Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues

 Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s
Lackawanna Blues
Manhattan Theatre Club
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
September 18, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues is a touching tribute to Nanny, the woman who raised him.  It is a one-person show in which Mr. Santiago-Hudson embodies countless citizens of Lackawanna, NY to tell his story.  He transforms physically and vocally for each character.  Some stand taller than he, some meeker.  Some are physically disabled, some emotionally distraught.  It is the character of Nanny who seems most at ease gleaming through Mr. Santiago-Hudson’s commanding presence.  She is grounded and calm, with a kind and open heart.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The story begins with Ruben Santiago-Hudson silhouetted in a doorway, instantly shifting from one character to another, telling of how their lives were affected by the kindness and generosity of one woman.  The lights come up on Nanny telling the story of how she got that name.  She kept house for a white family and cared for two young boys, who affectionately called her “Nanny.”  She left that job when the boys’ mother went back on her word and was cross with her for no reason.  This motivated Nanny’s decision to work for herself.  She opened two rooming houses in Lackawanna, NY.  They became a safe haven for the community. Nanny offered a hot meal, guidance, and emotional support as needed.  When a young boy, Ruben, was left alone in the evenings while his mother went to work, Nanny kept an eye on him, and ended up raising him as her own.  Ruben was never left alone again.  He was always surrounded by colorful characters and nurtured by Nanny’s loving care.  

The writing and directing, also by Mr. Santiago-Hudson, are masterful.  Each story of Nanny and the citizens of Lackawanna connects and builds as Mr. Santiago-Hudson shares very private and intimate moments from his upbringing.  A lone guitar, played by Junior Mack, underscores the stories.  Mr. Santiago-Hudson also plays harmonica during a few of the transitions.  This is a personal and inspiring tour-de-force performance.  It is not to be missed.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s Lackawanna Blues is playing at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through October 31.  Get your ticket today! 

Domenick Danza

Waterman

 Waterman
Thicket & Thistle
The Players Theatre
September 16, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Thicket & Thistle

The company members of Thicket & Thistle have made an impressive name for themselves by producing original ensemble created theatre pieces.  Their current production, Waterman, is a hilarious and well-crafted musical.  Waterman far exceeds their previous projects, showing off their hard work and dedication to the developmental process.  This fine-tuned script contains colorful characters in a globally relevant story.  The production values are strong and the ending is surprising and thought provoking. 

The Water People are outraged over how the Land People are treating the oceans.  In hopes of resolving the situation, the Water People decide to send a half-fish / half-man secret agent, Waterman (played by Kyle Acheson), to gather information.  General B. Warren (played by Jonathan Foster) challenges Doctor Sciensfish (played by Julianna Wheeler), who created the Waterman, to achieve the mission’s objective in one week, or he will launch his Water Revolution.  While on his mission, Waterman falls in love with Ursula (played by Lindsay Zaroogian), the daughter of Captain (played by Sam De Roest) who owns Fishburger, the fast food joint that deep fries Water People and serves them to unsuspecting customers.  Ursula is torn between her love for Waterman and her need for her father’s money and acceptance.  The Waterman’s missions becomes compromised when Ursula makes her choice and breaks his human heart.  Doctor Sciensfish finds Waterman and reminds him of his commitment to the mission of saving the oceans.  If not for Captain’s misunderstood first mate, James (played by Rachel Rosenthal), Ursula and Waterman would not have a chance of reuniting.  As the one week time limit expires, General B. Warren’s Water Revolution explodes into action. 

Lindsay Zaroogian & Kyle Aheson
Photo courtesy of Thicket & Thistle

This strength of this ensemble based company is evident in the chemistry between all the cast members and the consistency in the style and timing of the piece.  Kyle Acheson and Lindsay Zaroogian are amazing together as Waterman and Ursula.  They build a relationship that is touching, genuine, and hilarious.  Their characters are fully committed to their beliefs and driven by deep desires.  Sam De Roest and Rachel Rosenthal are evil and funny as Captain and James.  Their physical characterizations are vibrant and their comic rhythm is always perfectly in synch.  Jonathan Foster, Sarah Yeakel, Julianna Wheeler, and Will Watt all play more than one role.  They skillfully create distinct characters and bold moments that move this far-fetched and poignant story along to its stunning conclusion.

Photo courtesy of Thicket & Thistle

It has been a delight to witness Thicket & Thistle grow as a creative company the past few seasons.  Waterman is a strong and well-crafted piece with sharp and unswerving tongue-in-cheek humor.  The score is unique and lively.  The lyrics are witty and reveal the deeper yearnings of the characters.  Director/choreographer Jonathan Foster has done remarkable work on this piece.  The action rises joyously and the staging is brilliantly comical.

