Whiskey Pants:
The Mayor of Williamsburg
Mind the Art Entertainment
HERE Arts Center
October 7, 2017
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| Photo courtesy of Mind the Art Entertainment |
You
know you are in for something different when you walk into the theatre and are
offered a shot of whiskey with your program.
Hence starts the Mind the Arts Entertainment production of Whiskey Pants: The Mayor of Williamsburg. Christian De Gre has composed an intense
score that creates a distinctive and compelling environment. Book by Serrana Gay and lyrics by Joseph
Reese Anderson weave a simple and intoxicating story line. The cast is a powerful ensemble with fervent
singing voices.
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| Chloe Fox & Tony Mowatt Photo courtesy of Mind the Art Entertainment |
The
story opens in Williamsburg after “the event” as the day of the competition
approaches. The event caused all dreams
to die and the escape by excessive whiskey drinking to begin. The competition is how the Mayor of
Williamsburg is chosen. After heavy
drinking, the one who remains standing is hailed “Whisky Pants,” the Mayor. The present Mayor (played by Tony Mowatt) has
reigned since the event took place. His
daughter (played by Michelle Ireton) is celebrating her sixteenth birthday. Her innocent dreams are considered a problem
by her father. It is the arrival of a
stranger (played by Charlie Tingen) that challenges everyone’s understanding of
the power of their dreams.
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| The Cast of Whiskey Pants: The Mayor of Williamsburg Photo courtesy of Mind the Art Entertainment |
The
production design by Ashley Solliman, Kate Marley, Christian De Gre, Brian
Freeland, Christian Watanabe, R. Patrick Alberty, and Wes Shippee draws the
audience into an obscure time and location.
This, juxtaposed by film images that start and end the show, evokes the
turmoil and pain of the characters who are trapped in a mindset of escape and
lack of belief in themselves and their dreams.
The pacing and staging keep the action flowing as the character progress
on their journey toward a different perspective of their reality.
Whiskey Pants:
The Mayor of Williamsburg is playing at HERE Arts Center (145 6th
Ave.) through October 28. The concept is
unique. The performances are excellent.
Domenick Danza
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