Re: RAT New Paradise

[BTE1@aol.com]

Just a note --

The production of THE FIREBUGS in Philly is indeed quite wonderful.  Whit
MacLaughlin, who directed, is one of my oldest dearest friends, so I'm not
sure I can be objective.  But, what the hell, I'll plug away.  I think he's
brilliant.

GOLD RUSSIAN FINGER LOVE, which I saw in its earliest incarnation at Virginia
Tech in Blacksburg, VA (before it went to the Ontological in NYC, and later
the Philly fringe) was entirely original immensely cool.  A deep and
entertaining investigation into the mythos of James Bond, soaked in alcohol,
violence, and an adolescent sort of sexuality.  Way cool.

But please, do see THE FIREBUGS while you can.  NEW PARADISE LAB is a new
company, and struggling as all new companies do.  And lots of us old
companies.

By the way, this production of THE FIREBUGS is pretty much the same production
that Whit MacLaughlin directed at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in 1997.  There
are some adjustments (the Professor was cut in the latest version), and an
entirely new cast, but the set, costumes, music, much of the choreography, and
the energized take on the piece are all the same.  I was fortunate to have
been in that cast.  Bloomsburg responded moderately well to the work, but it
may have been on the edge for them. Enthusiastic but kinda small audiences.
We all know what that is like. I'm so pleased to see it embraced in
Philadelphia; even Doug Keating gave it a great review in the PHILADELPHIA
INQUIRER.

Whit, now an Associate member of BTE, co-founded BTE in 1978.  He'll be
directing Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of Henry James TURN OF THE SCREW for us
beginning in a few weeks.  It runs March 12 through April 3.  Please come.  
	Jerry Stropnicky
	Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble