Spirited Away

a kate west favorite














Hayao Miyazaki is a brilliant Japanese filmmaker. Unknown in the States until the release of "Princess Mononoke", his other greats such as "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle" gained acclaim as well. Combining hand-drawn artistry with computer animation, his films have garnered several prestigious awards, including the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for "Spirited Away". This film in particular is most known in America.

It revolves around a little girl who must travel to the spirit world to rescue her family. The breathtaking finesse of imagery that serves as the background to this amazingly imaginative story will never leave you. The films are not simple, but rather illustrated with mysticism, symbolism and heavy magic. There are often social messages as well, such as a profound nod to environmentalism. One cannot fully explain how special these movies are in words alone as it is a truly visual art.

Thank God for DVDs, although you really need to try and catch one of these masterpieces in a real movie palace.

Directed by:
Hayao Miyazaki
Kirk Wise (co-director) (English version)

Writing Credits:
Hayao Miyazaki (story)
Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay)
Cindy Davis Hewitt (adaptation: English version) and
Donald H. Hewitt (adaptation: English version) and
Linda Hoaglund (adaptation: English version) and
Jim Hubbert (adaptation: English version)

Cast:
Rumi Hîragi ... Chihiro / Sen (voice: Japanese version)
Miyu Irino ... Haku (voice: Japanese version)
Mari Natsuki ... Yubaba / Zeniba (voice: Japanese version)
Takashi Naitô ... Chihiro's Father (voice: Japanese version)
Yasuko Sawaguchi ... Chihiro's Mother (voice: Japanese version)
Tatsuya Gashuin ... Aogaeru, Assistant Manager (voice: Japanese version)
Ryunosuke Kamiki ... Bôh (voice: Japanese version)
Yumi Tamai ... Lin (voice: Japanese version)
Yo Oizumi ... Bandai-gaeru (voice: Japanese version)
Koba Hayashi ... Kawa no Kami (voice: Japanese version)
Tsunehiko Kamijô ... Chichiyaku (voice: Japanese version)
Takehiko Ono ... Aniyaku (voice: Japanese version)
Bunta Sugawara ... Kamajii (voice: Japanese version)


To Watch It:
Spirited Away Read more!

Walt Disney and Disneyland

Disneyland
a kate west reflection







When I first moved to Los Angeles, the first thing I did was visit Disneyland to see if it was every bit as magically wonderful as I remembered from my teenage years. It helped that I actually worked for Disney and could get into the park free. My brother and I used to visit my Aunt down here every Spring when we lived in the Bay Area and we usually took that mandatory trip to the Magic Kingdom so I couldn't wait to go every chance I had. And it was even better than I thought it'd be.

First of all, if you work for Disney, you get to start work at the Disney University in the studio lot during orientation (and all you jaded cynics can stop reading here). Yes it's cheesy (was that a mouse joke?), but if you're a Disney fan, it's also delightful. I know people refer to Disney as "Mauswitz" and worse, but at the time, I really bought into it and it's easy to do since you're surrounded daily by like-minded people. True, Disney can be intimidatingly strict, but they have a mighty product to protect and their legal department is fiercely loyal to that cause. As they should be. Besides, what other corporation has a department called Imagineering (where they plan and build for the theme parks)?

Secondly, you really get to know the inner workings of Disney and all about Walt's history, etc. And it's all fascinating. From the first Oscar-winning Animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" to the "Lion King", they've consistently been the best in their genre. Their success in animation eventually led to launching a theme park, something radically different from a boardwalk amusement locale. Whatever you may think of him today, Walt was a true visionary and wanted Disneyland to be something special and you can't deny that in that respect, he succeeded beyond expectation. You can't tell me our generation wasn't riveted by "The Mickey Mouse Club" or "The Wonderful World of Disney" on television every week.

