Pearlman has been acting and directing an ambitious number of Ventura County productions. Brand
was a regular on NBC radio and WATV television. Harlow has been involved in Ventura County
Theatre since 1985. Perren performs regularly with The Cabrillo Music Theatre and in Ventura. James
was last seen on The Vagabond Players stage in Plaza Suite and on the Conejo Players Stage in The
Nerd. Gaines was last seen in The Vagabond Players "Murder at the Howard Johnson's", and
previously as Raymond in The Conejo Players production of "Down Along the Brazos". Melora Hutton
(Rachel) performs
throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Melanie McGuire (Goldie) was in The Vagabond
Players "Murder at the Howard Johnson's".
"Two by Two" is co-produced by the Players and The Backlot Theater at 1408 East Thousand Oaks
Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA, across from Roxy's Famous Deli, in the Gold Coast Plaza. "Two by Two"
will run at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2pm Sundays. Ticket prices are $14 (Adults) and $12
Seniors/Students). Group sales are available. To reserve tickets or request more information, call The
Vagabond Players at (805) 987-6039.
Marquie said that putting people to the biblical story truly brings it to life. He produced "Two by Two"
seven years ago with a local dinner theater, and has found that it is the kind of classic story that people
like to see time-and-again. The storys traditional appeal makes it a show for families: pretty much
anyone who knows the story of Noah and the Ark can appreciate it, he said, and suggested that
children at least 10 and up should find the show enjoyable.
The shows set requirements threw a challenge the Players way: the actors plan to literally build an ark
onstage in front of the audience. This made it necessary to choreograph both the movement to
accompany songs, and the stage traffic required to construct an ark. Set designer Tom Murray had his
hands full. "You have to build it so the actors and actresses can put it together," said Marquie.
The music is both humorous and clever.
"Imagine this: Your father is 600 years old. He hears God telling him to build an ark. What would you
say? You'd say he should be put away, is a part of show song called "Put Him Away," where the
children in Noah's family try to have him committed. It is these kinds of silly and human details that
make the show wholesome entertainment, said Marquie, who added that the music was quite smart.
The story is modified from the original for the sake of humor and unexpected plot twists. God Himself
steps in to make some adjustments. As Noah cannot work quite so fast at age 600, God brings him back
to the youthful age of 90, prompting the song "90 Again." The show deals with having belief in God,
turning from Him, and then coming back to Him, said Marquie, although he said, "the performance is
not religious. You don't need to be a particular faith to see the show."
Two by Two has an interesting history. Though it has not been performed in Ventura County for the
past seven years, the original show played on Broadway starring Danny Kaye. About three or four
shows into its run, Kaye reportedly fell and broke his leg, and did the rest of the shows in a cast.
The Vagabond Players show similar commitment in their own theatrical contribution. Marquie has
known a number of the actors for years, and is pleased to be working with them once more. "It's kind
of like coming home to family," he said.
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