Airport and the Strange Package

 Airport and the Strange Package
Great Cannonball Productions
Gene Frankel Theater
August 14, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Great Cannonball Productions

What if a package was handed to you by a stranger at the airport?  What do you do?  What happens next?  In Airport and the Strange Package, playwright Sean King dives into all the possibilities of that event.  The humor builds until the action turns serious.  In that moment the entertaining “what ifs” that Mr. King had been exploring shift to a darker, more dangerous outcome, which makes a clear and relevant political statement.

The digital clock on the wall of the airport terminal flashes 9:11.  An announcement is heard loud and clear to NOT leave your luggage unattended, and to NOT accept packages from people you don’t know.  A traveler (played by Michael Kishon) is talking to his wife on his cell phone.  As he gets up to board his flight to Delaware, a man in a trench coat hands him a package and tells him to put it in the overhead luggage rack of the plane.  The traveler immediately brings the package to the attention of a police officer (played by Peter Sullivan), who tells him to take it to the main security desk.  When he gets there, the Desk Sargeant (played by Joshua Boyce) gives the traveler forms to fill out.  By the time the forms are completed, a second Desk Sergeant (played by Peter Sullivan) is on duty.  He sends the traveler and the package to another security office.  There, two TSA officers, Stan (played by Kyle McIlhone) and Hule (played by John Daniel Meehan), interrogate the traveler, giving him reason to doubt the need for the high security measures.  Several blunders follow, proving that suspicion correct, and causing the need for sever measures to be taken. 

John Daniel Meehan, Michael Kishon, & Kyle McIlhone
Photo courtesy of Great Cannonball Productions

Michael Kishon sets the pace and tone for the play from the very top of the show.  He portrays the traveler as anxious and controlling during the initial phone conversation with his wife.  As the action builds, so does his nervousness.  His agitation swells into paranoia.  He gains control of himself.  He gives in.  Then the cycle starts all over again.  Kyle McIlhone and John Daniel Meehan have excellent comic timing as TSA agents Stan and Hule.  It is their continual banter that spirals Mr. Kishon’s reactions, keeping the energy up and the humor high.  Because of this, the serious moment that climaxes the action is a complete surprise, immediately shifting the tone of the play.  The ending speech by the TSA Director (played by Peter Sullivan) succinctly frames the political commentary.  Mr. McIlhone and Mr. Meehan take one final moment to end the play on a humorous note.

Director William Roudebush skillfully blends the humor, political commentary, and dark events into one seamless ninety-minute adventure.  This outstanding cast plays every moment for all they’re worth.  

Airport and the Strange Package is playing at the Gene Frankel Theater through August 25. 

Domenick Danza

Someone Spectacular

 Someone Spectacular
The Linney Theatre
The Pershing Square Signature Center
August 7, 2024 

Photo courtesy of B3-A12 Productions

Doménica Feraud’s play, Someone Spectacular, is a bold and fearless journey through grief and pain.  It is a skillfully written ensemble piece.  Each of the six characters have a clear arc of self-awareness before arriving at a place of connection and acceptance.  Director Tatiana Pandiani finds each distinct beat of action that allows the focus to seamlessly shift from one character to the other.  This amazing cast dives deep into every moment, revealing their characters’ hopes, while facing overwhelming sorrow.

It's Wednesday night, and one by one the participants arrive for their group session.  When Beth, the counselor, is late, they are unsure of what to do.  Nelle (played by Alison Cimmet) is anxious to begin.  The grief over the loss of her sister provokes her to be abrupt and confrontational.  Jude (played by Delia Cunningham) is new to the group, and reluctant to start without Beth.  She had a miscarriage and does not know how to mourn the loss of her unborn son.  They take a vote and proceed.  Lily (played by Ana Cruz Kayne) wants to skip the check-in procedure and get right to the sharing.  Her grief over the death of her mother has left her exposed and angry.  Evelyn (played by Gamze Ceylan) also lost her mother, but is struggling with her feelings over their tumultuous relationship.  Julian (played by Shakur Tolliver) lost his aunt, who was a caring mother figure for most of his life.  Thom (played by Damian Young) lost his wife after thirty years of marriage.  Without Beth to create a safe space and guide them through their interactions, these six participants cross boundaries and push each other past their limitations.  They are all concerned about Beth’s absence, yet they use the time to face their feelings and strengthen their bond.  

