tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29652821758488714902024-03-13T03:07:59.745-07:00morethantheplayDomenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.comBlogger445125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-49009025701796121952024-03-02T11:26:00.000-08:002024-03-02T11:26:24.911-08:0012 Angry Men<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">12 Angry Men<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">City Gate Productions<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Stone Circle Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">March 1, 2024</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIisVxdHgpoNNMgRBz9flaO631xEA3Swue-3uaRXTzOsI5Iw1eabQcuRyFcmOPSRxAMdh1M38jN2R6l-Ltc5PZcHaZ3USaAaUWFoftWGYLSqe7UByNSsUm_E3097iPBXL1kif84mk-p8gIMDp1lG9kbr4YQdwhw7FW1pWkhmrICwEQs0_A7SWeYLkrI8/s700/Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIisVxdHgpoNNMgRBz9flaO631xEA3Swue-3uaRXTzOsI5Iw1eabQcuRyFcmOPSRxAMdh1M38jN2R6l-Ltc5PZcHaZ3USaAaUWFoftWGYLSqe7UByNSsUm_E3097iPBXL1kif84mk-p8gIMDp1lG9kbr4YQdwhw7FW1pWkhmrICwEQs0_A7SWeYLkrI8/s320/Poster.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">City Gate Productions was
founded in December, 2021 with the main purpose of presenting quality theatre
experiences around the borough of Queens.
The company travels to different locations, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">scouting out spaces
that meet the specific feeling and environment for their upcoming shows. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The venue for their present production of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.citygateproductions.org/" target="_blank">12 Angry Men</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is Stone Circle Theatre (59-14 70<sup>th</sup>
Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385). The play is presented
in the round. Director Cathy Chimenti
skillfully builds the tension in this classic courtroom drama, keeping the
audience emotionally and intellectually engaged. The cast creates distinct, headstrong
characters, who discover the true concept of reasonable doubt.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoxxmLFRXCqhV3Vcnu-zfbhlbT6uJUr1BQtc6a6IQvNZ2pthvjBHkB8Hqa8TApVg752JZUOwrFlr23ag-Vp8XT8bkgOe61jck3sOB8Oy6ksJ6EF5MkVjtPjZRcmSoW9JdaRkRtuZUXTeVDJ3VLWkuIpHTMM48_XPo0E7TQD5LRSb9_MQcjbZfAyC8D7o/s700/Another%202%20Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoxxmLFRXCqhV3Vcnu-zfbhlbT6uJUr1BQtc6a6IQvNZ2pthvjBHkB8Hqa8TApVg752JZUOwrFlr23ag-Vp8XT8bkgOe61jck3sOB8Oy6ksJ6EF5MkVjtPjZRcmSoW9JdaRkRtuZUXTeVDJ3VLWkuIpHTMM48_XPo0E7TQD5LRSb9_MQcjbZfAyC8D7o/s320/Another%202%20Men.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Brautigam & Frank DiSpigno<br />Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As twelve men enter the
jury room, you hear mention that their deliberations will not take very
long. It sounds like a cut and dry case. Guilty as charged. Juror #7 (played by Daniel Wolfe Mitnik) has
theatre tickets, and wants to get out of there.
Juror #10 (played by Frank DiSpigno) is certain of his guilty vote, as
are most of the other men. There is one
hold out. Juror #8 (played by Max Bank)
has reasonable doubt. He requests a
discussion before voting on the fate of the young man on trial. The foreman (played by Joe Dujmic) leads the deliberation,
then takes the vote. Juror #9 (played by
Bill McAndrews) is influenced by the reasoning of Juror #8, and votes not
guilty. Juror #3 (played by Robert
Budnick) bullies him for being swayed. This
adds more doubt to the discourse, which extends the deliberation. The more the men talk, the stronger their
doubts become. They re-enact parts of
the crime. The findings are surprising. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtQX_XnEhCH62JAIxVKdXJZkzDmKqIeU7JTFRAGsSx5OQQRiq765wtGygdsE_meyeNJqTcKagbFUSrxAYzyH2Q6lfrP02Rj9edIOalTWxB1PXkxuRFyRO-srFhsQinGAo9PmB28XLtJsajYPElmv1SwXmjQU1tLzgk9TRfC3M-6Ln_F2svgw4JRM3m-0/s700/3%20Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtQX_XnEhCH62JAIxVKdXJZkzDmKqIeU7JTFRAGsSx5OQQRiq765wtGygdsE_meyeNJqTcKagbFUSrxAYzyH2Q6lfrP02Rj9edIOalTWxB1PXkxuRFyRO-srFhsQinGAo9PmB28XLtJsajYPElmv1SwXmjQU1tLzgk9TRfC3M-6Ln_F2svgw4JRM3m-0/s320/3%20Men.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis MacCall, Marco Malgioglio, & Joe Dujmic<br />Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The entire cast is
excellent.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They are fully in sync with
one another, creating heightened moments of frustration and aggression. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The arguments rise out of genuine concern for
wanting to uncover the truth.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Robert
Budnick (Juror #3) does not let up with the pushing and bullying, yet Max Bank (Juror
#8) does not back down.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They are evenly
matched.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The variation in their approach
and tactics keeps the conflict polarized and realistic. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bart Blachnio brings reason and intellect to
the table as Juror #4.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He is fair and evenly
tempered, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is why his changed vote carries so much
weight.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bill McAndrews is wise and calm
as Juror #9.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Frank DiSpigno’s outburst
as Juror #10 is shocking and impactful.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPu-_avKsIY_YzHD2aszJak14o1Ssv2f_Y9nNCXnPzQcNSBcAN4NWJ9JGLQ5RoGL4EVPZlejmrNTBYYNVmPKn5NtA4KAAkf70ZcLSDjEPK8ZrrVhVCKqsFZiaMVlGPSxgJVeFqfVIDvJqhyphenhyphenOSW_MNuFxJ2as-KXY4jhiM2GRdSAwcGZQnqU-EEME4omk/s700/2%20Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPu-_avKsIY_YzHD2aszJak14o1Ssv2f_Y9nNCXnPzQcNSBcAN4NWJ9JGLQ5RoGL4EVPZlejmrNTBYYNVmPKn5NtA4KAAkf70ZcLSDjEPK8ZrrVhVCKqsFZiaMVlGPSxgJVeFqfVIDvJqhyphenhyphenOSW_MNuFxJ2as-KXY4jhiM2GRdSAwcGZQnqU-EEME4omk/s320/2%20Men.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The play takes place in
1953, on a hot summer day in NYC with no air conditioning.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It offers a keen insight into the mindset of
mid-century America.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our shortcomings,
prejudices, and judgments are blatantly clear.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This production is an interesting opportunity to assess how we, as a
society, have and have not progressed over the past seventy years.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">City Gate Productions is
a company worth keeping an eye on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.citygateproductions.org/" target="_blank">12 Angry Men</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing through March 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the M train to Queens, and check it
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is well worth the trip!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-18843396121431388432024-02-25T08:41:00.000-08:002024-02-25T08:41:56.482-08:00The Seven Year Disappear<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Seven Year
Disappear<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The New Group<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pershing Square Signature Center<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Alice Griffin Jewel Box
Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">February 24, 2024</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv38i9WB-chfEwP68opAUDHae5_owowggTLGlqRR_4hkFfRjGSbhyTwamj7q9dR1CIr-Y0ZzAtlCk3u1eeusEyZ5YaBpWdLLrFts8iqWJgZuJe6yJu6xIXZ0SpRLOyaI1nHLyEeXKrAo2JXDRPtvLuOL0BUYhjylAzdDoK6XjLwN1bRdCxaUM_Rma2oHA/s225/Poster%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv38i9WB-chfEwP68opAUDHae5_owowggTLGlqRR_4hkFfRjGSbhyTwamj7q9dR1CIr-Y0ZzAtlCk3u1eeusEyZ5YaBpWdLLrFts8iqWJgZuJe6yJu6xIXZ0SpRLOyaI1nHLyEeXKrAo2JXDRPtvLuOL0BUYhjylAzdDoK6XjLwN1bRdCxaUM_Rma2oHA/w320-h320/Poster%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of The New Group</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jordan Seavey’s </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://thenewgroup.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt9L3itbFhAMVaXFHAR2O9QiHEAAYASAAEgJ3oPD_BwE" target="_blank">The Seven Year Disappear</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is mind blowing. The New Group production is masterfully
conceived. Director Scott Elliott found
a style and pace for the play that viscerally conveys the nature of the relationship
of the two main characters. The ending
delivers an unexpected satisfaction that leaves the audience in a state of
amazement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Miriam (played by Cynthia
Nixon) is a performance artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is managed
by her son, Naphtali (played by Taylor Trensch).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just got her a commission from MoMA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is thrilled, and gets to work right
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miriam disappears the day of the MoMA
announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naphtali is in a state of
panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He starts drinking again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hires an investigator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turns to his mother’s previous manager,
Wolfgang, who has not heard from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Naphtali realizes the disappearance is all part of Miriam’s new
piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He turns his back
on the art world, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and
starts working on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seven years later, as he is getting his life together,
Miriam returns, expecting Naphtali to be part of the final phase of her seven
year project.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Eewi7VMLujlxhbR8x3TAMbHrZwl1qmm7XfCfHV18Avr_h-akjZomZq3O62ogP9c4q_t7geZ7ybyyp5Q3LqShKUY1BPApNt7POaUo3s4MesC_qWbzKsFbux0x3aYKiZVBBor9NaHCQQoFx1uVmWH99J_4mU-KYwnw0z7QNix_Zp9iKlT1Q5JKkjXFJK4/s1280/Images%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Eewi7VMLujlxhbR8x3TAMbHrZwl1qmm7XfCfHV18Avr_h-akjZomZq3O62ogP9c4q_t7geZ7ybyyp5Q3LqShKUY1BPApNt7POaUo3s4MesC_qWbzKsFbux0x3aYKiZVBBor9NaHCQQoFx1uVmWH99J_4mU-KYwnw0z7QNix_Zp9iKlT1Q5JKkjXFJK4/w320-h180/Images%201.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of The New Group</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cynthia Nixon and Taylor
Trensch deliver fascinating performances.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In addition to Miriam, Ms. Nixon plays numerous roles (Wolfgang and
other friends and connections of Naphtali).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Her transitions are seamless.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
style in which it is written demands you listen carefully in order to find out
who these characters are and how they relate to Naphtali and the disappearance of
his mother.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ms. Nixon is bold, daring,
and commanding in each of these roles.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She grabs your attention, spikes your curiosity, and lures you into the
journey.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBRkhEgRDIw5ZW3527FjSaKuBT4tdAnvEwtlufhkleqDDDIl2iiZVVzUSejXrtXzmfQty9fqR2s6TWZEe1ibGOoZNYaqDBTBWrOYC5xK8SXokltSLVOkmcBOG2aUiSTR4OcDTYjCPLzj_PPD-Ls_abYghtLi5bKIibPUAA_OaNRnujv-qCMOqluteEx4/s1280/2%20Actors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBRkhEgRDIw5ZW3527FjSaKuBT4tdAnvEwtlufhkleqDDDIl2iiZVVzUSejXrtXzmfQty9fqR2s6TWZEe1ibGOoZNYaqDBTBWrOYC5xK8SXokltSLVOkmcBOG2aUiSTR4OcDTYjCPLzj_PPD-Ls_abYghtLi5bKIibPUAA_OaNRnujv-qCMOqluteEx4/w320-h180/2%20Actors.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Trensch & Cynthia Nixon<br />Photo courtesy of The New Group</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The character of Naphtali
is complicated. He is lost and
searching, more for himself than for his mother. Mr. Trensch peels back layers one by one to
reveal a vulnerable core. You are as
uncertain as he is as to the reality of his situation, upbringing, and future. At the end, it all lands in a place of knowing
and a sense of calm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Playwright Jordan Seavey has
crafted a unique piece of theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
scenes are out of order, causing the audience to piece the events
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The play is carefully
structured<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to provide details that
answer the questions as they flood your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This continuous reveal creates a forward moving action that keeps you
fully engaged in the characters and their story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://thenewgroup.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt9L3itbFhAMVaXFHAR2O9QiHEAAYASAAEgJ3oPD_BwE" target="_blank">The Seven Year Disappear</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at Pershing Square Signature Center’s Alice Griffin Jewel
Box Theatre through March 31.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
mesmerizing and powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t miss it!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-28560105730143665212024-02-21T16:20:00.000-08:002024-02-21T16:20:35.341-08:00Back to the Future<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back to the Future<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Musical<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Winter Garden Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">February 20, 2024</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlts4njiumYAETDsVziuw7A9H-EGGCm3MiYj0YOD8tBa3qy74iUOuNtff43ZVWFqtsO8wyWQeFVylF7oifpYZLHd-pXbzub2e3uT1n0ZOTSJ3ieQ2tDnd22uwPV0eSWxC4f3FfzDgntEeF3vKyteggnMN47nzTG8eeNHZIYFMm_HRREoVcrPJIvF0UTRc/s2000/Poster%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlts4njiumYAETDsVziuw7A9H-EGGCm3MiYj0YOD8tBa3qy74iUOuNtff43ZVWFqtsO8wyWQeFVylF7oifpYZLHd-pXbzub2e3uT1n0ZOTSJ3ieQ2tDnd22uwPV0eSWxC4f3FfzDgntEeF3vKyteggnMN47nzTG8eeNHZIYFMm_HRREoVcrPJIvF0UTRc/s320/Poster%202.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Back to the Future</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Broadway production
of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.backtothefuturemusical.com/" target="_blank">Back to the Future</a> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is absolutely
amazing! It is high tech, fast paced,
and non-stop fun. Chris Bailey’s
choreography authentically connects the time period with energy and
enthusiasm. Director John Rando brings
this phenomenal cast together to tell a story that is full of heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The year is 1985.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty McFly (played by Casey Likes) receives
a message from his friend, Doc Brown (played by Roger Bart) to meet him at the
mall parking lot at 1:20 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty has a
steady girlfriend, Jennifer (played by Mikaela Secada), but his family life is
bleak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father, George (played by Hugh
Coles) is bullied by his boss, Biff (played by Nathaniel Hackman).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His mother, Lorraine (played by Liana Hunt)
is overweight and drinks too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Marty arrives at the mall parking lot, Doc suddenly appears in a DeLorean,
which he transformed into a time machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Doc demonstrates how to program the DeLorean, he realizes he has
been poisoned by the plutonium used to propel the machine for time travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty jumps into the car to get help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the car hits 88 mph, Marty is transported
back to 1955.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he searches for Doc to
help him get back to the future, Marty runs into his teen age parents, and
disrupts the events that lead to their first kiss and eventual marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marty has to reconcile these events before
returning to 1985. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyOq5g_IRJl9UCX-aAPbv-9g_qqp8wjqeO9Hte4_tacVh-dXmzna1nSYcEfNEYf6cXNrO7AzyDrvO57JJZZvd4UWLYEimT-Hwqx5jrm3HileX10rzp7UvPGagBDZqR78XE4r2-ZyH_pxA-Cox-ofxJOTHOPXLJHZ6rNUxhbpSPbYb24OxgVom364BNxg/s1100/Marty.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1100" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyOq5g_IRJl9UCX-aAPbv-9g_qqp8wjqeO9Hte4_tacVh-dXmzna1nSYcEfNEYf6cXNrO7AzyDrvO57JJZZvd4UWLYEimT-Hwqx5jrm3HileX10rzp7UvPGagBDZqR78XE4r2-ZyH_pxA-Cox-ofxJOTHOPXLJHZ6rNUxhbpSPbYb24OxgVom364BNxg/w400-h200/Marty.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casey Likes as Marty McFly<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Back to the Future</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The show hits 88 mph from
the top, and does not slow down for two and a half hours. There are a few plot points missing from the
original movie, but that is what keeps this musical version tight and effective. Roger Bart and Casey Likes have an amazing bond
as Doc Brown and Marty McFly. Their
comic timing is perfect. They share a
few touching and genuine moments on their wild adventure. Hugh Coles is hysterical as George
McFly. His physicality is flawless. Liana Hunt nails the role of Lorraine. Her energy is high and her youthful zest is
spot on.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR3mtGDr5fAbYXcMXXpIkxMkozgxJxS6F7UrVRE0s3vw7Qmd6mdqxhZXfooqvi7r0gol1GjIMqmNSFBJ54fRIEqCUeRVbBUJNmKPmFw1cB7SGxxcmacWYBi5YrVkM7i7qJBSi0ay0omaFgh1VtXHdNVGIdpsixDMIQWgFmlfNJaEeV-9mbGwkWJyCvAA/s2048/Doc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR3mtGDr5fAbYXcMXXpIkxMkozgxJxS6F7UrVRE0s3vw7Qmd6mdqxhZXfooqvi7r0gol1GjIMqmNSFBJ54fRIEqCUeRVbBUJNmKPmFw1cB7SGxxcmacWYBi5YrVkM7i7qJBSi0ay0omaFgh1VtXHdNVGIdpsixDMIQWgFmlfNJaEeV-9mbGwkWJyCvAA/w320-h213/Doc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Bart & Dancers<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Back to the Future</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The creative team were
all involved with the original film franchise.
