On Thursday night April 17, David Mamet’s classic “Glengarry Glen Ross” opened at the Macha Theater in West Hollywood. Stars John Stamos, Nia Vardalos, Amanda Bynes and ‘Entourage’ creator Doug Ellis came out to support the night’s big cause, Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation.
And Starring
“Glengarry” is particularly known as an actor’s play. The dialogue is sharp, the tension thick, the scenes are a true test of your talent. And every actor wants to nail it. Thursday night starred several TV veterans: William Russ, David Lascher, Ian Gomez, film and tv star Anson Mount with Michael Monks and Kevin Benton. Not only does David Lipper have a starring role, but as one of the producers he was in charge of putting this heavyweight production together. Kudos to him.
The tone was tuned to dark comedy. From the moment the lights faded up, the air was filled with a thick texture. The setting begins at a neighborhood lounge. Just some words over coffee or drinks, right? No. These actors love Mamet and ran with the chance to capture his roar on stage. Gomez’s convincingly vulnerable eyes. Russ’ crinkly, battle-weary smile. Lipper hop-scotches the dialogue with classic rat-a-tat finesse. Mount’s towering presence carries an energy that doesn’t get fully explored until much further down the page. Lascher’s pretty boy looks contradict his character’s stern introspection.
As these four men play together in delight, working and scheming, their energy is contagious. So much so, that as intermission is called, the audience rumbles not wanting the break. Several viewers stand in the lobby, anxiously awaiting the second half. We already know the story, but we want to get back to these performances.
The second act takes place back at the office, the morning after. Mount’s “Richard Roma” gets to build up steam. But the character to watch is Russ’ “Shelly Levine”, truly an education by itself. Watching the actor up close as a twist slowly unfolds in the last few minutes is an experience every aspiring actor should have.
For a Good Cause
After the stage call and applause, Lipper returns with a wide smile that his character never portrayed. He’s beaming; beyond proud as he calls USC Shoah Foundation , Executive Director of Development, Steven Klappholz to the stage. Tonight they raised $12,000 for USC Shoah Foundation.
Klappholz proudly shook hands. His eyes looked down at the audience. In the front sits Daisy Miller, another worker at USC Shoah, but also a Holocaust survivor. They both understand how much this support means.
Years in the Making
“Almost fifteen years ago we were in acting class together”, actor/producer Lipper says, standing next to the director Seth Howard. “We have always been trying to find a project to do together. This one worked out. We are lucky to work together and lucky to get our friends to come work with us”. Howard is all smiles, overcome by emotion and has little to say. They both stand at the party’s entrance thanking and congratulating everyone as they walk in.
Christine Lynne, who produced with Lipper, is just as happy. She has the tired smile of a producer with big, beaming eyes, so proud of the opening night’s show.
Hugo’s Has the Party
The classy eatery has dimmed its lights for an evening of cocktails, appetizers and conversation. Congrats to all. Crowds form and soon enough laughter and good times.
Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Nia Vardalos, next seen in “My Life in Ruins” sits with Ian Gomez, “I’m here to support Ian and the rest of the cast. They did a wonderful job”.
Another acclaimed writer is in the room. Creator of HBO mega-hit “Entourage” Doug Ellin says, “David Mamet is a masterful storyteller. I’d see anything he did. Take that with my friends being in a production, inviting me out for a good cause. I’m glad to be here. Glad to be invited”.
The USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education, has archives of nearly 52,000 videotaped testimonies from Holocaust survivors and other witnesses, and is part of the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences at the University of Southern California.
The USC Shoah Foundation Institute works with a global network of partners to provide an array of valuable educational services that reach educators, students, and the general public around the world. For more information on the Shoah Foundation please visit: www.usc.edu/vhi
