SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Playwright Joe Penhall, Honorary Producers Linda and Tod White and Director David Emmes

Dennis and Joanne Keith, actor John Rafter Lee and Laurie and Bart Brown

Ann and Peter Leets, actor Micheal McShane and Chris and Aletha Anderson

"DUMB SHOW" AUDIENCE: 'SMART AND SMARTER'
By Ann Conway

He may have dubbed his tale about the British tabloid press, Dumb Show, but playwright Joe Penhall was quick to label a South Coast Repertory audience "highly intelligent, amazing, judicious, understanding, tasteful—the best audience I think I ever had!" following his debut here.

Penhall's gushing kudos for the crowd attending the American premiere of his play about a slipping TV comic (Micheal McShane) exploited by vulturous journalists came immediately following its Sept. 30 launch on the Julianne Argyros Stage. "This is a really intelligent audience," he observed, joining the buzzing throng that had gathered on the terrace for the post-performance celebration. "I couldn't fault them. Laughter is a sign of intelligence."

The SCR crowd guffawed in all the right places, all right, seeming to follow the dictum of one of the play's opening lines: "It's Friday night and everybody has to be silly. It's compulsory!"

What was Penhall's motivation for weaving a satiric tale about trashy reporters Liz (Heidi Dippold) and Greg (John Rafter Lee)? "To stick the knife into the British tabloid press a bit," he said, dryly. "They pervade our culture; they are everywhere, affecting social mores—you can't get a break from them. So, I wanted to have a go at them, stick the knife in a bit."

Greeting the crowd as they settled into their seats for the David Emmes-directed play—underwritten by Tod and Linda White—SCR Artistic Director Martin Benson said Penhall had told him how much he enjoyed spending time at SCR. He said to Benson: "I'd like to come back here." Benson said he replied: "Fine, bring a new play and come on back!"

The launch of the season on the Argyros Stage marked the first time recently retired Ambassador to Spain George Argyros and his wife Julia—the stage's namesake—had attended an opening night since returning from Spain. "It's a great feeling," said Julia, pre-showtime, “like coming home to something very special."

After the play, the couple raved about the actors' staying power and the play's comedic timing. "Hysterical!" Julia exclaimed. "Seeing three people carry a two-hour play is amazing—and not a weak one to be seen—each was equally strong."

Observed George: "I thought it was quite good. Great humor! I could relate."

Also on the scene, Bette & Wylie Aitken, Dori & Jamie Caillouette, Susan & Bob Ehrlich, Patricia & Chester Houston, Linda & Bob Hovee, Ann and Peter Leets, Marion and Roger Palley, Mary and Peter Tennyson.

Actor Heidi Dippold (center) with S.L. and Betty Huang	Set and costume designer Angela Balogh Calin (center) with Olivia and Andy Johnson
Actor John Rafter Lee and Playwright Joe Penhall	Actor Ann Marie Lee from the cast of last seaons's "Pinocchio," with Dori and Jamie Cailloutte

Director David Emmes, playwright Joe Penhall	Actor John Rafter Lee with Nola Schneer	OC Weekly Publisher Will Swaim and Heather Swaim