If there is anything that can tame a blustery Northwest March, it’s the Fairhaven Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Fairhaven College’s theatre program may have descended into the doldrums over the past couple of years, but it has been resurrected with a vengeance. Last week, it was the rollicking Reefer Madness. This week, it’s the Bard’s enchanting fantasy.

I had a chance to chat with Midsummer director Michael Burnett during intermission and found that we share a directorial philosophy. Cast the best actors available, then get the hell out of the way and let their creativity take over. It usually results in a sensational show and the director, who has done little but make wise casting choices, can sit back and take all the credit. It’s not quite that simple, but I don’t want to give away too many theatrical secrets.

This production doesn’t try to get clever by setting the play in some other time frame than what was originally intended. It’s a straightforward and honest interpretation that will delight Bard purists, but may try the patience of those who have come to expect versions that cater to reduced attention spans. Get over it. This is Bard as he is spoke.

The cast is rock-solid and everyone deserves a mention. As usual, space limitations and the fact that I have to go to my day job in the morning prevent me from carrying on too long, so I apologize to those who didn’t make the highlight reel.

If played properly, the character of Puck should own this show. Rachel Chapman fulfills those expectations with manic energy and outstanding physicality. Her supposed boss, Oberon, is portrayed with put-upon patience by Benjamin Chambers. Their efforts to match the correct lovers are what drive the plot. Kiki Penoyer somehow manages to be both elegant and powerful as Oberon’s paramour Titania.

Puck and Oberon plot mischief in the Fairhaven College production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Photo credit - Christopher Key

The sub-plot involves a very amateur production of Pyramus and Thisbe, coordinated to demented perfection by Roland C. Carette-Myers as Peter Quince. His lead actor is Nick Bottom, one of Shakespeare’s consummate fools, played by Brian Toews. He somehow brings an unassailable dignity to the role, even when playing an ass.

There are two sets of lovers, often star-crossed, who are victimized by Oberon, Puck and the denizens of the faerie forest. Lysander and Demetrius, the masculine rivals, are played by Spencer Kovacevich and Kristien Ruggiero-Upton. They inspire the lines comparing lovers with madmen.

Their distaff foils, Hermia and Helena, give them a battle of the sexes that the women seem to win. Anna Hashman is particularly strong as Helena and Katelynn Walker is delightfully innocent as Hermia.

No production of Midsummer would be complete without some young actors portraying Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Mustardseed, The Changeling Boy and Moth. In this case, they are Jane Nelson, Naomi Burnett, Jake Nelson, Callum McAllister and Melloy Nelson. They are enchanting and remarkably professional in their stage presence.

Director Burnett has chosen to stage this production in the round and it works like magic. Not to mention the evocative lighting by Kate Moore and Kiana Hamilton. Evie Danger Shepherd designed the wonderful costumes.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays Thursday – Saturday, March 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairhaven College Theatre. There are 2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14. Admission is by donation and that’s a bargain at twice the price.

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The Skagit Opera opened its two week run of Puccini’s beloved opera, Madam Butterfly, at McIntyre Hall led by its rising international star conductor, Alastair Willis, 2009 Grammy nominee for “Best Classical Recording.” Willis’ dramatic conducting produced a fine, nuanced performance of electrifying intensity.

Madam Butterfly, one of the all-time favorite operas, full of passion and pathos, tells the story of the love between an American sailor and a Japanese Geisha during the opening of Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. Leading an international star cast, German soprano Christina Kowalski singing the demanding title role for the first time in the United States, portrayed a character of extraordinary complexity, dramatic and poignant. Tenor Stephen Rumph, the handsome and rakish Pinkerton, produced a lovely legato that was both soaring and unspeakably tender. New York City Opera veteran baritone, Charles Robert Stephen sang gorgeously and acted flawlessly as the sympathetic counsel, Sharpless. Seattle Opera regulars, Sarah Mattox and Karl Marx Reyes gave polished and idiomatic performances of Suzuki and Goro, equal to any on the national opera scene today.

The beautiful set, evocative of an old Japan, redolent with cherry blossoms, shoji screens and pale moonlight, provides a admirable frame for the unfolding drama.

Photo credit - John Janson

Skagit Opera performs in Mt Vernon at McIntyre Hall, a beautiful, intimate venue noted for its excellent acoustics, designed by the same firm that designed Benaroya Hall in Seattle. With ticket prices one-quarter that of the Seattle Opera, the Skagit Opera is an amazing bargain. Their performances should not be missed by any anyone who appreciates live classical vocal music. Remaining tickets at the box office http://www.skagitopera.org.

