Cloud 9

Cloud 9

The Seeing Place Theatre

The Access Theater Space

July 3, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of The Seeing Place Theatre

Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9 is getting a fresh look with The Seeing Place Theatre.  This complex sexual farce explores sexual identity, family structure, and the effects of repression over a one hundred year span (1880 – 1980).  The strengths of the concept of co-directors Brandon Walker and Erin Cronican are the clarity in the parallels of the relationships and the straight forwardness of the style.

Act I takes us to a British Colony in Africa in1880.  Clive (played by Brandon Walker) is the protector of her Majesty’s domain and patron to his seemingly close knit family.  His wife Betty (played by Ari Veach) is in love with their family friend Harry (played by Robin Friend Stift), even though he is secretly attracted to men.  Besides, Clive is sneaking around with their widowed neighbor, Mrs. Saunders (played by Jane Kahler), and the governess, Ellen (also played by Jane Kahler) has a passionate crush on Betty.  To make it more intriguing, many of the female roles are played by men, and vice versa.  The first act ends violently, which should be expected when clear cut gender roles are disguised and turned upside down under Victorian repression.

The cast of Cloud 9
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

Act II takes place in 1980 England.  The sexuality of the characters is more openly explored, yet the Victorian roots of the characters make them doubt their choices and question their resistance to the expectations of their gender roles.  The underlying violence is ever present, and keeping their true selves under wraps is still a necessity.

Brandon Walker & Eriin Cronican
Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland

The Seeing Place Theatre is getting very well known for their strong ensemble and bold production choices.  This very challenging play unfolds moment by moment due to the company’s skillful approach.  They have a sharp focus on the value of the message in Ms. Churchill’s writing, and make is accessible and relevant to a diverse present day audience.  There are very impressive performances by Jane Kahler, Erin Cronican, Brandon Walker, Bill McAndrews, Sabrina Schlegel-Mejia, Robin Friend Stift, and Ari Veach.

The Seeing Place Theatre production of Cloud 9 is playing at the Access Theater space on 380 Broadway (4^th floor).  Tickets are only $15.  Check their website for tickets and directions.  It is a limited run through July 16.

Domenick Danza

Macbeth

Macbeth

The Seeing Place Theater

The Paradise Factory

December 10, 2016

Photo courtesy of
The Seeing Place Theater

The Seeing Place Theater’s Macbeth is a compact and powerful one hundred minutes of Shakespeare.  They are an “actor driven company” with a strong ensemble that is well showcased in this production.  Director Brandon Walker has a clear vision and insightful understanding of this play.  His bare bones, modern dress approach intensifies the choices made by the main characters and magnifies the effects their actions have on their sense of self.

When Macbeth’s fate is mysteriously foretold, he feels justified taking action to insure his rise to power.  He and Lady Macbeth fall prey to their own greed and sense of entitlement, and are haunted by their deeds.  As the prediction of his downfall begins to unfold, Macbeth has no choice but to fight with his life.

Brandon Walker & Erin Cronican
Photo by Russ Rowland,
courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater 

Brandon Walker portrays Macbeth as a flawed man who makes bold choices knowing full well where they might lead.  Erin Cronican’s Lady Macbeth is solid and sure of herself with the ability to both lead her husband when he is unsure, and follow him when he is decisive.  Together they are riveting.  The audience follows their clear journey of choices and guilt, motivated by their need for power and recognition.  The ensemble is equally commanding.  There are strong performances by Tim Anderson as Macduff, Joshua George as Malcolm, Marcus Peterson as Ross, Olev Aleksander as Banquo, G.W. Reed as Duncan, and the three witches: Jane Kahler, Lisa-Marie Newton, and Candice Oden. 

The Three Witches
Lisa-Marie Newton, Jane Kahler, & Candice Oden
Photo by Russ Rowland,
courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater

With seating on three sides of the small performance space at The Paradise Factory, the audience is placed in the middle of the action.  There is no set, yet the lights, designed by Duane Pagano, envelop you in a highly effective, haunting atmosphere.  The program notes set a clear frame for viewing the performance.  “With Macbeth we ask the questions: What do you feel you are owed in this world?  What are you willing to do to get it?”  

The Seeing Place Theater’s Macbeth is playing at The Paradise Factory, 64 E. 4^th Street, through December 22.  Tickets are an affordable $15.  It is a seamless and faced paced production.  Be sure to see it!

Domenick Danza