Sep 9, 2007

TheatreWorks toasts 'Emma' world premiere

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

More than 600 theatergoers strolled the red carpet at the invitation-only opening night for TheatreWorks' world premiere musical "Emma."

"The debut of 'Emma' was an extraordinary moment for Peninsula theater lovers and for me," TheatreWorks founder and artistic director Robert Kelley said post show.

The nationally recognized professional theater's 50th world premiere was created by Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon ("Jane Eyre"), and developed from its inception with the input of TheatreWorks' audiences.

"The standing ovation at the curtain call was an unforgettable tribute to the thrill of live theater," Kelley said.

Kelley has come full circle, having directed TheatreWorks' first world premiere - a 1970 musical titled "Popcorn" - and collaborating every step of the way on "Emma," a New Works initiative project.

The Aug. 25 premiere at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts started with a champagne reception that set the scene for the elegant musical, and ended with a post-performance party.

Producers Bill and Marsha Adler, Elaine Baskin, Ken Krechmer, and Mike and Martha Kahn were thrilled with the show and shared some of their thoughts at the reception.
"We're so excited about the 50th premiere," Mike said. "We've seen Emma's evolution from an idea emerge as a full-blown production."

The life of the landed gentry in early 19th-century England was created with interesting sets, beautiful costumes and artistic choreograhy. The story centers around the wealthy, talented Emma Woodhouse, who endeavors to be a successful matchmaker. When it becomes apparent she doesn't understand the subject of love, human nature or the realities of Regency-era society, the fun begins - and yes, there is a happy ending.

The dialogue and situations are faithful to the period. "Emma" is Gordon's first book, and 70 percent of the dialogue is Jane Austen's writing. Gordon's original songs and lyrics give the play its color and reveal the characters' inner thoughts, such as Emma's unrealistic appraisal of her matchmaking skills when she sings, "I Could Be a Genius."

The audience paid close attention to the clever lyrics and double-entendres.

"Why pick your own mate, when I can impose?" Emma sang, and then spoke the line, "Someone else's happiness is all the reward I need."

Broadway's Timothy Gulan, playing the experienced Mr. Knightley, was perfectly matched opposite TheatreWorks' star Lianne Marie Dobbs, who played the willful and privileged Emma. The rest of the cast is populated with talented TheatreWorks veterans.

Applauding the show were Bebe Kolkab of Palo Alto's Tiffany & Co., John Turner of the Westin Palo Alto, Moy Eng of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Terry Johnson of supporting sponsor Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati.

At the post-performance party, Kelley, Gordon, managing director Phil Santora and the show's stars received congratulations from current and past board members, including Yogen and Peggy Dalal, Patti McClung and Morgan Allen, Susan Huch and Jennifer DeGolia.

"The star (Dobbs) had so much to learn, with new changes every day," co-star Gulan said. "We just watched her and reacted, following her lead. It was something new each day - a lot of fun."

The show continues through Sept. 23. For tickets call (650) 903-6000 or visit www.theatreworks.org.

(Ticket prices will be reduced by 50 percent for anyone who can show proof of turning 50 this year or who has a ticket stub from any of the previous world premieres.)



"PAINTED WOMEN" ART EXHIBIT

Los Altos artist Judi Keyani debuted her newest exhibit, "Painted Women," with a cocktail reception at Gallery 9 in Los Altos on Aug. 30. The exhibit marked her fourth exhibit and 10th anniversary with the collective gallery.

As an interesting coincidence, the show was hung on Aug. 26, Women's Equality Day, marking the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

An award-winning artist who is known for her landscapes and still lifes in oil and pastels, it was the first time she had exhibited her portraits in the gallery.

"It's compelling to do figures. It's most intriguing and challenging," Keyani said. Her subjects included several portraits of African women in native dress that she painted from photographs and live models in a variety of settings.

Her favorite pieces were a pair of oils; one in bright primary colors titled "Girls on the Dock," and the other a dramatic contrast in pastel hues titled "Christine of Provence."
Guests offering congratulations included Gerry Cummings, Nancy Rogers, Dick and Linda Newton, Kirsten Lindblom, and Moe and Lory Razavi.

Several Gallery 9 artists in attendance were Andy Browne, Jean Morton, Cherise Thompson, jewelry designer Tove Norlander, photographer Charles Halleck, and Maida Kasle and her daughter Wendy.

The oldest gallery in Los Altos, Gallery 9, which derives its name from the original nine artists, now has 30 members working in a variety of media and is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The show continues through Sept. 22.



Janet Duca Norton's society column appears every Sunday in the Daily News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail society@paloaltodailynews.com or call (650) 327-9090, ext. 334.