PRODUCTION/PHOTOS/LINKS

 

 

 


Ted Neeley as Willie Moore
Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company


Left to right: Joseph Fuqua as Henry Davidson, Larry Hagman as Judge Clawson, Ted Neeley as Willie Moore
Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company


Joseph Fuqua as Henry Davidson
Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company


Left to right:  Joseph Fuqua as Henry Davidson, Johanna McKay as Mary McCasslin, Larry Hagman as Judge Clawson
Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company

 

Left to Right: Johanna McKay as Mary McCasslin, Joseph Fuqua as Henry Davidson
Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company

Left to Right: Johanna McKay as Mary McCasslin, Joseph Fuqua as Henry Davidson
Courtesy of Ed Krieger and The Rubicon Theatre Company



Linda Livingston as Blanche and Ted Neeley as Willie Moore
Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company


THE RUBICON THEATRE COMPANY

1006 E. Main Street, Ste. 300, Ventura, CA  93001

Phone (805) 667-2900 ● Fax (805) 677-2903

E-Mail: rubicontheatre@earthlink.net  

Webpage address: http://www.rubicontheatre.org/

 

The Rubicon Theatre Company put on one amazing piece of theatre last summer (2000) from June 1st – July 2nd.  Murder in the First was only planned to run through June 25th, but was such a hit that its' run was extended for an additional week.  Rather than my trying to explain the plot of the show, and maybe give away too much detail, I am including links about the show.  They include reviews and side articles about the individuals who wrote the wonderful music that was used in the background during the performance:  

http://web.insidevc.com/archives/06092000/stage/303848.html
http://www.insidevc.com/archives/06092000/music/303854.shtml
http://www.backstage.com/ShowGuide/la/sla2000061455851.asp
http://www.insidevc.com/entertainment/stage/301326.shtml  

 

(NOTE:  If these, or any other links on my site are not working, please let me know, and I can post the information/articles they contain.).

Here is Playbill On Line's article, dated June 3, 2000, entitled: "Neeley Faces Murder in the First w/Hagman, June 3-25 in L.A."

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/53223.html

Neeley Faces Murder in the First w/Hagman, June 3-25 in L.A.


03 Jun 2000

Jesus Christ Superstar's Ted Neeley stars as an embattled prisoner accused of a capital crime in Murder in the First, Dan Gordon's stage adaptation of his own screenplay, opening June 3 at Ventura's Rubicon Theatre Company. "Dallas"' Larry Hagman makes a guest appearance as Judge Clawson. Linda Gray directs.

Neeley played Jesus in the movie version of "Jesus Christ Superstar," a role he reprised on tour in the mid-90's. Hagman is best known for playing J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," although his many appearances include five years of "I Dream of Jeannie" and the TV version of "Applause" with Lauren Bacall.

Murder in the First chronicles the life of an Alcatraz prisoner on trial for his life and the young public defender (South Coast Repertory's Joseph Fuqua) who befriends him. Together they bring down the federal maximum security prison system and start off the prison reform movement in America. Kevin Bacon won a Screen Actor's Guild Award for his turn as the prisoner who was tortured into almost losing his mind by his warden and the American prison system, in 1995's film version.

Gordon's writing credits include the screenplays to "Wyatt Earp" and the Oscar nominated film, "The Hurricane."

Tickets are $32.50-$27.50. Performances run through June 25. The Laurel Theatre is located at 1006 East Main Street. For reservations, call (805) 667-2900.


-- By Christine Ehren

 

Below is a copy of a review written by one of our own list members, Kat Campbell.  She has allowed me to post this for you, and I am very happy to do so.  Kat hits the nail on the head about this show beautifully:

"Every once in a while, a rare piece of theatre comes along that is so exceptional that it takes your breath away. That is the case with the Rubicon Theatre's current effort, "Murder In The First". This first run drama, based on the screenplay by the same name, features a stellar cast, led by Ted Neeley, who may be best known for his portrayal of the title role in the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar".