The book is by Bob Gale. The
music and lyrics are by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. The production is co-created and produced by
Robert Zemeckis. The respect and creative
ownership of the material is evident in the attention to detail and high
quality of the production. It is an
amazing experience. You must see it for
yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.backtothefuturemusical.com/" target="_blank">Back to the Future</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
is playing at the Winter Garden Theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is high energy and a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You must see it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-82124037352300276872024-02-16T11:50:00.000-08:002024-02-16T11:50:39.672-08:00Brooklyn Laundry<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brooklyn Laundry<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Manhattan Theatre Club<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">NY City Center Stage I<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">February 15, 2024</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFwBsK6UcFOv7HMjEdxiK4ib3o-uENYGZoUBNfLKcCIsRih-27jSSYCues5_ZDH5dSB_DqXtLPt1AuyT5lxS0TZpJ2m9WyZcm3ZzeD-jDJcjInqmfADiW4g_f0Hvax_ehqaYzLDvmZq3YvIqHSzLfVue-i2hFl04SUgfA1kroE0aPk7dc9s-P-gJ5VKs/s400/Poster%202.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFwBsK6UcFOv7HMjEdxiK4ib3o-uENYGZoUBNfLKcCIsRih-27jSSYCues5_ZDH5dSB_DqXtLPt1AuyT5lxS0TZpJ2m9WyZcm3ZzeD-jDJcjInqmfADiW4g_f0Hvax_ehqaYzLDvmZq3YvIqHSzLfVue-i2hFl04SUgfA1kroE0aPk7dc9s-P-gJ5VKs/s320/Poster%202.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Manhattan Theatre Club is
presenting John Patrick Shanley’s new play, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2023-24-season/brooklyn-laundry/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI04KMiPWuhAMVLWpHAR0KXgqZEAAYASAAEgLHEvD_BwE" target="_blank">Brooklyn Laundry</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">. The
premise is intriguing, the characters are truthful, and the plot has a few surprise
twists. The play has many honest moments
that will touch your heart and endear the characters to you. The cast is wonderful. Mr. Shanley has directed this play
himself. It is tender and straight
forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Fran (played by Cecily
Strong) meets Owen (played by David Zayas) when she drops off her laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The regular girl quit, so Owen, who own three
laundromats, is working the front desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He sees something in Fran, beyond her “gloomy” disposition, and asks her
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She accepts, but cannot go until
she returns from an out of town commitment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fran keeps the details of this commitment from Owen when she goes on
their date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wants him to see her in
a positive light, and not as she is, weighed down by her family sorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fran’s sister is dying and leaving two small
children behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owen carries the weight
of his past as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fran supports him, and
is hoping he will be able to do the same.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6iAhsl7IJ86f4ptvjwXIkugAmaUKwFQY26bmeiYd707jI1n7Qu9LkIhH26T2sEXaPbbfM4wOOi_x7GUl9A7LNEe9LwvxZH8Nd7f43Bznyzg8m0AbcxjKPn7OpKIM675FyIx-YlcnP9quRT6CT3uROIE2gpqnJkNLOfFyKdDtbNl5iI4M7VcVVFuL7zA/s1600/2%20Actors%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6iAhsl7IJ86f4ptvjwXIkugAmaUKwFQY26bmeiYd707jI1n7Qu9LkIhH26T2sEXaPbbfM4wOOi_x7GUl9A7LNEe9LwvxZH8Nd7f43Bznyzg8m0AbcxjKPn7OpKIM675FyIx-YlcnP9quRT6CT3uROIE2gpqnJkNLOfFyKdDtbNl5iI4M7VcVVFuL7zA/s320/2%20Actors%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Zayas & Cecily Strong<br />Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cecily Strong delivers a
solid performance as Fran.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is a
complex character, yearning for happiness while drowning in hopelessness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Her rhythms and timing are impeccable.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She has a phenomenal chemistry with David
Zayas.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Their connection is genuine and
visceral.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mr. Zayas’ character
emotionally opens and reaches out to Fran (Cecily Strong), then plunges into
fear and darkness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It then becomes her
turn to open up and reach out.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Florencia Lozano and
Andrea Syglowski play Fran’s sisters, Trish and Suzie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These two characters are polar opposites,
giving Ms. Strong much to play off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is in these scenes that she dives in and fully develops her character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These relationships reveal the intertwining
layers that develop over a lifetime of hardship and connection.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2023-24-season/brooklyn-laundry/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI04KMiPWuhAMVLWpHAR0KXgqZEAAYASAAEgLHEvD_BwE" target="_blank">Brooklyn Laundry</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
is playing at NY City Center Stage I through March 31.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-15741728024245365662024-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:002024-01-26T10:56:26.791-08:00Days of Wine & Roses<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Days of Wine &
Roses<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Musical<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Studio 54<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">January 25, 2024</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxjaiTgvMRPWN9Ig0uhdmAPxNtuteLNUEIgcocMb_R0aucc12RSWxsj49OarxTYmHdkw1Ay9reylM98W4Zs9eB2a6slPQCZ0mCTqkYApyfpnedzIk_9PiCd1YxpOuEo-CavGwKb8hp_lITIXW0GRjhK0d4g3CmQMdxCKxVqgrc4svMpqbAimQTdq6Xkw/s355/Poster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxjaiTgvMRPWN9Ig0uhdmAPxNtuteLNUEIgcocMb_R0aucc12RSWxsj49OarxTYmHdkw1Ay9reylM98W4Zs9eB2a6slPQCZ0mCTqkYApyfpnedzIk_9PiCd1YxpOuEo-CavGwKb8hp_lITIXW0GRjhK0d4g3CmQMdxCKxVqgrc4svMpqbAimQTdq6Xkw/s320/Poster%201.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Days of Wine & Roses</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://daysofwineandrosesbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Days of Wine & Roses</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> tells the tragic story of a married couple fighting alcoholism. The book by Craig Lucas is compact and
effective. The music and lyrics by Adam
Guettel are captivating. The score pulls
you into the downward spiral of the characters.
It offers moments for both characters to discover and reveal the cause
of their pain, as well as revel in moments of clarity and hope. Under the direction of Michael Greif, Kelli O’Hara
and Brian d’Arcy James deliver breathtaking performances.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Kristen Arnesen (played
by Kelli O’Hara) meets Joe Clay (played by Brian d’Arcy James) at a work
function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is in public relations, and
she is his boss’s secretary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His is drinking
heavily, and she is reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells
him that she does not like the taste of alcohol and that her weakness is
chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He orders her a Brandy
Alexander, which she drinks quickly as they open up about their childhoods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks later, they are celebrating Joe’s
promotion with champagne, Johnny Walker, and margaritas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they elope, Kristen takes Joe to meet
her father (played by Byron Jennings).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
immediately dislikes Joe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristen stops
drinking when she has a baby, but is lured back by Joe’s desperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their emotional need is only fulfilled when
they are both drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is their
magic place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their life begins to
crumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristen abandons Joe and their
daughter to stay with her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
time apart is focused on healing and forgiving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They long to be together as a family, yet the
road to recovery is rough.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhshkdYSw1lMkC-9wh8PmYHzs3_IvvlCZ79075IxUCdOwBTOszCrx4fdVk9davnkF-gegIZggkPGXDWNBX3APBkA8XZ5LS5qfv7J1F32HrjaUOD7M04jH5TV7vwz8B4et5C56-OPQYraaCrD0dng6hsxeuz5P5mKHLmJVu1lAhyphenhyphenLZKor4a1g8NKVQEBfk/s600/stars%201.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhshkdYSw1lMkC-9wh8PmYHzs3_IvvlCZ79075IxUCdOwBTOszCrx4fdVk9davnkF-gegIZggkPGXDWNBX3APBkA8XZ5LS5qfv7J1F32HrjaUOD7M04jH5TV7vwz8B4et5C56-OPQYraaCrD0dng6hsxeuz5P5mKHLmJVu1lAhyphenhyphenLZKor4a1g8NKVQEBfk/s320/stars%201.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian d'Arcy James & Kelli O'Hara<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Days of Wine & Roses</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The story is dark and
heavy.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The highs of the drunken scenes
feel risky and dangerous.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each character
has the ability to manipulate the other and pull them down just as they are
getting themselves together.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That is the
tragedy of the piece, and Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James are so viscerally
connected that these moments are real and tangible.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">You feel for both of them
throughout the story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">You hope they will
not succumb to the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">temptation</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, yet you gain a true understanding of the depth
and severity of their disease.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The skillfully crafted
book, lyrics, and score is matched by the masterful performances, yet this is
not an easy subject matter to sit through. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a beautiful production of a heartbreaking
story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://daysofwineandrosesbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Days of Wine & Roses</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at Studio 54.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-7641141706707679312024-01-21T16:00:00.000-08:002024-01-21T16:00:30.470-08:00Jonah<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jonah<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Harold & Miriam Stenberg
Center for Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">January 20, 2024</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXrfdr0LWKbYO9Lz64NwqkgH1yHOJuECrR4HgCwocbU_37TDrVwMousD9k7yWbJYdBGX-kfVUUgJu3sS25V05hvNAvfmh00xE-3SbkWta5Gm6xv6brxDmD8SqegLs69ypQNcJd4EDPsfzm1vg6wSFKHGbeS0fCe4hN7GwTfGRpUpBLAQ_7Pxh9WFQBi8/s355/Poster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXrfdr0LWKbYO9Lz64NwqkgH1yHOJuECrR4HgCwocbU_37TDrVwMousD9k7yWbJYdBGX-kfVUUgJu3sS25V05hvNAvfmh00xE-3SbkWta5Gm6xv6brxDmD8SqegLs69ypQNcJd4EDPsfzm1vg6wSFKHGbeS0fCe4hN7GwTfGRpUpBLAQ_7Pxh9WFQBi8/w207-h320/Poster%201.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of<br />Roundabout Theatre Company</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Roundabout Theatre
Company production of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2023-2024-season/jonah/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26ea9MztgwMV3EdHAR1jYQwuEAAYASAAEgK2hfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Jonah</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is mesmerizing. Playwright Rachel Bonds has skillfully
crafted this piece to keep her audience fully engaged. Each scene takes the characters through vital
experiences that shape them, scar them, and propel them forward. It is through the linking of these events
that a tender story evolves. Director
Danya Taymor works with a phenomenal cast to convey this story clearly and
truthfully.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Anna (played by Gabby Beans)
meets Jonah (played by Hagan Oliveras) outside her dorm room one night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He follows her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He waits for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their connection is visceral and mutual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We later meet Danny (played by Samuel Henry
Levine), Ana’s step-brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Ana’s
mother passes away, Danny protects her from his father, but never comes to
terms with the abuse he experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Ana meets Steven (played by Jon Zdrojeski) years later at a writers’
retreat, she faces her past, the harm inflicted upon her by Danny, and the joy
and intimacy she only dreamed about with Jonah.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUigZipbjOUq9aLstYuic82lnAK6ILhRIrQN6bxLzYGn-MtyjwwxyW0HUrsdpYFvvEqc_PRfqJQ6kgYtQFtaFSCrdvbaOSuEIc1dKGj0_E81v5DdTNDQzap8eU0UXTrNQGwt9fUqJ3ANmpjf40zCyvjsVlVe-0u_tJGasuuJlh0lPWQsCX9ODAHFo8CO0/s251/Cast%20Photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUigZipbjOUq9aLstYuic82lnAK6ILhRIrQN6bxLzYGn-MtyjwwxyW0HUrsdpYFvvEqc_PRfqJQ6kgYtQFtaFSCrdvbaOSuEIc1dKGj0_E81v5DdTNDQzap8eU0UXTrNQGwt9fUqJ3ANmpjf40zCyvjsVlVe-0u_tJGasuuJlh0lPWQsCX9ODAHFo8CO0/w256-h320/Cast%20Photos.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of<br />Roundabout Theatre Company</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gabby Beans is remarkable
as Ana.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Her character shifts in age from
scene to scene, and Ms. Beans fully embodies each phase of this character’s
experiences.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She portrays different
aspects of Ana in the way she relates to the three male characters in the
story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">All are genuine and grounded
relationships.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">There is an innocence
shared between her and Hagar Oliveras’ Jonah, a strong bond, based on fear and
need, between her and Samuel Henry Levine’s Danny, and a vulnerability that connects
her to John Zdrojeski’s Steven.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">These
relationship are powerful, and the performances are riveting.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">It is in the final moment
of the play that everything pulls together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is satisfying and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is a beautifully written moment, succinctly directed, and perfectly performed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2023-2024-season/jonah/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26ea9MztgwMV3EdHAR1jYQwuEAAYASAAEgK2hfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Jonah</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at the Laura
Pels Theatre through March 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
miss it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-12083977353540625882023-12-31T19:27:00.000-08:002023-12-31T19:27:41.036-08:00The Night of the Iguana<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Night of the
Iguana<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">La Femme Theatre
Productions<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Pershing Square
Signature Center<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">December 30, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFa1ew55YCgF6ylHZlUp52ULi8uk_WhRDlUKqts9oJ2Lmc6uEb-Ep1baUFdQdo3Uhm4OWo_gTLjxSkquE7OtTeC8J8NMlARp7AQpCAjANB4AqekzogQCIi-g9uD5X40r3HxUPqZ4RDOloqv9EwhsrNfylGapzhDXiTandoPcbE28Ld18dRDanougBcy0/s720/Poster%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFa1ew55YCgF6ylHZlUp52ULi8uk_WhRDlUKqts9oJ2Lmc6uEb-Ep1baUFdQdo3Uhm4OWo_gTLjxSkquE7OtTeC8J8NMlARp7AQpCAjANB4AqekzogQCIi-g9uD5X40r3HxUPqZ4RDOloqv9EwhsrNfylGapzhDXiTandoPcbE28Ld18dRDanougBcy0/s320/Poster%204.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <br />La Femme Theatre Productions</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The La Femme Theatre
Productions’ presentation of Tennessee Williams’ </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://iguanaplaynyc.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj7vY0YS5gwMV3mtHAR0S2AflEAAYASAAEgLcgPD_BwE" target="_blank">The Night of the Iguana</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is riveting.
Director Emily Mann has gathered a stellar cast and masterfully guided
them through Mr. Williams’ poetic writing.
The characters are viscerally portrayed, desperately in need, and
grasping at whatever life-line they can find.