Delia Cunningham, Gamze Ceylan, Ana Cruz Kayne, & Damian Young
Photo courtesy of B3-A12 Productions

The environment these actors create is full of anxiety and hostility.  That stress is broken by laughter from the audience.  The more the audience reacts this way, the more honest the events feel.  There are aspects of each of the characters that are highly unlikeable.  They tend to be impatient, direct, and, at times, cruel.  It is their vulnerability that makes them genuine and endearing.  They each expose their soft side when it is least expected, shifting the trajectory of the action.  As they share their personal goals, a glimmer of hope rises in each of them.  Their sincere support of one another is as bold and blatant as their expressions of anguish.  This is good acting under masterful directing.

Someone Spectacular is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through September 7.  It is a beautifully crafted play that you must experience first-hand. 

Domenick Danza

From Here

From Here
The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
The Pershing Square Signature Center
August 2, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The Renaissance Theatre Company

The Renaissance Theatre Company production of From Here is funny, tender, and heartwarming.  The book, music, and lyrics are all by Donald Rupe.  The music is sweeping and moving.  The lyrics reveal the inner thoughts, fears, and emotions of the characters.  The book is a combination of direct address and realistic scenes that weave the characters together to tell a story of friendship, love, and community.  Under the direction of Donald Rupe, this amazing cast each create genuine characters who unite as one glorious ensemble.

The full cast of From Here
Photo courtesy of The Renaissance Theatre Company

The year is 2016, and we are in Orlando, Florida.  Daniel (played by Blake Aburn) is on the phone, leaving a voice mail for his mother.  She has not answered his calls since he came out to her a few months prior.  Daniel and his boyfriend, Michael (played by Jullien Aponte), go to a birthday party for their friend Jordan (played by Michelle Coben).  They meet their circle of friends at the gay bar, and, to Michael’s dismay, Daniel flirts with Ricky (played by Omar Cardona).  The next day, Daniel leaves another voice mail for his mother.  With great excitement, and a derisive jab, he tells her that Michael is planning to propose.  When Michael arrives, quite the opposite occurs.  He breaks up with Daniel.  When Daniel attends Jordan’s cabaret show later in the week, he not only runs into Michael with his new boyfriend, Jacob (played by Devin Skorupski), he also sees his mother (played by Becca Southworth).  Jordan invited her so she and Daniel could talk through their crisis.  Jordan also invited Ricky, and seats him next to Daniel.  Daniel’s life is full of chaos, insecurity, challenge, and disappointment.  He is unaware that he is surrounded by friends who will always have his back.  Then on June 12, 2016, there is a mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub, and everything changes.

Blake Aburn as Daniel
Photo courtesy of The Renaissance Theatre Company

Blake Aburn captures the audience’s attention the moment the lights come up on him at the top of the show.  His portrayal of Daniel is honest and genuine.  His singing voice is soothing and full of depth and emotion.  When he opens the heart of his character, we see his shortcomings, feel his hesitation, and laugh with his sharp wit.  Becca Southworth plays Daniel’s mother with backbone and grit, which is superseded by her love and dedication for her only son.  The transformation in the relationship between these two characters is heartfelt and healing.

Blake Aburn, Michelle Coben, Jullien Aponte, & Devin Skorupski
Photo courtesy of The Renaissance Theatre Company

Michelle Coben delivers the laughs as Jordan.  Jullien Aponte plays Michael with his full heart and soul.  Omar Cardona is solid as Ricky.  He passionate rendition of the song “Todo” introduces the theme of family, which resonates throughout the piece.  Justin Jimenez, Chris Keough, Kendall Leamy, Jerry Millings, Janine Papin, Dee Quintero, Devin Skorupski, and Kyle Ashe Wilkinson work together to create a powerful ensemble, whose presence and strength broadens that theme and embeds it in every aspect of this production.