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Somewhere in the second act of Reefer Madness: The Musical, I realized that my face hurt. That’s from grinning like a Cheshire cat from the very beginning. In fact, I had what used to be referred to as “an illegal smile.” Only this time, there were no controlled substances involved. The Fairhaven Student Theatre Group production is a thoroughly uncontrolled substance and a perfectly legal high.

This musical satire of the 1936 film debuted in 1998 with book and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and music by Dan Studney. The original was a propaganda piece worthy of Leni Riefenstahl and promoted by America’s first drug czar, Harry Anslinger. It became something of a cult classic in the 1960s when marijuana became the drug of choice among my generation.

Bellingham’s theatrical Renaissance Woman Lacey Anne Oleson directs this racy romp with a sure hand and an obvious delight in the material. It’s the senior project of the stunningly talented Vanessa Mills and if she doesn’t get an A+, there ain’t no justice.

Vanessa Mills' senior project is the sensational Reefer Madness at Fairhaven College. Photo credit- Christopher Key

There are very few shows that manage to blow me away from beginning to end, but this is one of them. The cast is smashing, the choreography is sensational, the costumes are titillating and the music is magical. Everybody involved deserves a mention, but I have to go to work tomorrow and will have to highlight only a few.

Reefer Madness features fabulous choreography by Becca Orlowski. Photo credit - Christopher Key

The aforementioned Ms. Mills perfectly personifies innocence and corruption as she is seduced into the netherworld of drug abuse. Her boyfriend, manically portrayed by Andy Reinhardt, mirrors both the innocence and corruption with frightening accuracy. Matt Frye, as The Lecturer, is as serious as a felony bust and doubles a couple of minor parts.

Zach Wymore is as sleazy as Glenn Beck in his role as the corrupter of the nation’s youth. His partner in crime is played with both brassiness and sensitivity by Amalia Larson. One of the highlights of the production is Kyle Mitchell’s show-stopping performance as the most demented denizen of the Drug Den. Genevieve Dunn convincingly channels Betty Boop as a nymphomaniacal pothead, a rather impressive achievement.

The original film was financed by a religious group, so it should not be surprising that both Jesus and the Devil have prominent roles. Joe Homes gives us a rather jovial Jesus who might be suspected of indulging in…nahhhh. Melissa Schenter is perfect as the loyal opposition. You may think of Joan of Arc as an innocent, but the sexy Kiki Penoyer presents another point of view. The manager of the local lunch counter where the good kids hang out has a dark side, nicely embodied by Hannah Crichton. No production set in this era should be without a placard girl and Jana Gueck makes the role sing.

Jana Gueck offers a pointed reminder to certain members of my generation. Photo credit - Christopher Key

There has been a lot of buzz about this production and, as a result, it is nearly sold out. What few seats are left can be reserved by e-mailing reefermadnessmusical420@gmail.com. Do it right now, because this show packs the punch of BC Bud and is as much fun as you can have without…well, you know.

There is adult language and content, not recommended for young children.

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Whatcom Community College always seems to be seething with young talent ready to take on the world. The Second Annual Student Showcase, playing March 3 – 6 at the Syre Student Center Black Box Theatre, is a sort of post-modern Chautauqua that offers something for everyone.

The festivities start with I Am Not Batman, a four-part piece written by Marco Ramerez and directed by Todd Gibbs, WCC’s answer to Tim Burton. Interwoven among the other acts, Ramerez’s script examines some of the subliminal aspects of the Dark Knight that the movies left out. Actors Rodney DeJager, Maddy Gold, Christina Canton and Katie Dec take us on a sometimes giddy and often touching exploration of the pop culture hero’s id.

Taking Shape is a modern dance and movement work choreographed by the imaginative Hannah Lindberg. Dancers Elsa Mansfield, Janell Murphy, Alyssa Hamilton, Michelle MacLean, Jake Martin, Jen Skaer, Glenn Clark, Danielle Comchoc, Danielly Boylen and Jeremy Larsen are both energetic and hypnotic. They weave an enchanting tapestry about the stage, freezing briefly into lovely tableaux.

Photo credit - Christopher Key

Hip-hop dance has evolved from individual showboating into a legitimate art form, as evidenced by the WCC Hip-Hop Club. Exuberant and frequently witty, dancers Jake Martin, Felix Li, Kyuha Lee, Elaine Cheung, Makaila MacLean, Stan Hui, Mary Thai, Taka Namiki and Ariel Smith lead us on a merry chase through the urban jungle.

