The energy around the theater is revving up as it always does before an opening, but this opening seems so doggone special! Nathan is just sensational in his role (Sam!) which (if you all remember) he played 8 years ago! Then he was in his early 20’s and now (time is a bird and the bird IS on the wing!)—now he is 30 and what a difference a decade makes! His performance has grown by leaps and bounds— for those of you who remember it from the first incarnation you know how brilliant it was then –NOW it is truly incredible. What a gifted guy he is! And how lucky we are to get some of that good ol’ Jeune Lune magic back in town and HERE AT THE JUNGLE! Good things never die!
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| Nathan Keepers 2010 © Michal Daniel |
Speaking of good things: Joel Sass’s production of 39 STEPS opens at the Guthrie on Friday night, too. From all reports, the preview audiences have been giving it a standing ovation nightly. Casey (the director of Fully Committed) saw one of the previews and reports that it is fun, funny and beautifully done. Bravo, Joel! And another Bravo to 39 STEPS star Sarah Agnew (who will ever forget her splendid Syringa Tree here at Jungle home plate?)
Now the election is over, the pendulum swings right and America is still America –“did you ever see a lassie go this way and that way, go this way and that.” That old song. We know it well. But whatever your persuasion, we keep on goin’, bangin’ heads, bringin’ in the joy, roaring our laughter, singing our “new days” at every table we join. It’s a People’s Republic and down here at the Jungle we are going to make the most of it! 2011 season tickets are now on sale (a great season line up – with a Jungle Hamlet to boot)—get ‘em for your family, encourage your friends to come along! Heidi’s Restaurant will be opening after the New Year (where Vera’s WAS), the Uptown Bar will be moving into the movie theater across the street—and our real life on the avenue just keeps getting’ better and better. SOOOOO—See you around!
