BWW Reviews: THE GRADUATE at Conejo Players Theatre - Not Quite Making The Grade

"The Graduate" at Conejo Players Theatre

Not Quite Making the Grade

When one thinks of "The Graduate", it is the iconic 1967 movie which comes to mind, that catapulted Dustin Hoffman into mainstream American culture and solidified both his and Anne Bancroft's positions as some of the greatest performances of the silver screen. While the 2002 Broadway production saw brilliant performances by Jason Biggs and Kathleen Turner giving the stage version equal visions of acting strengths to its audiences.

Alas, this is not the silver screen nor is it Broadway so we try to go in without these visions in our heads and without the comparisons when viewing our local theatres.

But sometimes, there is no comparison.

Aside from the lifeless and bland sets, the random thrift store costumes (although the three leads looked fairly close to the original Broadway costume designs), the dark lighting, and some of the most random over the top, misplaced, one dimensional performances I have seen onstage, there are three performances of quality that stand out:

Nick Bemrose as Benjamin Braddock.

Michelle Stratton as Elaine Robinson.

And, Angela Stern as Mrs. Robinson.

Bemrose and Stratton execute some wonderful truthful moments when paired up (especially the final hotel room scene).

But it is Stern's Mrs. Robinson that leaves everyone in the dust. Every moment onstage is filled with life and every movement onstage has a purpose. She embodies Bancroft and Turner and if it were a one-woman show, oh...would that be an evening of theatre!

But alas, it isn't.

WARNING: This production contains adult language and situations and may not be appropriate for younger views.

The production runs through May 30, 2015 playing Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM. TICKET PRICES: $16/$18. TO ORDER TICKETS: Go online to www.conejoplayers.org or call the Box Office at 805.495.3715. Conejo Players Theatre is located at

351 S. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA.

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