Norbert appeared in The Arsonists at The Odyssey Theater in Los Angeles until June 26th in the lead role
of Mr. Biedermann. Norbert’s character looked like a lot of fun -- nervous and a total wreck over the
circumstances surrounding him. Beth Hogan, the actress who played his wife, had the same demeanor and
they looked very well matched. Norbert mentioned that his character was a very messed up sort of guy
and not likeable in the least.
The reviews were very complimentary and favorable for this play. You can find links to some of them on
this page. With all of these favorable reviews perhaps there is a chance for an Ovation Award?
One review that wasn’t posted on The Odyssey website is the one from Back Stage, a publication for
acting professionals. The Arsonists is their Critic’s Pick of Los Angeles Plays. Here is a link to that here:
Back Stage Reviews The Arsonists.
Be sure to check out the links to some other reviews as well. These are posted mid-way down in the left
side-bar. These also include additional stills from the play of Norbert, Beth and the rest of the cast.
Special Treat! Norbert sent several photos from a rehearsal of the play, some candid shots of
the cast as well as a few wonderful stills. And even better -- there is now a full feature
presentation of this play than spans three pages that can be found here. The entire cast was
fabulous and it was a real joy and privilege to be able to see this play.
The play was directed by
Ron Sossi who is the
Artistic Director and one
of the founding members
of The Odyssey Theater
Ensemble -- Alan Abelew
and Norbert being a couple of
the others.
The Arsonists is from a
translation by Alistair Beaton, a
British satirist playwright.
There is a nice bio of him on
his website here.
The Odyssey Theater is located
at 2055 Sepulveda Blvd, Los
Angeles, CA.
Be sure to become a Fan of
the Odyssey Theater Ensemble
on Facebook -- you will find
additional photos and a trailer!
© www.norbert-weisser.com, 2010 This is the Official Fansite for Mr. Norbert Weisser Site Design By: JT eDesigns
Max Frisch was born in Zurich,
Switzerland in 1911, and is the
author of numerous novels,
journals and dramatic works,
and was also an architect. He
died of cancer in 1991.
Additional reading on Mr. Frisch
can be found here on Wikipedia.
The Arsonists, also known as
Firebugs is available in print
from Amazon.
The Arsonists Reviews
These links will take you to
various reviews of this
play. Some include
additional photos, and all
are favorable (or rather...
sweet)!
Bitter Lemons site
Bitter Lemons summary of
numerous reviews.
Stage and Theater
by Harvey Perr
Photo by ENCI
Photo by ENCI
Photo by ENCI
Photo by Ron Sossi
Aren’t these photos just awesome?!?!!
All of the photos below were taken and contributed by Mr. Weisser. All of these images are pop-ups.
Exterior shot of The Odyssey Theater, Los Angeles.
The Odyssey Theater is located on Sepulveda Blvd.
Cast/Chorus members
Chantal DeGroat and Cary Thompson.
Two-story set needed to depict the attic where the
guests of Mr. Biedermann took up residence and
stashed their barrels of fuel.
Director Ron Sossi. Ron is one of the founding
members of The Odyssey Theater.
Ron Bottitta (standing) who played one of the
arsonists, and other cast members Alan Abelew
(red shirt) and Eric Lasoya (white shirt).
John Achorn who played one of the arsonists.
Alan Abelew in the lower left corner, with Cary Thompson
and Eric Lasoya showing in the reflection of the mirror on
either side of him.
Now Online --
an expanded presentation with
lots of screencaps and a full
storyline! This is only
possible through the on-going
generosity of Mr. Weisser.
Thanks, Norbert!!