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http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW_Reviews_Ray_Bradbury_Charms_With_WISDOM_2116_20100120

BWW Reviews: Ray Bradbury Charms With WISDOM 2116

Wednesday, January 20, 2010; Posted: 09:01 AM - by Don Grigware

Ray Bradbury's Wisdom 2116/ conceived, directed & choreographed by Steve Josephson/Fremont Centre Theatre/through February 27.

A Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (France's highest literary honor) since 2007, Ray Bradbury is perhaps the best living short story writer. He has also written novels, plays and musicals. In fact, some 55 years ago, in honor of his dear friends actors Charles Laughton and wife Elsa Lanchester, he penned the sci-fi piece, now titled, Wisdom 2116 for them to perform on stage. But both passed away before having the opportunity to mount it. Now resurrected after all these years, it echoes a sweetness unlike any other and because of a richly talented creative team Wisdom 2116 becomes the most endearing, artful entry into Bradbury's theatrical collection. Not all of his stories play well as theatre; this one assuredly does.

The message is clear and simple. A couple married for over 40 years cannot bear to think of the loneliness that will ensue after a partner's death. One Christmas, they decide on most unusual but loving gifts. Each, without the other's knowledge, commissions the village Marionette maker to fashion a youthful Robotic machine that will serve the function of a husband/wife. Alas, the overly energetic and over-zealous young do not make a perfect match for the old, and when they meet they quickly realize the disastrous consequences that will come of living together. The older couple accept their folly and out of complete love for one another resolve to make the most of the time that remains to them both.
In this musical version, Bradbury has fashioned the lyrics from his poetic words and John Hoke has created a hauntingly beautiful score to envelop them. The evening is more performance piece than play, like a lovely European cirque or ballet. Emerging from a trunk, six dancers, along with the main characters, proceed to entrance us with their harmonious moves. Director Josephson, David Stoneman, Rob Harryman, Lisa Morrice, Jessie McLean, Andrew Ruesch, Anthony Scarano, Sarah Mann, Christine Reese, Shanti Harter, Samantha Marcella, and Monica Thibodeaux blend magically together.

Lighting design by Stuart A. Fabel, set by J. W. Layne, costumes by Sarah Schuessler add lush touches and enhance the richness of Bradbury's message. We feel it all the more.

http://tolucantimes.info/2010/01/20/as-the-holidays-fade-off-in-the-distance%e2%80%a6/

As the holidays fade off in the distance…
By Pat Taylor on January 20th, 2010

Finally, local theatres are presenting their first productions of 2010. I do hope many of you will get out this year and support their efforts. We live in a city brimming over with creativity, dedication and talent just waiting to be shared… and “live” theatre is a rewarding and entertaining way to spend an evening! I love it!

“Ray Bradbury’s Wisdom 2116”
A World Premiere Musical

(L-R): Samantha Marcella, Lisa Morrice and Steve Josephson.

A “wildly entertaining winner!” One of the world’s most beloved master storytellers, Ray Bradbury’s vision always takes us to the depths of our psyches… and the teetering edge of possibilities. Well into his eighties, he can still open minds, touch hearts and “spin a yarn” like no other! This visually stunning and quirky story mesmerizes the audience throughout, as the beauty, loyalty and wonder of the depth of love between a man and a woman charmingly unfolds. A romantic gem in these fast-paced, fleetingly unsure times, Ray dedicates this one to his friend/mentor, Charles Laughton, and his wife, Elsa Lanchester, whose marriage deeply inspired him some fifty years ago. To our delight, on opening night, Mr. Bradbury colorfully spoke to the audience pre-show and then did a lobby “book signing” afterwards. This whimsical musical, presented in a surreal European style, felt like a cerebral “Cirque du Soleil” of the heart and soul. In a fantasy-like, androgynous world of marionettes, robots, dancers and “magic,” we meet “The Wycherlys” (delightfully played by Rob Harryman and Lisa Morrice). A loving married couple approaching their 40th anniversary, each one secretly explores the act of buying android replicas of their younger selves as celebratory gifts to each other. A lovely gesture… as each learns a lot in the process. Under the mystical and magical direction and eye-popping choreography of Steve Josephson, a mesmerizing and gifted cast takes us on an exciting journey! Amazing dancers/vocalists… all their energy was electric! Book and lyrics by Bradbury and music by John Hoke, blended nicely in offering nearly a dozen entertaining and fun songs. Kudos also go to the “behind the scenes” wizards! J.W. Layne (“trippy” set), Sarah Schuessler (fab costumes), Stuart A. Fabel (inspiring lighting), Darlene Krantz (brilliant makeup), Gregg Barnette (whacky wigs), and the precious Czech Marionettes! This is an ingenious, expertly-written, performed and produced production, folks—suitable for all ages. It will make you “smile” non-stop and leave you wanting more… Do catch it! Running through February 27th at The Fremont Centre Theatre (1000 Fremont Ave. in South Pasadena). Call (323) 960-4451. Admission: $20, seniors $15, students $10.

