Theater Review
Who was Vincent van Gogh?

Of course, you've heard of Vincent Van Gogh, but do you really know anything about him? Could you point out one of his drawings or paintings? Did you know he committed suicide at the young age of thirty seven?

Van Gogh is without a doubt one of the most respected and talented artists in the history of the world. The Blue Ridge Community Theater in Hampton Square is giving the residents and visitors of our community a unique opportunity to take a glimpse into the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh through the eyes of his brother Theo.

The play is Vincent written by Leonard Nimoy. Yes, that's right, Dr. Spock for all of you trekkies out there! This dramatic play involves a simple yet elegant stage, two talented actors and two projection screens that bring Van Gogh's art to life. Vincent is played by Joshua Jenkins of Ellijay who is making his stage debut. After witnessing his performance first-hand, we cannot believe that he could possibly be a first time actor. His emotion is intense. His brother, Theo, is played by the ever-so-talented Michael Lacy of Blue Ridge. He made us laugh in Moon Over Buffalo, and his performance in Vincent is stunning.

The interaction and timing on stage between Vincent and Theo was perfect. Both had hundreds of lines of dialogue and never missed a beat. Our emotions were like a rollercoaster: sadness, laughter, edge-of-our-seat intensity. As audience members, we were captivated.

Director Patricia Webb did a superb job executing her vision for the show. The coordination between the actors and the projection screens placed on the sides of the stage was amazing. It was so interesting to witness the audience members' heads turn, including ours, from screen to screen as the 144 images of Van Gogh's art flashed before our eyes. Webb was a founder of the theater and has directed on the children's stage. Let's hope this won't be her last time directing an adult drama!

The technical aspects of lighting and sound were seamlessly handled by Lee Maslankowski. His creative genius and timing deserve a larger audience. His use of light and music add to the drama. Tina Maslankowski once again shines. She did an outstanding job of managing the overall production.

Vincent is an hour and a half show that includes a brief intermission. This show will only run for one more weekend. You only have three more opportunities to witness the amazing talents of this cast and crew. Vincent will be showing on Friday, July 20th and Saturday, July 21st at 7:30 pm and Sunday, July 22nd at 2:00pm at the Blue Ridge Community Theater in Hampton Square next to Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta. Tickets are only $10.00, a small price to pay for an intense education on the life of one of the greatest artists in the history of the world. Tickets can be purchased by calling 706-632- 9223. Half way through the show you might want to pinch yourself to remind you that yes, you really are in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

(This theater review was written by Bubba Gibbs and Kristy Lindstrom who love and support community theater. Both have performed in shows at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.)