“Mask” (in its World Premier) tells the true story of Rocky Dennis, his mother Rusty, and their Tribe of biker friends. It was written by Anna Hamilton Phelan, and is based on the motion picture “Mask” also written by Ms. Phelen that starred Cher and Eric Stoltz. It featured music by Barry Mann, and lyrics by Cynthia Weil. Rocky Dennis was a young man living in the city of Azusa in the San Gabriel Valley (only a few miles from the Pasadena Playhouse, in fact). Rocky was born with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, a rare disease where abnormal calcium deposits form in the skull, distorting and flattening the face, and making it grow to twice its normal size. The story picks up as Rocky, age 15, is enrolling in Azusa High School, and is dreaming of becoming a man and joining The Tribe on the annual run to Sturgis SD for Sturgis Bike Week. Through the almost 3 hour show (the first act is 1½ hours, the second is just under 1 hour) we see how Rocky deals with the tests that life throws at the boy that turn him into a man: helping his mother get off drugs and find a stable relationship, learning how to find and deal with love himself, and learning how to become Rocky, a person who can stand on his own independent of his mother. We see how he does with with the help of his mother, Rusty Dennis, and the members of their biker club, The Tribe. The Tribe is headed by a CBG (Chubby Bearded Guy) named ‘Dozer, and includes Roadkill, Retread, Sirocco, Zephy, Barstow, T-Bone, and Gar (who later takes the lead of The Tribe and becomes Rocky’s stepfather). By the end of the story, Rocky has indeed past all his tests, found love, found the man of him, and is on the virge of doing a solo ride to Sturgis… but dies quietly in his bed on the eve of the ride.
This is a truly touching and inspirational story. It illustrates how we can overcome whatever problems we have with the right attitude, and how the support of whatever tribe of family members we create (not necessarily blood relatives) can sustain and strengthen us. It illustrates the trials we all face as we grow to be adults, learning to be free and independent beings, finding love, establishing who we are and what we can be, what we can do, and who we can touch in our existance. It forces us to see ourselves in a mirror, and to see past our warts and our bumps to the true person inside.
What makes the Rocky Dennis story so touching is that it is a true story, not one crafted by Hollywood writers to make a point. The author, Phelan, met Rusty and Rocky when they were being treated at the UCLA clinic. After telling the story in the movie, Phelan got to know the family better, and started work on the stage version in 1995, with input from Rusty. Alas, Rusty never got to see the final product, as she died in 2006 at age 70 in a motorcycle accident on her way to an NA meeting. Other principles in the story, such as Gar Youngblood, are still alive.
If you want a taste of this moving story and its music, there is an embedded video at BroadwayWorld.
What makes this production even more special is its amazing cast, who inhabit and become their characters, and give truly remarkable performances. They are just outstanding, and all give Ovation-worthy performances (and I hope they receive such recognition). Let me gush about a few of them. [æ indicates 
Allen E. Readæ plays Rocky Dennis, and he comes across as just a normal teen, one that most of us would like to know. He has a very powerful singing voice, and even underneath the mask he wears through the show (a 2-hour makeup job by the master, Michael Westmore) conveys his emotions and feelings with his eyes, voice, and movements. Michelle Duffyæ is even more outstanding. We’ve seen Michelle numerous times before (“A Class Act” at the Playhouse, “Can-Can” at the Playhouse, and in “Johnny Guitar”), and I have just astounded at this actor’s versatility and voice. She excels at playing strong tough women, who are inside very loving creatures.
Leading the tribe is Michael Lanningæ [MySpace] as ‘Dozer, a chubby bearded guy (and the beard is real) who is truly what we think of when we think “biker”. Lanning is a remarkably tender singer, and portrays a caring man beneath that gruff exterior. Gar is played by Greg Eviganæ (of BJ and the Bear fame), and he comes across as truly caring about this family, but having seathing anger under the surface he cannot control.
A number of other members of The Tribe give truly remarkable performances. Roadkill, another senior tribe member, is played by Brad Blaisdellæ, gives off a strong mentoring vibe. His lady, Retread, is played by Diane Delanoæ (who folks probably best remember as Officer Barbara Semanski in Northern Exposure). Delano has a strong singing voice, and comes off as a great biker chick. The two hot babes of the tribe are Katy Blakeæ and Heather Marie Marsdenæ [MySpace]. We’ve seen Ms. Marsden numerous times (in both “The Beastly Bombing” and “It Came From Beyond”), and she never fails to impress us with her talent. We’ll also never forget Ms. Blake, not only for her performance, but for the end of the show, when during the standing ovations a voice boomed informing us of a special announcement. The spot was turned on Ms. Blake, and her boyfriend Barry came on stage, got on his knee, and proposed to Ms. Blake then and there, presenting her with a ring. Of course she said yes, and I’m sure it was something neither she nor the audience will ever forget.
