Looking Back at the Decade

by Matthew Falduto

Honestly, when people look back at the first decade of the new millennium, I think they're going to realize things didn't start out so well. From 9/11 to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the tsunami to Hurricane Katrina to a financial meltdown, this was not a decade to remember. However, there was one exception to this: theatre in the Iowa City area boomed in the last ten years. A small thing when compared to the tragedies listed two sentences ago, I grant you, but it is when life looks its bleakest that we need theatre the most. We need theatre to escape our real world troubles, to expand our minds with new ideas, and most importantly to exercise our emotions. All of this the Iowa City area theatres did extremely well over the past ten years. Two theatres, City Circle and Dreamwell, which both began in the late 1990s, found their footing in this decade, producing excellent shows in unique locations. Riverside, the lone professional theatre, celebrated a quarter century of quality work and created the annual Shakespeare Festival in Lower City Park. And the venerable Iowa City Community Theatre celebrated a half century of theatre and produced many memorable shows.

What follows are my lists of the best shows of Dreamwell, City Circle and ICCT from 2000 through 2009. This is extremely subjective and I don't pretend to be an unbiased observer. If you think I missed some key shows, use the comments section to express your opinion. I also asked for insight from a number of local theatre people and I've included some of their thoughts as well.

(Note: I didn't create a list of Riverside's top shows because I haven't seen enough to come up with a good list. I encourage those of you who did to share your opinions in the comments section.)

Let's start with Dreamwell, the theatre I know best. Dreamwell found its niche early in the decade and dedicated itself to bringing to stage some of the more controversial or less well known works. Thought-provoking theatre became their motto. This was perhaps the most difficult list to create. It's sort of like choosing which of your children you like best. But I gave it my best try.

Top Five Dreamwell Shows:

5. The Book of Liz (2004) - One of Dreamwell's most successful shows, David Sedaris' quirky comedy about a nun who leaves her religious community to try her luck in the outside world was performed by Dreamwell twice in the past decade. The title character was expertly portrayed by Chris Hunt and each of the other actors portrayed multiple roles. The laughs never stopped in this satirical masterpiece.

4. The Pillowman (2008) - Probably one of the most intense evenings of theatre in the past decade, this show addressed an interesting question: what are the responsibilities of the storyteller? If others act because of something we've written, are we at all to blame for their actions? It is also an exciting thriller with a gripping mystery that examines the bonds shared by brothers. Director Josh Sazon found excellent actors and created such an intense show, I, as the father of three young girls, had to turn away from the action.

3. That Day in September (2007) - 9/11 is still not an easy subject for us to talk about, let alone experience in dramatic form on stage. As far as I can remember, no other theatre in the Iowa City area directly tackled this subject and for that alone, Dreamwell has to be commended. The show was originally a one person vehicle, but we chose (with the playwright's blessing) to re-create it as an ensemble piece with each of the varied actors portraying protagonist Artie Van Why as he experienced 9/11 at Ground Zero.

2. Master Harold... and the Boys (2009) - One of Dreamwell's most recent shows, it was directed by one of the legends of Iowa City area theatre: Rachael Lindhart. As typical with Dreamwell shows, it featured a simple, yet effective set. Ro Lloyd and Thomas Henrich's heartbreaking performances as well as the strong direction made this one of Dreamwell's most memorable shows.

1. Corpus Christi (2001) - This show is an excellent example of what Dreamwell has often done very well - create a show simply, focusing on storytelling rather than big sets and elaborate costumes. An extremely controversial show as it tells the Christ story from a homosexual point of view, it is uplifting and intense and opens this classic story of faith to a population that is shunned by many Christian churches. Expertly directed by Matthew Brewbaker, with a committed cast, this show is one to remember.

Other Dreamwell shows that were mentioned by theatre folks included Glengarry Glen Ross (which had incredible performances by Gerry Roe, Matthew Brewbaker and Adam Fauser, to name just three), Kimberly Akimbo, Valparaiso, and Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol.

ICCT is the grandfather of the Iowa City area theatre community. Most of their shows were performed at the Fairgrounds although they did venture into the remodeled Englert Theatre in the past decade as well. ICCT has had its ups and downs over the past ten years. Here's hoping they can right the ship and sail smoothly for another decade.

Top Five ICCT shows:

5. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (2002-03) - The actors in this show made it stand out. Paul G. Thelan lead the group as McMurphy, but two supporting cast members really stood out - Luis Sierra as Chief Bromden and Danny Fairchild as Billy Bibbit. Also notable about this production was the use of an original score created by Thomas Stirling.

4. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (2000-01) - This musical had many memorable performances, including Thomas Williams in the title role. (Are you ever coming back to Iowa, Thomas? We miss you!) But TJ Besler as Snoopy stole the show. His energetic and crowd pleasing performance brought the show to life.

3. Bus Stop (2008-09) - This recent ICCT production showcased the talents of husband and wife team Kehry Lane and Rachel Korach Howell. They've been popping all over the place in recent years and the characters they inhabit always ring true. That was certainly the case with ICCT's version of this classic American play. Fine supporting performances by Jeremy Ping and Jeff Emrich and excellent direction by Luis Sierra made this an ICCT show of the decade.

2. Wait Until Dark (2000-01) - As I talked to people about this project, everyone mentioned how it's impossible to be objective about shows they were involved with. I almost left this show off the list because of my obvious bias (I directed it), but in the end, I couldn't. Excellent performances by Matthew Brewbaker, Jeremy Ping and Paul Chakrin made this a show to remember. Brewbaker in particular turned in a riveting performance as the evil Roat. But Wait Until Dark should be most remembered for introducing Iowa City area audiences to the immensely talented Kristy Hartsgrove, who portrayed Suzy Hendrix, the blind woman who turns the tables on Roat. Hartsgrove recently returned to Iowa City and immediately found herself in a number of Riverside shows.

1. Fiddler on the Roof (2005-06) - The other shows on this list, I saw. This one, I missed, to my regret. So I will leave it to Chris Okiishi to explain why it was one of the best shows of the decade: "The ICCT team pulled it off with a HUGE production, using every inch of the Englert stage in a way I had never seen before and rarely since. Set pieces flying in, wide expanses of color across the back, and a cast to bank on led by a professional-level Tevye (Jonathon Swenson). And the un-mic-ed cast was understandable and audible above the perfectly directed orchestra. Sublime."

Some of the other ICCT shows mentioned by theatre folks included The House of Blue Leaves, Man of la Mancha, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Baker's Wife.

City Circle is willing to tackle any kind of show. They produce the big musicals, original work, and smaller dramatic shows as well. And they understand the concept of partnership very well. Their connection to the city of Coralville will lead them into a brand new performance space just a couple of years from now. They have worked in concert with the Iowa Children's Museum to create a number of family friendly shows. They have a loyal following of artists and audience so it's safe to say we'll be creating another list like this for them in ten years.

Top Five City Circle shows:


5. Santaland Diaries (2003) - One cannot create a list like this without including Santaland Diaries. Such a successful show, it was re-created many years since it 2003 debut. And each time, Tim Budd, one of the heroes of Iowa City area theatre, offered a hilarious and biting take on Christmas and the holiday season.

4. Seussical (2006) - This show makes it onto the list despite my personal opinion that it's a pretty weak musical as written. However, what made this show memorable was the collaboration involved. City Circle and the Iowa Children's Museum worked together to create a show and an exhibit. Visitors to the Museum could watch the set be built from the ground up and even participate in the decoration and design. This sort of community involvement in a show was and is unprecedented and earns this show a place on the list.

3. Cabaret (2006) - I have to admit, I did not see Cabaret. However, as I polled various theatre people, this show was on everyone's list. It starred the talented Rachel Korach Howell as Sally Bowles and Tim Budd as Cliff (notice how certain names keep popping up on this list?). And it was directed by one of the most talented directors in the area - Michael Stokes.

2. Frozen (2008) - A terribly powerful and emotional show, Frozen demonstrated what a great director can create with an excellent script and talented actors. Steven Hunt, who has since left snowy Iowa for snowier Alaska, carefully calculated each actors' movements for maximum effect. The stark, multi-level set suggested the title and reminded the audience of the cold heart of its central character. Matthew James as the murderer was mesmerizing to watch. He has since shown his amazing range in many other productions throughout the area. This was a show that stuck in my gut and remains there to this day, churning and turning within me.

1. Metamorphoses (2004) - One of the most uniquely staged productions of the decade, Metamorphoses was done in the outdoor Coralville pool. This lead to entrances from under the water and via a water slide. This sort of imaginative and exciting work is an inspiration to all theatre creators in the area. Kudos to director Chris Okiishi for a truly one of a kind theatrical experience.

Other City Circle shows noted by theatre folks included A Year with Frog and Toad, The Full Monty, 1776, Catching the Babies and Rent (the high school version).

So there you have it. The best of the decade in my humble opinion. If you have a different viewpoint, please share it in the comments section. And as we move into 2010 and beyond, remember to keep supporting local theatre in the Iowa City area. Happy New Year!

And be sure to check out James Trainor's take on theatre in Cedar Rapids in the past decade here.

(Metamorphoses picture taken by Denny Crall.)