From Here is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center though August 11.  It is a poignant piece of musical theatre that illustrates how unity can rise from tragedy.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

The Who’s Tommy

 The Who’s Tommy
Nederlander Theater
July 3, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The Who's Tommy

The Broadway revival of The Who’s Tommy is spectacular.  Director Des McAnuff, who directed the original production in 1993, brings it back with an outstanding cast.  Pete Townshend’s music is as fresh and exciting as it was on the day it was first released.  Choreography by Lorin Latarro is bold and exciting.

Tommy (played by Ali Louis Bourzgui, Cecilia Ann Popp at age 4, and Quinten Kusheba at age 10) witnesses his father, Captain Walker (played by understudy Mike Cannon), murder his mother’s boyfriend (played by Nathan Lucrezio).  Out of panic, Tommy’s mother (played by Alison Luff) tells him he did not see anything, did not hear anything, and will not say anything.  This sends Tommy into trauma.  He can no longer see, hear, or speak, and spends most of his time staring into a mirror.  Tommy is abused by his Uncle Ernie (played by John Ambrosino), and ridiculed by his Cousin Kevin (played by Bobby Conte).  While at the Youth Center, Tommy is left alone at a pinball machine and starts to play.  He beats all scores, and creates a sensation.  His parents continue to look for a cure for his situation.  They finally decide to send him to a sanitarium.  Out of frustration, his mother smashes the mirror that Tommy stares into, breaking his traumatic spell.  It is hailed a miracle cure, and Tommy becomes a cult phenomenon.  When his celebrity becomes too much for him, Tommy returns home to reconnect with his family and himself. 

Ali Louis Bourzgui as Tommy
Photo courtesy of The Who's Tommy

During Act I, when Cecilia Ann Popp and Quinten Kusheba play the younger versions of Tommy, Ali Louis Bourzgui appears as the voice in his head, the person trapped inside the young boy.  Mr. Bourzgui’s voice and physicality have a mysterious quality that makes these scenes highly effective.  The three actors combine to present a complete understanding of the psychological components that make up of the full character.  Mr. Bourzgui propels the action forward in Act II, then is reunited with his younger self for an emotionally satisfying ending.

"Pinball Wizard"
Photo courtesy of The Who's Tommy

Alissa Luff and Mike Cannon are excellent as Mrs. Walker and Captain Walker.  They have a solid chemistry that bonds them in the first act and causes conflict in the second.  John Ambrosino plays creepy Uncle Ernie with conviction.  His presence is always felt, and his motives are consistently questionable.  Bobby Conte’s Cousin Kevin is bold and energetic.  The character shifts from Tommy’s tormenter to his most ardent supporter, yet his cunning ability to take advantage of Tommy is evident throughout.

The Who’s Tommy is playing at the Nederlander Theatre through July 21.  See it before it closes! 

Domenick Danza

Much Ado About Nothing

 Much Ado About Nothing
Gene Frankel Theater
June 29, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Grammer
& Faith American Brewing Co.

The Kelsey Grammer & Faith American Brewing Company production of Much Ado About Nothing is passionate, witty, and colorful.  Director Thomas G. Waites gathered students from the TGW acting studio to perform this two hour version of Shakespeare’s well-known comedy.  There are two casts performing on alternate dates.  They are all skillful, committed performers who create truthful and complex characters scheming, obstructing, and finally finding love. 

Beatrice (played by Kaitlyn Mitchell) and Hero (played by Jordan Elizabeth Gelber) are waiting for the return of the soldiers.  Hero’s father, Leonato (played by David Manganiello) welcomes the men upon their return.  Don Pedro (played by Jacque Coqueran) is reunited with Hero, yet Claudio (played by Dillon John Collins) professes his love for her.  Don Pedro tells Claudio he will pretend to be him during the upcoming masked party to woo her in his name, then confess the plan to Leonato in order for Claudio to get Hero’s hand.  The plan is successful, yet Don Pedro’s brother, Don John (played by Surge), conspires with Borachio (played by Matt “Ugly” McGlade) and Conrad (played by Brandon Lima) to break them up.

Kaitlyn Mitchell & Jakob Minevich
Photo by Rob Klein, courtesy of Kelsey Grammer 
& Faith American Brewing Co.

