Scotland, PA

Scotland, PA

Roundabout Theatre Company

The Laura Pels Theatre

September 14, 2019

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Michael Mitnick and Adam Gwon’s new musical, Scotland, PA, is making its premier at Roundabout Theatre Company.  It is based on the movie of the same title, which is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.  It is wickedly funny, as it follows the underdog hero’s rise to the top, then brutally dramatic as he tragically falls.  Director Lonny Price maintains the balance of humor and severity in this multi-layered story.  He guides the cast to build a wide range of characters and deliver skillful performances.

It is 1975 in Scotland, Pennsylvania.  Mac (played by Ryan McCartan) is constantly pitching innovative ideas to his boss, Duncan (played by Jeb Brown).  Mac and his wife, Pat (played by Taylor Iman Jones), have been working in Duncan’s restaurant since high school.  After more than twelve years, Pat wants more.  She convinces Mac to rob the restaurant.  The voices in his head (played by Alysha Umphress, Wonu Ogunfowora, and Kaleb Wells) make him feel like he can achieve anything, so he agrees.  Mac and Pat set up their alibi by attending a party their friend Banko (played by Jay Armstrong Johnson) is throwing.  Duncan fights back during the robbery and is unexpectedly killed.  Mac and Pat remove all evidence and think they’re in the clear, until Detective Peg McDuff (played by Megan Lawrence) shows up asking questions.

Ryan McCartan & Taylor Iman Jones in Rehearsal
Photo courtesy ot Roundabout Theatre Company

Act II is full of all the dark intrigue and psychological intricacies of Shakespeare’s tale.  It also contains some haunting melodies, “Clairvoyant” being the strongest.  Ryan McCartan and Taylor Iman Jones effectively carry the tale all the way to its tragic ending.  Their portrayals of Mac and Pat are genuine and complex.  You root for them to succeed and are understanding when events turn dark and out of their control.  As they fall deeper into their own selfishness and make desperate decisions to hide from their guilt, you know their downfall is inevitable.

The Full Cast of Scotland, PA
Photo courtesy fo Roundabout Theatre Company

Jay Armstrong Johnson is outstanding as Banko.  His comic timing is perfect.  His character is sincere, simple, and caring.  He delivers a strong and unique performance.

Scotland, PA is dark and funny.  If you like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, you will laugh at the inside jokes and outlandish setting and situation.  The show is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through December 8.  Check it out! 

Domenick Danza

Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels

Hudson Theatre

July 9, 2018

Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels is fun and smart and wild and sexy!  Combining the music of The Go-Go’s with The Arcadia, a play written at the end of the 16^th century by Sir Philip Sidney, is pure genius.  The design and style for the production is over the top and brilliant.  It is the Renaissance meets Greek tragedy in the 1980s, surging forward to tell a well needed message of acceptance, love, and persistence.  The creative team, led by director Michael Mayer, pulls out all the stops and picks up the pace to entertain, dazzle, and fill the Hudson Theatre with pure joy.

Princess Philoclea (played by Alexandra Socha) is in love with Musidorus, a mere shepherd boy (played by Andrew Durand).  Her older sister, Princess Pamela (played by Bonnie Milligan), has been introduced to numerous suitors over the past five years, and cannot find anyone to her liking.  Their father, Basilius, King of Arcadia (played by Jeremy Kushnier), is not happy with these events, and his wife, Gynecia (played by Rachel York), is not happy with him.  Pythio, the Oracle of Delphi (played by Peppermint) has four predictions for the King.  When they come true, Arcadia will have a new King, “lose their beat,” and fall into turmoil and despair.  King Basilius keeps the oracle a secret and takes his family and court on a journey to Bohemia to avoid the predictions and face his adversary head on.  Truth in the guise of mayhem ensues, proving that you meet your destiny on your journey of denial.

Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels

The cast and ensemble are a skillful, energetic, and cohesive unit.  They are truly amazing in every way.  Their voices are strong.  Their energies are high.  Their timing is crisp.  Andrew Durand and Alexandra Socha are heartwarming and funny.  Jerry Kushnier and Rachel York are bold and commanding.  Bonnie Milligan and Taylor Iman Jones are daring and hilarious.  Peppermint is dazzling and fabulous.  Tom Alan Robbins is the glue that holds them all together during the mayhem. 

Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels

Scenic design by Julian Crouch creates numerous, imaginary locations that transport you into this outlandish story.  They are lush, alive, and colorful through enhancement from lighting designer Kevin Adams and projection designer Andrew Lazarow.  The costumes, by Arianne Phillips, transcends any specific time period.  They encompass a wide array of styles and evoke clear characters with a single glance.  Tom Kitt’s choreography is fierce and thrilling.

Head Over Heels is playing at the Hudson Theatre.  If you see anything this summer, make it this show!

 

Domenick Danza