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click to enlarge Trying - professional and beautiful. What could be better than a play where one alternately laughs and cries, is filled with hope and sadness, and then walks out, somehow changed? LO The Germans have a word that best describes last night's performance of Trying: " erstaunlich." "Astonishing" D & KK I was enthralled from the opening moment. T S “Trying” gave us an evening filled with laughter, pathos and a sense of our humanity. JC I found the play to be incredibly evocative, and that’s the thing I keep hearing from people who have seen it. The judge is my grandfather, my father; Sarah is “the way I was, when….”; – IB |
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click to enlarge 'The versatility of this group of actors, the simplicity of the set design, the contemporary and antique costumes all help create the time of Henry V. It is a fabulous production with a stellar cast. It is marvelous to have such a theatre troupe on San Juan Island.' RO 'I had assumed it was some kind of historical exercise about events which I don’t remember much about (I mean from high school history, okay?!) and that it would be, for me, kind of a yawner. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. It was stirring, hilarious and thought provoking….. really like watching magic.' Brenda B 'Thank you, thank you for the fabulous, but chilly night of historical theater. You really are the BEST director around. Stage Left really is the BEST theater around. Lucky, lucky us in San Juan County!' AK |
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Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol [2009] |
click to enlarge'It was a wonderful performance and a great way to kick off the holiday season. The actors captured the audience's imagination within the first five minutes and before we knew it -- it was over. The staging and acting was "holiday magic". I think we will go again and take friends next time. Thank you for sharing the wonder of good theater with all of us.' Ellie F
'We saw the play last weekend and it was fabulous. What incredible
acting! Thank you so much.' Luanne and Kent P |
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click to enlarge 'Absolutely enchanting. From the Russian furs in winter to the fresh buds of a romance-filled spring, the characters awakened us to new possibilities for every kind of love and joy, with just enough of the motley melancholy “real world” to temper the tale. The acting is world class. Shakespeare at his best.' Lynn Bahrych 'We are so appreciative - in awe, really - of your work!' Kathy & Chic Wilson 'The show is fabulous. Everyone I talk to who has seen it is head over heels over Rosalind.' Karen Vedder 'We took our off-island guests to last week’s show. As usual it was wonderful. Thanks and thanks again for all you and Dan do.' Jennifer Bryan |
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click to enlarge "I will treasure the memory of Friday the eleventh on Waldron for the rest of my life. The play was exceptional." Lori A. "Ten outstanding years on this island. We've loved every year and only hope you?ll stay and share with us more of your wonderful talents! Thank you! Thank you!" Malcolm & Janet M "I'm 44 years old and I've never seen a Shakespeare play before. I don't know if it was the venue, or what, but that was pure magic! The whole thing--driving into a field to park, walking up to an outdoor stage, people talking with each other, birds singing and trees rustling. And the characters! Wow! They were fabulous. I was so proud of my kids, because they stayed right with it (and so did I!) and they really enjoyed it (nods from the 6-year-old, Jacob). It was amazing. I don't know if we would have liked it as much in a theater, but laying there on a blanket right in front of the stage, we all loved it.'" A Visitor "Yesterday's night of enchantment has been on my mind all day long! From the tempest itself (loved the masks!!) to the spirits guiding us back to our automobiles and the 'real world' it was truly like being in another universe. I didn't want it to end and can't wait to experience it again! Bravo!!!" Brenda B |
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click to enlarge "See 'Doubt'. It's brilliantly written, acted and directed. Sometimes theater wakes us up in real life; and no doubt about it, this is one of those rare and stimulating times. Stage Left gets it absolutely right." Janet Thomas "Thanks for the outstanding drama you continue to bring to the island. How did we manage without your presence'!!" Midge and Gene Paterson "I want to thank you for the finest dramatic experience I have had since moving here 11yrs ago. We are still talking about this play... and the performances. WE thank you. Do it again! and again! We are so lucky to have you (both) here in our midst." Anthony Di Michelle' "It was a great production. We continued talking about the play all the way . That's the greatest compliment I think of any production - to invite discussion!" Judy Chovan "Thanks so much for all you do to bring such extraordinary theatre and intellectual discussion to the island." Doug and Sue Barton' |
