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