Meanwhile, Don Pedro comes up with a plan to get Beatrice and Benedick (played by Jakob Minevich) together.  He sees their heated discussions as evidence of true love.  He involves Claudio and Leonato in his plan.  He also convinces Hero, Ursula (played by Matt “Ugly McGlade), and Margaret (played by Brandon Lima) to gossip about Benedick’s affections for Beatrice to overhear.  Don Pedro’s plan to break up Claudio and Hero comes to fruition at their wedding, which unites Benedict and Beatrice to take retribution.

The chemistry between Jakob Minevich’s Benedick and Kaitlyn Mitchell’s Beatrice is palpable from the first moment they meet, and carries through to the end of the play.  Ms. Mitchell is captivating.  When she delivers Beatrice’s “Oh, that I were a man…” speech, convincing Benedict to kill Claudio, Benedick is putty in her hands.  Mr. Minevich plays Benedick with a suave, gritty strength, yet willingly opens his heart to Beatrice.  These moments are genuinely touching, and delivered with a comic flair.  These two actors are evenly matched, creating an authentic connection.  

Matt "Ugly" McGlade, Brandon Lima,
Jordan Elizabeth Gelber, & Kaitlyn Mitchell
Photo by Rob Klein, courtesy of Kelsey Grammer
& Faith American Brewing Co.

Dillon John Collins and Jordan Elizabeth Gelber develop a truthful bond, and create a sincere relationship as Claudio and Hero.  Mr. Collin’s Claudio is determined and sure of himself.  Ms. Gelber’s Hero is honest and virtuous.  Their attraction transcends the plotting and scheming that takes place around them.  There is pure joy when they are finally wed.       

Director Thomas G. Waites makes the most of Shakespeare’s scenes that include three characters.  The initial scene between Claudio, Don Pedro, and Benedick is rhythmic, and delivered with perfect timing.  The scene between Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato, where they are plotting to get Beatrice and Benedict together, is endearing and masterfully executed.  The scene between Don John, Borachio, and Conrad, where they are plotting to break up Claudio and Hero, is truly menacing.  Shakespeare brings these characters together in groups of three to conspire on schemes that propel the plot forward.  We see the characters from a focused lens in these scenes.  Their complexities rise to the surface.  Mr. Waites gets the most from his actors in these scenes.  The plot thickens and the audience is fully engaged. 

David Manganiello, Dillon John Collins,
Jordan Allen Bell, & Jakob Minevich
Photo by Rob Klien, courtesy of Kelsey Grammer
& Faith American Brewing Co.

Surge portrays Don Pedro as the villain Shakespeare intended.  He is vile, causing problems for the young lovers that have high stakes consequences.  Jacque Coqueran’s Don Pedro is adventurous and bold.  Matt “Ugly” McGlade is highly versatile, and moves with a confident musicality.  He is fully committed in both characters he portrays.  His Borachio is loathsome and despicable.  His Ursula is brash and over the top. The scene where we first meet Dogberry (played by Arnie Mazer), Verges (played by John Galligan), and Seacole  (played by Jordan Allen Bell) is highly comic.  These three characters are immediately established, and their subsequent scenes exceed the initial expectation.  

Composer Cedric Allen Hill is at the keyboard throughout the show, providing background music that enhances the action.  The emotion of each scene deepens due to this inspired music.  He also beautifully composed music for Shakespeare’s verse in two different scenes, and plays the role of Balthasar with ease and confidence.  

Much Ado About Nothing has been extended.  The production will be playing at the Gene Frankel Theater (24 Bond St.) through July 7. 

Domenick Danza

Simpatico

 Simpatico
Chain Theatre
June 22, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

The Chain Theatre production of Sam Shepard’s Simpatico is intriguing.  Mr. Shepard keeps the tension building throughout the play by withholding the details of the backstory.  Director David Zayas Jr. and this amazing cast illuminate every moment of that tension, keeping the audience fully engaged, leaning into the action, and waiting to see what will happen next.  The second act explodes as the action reaches its high point and the power shifts.

