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Ancients like Java Man and Lucy weren't limited to checking out exhibits of cave paintings when they wanted entertainment; at least to judge by UG: A Stone-Age Musical Comedy, these prehistoric types had theater, and thus, lots of drama both on-stage and off, to liven up those long days of hunting or gathering.
San Jose Stage Company presents the world premiere of this comic musical that good-naturedly posits that the theater, or more specifically, the personalities involved in it, haven't evolved much past primitive times (even if, technically, theater hadn't been invented then). UG opens June 5 in downtown San Jose.
Playwright Jim Geoghan and composers Vivian and Rick Rhodes have created a comedy that suggests Neanderthals invented show biz and everything that goes with it, from touring productions to psychotherapy.
Ug is a hunter who finds himself moved to forsake his club and spear for a career on the stage. Meanwhile, his wife, Bandala, must play the more difficult role of the understanding, supportive spouse. Ug and his wife encounter Chief Oolooki, the leader of a visiting tribe who sees possibilities in presenting a show in caves around the area, and Tatata, a starlet who, long before the invention of furniture, seems to have an understanding of how the casting couch works.
So what if a Stone-Age production preceded language? The penchant for performing is innate in humans, the musical suggests, and apparently, even before there was any business at all, there was no business like show business.
San Jose Stage Company producing director Rick Singleton directs UG: A Stone-Age Musical Comedy, with Jonathan Leavy as Ug, Keite Davis as Bandala, Kevin Blackton as Chief Oolooki and Lianne Marie Dobbs as Tatata.
San Jose Stage Company presents UG: A Stone-Age Musical Comedy June 527 (previews June 24) at the Stage, 490 S. First St., San Jose. Tickets are $20-$42. For more information, call 408.283.7142.
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