Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast

Woody Sez
Asolo Rep


David Finch, David M. Lutken, Helen Jean Russell, and Darcie Deaville
Asolo Rep has imported Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie to end their 2014-15 season. The season is the third to be focused on The American Character, so this production is a fine fit. Devised by David M. Lutken, who plays Woody, with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell, and Andy Teirstein and directed by Nick Corley, this production has been touring intermittently since its first production at The Edinburgh Festival in 2007. The difficult part of developing a show such as this is the balance between the dramatic parts, where we learn about Woody's life, and the music. This is especially difficult when the life in question was as fragmented as this one was. After the first act I wasn't sure that I was happy with the balance—too much about Guthrie's life, shortchanging the music—but the second act is all about the music, and thus we learn almost nothing about the end of the man's life. The second act segment about the relationship between Guthrie and up and comer Pete Seeger misses the complexities of how the men effected each other. Guthrie was first a mentor to Seeger, but the roles completely reversed as Seeger became a major force in commercial folk music and reached back to help Guthrie.

The music-making on the stage is superlative, and the three supporting performers are each virtuosos, playing many different instruments which include violins, various strummed instruments (guitars of course, banjo, mandolin), harmonica, jew's harp, penny whistle, double bass, and lord knows what I have forgotten. David M. Lutken is not as versatile, but he has to play Woody as well as his musical chores. David Finch and Darcie Deaville engage in fiddle challenges, both being fine players. Ms. Deaville also solos often on the mandolin while Mr. Finch handles banjo chores. Ms. Russell is featured on double bass, autoharp, dulcimer, and a 3/4-size guitar. This is an entirely acoustic performance, not one microphone in sight. All of the performers show a great understanding of where this music came from and they play with authentic style.

After every Sunday performance the cast assembles on the balcony level of the theater for a hootenanny, in which other performers are welcomed on whatever instruments they bring. I stayed for a while after the performance I attended and I can report that everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. There was an adorable young man who played bongos quite well.

Woody Sez is a fine way to usher out another season at Asolo Rep. Sarasota Audiences are sure to be entertained.

Asolo Repertory Theater presents Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie through June 21, 2015, at the Mertz Theater in the FSU Center. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida. Box Office (941) 351-8000. For more information visit www.asolorep.org.

Cast: (in order of appearance) David M. Lutken*
Darcie Deaville
David Finch*
Helen Jean Russell*
*Member of Actor's Equity Association

Directed by Nick Corley
Music Direction by David M. Lutken
Associate Director: Sherry Lutken
Scenic Designer: Luke Canatarella
Costume Designer: Jeffrey Meek
Lighting Design: Seth Reiser
Sound Design: Matthew Parker< br>Production Stage Manager: Kelly A. Borgia*
Assistant Stage Manager: Marguerite Price


Gary M. Sweetman

--William S. Oser