Set design by Beowulf Boritt and lighting design by Jeff Croiter create
a sultry atmosphere for this deeply complex journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Reverend T. Lawrence
Shannon (played by Tim Daly) is guiding a bus tour of women from a Texan
Christian University through Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
takes a detour to Hotel Costa Verde, looking for his friend Fred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon his arrival, Fred’s wife, Maxine (played
by Daphne Rubin-Vega) informs him that Fred recently died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maxine immediately sees that Shannon is
having a break down, something she nursed him through in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was asked to leave his position in the
church after preaching an inappropriate sermon and having relations with an
under-aged member of his congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shannon is repeating this pattern of behavior on his bus tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judith Fellows (played by Lea DeLaria) is bringing
him up on statutory rape charges after he spent the night with Charlotte
Goodall (played by Carmen Berkeley), an under-aged member of the bus tour who
she is chaperoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While trying to
convince the tour patrons to stay at Hotel Costa Verde instead of the more
modern downtown hotel, Hannah Jelkes (played by understudy Dee Pelletier)
arrives with her grandfather, Jonathan Coffin (played by Austin Pendleton).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shannon takes Hannah’s side and convinces
Maxine to give them a room, even though they are short on funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Shannon’s anxiety reaches a breaking point,
Hannah is the one who leads him to redemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFuSmS8RJU9XsZlJP5bLZgwtpTOMe2fWoEmd-jG7cRykjCfOCN1ZxqPwWOMMT4S_fKjX1weKPGK1XufrJ5VYYUMsqu7-8dcjhfLZPZ6G1U8QEGGgJ7kIh5GTU2KqfbvUkEnxBujE0dW7DbKFEmELaLH7007cVGI-JT2UmWpBJ6w1_ygCfsn2DlkltjIY/s700/Hamok%202.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="700" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFuSmS8RJU9XsZlJP5bLZgwtpTOMe2fWoEmd-jG7cRykjCfOCN1ZxqPwWOMMT4S_fKjX1weKPGK1XufrJ5VYYUMsqu7-8dcjhfLZPZ6G1U8QEGGgJ7kIh5GTU2KqfbvUkEnxBujE0dW7DbKFEmELaLH7007cVGI-JT2UmWpBJ6w1_ygCfsn2DlkltjIY/w320-h274/Hamok%202.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daphne Rubin-Vega & Tim Daly<br />Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tim Daly portrays the
flawed Reverend Shannon with grit, guts, and stubbornness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His actions are<br /> aggressively motivated by
hurt and damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a victim of his
own self-indulgence, running from the cause of his pain and allowing the symptoms
to rule his behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dee Pelletier
(understudy) is grounded as Hannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
and Mr. Daly have a truthful connection, which allows to story line to build to
a stunning conclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Pelletier skillfully
delivers genuine moments in the final scene that allow Mr. Daly’s character to
open, calm, and make a choice.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Daphne Rubin-Vega is
sensual and tempestuous as Maxine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
jealousy over the attention Shannon gives to Hannah is palpable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a powerful adversary to Ms. Pelletier’s
Hannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also strong
performance by Lea DeLaria, Carmen Berkeley, and Austin Pendleton.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://iguanaplaynyc.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj7vY0YS5gwMV3mtHAR0S2AflEAAYASAAEgLcgPD_BwE" target="_blank">The Night of the Iguana</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through February
25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Tennessee Williams classic is
rarely revived, and this production is well worth seeing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-2129112453195218092023-12-24T19:32:00.000-08:002023-12-24T19:32:25.752-08:00Make Me Gorgeous!<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Make Me Gorgeous!<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">December 23, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHcmCTS7DWH5GDYZsxGq3FauRqayhjEsGA4uiSAlhiM-6pCn6BrYSywUu-N3LYKKFiH2uBK76x39721-Bo_DCe8hPV3pBQt_0yqFZf9Sq7ylw8aXknOK5aurUItYqCQ7GJp5dC_qFs0xi9e5Qj4CnVjmn4TZkchR4PxNEKldBIcxQKmurIGtWahs4gj8/s380/Poster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHcmCTS7DWH5GDYZsxGq3FauRqayhjEsGA4uiSAlhiM-6pCn6BrYSywUu-N3LYKKFiH2uBK76x39721-Bo_DCe8hPV3pBQt_0yqFZf9Sq7ylw8aXknOK5aurUItYqCQ7GJp5dC_qFs0xi9e5Qj4CnVjmn4TZkchR4PxNEKldBIcxQKmurIGtWahs4gj8/s320/Poster%201.jpg" width="267" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://gorgeousplay.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzLfXj6GngwMVx0ByCh1bGg4HEAAYASAAEgL2UvD_BwE" target="_blank">Make me Gorgeous!</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is
a stunningly engaging telling of the life story of Kenneth Marlow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Written and directed by Donnie, this one
person performance piece moves at a remarkable pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wade McCollum portrays Kenneth with exquisite
grace and style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also portrays a
number of people Kenneth meets on his fascinating journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all crisp and colorful characters, grounded
in truth, and showcase Mr. McCollum’s wide range of skills.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As a young boy growing up
in Iowa, Kenneth enjoys dressing up in girl’s clothing. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">His mother</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">and grandmother encourage him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
Kenneth enters high school and his mother’s drinking becomes more sever,
Kenneth discovers his sexuality.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
his father leaves them, he finds the church.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">His journey continues to California, where he turns tricks, gets a sugar
daddy, and goes to hairdressing school.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">His life as a female impersonator begins in Chicago, when one night
he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">jokingly dances on the bar while he is
working.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He runs from the
mob, and lands in New Orleans. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is there he reconnects
with his mother.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He later becomes the
hairdresser to the stars, gets drafted into the army, and discovers his voice
as a writer.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He decides to have a sex
change operation, and transitions to become Kate Marlow.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mr. McCollum portrays
Kenneth with optimism, charm, and a zest for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His performance is absorbing and enchanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are only a few days left to see this
truly fabulous performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://gorgeousplay.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzLfXj6GngwMVx0ByCh1bGg4HEAAYASAAEgL2UvD_BwE" target="_blank">Make Me Gorgeous!</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://gorgeousplay.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzLfXj6GngwMVx0ByCh1bGg4HEAAYASAAEgL2UvD_BwE" target="_blank"> </a>is playing at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s
through December 31.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-23228123966446490962023-12-17T17:03:00.000-08:002023-12-17T17:03:56.384-08:00All the Devils Are Here<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All the Devils Are
Here<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">How Shakespeare
Invented the Villain<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">DR 2 (Daryl Roth) Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">December 16, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jayAiTOVjn5o3esSomkj3RhZxuaxX8oTXFWkoQ1Ftuz3PHlyujqSqS_CWJLGrnrdOJ3m0ABfmipMhu_EtgLz4ap2jS1qQdpupgxT9qOGNcfYHQ6eTNPX8sm6tIVMNDQoDEyU5Dg71tkPQ1VUNO5djmK5HoWP5MGtw1MzdKUC45tTzM1e4oDkq6benok/s720/Poster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jayAiTOVjn5o3esSomkj3RhZxuaxX8oTXFWkoQ1Ftuz3PHlyujqSqS_CWJLGrnrdOJ3m0ABfmipMhu_EtgLz4ap2jS1qQdpupgxT9qOGNcfYHQ6eTNPX8sm6tIVMNDQoDEyU5Dg71tkPQ1VUNO5djmK5HoWP5MGtw1MzdKUC45tTzM1e4oDkq6benok/s320/Poster%201.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>All the Devils Are Here</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In his one-person show, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://allthedevilsplay.com/" target="_blank">All the Devils Are Here</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, Patrick Page reaches deep into your soul and
takes you on a journey to understanding the evil that lurks within. He analyzes the development of William
Shakespeare’s plays, as reflected in the evolution of his dark, villainous
characters. Director Simon Godwin collaborates
with Mr. Page to fully embody these multidimensional, psychologically complex characters,
who are driven by revenge, greed, ambition, and fear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mr. Page tells the story
of the progression of Shakespeare’s philosophy and the evolution of his skills as
a playwright and artist. He takes a
chronological looks at Shakespeare’s work, focusing on the villain characters
to illustrate the growth and change in Shakespeare’s understanding of human
nature. He performs monologues, and
sometimes scenes, from </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hamlet</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Merchant of Venice</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Othello</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Macbeth</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Tempest</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Richard III</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, and </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Twelfth Night</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">. His interpretation of these
evil characters proves the thesis he claims in his narrative. We feel Shylock’s thirst for revenge. We grasp Richard III’s acceptance of his dark
nature and aspiration of supremacy. We
witness Iago’s sociopathic manipulation.
We laugh at Malvolio’s pompous desire for power. We sympathize with Claudius in his moment of prayer. We follow Macbeth’s decision to commit the heinous
act that severely alters the trajectory of his life. We appreciate Prospero’s release of vengeance
and acceptance of forgiveness. This all exemplifies
how William Shakespeare invented the villain by making them three dimensional,
identifiable, and empathetic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CzOTEjI0Vgs7VQvfloACAaH37WDq7hrozeHcCfkba5MlT67XpwAKRykS2Xe4ZZDkcdVOhdw_9dD59G1zhR-BCO7InzUOWmzOk-4LKJB_2ERUY1bNVulH_KbMwNEuSeWKmC5fEo29FKANd1VtnlZvaqIbiZIiR6o5j4wXYLdKcNN7y3vlz-NK-DrIjtQ/s2048/PP%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CzOTEjI0Vgs7VQvfloACAaH37WDq7hrozeHcCfkba5MlT67XpwAKRykS2Xe4ZZDkcdVOhdw_9dD59G1zhR-BCO7InzUOWmzOk-4LKJB_2ERUY1bNVulH_KbMwNEuSeWKmC5fEo29FKANd1VtnlZvaqIbiZIiR6o5j4wXYLdKcNN7y3vlz-NK-DrIjtQ/w400-h266/PP%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patrick Page<br />Photo courtesy of <i>All the Devils Are Here</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mr. Page’s knowledge of Shakespeare’s
canon of plays and the context in which his characters take action is expansive
and admirable. His skill in focusing
this expertise to create truthful moments of passion is truly mesmerizing. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://allthedevilsplay.com/" target="_blank">All the Devils Are Here</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at the DR2 Theatre through February 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an inspiring piece of theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get a ticket right away!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-45513677620772387012023-12-03T11:22:00.000-08:002023-12-03T11:22:23.617-08:00Spamalot<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Spamalot<br /></span></i></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">St. James Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">December 2, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWTp8M9c7OqDAe1eyp3okci45bTmtEq-5YXuub5NtOlzn6t3TbyzPdMDCrc0njLMeseIPKpZmvmkoEq0Q90RvAZljQRUKBLuX_NZ63cACFUUEcWLJH9YC-bv1T-ktxjJfGjQwdTYEa35U3xG-Y7bVl2CM-sgzp2QLM-WhciV0oDKU6ks6j47wbX7MrrM/s720/Poster%204.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWTp8M9c7OqDAe1eyp3okci45bTmtEq-5YXuub5NtOlzn6t3TbyzPdMDCrc0njLMeseIPKpZmvmkoEq0Q90RvAZljQRUKBLuX_NZ63cACFUUEcWLJH9YC-bv1T-ktxjJfGjQwdTYEa35U3xG-Y7bVl2CM-sgzp2QLM-WhciV0oDKU6ks6j47wbX7MrrM/w213-h320/Poster%204.webp" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Spamalot</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Broadway revival of
Monty Python’s </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://spamalotthemusical.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_fGbl__xggMV211HAR2SzADKEAAYASAAEgJhUfD_BwE" target="_blank">Spamalot</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is over the top
fun! Director/choreographer Josh Rhodes
has a strong handle on the material, keeping the pace moving quickly and the
physicality precisely timed. The scenic
and projection design by Paul Tate de Poo III is brilliantly conceived and
meticulously accomplished. The cast
works as a tight ensemble, delivering high energy performances with flawless consistency
in humor and style. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">King Arthur (played by
understudy Graham Stevens) is in search of knights for his round table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He first meets Dennis Galahad (played by Nik
Walker), who questions Arthur’s authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arthur tells him of when he met the Lady of the Lake (played by Leslie
Rodriguez Kritzer), received Excalibur, and took his rightful place as King of
England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dennis is convinced, and
knighted Sir Galahad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robin (played by
Michael Urie) is interested in joining King Arthur’s round table, but is leery
of the fighting it requires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lancelot
(played by Taran Killam) guides him, and they both become knights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the addition of Sir Bedevere (played by
Jimmy Smagula) the band of knights is complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Arthur has an inspired vision, he and his knights set out on a
quest to find the holy grail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
journey is rough, full of surprises and challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arthur and his knights are forced to dig deep
and find their truths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65CXXF6NJf9uZ7dUar1NGIseyU8gYusN_z7YHywWzC9NUdVLMJ4IR8QGq6BgLNoFqDwWdWeayU3balzaWM7t61K5SsgzvqMEVUOaFDs-6rftqjW2u8T2I60EdF9e7Fgt2jlFLNTER69n30MfyAVvWmqr2i4H3NvxiiJF5_qIG_U5aA5qGOyIta5n4Y5I/s600/Arthur%20&%20Knights.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65CXXF6NJf9uZ7dUar1NGIseyU8gYusN_z7YHywWzC9NUdVLMJ4IR8QGq6BgLNoFqDwWdWeayU3balzaWM7t61K5SsgzvqMEVUOaFDs-6rftqjW2u8T2I60EdF9e7Fgt2jlFLNTER69n30MfyAVvWmqr2i4H3NvxiiJF5_qIG_U5aA5qGOyIta5n4Y5I/s320/Arthur%20&%20Knights.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Arthur & his band of knights<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Spamalot</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Graham Stevens
(understudy) is commanding as King Arthur, gallantly leading his knights on
their quest. Michael Urie is witty and
charming as Sir Robert. His comic timing
is impeccable. Taran Killam is fearless
and funny as Sir Lancelot. His comic
ability ranges from subtle humor to over the top bawdy. Nik Walker is strong and bold as Sir
Galahad. He also plays the Black Knight
and Prince Herbert’s Father. All these
roles are fierce and menacing. Leslie
Rodriquez Kritzer is alluring as the Lady of the Lake. She is a vocal powerhouse. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpFn72ZtCEdKdoCp6h4wz7pzzUoug1VdPckYXq3bdexzCoFRtfSUYJ6fdFdAYBxU04u_nDalLtTfb1Ea9cPFoeFAz4jMEwlf5FxFML9dgluxOhKJPF8pJ-iaTSQm1EDqIlzXMDkhWjlZhcu3sl7tRw6n5m6DJYuZP9JteY4KuN3jKLiPD8DqnWL0ViNA/s1024/Lady%20of%20the%20Lake.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpFn72ZtCEdKdoCp6h4wz7pzzUoug1VdPckYXq3bdexzCoFRtfSUYJ6fdFdAYBxU04u_nDalLtTfb1Ea9cPFoeFAz4jMEwlf5FxFML9dgluxOhKJPF8pJ-iaTSQm1EDqIlzXMDkhWjlZhcu3sl7tRw6n5m6DJYuZP9JteY4KuN3jKLiPD8DqnWL0ViNA/s320/Lady%20of%20the%20Lake.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lady of the Lake<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Spamalot</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ethan Slater plays
numerous roles. He keeps the narrative
connected as the Historian. The
physicality of his character Not Dead Fred is perfect. His portrayal of Prince Herbert is clever, sharp,
and allows the plot to take an unexpected turn.
Christopher Fitzgerald is hysterical as Patsy, King Arthur’s side kick. His presence is steady, and his physicality is
brilliant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you want a boisterous
good time, go see </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://spamalotthemusical.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_fGbl__xggMV211HAR2SzADKEAAYASAAEgJhUfD_BwE" target="_blank">Spamalot</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> at the St. James
Theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will leave you feeling
uplifted and positive, a feeling that can benefit us all.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-5531264226850201422023-11-25T16:41:00.000-08:002023-11-25T16:41:51.403-08:00Poor Yella Rednecks<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Poor Yella
Rednecks<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Manhattan Theatre Club<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">New York City Center Stage
I<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">November 24, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WhfgpD9vWzMFvYcf3JSe-Dix7NbL4kyVrpeZMN-SKKXuCzntCls0DqQc6X49bH09rzr97VbEv4rP7lBRT_RM5HjlJR4cl097yx-a9IHXdDJDoS38hvnUE1BIdWW-FmsruRqPD7YovgMf_JL2QfJiK5QSkC2f98IG2tK-eKEV1x2YmvENyQFTsX3dXd4/s460/Poster%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="460" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WhfgpD9vWzMFvYcf3JSe-Dix7NbL4kyVrpeZMN-SKKXuCzntCls0DqQc6X49bH09rzr97VbEv4rP7lBRT_RM5HjlJR4cl097yx-a9IHXdDJDoS38hvnUE1BIdWW-FmsruRqPD7YovgMf_JL2QfJiK5QSkC2f98IG2tK-eKEV1x2YmvENyQFTsX3dXd4/w400-h296/Poster%201.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Manhattan Theatre
Club production of Qui Nguyen’s </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/poor-yella-rednecks/" target="_blank">Poor Yella Rednecks</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
is outstanding. Mr. Nguyen tells the
story of his mother and father, and his growing up in a small town in
Arkansas. It is funny and touching,
rough and sweet. Mr. Nguyen’s
storytelling style is unique. He tells this
personal story of struggle and hardship in a bold and colorful manner. His rhythms and humor are fully engaging,
pulling the audience into the deeper emotion of the story. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK7Q5dOpeI_HhqkONMAmYlFnGOyH6FR6gFHi2w0Dy_dZwzJER56KjYJ3kTI0RwVitTbRcXS4hIF3sWRZtgzDoSiqUYnWHS5JuC2S3MTFLtKf56Wy1Ij3sCqNwVGp1SkPBYeAxYpDtAxfWwKdAg0BNUug_QBwzZw8OzwTteNY-8xpUDCzpR8xtadHDw1Q/s2048/Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK7Q5dOpeI_HhqkONMAmYlFnGOyH6FR6gFHi2w0Dy_dZwzJER56KjYJ3kTI0RwVitTbRcXS4hIF3sWRZtgzDoSiqUYnWHS5JuC2S3MTFLtKf56Wy1Ij3sCqNwVGp1SkPBYeAxYpDtAxfWwKdAg0BNUug_QBwzZw8OzwTteNY-8xpUDCzpR8xtadHDw1Q/w320-h240/Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maureen Sebastian, Samantha Quan, Little Man, <br />& Jon Norman Schneider<br />Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The playwright (played by
Jon Norman Schneider) enters the stage and tells the audience he is getting
ready to interview his mother. He is
going to write a play about when she met his father. His mother, Tong (played by Maureen
Sebastian) lays down the rules for the interview and what she expects from his
play. She transforms into a young woman,
a refugee from Vietnam in the 1981. She
meets and falls in love with Quang (played by Ben Levin), who has a wife and
two children in Vietnam. He was a
helicopter pilot during the war. His wife
thinks he is dead. He and Tong decide to
get married. They live in El Dorado, Arkansas
with Tong’s mother, Huong (played by Samantha Quan), who helps raise their son,
Little Man (a puppet, manipulated and voiced by Jon Norman Schneider). When Quang receives a letter from his wife in
Vietnam, the guilt from abandoning his two children rises to the surface. He sends them money without telling Tong,
which breaks her trust. This is only the
beginning of their many ups and downs, including the fact that Little Man is
having trouble speaking English and is bullied at school.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzogY8FPM0h3IWCsYfShOqS4qKegqudVmHKoR1dShGdBPPsICn820b7irvdGU79KEsIfPXnyl-t2o_XlYBfK1XORNgXuVJCT4o-c_YZ6Sgw7M-QLhzQgD4DR8b5dlZkUpFr8AhGGxnXkayTXzBBO51mkV4EKSRevCv-HDW9GAPVvAOU8LVLZMWAeGsuQ/s2560/2%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzogY8FPM0h3IWCsYfShOqS4qKegqudVmHKoR1dShGdBPPsICn820b7irvdGU79KEsIfPXnyl-t2o_XlYBfK1XORNgXuVJCT4o-c_YZ6Sgw7M-QLhzQgD4DR8b5dlZkUpFr8AhGGxnXkayTXzBBO51mkV4EKSRevCv-HDW9GAPVvAOU8LVLZMWAeGsuQ/s320/2%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maureen Sebastian & Ben Levin<br />Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The cast is superb. Maureen Sebastian and Ben Levin have great chemistry
and create a genuine bond as Tong and Quang.
