Theatre/Theater L.A.: Orpheus Descending

I went to Orpheus Descending the last two weekends. Here are some observations and experiences others may not have covered (note: links to pictures are below):

As Valentine Xavier, Gale caught my heart and didn’t let it go. Through each of Gale’s performances, I could see the innocent young boy from the bayou, the jaded weary musician and the young man determined to live a different life. His intensity and concentration were remarkable. I loved Gale’s singing. I did not want him to stop. He has a smoky, smooth, sexy resonance to his voice.

Friday, 12th: When I told Gale how much I loved the play, I also admitted that this was the first live production of a Tennessee Williams’ play that I had seen. He said, “Really?” (probably amazed, due to my advanced years LOL). I said that I thought the words were beautiful.

Saturday, 13th: On both Saturday and Sunday, prior to the performance SusieItalia, Kathy (from Australia) and I talked with Peter and Mary Lou Pepe, the director’s proud parents, visiting from the East Coast to see the play. They were delightful to visit with, and fascinated with Gale’s fans. After the performance, I gave Gale a book, the first edition of Orpheus Descending, published in 1958. I collect antiquarian children’s books and was really lucky to locate this reasonably priced first edition in great condition! The book’s original price on the paper dust jacket was $3.99! Gale held it in his hands, carefully opening it up and mentioning the name of the publisher, indicating he was familiar with the book. He gave me a very sweet thank you and put his hand around my shoulder while Sue took our picture.

Sunday, 14th: The cast seemed especially good for this performance. Someone said that the Sunday audiences are the best, because if the audience is in a theater on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in LA, then you know the audience really wants to be there! At one of the intermissions, I had a chance to talk with Yara Martinez. She was speaking Spanish to several fans visiting from Spain. She is a lovely young woman, friendly, and was a little embarrassed when the young women from Spain asked her for her autograph. I told her that I enjoyed her performance in Vanished and was sad that the role last season didn’t work out for her. She said that it is pilot season now and she is hoping to get something. I wished her good luck. I said goodbye to SusieItalia, who helped make the weekend a lot of fun and to my other new international friends. I had to leave early to catch my plane, but before I did I took a few photographs outside of the theater, as I had an idea.


Friday, 19th: After the show on Friday, I gave Gale a memory book (scrapbook) of the production I had made for him. I covered a 3-ring binder with some 50’s style fabric and included the reviews, some pictures, several drama journal articles analyzing OD, and some IMDb posts reviewing the play (with the posters permissions (thank you), of course). I also included a pen and ink drawing that I had done of Theater/Theater at night. I asked Gale if he thought the each of cast members would like a copy. He said yes he thought they would, thanked me and gave me a really nice hug! He pointed out the guitar picks that I had used on the divider tabs and front page.

Saturday, 20th: I must say that the entire cast was really excellent that evening. For me in particular, Francesca Casale was wonderful. Her portrayal of Vee, a sweet religious child-like woman, dominated by her bullying Sheriff husband, was so spot on! I especially liked her and Gale together. She also had two other roles in the play— the stern Nurse Porter and the very funny Woman who made the telephone call to the pharmacy! She told me after the play that she wouldn’t do it again, some of the transitions between characters were very quick and difficult. Geoffrey Wade was excellent as Jabe Torrance—absolutely chilling, frightening. He also played David Cutrere. After the play that night, I talked to each member of the cast and crew thanking them for their work on the play and giving them each a copy of the drawing in a brown envelope. They were all very appreciative. I got enthusiastic hugs from everyone, especially Claudia Mason and Denise Crosby. Claudia said that print was especially meaningful to her, and that she planned to frame it. After the performance, I was impressed with a lively discussion Gale had with a couple from the audience about the back rub/spinal adjustment that Val gives to Lady in the second act. Gale explained in great detail exactly why Val caressed Lady’s neck as he did.

Sunday, 21st: While waiting in the lobby, LemonBars and I started talking with three women from Spain. Two of them had met the other at the play. They live in different areas of Spain. We had a lively conversation, which included not only the subject of Gale, but also the Internet, and health care reform. They were so excited to learn that they were actually talking to LemonBars from the IMBd board! When we entered the theater we all headed toward the front row to the left. We let them have our seats, which were more toward the center left. As we were waiting for the performance to begin, I gave each one of them a pen and ink drawing of the Theater. In the audience on Sunday was Ames Ingham, a friend and former cast mate of Gale’s in the 1998 production of The Indian Queen at the Long Beach Opera. Gale and Ames played the Tourist Man and Tourist Woman in the”Lowrider Spanglish opera”. As mentioned by others, at the end of the final performance, the cast received an especially enthusiastic response from the audience, Gale had a big smile on his face. He seemed happy and relieved. They took extra bows. Claudia stepped out of the line and asked the director Lou Pepe, to come down from the audience, which he did and he took a bow with the cast. Before leaving the stage, Gale gave Lou a big hug.

What a great experience these past two weekends have been! Seeing Gale perform and sing were absolutely thrilling. I admire Gale and everyone else involved with Orpheus Descending for their dedication and talent. Tennessee would be proud.