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Ray Bradbury's Wisdom 2116 Review - An Age Old but Futuristic Tale
By Serita Stevens

Best known for his Martin Chronicles, Fahrenheit 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Dandelion Wine, The Illustrated Man, Ray Bradbury is also a screen and playwright.  Despite his physical handicaps, he was there for the opening of his new play.

Ray Bradbury’s Wisdom 2116 might have been written fifty years ago to honor Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester, his mentors, but the message it delivers is just as powerful today.  Directed and choreographed by Steve Josephson, produced by Ray Bradbury and Raquel Lehrman, and Pandemonium Theatre Company as well as Gallimaufry Performing Arts, the event is short, but intense.  

Presented at the Fremont Theatre in South Pasadena, the operatic musical dances its way through the story with songs as Forty Years, Marionettes, The Gift and others.  Dancers include David Stoneman (Mr. Marionette), Rob Harryman (Mr. Wycherly), Julie McLean (Bride-bot/dancer), Samantha Marcella (Dancer/Robot) , Christine Rsees (Dancer/Robot), Steve Josephson and Drew Ruesch (Groom-bot), Anthony Scarano (Dancer/Hip Hop-bot), Shanti Harter (Dancer/Robot), Sarah Mann (Dancer/ Hip hop-bot), Monica Thibodeaux (Dancer/Robot.)

In this age old but futuristic story, a husband and wife, having been married forty years and aging together, each decide, without the knowledge of the other, to purchase android replicas of their younger selves to give to their spouses as presents.  In the vein of O Henry’s story, Gift of the Magi, each learns a lot about the other and the ways of life.  They both find they are happy with who they are and with each other, as they are and return the dolls to the Marionette Man, but not before rededicating themselves to each other. 

Besides the dancing and singing, the music by John Hoke made the evening worthwhile. 

Sarah Schuessler designed the costumes and Darlene Krantz did make up.  The simplistic yet beautiful set design was by J. W. Layne.  Stuart A Fabel did lighting.  Stage Manager was Elliot Woodruff and graphic design was Kiff Scholl.  The marionettes were produced by Czech Marionettes and the wigs by Greg Barnette.  
The piece was a bit short for my taste, but it was stunningly performed and the acting and dancing were superb.  The beauty of it makes it well worth the $20 admission (seniors and students have discounts.)  The musical will run until February 27, 2010.  Show times are 8 p.m. for Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

My only complaint was the theater seating made it hard to see some of the marionettes as they danced along the stage and something should be done to bring them more to eye level of the patrons.  As a result of not seeing the dolls, it made me feel as if I was missing something.  However, there was enough seen to understand the musical.  

This is indeed a show worthy of the creative majesty of Ray Bradbury and short as it is, shines on it’s own.  

For more information and reservations call 323 960 4551 or online www.Plays411.com/raybradbury.  

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/137166
Ray Bradbury´s Gift of Love
Gayle Bartos-Pool
January 18, 2010

A feast for the eyes, ears, and heart is the World Premiere engagement of the astounding musical play, Ray Bradbury´s Wisdom 2116 now playing at the Fremont Centre Theatre in Pasadena, California.

