2008 Woodie Awards
Woody On The Fred
Woody Allen's Riverside Drive Comes to the Fred Stone Theater
Megan Borkes
Issue date: 1/29/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Those who have already been to productions at the Fred Stone Theater (also known as the "second stage") know what to expect when they go see shows there. Whatever play it is probably has some coarse language, maybe a little violence, perhaps even some dark comedy thrown in to get a few uncomfortable chuckles out of the audience. Through all this, though, those who frequent the performances at the Fred know that whatever the play is, it is going to be something fresh and edgy - something that makes the audience go "Well, that was different." Woody Allen's "Riverside Drive," the newest second stage production, is no different.
Directed by senior Eli Green, "Riverside Drive" is what most people would expect out of a Woody Allen comedy: dark, dark, dark. It all starts with a problem: Jim Swain, a successful screenwriter, is looking to break off an extra-marital affair with a woman named Barbara. While waiting for her to show up so he can finally "do the deed," as it were, he meets a homeless man, Fred, who seems to know Jim's entire life story. What ensues is a plot laden with confessions and plot twists. To reveal anything more about the story would take away from the experience of actually seeing it.
"What originally drew me to this piece was simply Woody Allen himself," Green said. "I've been a big fan of Woody Allen since I first heard one of his stand-up records when I was about six years old. He has such an amazing way of making a big deal out of everyday life, but at the same time creating characters and situations that aren't meant to be taken seriously at all. This is the neurotic mindset from which 'Riverside Drive' comes."
Finding themselves thrust into this "neurotic mindset" are Max Hilend as Jim, Michael Mastry as Fred, and Ana Eligio as Barbara. "Casting for the second stage is always an adventure," said Green. "Because we share such a large part of our talent pool with the shows produced on the Annie [Russell], many times the second stage directors need to be flexible in their casting decisions. But...I found I was very surprised by a lot of people."
Directed by senior Eli Green, "Riverside Drive" is what most people would expect out of a Woody Allen comedy: dark, dark, dark. It all starts with a problem: Jim Swain, a successful screenwriter, is looking to break off an extra-marital affair with a woman named Barbara. While waiting for her to show up so he can finally "do the deed," as it were, he meets a homeless man, Fred, who seems to know Jim's entire life story. What ensues is a plot laden with confessions and plot twists. To reveal anything more about the story would take away from the experience of actually seeing it.
"What originally drew me to this piece was simply Woody Allen himself," Green said. "I've been a big fan of Woody Allen since I first heard one of his stand-up records when I was about six years old. He has such an amazing way of making a big deal out of everyday life, but at the same time creating characters and situations that aren't meant to be taken seriously at all. This is the neurotic mindset from which 'Riverside Drive' comes."
Finding themselves thrust into this "neurotic mindset" are Max Hilend as Jim, Michael Mastry as Fred, and Ana Eligio as Barbara. "Casting for the second stage is always an adventure," said Green. "Because we share such a large part of our talent pool with the shows produced on the Annie [Russell], many times the second stage directors need to be flexible in their casting decisions. But...I found I was very surprised by a lot of people."
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