 

The story, based on true events, focuses on the inhumane treatment of the men incarcerated at Alcatraz Prison by its prison officials.  The play begins as a young lawyer, Henry Davidson, is assigned the case – his very first murder trial.  It soon becomes clear to Henry that the reason he was given this case was because it was deemed as hopeless.  The prisoner, Willie Moore, had, without a doubt, committed this murder in front of dozens of witnesses.  But as Henry reviews the case, he comes to know Willie and becomes convinced that were it not for the savage treatment Willie had received in his years at Alcatraz, he would never have resorted to such an act of violence.  It is at this point that Henry makes the decision to enter a plea of innocence for Willie and to take Alcatraz and the US prison system to trial.

 

Of course, this decision does not sit well with Henry’s boss, his fiancée, his brother or the US government.  Despite the fact that it seems no one is going to be on his side, Henry proceeds diligently.  Throughout his meetings with Willie, Henry comes to see his humanity and even befriend him along the way.  More than anything, this is exactly what Willie has wanted all his life -- just to have someone be his friend and for once in his life to do something he could be proud of.

 

“Murder In The First” is a compelling piece that is moving beyond description.  The play’s final scenes must be experienced for their effect to be fully realized.  But I can tell you that by the time it was over, I had gone through more than a few Kleenex…

 

Kudos to an amazingly talented cast which included Joseph Fuqua as Henry, Johanna McKay as Mary, Henry’s fiancée, Darrell Sandeen as Humson, the warden, and Larry Hagman as the judge, in addition to a number of equally talented supporting players.  A more brilliant cast of actors I have yet to see.  Of course, the real shining star of the show is Ted Neeley, who brings a quietly beautiful humanity to the character of Willie Moore, and whose performance touched me more deeply than I could ever have imagined possible.  “Murder In The First” is a must-see for any theatre aficionado and real coup for the Rubicon.

  Kat Campbell


Pending cast and venue availability, tentative plans are in the works to hopefully take this show on the road. (See this link: 
http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0006/20/lkl.00.html, from the June 20th, 2000 appearance of Linda Gray and Larry Hagman on the Larry King Show.).

  Here is the brief description of the show, as it appeared on Rubicon’s site: (http://www.rubicontheatrecompany.org/shows.htm):

“This trenchant and touching tale tells of the friendship between a prisoner condemned to die and the lawyer who defends him.  It is based on the inspirational true story of the landmark 1940’s trial which marked the beginning of prison reform in America and the end of Alcatraz.  Broadway and film actor Ted Neeley, who appeared as Jesus in Rubicon’s Jesus Christ Superstar stars.  Also featuring Joseph Fuqua.”

According to Playwright Dan Gordon’s notes in Rubicon’s play program, the play is a work of fiction, but it is based on an actual event in 1941 that came to be referred to as “The Trial of Alcatraz.  Because of the way this event is relayed in writing, and performed by one of the best ensembles I have ever seen, this show is three hours of the most engrossing theatre you will ever see on a stage.


Here is the list of performers who were in The Rubicon Theatre Company’s production of “Murder In The First”, as they appear in the theatre program:
 


Left to right:  Joseph Fuqua as Henry Davidson, 
Larry Hagman as Judge Clawson, Ted Neeley as Willie Moore

Courtesy of The Rubicon Theatre Company

  In order of appearance:

                Judge Clawson ............Larry Hagman*
                               Baliff ........... David Curtis
             Mary McCasslin ........... Johanna McKay
               Henry Davidson ........... Joseph Fuqua
                              Henkin ........... Vern Urich
                                 Jailer ........... Tom Bottelsen
                    Willie Moore ........... Ted Neeley
                       Bill McNeil ........... Gary Best
                            Hoolihan ........... Rudolph Willrich
                Byron Davidson ........... John Fink
                         Swenson ............... Tom Zeiher
                    Harve Bennet ........... George Eskin
                              Blanche ........... Linda Livingston
                 Derek Simpson ........... Tom Bottelsen
                     Milton Glenn ........... Vern Urich
                 Harold Humson ........... Darrel Sandeen
                    Jury Foreman
........... Tom Bottelsen

*(on certain nights Judge Clawson was played by the 
playwright, Dan Gordon and George Eskin)


This is truly one of the strongest acting ensembles I have ever seen.  At the curtain call for the closing performance, director Linda Gray stated:  “I was given a piece of sheet music and you all made it a symphony.”  She could not have said it better.  This show held our attention from the minute the lights went down at The Laurel Theatre right through to the curtain call, which was unfailingly a standing ovation at the end of every performance.

