A Musical About Star Wars

 A Musical About Star Wars
AMT Theater
July 28, 2023 

Photo courtesy of A Musical About Star Wars

A Musical About Star Wars is a hilarious celebration of the Star Wars legacy.  The book by Tom D’Angora, Taylor Crousore, and Scott Richard Foster is a trivia extravaganza about everything Star Wars.  The three cast members are funny and full of energy, with strong and vibrant singing voices. 

Photo courtesy of A Musical About Star Wars

Scott (played by Taylor Crousore) and Taylor (played by Stone Mountain) have written a musical about Star Wars.  They have been banned from every Comic Con in the country, except the one in New York City.  They audition a female singer for the show, in hopes that it will give them a better chance of getting in.  They hire Emily (played by Maggie McDowell), who is secretly protesting their production.  She believes the Star Wars movies are sexist.  After learning her role, she decides to walk out on the show.  Scott and Taylor, desperate to get into Comic Con NYC, make a deal with her.  If they can convince her that Star Wars is an important and relevant series, she will stay with the show and help them achieve their goal.  Emily accepts the challenge.

Taylor Crousore and Stone Mountain have excellent comic timing.  Their characters are distinct, yet bonded in their love and knowledge of Star Wars.  Maggie McDowell is the perfect foil for their folly.  Every one of their enthusiastic outbursts is met with her adamant refusal to join in the fun.  When she finally does, it is a joyous victory for all. 

The best section of the show is when they present a synopsis of the three prequel movies in a Hamilton parody.  It is cleverly written, succinctly staged, and skillfully performed. 

A Musical About Star Wars is playing at AMT Theater, 345 W. 45^th St., NYC.  If you are a Star Wars enthusiast, you must see this show.  There were a few people in the audience dressed as characters from the movies, so don’t hold back.  

Domenick Danza

Comedy of Errors

Comedy of Errors

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 22, 2023

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Comedy of Errors is one hour and forty-five minutes of pure fun.  Director Hamilton Clancy has once again brought together a talented and charismatic troupe of actors to fill our summer nights with free, outdoor Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  This is the Drilling Company’s twenty-fifth season.  They have earned their high level of expertise, which is evident in this phenomenal production.

Aegean of Syracuse (played by Hamilton Clancy) is arrested in Ephesus for unlawful trespass.  He is there in search of his son, Antipholus and his servant Dromio.  The Duke (played by Robert Arcaro) proclaims that he has one day to prove this claim, or he will be put to death as punishment for breaking the law.  In another part of Ephesus, Adriana (played by Petra Deninson) and her sister, Luciana (played by Erin G. Mahoney), mistake Antipholus of Syracuse (played by Drew Valins) and Dromio of Syracuse (played by Karla Hendrick) for her husband Antipholus of Ephesus (also played by Drew Valins) and his servant Dromio of Ephesus (played by Lizabeth Allen).  Adriana brings her mistaken husband and servant into her home for dinner.  They lock the door, keeping her true husband and his servant from entering upon their return.  When her husband does return, he is furious about being locked out, and makes a plan with Angelo (played by Jack Sochet) to meet him later that night for dinner with his Courtesan (played by Erin G. Mahoney).  Antipholus makes a deal with Angelo to purchase a gold necklace as a gift for the Courtesan.  Angelo later delivers the gold necklace to the wrong Antipholus.  The mayhem continues to build as both Dromios are sent on errands, and report back to the wrong master.  The time for Aegean’s sentence has come.  He recognizes Antipholus as the son he was searching for, but which Antipholus will recognize him as his father? 

Drew Valins is outstanding as both Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus.  He creates two distinct characters, varying his physically and vocal cadence.  Mr. Valins’ commitment and presence in each of these characters make them fully recognizable upon his entrance, keeping the storyline clear and fast paced.  Karla Hendrick and Lizabeth Allen are the perfect duo as Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus.  They mirror one another perfectly, making the comedy of errors ring true.  Petra Deninson and Erin G. Mahoney are fully in sync as Adriana and her sister, Luciana.  Their timing delivers the laughs and makes their bold, over the top portrayals endearing and engaging.  Jack Sochet plays Angelo as a cutting edge deal maker.  This works very well with Partick Hart’s no-nonsense portray of the Merchant.  These two actors push the drama and raise the stakes for the main characters, who are immersed in the comedy of confusion.  Additional strong performances are delivered by Bob Arcaro, Remy Souchon, Katherine O’Sullivan, Jamie Russell, Liusaidh Hopper, and a cameo appearance by Hamilton Clancy.  

