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"TheTwilight of the Golds" Shines at Stage 3
Hot on the heels of its massive success with "Over the River and through the Woods", Stage 3 roars out of the box with its season opener, the comic drama "The Twilight of the Golds" by Jonathan Tolins. This funny, fascinating, provocative and compassionate play asks the questions "What if your parents knew everything about you before you were born? Given the chance to play God, how would you measure up?"
USA Today called "Twilight of the Golds" "A marvelous achievement on all levels." The Washington times decreed it "an entertaining theatrical tempest". "Funny, thoughtful and almost eerily topical" said the San Francisco Chronicle.
The title of the play is a pun on "The Twilight of the Gods", the final piece in Wagner's heroic Ring cycle of operas, which cleverly serves as a backdrop to the story, literally and figuratively. The quirky and all-too-fallible Gold family has trouble deciding about cheese slicers and what to have for dinner. Somehow, they find themselves confronted with the same types of titanic issues that face those Wagnerian gods and goddesses. As one character puts it, "The Gold family had domestic squabbles and conversations, and we also decided the fate of the world. You'll see."
On the surface the plot is simple. It is Suzanne and Rob's third wedding anniversary and they have exciting news. They are expecting a baby. Her parents and brother David are overjoyed. Rob, who works for a large pharmaceutical research firm has a series of experimental genetic tests run on the unborn child. The tests all indicate a healthy and intelligent boy. The tests also predict one more thing with almost total certainty. Something that will shake the family to its core. These ordinary people soon find themselves having to make extraordinary choices.
Tolins' script is vivid and audacious. Brilliantly conceived and executed, it touches on major social and ethical issues of our time and eloquently reminds us that no matter how far we evolve technologically, the fundamental questions of right and wrong always remain. And it does it all in a superbly entertaining way.
Artistic Director Don Bilotti says " This is an important play. I couldn't put it down. It deals in timely and powerful issues in such a delightful and theatrical way. You love these people because they're funny and imperfect. You are drawn into their predicament because you love them. You forgive their foibles because you have to ask yourself ‘What would I do in their situation?' This is terrific writing and exciting theater."
The critics are raving about 'The Twilight of the Golds'!
"It was one of the best productions we've seen anywhere - and that includes Ashland…. the audience leapt to its feet to deliver a well-deserved standing ovation….funny, profound, thought-provoking … four thumbs up."
Union Democrat"Live theatre at its best… GO SEE THIS PLAY!"
Twain Harte TimesIn its 2004 season opener, "Twilight of the Golds," Stage 3 firmly places itself in concrete as one of the areas best and brightest live theatre groups…. Like you probably do, I enjoy musicals and big, boisterous comedies as they come along. But it's very nice to sit and watch a little bit of humanity acted out by professionals once in a while, and the pros at Stage 3 really know how to deliver.
No longer a diamond in the rough, this troupe is pure gold in the Mother Lode.
Calaveras Enterprise"A true gem…. If you want to see some of the finest acting in the region, reserve tickets now for Stage 3 Theatre's "Twilight of the Golds."
Modesto Bee
Director Graham Scott Green has assembled a top notch cast. Todd Thomas, who was last seen as the long-suffering grandson Nick in "Over the River and through the Woods" returns to play the central role of David. Sarah Grimes-Emmons and Dave Lehman who were such and integral part of the comic ensemble in "Light up the Sky" will portray Phyllis and Walter. Jason Kell, who was Geoffrey in Stage 3's powerful "The Lion in Winter" plays Rob. The role of Suzanne, the woman who must make the ultimate choice, is taken by talented newcomer Wendy Miller.
The set will be designed by Denny Anderson,Chris Sutherst and Graham Scott Green. Lighting design by Matt Leamy. Scenic design by Terri Wilson and Jill Figler.
"The Twilight of the Golds" will run at Stage 3, 208 S. Green St., downtown Sonora, from February 6-March 7. Performances are on an expanding schedule. First week: Fri. and Sat., February 6 and 7. Second week: Fri. and Sat. February 13 and 14. Beginning February19, the show will run Thursday through Sunday. Curtain times are 7 pm, Thursday, 8 pm Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. Ticket prices are $12 Thursday, $15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Senior Sundays are $12. Students always $10. Call 209-536-1778 for reservations and information. Visit www.stage3.org.
For reservations or information, please call 209-536-1778, or e-mail info@stage3.org.
