JOYCE RUDOLPH
The Action/Reaction Theater Company and A Noise Within simultaneously
delve into the dysfunctional family arena as they begin previews of
their latest productions this weekend.
Action/Reaction presents the drama "Everything Dies in Winter" by
Dennis Pratt. The story line centers on a family consisting of an
aging couple, a schizophrenic Vietnam veteran, his girlfriend, and
their baby trying to break free of the hereditary cycle of abuse.
Director Michael Holmes and his company have produced plays that
confront difficult, contemporary issues at the North Hollywood
playhouse. Original productions of "Infinite Cages" by Mike Stutz,
which examined mental illness, and "The Cleaning Man," dealing with
the rise and aftermath of the AIDS crisis, have received high
acclaim.
Previews are scheduled for 8 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday. The play
opens Friday. The show continues at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturday and 3
p.m. Sundays through March 28.
Preview tickets are $10. Regular run tickets are $15 with student
and senior discounts. For reservations, call 786-1045. The
Action/Reaction Theater Company makes its home at the Verdugo
Woodlands Dad's Club, 1728 Canada Blvd., Glendale.
Family problems are also at the center of A Noise Within's tragedy
"Electra" by Greek dramatist Euripides (written 420 -- 410 BC). It is
translated by Elizabeth Seydel Morgan.
Electra and her exiled brother, Orestes, thirst to avenge the
brutal murder of their father, the great King Agamemnon, murdered by
his wife -- their mother -- Queen Clytemnestra.
Resident Director Sabin Epstein is interested in exploring the
boundaries between male and female and how that ties into the notion
of "identity" with this production. Under his direction, the all-male
cast does not attempt to become female characters but tell their
stories, as it was done 2500 years ago.
He describes characters Electra and Clytemnestra as atypical Greek
women -- they are masculinized in their motives, objectives and
actions. The production will examine the idea of role-playing and
"the mask" and how those concepts affect or determine cultural
expectations.
Previews are at 8 tonight and 7 p.m. Sunday and continue at 8
p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. The production opens at 8 p.m. Friday
and ends May 15. Tickets range from $20 to $40. For reservations,
call 240-0910. A Noise Within makes its home at 234 S. Brand Blvd.,
Glendale.
SPECIAL EVENT
DOLLS AND TEDDY BEARS AT SHOW
Barbara Kouri's Happy Doll Show and Sale will be from 10 a.m. to
