‘Blue
Room’ brimming with humor
By Christine G. Adamo
On-line Forty-Niner
Satin
sheets smoothed over a raised-platform bed
at center stage surrounded by seven steel
posts and stark white walls - welcome to
“The Blue Room.”
Sexual missteps and carnal deconstruction
were accented by mood-enhancing music and
comedic subtitles at Cal State Long Beach’s
Players Theatre Friday night during the
University Players’ fall debut.
 “The
Blue Room,” David Hare’s voyeuristic adaptation
of Arthur Schnitzer’s 1900 play “Reignen,”
burst forth with an energetic opening scene
and then unfolded in 10 acts starring 10
actors and actresses who infused their roles
with humor, emotion and sexual appeal.
The lighting crew gets first nods for creating
a visual wonderland and for seamlessly transitioning
between scenes. Mia Nishimura and Nika Wynnyk
used color, texture and contrast to cast
shadowy trees and sultry street scenes across
an otherwise unadorned set and used house
lights for great effect throughout the play.
The entire cast deserves credit for giving
a first-rate performance in a play that
requires it to literally strip down and
bare all in the University Players’ 2002-2003
season opener.
Mona Valentine, Hallie King and Julie Baxley
were especially endearing and convincing
as the Girl, the Model and the Actress,
respectively. Self-confidence and comfort
with their craft allowed them to be at once
vulnerable and venerable. Bravo.
Walter Peña and Joshua Breeding gave
the play’s most memorable male performances
as the Politician and the Aristocrat, additional
conspirators in the daisy chain of events
that unfold throughout the course of the
evening.
Hare’s adaptation first received critical
acclaim for its run in London and on Broadway,
which starred Nicole Kidman and Iain Glen
in a two-person power performance from 1998
to 1999.
Under Hugh O’Gorman’s direction, the roles
were more narrowly defined. No doubt in
order to make it easier for audience members
to find their own identity among the sexually-charged,
emotionally uncommitted cast of characters.
The play is O’Gorman’s first production
with the University Players. O’Gorman took
over the role as head of acting in the CSULB
theater arts department just over three
weeks ago.
All 10 actors received a well-earned round
of applause by night’s end from a near-full
house. A standing ovation would not have
been out of order for either cast or crew.
“The Blue Room” runs though Oct. 26 at the
Players Theatre, at the intersection of
Seventh Street and West Campus Drive on
the CSULB campus. Tickets are $10. Call
562-985-7000 for show times and additional
information.
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