Fanny, A Fantasy in G

Fanny, A Fantasy in G
Off-Brand Opera
Gural Theatre, A.R.T New York
March 27, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Off-Brand Opera’s production of Fanny, A Fantasy in G is an inspired telling of the life of Fanny Mendelssohn.  Playwright Tim McGillicuddy creates vibrant characters living in the strict, structured society of Berlin, Germany in the 19^th century.  Being a wealthy family of Jewish descent, the Mendelssohn family had influence and connection, yet quickly fell to hard times.  Director George Abud focuses on the compelling relationships within the family to give this story humanity amid intense social expectation. 

The opening moment of the play is breathtaking.  Fanny Mendelssohn (played by Annalisa Chamberlin) is standing at the piano with her quill in hand, composing.  She gestures to the heavens, then the Muse (played by Melody Fader) plays the notes on the piano that Fanny is channeling.  This is immediately followed by the sound of aggressive, political discourse from outside the house.  These images set up both the inspiration that drives the characters and the conflict that propels the story. 

Annalisa Chamberlin, Melody Fader, & Zaq Latino
Photo courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Fanny spends most of her time composing at the piano while her brother, Felix (played by Zaq Latino), who is also a musician, gets most of the credit for her work.  German society, at this time, does not permit a woman to compose music.  Fanny becomes aware of the charitable work her father, Abraham (played by Rufus Collins), does to support the families living in the Jewish ghetto.  As she involves herself with this cause, she becomes aware that the economic/political situation is more complex than her family’s wealth can solve.  Fanny’s mother, Lea (played by Una Clancy) insists that she consider marriage.  She gives in to her mother’s pressure on the condition that Wilhelm Hensel (played by Daniel David Stewart) be considered for her husband.  Her parents agree to her demand, in spite of the fact that Wilhelm is an artist of meager means.  Fanny spends her life trying to balance her music with society’s expectation, only to lose all her composition manuscripts when she puts her trust in the wrong people. 

Annalisa Chamberlin, Ava Delaney, Zaq Latino, & Melody Fader
Phto courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Annalisa Chamberlin portrays Fanny Mendelssohn as passionate and childlike.  She is exuberant and enthusiastic, finding joy in her music, her family, and her marriage.  It is this energy that drives the action of the story.  The audience follows her as she persists in her endeavors, unaffected by problems and defying all obstacles.  Ms. Chamberlin creates endearing relationships with Zaq Latino and Ava Delaney, who play her brother, Felix, and her sister, Becka.  Their bond is genuine and solid.  Una Clancy delivers a strong performance as Lea Mendelssohn, the matriarch of the family.  She keeps them united and safe, while constantly reminding them of the sacrifices they need to make to maintain their social status.

Jack Ducat, Alan Kelly, Rebecca Rand, Joseph Pyfferoen,
Kelsey McClarnon, & Zaq Latino
Photo courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Adam LaSalle plays Landstreiker, a wealthy and influential banker.  Kelsey McClarnon plays Lamond, a self-centered music publisher.  These two characters heighten the conflict of the story by representing the business and financial environment that impact the Mendelssohn family.  The third element of the outside force is poet and artist, Heinrich Heine (played by Joseph Pyfferoen).  Mr. Pyfferoen brings warmth and sensitivity to this role, yet forcefully stands up for Fanny when needed.   

The costumes, designed by Raul Luna, beautifully set the time period and formal atmosphere.  Henry Pedersen’s scenic design is simply done and appropriately focuses all the attention on the baby grand piano on a turntable in the center of the stage.

Fanny, A Fantasy in G is playing at the Gural Theatre at A.R.T/NY (502 W. 53 St.) through April 12, then transfers to the Liederkranz Club (6 E. 87 St.) from April 15 – 19. 

Domenick Danza

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
July 17, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company,
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is two hours of pure joy.  This is their thirtieth year of presenting free summer Shakespeare on the Lower East Side.  Artistic Director Hamilton Clancy has gathered a phenomenal troupe this summer to continue his well-loved tradition.  They are a highly skilled combination of accomplished regulars and bold new faces. 

Egea (played by Lizabeth Allen) brings his daughter, Hermia (played by Miranda Reilly) to Duke Theseus (played by David Marantz) because of her disobedience.  Egea wants Hermia to marry Demetrius (played by Kaleb Baker), but Hermia wants to marry Lysander (played by Patrick Hart).  To make matters worse, Demetrius has been spending time with Helena (played by Lia Bonfilio), but he does not love her.  Theseus proclaims that Hermia must follow her mother’s orders or suffer the consequences.  Lysander and Hermia plan to flee to where Athenian law has no power, and marry there.  Helena hears of this plan and tells Demetrius.  Their paths cross in the forest on a midsummer’s night, where magic and mischief run wild. 

