PERFORMANCE PERSPECTIVES

"Orange County"

STRETCHING THE SKILLS

Orange County if viewed with out great expectation is a charming, well-made and exceedingly well-performed little comedy. It has a consistency to the quality of the performances which indicates that the actors are not only skilled but have been well directed or well cast or that both these factors are present. There are some seasoned performers in the cast CATHERINE O'HARA, HAROLD RAMIS and LILY TOMLIN but it's the young performers who particularly impress. SCHUYLER FISK as Ashley is absolutely charming and COLIN HANKS as Shaun Brumder is faultless.

Despite this being a 'comedy' it is interesting that neither of these performers try to be funny. They are truthful to their impulses throughout and make their focus serving the reality of their character's existence. This is realism at its best. In fact it would seem that comedy, based on realistic performance processes, in many ways is the greatest challenge to the actors skill. This is because comedy

• pushes given circumstances to extremes,
• constantly challenges characters with the unexpected,
• and is full of drama.

This script provides all these ingredients.

And despite the fact that director XX in his DVD commentary indicates he chose his cast because of their ability to be funny they all play simple and elegant (if slightly bizzare) truth.

Watch for COLING HANKS wonderful levels of relaxation and his extraordinary clear and simple focus. He makes acting look easy - that's the way it should be.

… and watch,

SCHUYLER FISK for her warmth and likeability. (What 'needs' would you suggest created such an engaging outcome?)

IN FACT WATCH EVERYONE.

January 2003

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