Photo coutresy of The Drilling Company
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Comedy of Errors plays for one more weekend in the parking lot of The Clemente (114 Norfolk, between Rivington & Delancey).  Performances are July 27, 28, & 29 at 7:00 PM.  The gates open at 6:30.  Get there early to get a good seat, or bring a folding chair or blanket.  It’s free, fun, & amazing!  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

Orpheus Descending

Orpheus Descending
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
July 15, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience’s production of Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending is pure poetry.  Director Erica Schmidt gives distinctive voice to each character by finding their individual rhythm.  The pace is steady, drawing the audience deeply into the yearning of the main characters.  The tension builds as each character faces their need to escape their repressive circumstances and find freedom. 

When Jabe Torrance, owner of the town’s dry goods store (played by Michael Cullen), is taken seriously ill, Vee Talbott (played by Ana Reeder) introduces his wife, Lady (played by Maggie Siff), to a young man who can help her in the store.  Valentine Xavier (played by Pico Alexander) is a drifter, looking for work.  When Carol Cutrere (played by Julia McDermott) gets a glimpse of Valentine, wearing his snakeskin jacket and playing his guitar, she tries to lure him away from the dry goods store.  She warns Valentine of the dangers he will find there, but he does not listen.  He just turned thirty, and says he has given up the wild life.  Lady allows Valentine to live in the back room of the store.  She opens up to him, telling of when the men in the town burned her father’s vineyard to the ground, killing him.  She was then sold to her husband, and has been trapped in the dry goods store ever since.  When Jabe reveals the truth of his involvement in the fire at the vineyard, Lady throws herself at Valentine, seeking freedom and revenge. 

The Cast of "Orpheus Descending"
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The tension of the piece is created through the contrast in the portrayal of the characters.  Pico
Alexander’s Valentine is smooth as silk.  Maggie Siff’s Lady is tough as nails.  Julia McDermott’s Carol is wild with abandon.  Ana Reeder’s Vee is cogent in her beliefs.  This is a large cast of strong, skilled actors.  Each actor on stage adds a distinct rhythm and pace in their interpretation, tightening the pull of the dramatic tension, while impelling the action to build to a shocking conclusion.  

Orpheus Descending is beautifully directed and performed.  It is playing at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center in downtown Brooklyn through August 6. 

Domenick Danza

The Saviour

 The Saviour
Irish Repertory Theatre
July 13, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre

In The Saviour, playwright Deirdre Kinahan crafted a complicated and multifaceted main character.  At first, the audience meets a very private side of Máire.  She is full of love, kindness, faith, and vulnerability.  In the second half of this one act play, she is confronted with an unspeakable truth that she cannot face.  Her response is bitter, biting, and selfish.  Louise Lowe skillfully directed this Irish Repertory Theatre production so that the audience embraces and understands this character.  Their hearts break along with hers, as she seeks forgiveness and acceptance. 

Máire (played by Marie Mullen) is sitting in bed smoking a cigarette.  It is the morning of her birthday.  She has just spent the night with her gentleman friend, and is feeling great joy.  She talks to Jesus about this man, Martin, who she feels was sent to her by him.  After the death of her husband, she did not expect to find love again.  Her loneliness grew after her children become adults and moved on with their own lives. 

Marie Mullens as Máire
Photo courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre

Máire’s son, Mel (played by Jamie O’Neill) arrives to surprise her with a birthday present.  Mel senses his mother’s discomfort about his unexpected visit.  She denies that Martin spent the night.  Mel has done a background check on Martin, and breaks some upsetting news to his mother.  Máire believes in the forgiving power of Jesus, but Mel sees the darker side of Martin’s presence in his mother’s life.

Marie Mullen’s portrayal of this complex character is genuine and honest.  Each shift of mood is visceral and natural.  Due to the expert crafting of playwright Louise Lowe, the complicated layers of Máire’s character are justified and motivated.  It is Ms. Mullen’s masterful portrayal that instinctually weaves these layers into one complete and empathetic character. 

Marie Mullen & Jamie O'Neill
Photo courtesy of Irish Repertory Theatre

Jamie O’Neill portrays Mel as considerate and caring.  He knows his mother very well, and does not allow her manipulation, forcefulness, and talk of Jesus get in the way of declaring the threat he sees in his mother’s gentleman friend.  Mel draws a clear line in the sand for Máire, and warns her not to cross it.  Mr. O’Neill plays that moment with conviction and an open heart.

The Saviour is a compact and potent piece of theatre, with a running time of seventy minutes (no intermission).  It is playing at Irish Repertory Theatre through August 13.  

Domenick Danza

Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

 Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground
Theatre at St. Clement’s
July 8, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
Einstein: This Piece of Ground

Richard Hellensen’s play, Eisenhower: ThisPiece of Ground, is a brilliant piece of theatre for our changing time.  John Rubenstein’s portrayal of Dwight D. Eisenhower is tremendous.  He takes the stage and immediately captures the audience’s attention.  He is alone on stage for almost two hours (with one intermission).  His performance is engaging, intriguing, and thought provoking.

