The Queen Mary and the California Repertory Company Go Hand in Hand

The Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif. Photos: Courtesy of The Queen Mary

California Repertory Company (Cal Rep) opened its 2009-2010 season Friday at The Queen Mary with David Eldridge’s Festen—and both parties developed a symbiotic relationship which is needed during the recession.

Anna Steers (Helene), David Vegh (Christian) and Josh Nathan (Michael) Photo by Keith Ian Polakoff via the California Repertory Company Public Relations

Eldridge based Festen on the film The Celebration--a Cannes Film Festival favorite. In it, Christian, who lost his twin sister to suicide, planned to revenge his father at his 60th birthday celebration in the presence of his entire family by unfolding hidden truths including how the father abused both siblings in the wealthy household.

Vegh with Jeff Paul (Helge) Photo by Keith Ian Polakoff via the Cal Rep Public Relations

Alex Levin (Lars), Jocelyn Hall (Pia), Steers, Vegh, Nathan and Deborah Lazor (Mette)

However, the play also had humorous scenes such as bedroom activities between couples as seen in the above photo.

CSULB’s Artistic Director Joanne Gordon directed the play. “It is important we see the play as both a domestic and political drama. The theme of confronting the past is as valid for a single family as it is for our entire country. We all struggle to accept truths because ignoring them can be comfortable,” Gordon said.

According to Marketing Manager at The Queen Mary, Erika Testo, someone introduced the Cal Rep to the Queen Mary because they needed a theater for their shows. The Queen Mary agreed to host the Cal Rep to boost their revenues especially during the recession when less people are traveling. As a solution, the ship focused its marketing to local businesses such as the Cal Rep. “We thought that the uniqueness and creativity of Cal Rep and their show calendar would prove a valuable partner for The Queen Mary,” Testo said. “We look forward to Cal Rep introducing new audiences to the ship, such as students.”

Ensemble including CSULB's alumnus Professor Emeritus Ken Rugg (Grandfather) on the far left. Photo by Keith Ian Polakoff