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The Big C Stands for Cynical
by Roger Martin on July 11, 2010
The Big C Stands for Cynical
It's an old tale – you've got it, I want it. Loyalty's good – in its place. Only the slippery survive. Blackout on will she or won't she?
The Caldwell Theatre's summer show Secret Order is described in the Playbill as a comedic thriller. No, it's not. Not really. It's got some smart, funny lines but not much humor. A few thrills, perhaps, but it's mostly absorbing scenes of people doing what people do – striving to win. And of course they'd like to cure cancer along the way.
Young Dr William Shumway (Nick Duckart) makes a breakthrough in his cancer research. Older Dr. Robert Block (Gordon McConnell) recruits him and even older Dr. Saul Roth (Howard Elfman) pulls the puppet strings. And, no surprise, there's a twenty-one-year-old college girl (Katie Cunningham) complicating things.
A good cast here at the Caldwell. The younger actors, Duckart who gets better with each show, and Cunningham, work well with veterans McConnell, unusually line booting here and there, and Elfman, who is always solid and excels in the second act.
There's a minimalist set by Tim Bennett and lights by Tom Salzman with Randy Tico contributing bubbling beaker music. Directed by Tom Bloom, Secret Order is a cynical show that never quite goes where one expects and is all the stronger for that. And not once did I look at my watch.
Secret Order runs through August 1 at The Caldwell Theatre, 7901 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Call 877.245.7432 or www.caldwelltheatre.com.
Editor's Note: This press release was posted after Roger Martin had reviewed the play.
For Immediate Release: June 11, 2010 1:00 PM
Actor Gordon McConnell Hospitalized
Well known South Florida actor Gordon McConnell was taken to hospital between the matinee and evening performance of Secret Order at Caldwell Theatre on June 10th. McConnell was performing the leading role of Dr. Bob Brock. He began to feel disoriented and the Caldwell management immediately cancelled the evening performance.
McConnell underwent a battery of tests and continues to be monitored. He spent the night in the hospital and was resting comfortably. At this time no other information was provided.
“Obviously at this time, our foremost concerns are with Gordon and his family,” stated Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director. “We are hopeful and optimistic that he will have a speedy recovery.”
For the afternoon performance on July 11, Tom Bloom (director of the production) will be stepping in to the role.
“We are overwhelmingly comfortable with Tom’s ability to perform the role and provide continuity for our patrons”, said Cholerton. “We can insure that there will not be anymore missed performances throughout the run.”
Secret Order
By Bob Clyman
July 7 – August 1, 2010
William Shumway………………….………….……..Nick Duckart
Robert Brock ……………...…………………...............Tom Bloom
Alice Curtin ……………………………...….…Katie Cunningham
Saul Roth …………………………………..……...Howard Elfman
Director …………………………………….………..…Tom Bloom
Stage Manager ………………………………..…….James Danford
Scenic Designer ………………………………….…....Tim Bennett
Lighting Designer ……………………………….Thomas Salzmann
Costume Designer …………………………………Alberto Arroyo
Evenings: Wednesday – Saturday at 8:00p.m.
Matinees: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00p.m.
Prices $38 and $45 Students $10.00
Order by phone 561-241-7432 or 877-245-7432
Order on line caldwelltheatre.com
Group Rates available 561-995-2333
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