Samantha Quan is full of energy as Huong. She not only delivers the laughs, but also renders
a truthful and touching scene in Act II with her grandson, Little Man. Jon Norman Schneider’s grounded presence
keeps the whole story connected. There
are strong performances by Jon Hoche and Paco Tolson, who both play numerous
roles. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mr. Nguyen tells a lot of
the story through rap lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
enhance the plot and heighten emotional impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Director May Adrales has done a brilliant job bringing this play to the
stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scenic design by Tim Mackabee is bright
and colorful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is full of surprises,
as each piece turns around to reveal unexpected settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choreography by William Carlos Angulo is fun
and energetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puppet design by David
Valentine is wonderous and charming.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/poor-yella-rednecks/" target="_blank">Poor Yella Rednecks</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
is playing at the New York City Center Stage I through December 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t miss it!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-63273717860124338582023-11-12T15:38:00.000-08:002023-11-12T15:38:42.320-08:00Waiting for Godot<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Waiting for Godot<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Theatre for a New Audience<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Polonsky Shakespeare Center<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">November 11, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvrP2LdKKv-GSqHJUVPecyddyn0qpEh1zIEjRoew58u4DDX-DGVcH1k9mt0T4Axd40CsV-yfe4ElVPo6r5ykhxuegepeEenGww3E8eY6cyMim0CqmQrDy3WnuekZvqbj6X8p08J6z1COX4TUMWgYilP7QMT4-wSbsM673tv0Q290vvEhQhhJPCCJF3CY/s2560/Poster%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvrP2LdKKv-GSqHJUVPecyddyn0qpEh1zIEjRoew58u4DDX-DGVcH1k9mt0T4Axd40CsV-yfe4ElVPo6r5ykhxuegepeEenGww3E8eY6cyMim0CqmQrDy3WnuekZvqbj6X8p08J6z1COX4TUMWgYilP7QMT4-wSbsM673tv0Q290vvEhQhhJPCCJF3CY/s320/Poster%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Theatre for a New
Audience’s production of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.tfana.org/current-season/waiting-for-godot/overview?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6Lv7tdO9ggMV80lHAR3VyAFHEAAYASAAEgJt2fD_BwE" target="_blank">Waiting for Godot</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
is dark, gritty, and haunting. Under Arin
Arbus’ direction, the poetry in Samuel Beckett’s writing emerges as the rhythms
in the dialogue rise and play out between the characters. Ms. Arbus creates honest moments of
companionship and comfort, as well as truthful
instances of distress and suspense. The
cast delivers masterful performances, pulling the audience deeper and deeper
into their endless waiting and mounting despair.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Estragon (played by
Michael Shannon) and Vladimir (played by Paul Sparks) are waiting for
Godot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know they are in the right
location, by the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s the
wrong day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many days have they been there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They think they see him coming, but it is
Pozzo (played by Ajay Naidu) and his servant Lucky (played by Jeff Biehl).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Estagon and Vladimir pass the time with them,
then Pozzo and Lucky leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A boy
(played by Toussaint Francois Battiste) arrives with a message from Godot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be there tomorrow.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY9_D9hbDxRFohYAII_4eqDWK1XKlqi_OhrS7AN9QUIhEKEWdgPpNgDdrRR2EbzP3nf23TUdo6vEH2I-qvB_Qdkfp09igutCkjMLpOVsg0LyDIiTe-exZGGecKXOvwgBKLWAHnT_W5nQ-SYTWjicmHdaVOme1ZcCU8M0MpiVB3_qJboCr6pG6v63-v9A/s225/2%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY9_D9hbDxRFohYAII_4eqDWK1XKlqi_OhrS7AN9QUIhEKEWdgPpNgDdrRR2EbzP3nf23TUdo6vEH2I-qvB_Qdkfp09igutCkjMLpOVsg0LyDIiTe-exZGGecKXOvwgBKLWAHnT_W5nQ-SYTWjicmHdaVOme1ZcCU8M0MpiVB3_qJboCr6pG6v63-v9A/w320-h320/2%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Shannon & Paul Sparks<br />Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tomorrow arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Estragon and Vladimir are waiting for
Godot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tree has one new leaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time is<br /> passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pozzo and Lucky return, but they are blind
and dumb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do not recall having been
there the day before, and neither does the boy when he returns with the same
message from Godot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Estragon and
Vladimir debate what to do, then they wait.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When you first enter the
theatre, Michael Shannon is sitting on the stage as Estragon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The theatre space fills with a strange quiet
and heavy anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiting has
already begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time feels suspended
through a lot of this production, giving the audience a visceral sense of one
of Mr. Beckett’s themes in the piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are also numerous biblical references connecting the characters
and the waiting to a greater sense of existence.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQuOnso3eE0YMyIy228o8Ucy2eTod96spJXlogBmSAnSw3ZT2Rm1CLX7V19WcaJn5lU7TudHWl52WhL7mGAnttBISk5H6f02Fc6xhTA9ZTUqUrS0Hw9hw22pZvq7Qu6622IFdo6lalW7D4KzUef5W5z_F8w9tDy6xz3_85IZegzjlMLur2mQJw4p0V5w/s225/4%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQuOnso3eE0YMyIy228o8Ucy2eTod96spJXlogBmSAnSw3ZT2Rm1CLX7V19WcaJn5lU7TudHWl52WhL7mGAnttBISk5H6f02Fc6xhTA9ZTUqUrS0Hw9hw22pZvq7Qu6622IFdo6lalW7D4KzUef5W5z_F8w9tDy6xz3_85IZegzjlMLur2mQJw4p0V5w/w320-h320/4%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Biehl, Michael Shannon, Ajay Naidu, & Paul Sparks<br />Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Paul Sparks and Michael
Shannon are phenomenal together. They
have impeccable timing and a genuine bond that keeps the audience fully
engaged. Mr. Sparks’ Vladimir is highly
physical, fidgeting and rapidly moving around the entire playing area, while
Mr. Shannon’s Estragon is sedentary, weary, and unsteady on his feet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ajay Naidu is energetic
and antagonistic as Pozzo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeff Biehl is
discomfiting and mesmerizing as Lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their presence throws the rhythm and pace of the play into another realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All your attention goes to Toussaint Francois
Battiste both times he enters as the boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Battiste embodies a different energy from the other characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the only one who has seen Godot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He embodies a calm and certainty that the
others are lacking.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Samuel Beckett’s play has
elusive and provocative existential and philosophical images and levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This production will engage you emotionally
and leave you thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.tfana.org/current-season/waiting-for-godot/overview?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6Lv7tdO9ggMV80lHAR3VyAFHEAAYASAAEgJt2fD_BwE" target="_blank">Waiting for Godot</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at Theare for a New Audience’s
Polonsky Shakespeare Center through December 3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-20383151014318665532023-11-05T15:09:00.000-08:002023-11-05T15:09:12.774-08:00The Frogs<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Frogs<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Master Voices<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">November 4, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxuNujVXp0TK1jl2IQykj4dnnReNqZT1pSU3E8cfwd-rRjjtwdlYoxfR7lUtHcbDx_QW0br1JAi7c-2oqs55Dq9kL2826NoO9_7RHfJWXRshuBi4eyl1tlCHor3T8qpb0tKk49LPK_nXP9q-Je-4CHEdsAUNlckjHhAHrUn1bSZCPIGZ_lDhCmnUXdmg/s768/Poster%20&%20Cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxuNujVXp0TK1jl2IQykj4dnnReNqZT1pSU3E8cfwd-rRjjtwdlYoxfR7lUtHcbDx_QW0br1JAi7c-2oqs55Dq9kL2826NoO9_7RHfJWXRshuBi4eyl1tlCHor3T8qpb0tKk49LPK_nXP9q-Je-4CHEdsAUNlckjHhAHrUn1bSZCPIGZ_lDhCmnUXdmg/w320-h320/Poster%20&%20Cast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Master Voices</td></tr></tbody></table></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mastervoices.org/events/the-frogs/" target="_blank">The Frogs</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.mastervoices.org/events/the-frogs/" target="_blank">,</a> with music and lyrics
by Stephen Sondheim, was performed in concert by Master Voices at Lincoln Center’s
Rose Hall. It was a rare opportunity to
experience this unique musical theatre
piece. Based on the 405 BC comedy by Aristophanes,
the book was adapted by Burt Shevelove in 1974.
It was revived by Lincoln Center in 2004, with additional music by Mr.
Sondheim. That production was directed
and choreographed by Susan Stroman, with book revisions by Nathan Lane. Mr. Lane introduced and narrated this concert
presentation. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Dionysos, the god of
theatre and wine (played by Douglas Sills), realizes there is a desperate need for
truth and humor in </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">present day </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">theatrical productions.
He takes his servant, Xanthias (played by Kevin Chamberlin), on a quest. They travel to Hades to bring back George
Bernard Shaw (played by Dylan Baker) to write new work. While crossing the River Styx, Xanthias and
Charon, the Boatman (played by Chuck Cooper), save Dionysos after he is captured
by a group of frogs. Upon arrival in
Hades, they meet Plato (played by Peter Bartlett), who allows Shaw to leave for
a short period of time. They are all set
to depart until Dionysos encounters a few other surprises that alter his
original plan.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This stellar cast and
brilliant chorus presented this lesser-known Sondheim gem with skill and
grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were masterful and humorous
performances by Douglas Sills, Kevin Chamberlin, Marc Kudisch, Chuck Cooper,
Peter Bartlett, Dylan Baker, Jordan Donica, and Candice Corbin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choreography by Lainie Sakakura was creative
and energizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Director/Conductor Ted
Sperling delivered a stunning concert event.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This presentation of </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mastervoices.org/events/the-frogs/" target="_blank">The Frogs</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> played for only one weekend (November 3 &
4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations to Master Voices for
making it memorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out their
website for future concert performances (<a href="http://mastervoices.org" target="_blank">mastervoices.org</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are sure to be valuable experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-5549033900306598872023-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:002023-10-29T09:58:18.281-07:00The Gardens of Anuncia<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Gardens of
Anuncia<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Lincoln Center Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">at the Mitzi E. Newhouse<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">October 28, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8DnAyfIz4ORHBdoGEveytJZj2my0NHuy4XgDVubQJkDE0anEwXIuLAdTFCZhZ3FUI7rJXDs6_xlfU3jy0O_TOmUxlIdmFVwoh_YZyoxdZYJ7MbcUQFy2svAkP5vAuhjSp-86H_kM1HQKIHc8b8GiXmu12OZcrhpoY00F4vDJkM4dKOnEd-qHvyctV0k/s360/Poster%202.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8DnAyfIz4ORHBdoGEveytJZj2my0NHuy4XgDVubQJkDE0anEwXIuLAdTFCZhZ3FUI7rJXDs6_xlfU3jy0O_TOmUxlIdmFVwoh_YZyoxdZYJ7MbcUQFy2svAkP5vAuhjSp-86H_kM1HQKIHc8b8GiXmu12OZcrhpoY00F4vDJkM4dKOnEd-qHvyctV0k/w213-h320/Poster%202.webp" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/gardens-anuncia/" target="_blank">The Gardens of Anuncia</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, a new musical by Michael John LaChiusa, tells the story of the early years in the life of
Broadway Director/Choreographer Graciela Daniele. Directed and co-choreographed by Ms. Daniele,
the Lincoln Center Theatre production is tender, sensitive, beautifully staged,
and skillfully performed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Anuncia (played by
Priscilla Lopez) is working in her garden, trying to decide the best place to
bury the ashes of her Tia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mind is
flooded with memories of her younger years in Argentina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her father left at an early age, and her Mami
(played by Eden Espinosa) brought them to live with Granmama (played by Mary
Testa) and Tia (played by Andréa Burns).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These three women raise Anuncia with firm hands, strong wills, and open
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Younger Anuncia (played by
Kalyn West) experiences pain in her feet, Mami enrolls her in ballet class to
strengthen her arches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A whole new world
opens for Anuncia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tia teaches her to
listen to the music and see the stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Granmama keeps her grounded, yet responds to life with a high level of
dramatics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Anuncia gets a job
dancing in Europe, Mami is happy she will escape the violence caused by the end
of the Peron regime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anuncia does not
want to leave her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She still holds
the hurt of her father’s abandonment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is Tia who convinces her to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now that Tia is gone, Anuncia
is the last of the strong women in her family.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She realizes how much these three women will always be with her.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3fDa0fvpPxXUSQbR7h-5RyaZqHuruKMNd9Tmwnar2O5Xqa5yzH_sRoc4qFFe0EYcm0sj0v4Z25k5r-R0emtrvnOgSmBvl-oglXSlRX5NbDno-xX_tq8DUQyfr3j9a8EUPXDijJ8k6ajIY9F6DIqUAzghDd7BYIua8AqX-eTu9Bh8EDOCr1ZcPWMmbqs/s1250/Close%20Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1250" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3fDa0fvpPxXUSQbR7h-5RyaZqHuruKMNd9Tmwnar2O5Xqa5yzH_sRoc4qFFe0EYcm0sj0v4Z25k5r-R0emtrvnOgSmBvl-oglXSlRX5NbDno-xX_tq8DUQyfr3j9a8EUPXDijJ8k6ajIY9F6DIqUAzghDd7BYIua8AqX-eTu9Bh8EDOCr1ZcPWMmbqs/w320-h160/Close%20Up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eden Espinosa, Kalyn West, Mary Testa, & Andréa Burns<br />Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Andréa Burns, Mary Testa,
and Eden Espinosa are a powerful trio as Tia, Granmama, and Mami.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Their energies balance beautifully.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Their distinctive characters build as their backstories
are revealed and the world of Anuncia’s upbringing becomes clear.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Priscilla Lopez and Kalyn West have a genuine
bond as Older and Younger Anuncia.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Their
movements often mirror one another.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They
are physically and emotionally in sync throughout the story, giving us a visceral
understanding of how the past is always present.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There are also strong
performances by Enrique Acevedo and Tally Sessions, who play all the male roles
in the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their Moustache Brothers
are bold and funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Acevedo’s
Granpapa is rough and heartwarming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr.
