First Nighters Feelin' Groovy Following World Premiere of The Happy Ones
by Ann Conway
East met West '70s-style when SCR First Nighters gathered on Ela's Terrace to celebrate the world premiere of playwright Julie Marie Myatt's The Happy Ones, after giving the play a resounding standing ovation. A sobering but humor-laced play about life's loves and losses, set in 1975, the poignantly told story weaves the tale of an Orange County man whose family is victimized and then be-friended by a newly-arrived Vietnamese immigrant.
With a tongue-in-cheek bow to the groovy decade—oh, those boldly printed tablecloths!—the Oct. 2 party was lit by Chinese lanterns and featured mouthwatering cuisine ranging from Chinese orange chicken to mini meat loaf sandwiches. Guests swayed to the '70s sounds of DJ Henry as they sipped icy Harvey Wallbangers and piled plates high with fare that also included mini-Beef Wellingtons, crab rangoon won ton, a salad bar and avocado egg rolls. Not to mention a dessert repast featuring steamin' java served up with citrus creme brulee, chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate coffee brownie bites.
The Happy Ones was directed by Martin Benson and starred Raphael Sbarge, Greg Watanabe, Nike Doukas and Jeffrey Lower.
The designers who captured the 1970s so well were Ralph Funicello, sets, which included an off-white sectional sofa; Angela Balogh Calin, costumes, complete with plaid and polyester; Paul James Prendergast’s oh-so-70s sound design and sunny California lighting by Tom Ruzika.
Mary Beth led the party “buzz,” saying, “I was very moved by the play, as was my daughter and friend, Diana. It is truly wonderful. The acting was superb; we felt the characters were very well written and very real. The play itself is outstanding and I think Julie will be a very successful playwright.”
Everyone agreed!
