Blithe Spirit at Woodstock Playhouse

 Blithe Spirit
Woodstock Playhouse
July 24, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Playhouse

The Woodstock Playhouse is back with a full summer season!  Their production of Blithe Spirit is delightfully entertaining.  Director Randy Conti has brought together a talented cast who capture Noel Coward’s humor, creating a highly enjoyable evening of fun and surprises.

When Charles (played by Patrick Sharpe) needs to conduct research for his new novel about a psychic, he and his wife Ruth (played be Brooke Sterling) invite Madame Arcati (played by Lynda Sales) to a dinner party.  To round out the evening, they also invite two skeptical friends of theirs, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman (played by Alex Gossard and Jenna Robinson).  When Madame Arcati falls into a trance, Charles hears a familiar voice.  Since no one else hears it, they all believe Madam Arcati is a fake.  Charles has a different perspective of Madam Arcati’s powers when the ghost of his deceased first wife, Elvira (played by Gena Heylock) appears and begins to wreak havoc on his present marriage. 

Gena Heylock is enchanting as Elvira.  The chemistry between her and Patrick Sharpe is electric.  The sparks really fly when Brooke Sterling joins their scenes.  These three skilled actors make the most of Noel Coward’s rhythm and timing to the increase tension and build each scene to a dramatically funny high point. 

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Playhouse

Blithe Spirit played for only one weekend, but if you are planning a trip upstate New York this summer, be sure to include a visit to Woodstock Playhouse.  Their next show is Sweet Charity from July 30 – August 15.  Due to Covid restrictions, seating is sporadic throughout the theater, so get you tickets in advance.  

Domenick Danza

The Two Noble Kinsmen

 The Two Noble Kinsmen
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 16, 2021 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back… and better than ever!  This summer they are presenting a glorious production of William Shakespeare & John Fletcher’s TheTwo Noble Kinsmen in two locations: the parking lot at the Clemente Cultural Center (107, Suffolk St. on the Lower East Side) and in Bryant Park (6^th Ave. & 42 St.).  Director Hamilton Clancy has gathered a remarkably sharp company of actors for this rarely seen Shakespeare piece.  It is not to be missed.

After Athens is victorious in war with Thebes, Duke Theseus (played by Lukas Raphael) imprisons two noble cousins, Palamon (played by Bradford Frost) and Arcite (played by John Caliendo).  From their prison window, Palamon and Arcite spot Emilia (played by Liz Livingston), who is the sister of Duke Theseus’ wife, Hippolyta (played by Kathleen Simmonds). Both men are enamored and begin arguing over the right to woo her affections.  When Arcite is released from prison and banished from Athens, he disguises himself and sneaks into court to get close to Emilia.  Meanwhile, the Jailors Daughter (played by Jane Bradley) falls madly in love with Palamon and helps him escape. 

Palamon and Arcite find each other in the woods.  Though happy to see one another, they continue to fight for the right to pursue Emilia.  When Duke Theseus discovers them fighting, they reveal their true identities and the reason for the fight.  Theseus sets a date for a duel between the two cousins.  He promises Emilia’s hand to the victor, and death to the loser.

The Jailor’s Daughter has gone mad in her unrequited love of Palamon.  Her father (played by David Marantz) consults a doctor (played by Mary Linehan) to cure her.  The Wooer of the Jailor’s Daughter (played by Remy Souchon) willingly plays his part in her cure. 

Arcite wins the duel for Emilia’s hand, then dies when falling from his horse.  Palamon gains his life and love, but loses his noble cousin and closest friend. 

Bradford Frost as Palamon & John Caliendo as Arcite
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Bradford Frost and John Caliendo bring humor and honesty to the complicated relationship between Palamon and Arcite.  One minute they are inseparable cousins and the next they are fighting to the death.  They create genuine characters, earnestly motivated by love and honor.  Liz Livingston is strong and resolute as Emilia.  Even though she is unwavering in her conviction not to marry either kinsman, she takes the responsibility of the duel very seriously.  Her deliberation is portrayed with high integrity and meticulous care.

Jane Bradley as the Jailer's Daughter
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Jane Bradley is mesmerizing as the Jailer’s Daughter.  The physicality of her character consumes her.  She opens her heart with unwavering trust and steadfast conviction.  The humor is brought to an even higher level in Mary Linehan’s impeccable portrayal of the Doctor, Remy Souchon’s winning portrayal of the Wooer of the Jailer’s Daughter, and David Marantz’s staunch portrayal of the Jailer.  Their characterizations are flawless and their timing is impeccable.   

Lukas Raphael is noble and proud as Theseus, and Kathleen Simmonds is regal and commanding as Hippolyta.  There are strong performances by Lizabeth Allen, Elowyn Castle, Ja’Quawn Turner, and Bob Arcaro, each creating numerous and distinct characters who engage the audience in the progress of the action. 