As with all of Bradbury´s stories, there is a story behind the story. Over fifty years ago, the venerable author met esteemed actor Charles Laughton and his wife, Elsa Lanchester. Laughton had originally asked Bradbury to write him a science fiction tale. Bradbury dashed off Fahrenheit 451, but to his dismay, the actor said it won´t work. (Would that he knew how that story eventually came out.)

Nevertheless, Laughton, mentor and friend to the young writer, asked if he would pen a musical. Again Bradbury said yes and came up with Wisdom. But circumstances beyond everyone´s control halted production. And finally, Laughton´s death seemed to curtail all thoughts of reviving the project.

But dreams never die and in a new century, Ray Bradbury brought back the tale he wrote for his friends those many years ago. Dedicated and inspired by Mr. Laughton and his wife, this tale is both a Christmas present and Valentine.

Developed, Directed, and Choreographed by the uber-talented Steve Josephson, with music by John Hoke, book and lyrics by Ray Bradbury. Set Design by J.W. Layne. The fantastic costumes designed by Sarah Schuessler. The astounding make-up by Darlene Krantz, and wigs by Gregg Barnette. Lighting by Stuart A. Fabel. Featured also were the delightful Czech Marionettes, so artfully crafted, they needed recognition.

The performance begins with Mr. Marionette, played by magnificent baritone, David Stoneman, seated on a large trunk. With flute in hand, he pipes the opening notes, then lifts the trunk´s lid and out comes a life-size marionette. She is followed by another and then another, until five marvelous dancers have taken the stage. The Opening Night performance featured Christine Reese, Samantha Marcella, Jesse Mclean, Steve Josephson, and Anthony Scarano. Alternating in the roles are Shanti Harter, Sarah Mann, Monica Thibodeaux, and Drew Ruesch.

The wonderful story centers around an elderly couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Each wishes to provide something special for their respective spouses in case of their demise. Shades of "Gift of the Magi," this futuristic couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wycherly, see Mr. Marionette´s delightful puppets (the Czech Marionettes) and then hear him say he can make any size life-like robot, so they each seek him out and ask for a replica of themselves, but younger, and with all their imagined attributes. She wants the robot to have a high I.Q., be a sexual volcano, etc., etc. He wants an even higher I.Q., know every song ever written, and be a veritable fount of information. Their desires become so obviously exaggerated that Mr. Marionette says in an aside that "they are so full of pomp and flatteries, there will be no room for the batteries."

Lisa Morrice, who plays Mrs. Wycherly, has both an amazing voice and incredible facial movements that captures the older character perfectly. Rob Harryman plays the elderly husband. The young actor mastered the senior physicality with stooped shoulders and shuffling gait.

Mr. Marionette enlists his own robots to build the duplicates. One of the robots, Anthony Scarano, was a Wow! doing his "mechanical man" dance. (Note: all the characters on stage, human and robot, sport a barcode on their neck. So very "Bradbury" to think of that for our future.)

Once the robots are finished, two large wrapped gift boxes are delivered to the anxious couple. Mr. Wycherly opens his first. The fetching bride doll amazes him, so he winds her up and lets her perform. With a coy smile and saucy stance, she entreats him to "Just squeeze me." He does, and this little hottie with the bawdy repartee quotes passages from famous books, recalls incidents from Wycherly´s married life, and talks and talks and talks. Jessie Mclean plays the Bride-bot with sass and charm.

Mrs. Wycherly discovers a bare-chested Chippendale-like robot in her box. He loves to dance. He dances her off her feet. The incredible Steve Josephson did the honors first night.

Mr. Wycherly manages to get the Bride-bot back in the box and pleads for Mr. Marionette to "unscrew her," because he can´t shut her up. The older couple cling to each other, distressed over these young androids who know nothing of life. Lessons are learned before Mr. Marionette puts all the dolls back in the trunk.

The remarkable performances run through February 27, 2010, at the Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave. (at El Centro), South Pasadena, CA.

