excerpts from
The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - October 19, 2009)
Shame on you, if you
didn’t take the time to attend “The Odd Couple”
(Female Version) at the Birdcage Theatre. It was a great success—
full of fun and laughter! Mother and daughter, Ana & Raquel Pina,
directed the play. I was fascinated to watch it evolve from auditions
to opening night. It was a great cast and lots of fun.
Coming the end of this month at The
Birdcage is Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing. Directed by Lucille Beatty.
The play focuses on the lives of three Westbrook women. It is a mature
study of family relationships. No auditions were held, as Judith
Davies, her daughter, and granddaughter will perform. When? Opening
night is October 30th.
Another great director and author is
Anna Devore. Rehearsals are under way for this old-fashioned ghost
story, “Cliff’s End,” scheduled for performances at
The Birdcage Theatre in December. Don’t miss it! All these
talented people who donate their time and skills want and need your
support. It is one of the neatest things about this small
community—seeing our neighbors on stage.
The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon
11-2-09
I want to tell you about a nifty lady, whom I met while
checking out all the talent who dedicate their time and skills at the
Birdcage Theatre. The one lady I met, who opened doors to me is Carol
Kitchen! Yes, I call her a nifty lady, because she is so involved and
dedicated to her cause. One would think she was primary school teacher.
I think I mentioned it before in this column. This ordinary lady
actually approached the Oroville City Council and Mayor Steve Jernigan
to initiate a “Proclamation, in Recognition and Support of the I
Wish Program.” What is that? How does it affect you, me, and our
families? Hang in there, I am going to tell you more...
The City of Oroville has proclaimed and will support the “I Wish
Program!” As a result, they are urging all citizens to join in
and encourage healthy habits—in our children, with our families
and throughout the entire Oroville Community...
Let me tell you, this nifty lady has turned my entire life
up-side-down. Oh my goodness, there is so much to tell you. Oophs, but
not in this column. Watch for future information about hand washing,
your children, and the creativity of this unusual lady, Carol Kitchen,
who has written a play and is dedicating the next six months to turning
all of our children into actors, actresses, and clean, healthy
citizens. The best is yet to come.
There is an “I WISH PROGRAM” coming your way. It is an
original musical play, that teaches and promotes healthy habits to
combat preventable illnesses. It is a collaborative effort between our
friend Rose Anne Edmondson and Carol. (I love her energy, enthusiasm,
and get-it-done attitude. Amazing.) Keep all this information in mind
as you prepare your children to perform. Wow! It is truly overwhelming.
Hang in there guys and gals; this involves us, and our children, ages
Kindergarten through 2nd grade. The open-to-public presentation
doesn’t begin until next year. But the advice from The Centers
for Disease Control & Prevention are supportive of this new program.
#1. Cover your mouth, when you cough.
#2. Don’t send your children to school. when they are sick.
#3. The best time to teach healthy habits is while your children are
The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - December 14, 2009)
I also was entertained at Birdcage
this December. Written and directed by our own Anna DeVore , a stage
play mystery, “Cliff’s End” is an adaption of a
famous movie of the 40’s, starring Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey and
Gail Russell. It is being performed at Birdcage Theatre on Friday and
Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. through December
20. DeVore has managed to re-invent the characters with two newcomers
to Birdcage Theatre: Alexandria Marie Olson and Joshua Furtado, who
realistically played the starring roles of a brother and sister who
purchase a haunted house. Is it a tear-jerker? No! Is it a
laugh-out-loud funny? Is it spooky? Well sorta. But most of all it is a
cute play, with numerous chuckles and a surprise ending. Do I recommend
it!?! Absolutely! It featured excellent supporting actors and
actresses, appealing set design, and realistic costumes. Please
don’t dilly-dally getting your tickets. This play is opened by a
surprising ham,us, the pride and joy of Susan Eisenberg, who will be
seen as Helen in “Lost” to be performed at Birdcage Theatre
in January with co-star Barbara Daggett.
The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - January 18, 2010)
Is it true? Is the Birdcage Theatre
going to the dogs? If it is, I want to be there and see it happen! Last
month, Anna Devore was the director in “Cliff’s End,”
where Ruffus, a dog set the stage, with the help of Susan Eisenberg.
This month it’s Eisenberg, Ruffus’ owner, and Barbara
Jeanne Daggett starring in “Lost.” It is a one-act play
written by Mary Louise Wilson and directed by Mindy Rose Kubik. All of
Wilson’s one act sketches combine sophisticated wit with belly
laughs. This one is witty comedy as experienced by two delightfully
absent-minded women. If you relate to becoming more absent minded, see
this play, then sign up for the YMCA 7-week course on Brain Agility.
More about dogs and The Birdcage
Theatre: Two other one-act plays, “The Scent” and “I
Don’t Smoke,” are written and directed by a newcomer to
Oroville and the Birdcage Theatre, Carol Kitchen. She is a dynamic
individual who radiates enthusiasm. Now about the plays—It
wasn’t the dog that caught “The Scent” So who was it?
I’ll never tell, but I encourage you to see it yourself.
“An Evening of One-Acts,” written, performed and directed
by local talent.
Please don’t miss
a great opportunity to enjoy and appreciate our local talent. I promise
you that fun, laughter, mystery, suspense, empathy, and sympathy will
fill your heart and soul. The dogs? Come see for yourself. Then you
tell me, “Is The Birdcage going to the dogs? Or are the dogs
going to The Birdcage?” The one-acts are playing through January
31. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are
at 2 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at Discount Book Store, or
at the door.
-------------