Theatre Palisades Hosts 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Show

“tick, tick… BOOM!” Begins Pierson Playhouse Run

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades celebrated the four shows of its 2023-24 season during the annual meeting and awards show on Sunday, August 11, while its latest show—“tick, tick… BOOM!”—opened soon after on the evening of Friday, September 6.

During the meeting portion of the evening on August 11, Theatre Palisades President Phil Bartolf reported that the theater is in a “renaissance,” that the prior season “surpassed expectations” with “solid audience” attendance.

The Board of Directors Election Results were announced by Hahnah Jackson, with Bartolf continuing as president, Nona Hale as VP of administration, Cynthia Wright-Banks as VP of building operations/acting treasurer, Sherman Wayne as VP of production and Rich Little as secretary.

When it comes to the awards, four shows that made up the season were up for recognition: “The Andrews Brothers,” “Towards Zero,” “Beau Jest” and “A View from the Bridge.”

The awards, hosted by Martha Hunter, Bartolf and Manfred Hofer, began with an opening number by Doug Green and Alexandra Banks, in which Green rewrites songs with lyrics about each of the shows to serve as a refresher for audience members. The program was also peppered with scenes and songs from the shows that make up the next season, which was announced by Hofer and includes “Jest A Second!” “The Wisdom of Eve,” “Deathtrap” and “Suite Surrender.”

For the Graphic Design award, Joanne Reich won for “A View from the Bridge,” while Wayne won the Set and Lighting Design awards and Susan Stangl won Sound Design for their work on “Towards Zero.”

Hunter, Maria O’Connor and Jackson won the Costume Design award for “The Andrews Brothers.” Cate Caplin was awarded Direction, while Hunter and Wayne were awarded Production, all for “A View from the Bridge.”

When it comes to acting, Jeff Coppage won Lead Actor for “Beau Jest,” while Tasha Taylor won Lead Actress for “The Andrews Brothers.”

Coppage took the stage to say he’s “never been so grateful” in his life, while Taylor noted that hers was a “dream role” with a “dream cast.”

Jason Culp won Featured Actor for “A View from the Bridge,” and Laura Goldstein won Featured Actress for “Beau Jest.”

Supporting Actor went to Andrew Chase for “A View from the Bridge,” and Supporting Actress went to O’Connor for “Towards Zero.” Joshua Farrell won Cameo Actor for his role in “A View from the Bridge.”

“tick, tick… BOOM!”

For those interested in supporting Theatre Palisades’ next season, “tick, tick… BOOM!” opened on September 6, with performances scheduled to run through October 13.

Written by Jonathan Larson (who also wrote “Rent”), the show is a “three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams,” which was first produced Off-Broadway in 2001.

“It tells the story of young Jonathan, a promising young composer on the eve of his 30th birthday,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick); his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick); and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time; and life, passes him by (Boom!).”

Directed by Lindsey Johnson, with musical director Alexander Tovar and producers Hunter and Laura Goldstein, the cast is led by Destin Bass (Jon), with Anthony Galang in the role of his best friend (Michael) and Bimei Flores as his girlfriend (Susan). Multiple roles are taken on by Charlotte Nevins (Karessa and Female #1), Katherine Rogers (Female #2) and Ian Riegler (Male #1), who pop in and out of Jonathan’s scenes as needed.

As far as a review of the show, Bass is an absolute powerhouse in the lead role, captivating the audience with his talent—which includes diving into the neurotic brain of the author in a semiautobiographical story. His energy is overflowing, which is just what the role requires.

Flores and Nevins are also dynamic in the musical—especially during a poignant rendition of “Come to Your Senses.”

Throughout the performance, each actor shines in their respective role, but when they come together for the bigger musical numbers, their voices meld together in a way that demands to be heard and appreciated. The casting for the show is A-plus work.

The show itself is an ever-green topic in terms of relatability—as most people feel an extra layer of pressure when a big birthday or anniversary looms near. The relatability of the choice added to the enjoyment of the performance, with lyrics reflecting sentiments most people have felt.

“This play it not just about a man turning 30,” Johnson wrote in the Director’s Notes. “It’s about life. It’s about artistry. It’s about relationships. It’s about wanting to leave a legacy and how desiring that so desperately can leave a path of destruction in our wake. Is it still worth it?”

Performances will take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. as well as Sundays at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org.