Sessions’ interpretation of The Deer is magical and humorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnngwkkKHfuvbwfjxVG0U-9bK1pRyYtdFmRc76b7QFD86iGSldFvt_CrjuEZPIW5ZiAUMLReEOyt3vR-OeSaDUUxeqG3GKtQi9DUtupRwNreM6OtNecOZmWs1Be6L-mhy47eajmYU97ISdK5ZVpAPQcP2PJgI4j9zBdoZYbA7vPgHz4f3OeZ-kIsXz6g4/s585/Dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="585" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnngwkkKHfuvbwfjxVG0U-9bK1pRyYtdFmRc76b7QFD86iGSldFvt_CrjuEZPIW5ZiAUMLReEOyt3vR-OeSaDUUxeqG3GKtQi9DUtupRwNreM6OtNecOZmWs1Be6L-mhy47eajmYU97ISdK5ZVpAPQcP2PJgI4j9zBdoZYbA7vPgHz4f3OeZ-kIsXz6g4/s320/Dancing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As Anuncia relives and
changes her memories, she comes to a surprising conclusion of what she takes
with her and what she has to leave behind.
It is an ending that leaves the audience feeling peaceful and comforted. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.lct.org/shows/gardens-anuncia/" target="_blank">The Gardens of Anuncia</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at Lincoln Center Theatre’s Mitzi E. Newhouse through
December 31.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-13941045961002193192023-10-15T11:07:00.001-07:002023-10-15T11:21:47.477-07:00Chasing Happy<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chasing Happy<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pulse Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Theatre Row<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">October 14, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></i></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PZx_uMvTl-YiKln-tdWQeA8x7aMcVUBXaDYo7FcfeR1coNeHBPBaLIuteaKI1f245DlvZ9yQtZ9jAbttJx-vr0fl6Wx06RnmMDYbvGuX-Ee03QM4aa_9RQdxZ5uQbjfyCkEQUNnuM4ZPy6FpGezPNx89cmLLY2eyuCgktVwIglsfBvIioqhzPjn_uj8/s900/Poster%202.webp" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="502" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PZx_uMvTl-YiKln-tdWQeA8x7aMcVUBXaDYo7FcfeR1coNeHBPBaLIuteaKI1f245DlvZ9yQtZ9jAbttJx-vr0fl6Wx06RnmMDYbvGuX-Ee03QM4aa_9RQdxZ5uQbjfyCkEQUNnuM4ZPy6FpGezPNx89cmLLY2eyuCgktVwIglsfBvIioqhzPjn_uj8/w223-h400/Poster%202.webp" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Pulse Theatre <br /><i>Chasing Happy</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href=" https://www.chasinghappyoffbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Chasing Happy</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is a light hearted
comedy that delivers a valuable message about identity, recognition, and the
need to be seen by your community.
Playwright Michel Wallerstein creates five characters, all of whom are
struggling with self-acceptance due to aging, loss, or outward physical appearance. They confront their fears and face their
challenges head on. Their resilience allows
them to become visible as the independent individuals they crave to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are in Provincetown,
MA.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Nick (played by Spencer Aste) has a night of passionate
sex with Brad, a bartender from a local nightspot (played by Schyler Conaway),
and allows himself to believe he is falling in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helen, Nick’s ex-wife (played by Jenny
Bennett), shows up just as Brad is leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is there seeking support from Nick on a health issue, but enjoys poking
fun at the difference between his and Brad’s ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Rob, Brad’s live in boyfriend of three
years (played by Christopher James Murray) pounds on the door seeking to pummel
Nick, Helen charmingly comes to his rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As soon as that drama is averted, Maria, Nick’s mother (played by
Antoinette LaVecchia), visits from Florida, telling how she was abducted by
aliens and lost her best friend, Rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sparks fly as the interaction of these four characters continues to intertwine,
until Rob uncovers a secret Nick has been keeping for ten years.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This cast is charming and
energetic, delivering truthful moments amidst the hilarity of the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all share a vibrant chemistry, which
allows them to develop genuine relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The second act holds a few surprising twists and turns, and this cast plays
them smoothly and believably.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you are looking for
some fun, this is the show to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href=" https://www.chasinghappyoffbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Chasing Happy</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at Theatre Row through November
11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-26432818592572147362023-10-08T19:23:00.000-07:002023-10-08T19:23:23.711-07:00Swing State<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Swing State<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Minetta Lane Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">October 7, 2023</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxn6pKiBi16WXidwGp8iegglpNZCwPeYu0xElnNjPiuPeAZAPg0qCi6EIfUo4MV6liURVubKv1y2bPRLXUZHZGNi0PR3Yt31CCk9ZUFeCx6VSAHRJwqB_AOKsw_pC8mdWHFNiaUMOtKoar_rw4p9hB6Tf21rT5qU7WMgQ3fjz8smYP_MTNoDpaobX5Fc0/s225/Poster%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxn6pKiBi16WXidwGp8iegglpNZCwPeYu0xElnNjPiuPeAZAPg0qCi6EIfUo4MV6liURVubKv1y2bPRLXUZHZGNi0PR3Yt31CCk9ZUFeCx6VSAHRJwqB_AOKsw_pC8mdWHFNiaUMOtKoar_rw4p9hB6Tf21rT5qU7WMgQ3fjz8smYP_MTNoDpaobX5Fc0/w320-h320/Poster%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Swing State</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Chicago Goodman Theatre’s
production of Rebecca Gilman’s </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://swingstateplay.com/" target="_blank">Swing State</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is now playing Off-Broadway
at the Minetta Lane Theatre. The play is
skillfully crafted, exploring themes of trust and continuance, while addressing
climate change and wildlife conservation.
It is a heartfelt story, masterfully directed by Robert Falls.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Peg (played by Mary Beth
Fisher) owns a large acreage of prairieland in the Midwest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her late husband dedicated their time
to its preservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been dead
for a year, and Peg has not been able to get past the grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She draws up a will, leaving the prairie to a
not-for-profit foundation who will continue her and her late husband’s
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leave the house and the
property surrounding it to Ryan (played by Bubba Weiler), who, since he was a
boy, worked on the prairie with her and her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Peg finds a trunk of her late husband’s
tools and his rifle missing from the barn, she calls Sheriff Kris (played by
Kirsten Fitzgerald), who starts an investigation with her deputy, Dani (played
by Anne E. Thompson).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their primary
suspect is Ryan, who has a previous felony conviction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To protect him, Peg demands the investigation
cease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheriff Kris persists, which
uncovers truths that none of them want to face.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkRoXvmLx3iNjhPZgUZoQFDglEKKUq5Vxwz5mrCahLRhdwXHSWjyxnRMqXA-HB3wl-7BHONvcMFOFrWY3WeiqC7plbfb73zlrJT9uuMKZWsHaSwQgaLGxx888becT427mB0KyrVl9gbldMV9xkFlskeM_fvptE3ZZGV6GBuWfdE1V2wQlSyzRJzxSZZ8/s1000/2%20Main%20Actors%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkRoXvmLx3iNjhPZgUZoQFDglEKKUq5Vxwz5mrCahLRhdwXHSWjyxnRMqXA-HB3wl-7BHONvcMFOFrWY3WeiqC7plbfb73zlrJT9uuMKZWsHaSwQgaLGxx888becT427mB0KyrVl9gbldMV9xkFlskeM_fvptE3ZZGV6GBuWfdE1V2wQlSyzRJzxSZZ8/w320-h320/2%20Main%20Actors%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubba Weiler & Mary Beth Fisher<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Swing State</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The cast is excellent,
creating truthful relationships that are vital to the telling of this
story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mary Beth Fisher and Bubba Weiler
have a genuine mother/son connection as Peg and Ryan, even though their
characters are not blood related.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is
this bond that engages the audience and pushes the action forward.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is honest and vibrant from the start of
the play, and deepens as the plot progresses.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bubba Weiler also creates
a truthful connection with Anne E. Thompson as Dani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their scene grows to the point of no
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their characters open and admit
truths that propel the action to its climax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Its pace shifts and quickens as the relationship flourishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is magnificently written, skillfully directed,
and beautifully performed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdWGWsHRMaZa47JQIRdJZmFHDS2KGG4eZOeO3RwBcbeqNibjvgg1qD1ff5w6c8RoHtCdKT3baSMoWCm5jvcBK16pJv7rwQCBMqPR-ugjIgweFZsOFEm2gL1vj0D9-K_jE8MvcEp6ibXcQcT70I4cWRoZV89wvzTNoYJzWThixnGEpzsXJ9kMUsFdPYeI/s1456/3%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1456" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdWGWsHRMaZa47JQIRdJZmFHDS2KGG4eZOeO3RwBcbeqNibjvgg1qD1ff5w6c8RoHtCdKT3baSMoWCm5jvcBK16pJv7rwQCBMqPR-ugjIgweFZsOFEm2gL1vj0D9-K_jE8MvcEp6ibXcQcT70I4cWRoZV89wvzTNoYJzWThixnGEpzsXJ9kMUsFdPYeI/s320/3%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne E. Thompson, Kirsten Fitzgerald, & Mary Beth Fisher<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Swing State</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Kirsten Fitzgerald
portrays Sheriff Kris with control, confidence, and determination. She plays the antagonist throughout the story,
pushing everyone’s buttons and sending all points of view in the opposite
direction. Without this the story would
not progress successfully, and Ms. Fitgerald pulls it off beautifully. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ms. Gilman has written a
stunning play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She provides this skilled
cast with a rich text and lush backstories to delve into, rendering them outstanding
performances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Director Robert Falls brings
it all together in a striking and poignant production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://swingstateplay.com/" target="_blank">Swing State</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://swingstateplay.com/" target="_blank"> </a>has been extended
through October 28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get a ticket before
it closes.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><p></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-64640523568489524902023-10-01T16:33:00.000-07:002023-10-01T16:33:04.492-07:00The Jester’s Wife<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Jester’s Wife<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Knowledge Workings Theater
LLC<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">36<sup>th</sup> Street
Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">September 30, 2023</span></b> </h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw70HdFFDhyphenhyphenFJGGzmfiRZQMJ22Q9ALXiO9UUd6nLjUQOhTRf7KstSTh9CF55CpY3E3TTlYICX1QUsTwmcY8xlLynHRj7OOj0djR4a6mf4nfVItCGUcRMzdISgVYeUMn9D481uoteOAlf4h5d5sm6hyQMXYfcjQANQGnxTbf-cx1A6To0nLKStAx8V4bo/s600/Poster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw70HdFFDhyphenhyphenFJGGzmfiRZQMJ22Q9ALXiO9UUd6nLjUQOhTRf7KstSTh9CF55CpY3E3TTlYICX1QUsTwmcY8xlLynHRj7OOj0djR4a6mf4nfVItCGUcRMzdISgVYeUMn9D481uoteOAlf4h5d5sm6hyQMXYfcjQANQGnxTbf-cx1A6To0nLKStAx8V4bo/w213-h320/Poster%201.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Knowledge Workings Theater LLC</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Knowledge Workings
Theater LLC’s production of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://knowledgeworkings.wpcomstaging.com/" target="_blank">The Jester’s Wife</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is
a “Dark Ages comedy” about survival, mythmaking, and a quest for truthful storytelling. Written and directed by T.J. Elliott, this tale
is authentic in style and antiquity. It
tells of St. Dymphna, a medieval Irish martyr “who is recognized as patron
saint of the mentally ill and victim of incest.” Although not the ideal topic for a comedy, Mr.
Elliott creates light-hearted characters, rhythmic and funny dialogue, and perilous
situations that bring humor to an otherwise dark topic and time period.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When the King of Ireland beheads
his virgin daughter, Dymphna, the Jester (played by Steve Weatherbee) and his Wife
(played by Emma Taylor Miller) flee for their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They take refuge in a cave, and realize the
need to tell the story of what happened to Dymphna in order to keep themselves
from harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A deranged Stranger (played
by Xander Jackson) enters the cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jester’s
Wife mixes a potion to help him regain his senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning the Stranger’s spell has
passed, but he does not remember who he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He agrees to help the Jester and his Wife tell the story of Dymphna as a
play to gain support from the populace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the Jester tells of how he disguised Dymphna to help her escape her
fate, the Jester’s Wife argues that is more important to tell the truth of Dymphna’s
struggle and sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they wrestle to
find the best way to successfully tell the tale, the Stranger regains his memory.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqpBgzn_5cso1R1PNsc1uY127fpJxMqUP2U3NScLUkV1upEL-8V94qX9O5eWNtqEdK_YCVdvY3XjYtVtS6gQrP3GdVYHgNmU-gZK4lV3F0ms3M6dO1ccVMpamPbI1BBqe3vYhYBiU7RzF0PlAoVUpAfpZIyN-8P0gSkGQOnJrqF96Ily_AgioGM7_XDw/s640/Jester-wife-laugh.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqpBgzn_5cso1R1PNsc1uY127fpJxMqUP2U3NScLUkV1upEL-8V94qX9O5eWNtqEdK_YCVdvY3XjYtVtS6gQrP3GdVYHgNmU-gZK4lV3F0ms3M6dO1ccVMpamPbI1BBqe3vYhYBiU7RzF0PlAoVUpAfpZIyN-8P0gSkGQOnJrqF96Ily_AgioGM7_XDw/w320-h214/Jester-wife-laugh.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Weatherbee & Emma Taylor Miller<br />Photo courtesy of Knowledge Workings Theater LLC</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Steve Weatherbee and Emma
Taylor Miller are an excellent pair as the Jester and his Wife. Mr.<br /> Weatherbee is limber and funny, telling
riddles and creating limericks when the moment becomes grave. Ms. Miller’s portrayal of the Jester’s Wife is
the perfect foil to this jocular perspective.