Director Hamilton Clancy and Assistant Director Karla Hendrick have outdone themselves with this production.  The Two Noble Kinsmen will be at Bryant Park on July 19, 20, & 21 at 7:30 PM, then back at the Clemente Cultural Center parking lot on July 28, 29, & 30 at 7:00 PM.  All performances are FREE.  No one does outdoor Shakespeare better that The Drilling Company.  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

Mandela

 Mandela
East Harlem Repertory Theater
The Actor’s Temple
July 10, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Mandela

Mandela, written by Yolanda Brooks and John Ruiz Miranda, succinctly tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s fearless dedication to freeing the people of South Africa from the oppression of apartheid.  Not only does this play give the clear facts of Mandela’s life and work, but it depicts the emotional degradation the characters endured in their relentless struggle to achieve freedom.  

When peaceful demonstrations are not serving the anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela (played by Robert Greene) has a meeting with his followers, Robert Mbeke (played by Thaddeus Birkett), Joseph Kwezi (played by Jimmy Garrett), Walter Sisulu (played by Lamine Thiam), and Dennis Goldberg (played by Ivan Goris) to plan their next move.  They decide a more violent approach will better serve the cause.  Winnie Mandela (played by Nadjah A.K.) addresses this decision with her husband before he leaves for a demonstration, unaware it is the last time she will hug him.  He is arrested later that night, then sentenced to a term of life in prison for conspiring to overthrow the government.  In the United States, the Black Panther Party is speaking out to help free Mandela.  Many nations of the world rally in his support.  They are finally successful.  After spending over twenty-seven years in prison, he was later elected the first black president of South Africa in 1994.  He died in 2013 at the age of 95. 

The Actor's Temple Theater
339 W. 47th St., NYC
Photo courtesy of The Actor's Temple Theater

Robert Greene has a powerful presence as Nelson Mandela.  He is solid and determined in his portrayal of this heroic figure, showing his charisma, his flaws, and his conviction.  Nadijah A.K.’s portrayal of Winnie Mandela is grounded and genuine.  She skillfully plays this character with deep insight and an expansive emotional range.  Thaddeus Birkett, Jimmy Garrett, Lamine Thiam, and Ivan Goris create distinctive characters and realistic relationships, bringing this story to life with depth and passion. 

The script it seasoned with direct address from the main characters that shine a light into their thoughts, fears, and driving principles.  These are well crafted monologues that are admirably delivered.  The set is simple and stark, yet it is the brilliant use of projections and video that keeps the action connected and the chronological facts clear.  

Mandela is playing on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 at The Actor’s Temple Theater, 339 W. 47^th St. 

Domenick Danza

The Watering Hole

 The Watering Hole
Signature Theatre
The Pershing Square Center
July 6, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Lynn Nottage and Miranda Haymon’s The Watering Hole, now at Signature Theatre’s Pershing Square Center, is a healing experience for the soul.  It is made up of ten installations that offer participants the opportunity to take a breath, review the past fifteen months, and release.  It is a communal acknowledgement of what we’ve gone through and what we need, as individuals and communal beings, to heal and move forward.  In this respect, it is great theatre.

You travel through the spaces in small groups (4 – 8), so it is a very quiet, personal experience.  Each installation has its own purpose.  Pre-Industrial and The Multiplicity of Our Desires are informational.  This Room is a Broken Heart, The Beach Explored, Water Brings Me Back to You, and Ebb & Flow invite you to take a deep look and participate, each in a different way.  Wings & Rings, Spray Cap, Sssssshhhhhh, and Frequency are experiential.  The installations build upon one other, connecting and flowing to engage you in a unique and much needed cathartic experience.

Lynn Nottage & Miranda Haymon
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

To walk through and sit in empty spaces of Pershing Square Center is in itself a wondrous journey.  As you realize these spaces, once filled with creative energy and top rate professionals, have been empty for the past fifteen months, your heart sinks a little.  As each installation fills with light and sound, you, the participant, becomes a part of the space.  You, the participant, fill the space with what it has been missing, and in return, your artist soul becomes reborn.

This piece was conceived and created by Lynn Nottage and Miranda Hayman with a clear and unselfish objective.  Get a ticket and enter it with an open mind and an open heart.  Breath and enjoy it. 

Domenick Danza

In the Heights

In the Heights
Warner Bros. Pictures
June 25, 2021

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

In the Heights is a vibrant movie adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed Broadway musical.  It focuses on dreams.  Each character moves in direct search and achievement of the highest vision they hold for themselves.  This is what makes this phenomenal adaptation relevant and uplifting.  

The movie opens with Usnavi (played by Anthony Ramos) sitting at a small bar on the beach, telling four children the story of his bodega in Washington Heights.  The New York neighborhood comes to life as Usnavy starts his day, opens his store, and greets his friends and customers.  The action flows seamlessly from dialogue to hip hop to song, then back again to dialogue.  Scenes start with characters walking down busy city streets.  As the movement organically grows with rhythm, the street becomes alive with dance, then smoothly returns to daily activity.  This is all due to the expertise of director Jon M. Chu, book writer Quiara Alegría Hudes, and choreographer Christopher Scott.  Their eye on every minute detail is extraordinary.  You are swept into the lives and needs of every character.  Your heart opens as you feel for them and with them on every challenge they face.  It is no easy task to make a successful movie musical, and this creative team has raised the bar higher than it’s ever been before.  

Anthony Ramos as Usnavi
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The cast is superb.  Anthony Ramos is suave and magnetic as Usnavi.  Olga Merediz is endearing as Abuela.  Jimmy Smits is solid as Kevin Rosario.  Daphne Rubin-Vega is energizing in her portrayal of Daniela.  Gregory Diaz IV brings a dynamic charge to the role of Sonny.  Marc Anthony is heartbreaking in his cameo role of Sonny’s father, Gapo.  The list goes on and on of outstanding performers bringing their “A” game, giving the audience a truthful view into the struggles and desires of their characters. 

You MUST see In the Heights on the BIG screen.  If you’ve already seen it in the comfort of your own home, see it again in the theater.  Why?  Because now you can.  It is a worthy celebration, one to be shared in a communal setting.

Domenick Danza

The Players Theatre Short Play Festival

 The Players Theatre Short Play Festival
The Steve & Marie Sgouros Theatre (Players Loft)
115 MacDougal Street, 3^rd floor
June 19, 2021 

Photo courtesy of The Players Theatre Short Play Festival

The Players Theatre Short Play Festival just completed Week 2 of a three week run.  They present four new 10-minute plays each week.  The audience votes for their favorite play each night, and the winner of each weekend wins a cash prize.

The four shows presented in Week 2 were: 

8 Million is the Largest Number, written by Larissa Kruesi
A charming story of friendship where two lonely neighbors get acquainted on their adjoining fire escape.
     Featuring: Larissa Kruesi & Catie Carlton
The Quarantine, written by Michael Long
A satirical look at how Covid 19 would be portrayed on an episode of Seinfeld.
     Directed by Sharifa Williams
     Featuring: Jere Williams, Jonathan Dauermann, Brandon Thomas, & Amanda Gordon
Pizza/Bagel, written by Genny Yosco
A comic view of how a long distance relationship can turn into something more committed.
     Featuring: Genny Yosco & Dillon Herbig
Killer Chicken, written by Jack Rushton
A dark comedy about how dependence can turn into murder.
     Directed by Steve Marshall
     Featuring: Kim Blacklock & Melora Griffis

All the plays in the festival were NYC stories.  Each piece was light-hearted and enjoyable in their own way.  The performances were consistently strong and well-rehearsed. 

It is not too late to get tickets for their final week of performances (June 24 - 27).  Check their website for tickets and Covid 19 safety protocols (shortplaynyc.com).  You can also get tickets on tdf.org.  

Domenick Danza

Perfect Crime

 Perfect Crime
Ann L. Bernstein Theater
at The Theater Center
June 12, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Perfect Crime

Perfect Crime is a mind-boggling murder mystery… or is it?  In the first scene you witness a murder.  At the end of Scene 2, the murder victim enters, unscathed and very much alive.  Scene after scene you are given incriminating evidence for every character, pulling you deeper into intrigue caused by suspicious behavior.  Playwright Warren Manzi sustains this intrigue all the way through to the end of the play when the truth finally unravels. 

Psychologist, Margaret Brent (played by Catherine Russell) is on the brink of fame, as her new book is about to be released.  When Inspector Asher (played by Patrick Ryan Sullivan) visits to investigate her husband’s murder, her husband (played by David Butler) appears just as Margaret is about to be arrested.  In a session with Lionel, a severely psychotic patient (played by Charles Geyer), Margaret discusses murder fantasies as Lionel analyzes a painting by Margaret’s husband that hangs over the mantle.  Inspector Asher returns and questions Margaret’s husband, who turns the tables by grilling Asher on his attraction to Margaret.  Asher does not let up on his belief that Margaret is a murderer until her dark past is revealed and all questions are answered. 

Catherin Russell 
Photo courtesy of Perfect Crime

The success of this story rests on the timing and energy of the main character, and Catherine Russell plays this to perfection.  She pulls the strings of each of the other characters, callously manipulating their reactions and behavior.  The rapport she creates with Patrick Ryan Sullivan, David Butler, and Charles Geyer is realistic and believable.  Jeffrey Hyatt directed this piece to run at a momentous pace, which this cast adheres to brilliantly, keeping your mind alert and aware of every detail.

Premiering in 1980, Perfect Crime is “the longest running play in the history of New York theater, on or off Broadway.”  Having starred in Perfect Crime since its first performance, Catherine Russell has been hailed the “Cal Ripken of Broadway” by the People Magazine and appears in the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive performances in one role.  Get a ticket for Perfect Crime and keep this NYC theater tradition alive.  Safety protocols at The Theater Center are well implemented.  Ventilation is documented on their website.  Seating is sporadic.  Audience members are required to wear masks throughout the performance.  

Domenick Danza