Paul Mazursky’s witty production of Michael Elias’ play, “The Catskill Sonata” allows its audience to take a journey back to the year 1957 and to the Mountainview Hotel in the Catskill Mountains. In the play, the Rosen’s Mountainview Hotel serves as a place for performing artists to share their art.
The audience is immediately introduced to Dave Vaughn (played by, Kip Gilman), a middle-aged writer with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other. Vaughn is a regular guest at Anne Rosen’s (played by, Lisa Robins) hotel and serves as the hotel’s resident troublemaker. After promising Anne to avoid troublemaking at all costs, Dave is allowed to stay at the hotel all summer long. His promise is short lived as he proceeds to romance Rae Isaacs (played by, Lisa Chess) a blacklisted concert pianist, negatively influence the hotel’s young bellhop and inspiring writer, Irwin Shukovsky (played by, Daryl Sabara), and attempts to seduce Nancy Siegal, a young violist (played by, Kate James).
In the midst of Dave’s escapades, the loss of his son is made known. As he grapples with his heartache, Rae Issacs reveals her own suffering, the loss of her piano career after being blacklisted. Likewise, Anne Rosen struggles with the possible loss of her beloved hotel. The play conveys the difficulty of losing something or someone close to your heart with humility and humor.
The cast truly functions as an ensemble and it is evident as they relate to one another. Actor, Kip Gilman performs the role of Dave Vaughn with such ease and finesse. Gilman captures Vaughn’s wit and sharp sense of humor while portraying his vices and intense suffering. It is a delight to see Daryl Sabara, best known for his role as Juni Cortez in the “Spy Kids” films, onstage opposite Gilman. The two share a father and son like relationship filled with hilarious and bittersweet moments. Whenever Lisa Robins steps onstage as her character, Anne Rosen her presence fills the theatre. As the hotel’s owner, she keeps everything and everyone in order, even if it means calling for help over the intercom.
Lisa Chess delivers a poignant monologue as Rae Isaacs. She describes one of her proudest career moments as playing for Joseph Stalin and how it ultimately destroys her career in the United States with vivid imagery. Although, the show’s scene stealer was Elya Baskin’s portrayal of Joseph Stalin learning the cha-cha in a dream sequence with Dave Vaughn. Both men maintain such perfect comedic timing in this scene and had the audience roaring with laughter.
The show’s set, designed by Desma Murphy, stays true to the 1950’s era with a small country yellow hotel and quaint outdoor furniture. Staying with the country theme, the tree tops and shrubbery add a nice touch. Similarly, J. Kent Inasy, the lighting designer, helped create the atmosphere of a warm summer day. He also contrasts the warmth of the summer day with a deep fire-engine red glow for the dream sequence, setting it apart from the rest. Costumes also function as a highlight of this show. Designed by Tracer McWain, they resonate with the time period and its chic style.
The acclaimed, Paul Mazursky brilliantly directs an amusing and moving piece in “The Catskill Sonata.” His cast is unparalleled and a pleasure to watch. Be sure to spend a summer evening at the Rosen’s Catskills hotel and take in “The Catskill Sonata.” For reservations go to www.brownpapertickets.com, or www.matrixtheatre.com, or call 800-8383-3006.
Neversink Productions Presents a Matrix Theatre Guest Production, “The Catskill Sonata” a play by, Michael Elias and directed by, Paul Mazursky
Starring: Kip Gilman
Featuring: Daryl Sabara, Lisa Robins, John Ciccolini, Lisa Chess, Zack Norman, Kate James, Elya Baskin, Jeff Corbett
Runs through July 6-September 2
Fri.-Sat.: 8 PM
Sun. Matinee: 3 PM
The Matrix Theatre
7657 Melrose Avenue.
Los Angeles, CA. 90046
