Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival

Provincetown Tennessee Williams 12^th Annual Theater Festival – Day 2

The Gnadiges Fraulein

Texas Tech University

Ten Blocks on the Camino Real

National Theatre of Ghana

Pericles

Die-Cast

September 23, 2017

Photo courtesy of Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival

I was able to attend the Provincetown Tennessee Williams 12th Annual Theater Festival for only two of the four days.  During that time I was able to see five shows and a lecture on Tennessee Williams.  The experience was revitalizing and inspiring.  On my second day I encountered a broader variety of theatre companies from different points on the map.

The Gnadiges Fraulein
Photo courtesy of Texas Tech University

The Texas Tech University production of The Gnadiges Fraulein was absurd, fast paced, bawdy, and highly disturbing.  Director Jef Hall-Flavin found the pace, style, and timing to keep the audience amused, allowing Tennessee Williams’ darker themes of unrequited love and self-deprivation to creep in and change the tone for a potent ending.  Rachel Hirshorn and Anthea Thompson had great chemistry as Molly and Polly.  Francine Segal was haunting as Fraulein.  The production design was comical and over the top, while the color scheme of black, white, and shades of gray added a layer of seriousness that allowed for a smooth transitioned into the darker ending.

Ten Blocks on the Camino Real
Photo courtesy of The National Theatre of Ghana

Hurricane Jose lightened up so the National Theatre of Ghana’s production of Ten Blocks on the Camino Real was able to be played outdoors as scheduled.  Director David Kaplan’s rendition of this challenging Tennessee Williams play was grounded in the cultural colors and rhythms of Ghana, transforming the emotional challenges of the main character, Kilroy (played by Isaac Flagbor) into a mystical and spiritual journey.  The cast of eleven worked as a solid ensemble filling the open, outdoor space with energy, transporting the audience into the world of the play.

Pericles
Photo courtesy of Die-Cast

Shakespeare’s Pericles was presented by Die-Cast, a new company out of Philadelphia.  The show was staged on a life size model of a clipper ship on the second floor of the Provincetown Library.  Director Brena Geffers used striking ensemble movement and resilient breath work to weave the tale of this lesser known Shakespeare work.  The cast played multiple roles lead by Keith Conallen as Pericles, Chris Anthony as Gower, and Hannah Van Sciver as Marina.

This was my first time attending the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival, and I am already looking forward to next year.  The variety of theatre professionals and artists presenting high quality work clearly defines the magnitude of vision and expertise of this organization.  If you have not attended in the past, I recommend checking out their website (http://twptown.org/) for upcoming news. 

Domenick Danza

Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival

Provincetown Tennessee Williams 12^th Annual Theater Festival – Day 1

Sweet Bird of Youth

Hamlet

Abrahamse & Meyer Productions

September 22, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival 

The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Twelfth Annual Theater Festival celebrated the work of American Playwright Tennessee Williams along with classic works of William Shakespeare from September 21 through 24.  The festival brought together artists and companies from South Africa, Ghana, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.  Despite the remnants of hurricane Jose, the atmosphere was dynamic and the sense of community and creativity was enveloping.  On my first day of the festival I attended a lecture on Tennessee Williams and experienced two productions by an astounding theatre company from South Africa.

Sweet Bird of Youth
Photo courtesy of Ride Hamilton

Directed by Fred Abrahamse, the Abrahamse and Meyer Productions rendition of Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth was mesmerizing.  Bold choices were made by every cast member.  Marcel Meyer was heart breaking as Chance Wayne.  Fiona Ramsay was captivating as Princess Kosmonopolis.  All the female roles, with the exception of Princess Kosmonopolis, were cast as men.  This made a strong statement on the power structure within the family of Boss Finley and emphasized the tragic demise of the main character.  The story line of white supremacy in Williams’ writing is relevant to our present day political situation, and shines a valuable light on the objectives and motivations of supreme dominance.

Hamlet
Photo courtesy of Abrahamse and Meyer Productions

Abrahamse & Meyer Productions also presented Hamlet during the festival.  The production was riveting.  The cast of six male actors filled the stage with unqualified magnitude, creating genuine relationships and passionate moments.  Marcel Meyer’s Hamlet was profound and powerful.  Director Fred Abrahamse’s interpretation of the ghost of Hamlet’s father was truly brilliant.  When the ghost appears, he possesses Hamlet and speaks through him.  This jaw dropping scene defines Hamlet’s “madness.”  His father speaks through Hamlet again in the scene with Gertrude (played by Callum Tilbury).  When Gertrude witnesses this “possession,” she fully understands the level of her son’s descent, and chooses to transition  her loyalty.

Hamlet
Photo courtesy of Abrahamse and Meyer Productions

Traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, Abrahamse & Meyer Productions is a frequent participant in the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival.  They are an amazing company.  Not only did they successfully tackle these two monumental pieces, but they were performed back to back with a short two hour break.  Fred Abrahamse was mingling after both performances, discussion his vision for these two outstanding productions and gathering audience feedback.  The accessibility of the work, scope of artistic vision, and high quality acting makes this company well worth knowing.   

Domenick Danza

Charm

Charm

MCC Theater

Lucille Lortel Theatre

September 9, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

Philip Dawkins’ Charm tells a heartwarming and universal story about building community through genuine care, mutual consideration, and yes, proper manners.  The MCC Theater production at the Lucille Lortel Theatre is of high quality.  The cast is superb, building true characters with clear objectives that drive the story forward and engage the audience.  Director Will Davis’ passion for these characters rings brilliantly.  He gives space for each actor to honestly reveal the inner truth of their character.  He unites them in their need for one another in Mr. Dawkins’ life affirming conclusion.