Performances: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m. Admission: $20. Seniors, $15. Students, $10.

http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/137952
"Ray Bradbury's Wisdom 2116" A spectacular, inspiring new musical!
Jackie Houchin
January 22, 2010

--- Theatre review

It´s said that "Love covers a multitude of sins," and in Ray Bradbury´s witty new musical "Wisdom 2116" playing at the Fremont Centre Theatre, love blinds an aging couple´s eyes to each other´s faults and failures, wrinkles and sags, frail strength, balding pate and limp libido.

Mr. and Mrs. Wycherly are blissfully in love and have been through 40 years of married life. But as they see their vitality and beauty fading, they worry that the other will become disappointed and perhaps grow cold. Even more distressing: if one should die, who would "do" for the other?

They reveal these inner thoughts and worries in the delightful "Forty Years" number, even as their outer images, in bizarre wigs and makeup (everyone has a bar-code tattooed on his neck), are "framed" in off-kilter picture frames that follow their movements.

Following this, they each come up with an idea for the perfect anniversary gift (one that could only be possible in a futuristic Ray Bradbury story).

Separately and secretly they seek out a robot maker to build new and improved replicas of their younger selves. Mr. Wycherly (Rob Harryman) wants "a robot like a bull" to satisfy and fulfill his wife. Mrs. Wycherly (Lisa Morrice) wants her robot to be "a sexual volcano" with an intellectual, book-filled mind. (How like Bradbury!)

They go to Mr. Marionette (played by David Stoneman who shares the role with director and choreographer, Steve Josephson) who says that he sells life-size robots (never toys!) to meet everyone´s needs.

In the opening scene, Mr. Marionette plays a flute (a nod to the pied piper?) and lithe dancers (Anthony Scarano, Steve Josephson, Christine Reese, and Samantha Marcella) in diaphanous costumes flow from the ancient trunk on which he´d been sitting. (He also orchestrates miniature vignettes that tell the Wycherly saga, using the exquisitely crafted 'Czech Marionettes.')

Stoneman´s stature and stage presence totally captivates the audience. He has a way of peering into individual faces that draws us into the story and makes us "believe." A remarkable actor.

Now he parades his life-size marionettes in the marketplace for prospective customers, girls in skintight attire, boys shirtless, all in garish make up. These sleek, muscled, and shapely "dancer-bots" are breathtaking in their form and athletic skill. They mesmerize the audience with their fluid or syncopated movements and alternative interpretations of both modern dance and hip-hop. It is stunning choreography masterfully performed!

One at a time the Wycherly´s approach him with their special orders and he promises to build them "robots so full of pomp and flatteries that there´s scarcely room for batteries." When he's finished, the Bride and Groom bots are boxed and delivered to the Wycherly's.

On the appointed day, they open their "surprise" boxes. What follows is both amusing and poignant, for the young and virile or voluptuous replicas are not suited to their older, human versions.

While Mr. Wycherly struggles to "turn off" his brainy and robust mechanical lady (Jessie McLean), Mrs. Wycherly is being ravished and perhaps injured by her "stallion buck" (Steve Josephson). Mr. Wycherly longs for "the plain and gentle, the soft and sentimental," while Mrs. Wycherly yearns for the "comfortable and real," not the "sizzling ideal."

As they finally escape their younger selves and fall into each other's arms, they understand that the "mellow flavor" of their elder love is like "vintage wine" to be savored to the last drop.

"Wisdom 2116" is a sparkling new jewel in Ray Bradbury´s crown of stories and plays, as amazing and memorable as the Hope Diamond. A fantastical, feel-good, musical not to be missed.

"Wisdom 2116" plays Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm through Saturday, February 27, 2010.

