Taking the Reins

The Ojai Center for the Arts’ in-house company has taken a major step from its last production, the English farce “Funny Money,” to its current presentation of Peter Shaffer’s intense psychological drama, “Equus.”

The show, which isn’t often done locally (the last time was two years ago at Moorpark College), makes extraordinary demands of its two leading players, well-realized here by veteran Ronald Rezac and relative newcomer Peter Krause, under the direction of Tom Eubanks.

Rezac plays Martin Dysart, a psychologist in a rundown English psychiatric hospital, who takes on the case of 17-year-old Alan Strang (Krause), who has recently committed an atrocious, violent act upon several horses in a nearby stable. Strang isn’t forthcoming about his motivation; it’s up to Dysart to open him up.

The supporting cast includes Lynn Van Emmerik as the magistrate who brings Strang to Dysart’s attention; Glenn Emanual and Marilyn Foote as Strang’s parents; Catherine Dain as a nurse; and Christopher Jones, William Cornell, JoAnne Terry, Grace Carter, Aaron C. Lopez and George Miller, wearing impressive stylized horse masks created by Jan Sanchez. Elizabeth C. Rosengren also turns in a strong performance as Jill Mason.

Be forewarned: Horses notwithstanding, this is a play for adults. Those potentially offended by strong language, severe confrontations and male nudity should probably wait until the Arts Center’s next production, “Man of La Mancha.” For those up to it, though, “Equus” is certainly a highlight of the year’s dramatic presentations and well worth your attention.

DETAILS

“Equus” continues at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays through May 5 at the Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S. Montgomery St., in Ojai. Tickets are $12; $10, seniors, students and Art Center members. This program is not recommended for the easily offended. For reservations or further information, call 640-8797.

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Julie Wilson, one of the country’s premier cabaret artists, is currently at the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room in New York City, performing a program of songs written (or co-written) by two women: Dorothy Fields and Ojai actress-singer Amanda McBroom. Fields’ lyrics include “I’m in the Mood for Love,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Don’t Blame Me” and “Big Spender,” putting McBroom in distinguished company.

“It was an extraordinary experience sitting in the audience, seeing what she was doing and how she was doing them,” McBroom said earlier this week, just back home after seeing the show.

She and Wilson are mutual fans who have seen each other’s performances, but the selection of material here was strictly Wilson’s. “She is the epitome of cabaret singing and the best storyteller around,” McBroom said, “and to hear her do my music is one of the greatest gifts I can receive.”

Last seen locally in “Sweeney Todd” a year ago and in concert in Thousand Oaks last month, McBroom will perform with Wilson in August at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood. She’s also involved in a musical, based on Sophocles’ “Antigone” and set in the world of street basketball; McBroom’s songwriting collaborators for the show are soul singers Nona Hendryx and Bootsy Collins. “Ball” may open on Broadway as early as January.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo is looking for a director and tech director for its production of “Grease.”

The show, whose previous director left, has been cast and the first act blocked and has been in rehearsal twice a week, said Lyn Sylva, the club’s program director.

Rehearsals are Tuesday and Friday evenings; some Saturdays will be added. The production is set for unspecified dates in May, and, Sylva adds, “a small stipend is available.” For further information, call her at 482-8113.

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Todd Everett can be reached at teverett@concentric.net.