Make dash for ‘Panache’
Theatre West demonstrates storytelling flair in latest show
By Sabine Wilson
For the TODAY
Theatre West’s latest production, “Panache,” written by Don Gordon, explores the unlikely love story between two adults in their 50s whose vastly different lifestyles challenge one another on the path to finding true connection.
The play delves a bit deeper into the emotional baggage these characters carry, provoking audience members to reflect on their own lives.
“These two people are stuck in their lives and are learning how to get unstuck,” Director Bonnie Ross said. “It prompts people to ask themselves, ‘Do I feel stuck? How do I change my life if I am unsatisfied?’ We get so busy in our lives and don’t take enough time to make sure we are adding beauty to the world. This play helps encourage people to explore their options.”
The story takes place in New York City where main characters Kathleen Trafalgar, a wealthy socialite, and Harry Baldwin, a fry cook, both want the same vanity license plate that reads PANACHE. Panache is a French word that refers to being flamboyant in style and confidence. Both characters feel strongly that they, though from extremely different backgrounds, should be the carriers of this license plate. This is only where their journey begins.
While exploring serious topics the production has wonderful comedic timing, making for a nice, digestible balance for members of the audience.
“It is a very funny play both with characters like Harry’s friend Jumbo and in the writing,” Ross said. “The playwright, Don Gordon, can switch from a really poignant moment and then just like that he makes you laugh. He really has a beautiful sense of comic relief.”
As Theatre West prepares to put on another wonderful show, Ross stresses the importance of theater in the community.
“Part of the job is not just to entertain but to educate,” Ross said. “And there is more appreciation when there is a quality performance. Live acting is its own art form. But ultimately it is through this form that we want to reveal our culture, learn from it and celebrate it.”
The original script for the play is unpublished, meaning it is not available in print or for distribution and sale. It also leaves room for change since Ross is able to communicate with Gordon directly.
“One of the awesome things that comes with working with an unpublished play,” Ross said. “Is that you can communicate directly with the playwright. When I have any questions about the characters, their motives or even if I have any changes I can run it by Don Gordon and we can walk through it together. It is a unique experience to be able to communicate with the writer of the play you are directing.”
As far as preparation goes, the director and cast continue to go above and beyond, volunteering a great deal of time and energy in order to bring a wonderful play to Lincoln City.
“The dynamic has been great. The cast is working incredibly hard, bringing great energy and embodying great spirit,” Ross said. “The audience gets to see our final product but not the time commitment it takes to get our production ready. We spend four nights a week of rehearsal and eight to 10 hours a week for six weeks and then spend the weekends performing. But we know the audience is pulling for the cast and we cannot wait to show Lincoln City ‘Panache.’”
Performances start at 7:30 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from October 26 through November 18, with a single matinée performance at 2 pm on Sunday, November 5. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60 and older and $12 for students 11 and younger. Theatre West is located at 3536 SE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. For more information, go to theatrewest.com or call 541-994-5663.