She is serious about their situation and pushes the Jester to keep the
telling of Dymphna’s cruel and brutal demise factual. It is this juxtaposition of character that
keeps the story engaging.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYe_6fzXSv9YcwaYAM2a_4sRYwFZHy6odJZLVn-9ClNKQhZEu8Z5m4BCb5F0C2rrXO6u8Lbs_VqXj92nEu0QWxYzVIIC9-4bhZhUf0F7NBHUCUo060BERjaYFykjxTHih31TWeNfLC1UfGrr0SwnzSPEolaDdpdl7KIrYm0pOJKmySLI35awW6BHPU4g/s640/Stranger-mock-strangle-Jester.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYe_6fzXSv9YcwaYAM2a_4sRYwFZHy6odJZLVn-9ClNKQhZEu8Z5m4BCb5F0C2rrXO6u8Lbs_VqXj92nEu0QWxYzVIIC9-4bhZhUf0F7NBHUCUo060BERjaYFykjxTHih31TWeNfLC1UfGrr0SwnzSPEolaDdpdl7KIrYm0pOJKmySLI35awW6BHPU4g/w240-h320/Stranger-mock-strangle-Jester.webp" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Weatherbee & Xander Jackson<br />Photo courtesy of Knowledge Workings Theater LLC</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Xander Jackson opens the
show with a comical prologue. He later
peaks the audience’s interest when he enters the cave as the Stranger. His comic timing further accelerates the
action as his character gradually regains his memory. The interplay of the three characters builds
as they each work to achieve their individual objective in telling of the story
of Dymphna.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Gloria Novi’s set creates
an intriguing environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her geometric
design is visually stimulating, and creates levels and playing areas for the
actors to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The costumes by Elena
Vannoni are colorful and imaginative, while holding true to the period.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://knowledgeworkings.wpcomstaging.com/" target="_blank">The Jester’s Wife</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
is playing at 36<sup>th</sup> Street Theatre (312 W. 36 St., NYC 10018) through
October 8.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-14273551999309614662023-09-24T16:04:00.000-07:002023-09-24T16:04:57.003-07:00Purlie Victorious<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Purlie Victorious<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton
Patch<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Music Box<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">September 23, 2023</span></b> </h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nsFUaehyjaWHhpFP35RZKjwAN9bcf2Svxa2gWNATOFfk3sF7zbUUAZ-xelAoUxFoZwjMKrTCObKS552yxw-jFtreY-cQOwkF0ooqbYX0KsvJUNaPicIjQsXxyTmCdwesilzklbeMGuIY60WDCZegoLsZcgR4XIhz2D3TmEc4q9dK3z4tFO7BmuhZW1c/s1120/Poster%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nsFUaehyjaWHhpFP35RZKjwAN9bcf2Svxa2gWNATOFfk3sF7zbUUAZ-xelAoUxFoZwjMKrTCObKS552yxw-jFtreY-cQOwkF0ooqbYX0KsvJUNaPicIjQsXxyTmCdwesilzklbeMGuIY60WDCZegoLsZcgR4XIhz2D3TmEc4q9dK3z4tFO7BmuhZW1c/s320/Poster%202.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo coourtesy of <i>Purlie Victorious</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Broadway revival of
Ossie Davis’s 1961 play, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://purlievictorious.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Ie846jCgQMVkvjICh2gYgw9EAAYASAAEgKTzvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Purlie Victorious</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">,
is truly joyous. Kenny Leon directs a
stellar cast, with the right touch of style, melodrama, and grit that allows
Ossie Davis’s writing to ring with truth, humor, and relevance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Purlie Victorious Judson
(played by Leslie Odom, Jr.) searched for a young girl to pretend to be his
deceased cousin so he could get a five hundred dollar inheritance that is being
held by Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee (played by Jay O. Sanders). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He finds Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins
(played by Kara Young) on his travels through Alabama, and brings her back to
Georgia.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Missy Judson (played by Heather
Alicia Simms) thinks Lutiebelle will pass as their deceased cousin, but her
husband, Gitlow (played by Bille Eugene Jones), needs some convincing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They almost pull it off until Lutiebelle
signs the wrong name on the papers.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Purlie is on the run for trying to swindle Ol’ Cap’n Cotchpie, but comes
back in force to preserve Lutiebelle’s reputation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCI71Y76K8TzIa1MFGHXqOFM3GUDoIKNhkDDOzTwljN6q5syXPs-b5Pma_bdotVr8xtlWKul-BvoNj8Spjo8zxvsuOojpT0o6zafsNSR9wkUqF6HaV1_mOHYYX0CzjrEH-Xa575FpmGaGNpzW8ChGtVkXeIB4_3FqZ2ycvsHnfs4eeE5DWWKXYhH3klg/s700/Couple%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCI71Y76K8TzIa1MFGHXqOFM3GUDoIKNhkDDOzTwljN6q5syXPs-b5Pma_bdotVr8xtlWKul-BvoNj8Spjo8zxvsuOojpT0o6zafsNSR9wkUqF6HaV1_mOHYYX0CzjrEH-Xa575FpmGaGNpzW8ChGtVkXeIB4_3FqZ2ycvsHnfs4eeE5DWWKXYhH3klg/s320/Couple%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie Odom, Jr., & Kara Young<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Purlie Victorious</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara
Young are great together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Odom is
full of life as Purlie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His vitality
fills the stage and energizes all the characters to take action. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Young portrays Lutiebelle as an innocent,
nervous girl who transforms into a determined young woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is willing to open up and take a risk, all
due to Purlie’s inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These two
actors have a great chemistry, and keep the audience fully engaged in the action of the
story.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeow2Ntb_HMibRVPu1cLF7jULxBgQe9S2h5mtV1FqQCGaU6JXZpCEvIDHTlntLuxmZ613NyZCd_uw976u3hDEByhFEiD91h3QEOU2IedpA8XBj8jOhUIDh9OA2mbHZ1aRoeac0UFm3MNIwPTN5UwUpaw9vB7NGVrkdTMILx5xRCBHnAHFi7PeegAzjz4/s700/2%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeow2Ntb_HMibRVPu1cLF7jULxBgQe9S2h5mtV1FqQCGaU6JXZpCEvIDHTlntLuxmZ613NyZCd_uw976u3hDEByhFEiD91h3QEOU2IedpA8XBj8jOhUIDh9OA2mbHZ1aRoeac0UFm3MNIwPTN5UwUpaw9vB7NGVrkdTMILx5xRCBHnAHFi7PeegAzjz4/s320/2%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather Alicia Simms & Billy Eugene Jones<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Purlie Victorious</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Heather Alicia Simms and
Billy Eugene Jones are a strong pair as Missy and Gitlow Judson. Their relationship is full of fire, and their
timing is fast and sharp. Jay O. Sanders
creates a wicked villain in the character of Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee. This role is played with a precise balance of
humor and malice to keep it from being too dark. There are also strong performances by Vanessa
Bell Calloway as Idella Landy and Noah Robbins as Charlie Cotchipee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This cast delivers a completely
enjoyable experience of a gem of a play. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://purlievictorious.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Ie846jCgQMVkvjICh2gYgw9EAAYASAAEgKTzvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Purlie Victorious</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> is
playing at The Music Box. Don’t miss it. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-60805482234979093302023-09-22T18:12:00.000-07:002023-09-22T18:12:05.991-07:00One With the Current<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One With the
Current</span></i></b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Fandango 4 Art House<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">36<sup>th</sup> Street
Studio Theatre<br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">September 21, 2023</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLS4_sUk-clOef9UulMjrjrNONSR4lUA4YX7NlguP-i9cK4nz7nOgLjVqhqYEVbzvZtEGT8cgEPmLeBDzECeNFcuRgjTlftGifRsmRRLud9e3Z_0hE7usjWHgGSsXW6h7OW0nufmbb180d_s1_7Ee1c6onvefCLek5ehzyIo7bUdT7Bl8-J__DesLmBQ/s261/Poster%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLS4_sUk-clOef9UulMjrjrNONSR4lUA4YX7NlguP-i9cK4nz7nOgLjVqhqYEVbzvZtEGT8cgEPmLeBDzECeNFcuRgjTlftGifRsmRRLud9e3Z_0hE7usjWHgGSsXW6h7OW0nufmbb180d_s1_7Ee1c6onvefCLek5ehzyIo7bUdT7Bl8-J__DesLmBQ/w320-h237/Poster%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Fandango 4 Art House<br /> <i>One With the Current<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Daniel Damiano creates a
unique and intriguing piece of theatre with his one character play, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-with-the-current-a-solo-play-by-daniel-damiano-registration-652120298367" target="_blank">One With the Current</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. We
see the character’s open heart in the way he relates to his son and his best friend. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We empathize with
his struggle to keep his business afloat through the pandemic. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We sense the uncomfortable change in his family structure as his
daughter goes off to college and is affected by outside influences. We viscerally experience the challenges, pressures,
and disappointments that makes this man vulnerable… and willing to participate
in the January 6 protest.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzfyrp8NhmWrORH-Q9vlKDC2y6wCgGdLmYCK7_MR4395F9fZObhwFW_GU0XMMikkMN-jrjYhyRFQZ55nVN985B8_DQiX1uMvTcmugiokAtgnR9o7N5t9SqxIwc_mtuNgHf9Cwapz6XAsJzzOW_qskyZZoLlDbTcHaPUlIvMnTeO8mvaOX-lWxOJvFXGM/s1080/Actor%207%20(Photo%20by%20Gerry%20Goodstein).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzfyrp8NhmWrORH-Q9vlKDC2y6wCgGdLmYCK7_MR4395F9fZObhwFW_GU0XMMikkMN-jrjYhyRFQZ55nVN985B8_DQiX1uMvTcmugiokAtgnR9o7N5t9SqxIwc_mtuNgHf9Cwapz6XAsJzzOW_qskyZZoLlDbTcHaPUlIvMnTeO8mvaOX-lWxOJvFXGM/s320/Actor%207%20(Photo%20by%20Gerry%20Goodstein).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Damiano as Cliff<br />Photo by Gerry Goodstein<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The stage is delineated
into four distinct settings.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When light
comes up in each location, Cliff (played by Daniel Damiano) is speaking with someone different. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In one area, he is fishing on the
lake with his best friend, Roy, drinking beer, venting about work, and releasing
stress.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In another area, he is fishing
off a pier, bonding with his son while teaching him how to reel in his first catch.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We then find him at home, arguing with his
wife about their daughter’s choice not to return from college during Christmas
break.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This hurts him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He feels powerless.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When we return to the scene where Cliff is
fishing with Roy, he decides to attend a protest on January 6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We know the outcome of that day, but,
naturally, Cliff has no sense of the extreme possibilities.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">All he feels in that moment is the
desperation that motivates him to go to Washington DC with Roy to have his
voice heard.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Unlike most solo shows, the
main character never addresses the audience directly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never hear Mr. Damiano tell a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watch the character of Cliff in solo scenes
with his best friend, his son, his wife, and his deceased father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By making the creative choice of doing these
scenes as monologues, as opposed to having other actors portray these
characters, the audience is given a focused glimpse into the depth of the character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They see a different side of him in each of
these scenes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is an Everyman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A husband, a father, a diligent worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also sensitive, forceful, tender, aggressive…
and vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Damiano’s masterful
writing is exceeded only by his skillful portrayal of this character.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun4vuytFchaikHVCO4Y2jnj7ydBM_sfh4Fk4Pi9AEg79-GUeDeSRv3t1PScbzso3eZekZE0naEuHsp7nzv3hNjphnXBJAVdmEqwRofCE7CCdCOsxsGdOBH2TVcJb0z8fJw9zw4lBze-YKCXIK9hwEnpvXNNylWa2z_76Y_uPhOIng73vu9sjipgaP3do/s1080/Actor%206%20(Photo%20by%20Gerry%20Goodstein).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun4vuytFchaikHVCO4Y2jnj7ydBM_sfh4Fk4Pi9AEg79-GUeDeSRv3t1PScbzso3eZekZE0naEuHsp7nzv3hNjphnXBJAVdmEqwRofCE7CCdCOsxsGdOBH2TVcJb0z8fJw9zw4lBze-YKCXIK9hwEnpvXNNylWa2z_76Y_uPhOIng73vu9sjipgaP3do/s320/Actor%206%20(Photo%20by%20Gerry%20Goodstein).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Damiano as Cliff<br />Photo by Gerry Goodstein</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the course of this
story, the audience comprehends the shattering of the American Dream, as middle
class values becomes obsolete.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cliff
says, after the January 6 riot, that he was one of many “Americans who were
disenfranchised.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">At first it was all…
but then it started to seem justified.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He
explains how he felt pulled into the events of that day, becoming “one with the
current.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cliff tells a story about how
fish gather strength when they swim together.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He was told by his father, and advised his son, to swim against the
current to gain personal strength.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cliff
breaks that chain of advice through his actions on January 6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He shatters both the promise he made to his
father and the authority he has over his son.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is his greatest loss.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">At one
point, Cliff states that “out of the weeds becomes a garden.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He defines this as the American Dream.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We see in the final scene how he tries to rebuild
his dream by establishing a truthful relationship with his son.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He starts by admitting how his actions reflect
who he is.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He faces the consequences.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is a powerful ending.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">No matter your political point
of view, this is an important play to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Damiano explores the gray/human areas of what is a black and white
issue for most people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This play offers a
perspective on the vulnerability of our time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-with-the-current-a-solo-play-by-daniel-damiano-registration-652120298367" target="_blank">One With the Current</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
is playing at 36<sup>th</sup> Street Studio Theatre (312 W. 36 St., 4<sup>th</sup>
Floor, NYC) through October 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a
70 minute running time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to see
it!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-30387956071455524622023-09-17T12:21:00.000-07:002023-09-17T12:21:12.994-07:00Stupid F*cking Bird<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stupid F*cking
Bird<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">MCS Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">September 16, 2023</span></b> </h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGscwGtogzJwmck4Pz792qZBp5WnhkSmIYsccm5Sul5v4ziGygHKUX7waCdjG0Tdzu9xUHPi_K7orhy-XI2NlXYJhGEo4i3_K5uF38TB2VLiunKIljfUJyy7McU5hGFJWtmVnfK_N8kX-LaxKsL_1yZI7g84sVRuDXOVzeOA74Izm0OhGTQjbOTVaj-e8/s715/Poster%203.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGscwGtogzJwmck4Pz792qZBp5WnhkSmIYsccm5Sul5v4ziGygHKUX7waCdjG0Tdzu9xUHPi_K7orhy-XI2NlXYJhGEo4i3_K5uF38TB2VLiunKIljfUJyy7McU5hGFJWtmVnfK_N8kX-LaxKsL_1yZI7g84sVRuDXOVzeOA74Izm0OhGTQjbOTVaj-e8/w233-h320/Poster%203.webp" width="233" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Theatre 4the
People production of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.theatre4thepeople.org/" target="_blank">Stupid F*cking Bird</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
is well conceived, directed, and performed.
Written by Aaron Posner, the play is an adaptation of Chekhov’s </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Seagull</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. The
characters are profoundly weighed down by darkness and despair, yet director Isaac
Byrne keeps the action moving at a brisk pace.
He knows when to spike up the humor to keep the audience engaged. The cast works as a tight ensemble, fully
committed to Mr. Byrne’s vision for the play, and skillfully in sync with one
another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The play opens with Mash
(played by Haley Rice) singing a sad song about how disappointing her life is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dev (played by Trevor Markanovic)
tries to cheer her up, but fails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He is in love with
her, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">but she loves Connie (played by Conor M. Hamill), who loves Nina
(played by Melissa Mattos), who is enamored by Trigorin (played by Jey Kennedy),
who is sleeping with Connie’s mother, Emma (played by Nya Bowman).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despair is met with betrayal, which creates deep misery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Connie shoots a seagull, then
tries to shoot himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On his sixtieth
birthday, Connie’s uncle, Sorn (played by Timothy Wagner), who has been a
doctor his whole life, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">questions the value
of his existence. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all, as Mash sings, very disappointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all carry on, pushing through mommy
issues and daddy issues, making things worse, then somehow a little better... or maybe not.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_myWbfdMTWj2ihWz742qVHYf8CskKj0xLNUcsDfWQhChtPp3NrJVR4sFVlOaua1PntnuAHcJIqCnu30YTO2_jLHcwkK-Gyn_Ct5tC2bkDg6wbz-VmhMPMwbwvJ7DxRIsVih08He45iqJY5zi3Ad-9mNLrpE6wsA-SO3DuTU7YgcmTT_Lb8RlI2HAt4yk/s225/3%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_myWbfdMTWj2ihWz742qVHYf8CskKj0xLNUcsDfWQhChtPp3NrJVR4sFVlOaua1PntnuAHcJIqCnu30YTO2_jLHcwkK-Gyn_Ct5tC2bkDg6wbz-VmhMPMwbwvJ7DxRIsVih08He45iqJY5zi3Ad-9mNLrpE6wsA-SO3DuTU7YgcmTT_Lb8RlI2HAt4yk/w320-h319/3%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conor M. Hamill, Melissa Mattos, & Jey Kennedy<br />Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This cast does an amazing
job involving the audience in Mr. Posner’s absurd adaptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They play the despair with a sly tone that
keeps everyone amused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They take full
advantage of Mr. Posner’s direct address to pull the audience into the story as
an equal participant.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Haley Rice and Trevor
Markanovic have a genuine connection as Mash and Dev.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their relationship shifts as the plot
develops, propelling their characters to open up and grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This transition is seamless and natural for
these two skilled actors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melissa Mattos’ Nina is
a vibrant, outgoing soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The audience
gladly follows her on her journey, even when it turns dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nya Bowman and Jey Kennedy are evenly matched
as Emma and Trigorin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their characters
are equally </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">self-centered, and
deserve one another. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Emma demands to
be the center of attention, and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ms. Bowman boldly achieves
this with grace and elegance. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Conor M. Hamill plays the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">thoroughly</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> self-absorbed
Connie with just the right level of humor that creates a strong feeling of
empathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You yearn for him to change his
behavior and find happiness, and you feel for him when he fails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorn is the one character who stays somewhat
consistent and grounded throughout the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Timothy Wagner plays this character with calm presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T48TXQJ93yeL_myqYO-lLR08vCkVzKEe_go050O9Sg93vYq_Y4B_GlYkVbIcQcugb3QuntMEvtfZmsrqqbYxyF-NzEryTCoebxz9P1Fg0N14LjqnJIOJ0wdHfJ1M1RqWSLBnZgU0Lu35tKFWmjEihv8lBGk1h40TXk4HwrHd9TV7b3RdRO69ylN799w/s600/2%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T48TXQJ93yeL_myqYO-lLR08vCkVzKEe_go050O9Sg93vYq_Y4B_GlYkVbIcQcugb3QuntMEvtfZmsrqqbYxyF-NzEryTCoebxz9P1Fg0N14LjqnJIOJ0wdHfJ1M1RqWSLBnZgU0Lu35tKFWmjEihv8lBGk1h40TXk4HwrHd9TV7b3RdRO69ylN799w/w320-h160/2%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa Mattos & Colin M. Hamill<br />Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The production is very
simply and effectively staged, which is a perfect choice for the space and the
material. The focus is placed fully on the characters, and this cast pulls it off beautifully.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.theatre4thepeople.org/" target="_blank">Stupid F*cking Bird</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
i</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">s playing through
October 1 at the Matthew Corozin Studio (MCS) Theatre (357 W. 36 St. #202, NYC).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This company is worth keeping an eye on.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be sure to check them out! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-80794590730723660782023-09-15T16:22:00.000-07:002023-09-15T16:22:19.420-07:00Sweeney Todd<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sweeney Todd<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Demon Barber
of Fleet Street<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Lunt-Fontanne Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">September 14, 2023</span></b> </h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKF6ZEy5JP7D6vs6SGRrzRpI4eht-PVNdw5oPP8uQFv3UJscZ5TqMHKvpOwff7tqn4nK8TZ7GpTTtqSlhyTpNspiP-OthYeSW4b77v5TEmIe--OFi25pZ3sRsN-nwJAzAhIQlgVouSaWxOrVm2BoL9LJTZunYQOeiUxfd390KhEV9hqW_TBfhyvj7Qd7A/s1200/Poster%201.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKF6ZEy5JP7D6vs6SGRrzRpI4eht-PVNdw5oPP8uQFv3UJscZ5TqMHKvpOwff7tqn4nK8TZ7GpTTtqSlhyTpNspiP-OthYeSW4b77v5TEmIe--OFi25pZ3sRsN-nwJAzAhIQlgVouSaWxOrVm2BoL9LJTZunYQOeiUxfd390KhEV9hqW_TBfhyvj7Qd7A/s320/Poster%201.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Sweeney Todd</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Broadway revival of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://sweeneytoddbroadway.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4c6PlNmrgQMV0EpHAR1vsQg7EAAYASAAEgI0lPD_BwE" target="_blank">Sweeney Todd</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is phenomenal. Director Thomas Kail creates a truly eerie atmosphere
for the telling of this tale. Steven
Hoggett’s choreography tilts everything off center and pushes the tension right
up to the edge. This production leaves
you in awe of Stephen Sondheim’s score.