Every ride is practically a cinematic experience and although the park has been through a lot of for-better-or-worse changes (like the ludicrous political correct attempt at messing with the Pirates of the Caribbean), it's still one of the most visited places in the entire world and children are still drawn to it like little consumer magnets. If you have any remote memories of liking Disney, you will thrive there, whether during a delightful stroll down Main Street USA or passing through the gates of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Your imagination will spark and there is room for every age, from Fantasyland's gentle rides for the very young to Tomorrowland's speedy rides for the braver and older kids. Adults will be happy everywhere (except maybe colorfully noisy Toon Town - that's a ten minute visit, tops). If you have only a short time, don't miss Indiana Jones, the Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and maybe a few smaller rides. Don't bother with California Adventure since a mere few miles away you can see the real thing. But Downtown Disney is fairly diverting.

Nothing beats the original park though (or the even more developed Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida) and during the summer you get some pretty spectacular shows that may have you believing in Pixie Dust again. Work with me, you have to WANT to believe in it, which is the key to any happiness in life, right?

Backstage at the Park:
Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic

The Whole Alphabet:
Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition)

The Nine Old Men:
Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation Read more!

Star Trek:Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager
a kate west favorite




(Jeri Ryan as Borg refugee Seven of Nine)

The Star Trek phenomenon is like no other. Before I started reading Issac Asimov, my introduction to science fiction consisted of me being mesmerized by reruns of the original and retro-heroic 1960's "Star Trek". I had a crush on Spock (Leonard Nimoy), my first cold intellectual. And then William Shatner was a nicely virile and quite hammy Captain Kirk, of course. I loved that show so much. James Doohan and his dire technological predictions as Scotty. George Takei as Sulu and Walter Koenig as Chekov and DeForest Kelley as "He's dead, Jim" Bones. And Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura - a woman on the bridge of a starship! (Ask me if I know someone who looks like her). I saw every episode a hundred times and wished there were more. Wouldn't it be great to attend Starfleet Academy? I just couldn't get into "Next Generation" really. It didn't speak to me. I discovered "Deep Space Nine" well after it aired, but before that:

Came "Star Trek: Voyager". With a woman captain! And a female head engineer! And a converted Borg drone who becomes an essential member of the crew. Plus heartfelt story lines, emotional character development and lots of action. The Borg, introduced in "Next Generation" are featured prominently, once again threatening to assimilate inferior species ("Resistance is futile"). Lots of characters and lots of aliens, even a surprise visit from the annoying Q (John de Lancie).

Captain Janeway (the Katherine Hepburnesque Kate Mulgrew) has to lead her crew back to Earth in the Alpha Quadrant after getting lost in the Delta Quadrant, which is so far away, I can't even show you the map. Everyone is likeable and interesting, like Ethan Phillips as the Talaxian Neelix and Robert Picardo as the holographic doctor who learns what it means to be human. Roxann Dawson is the hot-blooded, half-Klingon, afore-mentioned Engineer B'Elanna Torres. She butts heads with anyone and everyone, until she learns to control that temper (sort of). They even have a Native American, First Officer Chakotay (Robert Beltran), complete with facial tattoos. Head of the rebel Maquis, he has to make some compromises in order to work with the Federation. Robert Duncan McNeill is the cavalier Tom Paris, best pilot in the quadrant and his buddy Harry Kim (Garrett Wong) helps him create black and white holonovels. And yes, they have their own Vulcan too, Tuvok (Tim Russ).

There's lots more and it's all fascinating. Totally fun in reruns. Look it up. Or rent it. It wasn't as popular as the other new Star Treks unfortunately (and I never could get into "Battlestar Galactica", sorry). But it did run for seven seasons. And I loved it. I know. I'm a dork. Live long and prosper.