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click to enlarge 'Such richness and depth - as well as joy and laughter.....especially for the younger members of our community who really appreciate good theatre and are nourished by your performances. Never doubt how much you are appreciated.....and know all the wonderful sentiments shared by folks to one another.' Larry G 'Thank you for the fullness of humanity and creatiovity you bring to our lovely island community' Kathy and Drew 'We have enjoyed two of your excellent performances now - Bravo!' Kathleen and Pablo 'It's a pleasure to watch your work. Thank you for making it possible for my mother to see it - and for so many other fine productions.' Judy 'Thank you for bringing great work to this island. You are truly appreciated.' A patron |
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click to enlarge 'I was blown away by your production' Merritt Olsen 'Don't miss out on seeing this unique and entertaining play. Thank you...(to Stage Left) for bringing us yet another theatrical treat' Helen King 'It was fabulous, of course. Wonderful performances, fantastic direction. Thank you for all you do!' Carl and Andrea Coffelt-Kuetzing |
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'It's amazing to see, time and time again, a small and dedicated group of passionate individuals provide the rest of us who live here with such delicious additions to our island lives. Bless you....' Bill Hamilton 'I'm not sure I have ever seen such an intensely alive play, where the actors are fueled by such a primal upsurge of human nature in all its range, from empathy to its stark opposite. The language, beautiful and eloquent as it is, becomes almost secondary to the lava flow of human emotion, subterfuge, and longing which animates the actors. The vast blue sky, fir trees, and passing birds behind the stage slowly give way to blackness glistening with stars, matching the evolution of the play itself. It is a dark play, yes, but the actors illuminate it with such palpable radiance. I wish Shakespeare himself could see it. He'd be stunned. ' Cat Bordhi 'Othello was truly a triumph.' Wendy Shepard 'I'm sure you have been cheered around the county by this time. It was such a delight to have you on Waldron. I was so impressed by how you jumped in and made everything work. Everyone was swept away. ' Vicki Heater 'One of the things you have succeeded in doing for us is recharging our interest in Shakespeare and theater in general.' Ron and Elizabeth Keeshan 'In the two times I went, my sons came twice, and it was not hard to ask them if they wanted to go a second time.' Ian Byington |
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Much Ado About Nothing [2005] |
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click to enlarge 'How can I find words to thank you for something so superlative'' Pam 'Enjoyed it immensely! You've done such a good thing for our tiny island.' Vivien Burnett 'It is really quite amazing, sitting outside with a lawn chair and picnic, watching superb Shakespeare performed in such a beautiful setting.' Dodie Gann 'The production was marvelous as usual. The tradition of excellence under the stars continues.' Cameni Williams 'I really Loved "Much Ado." It was entrancing.....An enchantment befell us. Thank you for bringing such grace to our island.' Janet Thomas |
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click to enlarge "I just returned home from the final production on SJI of "Romeo & Juliet". It was truly wonderful! You captivated the audience - proven by the silence and attention given. I am so grateful that you two decided to move here and offer a different alternative to theatre. Much as I have enjoyed and grown from my involvement in the Community Theatre it is really great to have your influence here. Thanks so much!" Mary Keith "food for the mind and soul! You are top flight and have many supporters on Shaw!" Stephanie?Buffum? "Thank you for a wonderful production of Romeo and Juliet. We couldn't say enough good things about the production...Your company really brought the magic up off the page and into the lives of the audience. Some of our guests were able to attend, and they were thrilled as well. ...Thanks again for your contribution to our lives." Richard Foote and Angel Michaels "A most wondrous production....both children, 6 years old, were enthralled the entire time - no intermission - as were Kathy and I. Everything from the professionalism of the acting, the set, the costumes and the choreography of movement was so well done. Furthermore I admire the vision of Helen and Dan to make the presentation available to all. We are fortunate to have them on this island." Pamela Williams "Wonderful effort to bring such fine productions to the island. Your contribution to the island 'way of life' is immeasurable." Charles & Deanna Anderson |
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click to enlarge 'Thank you for your decision to produce this and for the high quality of work in all areas of the production.' Kim Norton Excerpts from 7th and 8th grader reviews: 'It is by far the best play I have ever seen' 'The characters seemed real' I thought your production of A Christmas Carol was very well done with excellent acting.' ' I liked Marley's ghost because he looked just like Dickens described him' 'Thank you for putting on such a wonderful show.' 'Your play was amazing. Thank you' 'Thank you very much for making the play so exciting' |
