The Counter

 The Counter
Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre
Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre
October 16, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The Counter is a touching new play by Meghan Kennedy.  It tells the story of two characters who take the time to reach out.  Ms. Kennedy’s dialogue is honest and direct.  Secrets are revealed.  Bonds are formed.  A shift takes place in the routines and expectations of the characters, causing an emotional release for both of them.  It shows how a small connection can make a big difference in a life.  

It is winter in a small upstate New York town.  Paul (played by Anthony Edwards) goes to the same diner for breakfast every morning.  He is served at the counter by Katie (played by Susannah Flood).  They noticed little things about one another, but keep their observations to themselves.  One morning, Paul breaks the routine by asking Katie to be his friend.  He shares a secret about himself, and asks Katie to do the same.  She hesitates, but eventually tells him about voice mails she has saved on her phone from a person she once dated.  After listening to one of them, Paul makes a request that shocks Katie, pulling her in deeper than she anticipated.  

Susannah Flood & Anthony Edwards
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Anthony Edwards and Susannah Flood create a genuine bond in this piece.  It slowly develops, then catapults to a point of no return.  Both actors stay attuned to each other throughout the play, delivering a rhythmic portrayal of connection and reliance.  The more they open up, the more we feel their desperate need.  Their commitment to their word is honorable, building trust that is life-changing for both of them.  

Amy Warren plays Peg, the town doctor.  She unexpectedly shows up at the diner one morning, craving coffee cake.  This brief scene is a turning point for the action.  It is well directed and beautifully performed.  With no words, she and Mr. Edwards show a deep level of intimacy.  This reveals a side of Paul that Katie had not seen before.  She urges Paul to act on his feelings.  He refuses, but later supports her with the same genuine care. 

David Cromer has done an excellent job directing this remarkable cast.  They all deliver captivating performances in this well-crafted play.  The Counter is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through November 7.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Napoli, Brooklyn

Napoli, Brooklyn

Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre

Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre

July 25, 2017

 

Photo courtesy
of Roundabout Theatre Company

Napoli, Brooklyn is a tale of the bond of sisterhood and the strength of maternal nurturing.  Playwright Meghan Kennedy weaves a story of an immigrant Italian family living in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 1960.  Her characters are tender, bold, brave, and daring.  Director Gordon Edelstein creates an atmosphere that is authentic, honest, and real.  The tumultuous events of the play are emotionally riveting, and the message will touch your heart.

Luda Muscolino (played by Alyssa Bresnahan) has three daughter, Vita (played by Elise Kibler), Tina (played by Lilli Kay), and sixteen year old Francesca (played by Jordyn DiNatale).  They all live under the explosive temper of their husband/father, Nic (played by Lev Gordon).  Francesca is in love with her best friend from school, Connie (played by Juliet Brett).  They are planning on stowing away on a ship to Europe to start a new life together.  When an unexpected disaster falls out of the sky, their lives disperse unexpectedly.

Alyssa Bresnahan as Luda Muscolino
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

This entire cast is superb.  Jordyn DiNatale, Elise Kibler, and Lilli Kay create a strong bond that keeps the play connected.  Ms. DiNatale is fiery and energetic.  Ms. Kibler is feisty and vocal.  Ms. Kay is stoic and solid.  Alyssa Bresnahan is magnificent as their mother, Luda Muscolino.  She creates a devoted, loving, maternal character who bridges the events of the play with consistency and strength.  Lev Gordon creates a volatile character in Nic Muscolino.  Ms. Kennedy writes a clear and well-developed background for this character, and Mr. Gorn plays him with an emotional charge that propels the action of the play forward.

Elise Kibler, Lilli Kay, & Jordyn DiNatale
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

If you want to see a heartwarming story that will move you and leave you with a message of strength and endurance, this is the play to see.  Its production values are as high as you would expect from any Roundabout Theatre show.  Napoli, Brooklyn is running at the Laura Pels Theatre through September 3.

Domenick Danza