Series Directed by:
David Livingston (29 episodes, 1995-2001)
Winrich Kolbe (19 episodes, 1995-2000)
Allan Kroeker (14 episodes, 1997-2001)
Michael Vejar (13 episodes, 1997-2001)
Terry Windell (11 episodes, 1999-2001)
Cliff Bole (10 episodes, 1995-1999)
Alexander Singer (10 episodes, 1995-1998)
Les Landau (9 episodes, 1995-2000)
LeVar Burton (8 episodes, 1995-2001)
JesúsSalvadorTreviño(5 episodes, 1997-1998)
James L. Conway (4 episodes, 1995-1996)
Kim Friedman (4 episodes, 1995)
RobertDuncanMcNeill(4 episodes, 1996-2000)
Anson Williams (4 episodes, 1997-1999)
Jonathan Frakes (3 episodes, 1995-1996)
Robert Scheerer (2 episodes, 1995-1997)
Marvin V. Rush (2 episodes, 1996-1997)
Robert Picardo (2 episodes, 1997-1999)
Kenneth Biller (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Nancy Malone (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Andrew Robinson (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Allan Eastman (2 episodes, 1998-1999)
John T. Kretchmer (2 episodes, 1998-1999)
Victor Lobl (2 episodes, 1998)
Roxann Dawson (2 episodes, 1999-2001)
John Bruno (2 episodes, 1999-2000)

Series Writing Credits:
Brannon Braga (50 episodes, 1995-2001)
Joe Menosky (37 episodes, 1995-2000)
Kenneth Biller (35 episodes, 1995-2001)
Bryan Fuller (21 episodes, 1997-2001)
Michael Taylor (20 episodes, 1998-2001)
Jeri Taylor (19 episodes, 1995-1998)
Michael Piller (14 episodes, 1995-1998)
Robert Doherty (14 episodes, 1998-2001)
Rick Berman (13 episodes, 1995-2001)
Lisa Klink (13 episodes, 1995-1998)
Mike Sussman (11 episodes, 1996-2001)
Raf Green (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
André Bormanis (7 episodes, 1997-2001)
Jimmy Diggs (6 episodes, 1995-1999)
Gene Roddenberry (5 episodes, 1995-1998)
Mark Gaberman (5 episodes, 1996-2001)
Andrew Price (5 episodes, 1996-2001)
Nick Sagan (5 episodes, 1998-1999)
Harry 'Doc' Kloor (4 episodes, 1997-1998)
James Kahn (4 episodes, 2000-2001)
Phyllis Strong (4 episodes, 2000-2001)
Ronald Wilkerson (3 episodes, 1995-2000)
Robin Bernheim (3 episodes, 2000)
Greg Elliot (2 episodes, 1995-1998)
Steve J. Kay (2 episodes, 1995-1998)
Michael Perricone (2 episodes, 1995-1998)
Jean Louise Matthias (2 episodes, 1995-1997)
Anthony Williams (2 episodes, 1995-1996)
Thomas E. Szollosi (2 episodes, 1995)
Shawn Piller (2 episodes, 1996)
James Swallow (2 episodes, 1998-2000)
Ronald D. Moore (2 episodes, 1999)


Series Cast:
Kate Mulgrew ... Captain Kathryn Janeway / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Robert Beltran ... Chakotay / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001
Roxann Dawson ... B'Elanna Torres / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Robert Duncan McNeill ... Tom Paris / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Ethan Phillips ... Neelix (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Robert Picardo ... The Doctor (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Tim Russ ... Tuvok / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Garrett Wang ... Harry Kim / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Tarik Ergin ... Lieutenant Ayala / ... (116 episodes, 1995-2001)
Jeri Ryan ... Seven of Nine (104 episodes, 1997-2001)
Jennifer Lien ... Kes (71 episodes, 1995-2000)
Majel Barrett ... Computer Voice / ... (70 episodes, 1995-2001)
Stephen Pisani ... Starfleet Crew Member / ... (21 episodes, 2000-2001)
Scarlett Pomers ... Naomi Wildman (17 episodes, 1998-2001)

Old School:
(and my first love)


Starting Out New:
Star Trek Voyager - The Complete First Season Read more!

The Women





















The Women

a kate west review
written by Clare Boothe Luce
directed by Scott Elliott
at American Airlines Theatre
227 West 42nd Street, New York
running Tuesday-Saturday at 8 PM
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM.
contact Roundabout Theatre Company
(212) 719-1300


"The Women" is a story told in countless variations (several films, a play, a musical) and the latest version is now on Broadway. Originally written by Clare Booth Luce, the (sort of) updated "Women" stars Cynthia Nixon ("Sex and the City's" Miranda) as Mrs. Stephen Haines, the wronged woman whose husband wants to leave her for sexpot Crystal (Jennifer Tilly).

