Dogfight - Character Portraits
l to r - Joshua Lee Fox, Brendan Brady and Robby French
That's it! No more! All done!
These are the last images that I have created for any Modern production! The fact that I took them for a production at the very first place that I was ever IN was an added bonus. That they were for a show directed by my very dear friend, Abbey Crawford, was an honor. Additionally, she was the director on that very first show of mine, Fiddler on the Roof.
Plus, the review from The Spokesman-Review came out today and said what I felt was gonna be the case ...
It’s been a strong year for character-driven stories at the Modern, and “Dogfight,” which closes out the season, is one of the best. - Nathan Weinbender
'Dogfight' is a musical about 60s-era Marines, fresh out of Boot Camp, who are having one last hurrah before they ship out to Vietnam. Having myself been a young recruit about to be shipped overseas, I empathize with the fear, excitement and trepidation of that time period. I didn't have a "dogfight" as in the play but I did my best to live as richly as possible during that time.
From The Modern's website:
On the eve of their deployment, young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery. Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress, rewrites the rules of the game and teaches one of them the power of love and compassion. Studded with impressive songs, an unexpected love affair, and a genuine and charming soul, this is a heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.
Again, these portraits don't succeed without actors that are dedicated to their characters. This was my first time capturing Joshua and Shelby but they stepped up and did a wonderful job of wearing their characters for the 1/200th of a second that I need them to.
Of the 30+ shows that I've shot for the two Modern Theaters, I suspect that I've shot Brandon, Robby and Alyssa at least 15 times altogether. You'll find a few of them in the portraits gallery. They're talented and prolific actors and it's been a pleasure shooting them on the numerous occasions.
What's most upsetting about this show for me is that I won't be able to watch it. It debuted after my departure to San Antonio. Yes, it's still running for another few weeks but it's a bit out of the way for a weekend jaunt.
I know the director and creative crew and I've seen the work of the talent in the cast so I'm certain that I'll be missing another fantastic Modern production.
My Very. Last. Modern Show.
Damn.