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On Theater: 'Traveler' is history lesson in folk music

January 19, 2012|By Tom Titus
(Page 2 of 2)

In the second segment, we get the hit folkies of the '50s and some of that era's most memorable tunes — "Tom Dooley," "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?," "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Jamaica Farewell" and "Blowin' in the Wind," to name a few. And the troupe offers the Kingston Trio's comic "Zombie Jamboree" intact, down to the offhand remarks.

When the Dylan-electric moment arrives, it's reported that Pete Seeger was backstage trying to pull the plug. Whether that was because of the amplification or due to Dylan's blatant, repetitive version of the fairly awful "Maggie's Farm" isn't quite clear.

The troupe treads lightly on the protests of the '60s, though its choral rendition of "We Shall Overcome" is a clear highlight. Dylan (James) and Baez (Bennett) make a winning team on their duet of "Blowin' in the Wind."

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Director O'Neil's fervent attention to detail pays dividends in this informative, entertaining and inspirational production, a high water mark for the Laguna Playhouse.

TOM TITUS covers local theater for the Coastline Pilot.

If You Go

What: "Lonesome Traveler"

Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until Feb. 5

Tickets: $30 to $65

To buy tickets: Call (949) 497-2787, or go to http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

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