His ability to create tender moments, while building the action at a
terrifying pace is </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">brilliantly done</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">. The cast
is intense. They lock you in from the
moment the show starts , and do not let you go for one second.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sweeney Todd (played by
understudy Nicholas Christopher) has returned to London after spending time in
prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the journey back, he befriends
a young sailor, Anthony (played by Daniel Yearwood).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweeney starts to tell Anthony about his
past, but stops as the memories overwhelms him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Sweeney enters Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop on Fleet Steet, Mrs. Lovett
(played by Annaleigh Ashford) recognizes him as Benjamin Barker, the barber who
had his shop above her store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
confesses to her that he has returned to London to seek revenge on Judge Turpin
(played by Jamie Jackson) for the harm he caused his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Lovett partners with Sweeney on his
journey of revenge, not knowing what lies ahead, but very willing and able to
lead the way.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJqzykD51rWWfos78gDKBs1kmZn6MRyE9FKVUr6OQhtI_YmObhSomEWpTrzwMCA0wGdzQfK76kjfDE95YezlPLOuoiBorxccYdZfilvtRJai-U5GEPT4S0sC1fk4_FO49yzA0glyRDgGPaIMOocF7IxgdQjpP-r7t9rxNhEEqGmuLUCeIURTF9Xowrq8/s1200/%236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJqzykD51rWWfos78gDKBs1kmZn6MRyE9FKVUr6OQhtI_YmObhSomEWpTrzwMCA0wGdzQfK76kjfDE95YezlPLOuoiBorxccYdZfilvtRJai-U5GEPT4S0sC1fk4_FO49yzA0glyRDgGPaIMOocF7IxgdQjpP-r7t9rxNhEEqGmuLUCeIURTF9Xowrq8/s320/%236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annaleigh Ashford as Mr. Lovett<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Sweeney Todd</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Annaleigh Ashford makes
the role of Mrs. Lovett her own.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She
makes full use of her comic ability to mask the character’s manipulative and
sinister core.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She exudes a demonic
charm, developing a unique dichotomy for the character.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nicholas Christopher is commanding as Sweeney
Todd.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He is vocally powerful and
dramatically captivating.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">You root for
him no matter how malicious his actions, and feel genuine satisfaction when he
succeeds in avenging his wife.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI6GmcHrsxaYvGOHMtgUrMf-CEf7mHYzjT-_jcbCVg4dvjOinOxWntZ8etzvmtWXkNKm6OtLumYsa8r3czWmXY1HYCNWLi9Rt1w0jL7DvigWq_anxkv3ndusOMw8gkNJFc53nd84fbgG388fYe8U1Ka2uffhbloXqCzK9F1ulSmAcmLN7Sugq_Z8UEUU/s600/%238.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI6GmcHrsxaYvGOHMtgUrMf-CEf7mHYzjT-_jcbCVg4dvjOinOxWntZ8etzvmtWXkNKm6OtLumYsa8r3czWmXY1HYCNWLi9Rt1w0jL7DvigWq_anxkv3ndusOMw8gkNJFc53nd84fbgG388fYe8U1Ka2uffhbloXqCzK9F1ulSmAcmLN7Sugq_Z8UEUU/s320/%238.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Sweeney Todd</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gaten Matarazzo is
excellent as Tobias, the assistant to Pirelli who becomes Mrs. Lovett’s helper when
her business start to boom.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He and Ms.
Ashford develop a very strong relationship.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Not While I’m Around” is a truthful bonding moment between the
characters.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Understudy Jeanna de Waal is
spooky and ghostlike as the Beggar Woman.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She emerges from the darkness with her hair covering her face, yet your
eyes go right to her when she starts to sing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Daniel Yearwood and Maria Bilbao have a genuine connection as Anthony
and Johanna, Sweeney’s daughter and ward of Judge Turpin.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ms. Bilbao plays Johanna’s entrapment with
palpable nervousness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As the relationship
between her and Anthony builds, this nervousness transforms into an eager
yearning.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This production is a MUST
SEE, no matter who is in the lead roles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cast is a passionate and skillful ensemble, all committed to
creating and delivering a spine-chilling and impactful experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://sweeneytoddbroadway.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4c6PlNmrgQMV0EpHAR1vsQg7EAAYASAAEgI0lPD_BwE" target="_blank">Sweeney Todd</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at the
Lunt-</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fontanne</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go see it!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-71851759179223117972023-09-04T10:57:00.000-07:002023-09-04T10:57:02.538-07:00Infinite Life<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Infinite Life<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Atlantic Theater Company<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Linda Gross Theater<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">September<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2, 2023</span></b> </h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL6pUka4bkdcoVvMu8Dm0VkR2ehnKA_bMH-ocYE7pU44EfVuN3bpnoWLFtdnbiLxAAbMv5s5vqE8HXvbGmzsCVZc5gxwPKIb8Ne6oOm_jIhBBhs5CZ9Xm6pD5O_ms4nAf95JmCkoQhBYJS8-CJ6Szn0ioGspvowoT5QflQm0iLO0Fof_LvE5C88jTaj8/s225/Poster%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL6pUka4bkdcoVvMu8Dm0VkR2ehnKA_bMH-ocYE7pU44EfVuN3bpnoWLFtdnbiLxAAbMv5s5vqE8HXvbGmzsCVZc5gxwPKIb8Ne6oOm_jIhBBhs5CZ9Xm6pD5O_ms4nAf95JmCkoQhBYJS8-CJ6Szn0ioGspvowoT5QflQm0iLO0Fof_LvE5C88jTaj8/w320-h320/Poster%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy fo Atlantic Theater Company</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Annie Baker’s’ </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://atlantictheater.org/" target="_blank">Infinite Life</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> draws the audience in on the private and penetrating
journey of six characters. The Atlantic
Theater Company production, directed by James Macdonald, is fully absorbing. As the characters avoid connection, they
unwillingly peel away their layers. You hang
on to every moment, waiting for the next detail to be revealed, which pulls you
in even further. The partnership between
Ms. Baker and Mr. Macdonald on this production is exceptionally effective. This play is riveting. </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPaf9Hzvaw2YjvfYdPHzd25WxwHiAPZj3f9WJko0IFyBLeXLd0tvHlD1nXrrLboIVcvHMCNyIkV732cIZu7A0CkT5fg2PDzyDE2YQjgj-cnH5_fl349HIjt4-owVabrhHwKSe4A_UGQsNBuorrnspEJQDW90bnoIPrFPlUc5FnEK38fl8bZYeLZG3awM/s600/Photo%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPaf9Hzvaw2YjvfYdPHzd25WxwHiAPZj3f9WJko0IFyBLeXLd0tvHlD1nXrrLboIVcvHMCNyIkV732cIZu7A0CkT5fg2PDzyDE2YQjgj-cnH5_fl349HIjt4-owVabrhHwKSe4A_UGQsNBuorrnspEJQDW90bnoIPrFPlUc5FnEK38fl8bZYeLZG3awM/w320-h213/Photo%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina Kirk as Sofi<br />Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sofi (played by Christina
Kirk) is sitting on a terrace lounge chair, reading. Eileen (played by Marylouise Burke) enters,
and silently sits on another lounge chair.
Eileen interrupts Sofi’s reading to introduce herself. Eileen is on day three. Sofi is on day one. They are residents of a healing retreat. They fast under doctor’s supervision to release
toxins and manage pain associated with their illness. Elaine (played by Brenda Pressley) and Ginnie
(played by Kristine Nielsen) enter and take their seats on the empty lounge chairs. The conversation centers around their
ailments, pain, and treatment. When
Yvette (played by Mia Katigbak) enters, she tells the long story of her list of
ailments, which finally gets Sofi talking.
Sofi can relate to Yvette’s illnesses and pain. Sofi spends sleepless nights awake on the
terrace, pacing, texting, and leaving messages for either her husband or her
intimate work friend. She tells Nelson
(played by Pete Simpson) about her relationship with these two men one night
when they are both unable to sleep.
Nelson is the only male patient at the retreat. He is suffering through his second round with
colon cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUp0oN_WjQ1q4mHUSeKwozwr73KARiz3VVNvwwxnS0ulQqlfpZbe535WjsgiWtDnW1QaEJZw5MgHqkXWUMAsPH3bqM7-kpg0LZngr8uB_idB7V3DCIK-p0Up_fuwnfRkVDjOcmDP_dY7uGYnpxjwTtc2mVEFXAnSrtlq59N1LOSs05J5POXjX7OmNmws/s600/Photo%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUp0oN_WjQ1q4mHUSeKwozwr73KARiz3VVNvwwxnS0ulQqlfpZbe535WjsgiWtDnW1QaEJZw5MgHqkXWUMAsPH3bqM7-kpg0LZngr8uB_idB7V3DCIK-p0Up_fuwnfRkVDjOcmDP_dY7uGYnpxjwTtc2mVEFXAnSrtlq59N1LOSs05J5POXjX7OmNmws/w320-h213/Photo%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete Simpson as Nelson<br />Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When Nelson appears, the
rhythm and pace of the setting is disturbed.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He is a little more aggressive than the women.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A little more in need of attention, while
remaining solitary.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pete Simpson plays
this all with tender encroachment, due to the excruciating pain from his
illness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The scene between him and Ms.
Kirk (Sofi) is filled with sexual tension that the characters are both eager and
reluctant to engage in.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">These two actors
delicately play that scene with remarkable poise and control.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The more each character avoids contact with one another, the more we understand their story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The distance between the characters is more
revealing than anything they share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
final scene is between Sofi and Eileen, as is the initial scene of the
play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They talk about what they feel
they need for the pain to go away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
connect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They talk about their spiritual
beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They share their hopes, fears,
and secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christina Kirk and Marylouise
Burke play this scene calmly and genuinely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rhythm shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no joy
or revelation, only truth and connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a moment it is as if there is no pain. Then the light go to black.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX24Yb8lcBJXnRuNqSNFB77kD8BILqNNbNXVZO-ADfsjJOBCVSgQ-BU_NfflzfDhE3SQ61sA06D7HWdbgiHJjOignIDRPxy28ABYJBq-0wkntZSgG0m5SkscnCDQxQCMU-BFBwJsxC0ll-Vq6Od3Yp258tj5wnhOyyS3_iLwWfMCbDJOHGNGzbMmZB0k/s600/Photo%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX24Yb8lcBJXnRuNqSNFB77kD8BILqNNbNXVZO-ADfsjJOBCVSgQ-BU_NfflzfDhE3SQ61sA06D7HWdbgiHJjOignIDRPxy28ABYJBq-0wkntZSgG0m5SkscnCDQxQCMU-BFBwJsxC0ll-Vq6Od3Yp258tj5wnhOyyS3_iLwWfMCbDJOHGNGzbMmZB0k/w320-h213/Photo%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristine Nielsen & Brenda Pressley<br />Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Playwright Annie Baker
skillfully leaves a trail of information about all the characters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We piece the<br /> stories together by nibbling on
the small crumbs they each drop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of
the action centers around the character of Sofi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian Kirk delivers an intriguing
performance in this role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The importance
of the events of her life is made clear by the subtle and nonchalant way she
reveals them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marylouise Burke, Brenda
Pressley, Kristine Nielsen, and Mia Katigbak lure the audience into listening
carefully to every component of their lives and experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The audience feels each moment of their reaction
time, and watch the pace of their movements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Director James Macdonald masterfully orchestrates these fine actors
through the elusive moments of Ms. Baker’s spellbinding writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The pace is slow and
steady throughout the piece, much like the enduring pain these characters carry
every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The passage of time is
announced by Sofi, first hour by hour, then day by day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is deliberate and anguishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the audience catches on to the steady
flow of time, it is simply signified by lighting changes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://atlantictheater.org/" target="_blank">Infinite Life</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at Atlantic
Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater through October 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an intimately intense journey, and will
leave you with much to think about.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-90201350532567170142023-09-01T12:46:00.000-07:002023-09-01T12:46:46.528-07:00The Motherf**cker with the Hat<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Motherf**cker
with the Hat<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Hats Off Productions<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Chain Theatre Mainstage<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">August 31, 2023</span></b> </h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3R89DSH8_f35bNE77_Zof9g_kT6V3Fod7lIDYO-ZuSTTPVwRbckWsUHStS6pv8ZDTKbUYCMyf-IGKRR0Sf46Pjbi_uecPiCzNLfwg4TYItywNTOw40PN3ku_dnLO3S0tMoCeN0Aph9WjGaGpqZgC8pyIXcbudaBVVUbyn1J5U4siOUnZNle4-H6x0OA/s1067/Poster%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3R89DSH8_f35bNE77_Zof9g_kT6V3Fod7lIDYO-ZuSTTPVwRbckWsUHStS6pv8ZDTKbUYCMyf-IGKRR0Sf46Pjbi_uecPiCzNLfwg4TYItywNTOw40PN3ku_dnLO3S0tMoCeN0Aph9WjGaGpqZgC8pyIXcbudaBVVUbyn1J5U4siOUnZNle4-H6x0OA/w240-h320/Poster%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Hats Off Productions</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hats Off Productions is
currently presenting Stephen Adly Guirgis’ </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.hatsoffproductionsnyc.com/" target="_blank">The Motherf**cker with the Hat</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.