One of the best things about the show for me was the chemistry between Ted and Joseph Fuqua.  Both of these men are such high-spirited actors, it’s like watching fireworks when they are together onstage.

Joseph is onstage for almost the entire show, including all of Ted’s scenes, which is a monumental task, and he carries it off brilliantly.  All of Henry Davidson’s nuances and subtleties are there, not one detail has been left out to show us what an amazing and multi-layered individual Henry was.  It is truly a bravura performance.  To quote Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine of The VCReporter:  (June 8, 2000 issue – link not available online)“…On stage for nearly the entire play, Fuqua’s innate intelligence and personal charm as a performer convincingly create a credible character whose actions and decisions are wholly believable and not just dramatic bravado.  Fuqua is the type of actor about whom, someday in the future, many will proudly say:  I saw him when…”

Ted, of course, as we all know, is one phenomenal talent who is always at the top of his game.  In this show, Ted shows us a totally new side of his talent.  It was the reason he wanted to do this production.  Until now, unless we caught some early television appearances in the ‘70’s, or early ‘80’s films, few of us have had the opportunity to see Ted in a straight, dramatic, non-singing role.  It is a real treat.  As Willie Moore, Ted portrays a man who was made a victim of the system, and who finds the courage to stop being the victim the system made him out to be.  The emotions Ted displays as Willie are incredible to watch.  To again quote Jim Spencer & Shirley Lorraine of The VCReporter:  “In the part of the ill-fated Willie Moore, Ted (Jesus Christ Superstar) Neeley’s performance is riveting and mesmerizing.  His character’s emotions run the gamut from benign to maniacal, while the subtleties of his physical movements and reactions are a study in non-verbal communication.”  Ted gives a truly astounding performance.

These two actors together onstage are like dynamite ready to blow.  It is a wonderful thing to watch them in action together.  The rest of the cast is just as strong a unit, making for some of the most entertaining and engrossing theatre you are likely to see for quite some time.  Let’s hope that plans work out for this production to come to a theatre in your city.  You can help this to happen.  As I posted to Ted’s e-mail list previously, if you would like to see this truly amazing show, you can help by responding to my post below (my thanks to those who have responded, I have already forwarded your suggestions to Ted):

“There is ONE QUICK favor that Ted would like to ask of you, particularly those in the USA. As I mentioned before, Ted is in discussions with his management to tour a future project - hopefully soon. This project MAY be "Murder In The First". Those of you who have seen this show know that it works best in an intimate theatre setting because of its' staging, HOWEVER, the theatre can be larger, of course.  Anyway, here is the favor:

 

Ted would like names and locations of any theatres that are good venue possibilities for "Murder In The First" and/or his next project to be performed in.  He needs theatre names/addresses/phone numbers and contacts to try to book his project, so that he can come see as many of his "friends" (i.e. - US, right?) in as many cities as is humanly – or inhumanly - possible.

 

If you have any suggestions, please e-mail them to me either at this address: (cverbelun@core.com), or at my other e-mail address: (CVerbelun@yahoo.com) (please use the Yahoo address only for theatre venue information), and I will gladly forward them to Ted as soon as I receive them.

 

Remember guys, the sooner we get Ted the venues, the sooner he can book dates to come see us once his project is ready to roll, so send me your lists ASAP!

 

Thanks for your help.”  

 


UPDATE AS OF 8/28/00:   

 

 

             HERE'S THE LATEST NEWS:


Today, when I got home from work, I had a very special message on my answering machine.  Ted called me to say that he and the Rubicon Theatre folks have finally selected a picture for me to post on this site to give everyone a really good idea of what Ted looked like in "Murder in the First".  Ted sounded wonderful, but, unfortunately, as I wasn't here, I did not get to speak with him directly.  Ted left me this message:

"Hi Cindi, this is Ted calling.  I just wanted to let you know that we finally selected a picture from "Murder in the First".  Actually, it's the outside cover of the new brochure, and you should be getting that very soon.  Hope all is well with you and the gang, say hello when you can, and I hope to talk to you soon.  Take care."

Sooo... as soon as the picture arrives, it will be posted on this page for everyone to see.  Keep a look out! 

