The Ladder

 The Ladder
IRT Theatre
January 31, 2026 

Photo courteys of The Ladder

Isaac Bryne’s play, The Ladder, tells the mythical tale of Theseus slaying the Minotaur.  Director Haley Rice beautifully builds the mystery and suspense in this well-crafted play.  The characters are often searching in the dark, causing the audience to lean in and listen, until the light reveals the object of their search and the desperation of the adventure.  The cast skillfully balances the heightened action with grounded emotion, engaging the audience in their individual journeys. 

When Theseus (played by James Jelkin) escapes the labyrinth after killing the Minotaur (played by Ken Orman), he has tall tales to tell.  He weaves a tale of bravery for Pirithous (played by Justin Senense), capturing his heart and loyalty.  He lures Ariadne (played by Lucy Turner) to a secluded island, only to desert her so as not to reveal how he broke his promise to her in the labyrinth.  King Ageus, Theseus’ father (played by Ken Orman), kills himself when he thinks his son is dead.  It is Persephone (played by Rebekah Rawhouser) who draws the true story out of Theseus by holding Pirithous hostage.  Even then Theseus holds back the full truth of his lustful rise to power. 

James Jelkin creates an egotistical Theseus with a blend of strength and humor.  It is the humor that makes this god-like figure a truthful and identifiable character.  Justin Senense is seductive and adversarial as Pirithous, capturing Theseus’ attention and affection.  Mr. Jelkin and Mr. Senense cleverly play at this masculine tug of war, developing a relationship based on need and convenience. 

Lucy Turner is beguiling as Ariadne.  There is a power in her self-assurance.  Theseus easily falls into her trap, only to betray her when he no longer needs her.  Ms. Turner dominates her scenes, even when she is fully defeated and confronted by Baccus (played by Justin Senense).  Mr. Senense brings an impish quality to the role of Baccus. 

Ken Orman plays a mighty King Ageus and a frightening Minotaur.  He has a majestic and commanding presence.   Rebekah Rawhouser is evil and manipulative as Medea, and fearsome and erotic as Persephone.  She is a true dynamo. 

Playwright Issac Byrne focuses on the story that each of these mythical characters holds within them.  These stories are explored as each character is introduced, giving the play a non-linear structure.  Mr. Byrne successfully delivers an ending that pulls all the loose ends together, and Ms. Rice affectively delivers it with amazing style.

The Ladder is playing at IRT Theatre (154 Christopher St., 3^rd floor) through Feb. 15. 

Domenick Danza

Stupid F*cking Bird

 Stupid F*cking Bird
MCS Theatre
September 16, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

The Theatre 4the People production of Stupid F*cking Bird is well conceived, directed, and performed.  Written by Aaron Posner, the play is an adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull.  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.

The play opens with Mash (played by Haley Rice) singing a sad song about how disappointing her life is.  Dev (played by Trevor Markanovic) tries to cheer her up, but fails.  He is in love with her, 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).  Despair is met with betrayal, which creates deep misery.  Connie shoots a seagull, then tries to shoot himself.  On his sixtieth birthday, Connie’s uncle, Sorn (played by Timothy Wagner), who has been a doctor his whole life, questions the value of his existence.  It’s all, as Mash sings, very disappointing.  They all carry on, pushing through mommy issues and daddy issues, making things worse, then somehow a little better... or maybe not. 

Conor M. Hamill, Melissa Mattos, & Jey Kennedy
Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

This cast does an amazing job involving the audience in Mr. Posner’s absurd adaptation.  They play the despair with a sly tone that keeps everyone amused.  They take full advantage of Mr. Posner’s direct address to pull the audience into the story as an equal participant. 

Haley Rice and Trevor Markanovic have a genuine connection as Mash and Dev.  Their relationship shifts as the plot develops, propelling their characters to open up and grow.  This transition is seamless and natural for these two skilled actors.  Melissa Mattos’ Nina is a vibrant, outgoing soul.  The audience gladly follows her on her journey, even when it turns dark.  Nya Bowman and Jey Kennedy are evenly matched as Emma and Trigorin.  Their characters are equally self-centered, and deserve one another.  Emma demands to be the center of attention, and Ms. Bowman boldly achieves this with grace and elegance.  Conor M. Hamill plays the thoroughly self-absorbed Connie with just the right level of humor that creates a strong feeling of empathy.  You yearn for him to change his behavior and find happiness, and you feel for him when he fails.  Sorn is the one character who stays somewhat consistent and grounded throughout the story.  Timothy Wagner plays this character with calm presence.  

Melissa Mattos & Colin M. Hamill
Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

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.

Stupid F*cking Bird is playing through October 1 at the Matthew Corozin Studio (MCS) Theatre (357 W. 36 St. #202, NYC).  This company is worth keeping an eye on.  Be sure to check them out!       

Domenick Danza