It is 1962 at the Eisenhower farm in Gettysburg, PA.  Dwight D. Eisenhower (played by John Rubenstein) has been out of office for about one year, and reads an article written by a group of historians.  They ranked him twenty-two of thirty-four Presidents of the United States.  This sends him into a fury.  He was planning to start on a book about his presidency (from 1953 – 1961), but now has doubts about the project.  He harnesses his rage and turns on the Dictaphone.  He starts defending his choices.  He tells of his upbringing, his father’s discipline, and his mother’s compassion.  He tells of his years at West Point and his decisions as General in Command of the D-Day Invasion.  More importantly, he reveals his personal philosophy and core beliefs of the role the United States plays in the world and how we, as citizens, need to respect our laws, our freedoms, and one another. 

John Rubenstein as Dwight D. Eisenhower
Photo courteys of
Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

Under the direction of Peter Ellenstein, Mr. Rubenstein creates a seamless performances.  He smoothly connects the thoughts from one topic to the next.  He creates a character who is unwaveringly driven by an selfless sense of duty.  Mr. Rubenstein is fully present in every moment, sharing this brilliantly written stream of consciousness monologue.  We get glimpses of Eisenhower’s personal emotions, his temper, and his persistence, but what is most insightful is his credence to striving for peace, and his perspective on our responsibility as a nation to set an example and lead.

In 1962 historians ranked Eisenhower twenty-two in effectiveness as president.  In 2021 he was ranked number five.  This illustrates the change of perspective in our values over time.  

Don’t miss this momentous performance by John Rubinstein.  Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground runs at the Theatre at St. Clement’s through July 30.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Camelot

 Camelot
Lincoln Center Theater
at the Vivian Beaumont
July 1, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
Lincoln Cetner Theater

The Lincoln Center Theater revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot tells the tale of an idyllic realm, built on the belief in equality and justice.  The book, revised by Aaron Sorkin, focuses on the challenge of this ideal, and the battle between intellect and mysticism.  Bartlett Sher majestically directs this stellar cast, drawing the audience into a regal world of knighthood, integrity, and respect, which dissolves due to jealousy, mistrust, and treachery.

Princess Guenevere of France (played by Phillipa Soo) is promised to King Arthur of England (played by Andrew Burnap) in a treaty of peace between their countries.  Guenevere, unhappy about her pending nuptials, offers her dowry to a stranger she meets in the forest to help her escape.  Little does she know that this stranger is Arthur, who has been walking in the woods out of nervousness over meeting his new bride.  Arthur sings to Guenevere of the idyllic Camelot, the Camelot of his dreams, the metaphor of his perfect and peaceful home.  She agrees to go with him to the castle, where she joins him in creating this utopia.  She and Arthur discuss the possibilities of transforming his band of knights into a noble assembly, with equal voice and influence.  The knights are uncertain about this change, but are definitely averse to Arthur’s decision to invite the French to join his round table.  Lancelot de Lac (played by Jordan Donica) travels from France and pledges his honor to King Arthur and his vision for Camelot.  Lancelot is strong and suave.  He quickly gains the trust of the king, and catches the eye and heart of the queen.    

Phillipa Soo, Andrew Burnap, & Jordan Donica
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

King Arthur is written as a young man who unwillingly has the crown thrust upon him when he
removed the sword, Excalibur, from the stone.  Andrew Burnap nobly portrays this youth with charm and ambition.  He is eager to make his mark on the kingdom and create a better future for its people.  He transforms into a ethical leader, yet never loses his youthful outlook.  Phillipa Soo portrays Guenevere as a feisty, determined young woman.  She takes her role as queen seriously, while joyfully participating in shaping the court and kingdom to her husband’s vision.  They become true partners.  Jordan Donica’s Lancelot is bold and confident.  His commitment to his beliefs and role as a knight outweigh his secret passion for Guenevere.  These three actor have luminous chemistry.  They develop their relationships through integrity and respect.  Their singing voices soar, filling the theatre with joyous passion. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The entire cast delivers excellent performances.  Dakin Matthews is wise and grounded as both Merlyn and Pellinore.  Taylor Trensch is sneaky and undermining as Mordred.  Marilee Talkington is mysterious and conniving as Morgan Le Fey.

Set design by Michael Yeargan is truly magnificent.  The interiors of the castle are simple and expansive.  The space then opens up even further to sprawling exterior scenes.  The projections by 59 Productions and lighting by Lap Chi Chu enhance the set design by creating intimate areas and vast regions. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The opening scene between Arthur and Guenevere is Mr. Sorkin’s strongest writing.  The characters are
introduced with wit and humor, smoothly establishing the conflict between them and vigorously setting the story in motion.  

Camelot is set to close on July 23.  Time is running out.  Get your tickets while you still can. 

Domenick Danza