makes Page so compelling as an actor is the depth
of his characterizations. Whether you see him portray a multitude of
characters, as in PassionÕs Slave's, or just one, such as Hamlet, Page
is able to reach into the guts of a character and touch a universal
truth in his portrayal.
The reason for this is quite obvious when you speak with Page. He is
absolutely fascinated by the the big questions in life - the overwhelming
mystery and power of love; How our human frailties connect us all.
It is this very powerful insight into the human condition that shapes
his artistry. It doesnÕt matter whether he is directing or acting, his
canvas is a broad one and we are lucky to be able to view it.
Any
of you who were lucky enough to see A Midsummer NightÕs Dream last summer
(directed by Page) will concur - it was exquisite. PageÕs dedication
to Shakespeare Sedona is inspiring in itself.
He is flying in on his one and only day off to be able to perform in
this benefit.
His cohort in the project , Nicole Poole, is also a rising star in the
classical acting world. She was recently one of 17 American actors cast
in the legendary John BartonÕs 15-hour epic, Tantulus, produced by The
Denver Center in association with The Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Royal Shakespeare Company commissioned Barton to write a comprehensive
play on the Trojan war. It has taken 16 additional years - or 20 years
in all - to complete it. Tantalus will be directed by the legendary
Sir Peter Hall who created what many regard as the greatest repertory
company of our time - The Royal Shakespeare Company. After 10 years
at the RSC, Hall left to succeed Laurence Olivier as Artistic Director
of the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain.
Poole starts rehearsals in May - subsequently, this will be your last
chance to see her grace the stage for quite some time. The eveningÕs
all star line-up doesn't end there.
Phoenix Singer Renee Morgan Brooks also will perform. For those of you
unfamiliar with Ms. Brooks - she is a legend in the valley. Harpist
Alethia Holt will be providing live music as well.
Enchantment ResortÕs Kevin Mcguire, one of the finest chefs in the Southwest,
if not the world, has once again created a fabulous three course dinner
for the event. The evening, which takes place at EnchantmentÕs Event
Center, promises to be magical.
For more information and reservations call 284-2080.
* * *
The Enchantment Resort
is also playing host to this yearÕs Film Festival Gala. Check out my
feature on the Festival on pages 12 and 13.
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