UPDATE AS OF 11/1/00: 

Well, it took awhile, but finally, here is the picture Ted selected for the outside cover of Rubicon's new season brochure.  Enjoy!



Courtesy of Ted Neeley and The Rubicon Theatre Company

 

 

 

MORE REVIEWS AND ARTICLES:

 

 

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES REVIEW: 

http://articles.latimes.com/2000/jun/07/entertainment/ca-38184

 

 

'Murder in the First' Makes Move to Stage

Theater Review

Alcatraz story is told by the Rubicon Theatre Company--minus the film's violence--with mixed results.

June 07, 2000|DON SHIRLEY | TIMES THEATER WRITER

Although stage musicals are often adapted from movies, very few plays of other genres grow from big-screen precedents. But here's one big exception.

Dan Gordon turned his screenplay for "Murder in the First" into a legal drama that's receiving its premiere in a likable production from the fledgling Rubicon Theatre Company. With a cast that briefly includes Larry Hagman, the former J.R. Ewing of "Dallas," in a small role as a judge, it's at the Laurel Theatre in Ventura.

The 1995 movie featured Kevin Bacon as an abused convict on trial for murder in 1941. In the prison system for stealing only $5, the character had been caught trying to escape Alcatraz and was then beaten, slashed and stuck into a dark dungeon for three years, after which he killed the inmate who had blown the whistle about the escape. Christian Slater played his idealistic attorney, whose investigation exposed the brutality at Alcatraz in the '30s. The film was criticized for prolonged and graphic violence and for hyperactive cinematography.

By transforming the script into a play, Gordon eliminated most of these criticisms. The stage is an also-ran to the movies in depicting violence, and this production doesn't try. Also, duh, most plays totally lack cinematography.

Of course such metamorphoses can create new problems. The big challenges for Gordon and his production team, led by first-time stage director Linda Gray (yes, the same one who played J.R.'s wife on "Dallas"), were to condense the movie's many locations into just a few, and to compensate for the lack of a film editor in the transitions between scenes.

The challenges were met well enough, if not completely. Scenes at Alcatraz are gone. Designer Jeff G. Rack provided a courtroom that unfolds into a holding tank, as well as one office set that serves as two. While there are a few too many gaps between scenes, and a couple of odd moments that unsuccessfully try to mask these transitions with movie-like poses, original incidental music by the Rivera-Sunnarborg Duo usually sustains the mood admirably.

Because of the absence of the blood and guts of Alcatraz, we're expected to feel the impact of the ordeal suffered by the prisoner simply through what we're told and what he looks like. With actor Ted Neeley's face scrunched up like a frightened rodent's, we appreciate the prisoner's woes without dwelling on them.

Only once does it feel as if a little bit of the baby was thrown out with the Alcatraz bathwater. The movie showed the attorney personally investigating conditions at the prison, armed with a court order. The play leaves the audience in the dark over exactly how the attorney obtained all of his evidence.

Despite the loss of the torture scenes at the Rock and a sentimental scene in the movie that briefly imported the prisoner's sister, the play still lasts longer than the movie. Part of this is because of an intermission and scene changes, but the play also embellishes the relationship between the attorney (assured Joseph Fuqua, who's a little older than Slater was in the movie and looks more like an upstart attorney) and his colleague and girlfriend (Johanna McKay). As in the movie, at one point she's assigned to take the case out of her boyfriend's hands, but here she's more forceful about her motivations and about her professionalism in general.

"Murder in the First" breaks no new dramatic ground. It's a unabashed genre play, with the occasionally hokey conventions that the phrase can imply. The two sides in the conflict are basically all good and all bad, although Darrell Sandeen, playing the warden who's eviscerated on the witness stand, does manage to find a kernel of sympathy for his befuddled bureaucrat.

Still, the production succeeds on its own melodramatic terms, evoking a sense of revulsion at the patent injustice and a strong hope that it can be rectified--which, to Gordon's credit, doesn't happen as fully as we might have expected.

Anyone who might imagine that a play that's so old-fashioned and free of direct bloodshed might also be free of profanity and sex is mistaken; this prisoner is almost as horny as he is downtrodden, and Gordon's script treats this condition with a dash of bawdy humor.