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click to enlarge "Superb as always" Suzanne B. "undoubtedly our most favorite and memorable" (the opening night rain show - 25 people in our house!) Canadian visitors "I saw the show Sunday evening. It was spectacular! Really professional, top quality acting from all.” Karen S ! "After seeing the play last night I've decided that "The Winter's Tale" is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I love the we way are dropped into the height of paranoia and supreme tragedy and like a fairy tale we are lifted out and into a world where laughter reigns and beings make peace. Thank you for a most inspiring evening.” Susan W. |
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Christmas Memories [2010] |
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click to enlarge "Fabulous evening! What a magnificent performance." LP "Wow, what a wonderful evening.” BB "The performance itself was the highlight for me. It was lovely, and I’ve spent much of the morning with thoughts of aunties and uncles and Good King Wenceslas and small boys hurling snowballs and nose mittens. As usual, Dan instilled confidence in us all the moment he made his entrance and tenderly imbued each and every character with humor and humanity. Joy’s sweet and joyful countenance was absolutely perfect." KV "Absolutely delightful. The perfect way to begin the Christmas season." PM "We thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The entertainment was superb."DK "A show to enrich and enhance your holiday spirit" JC “Superb. We are all so privileged and lucky to have you in our midst” AG |
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click to enlarge 'The Clean House was just terrific! Serious and hilarious at the same time. We are still high on last night's performance. Thank you so much for bringing this talented playwright to the island. It was all top notch - direction, set, casting. We are thinking of going again!' Gayle B 'We LOVED it, and it seems clear that everyone else who was there last night felt the same way. Joan and Krista were SO DAMN FUNNY together. It was kind of glorious.' Brenda B 'I SO enjoyed the show, really fabulous!' Jane F '"Clean House" was wonderful, we talked and laughed all the way home. I am positive that the author would have been very pleased at your production and the skill the actors brought to their parts.' Ellie F 'As usual this was an A++++. Great play, with great acting all around. You’re the best!!' Lori S |
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click to enlarge 'I had tears dropping into my lap. We are so lucky to have you and Dan entertaining this community with more than the standard fare. Too many in this country see theater as a luxury rather than a necessity for the human spirit.' Gray C 'RABBIT HOLE is simply superb... the acting so very good. Does anyone realize how talented the Director is?' Dick S 'provocative & evocative show! Terrific cast.' Deb L 'Let’s get it straight right now…whatever else you thought you were doing this weekend, ditch it. You need to go see Island Stage Left’s “Rabbit Hole”' San Juan Update |
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Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol [2008] |
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click to enlarge "You have entertained, you have ewdeucated, you have amazed us with the quAlity of talent and intelligence with which you have blessed the community. What a Class Act!" Jacki A "You guys do such a wonderful job, we are all so very lucky" Angela D |
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click to enlarge 'Island Stage Left has done it again: our local professional theater group is providing our island with another exceptional production, this time performing the charming play 'Talley's Folly' by Lanford Wilson.' Birgit K 'Island Stage Left's current production of "Talley's Folly," for which Lanford Wilson won a Pulitzer Prize, is pure pleasure. Flawlessly performed by Daniel Mayes and Krista Strutz, the play is historical, poignant, powerful and sweet.' Marty R 'Thank you for another splendid performance Friday night. I was transported to the lakeside shack in 'mizura' and the hour and 97 minutes flew by.' Kirk F 'Once again, last night's production was superb--as usual. So real, so touching, so jam-packed with creativity and craftsmanship. Stage Left's contribution of excellence in local theater is astounding. How I wish you could be cloned and be in residence all over the U.S.!' Mona M |
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click to enlarge"Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing the joy of wonderful theatre to our islands. What a fabulous and funny production you have created again. You are magical! Ithank thee." Laura K "I just saw your production of Comedy of Errors tonight and I think it is superb. In fact the staging of the whole play was wonderfully well conceived. I confess I was privately dubious about how a cowboy staging of Shakespeare would come across, but I was thoroughly delighted and entertained. ...I look forward to seeing it again and again." Gray C "We have heard incredible feedback on the Comedy of Errors from many Shaw Island folks! Best Ever!!!" Stephanie B "As always, it was a magnificent production. Our teens loved it too." Nancy S '"Thanks again for an absolutely delightful Comedy of Errors. You've once again masterfully cast & directed an impressive ensemble. Bravo & kudos to you all! I'm sure the Bard has been smiling from on high." Deb L "What a