With a cast of popular female iconettes, from Jennifer Coolidge ("Legally Blonde", "American Pie") and Kristen Johnson ("3rd Rock from the Sun") to Rue McClanahan ("The Golden Girls"), this piece is meant to celebrate the power of women, but from the point of view of a different era. Haines is initially devastated by her husband's philandering, but she then empowers herself by winning him back instead of striking out on her own, as we might expect in this day and age.

So viewed in this light, forget modern self-fulfillment, just appreciate the characters as depicted, especially in their wildly fun Issac Mizrahi couture. The posh sets by Derek McLane delight as well. Not so much fun is Hallie Kate Eisenberg as Haines' daughter, smirking her way through her tedious scenes. The rest of the cast is fun though, especially seeing old gal Rue McClanahan breeze in to delighted applause. Jennifer Coolidge is amusing as the perpetually pregnant Edith as well.

All and all it's about as visually fun as the movie versions (especially Jennifer Tilly's fun bubble bath scene as the perkily evil Crystal). So don't go looking for über feminism here, just enjoy the frothy cattiness of decades of women. Back then women defined themselves by the men they were with, but we know better now. Right?

The 1930's Film:
The Women (Keepcase)

More Good 'ole Female Bonding:
Stage Door

Read more!

Scrubs

a kate west favorite







One of the more original and quirky comedy television shows (along the lines of the sadly missed "Arrested Development") is "Scrubs", the hilariously witty, yet goofy take on medical interns and residents. The first notably appealing thing about the show is the refreshing lack of a laugh track, from either a canned or studio audience. We can decide for ourselves whether we think it's funny or not (and trust me, it is hysterical).

Main character J.D. (Zach Braff) evolves from a bambiesque medical intern into a competent doctor as he daydreams and fantasizes his way throughout his career at Sacred Heart Hospital. We hear his internal monologue and see the world through his quirky viewpoint. The rest of the cast (Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley and Judy Reyes) match his comedic flair, stride for stride. It's not all slapstick however. There are many poignant moments, some musical numbers and the occasional serious subject matter (especially regarding death). There is also love, lust, longing and hope and the cast seems to have a ball together. Likeable characters and life lessons abound, not to mention the directing and writing is quite clever and fun and miles above the usual routine sitcom fare.

Definietely addicting. Great use of music too (see below).


Created by

Bill Lawrence

Starring
Zach Braff
Sarah Chalke
Donald Faison
Neil Flynn
Ken Jenkins
John C. McGinley
Judy Reyes

Colin Hay's "Waiting for my Real Life to Begin"



Start collecting now:
Scrubs- Seasons 1-6 Read more!

Maus

Maus -
A Survivor's Tale
by Art Spiegelman

a kate west recommendation








Art Spiegelman's 1992 Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel "Maus" covers his father Vladek's tragic history during the Holocaust. It's uniqueness lies not only in the fact that the Third Reich is depicted in cartoons, but also that everyone is represented as animals. The Jews are mice, the Germans are cats, the Americans are dogs, the French are frogs, the Swedes are reindeer, the British are fish and Gypsies are exotic moths. This device classifies everyone into a highly specific group, just as the Nazis saw them.

Vladek Spiegelman and his wife Anja lived in Poland with their son Richieu. When the Nazis began persecuting people, they sent their child to live with his Aunt Tosha in another Polish ghetto they deemed safer. Unfortunately, she did not feel the same way and poisoned herself and all of her charges, including poor Richieu. Art was born in New York and suffered from living up to the image of a dead brother, even to the point of staying in a mental hospital. When he was released, his mother committed suicide and his father remarried another Holocaust survivor, Mala. "Maus" was the perfect way to deal with these travesties, by simultaneously removing and retaining the human element. The depiction of animals meant they weren't like us, but the action and dialogue said otherwise.

