Presented August 23-28 by Lakeside Little Theatre (LLT) as a pre-season 52 fundraiser, “Mark Twain, Uncensored” was written by Ed Tasca and directed “showboat” style by Barbara Clippinger.
Described by prize-wining author Tasca as “history with humor,” this inventive biographical review of Twain’s life features some his favorite subjects and irritants and in every respect supports his moniker as “the greatest American humorist of his age.”
Tasca, who plays Twain, is well-known as a published writer and has appeared in several Naked Stage and LLT productions. His outstanding acting performance speaks for itself.
This short, exhilarating run at LLT showcases a string of talented local performers, leading off with Bob Hendrick, the master of ceremonies. An easy-going pastor who uses his preaching experience to advantage in acting, Hendrick’s calm demeanor works in this role as does his projection and clear enunciation. We can hear you, Bob!
Diana Rowland is hilarious as Miss Watson, a Victorian religious fanatic and Red Cross nurse, who succumbs to Twain’s charm. Rowland, a gorgeous blonde, blew me away as a brunette.
Graham Miller brought 65 years of theatrical experience to multiple roles as a singing dancer, Mr. Landslittle (he landed a lot), Danny O’Brien (oh, Danny Boy) and a woebegone soldier. Miller’s wonderful comic presence and singing voice are rarely seen on local stages.
Huckleberry Finn was interpreted by Justin Flores Cogswell, a 7th grader at the Instituto Internacional who learned to speak English with a southern accent specifically for this role. He wowed the audience in his first acting performance.
Roland McKoy (Jim), appearing as a farm worker and devoted friend of Huck, showed his quiet strength even when his back was turned to the audience. McKoy was totally believable as the steadfast adult friend of a young white boy who needed him. An actor who proves there are no small parts.
Andrew Higareda (Tom Sawyer), in his first performance at LLT, also learned southern-style English for this role. His excellent performance and good looks should take him all the way as an actor. He lives in Riberas with his family, who should be very proud of him.
Mia Bradley Supan was made to play Becky. Blonde and bright beyond her years, she saw through Tom quickly. No picket fences for her! Bradley has appeared in plays at the Instituto Internacional and is fluent in Spanish and English.
Scene stealer S’Koocha (Showboat mascot) was born to be a star. This 11-year old pooch wagged her way happily on stage at every opportunity. The audience howled, the actors broke ranks to pet her and she took her curtain calls like a pro.
The charming set, designed by Holly Haas (Lazy River showboat) and Beth Cathcart (Mark Twain’s study), took advantage of LLT’s seldom used revolving stage to keep the action moving quickly from dancing girls to pontificating pundit, fishing holes, and back again.
The Showboat dancers were Allyson Dejong (also assistant choreographer), D’Le Beatty-Tobias, Maritza Freyslinger, Pamela Johnson and Joanne Stuart.
The showboat singers were Judy Hendrick and Mac Morrison, the latter a professional singer in Canada and with big bands in Las Vegas who has put on several charity concerts at Lakeside, often featuring duets with Hendrick.
The show’s producer was Michael McGrath and the stage manager was Sandy McKoy, assisted by Michelle Devine. Set construction was by Norm Whelpdale, Michael McGrath, Richard Bansbach, David Bryen, Bryan Selesky, Hugh Morton and Doug Schmidt; and set painting by Julie Mignard and Sharon Major. Props: Leslie and Jeff Kingsbury; lighting: Garry Peerless; sound: Karen Lee; costumes: Johanna Clark; dresser: Judy Martin; makeup: Julie Mignard, Nancy Jessop; wigs: Kathleen Morris; dialogue coach: Michelle Beaudrau.