Anger management, or the lack thereof, is the theme of Untitled Play. Directed by Brooke Minkler and Colleen Ames, this a brief vignette in which Danielle Comchoc and Selina Flannery play roommates who know how to take the fun out of dysfunctional.

Tim Greger shows off some impressive writing and directing chops with a delightful confection called Further Ado. It boldly goes where Noises Off has never gone before. I won’t spoil the fun for you by getting too specific. Two of my fave WCC actors, Emily Lester and Trevor Van Houten, own the stage as usual, but Nick Twietmeyer, Stephane Potter and Alice Despopoulos give them a serious run for their money.

The whole shebang runs about an hour and you’ll wish it went on much longer. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved by calling (360) 383-3852.

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Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is one of the iconic musicals in American theatre. Based on James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, the production is a daunting challenge, both because of the large cast and because of the complex technical requirements. Bellingham High School and director Teri Grimes pull it off with the aplomb expected from a program of this caliber.

If you’ve never seen South Pacific, you need to add it to your bucket list. If you have seen it before, this production won’t disappoint in the slightest. It delivers all the power and charm of the story in one of the best venues Whatcom County has to offer.

April Hoag is as corny as Kansas in August, just the way Ensign Nellie Forbush is supposed to be. Her surprisingly mature voice will blow you away. Her paramour, Emile DeBecque, is played to perfection by Adam Bigelow. He is totally believable as an older man and his French accent is flawless.

April Hoag and Adam Bigelow star in South Pacific, opening this week at Bellingham High School. Photo credit - Christopher Key

No bartender could concoct a spicier Bloody Mary than Olivia Shrum. Her powerful voice and astonishing stage presence are riveting. Brad Anderson honed his talents at Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth and that training serves him well in his role as the consummate con-man Luther Billis. He also looks pretty good in a cocoanut bra. The rather naïve Lt. Joseph Cable is portrayed with subtlety by Finnegan Hopper. His object of love interest is Liat, Bloody Mary’s daughter. Danielle DeLisle is both innocent and seductive in the role

Andreas Hewitt demonstrates an amazing vocal range as Stewpot. The two military officers trying to hold a chaotic base together are played to parade-ground perfection by Will Lewis and Kell Brauer. Of course, there are two totally enchanting children in the show who play DeBecque’s kids. Kayla Marianis and Ashton Toctocan prove that W.C. Fields was right in refusing to share the stage with such scene-stealers.

There are way too many outstanding performances in this production to list them all and that’s a shame because this show goes way beyond what is expected from a high school show. The choral numbers are thrilling thanks to Vocal Director Linda Short. Maestro Mark Schlichting conducts the orchestra that sounds like something beyond high school expectations.

Teri Grimes not only trains fabulous actors, but fabulous techies, as well. The lighting, sound and set design are up to her usual standards. Grimes admits that the fabulous backdrop was rented at great expense. It’s worth it. It’s totally seductive and helps make the show rock. The BHS theatre program should be appreciated as one of the best in the nation and nothing will drive that home more than seeing South Pacific.

South Pacific plays February 25 through March 7. Tickets are $8 and available at the door or at the ASB office. See http://bellingham.bellinghamschools.org/ for more information.

Don’t miss this Enchanted Evening.

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Almost every Dr. Seuss character comes to life as 18 talented children fill the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth stage with joyful enthusiasm, dancing and singing. Seussical, the Musical features thirty-two songs and over forty different characters light up the stage in this whimsical telling of Horton the Elephant, directed by Mattie Wheeler.

Horton, played by Hailey Chrysler, is on a mission to rescue the Whos, hatch the egg and save the day. That’s a tall order for one elephant. Along the way he meets plenty of helpful friends and encounters quite a few hindrances too. Hailey is wonderful as our 100 percent faithful hero.

Some standout performances include Madicyn McCallum as Cat, Cat In The Hat, that is. The Cat starts off the show and always seems to be around when trouble is brewing. Elsie Dank is wonderful as JoJo Who, the wide-eyed child with the big imagination. Melissa Burke-Manwaring plays Gertrude McFuzz, a very sweet little bird who just wants Horton to notice her. Anaya Seegers is amazing as Amazing Mayzie. Her jazzy song and dance routines and interactions with the other characters are vampishly funny. The Bird Girls, Emma Ritchie, Liliana Peau, and Alyssa Walters are a delight to watch. Edie Braimes is great as the Sour Kangaroo, who, along with the Wickersham Brothers, MacKenzie Knapp, Kyle Wayne, and Shanny Hujei, are always making trouble for Horton.