It is a brilliantly poignant portrayal of World War II from the Jewish perspective and how it affects the survivors, even worlds away. Art's father was prejudiced against blacks, even though he was a victim of anti-semitism. Art married Françoise Mouly, a French artist, co-founding Raw Magazine with her (she is a mouse with a French scarf in the cartoon). Never one to back down from a fight, just like his father, Spiegelman spoke out about the recent war on Iraq and greatly lamented September 11 (see below). Vladek's new wife, Mala, suffers from his stubbornness and frugality, left over from the War. The fact that Vladek survived Auschwitz without going completely mad is testament to this resiliency. But he drives Art crazy. The depictions of both ordinary and camp life are truly extraordinarily detailed and the images will stay with you forever. Spiegelman's cutting humor makes it all the more real and accessible, and that much more frightening.

It's an excellent addition to any other historically acclaimed book on the subject. It also raises graphic novelization to a new level. Be sure to read both volumes:

Volume I: My Father Bleeds History
Volume II: And Here Comes Trouble Began




















(Spiegelman's New Yorker cover after the September 11 attacks,
right before he resigned in protest of media hypocrisy.)


The Works:

Maus I & II 2 Volumes Boxed Set Read more!

Life and Online Dating

a kate west reflection

You never know who's going to end up together. It's not something you have any business sorting out, either. Chemistry and timing play a part, as well as a general outlook on life, love and dating. Life is unexpected. And love can change. Who knew?

The year 2001 changed my entire life, in so many ways. September 11 happened and then the whole world changed, so what did my small life have to do with anything? Well, I still had to live it, when all was said and done. After our national shock, we all had to get back to living our lives. Comedians started being funny again and Hollywood celebrities came out of hiding. And I started online dating. And perceptions and perspectives got small again.

On to major trivialities. Can I work out my own insecurities, while still caring about the state of the planet? Like I said, I had to start living my life again and if the whole country could do it, so could I. It all ties in - for me, at least. O.K. so forgive me. Please. Moment of self-indulgence. But who knows, maybe we'll all learn something together.

Here's the thing about online dating. Profiles don't match. Guys, it's not your fault - I don't match my profile either. Everything on there is true, but you're right this moment building a fantasy in your head, which I just can't live up to - no one can. And I'm doing the same to you. Cyber reality isn't reality at all - it's what we want to have happen and then we're disappointed when it doesn't come true. So I've given up online dating. I know, I know, a lot of you married people you met online, but it's pretty unusual to meet someone perfect from a photo gallery of strangers. What are the odds? And if you've been out of circulation, for oh, say decades, the rules may have changed and it's kind of like starting out all over again. But straight from high school. And who wants to do that? Ugh. Better for real friendships to develop into something else. But who has the time for that in this day and age?

There must be a better way. So we join fun organizations and fitness clubs and try to stick with people we have something in common with. Maybe. The old fashioned way. It may take a longer, but it's a lot less stressful. And all of those how-to dating books don't really help either. It either happens or it doesn't. When we try to force nature, it backfires. Hence, global warming. And bad dates.

So back to the drawing board! And better perceptions and perspectives. And a more serious version of life. Like joining the Peace Corps. Anything to help others and get out of your own head at the same time. Because without a peaceful world, how can we find happiness with each other?

p.s. Firemen are still the best superheroes, in my book (and totally datable). We haven't forgotten you. Believe me. Peace.

www.peacecorps.gov/

MORE Magazine: www.more.com Read more!

Mandell

Mandell - An Artist
a kate west recommendation








Mandell is a true original, an artist who employs geometry and cubism in his work, while still evoking passionate dignity. His paintings are extraordinary, especially his series of jazz paintings that swirl human forms with exotic instruments in sophisticated backgrounds you can't keep your eyes off of.















A native of Detriot and originally a student of architecture, Mandell now resides in California and his work has been exhibited all over Los Angeles. Artistic influences include Juan Gris, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Fernande Leger. Fabulous.





www.mandellart.com



Read more!