The remainder of the cast featured Alec Barnes (Eric/Counselor), Ryan Castellino (Ruben/Camper), Chris Foreæ (Man at Carnival/Biker/Student), Sarah Glendeningæ (Student/Diana, Rocky’s love interest), Krysten Leigh Jonesæ (Clarissa Davis/Camper), Mark Lunaæ [MySpace] (T-Bone), Shanon Mari Mills (Amy/Camper) (who was in “They’re Playing Our Song”), Suzanne Petrela (Angel/Student), Ethan Le Phongæ (Scott/Camper), Jolene Purdyæ (Biker/Student), James Leo Ryanæ (John the Baptist/Rabbi), and Matthew Stockeæ (Barstow/Mr. Simms/Dr. Vinton/Camp Director). Ms. Blendening was particularly strong as Diana Stills, the young lady Rocky meets at a camp for the blind–he teaches her how to see, and she teaches him how to love.
Turning to the technical side. The stagecraft and lighting were remarkable. The set had an open sky backdrop with silhouettes of powerpoles and the tops of houses, capturing the color and tone of the San Gabriel Valley perfectly. There were lots of set pieces rolled on and off stage, as well as a moving turnable. It was all very effective, enhanced by the lighting bar that was another member of the cast. This design was by Robert Brill (set design) and David Wiener (lighting design). The effective makeup was by Michael Westmore (who did the movie as well), with wig and hair by Carol F. Doran. Costumes were by Maggie Morgan. Projection design was by Austin Switser.
The musical staging was by Patti Columbo, with musical direction by Joseph Church, who also conducted the 9-piece orchestra. Orchestrations were by Steve Margoshes, with electronic music design by Jeff Marder. Sound design was by Peter Fitzgerald and Carl Casella. The production was directed by Richard Maltby Jr.
This production has plans to move to Broadway, and I think it may succeed, if the critics can get past their bias against Los Angeles productions (as seen in the Variety review, among others). We truly enjoyed the music and the story. However, I think during the move to Broadway the production can be tightened a little. There are points in the first act where there are long dialog sequences that can serve with a little trimming, and it is likely that one song needs to go or be reworked because it doesn’t really advance the story (“Do It For Love”, a musical retelling of the history of the Trojan War). Songs in musicals should advance the story and tell the inner emotions of their characters. Still, I hope this production moves to, and is successful on, Broadway. It is certainly one of the strongest Playhouse premier musical productions, even stronger than “Sister Act” (which should also go to Broadway). The Playhouse continues to astound us with their quality.
“Mask” continues at the Playhouse until April 20.
What’s next on the theatre and activity calendar for us? Today we’re going to see “The Who’s Tommy” at CSUN. Next week is the Southern California Renaissance Faire (on Saturday). April 19th brings Pesach, and the weekend after that (April 26-27) is the Orange Empire Train and Trolley Festival (I’ll be there Saturday). Theatre picks up again on 5/10 @ 8pm with “The Brain From Planet X” at Chance Theatre. 5/17 may bring “Pippin” at East West Players (currently unticketed). 5/24 @ 8pm is “Of Mice and Men” at the Pasadena Playhouse, directed by former Pasadena Playhouse artistic director Paul Lazarus. 5/29, 5/30, and 5/31 brings “Grease” at Nobel Middle School. 6/7 @ 8pm is “The Full Monty” at REP East, with (hopefully) “Songs from an Unmade Bed” at the Celebration Theatre on 6/8 (unticketed). 6/28 @ 2pm should be “A Chorus Line” at The Ahmanson Theatre (pending exchange). 7/5 will hopefully be “A Very Brady Musical” at Theatre West. 7/13 @ 1pm is “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Ahmanson; 7/26 @ 8pm is “Looped” at the Pasadena Playhouse, and 8/2 @ 2pm is “Singing in the Rain” at Cabrillo Musical Theatre. Yup, we loves our theatre, that we do.
