Lucky Thirteen Brings Magic to Revamped Theatre Conference

Lucky Thirteen Brings Magic to Revamped Theatre Conference
By Ron HolmstromSpecial to The Star
CIVIC CENTER - When confronted with a report about his untimely demise, Mark Twain once said something to the effect that reports of his death had been highly exaggerated. The same might be said of the Thirteenth Last Frontier Theatre Conference.
Although the presence of Dr. Joanne McDowell and Edward Albee is greatly missed, there is during this year's opening weekend, a terrific mood among the attendees. The Play Lab is packing in playwrights, actors and theatre fans, the evening presentations are certainly well attended and the conversations in the halls of the civic center are as spirited as ever.
For what may be found wanting in the absence of the likes of Albee, John Guare, Lloyd Richards and the luminaries of the American theatre, there still seems to be the general feeling among attendees that 'we are all in this together.'
There is no way, for those who have attended in the past, to not miss the ever-present hands-on guidance of Jody McDowell. Her spirit fairly haunts the halls of the event. But, the tireless efforts of Interim College President, Doug Desorcie and Conference Coordinator, Dawson Moore have produced a seamless transition for the 13th annual presentation.
While we shall certainly miss the dry wit and wisdom of Albee, the brilliant goofiness of Guare and the quiet intelligent commentary of Richards, among others, there remains a certain passion for the work done here. The Play Lab goes on, the seminars and discussions continue to inspire and of course, the Fringe Festival still threatens to guarantee that the most avid of theatre junkies will get absolutely no sleep for the next few days.
Some of the highlights of the first couple of days have been the Alaska Film Festival's presentation of Shawn Ku's 'Pretty Dead Girl,' a musical/comedy exploration of fun in the morgue, Perseverance Theatre's fast paced production of 'Columbinus,' a dramatic examination of the tragic school killings and the Monday evening showcase of Alaska's own brilliant Jill Bess in her one-woman show, 'The Mommy Dance.'
It has also been a joy to welcome back former UAA theatre Professor, Michael Hood, whose presence has been sorely missed for many years. Those in attendance seem to be enjoying the labs and seminars and the short plays and one acts have been largely well received. There are many opportunities to catch new shows by playwrights from all over the country and some locals as well, such as Andy Day's ten-minute play, 'Equal Opportunity.'
Plus the evening shows in the center's theatre are always followed by a reception with the guests and attendees. So, pick up a program and have some fun this week. Take in a show at the theatre conference.