Las Vegas' OSCAR: A Good Man paving way for film/stage production hybrids

May 18, 2011 - PRLog -- The number of motion pictures that have been adapted from stage plays are aplenty. Fourteen of them, including Oliver! (1968), Amadeus (1984), Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and Chicago (2002), have even went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. But how many original stage productions are also, part film themselves?

Derek Stonebarger said he's not sure, but added if OSCAR: A Good Man, which mixes live theatre with video clips, is one of the first, he's happy to have helped pave the way.

"I think after OSCAR: A Good Man you will see a lot more of hybrid plays," Stonebarger said. "Regardless, I am very proud of what we have been able to pull off in such a short amount of time."

Stonebarger stars as Oscar Goodfella and is one of the creators of the production, which was written and directed by Ryan Eicher. The duo came up with the concept  about 90 days before its premiere night May 14.

In March, Stonebarger opened the doors to theatre7, which not only hosts stage performances, but also doubles as an arthouse for independent films and triples as an art gallery. In April, he produced the 48 Hour Film Project, overseeing 48 teams, competing to make movies over a weekend.

Somewhere between all that, Eicher wrote the play and Stonebarger learned his part, while the duo cast the roles and shot the footage for the video segments.

Currently playing at theatre7 (1406 South 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104), OSCAR: A Good Man is a fictional tale about a colorful and controversial trial lawyer that goes on to become a gin-loving mayor of Sin City.

It comes off as a fun and light-hearted tribute to Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman that also acknowledges Carolyn, who is currently running for mayor against Chris Giunchigliani, as the strong woman behind the man. Goodman’s reign as the “Happiest Mayor in the Universe” comes to a close soon and the play, which runs through the June 7 city election, is theatre7's way of giving him a nice send off.

In addition to Stonebarger, Eicher plays a slew of characters, as does Janell Kelley, while Paige Billiot stars as Carolyn Goodfella. Morgen Weaver plays Oscar as a child. Stonebarger and Billiot also portray Oscar's parents.

The play is the debut of Eicher as a director and the debut of Stonebarger as an actor. Ironically, the duo first worked together on the set of Stonebarger’s award-winning film I.M. Caravaggio, which was the debut of Eicher as an actor.

OSCAR: A Good Man begins with Oscar Goodfella as an often bullied Jewish child in Philadelphia. The story follows as Oscar and Carolyn meet, fall in love and move to Las Vegas with less than $100 in their pockets. A successful career defending notorious crime figures follows. Goodfella then becomes the mayor of Las Vegas. The play ends with Oscar announcing his pick as his successor. Along the way, a rivalry between Goodfella and Bette Midler builds, resulting in a hilarious finale.

While many of the facts have been warped, most of the play’s details are based on fact. Some aspects are just closer to the actual truth than others.  

Goodman, who was named one of the 15 Best Trial Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal, spent 35 years defending notorious mobsters. High profile clients of his included Anthony "Tony The Ant" Spilotro and Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, who were later portrayed by Joe Pesci and Robert DeNiro in Casino. Goodman appeared as himself in the 1995 Martin Scorsese film.

Goodfella’s rivalry with Bette Midler stems from comments Goodman made at an auction that landed him on TMZ.com. Video on the popular tabloid website showed Goodman shouting "short and fat Bette Midler" at a gala benefit.

Oscar Goodman was treated to a sneak peek of the play prior to opening weekend. He and Carolyn have said they will be taking it in, but have not decided when just yet.

"(Oscar) has been talking about the play a bunch," said Carolyn at the Young Professionals for Carolyn Goodman for Mayor on Monday at the Vanguard Lounge. "He said he really liked it, what he saw, that is."

So with the Goodmans seemingly giving Goodfella an endorsement, who is the fictional character throwing his weight behind?

"Myself!" Goodfella said. "Vote early! Vote often! Vote Oscar Goodfella! Under the legal voting age? That's okay; vote anyway. Vote Oscar Goodfella! OSCAR: A Good Man needs your vote. Join us at any of our remaining 12 performances to have your vote counted!"

Goodfella currently leads with 100 percent of the vote in an online poll at Facebook.com/theatre7.

Located near the "Downtown Las Vegas" sign, theatre7 has already screened the Las Vegas feature films I.M. Caravaggio, One Long Day, Thor at the Bus Stop, You People, a number of films from grindhouse legend Ted V. Mikels, and a short film showcase, which is going to be a monthly event. In June, theatre7 welcomes the CineKink film festival back to Vegas, while PollyGrind will call the venue home in October.

For more information on OSCAR: A Good Man or to buy advanced tickets, visit http://www.theatre7lv.com/ or call 702-568-9663. Tickets are $12.50 or $17 in advance and $15 or $20 at the door.

   
OSCAR: A Good Man, the play
Written and directed by Ryan Eicher
OSCAR: A Good Man is an original comedy inspired by the life and times of the modern day Las Vegas icon Oscar Goodman. Starring Derek Stonebarger, Paige Billiot, Eicher, Janell Kelley and Morgen Weaver, the historical production is a hybrid play that mixes live theatre with video clips.

Opened May 14 and runs until June 7
$12.50 & $17 in advance / $15 & $20 at the door
at theatre7
1406 South 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89104
In the Downtown Arts District
(702) 568-9663

http://www.theatre7lv.com/
http://www.facebook.com/theatre7
http://twitter.com/theatre7lv

Reserve Tickets
http://theatre7lv.eventbrite.com/

This Friday, May 20th: 7pm
Saturday, May 21st: 7pm
Sunday, May 22nd: 2:30pm
Sunday, May 22nd: 6pm
Thursday, May 26th: 7pm
Friday, May 27th: 7pm
Saturday, May 28th: 7pm
Sunday, May 29th: 2:30pm
Sunday, May 29th: 6pm
Saturday, June 4th: 7pm (Final Weekend!)
Sunday, June 5th: 2:30pm
Sunday, June 5th: 6pm
Monday, June 6th: 7pm (Bonus Performance!)
Tuesday, June 7th: 7pm (Election Day - Final Performance!)

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