A rainbow of cute costumes and clever set pieces add vivid color and Seussian style to this delightful journey through some very familiar places such as McElligott’s Pool, Circus McGurkus, the Jungle of Drool and the deep blue sea.

With musical direction by Steve Barnes and Aaron Pernell, and choreography by Mary Evans, it’s easy to see that the months of hard work have paid off.

Seussical, The Musical. is sure to please kids of all ages who always seem to love Dr. Seuss.

Seussical, The Musical runs from February 19th through 28th at BAAY, 1059 N. State Street. Shows at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, February 19, 20, 26 and 27. 2:00 matinees on Saturday and Sundays, February 20, 21, 27, and 28. $10 tickets available through www.brownpapertickets.com or take your chance at the door. A wild and wacky – and fully working – brass Seuss instrument has been donated to BAAY for raffle during the run of the show.

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This season, the Bellingham Theatre Guild is presenting a special indulgence for its audiences. Finger Foods, an evening of short plays written by Seattle author Nina Shengold, and directed by Sean Walbeck.

The stories are portraits of adult life. Some are wildly funny while others are poignant and personal. A treat for anyone who enjoys their entertainment a little sweet, a little savory and sprinkled with spicy dialog.

In Forty To Life, Susie (Diana Powell) faces a line up of her past loves while Paul (Alan Birdsall) relives his tortured middle school years in a funny and irreverent examination of why our past governs our future.

Lives of the Great Waitresses is a look at the aspirations of youth. Each waitress has a different take on the new girl (Jessika Maria Houston) each from a different stage in her career.

Lush Life offers a somber and poignant glimpse into the world of mental illness and homelessness. Kevin Lee is the forlorn street musician. Is he disconnected with his past or is Sarah, played by Merrilyn Jones, inventing a past life for both of them?

In Emotional Baggage, abandonment issues abound in this hilarious look at life from your luggage’s point of view. Sean Sposari is wonderful as Rollo the shabby well-worn duffel bag that has seen the rougher side of the baggage compartment but still keeps hope alive. Kudos to Josef Shaffer for the stilettos!

Finger Foods is a comical examination of the plight of hand models. Josef Shaffer and Jessika Maria Houston offer up a hilarious picture of professional jealousy and barely suppressed desires.

No Shoulder is a touching first-person look into a subject that is both personal and controversial. Diana Powell and Paige Lord are wonderful as two lost souls on a dark and lonely highway.

In Everything Must Go, Karen (Amy Landino) is having a yard sale. With the help of Leila (Noelle Angelika Kurzen) she lays out her emotional baggage for sale and is surprised to find out who is shopping for a bargain.

There are so many enjoyable moments throughout this evening of fast-paced one-acts, including the interpretative dance interludes which were splendidly choreographed by Jessika Maria Houston.

Photo credit - David Cohn

Each member of this very talented ensemble cast has their opportunity to shine and each audience member will come away with their own interpretation of this presentation, which in itself is quite a treat.

Finger Foods runs from February 18th through 28th at the Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H Street in Bellingham. Call the box office at 360-733-1811 for tickets and show information. Or get your tickets at the door. Note: special show pricing is in effect. Members/Donors $5, and General Admission $8. There are no seats assigned.

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In the early 1900s, radium was the latest and greatest cure-all for everything from cancer to rheumatism. It was added to tonics and beauty aids and also used to illuminate dials for clocks and other instruments.

Radium Girls, directed by Shawn Fuller, is the gripping story of the young factory workers who painted radium on watch faces and dials.

Standout performances abound throughout this production, most notably the Radium Girls themselves. Brianna Purdie, Michelle Purdie, and Delaney Saul are the young, naïve teens who are just happy to have good paying jobs and promising futures. Brianna is superb as Grace, the courageous young woman whose bright future comes to a painful halt as she deals with the loss of her friends, the deterioration of her body, and her own personal battle for justice.

Radium Girls Brianna Purdie, Delaney Saul and Michelle Purdie tempt fate in the production of the same name opening this week at Lynden's Claire vg Thomas Theatre. - Photo credit: Christopher Key

Christopher Key gives an outstanding performance as Mr. Roeder, the ethically conflicted president of the US Radium Corporation. Patrick Lee is excellent as the greedy company man, Mr. Lee. Beth Tyne and Josh Henry are great as the competing news reporters offering their own bit of whimsy to the story while at the same time showing us the ravenous side of the press. Earl Reid shows off his acting chops in his many diverse characters, including the corporate scientist who knows the effects of exposure first hand. Rounding out the cast are five very talented women (Susan Duncan, Christy Ham, Carole May, Joan Prinz, and Ramona Stumpf) who play a variety of pivotal characters.

