CLOUD NINE
by Caryl Churchill

at the Bath House Cultural Center
521 East Lawther Drive at White Rock Lake
November 7-23, 2002

 

Directed by David Fisher

Featuring:
James Crawford
Tim Demsky
Donald Fowler
Chamblee Ferguson
Terri Ferguson
Lydia Mackay
Lulu Ward

Stage Management by Paul McKenzie
Set Design by Mandy Embry & Missy Desmond
Lighting Design by Russell K. Dyer
Costume Design by Thomas R. Jaekels
Sound Design by David Fisher
Props by Jen Gilson-Gilliam
Dialect Coaching by Elly Lindsay
Dramaturgy by Nathan Cole

A hilarious take-no-prisoners assault on hypocrisy, Caryl Churchill's CLOUD NINE confronts colonial and sexual repression through a gender-bent cast of characters on a century-spanning, consciousness-raising journey from colonial Africa to modern London. Society's expectations and stereotypes are brought into sharp focus as the characters, cross-cast over sexual and racial lines, struggle to fill the rigidly assigned roles of English colonials in the Victorian era. Then, transplanted to 1979 London, the characters endeavor to claim their identifies in the changing sexuality of modern times. A hit in both London and New York, CLOUD NINE is one of the most significant plays of the last quarter of the 20th century. A true feminist classic, it is about sex, work, mothers, Africa, power, children, grandmothers, politics, money, Queen Victoria ... and sex.

From the critics:

CLOUD NINE is a sublime take on sex, politics with a light touch. "Cloud Nine" means bliss in more ways than one in Echo Theatre's delightful revival ... David Fisher scores an unqualified triumph as do designers Mandy Embry, Missy Desmond and Tom Jaekels ... Donald Fowler is astonishing as Betty ... Lulu Ward is superb ... one of Echo's very best!
--Tom Sime, The Dallas Morning News

Excellent cast nails challenging CLOUD NINE production ... intoxicating ... the cast is as tight and consistently excellent as any fielded in Dallas this year ... Tim Demsky is subversively charismatic ... Lulu Ward will simply knock your socks off ... the play is grandly theatrical.
--Arnold Wayne Jones, The Voice

"A first-class production ... the laughs flow loud and long ... hilarious, imaginative comedy ... rarely has a Dallas theater, large or small, boasted such a tight ensemble of talented actors.
--Elaine Liner, The Dallas Observer

From Echo's audience:

"Really enjoyed CLOUD NINE. Well Done, Particularly Acting & Directing. Keep up your good work!"

"I loved the play. I thought it was creative and original. The acting was terrific. The night I was there the crowd really enjoyed it. Our theatre company would love to put an ad in your next programs. I think it's really important that we support each other. Congratulations on 6 years of success - it's like dog years - that's 26 years in real life!"

"This play deserved the standing ovation it received! This was really enjoyable!"

"That was an absolutely radiant performance ... I was very, very moved ... That was masterful, masterful work and it was just amazing and a joy to participate in even just being a member of the audience ... I know that we all wrestle with how deeply ingrained the gender paradigm is and that was exquisite acting from the entire cast ... I couldn't have asked for a better evening at the theatre. It was impeccable, flawless, yes I said flawless."

"You all out shone ... any other version of the play I had ever seen! ... I was blown away by the passion, artistry, talent & skill I saw on stage. It reminded me why I studied theater and ever wanted to do it. What a thrilling night!"

"Wow! That is all I can think to say. Last weekend, I saw my second Echo Theatre production, CLOUD NINE. (I've also seen AMERICAN BURKA) I'm in love! The plays are sharp, witty. They address real issues - issues we often keep secret as a society. I feel free when I am at one of your plays."

"It's wonderful that such daring work can be performed here in Dallas."

"You had a head start, because CLOUD NINE was a good script. But the production values and the acting made it a great experience!! One of the best I've ever seen, and that's compared to a lot of plays in a lot of cities over the past 50 years."

"Lulu Ward's solo piece near the end of Act Two was one of the finest bits of acting I have ever witnessed and one of the most moving, as well. As usual, a strong cast, interesting staging and excellent direction."

"I fell in love with each character and felt as though they were old friends! Thank you for sharing your talent!"

"ABSOLUTELY INTOXICATING! I found CLOUD NINE beautiful, verbose, and daring - the cast has woven a difficult script into an enveloping production of grace and style! BRAVO!"