great time! I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our evening on Wold Rd. last night. We were both absolutely enchanted and impressed. Thanks to you and Daniel for making this theatre experience a special part of this special island. As we were driving off your property, a young girl standing at the road by your driveway had her thumb out for a ride back to town. She was 15 years old and had had a friend drop her off at your property so she could see the play. She then needed a ride back. She told us of her interest in theatre and said she couldn't afford to pay to see a play, so she was so glad she could go last night at no cost. That's when I really understood your mission with Island Stage Left." Susan Mat. "Comedy of Errors rocked!" Sandy R "Thanks for a wonderful production. AWESOME! We've done and seen a lot of theatre and your production was such a delight. We couldn't keep from smiling and talking about the production for days!" Dan S |
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The Merchant of Venice [2007] |
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click to enlarge 'I got to see the play at the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. It was well done, but I must admit that it made me appreciate your production even more. Thank you for the wonderful performances.' Anna M 'We commend you for your vision as well ass for the obvious hard work, time and love that you use to make your vision a reality' Frank 'LOVED the Merchant of Venice and the new venue.' Linda 'Thank you for making my vacation so inspiring. I finally got to see a Shakespeare play!' Ismael 'The show was great and setting enchanting....You guys are a real asset to our community.' Jeff S 'A special treat that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone' Dorothy L 'I saw your performance of Merchant of Venice and LOVED it. I am not usually a big fan of Shakespeare but the setting was gorgeous, the set terrific, the acting outstanding and the direction inspired. Please put us on your mailing list.' Maura B 'How fortunate that you chose to share your vision and talent with our island. All of usare so lucky to experience the wealth you offer.' Kathy |
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The Importance of Being Earnest [2006] |
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click to enlarge "I attended your wonderful production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' yesterday. ...You people are treasures." Betty Gilson 'I am still enjoying scenes from 'Earnest' and can't thank you enough.' Linda Downes 'The play is one of my favorites and I was thrilled to see it again after many years. The casting was perfect, and all of the actors were magnificent. Thank you for a wonderful evening.' Joyce Lewin "Thanks to for an hilarious and totally splendid and most-satisfying-on-all-counts performance'beginning to end.. The ensemble all on the same tone, the required breakneck pacing and vocal'articulation, not to mention the absolutely inspired choreography . Bob Chambers" Bob Chambers "Patty and I would like to tell you that we thought that "The Importance of Being Earnest" was simply outstanding." Jerry and Patti Rasmussen |
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click to enlarge '...it was terrific, casting, acting, directing; you and Dan are unbelievable and deserve huge support.' Camille Uhler 'Not to be missed! Fabulous!' Jeannne Hyde 'I hesitate to say this in a world overwhelmed by bullshit, but "The Drawer Boy," bar none is the best play I've ever seen, or been a part of, on San Juan Island.' Mike Vouri '...has to be one of the most absorbing plays ever... My husband said 'Did you notice I didn't move a muscle through the whole thing''....our 12 year old grandson volunteered it was the best play he had ever seen' Betsy Gunther ''Staged with Stage Left's usual skill.....if you don't go see this play, you're bonkers!' Jonathan Taylor |
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Christmas Memories [2004] |
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click to enlarge "Great job again on the whole show.? The whole production was magnificent in every regard." Chris DeStaffany "Once again we have been moved and entertained by a terrific performance. I urge you all to make the time to see this wonderful show if you haven't already. Tell some friends, and don't miss it!" Michael D'Abrosca "Last night's performance was among the best we have ever seen you do -- in fact, the intimacy of the setting and the (nearly) one-person tour de force made it all the more dramatic. We thoroughly loved it and have e-mailed everyone we know to go and see it.... It was truly a masterly performance." Susan Robins "I wanted to thank you so much for your performance at the Convalescent Center, it really meant alot to our residents." Kathy Meier |
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click to enlarge 'All the world's a stage. We just loved Macbeth. Thank you so much' Elder Hostel group 'As a newcomer to San Juan Island, I did not expect to find professional quality theater, much'less find it in the middle of a farm field and with no admission price! We need to encourage and'support such exceptional creative activity and hope for many more evenings under the stars. To'everyone involved, I say, 'Thank you' and Bravo'! Rita Weisbrod |
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