So often stories like these are told as great courtroom drama, or from the perspective of the “white knight” swooping in to save the day, à la Erin Brockovich. Radium Girls is about the girls and the far-reaching effect their personal ordeal had on public health and safety. Does this sort of thing still happen? Is it limited to just America? Just asking the questions throws light on the subject.

Radium Girls runs from February 17th through March 7th at the Claire vg Theater, 655 Front Street in Lynden. For tickets and show information call 360-354-4425 or on the Web at http://www.clairevgtheatre.org/

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Valentine’s Day, a sunny afternoon and a Whatcom Symphony Orchestra concert. It doesn’t get much better than that. As Maestro Roger Briggs noted, there was a certain family feeling about the whole thing. Samuel Adler, who wrote the latest work in the American Composers series, studied with the legendary Aaron Copland. Christopher Theofanadis, who composed the bassoon concerto performed by guest artist Martin Kuuskman, studied with Adler.

Adler’s work, All Nature Plays led off the concert. The composer himself was in attendance and described what inspired the work. Apparently, he was sitting on his back deck when a rabbit leaped out of the woods and proceeded to roll around on his back, kicking his feet in the air. A hare-raising experience, no doubt. The playfulness of the rabbit and the accompanying bird songs provided the necessary inspiration.

It’s a difficult piece for the orchestra, with the various sections tossing musical phrases back and forth in a playful manner. The WSO brought it off with aplomb and elicited some appreciative chuckles from the audience at one particularly witty part. A tip of the hat to the percussionists who had a rather busy time of it.

Franz Schubert provided the second piece on the program with his Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major. It’s a lovely and rather subdued work that was unfortunately spoiled for some by two unbelievably rude people who talked nonstop through the performance. I was sitting near the back and it turned out that the yakkers were the Mount Baker Theatre technicians. They, of all people, should bloody well know better. I had a chat with an usher during intermission and peace reigned for the rest of the concert. Lovely work by the orchestra despite my being somewhat distracted.

Bassoonist Martin Kuuskman is a genuine superstar who was born in Estonia, but now makes his home here in Whatcom County. He’s had many works composed specifically for him and it’s easy to understand why. His virtuosity is stunning and his lungs must be the size of the Goodyear blimp, despite his slender frame. Christopher Theofandis dedicated his Concerto for Bassoon and Chamber Orchestra to Kuuskmann and it’s hard to imagine anyone else even attempting it. The audience was on its feet at the end and Kuuskman obliged everyone with a brief encore.

Maestro Briggs and the orchestra put an exclamation point at the end of the concert with Aaron Copland’s beloved Appalachian Spring. What better way to leave a concert that with “Simple Gifts” embedded in your internal soundtrack? Props to the woodwinds and pianist Andrea Rackl. Impresario extraordinaire Jack Frymire said after the program, “That’s the cleanest I’ve ever heard them play.” I couldn’t have said it better and won’t even try.

Next on the WSO calendar is a March 14 concert featuring Gustav Holst’s The Planets and Edvard Grieg’s immortal Piano Concerto. See www.whatcomsymphony.com for more details and call the MBT box office at (360) 734-6080 to reserve your tickets.

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Revered director from Western Washington University Jim Lortz is set to direct “Once Upon a Mattress” at the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth. Students ages 10 to 13 years old are invited to audition for Sat., Feb. 13th from 10 am to 12:30 pm at the BAAY studios, 1059 N. State St. Students will sing, dance and act, and need to be there for the full audition time. Callbacks will be held Sun. Feb. 14th from 12 to 2 pm. For more information, please call 306-1543 or click www.baay.org. Instructional fee applies if cast.

Auditions for Little Shop of Horrors at BAAY

Students ages 13 to 15 years old are invited to audition Little Shop of Horrors at Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, directed by David Post on Sat., Feb. 20th from 10 am to 12:30 pm at 1059 N. State St. Students will sing, dance and act, and need to be there for the full audition time. Callbacks will be held Sun. Feb. 21st from 12 to 2 pm. For more information, please call 306-1543 or click www.baay.org. Instructional fee applies if cast. Lisa Markowitz is the dynamic choreographer of this unforgettable show.

Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap” performing at BAAY Rep!

Audiences are invited to test their wits in the stunning Agatha Christie whodunnit “The Mousetrap”, performed by the actors of BAAY Repertory Theatre. Shows are at the BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St., and run March 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7 pm with Sunday matinees at 2 pm on March 21 and 28. All seats are $10 and tickets may be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com.