The X-Files

The X-Files
a kate west favorite





"The X-Files" is my all time favorite show. I own every DVD and can watch any episode over and over. It's just one of those inexplicable cult phenomenon I guess, because the acting is pretty wooden, especially in the early shows, and the writing doesn't always make sense. But something about it - the sincerity of the creator maybe - touches the soul of a true sci-fi nerd. Although each season did get better and better, both in plot lines and acting - except for the final season (ninth) which was pretty much a viewer let down, so let's not even mention it.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are F.B.I. Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (pictured above). Mulder believes in the supernatural, and indeed has first hand knowledge of it in the weird cases he investigates. Initially hired to discredit Mulder, the scientific Scully comes to believe more and more in Mulder's take on things. Extraterrestrials, vampires, ghosts and demons are the norm in the world of the X-Files. Aided by solid Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) and the rebellious Lone Gunmen, Melvin Frohike, John Byers and Ringo Langly (Tom Braidwood, Bruce Harwood and Dean Haglund), the steadfast duo try to solve the unsolvable.

Some cases remain a mystery and some answers are finally revealed, as the years wore on. There was even a feature film at one point ("X-Files - Fight the Future") that shed some light on certain back-stories. All in all, it was a pretty satisfactory run for X-fanatics and spanned multiple cult followings, not to mention enhancing many a sci-fi convention. I miss it from time to time, but all I have to do is pop in an episode and everything becomes clear.

"The truth is out there." Cue creepy theme music by Mark Snow.

Series Directed by:
Kim Manners (52 episodes, 1995-2002)
Rob Bowman (33 episodes, 1994-2000)
David Nutter (15 episodes, 1993-1995)
Ron Reedy (11 episodes, 1995-1996)
Chris Carter (10 episodes, 1994-2002)
R.W. Goodwin (9 episodes, 1994-1998)
Tony Wharmby (7 episodes, 2000-2002)
Michael W. Watkins (6 episodes, 1998-2000)
Daniel Sackheim (5 episodes, 1993-1999)
Michael Lange (4 episodes, 1994-1997)
Jim Charleston (4 episodes, 1996-1997)
Cliff Bole (4 episodes, 1997-2002)
William A. Graham (3 episodes, 1993-1998)
Peter Markle (3 episodes, 1997-2000)
David Duchovny (3 episodes, 1999-2002)
Thomas J. Wright (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
Rod Hardy (3 episodes, 2000-2001)
Jerrold Freedman (2 episodes, 1993-1994)
Joe Napolitano (2 episodes, 1993-1994)
Larry Shaw (2 episodes, 1993)
Tucker Gates (2 episodes, 1996-1997)
Vince Gilligan (2 episodes, 2000-2002)
Richard Compton (2 episodes, 2000-2001)
Frank Spotnitz (2 episodes, 2001)

Series Writing Credits:
Chris Carter (85 episodes, 1993-2002)
Frank Spotnitz (48 episodes, 1995-2002)
Vince Gilligan (30 episodes, 1995-2002)
John Shiban (24 episodes, 1995-2002)
Howard Gordon (20 episodes, 1993-1997)
Glen Morgan (15 episodes, 1993-1997)
James Wong (15 episodes, 1993-1997)
David Duchovny (8 episodes, 1995-2002)
David Amann (7 episodes, 1999-2002)
Alex Gansa (6 episodes, 1993-1995)
Darin Morgan (5 episodes, 1994-1996)
Jeffrey Bell (5 episodes, 1999-2001)
Steven Maeda (5 episodes, 2000-2002)
Greg Walker (3 episodes, 2000-2001)
Paul Brown (2 episodes, 1994)
Chris Ruppenthal (2 episodes, 1994)
Kim Newton (2 episodes, 1995-1996)
Jeff Vlaming (2 episodes, 1995-1996)
Sara B. Charno (2 episodes, 1995)
William Gibson (2 episodes, 1998-2000)
Tom Maddox (2 episodes, 1998-2000)
Tim Minear (2 episodes, 1998)
Daniel Arkin (2 episodes, 1999-2000)
Thomas Schnauz (2 episodes, 2001-2002)
Valerie Mayhew (1 episode, 1996)
Vivian Mayhew (1 episode, 1996)