Director Luis-Daniel Morales has gathered a strong cast, who skillfully
delve into Mr. Guirgis’ powerful writing to deliver intense performances of
these complex characters. Their defensive
and aggressive exteriors mask their fragile and broken spirits.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jackie (played by Garrett
Miller) is on parole, working on his sobriety, and just landed a new job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">When he gets home to
tell the good news to his girlfriend, Veronica (played by Sabrina Gómez), he
sees a man’s hat on the chair. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He immediately suspects Veronica of
sleeping with the man who lives in the apartment below them, who dresses well
and always wears a hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
confronting Veronica, Jackie goes to his sponsor, Ralph (played by Michael
James Duran), to calm his need for revenge and keep from drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ralph convinces Jackie to stay at his place
for a few days because he thinks that Veronica, who is an addict, is not good
for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jackie gets his hands on a gun,
and threatens his downstairs neighbor, so he and Ralph </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">pay a visit to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jackie’s Cousin Julio (played by Peter Grullon) to ask him to hide the gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ralph’s wife, Victoria (played by Phanie Cherres),
comes on to Jackie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he rejects her,
she tells him that when he was in prison, Veronica got pregnant by Ralph and
had an abortion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes on to tell him
that Vernoica is still sleeping with Ralph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jackie has to face the truth of his relationships in order to maintain
his sobriety, but can he control his temper and stay out of jail.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL3T8ksCG2azUxIG80FyhNBzmF-4XhlMre-V-A2ciNM-sfu3d6tA1JjDn-hnGLi5nO9ngjuUtUVf9vh_FI_VMYhDPLLSHeAYYIk8uEmkCbur4g7hoPB1Ji4f5BJAfoLj5Y7bMll8vfIeJWlHT6WI1aRzixOrc2NujREFovxo-DSBRrDQi_M-1Cdb_vlQ/s275/Cousin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL3T8ksCG2azUxIG80FyhNBzmF-4XhlMre-V-A2ciNM-sfu3d6tA1JjDn-hnGLi5nO9ngjuUtUVf9vh_FI_VMYhDPLLSHeAYYIk8uEmkCbur4g7hoPB1Ji4f5BJAfoLj5Y7bMll8vfIeJWlHT6WI1aRzixOrc2NujREFovxo-DSBRrDQi_M-1Cdb_vlQ/w320-h213/Cousin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett Miller & Peter Grullon<br />Photo courtesy of Hats Off Productions</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Garrett Miller genuinely
portrays Jackie’s vulnerable and sizzling short fuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His idealistic nature is <br /> easily manipulated,
which causes him to violently explode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michael James Duran plays Ralph with supreme confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is glib and in control, creating a strong façade
that he uses to convince himself of his own righteousness. Peter Grullon’s portrayal of Cousin Julio is
subtle and smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He delivers the
laughs, while maintaining a certain ease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These three characters are dark and complex, and these actors explore
every detail and expose every layer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtD3LdmBWGguPT4ryp3etpeIiVkpaQIXBkt3L6vo8zdSX7s1ZSlu7_V2ZjtAiVMQnuou907glKW8_QN3yWp9jsxhOPuBkQZCOzoNPAuRlhcextGJbUHsDrUKSmKEjAvQ34ciZ1qr8zUiyJ9XowLJPF9uJBac-zKJ0jME6jRLD1YWRmJ3OXkA9EtJkAHs/s275/Knife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtD3LdmBWGguPT4ryp3etpeIiVkpaQIXBkt3L6vo8zdSX7s1ZSlu7_V2ZjtAiVMQnuou907glKW8_QN3yWp9jsxhOPuBkQZCOzoNPAuRlhcextGJbUHsDrUKSmKEjAvQ34ciZ1qr8zUiyJ9XowLJPF9uJBac-zKJ0jME6jRLD1YWRmJ3OXkA9EtJkAHs/w320-h213/Knife.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Sabrina Gómez & Garrett Miller</span><br style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Photo courtesy of Hats Off Productions</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sabrina Gómez is vicious
as Veronica. She is stubborn, fierce,
and crushingly defensive. Phanie Cherres’
Victoria is trapped, frustrated, and deeply needy. Mr. Guirgis shines a </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">startling</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> light on his
female characters in this play. They are
limited by the reflections of their male counterparts, searching for their
identities and usure of how to find their own strength. These two characters make opposite decisions
as the action peaks, and these two actors play those moments boldly and
honestly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.hatsoffproductionsnyc.com/" target="_blank">The Motherf**cker with the Hat</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at the Chain Theatre Mainstage through September 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are only a few performances left, so
get a ticket while you can.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-72661028793598349362023-08-27T17:48:00.000-07:002023-08-27T17:48:39.934-07:00A Will to Live<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Will to Live<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Chain Theatre<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">August 26, 2023</span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNGJ9un4CJ4kwFQG4sHHNXBZfJSAhNOOA0AlQirdGlS0fCRX2q16L0x_zV_esmb9MaTAPwYT1pXXGdONFpqZArGl62ImgXQlxMgvYOrq5vtgo1j_eI3tMWs7wELXSsBvobHF0PhVqSizF0kBLX7h000CJ5kcwaHchP22vl9ijeJfgn-1OM3UUyWw7MaY/s1200/Poster%203.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="776" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNGJ9un4CJ4kwFQG4sHHNXBZfJSAhNOOA0AlQirdGlS0fCRX2q16L0x_zV_esmb9MaTAPwYT1pXXGdONFpqZArGl62ImgXQlxMgvYOrq5vtgo1j_eI3tMWs7wELXSsBvobHF0PhVqSizF0kBLX7h000CJ5kcwaHchP22vl9ijeJfgn-1OM3UUyWw7MaY/w259-h400/Poster%203.jpeg" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chain Theatre took on a
monumental project by adapting Helena Weinrauch’s Holocaust memoir, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.chaintheatre.org/a-will-to-live" target="_blank">A Will to Live</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, into a one woman theatre piece. The outcome is a production of pure gold. The memoir was originally written in 1945. Kirk Gostkowski, who adapted the piece, said
that when he read it, the words “were fresh and unique. It felt like a primary document, and it needed
to be preserved.” In striving for this,
Mr. Gostkowski has kept the perspective pure and authentic. This piece honors Ms. Weinrauch’s words and
experiences, and reminds us of the value and fragility of life.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We first meet Helena
(played by Masha King) when she wakes up in a hospital bed in Sweden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She starts to tell of how she got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The allied soldiers were piling the skeletal
bodies of the deceased prisoners from a Nazi concentration camp, when one soldier
noticed her body was still warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
rushed to the medic, then transported to a hospital in Sweden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She now spends the days staring at the lake
from her hospital window, catatonic, hiding food out of fear of starvation, and
trusting no one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She takes us back to
her sixteenth birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is living in
Germany with her parents and older sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Russians invade, causing her family to separate in order to remain
safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the Nazis take power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she is at work, the Nazis sweep her town
for Jewish residents, taking her parents and sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her boss helps her obtain false papers and puts her on a train to a different
city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hides in plain sight under an
assumed identity, until she is recognized by someone from her home town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What follows is years of torture,
dehumanization, hard labor, and starvation in three different Nazi
concentration camps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She survives.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEh0eAUD9J3MFcrWwNZrIxfwNCu8XYPwipvZle5QAV5c3RLEZrz-OrWJVDsCVHmqZv1U6nYhRjAPo_HsCklkfTftewmemlP8ZbwZMCnap_q--uGJZSeXhR7ujkZqlzpLb6kujI-iJa_mM8zQtZeGOizHYQ68K6_66r8sH_u1eLfKLtbR-leBxyn7RYxRQ/s225/Close%20Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEh0eAUD9J3MFcrWwNZrIxfwNCu8XYPwipvZle5QAV5c3RLEZrz-OrWJVDsCVHmqZv1U6nYhRjAPo_HsCklkfTftewmemlP8ZbwZMCnap_q--uGJZSeXhR7ujkZqlzpLb6kujI-iJa_mM8zQtZeGOizHYQ68K6_66r8sH_u1eLfKLtbR-leBxyn7RYxRQ/w320-h320/Close%20Up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masha King as Helena Weinrauch<br />Photo coourtesy of Chain Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Masha King delivers a
masterful performance as Helena Weinrauch.
She is alone on stage for two and a half hours (with a ten minute
intermission). Her performance is
flawless. She ages in front of you. You see the emotional toll on her face, and
feel it in her eyes. Her center shifts
as the physical pain overwhelms her, yet she does not succumb. Ms. King’s ability to embody these
expereinces, but not delve so deeply as to cause the audience to look away, is
phenomenal. She takes the audience from
one horrific event to the next, carrying the weigh and devastation, while
keeping the audience connected to every step of her journey. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Rick Hamilton has
directed this piece with such skill and sensitivity that you are fully present
and absorbed, yet not overwhelmed by the violence and demoralization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wait for the next action, hoping it will
bring resolution, only to delve deeper and darker into more horrific events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the second act starts, the main characters
tells of the years she spent in three different concentration camps, including
Auschwitz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Hamilton brilliantly
keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, keeping the audience fully engaged,
while limiting the time to process the horrors taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The audience has no choice but to move
forward, as does the main character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
audience hangs on her every word, taking it all in, and gathering every detail
of evidence from her experiences.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbLOahDBTUFtHjQ87qxRDa-8vT-yeQvUHetRc412f3edfBGobR-uEOCWmtxHPOdEgX1J1QcPm4Dch3k7kBJn-Y1abhni7lt3Hw5mJtbiBuczKmzU5vIn1xl2FbVReQesca3RZAkn-MDrybtY9GYoJNIcqgyb54isteUQy7MW9KN82WrFwA8MaqXB8vqg/s225/Solo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbLOahDBTUFtHjQ87qxRDa-8vT-yeQvUHetRc412f3edfBGobR-uEOCWmtxHPOdEgX1J1QcPm4Dch3k7kBJn-Y1abhni7lt3Hw5mJtbiBuczKmzU5vIn1xl2FbVReQesca3RZAkn-MDrybtY9GYoJNIcqgyb54isteUQy7MW9KN82WrFwA8MaqXB8vqg/w320-h320/Solo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masha King as Helena Weinrauch<br />Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Every choice in this
production was clearly made to honor the words and experiences of Helena Weinrauch. The main character speaks directly to the audience
as if sharing her story with a friend.
The other characters are heard as voice overs, keeping the focus fully on
the main character. At the age of 101,
Ms. Weinrauch is still alive and living in New York City. We hear her voice and see footage of her in
the epilogue of the piece. To hear her
say how she has forgiven </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">those who caused
her harm </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">and carries no hate is truly cathartic.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She says that hate is evil, and to respond
with hate perpetuates the evil that caused the devastation.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This piece reminds us of the atrocities in
our history, and speaks loudly to why we need to remember so as not to repeat. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Over the years Chain
Theatre has built a strong reputation for quality work, and this production
raises the bar even higher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.chaintheatre.org/a-will-to-live" target="_blank">A Will to Live</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing through September 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an important piece of theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get a ticket right away!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965282175848871490.post-57233871328158583532023-08-25T11:17:00.000-07:002023-08-25T11:17:05.350-07:00Pay the Writer<h3 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pay the Writer<br /></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Pershing Square
Signature Center<br /></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">August 24, 2023</span></b><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb93oaj1rGWvyp7l6kOjIkKgggXbwsRerQU6udFeOOyg-8eIggAAnwYKCv_G_I4mtYpgPXakaRos1SfWt1P7EownW_Zwj_89SZaQwvPJuOE_AupXG5Pyqk23oBw1HROLGESyTI_KRcpNtrEER_hEhDPmKAjN0K0EvhbEpMZMSc1qLvpSzxpIdc26Tawp0/s600/Poster%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb93oaj1rGWvyp7l6kOjIkKgggXbwsRerQU6udFeOOyg-8eIggAAnwYKCv_G_I4mtYpgPXakaRos1SfWt1P7EownW_Zwj_89SZaQwvPJuOE_AupXG5Pyqk23oBw1HROLGESyTI_KRcpNtrEER_hEhDPmKAjN0K0EvhbEpMZMSc1qLvpSzxpIdc26Tawp0/w213-h320/Poster%202.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <i>Pay the Writer</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span></i></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://paythewriterplay.com/" target="_blank">Pay the Writer</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> tells the story of the bond
between a novelist and his Literary Agent.
Playwright Tawni O’Dell has crafted a touching play that explores the
complex relationships in the lives of these characters. The result is well developed characters who are
identifiable and empathetic. Her scenes are
driven by conflict and consistently land with an emotional punch. Director Karen Carpenter works with an
excellent cast, allowing them space to create genuine relationships that are at
the heart of the story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We first meet Bruston
Fischer (played by Bryan Batt).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a
Literary Agent to world famous novelist, Cyrus Holt (played by Ron
Canada).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cyrus has completed a new
novel, and sent it to his translator, Jean Luc (played by Steven Hauk), before
sharing it with Bruston, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">which hurts his
feelings.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> When Jean Luc
admits to Bruston that he does not like the novel, Bruston immediately defends Cyrus,
and forcefully tell Jean Luc how to best handle the situation. The next day, Cyrus tells Bruston that he
“accidentally” called his first wife, Lana (played by Marcia Cross), at 2:00 in
the morning. He hung up quickly, and she
immediately called back. He did not
answer his phone, so she tracks Cyrus down to the restaurant where he and Bruston
are dining. There are instant fireworks,
and Bruston tries to decelerate the confrontation with humor. When Lana gets Bruston alone, he reveals to
her that Cyrus is sick and hasn’t got long to live. She calls their two estranged children, Leo
(played by Garrett Turner) and Gigi (played by Danielle J. Summons). Lana hopes they can reconcile their
relationship with their father before it is too late.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwisxjzd3MjxxIeBnfvJfrXiFSjJsIkwwTj_zbcAusTlBl4MIeV-sun01ktAB6CNA_yNrkOHAhwnOnQlYnCi6j_hkjoExtC0ZW4svwsALht5y3Fr6cEbI3bUGpSv2fWDS6VjifGwgK6KGFOcjvQk6_n4SROWsyBriCQYnZTq4T4MWFNMJklO7cypROQk/s1024/Lead%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwisxjzd3MjxxIeBnfvJfrXiFSjJsIkwwTj_zbcAusTlBl4MIeV-sun01ktAB6CNA_yNrkOHAhwnOnQlYnCi6j_hkjoExtC0ZW4svwsALht5y3Fr6cEbI3bUGpSv2fWDS6VjifGwgK6KGFOcjvQk6_n4SROWsyBriCQYnZTq4T4MWFNMJklO7cypROQk/s320/Lead%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan Batt & Ron Canada<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Pay the Writer</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Some of the more
intriguing scenes are the flashbacks between younger versions of Bruston
(played by Miles G. Jackson) and Cyrus (played by Garrett Turner).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see these two characters as eager
professionals looking to make a name for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They build a friendship that stems from
opportunity and ambition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roots of
this relationship that Mr. Jackson and Mr. Turner lay down in their scenes is strongly
evident in the way Mr. Batt and Mr. Canada interact as the older versions of
the characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These four actors have a
strong connection and captivating chemistry.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NswqPQopFxpw-M4KJzh3W-Zi45VybBW1efRbc7xpI-JXh13IbdOQqbpuLO-7ouxAzeGI6KzzY3DNFRYMaAsBP0-4SBcpBsOI2q_nPuKK_WRG4bcAy62-9mbcqcKYshBdngXQxYmauLUPvaSsf_uAiB1J_uQn88MLdqfvtja353KMbEUkH51sTXu6f2Y/s1200/3%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NswqPQopFxpw-M4KJzh3W-Zi45VybBW1efRbc7xpI-JXh13IbdOQqbpuLO-7ouxAzeGI6KzzY3DNFRYMaAsBP0-4SBcpBsOI2q_nPuKK_WRG4bcAy62-9mbcqcKYshBdngXQxYmauLUPvaSsf_uAiB1J_uQn88MLdqfvtja353KMbEUkH51sTXu6f2Y/w320-h213/3%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marcia Cross, Bryan Batt, & Ron Canada<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Pay the Writer</i></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Marcia Cross is a burst
of energy as Lana Holt. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She is fiery, wrathful,
and spurred by a deep love for Cyrus.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
energy is mirrored in Danielle J. Summons’ portrayal of her daughter,
Gigi.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Director Karen Carpenter highlights
the important parallels of all the characters throughout the story to keep the
audience engaged.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They are all motivated
by their need to connect and heal.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Their
greatest obstacle is the hurt they hold inside themselves.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoCwPc40nllptZdBBQ7mF5iCj8KTXjkIzhEubCFqwZQjE4nbhirGC0heVopm-FRSFIo5LtW6sLPdPV6csmIjSiDmw9uSC87QS1iBc5BKrA1N1CX7iHnbbipRkXY6Xywo0iLI3RzEOg6Evd6xEehmRpfGh5tDMcGeTOmT80UJ4vRZp0yBSm8_AwQZJqig/s1024/2%20Actors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoCwPc40nllptZdBBQ7mF5iCj8KTXjkIzhEubCFqwZQjE4nbhirGC0heVopm-FRSFIo5LtW6sLPdPV6csmIjSiDmw9uSC87QS1iBc5BKrA1N1CX7iHnbbipRkXY6Xywo0iLI3RzEOg6Evd6xEehmRpfGh5tDMcGeTOmT80UJ4vRZp0yBSm8_AwQZJqig/s320/2%20Actors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danielle J. Summons & Ron Canada<br />Photo courtesy of <i>Pay the Writer</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Playwright Tawni O’Dell
brings back Cyrus’ unread manuscript toward the end of the play to place the
light on the one consistent relationship in Cyrus’ life. After rehashing his personal failures and shortcomings,
and making amends where needed, Cyrus acknowledges the value in his connection
with Bruston. The final scene is Bruston
Fischer alone on stage, as in the opening, talking about his job as Cyrus
Holt’s Literary Agent… and friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://paythewriterplay.com/" target="_blank">Pay the Writer</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> is playing at The
Pershing Square Signature Center through September 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is skillfully crafted, well directed, and
beautifully acted.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Domenick Danza<o:p></o:p></span></p>Domenick Danzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12935573247780197477noreply@blogger.com0