Laurie
August 4, 2010
Well, Llew: I can honestly say that you have become a legend in your own time. Certainly, you have outdone yourself, even from the days of "Alice in Wonderland" =o)....from the 5 of hearts. ~Laurie~
Llewellyn J. Rhoe founder of Arts Equity: Leave your Comment
Jack Gabel
April 4, 2008
Mary Ann Albright, Columbian staff writer:
We studied your Arts Equity article, http://www.columbian.com/lifeHome/lifeHomeNews/2008/02/02252008_Curtain-fall
s-on-Arts-Equity.cfm Equity.cfm which curiously cites only the Paula Vogel play — avoiding any mention of Albee, O'Niel, Ionescu, etc. (major classics). Moreover, the comment by Val Ogden of Vancouver, chairwoman of the Southwest Washington Center for the Arts board, left us dumbfounded.
If arts community leaders in Vancouver, which we feel has a genuinely charming old downtown — prime location for an arts quarter — feel the only way to "succeed" requires frightful, knee-jerk, self-censorship, then Vancouver's fine and performing arts future simply isn't.
Nobody with serious artistic sensibilities acknowledges kitsch as
art. And theatre by nature, that avoids real humanity, as explored from all angles, is generally kitsch. Do you think that's what Vancouver wants?
Please indulge this subjective observation, for what it's worth: in
the same week we took in Main Street's last play, "Exit the King," we also saw "The Clean House," staged by Artists Repertory
Theater in Portland. The Arts Equity production was both
professionally and artistically a cut above.
I can only guess at the answer to this: are any other theaters in
Vancouver mounting plays with full professional casts, i.e. paid
actors? If the Southwest Washington Center for the Arts is serious about achieving a genuinely professional level in planing a multi-purpose arts center, it should certainly find a way to make a home for Arts Equity, not just build a bigger playpen for resident amateurs.
Unfortunately the many Vancouver residents, who somehow view
themselves as art aficionados, yet never took in an Arts Equity show, really don't know what they're on the verge of losing. One can only hope some will realize and make a serious move to help Llew and Helene pick up the pieces and keep them in play in Vancouver before they pack up and leave for good. That would be a major loss.
Agnieszka Laska - Artistic Director
Jack Gabel - Technical Director
Agnieszka Laska Dancers
http://www.A-Laska.com
503.715.1866
Mike Kunkel
November 18, 2007
Llew and Helene,
Enjoyed my first show last night (Nov 17th)"Blood Brothers" at you fine establishment. Everything was top notch. I was a little disappointed when I left however and discovered that I had acquired a $20.00 parking ticket. I was in such a hurry to get into the theatre that I had no idea that I was suppose to pay for the spot along the side of your building. A suggestion would be for the ticket office to confirm with each patron whether or not they paid for their parking if they happened to park along side the building. I know it is my responsibility to read but I did not notice the sign.
I will however return again for future shows and look forward to many more enjoyable performances. I now know that I must pay to park. Hope this can help out others who might have had the same experience if they had not read this.
Mike & Diane Kunkel
B. Hendershott
November 12, 2007
There were five of us attending the 2nd night performance of Blood Brothers - we brought grandparents and all of us had a remarkably affecting time.
We were a little self-conscious as it's a very intimate venue, but that quickly was overcome by the fine and earnest performances.
Blood Brothers is a highly accessible tragedy, with some moving and melancholy music. Three of us saw a performance in London, and we really preferred the production by Arts Equity, carried very nicely by a single pianist and amplified actors.
We also really liked the cast, and found them all really appealing. Best of luck with your Theatre in the future, and thank you for the greatly enjoyable evening!
Diana Barrows
November 10, 2007
Wrote a review for City Search.com Had to spell Blood Brother with zerros, ie: Bl00d Brother to get past the filters, as the word Blood gets you bounced... but maybe this will help get some Buz going.
http://portland.citysearch.com/review/45409424
Aretta Baumgartner
November 2, 2007
My colleague, Regina Pugh, and I were thrilled to discover your theater and meet Lew while we were in Vancouver for a conference a couple of weeks ago. We look forward to following the success of our long-distance "kindred spirits" and hope for ways to collaborate! Take care! www.performancegallery.org (Cincinnati, OH)
gregory
August 5, 2007
saw picasso last night(sat-aug4)
great show!
thanks for a great night!!!
