I can now say with implacable confidence that the better part of life in Malibu truly includes a continuous pageantry of rich wonder after rich wonder. The magic simply just doesn’t stop. I have recently discovered that not only can one relish and enjoy hypnotic treasures found in Malibu’s marvelous and perpetual world of coastal nature, but true, exciting world-class live stage theater exists, is indeed at our fingertips and is thriving.
Last Saturday night, I was among a happy audience as we all experienced a remarkable live stage reading entitled, “The Unexpected Man,” as produced by Jacqueline Bridgeman of the Malibu Stage Company. The setting taken from the exquisite play by Yasmina Reza was a train compartment. The cast is comprised simply of two characters. Two strangers, one a famous author, the other an admirer of his. They did not know each other. While traveling from Paris to Germany, they revealed a rich unpredictability of their inner lives and shared with us a fascinating, highly intellectual and deep emotional adventure for the heart and mind.
For only experiencing the masterfully executed interpretations of the playwright’s intentions through the highly stylized acting by none other that Malibu’s Stacy Keach and Genevieve Bujold can one really and truly know what occurred at the Malibu Stage Company that night. The performance was stupendous.
I have been to the Lincoln Center in New York for theater, and I have been to Los Angeles’ Mark Taper and many off off Broadway and regional stages in between. Mr. Keach and Ms. Bujold were impeccable, flawless in the performances. They were giants. They cracked the Liberty Bell. And so very sensitive when they had to be! I imagine I am not the only one who was visibly moved. The enthusiastic standing ovation given to the actors must stand for something, too. I had such a great time. After the show, I danced, dined and frolicked as all guests were invited to enjoy fun after the performance. You may recall, last Saturday it rained throughout the night. The wind was fierce and howling. But it felt so good to be in the cozy tent Malibu Stage Company set up for the after party. It’s obvious that I had a great time. After witnessing the riveting and terrific live performance the other night, I myself am a changed man. I am now secretly in absolute love with Ms. Genevieve Bujold.
Robert Sanders