Majestic Community Theatre presents
An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein
September 11, 12, 17 and 19 at 7:30 PM
September 13 and 20 at 2:30 PM
Ticket: Adults $15; $10 for seniors, members and studentsBuy Tickets! Approach most any American raised at the end of the twentieth century and say “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout”. Those people will most likely reply “would not take the garbage out”. Eager young readers still memorize the mischievous poetry of Shel Silverstein and recognize his pen and ink drawings of closet monsters and children who in some ways resemble themselves; even the selfish boy who took everything from the Giving Tree.
Silverstein was a gifted poet, cartoonist, songwriter, and screenwriter. Audiences can now see another side of the talented writer in the Majestic Community Theater production “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein” opening September 11th at the Majestic Theatre for a two week run. But keep the kids at home. The subject matter is far removed from his poetry collections and closer to his comical cartoons for Playboy magazine.
Ten of his short sketches from the 80’s and 90’s were assembled into play form by David Mamet at the beginning of the millennium. In each one the imaginative and humorous Silverstein style is recognizable. It’s clear that when Silverstein didn’t have to worry about innocent minds he could be naughty. He makes a point about sexual politics when a woman bizarrely auctions herself off to the highest bidder. He growls “Don’t tell me what kind of day to have.” to people who constantly repeat clichés only to discover all well-known trite expressions were invented by one very misunderstood woman. He populates his fictitious world with odd characters; an upper-middle class bag lady, hookers who proposition in rhyme and the world’s only authentic talking dog who is unemployable because his master is a blind harmonica player who won’t admit his pet has any talent.
The show is directed by Mike Aronson whose recent work includes directing “Proof” and “Shayna Maidel” for the Majestic Reader’s Theatre Company. Aronson cast an ensemble of 11 veteran and new comer actors. Each will play three or four different roles. The cast members are Shaznin Darvwalla, Leslie Glassmire, Ygal Kaufman, Pete Kozak, Abbey Marholtz, Wendy McCoy, Theresa Novak, Don Taco, David Wheeler, Deborah Wren and Michael Wren.
Evening performances are September 11, 12, 17 and 19 at 7:30 PM and two Sunday Matinees September 13 and 20 at 2:30 PM. Ticket prices are $15 ($10 for seniors, members and students) and are available at the box office, 115 SW 2nd Street in Corvallis or, on line at www.majestic.org.