Series Cast:
Gillian Anderson ... Dana Scully / ... (196 episodes, 1993-2002)
David Duchovny ... Fox Mulder (175 episodes, 1993-2002)

Mitch Pileggi ... Walter Skinner / ... (82 episodes, 1994-2002)
Robert Patrick ... John Doggett / ... (40 episodes, 2000-2002)
Tom Braidwood ... Melvin Frohike (39 episodes, 1994-2002)
William B. Davis ... CGB Spender / ... (37 episodes, 1993-2002)
Bruce Harwood ... John Fitzgerald Byers (36 episodes, 1994-2002)
Dean Haglund ... Richard 'Ringo' Langly / ... (35 episodes, 1994-2002)
Nicholas Lea ... Alex Krycek / ... (24 episodes, 1994-2002)
Annabeth Gish ... Monica Reyes / ... (23 episodes, 2001-2002)
James Pickens Jr. ... FBI Deputy Director Alvin Kersh / ... (19 episodes, 1998-2002)
Sheila Larken ... Margaret Scully (16 episodes, 1994-2002)
Don S. Williams ... Elder #1 / ... (14 episodes, 1995-1999)
Steven Williams ... Mr. X (14 episodes, 1994-2002)
Chris Owens ... FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Spender / ... (13 episodes, 1996-2002)
Jerry Hardin ... Deep Throat (11 episodes, 1993-1999)
Rebecca Toolan ... Mrs. Teena Mulder (10 episodes, 1995-2000)
Laurie Holden ... Marita Covarrubias (10 episodes, 1996-2002)
Arlene Warren ... Skinner's Assistant / ... (10 episodes, 1998-2002)
Brendan Beiser ... Agent Pendrell (9 episodes, 1995-1997)
Brian Thompson ... Alien Bounty Hunter (9 episodes, 1995-2000)
John Neville ... The Well-Manicured Man (8 episodes, 1995-1998)
Bill Dow ... Dr. Charles Burks / ... (8 episodes, 1993-2001)
John Moore ... Elder #3 / ... (8 episodes, 1995-1999)
James Riker ... Baby William / ... (8 episodes, 2001-2002)
Travis Riker ... Baby William / ... (8 episodes, 2001-2002)
Mimi Rogers ... Agent Diana Fowley (7 episodes, 1998-1999)
Peter Donat ... William Mulder (6 episodes, 1995-1999)
Morris Panych ... The Grey-Haired Man / ... (6 episodes, 1995-1997)
Cary Elwes ... FBI Assistant Director Brad Follmer (6 episodes, 2001-2002)

Start Now:
The X-Files - The Complete First Season (Slim Set) Read more!

The Weir

The Weir
a kate west review
by Conor McPherson
directed by Randall Arney
at The Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles 90024

running January 30 - March 18

Call (310) 208-5454


Set in rural Ireland, "The Weir" portrays five characters tangled up in each other's lives. The landscape is an integral part of Irish mythology and lore, matching everyone's emotions, which are as turbulent as a raging stream against a dam, or weir.

Inside a traditional Irish pub (nicely captured by Scene Designer Karyl Newman), five people tell ghost stories. There is no real plot except for a young woman moving to their small village from Dublin and everything revolves from there. Outside of the novelty of casting television's John Mahoney in the lead, it is a fairly innocuous piece. The rest of the cast (Ian Barford, Paul Vincent O'Connor, Francis Guinan and Lindsay Crouse) are more or less fine, as are the production values for the most part (such as Costumer Mary Quigly, etc.)

However, overall it is not all that memorable and Mahoney really pushes himself. Apparently used to a different medium for so long, he strains to fill the space, which can get grating. Perhaps this smaller play would to better in a less cavernous spot. Read more!