David Marantz, Una Clancy,
& Alessandro Colla

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot regulars, David Marantz and Una Clancy double as Theseus/Oberon and Titania/Hippolyta.  Their relationships in these roles are strikingly different.  They light a fire as Oberon and Titania, creating edgy, zealous characters.  Miranda Reilly, Patrick Hart, Lia Bonfilio, and Kaleb Baker are passionate and endearing as Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius.  Their timing is strong, and their chemistry is potent.  Lizbeth Allen has a strong presence as Egea.  Thammie Laine Quach, Jasmine Gonzales, and Aria Martinelli are mystical and beguiling as Mustardseed, Moth, and Cobweb. 

The Mechanicals are a striking group of actors.  Alessandro Colla and Evangeline Fontaine make their long-awaited comeback to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot.  Mr. Colla is fierce and untamed as Bottom / Pyramus, and Ms. Fontaine is commanding and precise as Peter Quince.  Adam Joy Sall delivers a meek and tender Robin Starling / Moon.  Basil Lvoff is grounded and composed as Snug / Lion.  Marion Stenfort portrays Snout / Wall with a musical flair.  Chris Martel is charming as Flute / Thisbe.  Their individual characters are strong and distinct.  Their comic timing is impeccable.  

Andy Rowell as Puck

Andy Rowell delivers a devilish Puck.  He grabs the audience’s attention from the minute he enters, and they willingly follow him on his magical adventure.  He develops a stunning rapport with Mr. Marantz’s Oberone.  The brightest newcomer to Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is Marie Claire as the Changeling.  

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is playing Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM through August 2.  The parking lot is on the corner of Rivington & Norfolk.  Take the F Trian to Delancey.  Nothing says summer more than FREE outdoor Shakespeare, and no one does it better than the Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. 

Domenick Danza

Hamlet

Hamlet

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 28, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Celebrating their 24^th year of presenting free Shakespeare on the Lower East Side, The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Hamlet rings fresh, truthful, and alive.  Director Karla Hendrick trimmed down Shakespeare’s book, kept the action flowing, and guided the actors to dive deeply into the characters to deliver genuine performances.  Ms. Hendrick makes some bold and brilliant choices, especially in casting women in roles written for men, adding levels of humor and social commentary not normally seen in Hamlet.

Jane Bradley & Una Clancy
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Hamlet (played by Jane Bradley) is visited by the ghost of his father, King Hamlet (played by Bill Green).  He asks Hamlet to avenge his death.  The King was murdered by his brother, Claudius (played by Robert Arcaro), who then married the anguished Queen, Gertrude (played by Una Clancy).  Claudius now wears the crown and plots to get rid of Hamlet.  Hamlet feigns madness in order to prove the ghost’s message and plan his revenge.  

Jane Bradley is remarkable as Hamlet.  Her melancholy is heartfelt and her madness is cunning.  She takes the audience deeply into Hamlet’s inner thoughts during the soliloquies, bringing nuance and clarity to every word.  Gracie Winchester is charming and coy as Ophelia.  The audience feels for her when she is rejected by Hamlet.  She and Ms. Bradley develop a warm, tender, and truthful connection.  When Hamlet arrives at Ophelia’s burial, Ms. Bradley creates a genuine moment of sorrow and heartache.  

Jane Bradley as Hamlet
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Robert Arcaro and Una Clancy both have a strong presence as Claudius and Gertrude.  Their relationship and position are real, and the tensions between them and Hamlet is tangible.  Elowyn Castle is powerful as Laertes and Ophelia’s mother, Polonia.  The famous advice to Laertes speech is touching and heartfelt.  She then transitions into a political manipulator when playing scenes with Claudius and Gertrude.  John Caliendo delivers an honest performance as Laertes.  The relationship he and Ms. Winchester create as brother and sister is playful and caring.

Aly Byatt and Lulu Fairclough-Stewart bring a humorous aspect to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlets friends from school.  Together the three women have the timing, humor, and bite of set of mean girls.  Strong performances are also delivered by Bill Green, Dan Teachout, Kendra Lee Oberhauser, Niamh Ryan, Colleen Cosgrove, and Margo Tillstrom.

The final performance of Hamlet was July 28.  If you missed it, don’t dismay.  There is one more show in The Drilling Company’s Summer Shakespeare Season.  Macbeth will be performed at Bryant Park on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM from August 24 through September 8.  It is sure to be a great production.  Yes, it is FREE, so don’t miss it!

Domenick Danza