General admission is $20. ($15 for seniors, $10 for students)

For info and reservations call (323) 960-4451 or visit www.Plays411.com/raybradbury

The FCT is located at 1000 Fremont Ave (at El Centro), So. Pasadena, CA 91030 (ample free parking)

Flavorpill.com

http://flavorpill.com/losangeles/events/2010/1/16/ray-bradburys-2116
Ray Bradbury's 2116
The musical 2116, originally written 55 years ago by legendary author Ray Bradbury, is only now finally seeing its debut, and it is a true slice of history. It feels authentic to its bygone time, not only in the innocence and naïveté of the musical theatre genre of 50 years ago, but also to that generation's vision of what was then the distant future. The staging builds on a vaudevillian Cirque du Soleil styling in costumes and set, the dances are clean and simple, and the music is sweet lending charm to an otherwise amply surreal story that is part O. Henry, part Bladerunner.
– Kenneth Hughes

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941905.html?categoryid=33&cs=1
Ray Bradbury's Wisdom 2116
 (Fremont Center Theater, South Pasadena, Calif.; 78 seats; $20 top)
By BOB VERINI
A Pandemonium Theater Company and Gallimaufry Performing Arts presentation of a musical in one act with book and lyrics by Ray Bradbury, with additional material by Steve Josephson. Music by John Hoke. Developed, directed and choreographed by Josephson.

Christine Reese, left, Jessie McLean, David Stoneman and Samantha Marcella are featured in 'Ray Bradbury's Wisdom 2116.'
 
With: Rob Harryman, Shanti Harter, Steve Josephson, Sarah Mann, Samantha Marcella, Jessie McLean, Lisa Morrice, Christine Reese, Andrew Ruesch, Anthony Scarano, David Stoneman, Monica Thibodeaux.

Almost 50 years ago, legendary sci-fi author Ray Bradbury tailored to Charles Laughton and wife Elsa Lanchester a tiny chamber tuner only now unveiled as "Ray Bradbury's Wisdom 2116" at the Fremont Center Theater. Neither a visionary tract nor a neglected masterpiece, this sweet fable about seeking contentment with one's lot is closer to performance art than traditional dramaturgy. Prodigious use of dance, masks, puppetry, Expressionist stagecraft and John Hoke's lilting melodies lends heft to the familiar theme and skimpy (45 minutes) running time.

This is one of those Pierrot/Pierrette things in which props and cast alike are brought out of a trunk by a Dr. Coppelius type (David Stoneman), the perpetually leering emcee whose knowing grin presages nothing in particular. This dude hawks marionettes with a thriving robot business on the side, albeit a quaintly retro version of artificial intelligence one can easily believe was conceived in 1957.

We're not much beyond "Forbidden Planet" here, but helmer-choreographer Steve Josephson sculpts an attractive troupe of dancers -- equally at home with ballet, Fosse sizzle and hip-hop -- into Mr. Marionette's inventory for our central couple's Christmas shopping pleasure.

It takes nothing away from the likable, topiary-headed Rob Harryman and Lisa Morrice to confess the fun of imagining the crusty Laughtons as the fading Wycherlys, each of whom commissions a robot version of him- or herself to serve as a post-death replacement. But these vain gift-givers design flattering avatars with no thought to what the recipient might want in a companion: She demands to be reborn as a combination scholar and sexual wildcat, he as a stud with a 79 IQ and the works of Zane Grey in his head.

Once the packages are opened, hijinks ensue, and everything is danced and acted with considerable wit by Jessie McLean as the Bride-bot (squeeze her and a pensee comes out) and Josephson himself, on press night, as a Chippendale-bot. There's visual pleasure aplenty on the Fremont's crackerbox stage but nothing quite so touching as real, tiny marionettes representing Mr. and Mrs. in youth and old age, achieving the same heart-tugs as a similar sequence in Pixar's "Up" in affirming the joy of finally accepting life's terms.

Hoke's ravishing principal waltz, and explorations with more modern styles, mesh nicely with Bradbury's naively charming lyrics. Sometimes the author gets off a wryly cynical snap, as in a reference to one sign of Christmas approaching as "pumpkin heads rotting on the porch."

But grace, not bite, is the order of the day here.

Sets, J.W. Layne; costumes, Sarah Schuessler; lighting, Stuart A. Fabel; makeup, Darlene Krantz; marionettes, Czech Marionettes; stage manager, Elliott Woodruff. Opened, reviewed Jan. 16, 2010. Runs through Feb. 27. Running time: 45 MIN.