-g
Hank Weber
June 22, 2007
Lapin Agile first visit to your theater and loved it. Will tell my Gallery 21 cohort to see it. Please put me on your e mailing list.
Richard Testut
June 18, 2007
Enjoyed Picasso at the Lapin Agile.....send future news letters
Sarah Quinn
February 3, 2007
I attended the performance of Hot & Throbbing Friday night. While it was an extremely difficult play to watch I found myself totally absorped for an hour and a half in the characters and the scene. I moved from repulsion of the characters to sympathy to impatience to sympathy and back again.
The acting was so good, so strong. I was highly impressed with the talent and caliber of the cast. I commend Arts Equity Theater Group for putting on this kind of theater and giving a choice to those of us who want to be challenged as well as entertained. Kudos to your theater group and the actors.
Mallory Boswell
December 5, 2006
Applause for a play
Recently, Arts Equity Theatre Company invited theatre students from Fort Vancouver High School to attend their performance of "Herringbone." Approximately 30 of my fellow students were invited to this production, and I feel that this generosity deserves recognition.
"Herringbone" is about a small boy named George who becomes possessed by a small man named Lou. All characters are played by the fabulously talented Taylor Askman. This man is amazing in every aspect of the word and with that talent he brings to life every character.
The play is set during the Depression and tells about George and his poverty-stricken family. His family learns that child stars are becoming big in Hollywood and they see George as a ticket out of the slums.
Taylor Askman plays every character by Thumbs Dubois, his trusty piano player. Taylor has an undisputed talent that brings each character to life. He brings individuality to each character.
The play was no doubt one of the best I had ever seen in my life. It has brought my love for the performing arts, especially acting, into a new light.
I hope that I can one day impact others the way Taylor and "Herringbone" have done for me. Mallory Boswell, Fort Vancouver High School.
Gretchen O'Halloran
September 23, 2006
Llew, cast, crew! THE BIRTHDAY PARTY was true Pinter with the spectrum of characters either in denial or rocking the "power" keg. Beautiful job and meaningful for today.
Joanne Fitzwilson & Nick Jatos
September 6, 2006
Hi Llew & Helene,
We loved Herringbone and are going to have fun with the Birthday Party, too. At Betsy & Terry's condo the four of us are having a Birthday Party for Stanley before the play on Oct. 7th. We'll even have a drum cake!
We really enjoyed meeting with Taylor at The Tiger's Garden after watching herringbone. Great idea!
Joanne
Lyle Tucker
August 28, 2006
HERRINGBONE was absolutely FABULOUS. Taylor was amazing. Now that I am aware of your theatre, I'll keep an eye on what's happening there.
Gretchen O'Halloran
July 23, 2006
HERRINGBONE is a masterpiece. Llew's intelligent direction keeps the piece "real" rather than resorting to characatures. Each character is well defined and studied. Beautiful job, Taylor: A true feat of strength and ingenuity. Kevin McElrath was superb as well. I loved the whimsical nature of the costume and hair (Diego's and Carrie White). Thanks so much to Helene/staff (John Bangs) and all their hard work for a great opening night.
Gretchen O'Halloran
July 2, 2006
Michael and I have purchased season tickets for this very impressive new season. We were amazed by the performance of Taylor Askman in Connor Kerns play "Zaney". His timing, ferocious energy, and sheer talent propel him into another dimension. Llew's direction of steadfast "physicality" kept the audience engaged. I'm looking forward to "Herringbone" and another "Taylor" performance. We are very proud to have a theatre of this calibre here in Vancouver. Michael and Gretchen O'Halloran
Joanne Fitzwilson & Nick Jatos
January 20, 2006
We really enjoyed the Ice Fishing Play!
Please add us to your emails.
So, "what do you know for sure?"
Thanks,
Joanne