Vinnie (played by Brandon Hughes) called his old partner, Carter (played by Kirk Gostkowski) for a favor.  Carter immediately gets on a flight from Kentucky to California to see him.  Carter and Vinnie are indebted to one another, sharing a secret from previous business dealings.  Vinnie needs help because he was arrested for harassment.  He asks Carter to speak with Cecilia (played by Elizabeth Bays), the woman who is pressing charges.  Before he agrees to meet with her, Cater offers Vinnie any amount of money he wants in return for a set of photos and negatives.  Vinnie refuses.  When Carter meets with Cecilia, he finds out that she and Vinnie were dating.  She might have called the cops, but there are no charges pending.  Carter and Cecilia return to Vinnie’s place to find that he left town.  He flew to Kentucky to sell the set of photos and negatives to Simms (played by Pete Mattaliano).  Simms refuses the deal, and immediately calls Carter.  Carter flies into a panic, and convinces Cecilia to help him out with Simms.  While he is in Kentucky, Vinnie pays a surprise visit to Rosie, Carter’s wife (played by Christina Elise Perry).  He gives her the photos and negatives.  They are of her and Simms.  Rosie was the one who planned the blackmail deal fifteen years earlier.  The table have now turned. 

Christina Elise Perry as Rosie
Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

Christina Elise Perry and Brandon Hughes set Act II on fire as Rosie and Vinnie.  It is visceral.  There is
aggressive passion between them, as the backstory of their characters comes fully to light.  Rosie is fully in control, no matter what tactics Vinnie attempts.  It is a continuous cat and mouse game, and Ms. Perry never lets up. 

Elizabeth Bays has an effective scene with Pete Mattaliano in Act II.  Both their characters (Cecilia and Simms) show their vulnerable sides after doing all they can to make a deal.  There is a genuine connection between them after the two characters come clean with each other. 

Brandon Hughes & Kirk Gostkowski
Photo courtesy of Chain Theatre

In the final scene, Carter is physically ill over the powerless position he finds himself in.  Vinnie shows no mercy.  Kirk Gostkowski plays this scene with unwavering conviction and physical mastery.  Brandon Hughes plays Vinnie’s new status for all it’s worth.

Simpatico is playing at Chain Theatre through June 29. 

Domenick Danza

N/A

 N/A
Lincoln Center Theater
Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater
June 15, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The Lincoln Center Theater production of Mario Correa’s N/A brings two powerhouse performers together to portray two powerful political figures.  Holland Taylor plays N (modeled after Nancy Pelosi).  Ana Villafañe plays A (modeled after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez).  The play is a masterfully written battle of ideas.  It is on-going debates of issues vs. morals, process vs. change, old ways vs. new ideals, all between two very strong opposing forces, who are very much alike.

It is A’s first day as a new member of Congress.  She is summoned to N’s office for an early meeting.  N wants to get to know her, and review a few ground rules.  A wants to dive in and address the important issues.  Right away they are at odds.  This continues as the Democrats gain control of the House, and N needs A’s vote to become Speaker.  A is determined to make change, while N knows that sometimes compromise is the only possible outcome.  After the events of January 6, the women find common ground.  Neither are safe.  When Republicans re-gain control of the House and N steps down as Speaker, she encourages A to run for Whip (the party’s “enforcer”).  A does not see that as part of her plan, yet it is clear she will not give up fighting and that she has N’s respect and support.  

This play is skillfully written.  It directly addresses the big issues (border control, immigration, privilege/racism/sexism, the democratic process).  The characters debate cause, solutions, and time frames.  Playwright Mario Correa chooses not to name any of the political individuals involved.  We all know who they are referring to, as well as who they two actors are portraying.  The omission of names allows the issues and challenges to be the focus, without the emotional response associated with certain individuals.  His choice qualifies this play as an impersonal record of the awareness, growth, and stagnation that took place over the four year time frame of the play (2018-22).  You can compare it to where we are today, and think about what is needed as we move forward.

Holland Taylor & Ana Villafañe
Photo courtesy of Linclon Center Theater

Holland Taylor and Ana Villafañe deliver masterful performances as N and A.  They are equally
matched, and ignite fires in every moment.  Director Diane Paulus beautifully shifts the focus from one character to the other, as each gains or loses status throughout the piece. 

N/A is a special event production, playing at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center for a limited run.  You have until August 4.  Don’t hesitate.  Get a ticket! 

Domenick Danza