Waterman is playing at The Players Theatre (115 MacDougal St.) through September 29.  Don’t miss this funny and poignant tale.  “Good night and calm waters.” 

Domenick Danza

My Mother’s Severed Head

 My Mother’s Severed Head
Theatre Row
September 11, 2021 

Photo courtesy of My Mother's Severed Head

When you see a play entitled My Mother’s Severed Head, the first thought is to get a ticket.  The expectation is that it will be dark, funny, and haunted by guilt.  Playwright Charles Cissel’s play, now running at Theatre Row, meets and exceeds these expectations.  The story line entangles the characters on a journey to unburden their souls, and explodes in a celebration of freedom and reconciliation.

When Robert (played by Giancarlo Herrera) could not get the rights to produce one of Eugene O’Neill’s plays at his Mexican restaurant/theatre, he writes his own version using the characters.  Gabrielle (played by Katelyn Sparks) is the only actor who has not abandoned Robert and his project, but now she has to play the role of a man.  The alcoholic family of Robert’s O’Neil adaptation reflects his relationship with his father, Roberto (played by Luis Alberto Garcia), with one astounding addition.  Robert’s mother (played by Nana Ponceleon) was accidentally decapitated when she stuck her head out of the car window while her husband was driving.  Her severed head now rests on their Day of the Dead altar.  She is not fully dead, and longs to re-connect with her body.  They are not fully alive since they hold onto their unresolved feelings of death.  The pressure builds as the production of Robert’s play and the Day of the Dead celebration quickly approach. 

The chemistry between Giancarlo Herrera and Katelyn Sparks keeps the action of the story moving forward.  They each create characters who are driven by emotional loss and trauma.  Ms. Sparks’ character of Gabriella lost her father when she was ten years old.  She was not told about his death until weeks after it happened.  Mr. Herrera’s character of Roberto retrieved his mother’s severed head after she was decapitated.  These two actors find the core of their characters from these traumatic events, then play every touching moment and over the top laugh with serious intent. 

Luis Alberto Garcia is passionate and exuberant as Roberto, the father.  He is loud, overbearing, and constantly on the run from his emotions.  Nana Ponceleon has impeccable timing as Mother’s Severed Head.  Her presence is strongly felt, especially in her non-speaking scenes.  She pushes the characters together and brings the action of the story to a boisterous and celebratory conclusion. 

Photo courtesy of Theatre Row

Director Richard Caliban heightens the humor and timing, giving Mr. Cissel’s play the sharp and colorful production it deserves.  My Mother’s Severed Head is playing at Theatre Row through October 2.  

Domenick Danza

 Ni Mi Madre
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
September 3, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

Arturo Luís Soria exposes his soul in his one person play, Ni Mi Madre.  He has written a brutally honest piece of theatre, sharing deeply personal moments from the life of his mother.  It is a journey of survival, in which she never looks back.  It is truthful, funny, and, at times, shocking. 

Arturo enters the stage bare chested, walking in a ritualistic manner.  He is garbed in flowing white and carrying a basket of fruit with candles.  He pauses, flips his long, dark hair, and a Cher song begins to play.  He puts down the basket, turns the flowing white garment into an off the shoulder party dress, dances enthusiastically, and sings all the wrong lyrics.  He is Cher, Madonna, and Meryl Streep all rolled into one.  He is his mother, Elizabeth, a Brazilian born woman who holds nothing back.  She tells of her sexuality, her three marriage, and how she raised her five children, focusing especially her son Arturo.  How he challenged her patience.  How she firmly disciplined him.  How she pushed him to achieve and settle for nothing less than the best in everything he attempted.  She reveals how her mother emotionally abandoned her and sent her away.  These hurtful images return to her at unexpected moments.  She justifiably prides herself on never giving up on her children, as her mother did her.  

Arturo Luís Soria
Photo courtesy of Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

The ending reverts back to the ritualistic feeling of Arturo’s initial entrance.  He acknowledges what
was passed down from generations of strong, determined women.  He forgives.  He strives to let’s go, to move on without the need to continually look back. 

Arturo Luís Soria embodies the character of his mother in an energized and vulnerable performance.  She fully comes to life.  As the audience gets to know the many layers of her personality, we understand her harshness.  We respect her strength.  We value her determination. 

Director Danilo Gambini creates strong, distinct moments in this continuous narrative that give Arturo the opportunity to soar in the character of his mother and share this very personal story. 

Ni Mi Madre is playing at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater through September 19. 

Domenick Danza