This Is Not a Drill

 This Is Not a Drill
A New Musical
The York Theatre
The Theatre at St. Jean’s
September 17, 2025

Photo courtesy of This Is Not a Drill

The York Theatre production of This Is Not a Drill is a humorous and emotional journey through the events of a highly traumatic situation.  Vacationers and residents of Hawaii face the unimaginable when an emergency alarm is sent out across the island.  Yes, this is based on the true event we all read and heard about in 2018.  The music and lyrics by Holly Doubet, Kathy Babylon, and John Vester are a combination of upbeat songs and emotional ballads, which create an electrifying atmosphere.  The book by Holly Doubet and Joseph McDonough weaves the tales of different characters into one cohesive story with a poignant message.  Director/Choreographer Gabriel Barre places clear focus on the characters so the audience can follow their personal journeys and relate to their renewed awareness. 

Chris Doubet & Matthew Curiano
Photo by Carol Rosegg, courtesy of This Is Not a Drill

Aloha!  Welcome to paradise, where people travel to escape their lives and rediscover themselves.  Jessica (played by Felicia Finley) travels to Hawaii alone.  Her husband backed out of the trip at the last minute.  She knows in her heart that he is having an affair.  Tony (played by Matthew Curiano) had to drag his partner, Chris (played by Chris Doubet), from his job responsibilities to enjoy a week away.  Chris can’t put his phone down, but Tony doesn’t let him get away with it.  Their foster son was recently returned to his biological family.  They are each coping with their loss in different ways.  Sophie (played by Aurelia Williams) and Derek (played by Gary Edwards) honeymooned in Hawaii.  Sophie hopes to rekindle their lost passion.  Derek is having health issues that are taking over his emotions, not to mention the alienation from his son, who Derek cannot accept is gay.  These hopeful vacations are brought to a sudden halt when the island receives an emergency notification that they are under attack.

Aurelia Williams & Gary Edwards
Photo by Carol Rosegg, courtesy of This Is Not a Drill

Aurelia Williams and Gary Edwards share genuine moments of loss as Sophie and Derek.  Their needs and desires are clearly expressed.  Matthew Curiano and Chris Doubet have a humorous rapport as Tony and Chris, even though their conflict and bickering is truthful.  Felicia Finley opens her heart as Jessica.  She is full of vigor and optimism, even though she knows her marriage is in trouble.  The personal challenges these characters face are all put into perspective when the alarm is sounded.  The scene in the emergency shelter gives them all pause to face their fears and previous choices, and realize what is most important in their lives.  This scene is a highly effective turning point for the story.  The cast skillfully portrays serious moments that lead to tender revelations.

Caitlan Burke, Kelvin Moon Loh, and Sam Poon play Leilani, Kaleo, and Ikaika, a Hawaiian family who are employed at the island resort to entertain the guests.  Ikaika is not comfortable putting on a phony front for the tourists.  He is resentful of his parents, and wants to leave the island.  The family conflict is truthful and divisive, and these three actors portray it sincerely.  The action that Ikaika takes not only leads to their resolution, but is the climactic moment for the full storyline. 

Photo by Carol Rosegg, courtesy of This Is Not a Drill

Lukas Poost brings energetic humor to the character of Anonymous Button Guy, the man who hits the emergency alarm.  His performance is solid, creating an overly dominant male character in a few short scenes.  The high humor of these scenes works very well in contrast to the personal and realistic emotion portrayed throughout the piece.

This Is Not a Drill is playing at The Theatre at St. Jean’s on the Upper East Side through October 11. 

Domenick Danza

False Steps

 False Steps
A Ballroom Comedy
Theatre at St. Clement’s
September 13, 2025

Photo courtesy of False Steps

False Steps is a sharp and stylized comedy that utilizes ballroom dancing to set the tone and pace for a cleverly conceived story.  Candace H. Caplin and Kim St. Leon’s writing is full of laughs, passion, and mystery.  There are unexpected twists, turns, pirouettes, lifts, and dips that keep the audience wanting more.  The flashy costumes and lighting effects are surpassed by the energetic performances of this marvelous cast. 

Sophie Applebaum (played by Candace H. Caplin) is a wealthy widow who takes up ballroom dancing.  Her daughter, Rae (played by Sarah Hogewood), is a playwright.  She goes to therapy because she can’t get her play finished.  Every conversation she has with her therapist (played by Jason Daley Kennedy) centers around her mother.  Rae walks in on her mother and the dance instructor, Paulo (played by Ronny Dutra), in a compromising position.  Rae is shocked and suspicious.  The housekeeper (also played by Jason Daley Kennedy) sends Rae to a private investigator, Herschel (again played by Jason Daley Kennedy).  Herschel does his research on Paulo, and Rae does a fair amount of snooping.  When Sophie announces that she is going to marry Paulo, Rae confronts her mother directly, causing her to collapse and be rushed to a hospital.  Rae and Paulo find themselves in a hospital waiting room, and in a compromising position of their own. 

Sarah Hogewood, Ronny Dutra, & Candace H. Caplin
Photo courtes of False Steps

The ensemble of four ballroom dance couples makes this a wonderfully original experience.  They are choreographed throughout the show, changing scenery, appearing and disappearing.  They create a rhythmic atmosphere of grandeur and passion.  The choreography (by Ronny Dutra) in the second act advances the story by illuminating the dreams and inner thoughts of the characters.  The audience is transported in these moments, falling deeper into the fears and desires that drive the action.  These dances are beautifully staged and skillfully delivered. 