An alert for "Dallas" fans: Hagman will play the judge, with a crisp sense of timing, only through the Saturday matinee, after which Dana Elcar will take over the role.

* "Murder in the First," Laurel Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends June 25. $27.50-$32.50. (805) 667-2900. Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.

Ted Neeley: Willie Moore

Joseph Fuqua: Henry Davidson

Johanna McKay: Mary McCasslin

Vern Urich: Henkin/Milton Glenn

John Fink: Byron Davidson

Larry Hagman/Dana Elcar: Judge Clawson

Rudolph Willrich: Hoolihan

Darrell Sandeen: Harold Humson

Written by Dan Gordon. Directed by Linda Gray. Set by Jeff G. Rack. Costumes by Abra Flores Paudler. Lighting by Kathi O'Donohue. Hair and makeup by Judi Lewin. Sound by Michael Rapp. Soundscape/music by Rivera-Sunnarborg Duo. Production stage manager Bradley D. Setser.

 

 

 

PLAYBILL ARTICLES: 

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/53223-Neeley-Faces-Murder-in-the-First-w-Hagman-June-3-25-in-LA

 

Neeley Faces Murder in the First w/ Hagman, June 3-25 in L.A.


03 Jun 2000

Jesus Christ Superstar's Ted Neeley stars as an embattled prisoner accused of a capital crime in Murder in the First, Dan Gordon's stage adaptation of his own screenplay, opening June 3 at Ventura's Rubicon Theatre Company. "Dallas"' Larry Hagman makes a guest appearance as Judge Clawson. Linda Gray directs.

Jesus Christ Superstar's Ted Neeley stars as an embattled prisoner accused of a capital crime in Murder in the First, Dan Gordon's stage adaptation of his own screenplay, opening June 3 at Ventura's Rubicon Theatre Company. "Dallas"' Larry Hagman makes a guest appearance as Judge Clawson. Linda Gray directs.

Neeley played Jesus in the movie version of "Jesus Christ Superstar," a role he reprised on tour in the mid-90's. Hagman is best known for playing J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," although his many appearances include five years of "I Dream of Jeannie" and the TV version of "Applause" with Lauren Bacall.

Murder in the First chronicles the life of an Alcatraz prisoner on trial for his life and the young public defender (South Coast Repertory's Joseph Fuqua) who befriends him. Together they bring down the federal maximum security prison system and start off the prison reform movement in America. Kevin Bacon won a Screen Actor's Guild Award for his turn as the prisoner who was tortured into almost losing his mind by his warden and the American prison system, in 1995's film version.

Gordon's writing credits include the screenplays to "Wyatt Earp" and the Oscar nominated film,"The Hurricane."

Tickets are $32.50-$27.50. Performances run through June 25. The Laurel Theatre is located at 1006 East Main Street. For reservations, call (805) 667-2900.

-- By Christine Ehren

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Murder In The First Makes L.A. Stage Debut w/ Neeley & Hagman, June 1-25


01 Jun 2000

Ted Neeley in Murder in the First.

Kevin Bacon won a Screen Actor's Guild Award for his turn as Henri Young, an embattled prisoner of Alcatraz who was tortured into almost losing his mind by his warden and the American prison system, in 1995's "Murder in the First." Jesus Christ Superstar's Ted Neeley will now take that role in Dan Gordon's stage adaptation of his own screenplay, running June 1-25 with Ventura's Rubicon Theatre Company. "Dallas"' Larry Hagman makes a guest appearance as Judge Clawson. Linda Gray directs.

Neeley played Jesus in the movie version of "Jesus Christ Superstar," a role he reprised on tour in the mid-90's. Hagman is best known for playing J.R. Ewing on "Dallas," although his many appearances include five years of "I Dream of Jeannie" and the TV version of "Applause" with Lauren Bacall.

Murder in the First chronicles the life of an Alcatraz prisoner on trial for his life and the young public defender (South Coast Repertory's Joseph Fuqua) who befriends him. Together they bring down the federal maximum security prison system and start off the prison reform movement in America.

Gordon's writing credits include the screenplays to "Wyatt Earp" and the Oscar nominated film,"The Hurricane."

Tickets are $32.50-$27.50. The Laurel Theatre is located at 1006 East Main Street. For reservations, call (805) 667-2900.

-- By Christine Ehren