Two by Two…Bi-Two, et. al.
This original, world
premiere musical, has book & lyrics by Donnie, with additional lyrics and
music by Jonathan Quesenberry, Rody Ortega, Jeff Sanders, Marv & Rindy
Ross, Wesley Bowers and Storm Large. It
is directed by Brandon Wolley, choreography by Sara Mishler Martins, music
direction/pianist by Scott Bradner and produced by Donald Horn. It is playing at PSU’s Lincoln Hall, 1620 SW
Park St., through October 5th.
For more information, go to their site at www.trianglepro.org
The True Beauty of
Mankind, as well as Nature, is its Diversity.
What a boring world it would be if Everybody and Everything was the
same. And so, we embark Together on a
Great Adventure, proving that we All have a place in this Creation Experiment
conceiving, among other things, that one entity is Not Superior to another, and
that humans can act humanely toward all living things. A Fantastic…Dream, isn’t
it?!
Walter Cole, aka,
Darcelle, is a living legend in this part of the world, and part of his life is
exhibited in this poignant musical by Donald Horn. It traces the life of Cole (Kevin C. Loomis)
from his first conception of a drag show at his modest tavern, as he was taken
under the wing of a local drag performer, Tina (Jeff George), who saw the
makings of Darcelle under the exterior of Walter Cole, married with two
children, but the female persona was itching to get out.
And then he had the
fateful meeting with Roxy (James Sharinghousen), who would become his life-long
lover, partner and friend. Together,
with the “Ringmaster” of the shows, Mitchell (Chris Bartell) they would create
what is now a legendary landmark in Portland history, Darcelle XV, not just for
the Gay and Trans audiences, but also for Straights, in which barriers could be
lowered and individuals could relate and laugh and cry together with each other,
as just human beings.
Along this long
journey together, there would be joy and sadness, music and laughter, illness
and loss, but always with a positive message toward creating a better world,
where all inhabitants are truly treated as equals…a Nobel aim. There are familiar songs and routines from
his shows, the most amazing one from “Chicago,” with some extraordinary dancing
from George and Sharinghousen. And there
are the famous comic monologues by Darcelle, well delivered by Loomis. Then there are some very personal, original
songs, from Horn & Company, about his life, that blend seamlessly into the
show, including, the revealing “Aunt Lil,” the powerful, “Yes, I Am,” and the
touching, “Every Show is a Love Song.”
A personal note, my
sister, mother and I would go to Darcelle’s as often as possible during the
90’s, whenever my sister was in town, and enjoyed the inclusiveness of the performances. My Mom was picked out of the audience a
couple of times by Darcelle and she would remark afterwards that she felt
special because of it (to be honest, I don’t think Mom ever got the notion that
Darcelle was anything but a Lady, and who were we to dispel her image, as she
saw the generous soul of the performer…and a lesson, perhaps, for all of us to
be learned, I think).
Horn has done his usual
outstanding job in producing this production, and his friendship with Cole
certainly is an asset to the songs and story he wrote. A fitting tribute to an icon of the
Northwest. Loomis is touching as Cole,
as he also narrates the story.
Sharinghousen is always an asset to the many productions he has done at
Triangle and OCT, as he does here. A
very poignant portrait of a loving companion.
Bartell adds more than ample support in his role, as the no-nonsense
manager. And George is terrific,
especially in the dance numbers. Bradner
adds color, as the music man and Martins is an amazing choreographer. All in all, an outstanding show, fit for the
Big Apple, I think!
I highly recommend
this show, but get tickets early, as they are going
fast. If you do choose to see it, please
tell them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
I recommend doctor razor herbal medicine to anyone battling with Herpes Infection...I am so happy to be finally cured of herpes simplex virus by herbalist Razor,Ever since i was diagnosed with the virus i have been using medical drugs to suppress it, i later realized it was causing more damage to my health than the virus,i opted for herbs and got to find out about the great work herbalist Doctor razor have been doing with his herbal remedy. i contacted him and he promised to help me get rid of it,after 4 days i received a package fro the delivery service and it was from the doctor who sent me the herbal treatment in Dallas,Texas USA, And he instructed me on how i was going too take in for the 18 days. After completing the dosage he told e to go for a medical checkup and when i did the doctors conducted some test on me but they were stunned that my status was now negative,they conducted several test on me to be sure. i even went to Medical City Dallas Hospital, where they conducted another test and it was still negative. I am so grateful to you herbal doctor razor , God will continue to prosper you,i pray the world gets to know about you and your herbal exploits. Reach him on his email : drrazorherbalhome@gmail.com Whatsapp/Call his cell phone on +2349065420442. PLEASE SHARE , SO THE WORLD CAN GET TO KNOW ABOUT HIM
ReplyDelete