False Steps, A Ballroom Comedy is playing at Theatre at St. Clement’s through September 28.  It is a fun, energetic, and sharply stylized production. 

Domenick Danza

The Wild Duck

 The Wild Duck
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonski Shakespeare Center
September 6, 2025

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

In his new version of The Wild Duck, playwright David Eldridge captures the depth, darkness, and emotional impact of Henrik Ibsen’s original writing.  The revelation of past action causes hurt and disruption that will hopefully lead to redemption and forgiveness.  Unfortunately, when the feeling of betrayal overwhelms, it incites additional action that causes irreparable damage.  Director Simon Godwin guides this stellar cast through a myriad of turmoil to create an impactful and lasting experience. 

Alexander Hurt & Nick Westrate
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Gregers (played by Alexander Hurt) returns home and is reunited with his childhood friend, Ekdal
(played by Nick Westrate).  Ekdal shares how Gregers’ father (played by Robert Stanton) made it possible for him to start a career as a photographer and marry Gina (played by Melanie Field).  Gregers is suspicious and confronts his father.  He is most concerned about the relations his father might have had with Gina when she was their housekeeper.  This argument builds, causing Gregers to separate from his father and abandon the family business and his inheritance.  When Gregers visits Ekdal, he ends up renting a room in his house.  Gregers reveals what he knows about Gina’s past, causing more trouble than he anticipated. 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The metaphor of the wild duck is clear and powerful in this production.  The duck was shot by Gregers’ father, saved by his hunting dog, then given to Ekdal’s father (played by David Patrick Kelly) to nurse back to health.  Ekdal and Gina’s daughter, Hedwig (played by Maaike Laanstra-Corn), grows attached to the wounded bird.  Gregers compares himself to the hunting dog, who dove to the bottom of the “deep blue sea” to retrieve it.  The family has been mortally wounded by Gregers father, and Hedwig’s attachment is vital in their healing process.  Her final action makes a bold statement on the prospect of that ever happening.

Melanie Field & Alexander Hurt
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Maaike Laanstra-Corn plays Hedwig as fragile and innocent.  David Patrick Kelly portrays Ekdal’s father as determined, proud, and stubborn.  The dichotomy of these qualities is also reflected in Gregers’ insistent pushing of the truth and Ekdal’s being fully in the dark about past events.  Alexander Hurt and Nick Westrate play these characters with a strong sense of trust, which leads to both their downfalls.  Melanie Field plays Gina as steadfast and grounded.  The characteristics these actors focus on in their performances allow the conflict between them to heighten, the action to rise with urgency, and the reality of their despair to deepen. 

The Wild Duck is playing at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center through September 28.  This is an expertly conceived production with a cast that delivers compelling performances. 

Domenick Danza

Sober Songs

 Sober Songs
Theatre Row
September 5, 2025

Photo courtesy of Sober Songs

Michael Levin’s new musical, Sober Songs, is bursting with truthful disclosures, dark humor, and honest emotion.  The story centers around a group of AA members who grapple with their illness every day.  Mr. Levin’s songs are catchy and upbeat, while his lyrics give clear insight into the characters’ challenges, obstacles, and needs.  Director Chris Mackin finds the perfect balance for the mood of this piece.  The subject matter is heavy and realistic, while the action is driven by hope. 

When Dean (played by Henry Ryeder) walks into his first AA meeting, everyone recognizes him.  He is a singer and underwear model.  He could have been a Broadway star if he didn’t get loaded on his opening night.  Angie (played by Melanie Carrié) is immediately attracted to Dean.  Cap (played by Bernard Holcomb) reminds her it is not a good idea to start a relationship with a fellow alcoholic in their first year of the program, but she doesn’t listen.  Dean develops a strong friendship with Roque (played by Jason Fio), who can’t stay clean.  When Dean is offered a second chance by his Broadway producers, Roque starts doing drugs again.  Dean gives Roque money, knowing what he is planning to buy with it.  When Roque overdoses, Dean feels responsible and abandons all the work he put into his sobriety. 

The Cast of Sober Songs
Photo courtesy of Sober Songs

The stories of the characters and how they support one another take a deep dive in Act II.  Nina (played by Jocelyn Darci Trimmer), who was personally involved with Roque, decides to go to Al-Anon to face her co-dependent behavior.  Angie joins her.  The bond that Ms. Trimmer and Ms. Carrié develop in these roles is genuine and palpable.  They also support Bri (played by Merrill Mitchell) in her quest to find a girlfriend.  These three women form a heartwarming comradery. 

Cap is the backbone of the group, leading the meetings and sponsoring a few members.  In Act II, he tells the story of when he hit his lowest point and the vow he made to himself.  Bernard Holcomb delivers this with sincerity, opening the heart of his character. 

Henry Ryeder and Jason Fio have a truthful bond as Dean and Roque.  They challenge and push one another.  The darker moments between them are brutal.  This all mystically resolves toward the end of Act II. 

The cast and ensemble all deliver strong performances, filling the audience with hope and making this show a heartening experience.  Sober Songs is playing at Theatre Row through September 28. 

Domenick Danza