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WHAT: “Judge Dunson’s Secret”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 2 p.m. March 15 and 22
WHERE: Centerstage Theatre at Umpqua Community College, 1140 College Road
COST: Tickets are $10 and are available at Hanson Jewelers, While Away Books and the theater box office.
Information: 440-4691
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 2 p.m. March 15 and 22
WHERE: Centerstage Theatre at Umpqua Community College, 1140 College Road
COST: Tickets are $10 and are available at Hanson Jewelers, While Away Books and the theater box office.
Information: 440-4691
Commemorating the 150th birthday of the state of Oregon, Umpqua Community College last night presented the world premiere of a new musical drama based on events in Oregon’s early history. “Judge Dunson’s Secret,” written by UCC’s Jason Heald and John Granholm, is set in Portland in 1883 and shows the beginnings of Oregon’s movement to give equal rights to the women of the state.
Based on a novel by early Oregon pioneer woman and political activist Abigail Scott Duniway (the first novel to be published commercially in the new state), the musical brings out the powerful opposing forces at work when women first became active in seeking political and social equality with men. Although fictionalized, the action accurately reflects the debates and emotional conflicts of those days.
The plot of Duniway’s novel contained typical elements of the melodrama of popular 19th-century stage plays and fiction: villains, betrayal, revenge, madness, death, mistaken identity, blackmail, dark secrets, separated lovers, disguised deception — all ending happily with reunions and repentance. The tone of this production preserves many of those elements of an old melodrama.
Judge Dunson, played by Randy Chase (whom we saw last year as “El Gallo” in “The Fantasticks”), is a pillar of Portland society, but also a domineering husband and father, whose stubborn tyranny is the secret cause of a tragedy in his family. His life is turned around by the appearance of a woman from his past, Zuleika Shannon, played beautifully by Sarah Davis, whom we remember as the marvelous Cinderella of last year’s summer musical on the Jacoby Auditorium stage. If you enjoyed her performance in that show, you will love her in this one.
But hers is not the only fine performance. Jack Holland as Dr. McClurge is masterful and authentic as the villainous blackmailer — a strong voice and excellent acting talent. Tonnie Bernhardson as Zuleika’s old mother recalls her masterful performance as the mother in UCC’s production of “Gypsy” a couple of years ago, although here in a smaller role. Karissa Cullett has the challenging role of Dunson’s wife, who descends gradually into madness, and she brings it off very convincingly. Amanda Lanning plays nicely the faithful Irish servant girl in Zuleika’s home.
Opening night had a few spots where the pace dragged a little, and some actors seemed to be having trouble with lines. Some of the acting was a little too over-the-top melodramatic, and some of the songs seemed to go on too long. But those are minor quibbles and did not detract from an overall fine and enjoyable production.
The costumes were delightful, especially the elaborate and colorful women’s outfits. Costume designer Amanda Lanning did a masterful job.
The four-piece orchestra (Donna Spicer, Wanda Eddy, Adrienne Trunk, and Fletcher Lanning) performed Heald’s score flawlessly and professionally.
A nice prophetic touch in the final scene is the song “One Hundred Years From Now,” looking forward to the time in Oregon when women will indeed have equal rights with men. We have come a long way, and in some ways are still not yet at the goal. What better way to celebrate Oregon’s progress than to see this fine show and remember the courageous women (and men) who laid the foundation of equality?
Richard Packham of Dixonville is a retired college professor long active in local community theater who writes theater reviews for The News-Review.
Based on a novel by early Oregon pioneer woman and political activist Abigail Scott Duniway (the first novel to be published commercially in the new state), the musical brings out the powerful opposing forces at work when women first became active in seeking political and social equality with men. Although fictionalized, the action accurately reflects the debates and emotional conflicts of those days.
The plot of Duniway’s novel contained typical elements of the melodrama of popular 19th-century stage plays and fiction: villains, betrayal, revenge, madness, death, mistaken identity, blackmail, dark secrets, separated lovers, disguised deception — all ending happily with reunions and repentance. The tone of this production preserves many of those elements of an old melodrama.
Judge Dunson, played by Randy Chase (whom we saw last year as “El Gallo” in “The Fantasticks”), is a pillar of Portland society, but also a domineering husband and father, whose stubborn tyranny is the secret cause of a tragedy in his family. His life is turned around by the appearance of a woman from his past, Zuleika Shannon, played beautifully by Sarah Davis, whom we remember as the marvelous Cinderella of last year’s summer musical on the Jacoby Auditorium stage. If you enjoyed her performance in that show, you will love her in this one.
But hers is not the only fine performance. Jack Holland as Dr. McClurge is masterful and authentic as the villainous blackmailer — a strong voice and excellent acting talent. Tonnie Bernhardson as Zuleika’s old mother recalls her masterful performance as the mother in UCC’s production of “Gypsy” a couple of years ago, although here in a smaller role. Karissa Cullett has the challenging role of Dunson’s wife, who descends gradually into madness, and she brings it off very convincingly. Amanda Lanning plays nicely the faithful Irish servant girl in Zuleika’s home.
Opening night had a few spots where the pace dragged a little, and some actors seemed to be having trouble with lines. Some of the acting was a little too over-the-top melodramatic, and some of the songs seemed to go on too long. But those are minor quibbles and did not detract from an overall fine and enjoyable production.
The costumes were delightful, especially the elaborate and colorful women’s outfits. Costume designer Amanda Lanning did a masterful job.
The four-piece orchestra (Donna Spicer, Wanda Eddy, Adrienne Trunk, and Fletcher Lanning) performed Heald’s score flawlessly and professionally.
A nice prophetic touch in the final scene is the song “One Hundred Years From Now,” looking forward to the time in Oregon when women will indeed have equal rights with men. We have come a long way, and in some ways are still not yet at the goal. What better way to celebrate Oregon’s progress than to see this fine show and remember the courageous women (and men) who laid the foundation of equality?
Richard Packham of Dixonville is a retired college professor long active in local community theater who writes theater reviews for The News-Review.
