On Sunday, Feb.25., we attended the afternoon performance of “Mr. Dooley’s America” at the Malibu Stage Co. It was written by Philip Dunne and Martin Blaine and is based on the newspaper articles of Finley Peter Dunne. This two-character play has become a modern classic and, amazingly, is still topical. It was given the production it deserved. Vincent Dowling played Mr. Dooley, the saloon-keeper/philosopher and Des Keogh was Mr. Hennessy, his patron/foil. The first rate performances by these Irish actors was unsurprising in the light of their very impressive resumes.
That was the good news. The bad news was that the 99-seat theater was less than one-quarter occupied. Perhaps the most exceptional part of their superlative performances was the professionalism displayed by the two actors in the face of such a small audience.
The Malibu Stage Co. is a valuable asset in our community. If we do not support it, we will lose it. The final performance of “Mr. Dooley’s America” will take place next Saturday, March 3, at 8 p.m. The March 4 matinee has been cancelled.
Do yourself and Malibu a favor and go see it.
Adele and Henry Pollard, Jeudi and Bob Curtis