Mama Darleena Andrews (played by Sandra Caldwell), a 67 year old black transgender woman, volunteers to teach a class on charm at the LGBTQ Center in Chicago.  D, the program director (played by Kelli Simpkins), welcomes her with a warning that the youth at the center are homeless and street-wise, and might be resistant to Emily Post’s rules of etiquette.  Darleena faces the challenge with optimistic determination as her students openly talk about their fears and obstacles, sometimes with vicious aggression.  It is when she is honest about herself and opens to receive their love and respect in return that a true sense of community is verified. 

Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

Mr. Dawkins based his main character, Mama Darleena Andrews, on Miss Gloria Allen, who volunteered for years to teach transgender and gender nonconforming youths how to survive and believe in themselves.  She is considered an icon by many in her community.  Sandra Caldwell portrays this character with the grace, poise, and self-respect this role requires.  She reveals the character’s many layers so the audience understands her motivations and deeper, personal needs.  She connects with each cast member, creating relationships that blossom in the story’s conclusion.   Creating the bureaucratic conflict for Mama Darleena to achieve her goals, Kelli Simpkins develops the character of D with truthful intensions and a deeply rooted emotional connection to her work.

The cast & creative team of Charm
Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

The cast takes every opportunity with Mr. Dawkins' skillfully crafted dialogue to develop moments that draw the audience into the deep secrets of their personal lives and their emotional struggle with identity and acceptance. Each story is riveting and raw.  Haile Sahar portrays Ariela as an open book who erupts with deep-seeded anger when her affection for Mama Darleena is not reciprocated.  Marquise Vilson unpeels Beta’s forceful exterior when Mama Darleena looks beyond his protective demeanor.  Michael Lorz (Logan) and Jojo Brown (Jonelle) have a magical chemistry and generate a strong bond that reaches beyond their diverse backgrounds.  Lauren R. Walker is fierce as Victoria.  When her softer side is exposed, she is genuine and empathetic.  Michael David Baldwin plays her husband, Donnie.  Together their characters courageously grow and change with sincere fortitude.  Marky Irene Diven shines as Lady.  The character is drowning in fear and self-doubt due to physical and emotional victimization and gender confusion.  The arc of this character’s catharsis during the course of the play is stunningly interpreted.    

Director Will Davis, Miss Gloria Allen,
& Playwright Philip Dawkins
Photo courtesy of MCC Theater

The MCC Theater production of Charm is running at the Lucille Lortel Theatre through October 8.  Philip Dawkins weaves these true to life characters, full of flaws, gusto, and grit, into a well-developed, heartwarming play that you MUST see. 

Domenick Danza

The Tempest

The Tempest

The Drilling Company

Bryant Park Shakespeare

September 1, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Bryant Park Shakespeare

Director Lukas Raphael brings The Drilling Company’s summer Shakespeare season to a stunning conclusion with his rendition of The Tempest at Bryant Park.  He states in the program notes, “While embracing the madness of our venue in Manhattan, it was important to focus the production and tell the story clearly, imaginatively, and immediately.”  He skillfully achieves this goal through collaboration with a brilliant cast and amazing composer, Natalie Smith.  Mr. Raphael hones in on the essence and power of Shakespeare’s tale, making it accessible and entertaining.

Prospero (played by Roger Rathburn), the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda (played by Mary Linehan) have been living on a secluded island after forced exile twelve years ago.  He rules over Ariel, a spirit (played by Natalie Smith), and Caliban, an island native who formerly reigned over the island (played by Eric Paterniani).  Prospero conjures a mighty storm that causes a shipwreck.  Aboard the ship are Alonso, the King of Naples (played by Jack Sochet), and members of his courts, including his son Ferdinand (played by Bradford B. Frost).  They all become separated, and seek any advantage to obtain power.  It is Prospero’s plan for redemption through forgiveness that comes to fruition.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Roger Rathburn is commanding as Prospero.  He creates a strong bond with Natalie Smith’s Ariel.  Jack Sochet portrays a wide range of emotion as Alonso.  He remains in control over the men of his court, while feeling a deep loss thinking his son Ferdinand died during the storm.  Bryce Dutton (as Sebastian), Michael Bernstein (as Antonio), Zach Guttmann (as Adrian), and Robert Arcaro (as Gonzalo) concisely illustrate the struggle between loyalty and betrayal that takes place in the minds of men of power.  Their scenes provide truth to the events that caused Prospero’s exile and propel the action forward. 

The true magic of this production takes place between Mary Linehan and Bradford B. Frost.  The innocence and naiveté of Ms. Linehan’s Miranda is sincere and genuine.  Her character is strongly rooted and sure of herself in the world her father built for her.  She is also eager to experience the newness of the world beyond its borders.  Mr. Frost’s Ferdinand is bold and brave.  His tenderness toward Miranda is endearing.  Together these two actors create true and honest moments of discovery.  Their chemistry is electric.  Their skills are sharp and focused.

Eric Paterniani, who is usually cast in the comic roles in The Drilling Company productions, is mesmerizing as Caliban.  He creates this “monster” character by making strong physical and vocal choices that create mystery and intrigue.  When he conspires with Jarrod Bates (Trinculo) and Andrew Gombas (Stephano), it is pure pandemonium.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

You have one more weekend to see The Drilling Company’s production of The Tempest at Bryant Park (Friday and Saturday, September 8 & 9, at 7:00 PM).  It is your last chance for FREE summer Shakespeare.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza