Author: VivantAdmin

by Joseph Szalinski

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could just get along for the holidays? If harmony could be sustained regardless of circumstance or the like? While that’s desirable in the real world, it’s thankfully the opposite of what we get in Jon Robin Baitz’s Pulitzer-Prize winning drama, “Other Desert Cities”, which is being performed at Butler Little Theatre by director Katie Moore.

Originally titled “Love & Mercy”, like the Brian Wilson song of the same name, “Other Desert Cities” follows the Wyeth family, a gaggle of veritable heroes and villains. In addition to Lyman (Tom Smithyman) who used to be an actor, Trip (Sam Thinnes) is a television producer, Brooke is an author, and Polly and Silda wrote movies together. The oldest child Henry, a militant Beach Boys fan beset by mental illness, becomes complicit in the shady dealings of a cult, and eventually meets a watery end, much like Dennis Wilson, the drummer of the aforementioned pop-surf band.

Laura Crago brings a bruised brilliance to the role of Brooke Wyeth. A former California girl who relocated to the east coast to become a writer, Brooke returns home to sort some things out before her second book hits the shelves. Unfortunately, her memoir is poised to disrupt the good vibrations in the house, so she must figure out the best way to keep the peace while still ensuring she gets to speak her truth. Navigating such emotional turbulent material allows Crago to demonstrate the range of her abilities.

Tom Smithyman commands the stage as Lyman Wyeth, an actor-turned-politician who loves hosting family during the holidays. Not only a powerful physical presence, his voice booms in his respective scenes, carrying the crux of the character in its decibels. Although a bit more reserved than the other characters, Lyman still does get to indulge in dynamic moments, and Smithyman does a phenomenal job at honoring said indulgences, as well as metering his emotions otherwise.

Silda, Polly’s sister, is delightfully brought to life by Alison Carey. From her uproarious introduction to her more sentimental moments throughout the rest of the story, Carey’s performance establishes the nuance of a character that many others wouldn’t be able to realize. Her twisted humor helps make the arguing more palatable. Carey’s ability to balance being a casualty of the 60’s, to trusted authority figure, is a testament to her strengths as a performer.

Sam Thinnes is terrific as Trip, the youngest in the trio of siblings. Thinnes musters a mounting frustration that occasionally explodes in fits of vulgar profundity and threats to make an escape to the tropics. He charms when he’s being diplomatic and amuses when his aims are a little more self-centered.

Rounding out the cast is Terri Schultz as Polly Wyeth, the reformed matriarch. Once a rebellious screenwriter who embraced the counterculture, she ended up doing a 180 and becoming someone she used to stand against. Schultz is able to expertly convey the desperation Polly is plagued by to maintain a life of sense and order.

In addition to a talented cast, this production boasts a really gorgeous set. A culmination of effort from Duane Peters, Glen Bittner, Dennis Casey, Danyle Verzinskie, and Steve Kalina, the cozy desert dwelling functions as both location and character, as it transforms the stage. Extended “blackouts” are no issue at all, as sunlight is simulated creeping through the living room windows, creating a mesmerizing sight. Honestly, one should show up early just to sit in the seats and stare at the set. Forget intermission, surrender to Stendhal Syndrome!

Beyond the set, this production has plenty of opportunity to showcase a good deal of technical prowess. Another notable facet of this show is some of the props, particularly some “party favors” later on in the story. The music is also really enjoyable. Being set in 2002, the show features beloved throwbacks for those born in the 90’s or just a little earlier.

BLT has curated quite an unusual season so far and this show is no exception. For being a smaller theatre in a relatively smaller city/town, the decision to stage such a powerful show is a very admirable move. Theatre is meant to inspire and provoke, at least partly. It’s an indispensable medium/tool for figuring out the human experience and that can’t be done without producing shows that may make people uncomfortable here and there. Butler is slowly becoming recognized for being a hub for culture and artistry, and BLT is doing its part like it has been for so many years.

“Other Desert Cities” continues its run April 30^th-May 4^th at Butler Little Theatre in Butler, PA.

By Claire DeMarco

It was groundbreaking news when Marie Curie and her husband Pierre discovered radium in 1898.  Considered a cure-all for a plethora of conditions, it was enthusiastically used to treat every kind of conceivable illness or ailment. That passion carried over into its inclusion as an enhancement into many common every day manufactured products (like toothpaste).

It’s the 1920’s and Grace Fryer (Elena Falgione), Kathryn Schaub (Emily Loecken) and Irene Rudolph (Carly Chotiner) work for the United States Radium Corporation.  They are young and full of life.  Fryer talks of her upcoming marriage and future with Tom Kreider (Benjamin Green).

The radium craze carried over into the manufacture of watches.  By mixing radium in with the paint applied to the dials of a watch, the timepiece glows in the dark.  Instructed to provide a tighter, stronger paint application on the dials, the girls wet the tip of the brushes in between their lips.

The girls begin to develop ailments that cause teeth and bone decay.  Never finding any solution to these ailments, they elevate their concerns to their employer, Arthur Roeder (Frederick Coleman).  He and other members of the board of United States Radium Corporation disavow any connection between the girls’ illnesses and radium, even though they know it’s true.  Their greed and reputation get in the way of any humanity or concern for their workers.

As more of the girls develop debilitating illnesses and/or die, their story draws attention from reporters Sob Sister (Megan May) and Reporter (Matt Solter).

It is Fryer and the other victims who ultimately stand up to United States Radium Corporation, forcing a law suit against their employer.  Through their courage, Labor Laws are created to protect individual workers, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Falgione is superb as Grace Fryer.  She successfully transitions from the youthful factory worker full of life for the future into a serious grown up faced with physical problems.  Carrying the New Jersey accent, Falgione expresses much of her feelings through clever and subtle facial expressions. Her emotional range is stellar.

As the arrogant and greed pushing boss of United States Radium, Coleman’s defiant support of radium painting changes from refusal to accept its dire consequences.  Coleman successfully transitions to the next stages – anger at the consequences of his negligence to a final remorseful acceptance of the truth.

Schaub’s youthfulness and dreams evaporate as she succumbs slowly to the radiation poisoning.  Her emotional appeal to Fryer that their situation is serious is intense.

May is delightful as the exuberant reporter.  She exudes immense pleasure in her job and constantly writes notes with a pencil that moves at lightning speed.  As the radium story finds more and more news coverage, May’s insertion into the coverage (with a never-ending smile) becomes more aggressive as she attempts to sensationalize the afflicted girls’ conditions.

Solter as Reporter often provides news coverage in competition with May and their rivalry as the radium news and the affected girls become more prominent, so does their physical aggressiveness towards one another. Their encounters provide some needed respite from the sadness around them.

This is an excellent production of a serious play sprinkled with a few drops of comic relief.

“The Radium Girls” is based on a true story.

The set is dominated by a large clock (stage right).  It is an important component of the production as it chimes when time passes. There is a higher platform on the stage where most of the bosses, the board and the court scenes occur.  Stage level scenes are dominated by the girls – their work and home environments.  It’s an unspoken visual that suggests a hierarchy between two different worlds.

Great job by Hair and Make-Up Designer Jessica Scanga.  The make-up as the girls’ symptoms began to appear were subtle but effective (no lipstick, paler face make-up).

Kudos to Director Nicole Zalak.

“The Radium Girls” was written by D. W. Gregory.

-CED

“The Radium Girls” is a production of The Heritage Players. Performances run from April 26 – 28 and May 3 – 5 at Seton Center, 1900 Pioneer Avenue, Brookline 15226.

by A. Nonny Moss

In Brent Askari’s new play, “Andy Warhol in Iran,” Andy Warhol (Jeffrey Emerson) strolls out onto the stage and chats with the audience. It starts with the truth.

Fact: In 1976, Andy Warhol went to Iran to photograph the Shah’s wife,  Farah Pahlavi. Shortly after his visit, the Iranians rose up, rebelled and removed the Shah from power.

Fiction: In his hotel room, Warhol is confronted with Farhad (Arian Rad),  who is somewhere on a sliding scale from freedom fighter to terrorist, depending on your point of view.  He and his cohorts decide to kidnap the artist to shine a light on the Shah’s tyranny.

Warhol  is the perfect representation of America. Not only is he an artist, but he is a self-made man known for his extreme heights of decadence. A cultural elite who is the epitome of crass commercialism, a prized capitalist pig.

Warhol admits to be in Iran only for the bacon (cash, moolah, scratch, etc.), which is probably a particularly poor choice of words in a Muslim country.  He wishes to stay apolitical, but Farhad makes the case that human suffering is beyond politics.

The two don’t mix together very well. Like oil and water-based paints.

The play is a philosophic debate between an idealist and an idea man, and the literal and figurative gulf between them (a Persian Gulf).

Andy Warhol (Jeffrey Emerson) gives us the lowdown before entering the story. Photo credit: Kristi Jan Hoover

Emerson plays Warhol with a vapid charm.  Even when Andy is at his most annoying, cloying and simpering, Emerson gives his sympathy, a likability that you won’t find in any actual footage of the artist (see Andy Warhol’s 1985 appearance on “The Love Boat” as a reference).

Side note: This version of the artist is more complex than the Andy Warhol in “Pop,” portrayed by Anthony Rapp in City Theatre’s production back in 2012.  Emerson is hilarious.

While the show is about tyranny, torture and terrorism, it’s filled with light funny moments.

Rad is powerful as Farhad. He is charismatic and charming, and, at times, frightening. Farhad is a freedom fighter in over his head. A compassionate poet who is destroyed by his country’s cruel government.

Marc Masterson, who is retiring as Co-Artistic Director,  cultivates the humor in Askari’s excellent script.

The end – no spoilers here – packs a powerful punch about how men  – and some women (like Imelda Marcos who is also mentioned in this play)  – can’t help themselves in their rise to power.  Evil corrupts. Absolute evil corrupts absolutely.

In his poem, “On Freedom,” Kahlil Gibran wrote, “And if it is the despot you would dethrone, see first that his throne erected within you is destroyed.” In other words, don’t overthrow an oppressor to become an oppressor.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, I’m looking at you.

Askari reminds us – at an important time – you can’t glide through life without paying attention to politics – you have to stand up and fight for freedom every inch of the way.

-A.N. M.

“Andy Warhol in Iran” runs from April 20 to May 12 at the City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street in the Southside. For more information, click here.

 

By Dr. Tiffany Raymond, PhD and Theron Raymond (5^th grader) 

Stage 62 continues its 62^nd season with kid-friendly musicals based on comics as they “cat-apult” from Garfield to Snoopy with “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”. The musical is based on Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner.

As aptly stated by my 5^th grade co-reviewer, this play is “like branches of the same size on a tree.” The play is more a series of interconnected vignettes than a cohesive narrative. Stage 62 keeps it lively, but because of the play’s episodic nature and lack of plot, it does feel long at two hours.

The 16 songs provide the connective thread. Musicals typically have the book written by one person and music and lyrics by another. Gesner is credited with all three roles in the creation of Charlie Brown, and music and lyrics were clearly his strength.

The music is captivating thanks to a live 5-piece band. Brandon Marzke channels Beethoven-loving piano virtuoso Schroeder. Marzke’s “playing” is perfectly timed with live accompaniment from pianist Matt Brown. Quinn Patrick Shannon elegantly balances the roles of director and choreographer. Schroeder champions the creation of a Beethoven Day in a song of the same name, which culminates with him getting on top of the piano to sing with his friends gathered round him. Lighting designer Garth Schafer thoughtfully dims the lights to intensify the mood. Shannon captures the palpable reality of music as a unifying force for community, and Marzke makes it feel sacred.

Chris Martin’s giant props of huge yellow pencils and oversized baseball mitts are ingenious. These visual anchors drive empathy by reminding us kids are consistently navigating a world made for grown-ups. Charlie Brown (Joe Kosha) is forced to go on tiptoe to peek into a giant mailbox, heightening the tension of whether he’ll be rewarded in finding a valentine.

Andrew Mours steals the show as the indomitable beagle Snoopy. He doesn’t speak when humans are present, but his nonverbals sing. When Lucy (Julia Kreutzer) demands that Charlie Brown answer a survey about her, Snoopy reflects what Charlie Brown is tentative to say for fear of retribution. Lucy asks if her personality is A.) forceful B.) pleasing or C.) objectionable. Shannon has Mours fiercely exaggerate his affirmative nodding for both A.) and C). In this way, Snoopy can boldly say what others fear and reflects the common human sentiment as under duress, Charlie Brown cautiously responds with A.) and another human chooses C.

Chris Russell is vibrant and energetic in the role of Linus with his exuberant thumb-sucking and omnipresent blanket, which gets its own song. As a sibling, he’s honest with his tempestuous sister, Lucy. He immediately answers 95 when she inquires about her crabbiness on a scale of 1-100. She immediately smacks him, affirming Charlie Brown was right to be cautious in his reply.

Mackenzie Heidenreich captures the spirited Sally. She particularly shines as she sings “My New Philosophy.” Sally roundrobins through different philosophies to find one that fits her, reminding us of the way kids cycle through fads and philosophies as they figure out who they are.

Charlie Brown is more boy than man, and while he is good, his goodness often seems unreciprocated. His loneliness and depression are touchstones. The play starts with an airing of the grievances. Each of the four kids talk about Charlie Brown’s faults with Lucy reminding us Charlie has “failure face.” The content feels like a campaign for mental health awareness and intervention. Kosha tries to make himself small during the school lunch period. Charlie Brown hunches alone over his brownbag lunch and sighs that he only has “2,863 more lunches to go.” His isolation is a daily event for him (and so many others). These little heart-wrenching moments remind us we all have the opportunity to look around, identify those who are struggling, and help them feel a little less alone and more included. We can all be better people.

Stage 62’s production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” runs through April 28, 2024 at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie, PA.

by Lonnie the Theater Lady

Stage Warp Productions, partnering with the ACLU made the courageous decision to produce the Ian Wooldridge adaption of The George Orwell 1944 classic novel, “Animal Farm”. This allegory rich play highlights the dangers of communism, revolution, class divide, lust for power, propaganda and the use of religion to pacify the masses.  All are chillingly close parallels to today’s political climate in the U.S.

Opening the play, Major (Andrew Nesky) gives a heartfelt, idealistic, dying speech in which he convinces the animals on Manor Farm that their lives would be so much better if they were to stage a revolution and overthrow the farm’s owner. Nesky delivers his speech so convincingly that I was ready to join the revolution along with the animals! They form their own governing body where “All animals are equal”. (Unfortunately, after the successful revolution, it is learned that, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal.”) The more unequal the animals become, the more the ruling pigs rewrite their story.

We don’t have to look outside the U.S. to see how politicians manipulate and rewrite the narrative. At the end of the play, Nesky as Mr. Pilkington, uses his character’s smarmy charm to hoodwink the pigs in power, to do his bidding. His smooth delivery of the character Pilkington could melt butter.

This frightening, topical, relevant political (not so funny) satire, leaves one with an unsettled feeling. It reminds us that those who control the narrative are the winners. Thus, it promotes dialogue, social discourse and potential change. And, after all, isn’t that the true measure of success in live theater?

Napoleon (Sam Lander), the new bovine leader of the animals transforms from a somewhat timid pig to a despot who lets others carry out the dirty work that he takes credit for. Landers clearly transforms in front of our eyes.

Squealer (Jess Uhler) relishes her role as the liaison between Napoleon and the other animals. She is convincing as she soothes, cajoles, manipulates and spreads propaganda to the other animals. Her performance is nuanced, effective and charismatic.

Moses/Minimus (Jason Burke) gives impressive performances in both of his small roles. His quiet vulnerability and sincerity are a pleasing foil to the boisterous hysterics of some of the other characters. He delivers with a calm dignity.

Overall, the large cast does a good job of appearing animal like. This is accomplished through the use of subtle costume features; wearing animal ears, pig snouts, etc. Their animal sounds and body movements were smooth enough so as to not distract and blatant enough to be convincing.

Kudos to co-directors Stephanie Swift and Caroline Lapinski.

“Animal Farm” runs through April 27, Stage Warp Productions, at Carnegie Stage.

 

 

by Claire DeMarco

Sam Phillips (Tommy McDowell), head of Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee narrates the origin of the famous jam session that became known as the Million Dollar Quartet.  Incorporated into this musical event is the history of each of the four artists, their relationship to Phillips and Sun Records.

Carl Perkins (Jon Rohlf) schedules a recording session.  Phillips invites relative newcomer, Jerry Lee Lewis (Taylor Isaac Gray) to add some piano magic to the recording.  Lewis is a relative unknown nationally at this time.

Elvis Presley (Collin Yates), formerly with Sun Records and now with RCA arrives with his girlfriend, Dyanne (Rachel Rosenbush).  His visit is strictly social.

Johnny Cash’s (Allen Law) visit to Sun Records actually has to do with contractual issues.

An informal spontaneous jam session begins with a blend of different musical types!  From rock n’ roll to country to gospel, they sing them all, each artist contributing their style to the mix!

This is a wonderful production of the 2010 Tony-nominated musical based on an impromptu jam session later known as the Million Dollar Quartet.  It’s energetic, fun and nostalgic.

Note:  This informal jam session occurred on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash all happened to be at the record company at the same time.

Note:  Unplanned, spontaneous events often prove to be the most remembered.  A special thanks goes to the late Jack Clement, the recording engineer on duty that day.  Clement remembers thinking “I think I’d be remiss not to record this”.   Thankfully he did!

Gray’s performance is phenomenal.  His comedic timing and physical movements as the oddball country boy Lewis are spot on.  His piano playing is superb and he is able to tickle those keys sitting down, standing up and/or backwards.  He even hit some chords with his butt, but only occasionally.  Gray captivated the audience with his rendition of “Great Balls of Fire”.

Gyrating across the stage, Yates captures the essence of Presley in his movements (even to standing on his toes) while singing “Long Tall Sally” and “Hound Dog”.  His realistic impersonation of Elvis is not overdone.

Rohlf as Perkins is serious as he is at the studio to record and is not enthusiastic on being forced to use newcomer Lewis as part of the recording.   As the jam begins, he softens and becomes an integral part of the quartet.

Law’s characterization of Cash is serious.  One can see the turmoil in his face as he dreads telling Phillips that he’s leaving Sun Records.  His songs like “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Sixteen Tons” highlight his troublesome past.

In addition to great singing voices, Rohlf, Law, Gray and Yates are also expert musicians.

As the boss at Sun Records, McDowell is convincing as the man in charge, looking for new talent, retaining current talent while at the same time relating to his artists on a personal level.

Rosenbush delivers great renditions of “Fever” and “I Hear You Knockin’”.

Kudos to Justin Bendel as Brother Jay and Mike Lucchetti as Fluke for their superb musicianship.

Scenic Designer Tucker Topel created a realistic set that reflects a studio in the 1950’s.

Shout out to Director Tim Seib.

Excellent Musical Direction by Dr. Francesca Tortorello, D.M.A.

Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux.

Original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrux.

-CED

 “Million Dollar Quartet” is a production of Pittsburgh Musical Theater.  Performances run from April 18 through May 12 at the Gargaro Theater, 327 South Main Street in Pittsburgh’s West End.

 

by Lonnie the Theater Lady

After having seen “Dinah” when Pittsburgh Playwrights produced it about nine years ago, I wondered if it were possible for the show to be any better this time around. To my delight, although hard to imagine, yes, it is even better!

This biographical music review written by prolific Pittsburgh playwright (more than 27 produced plays and musicals), Ernest McCarty, provides some insight into Dinah Washington’s controversial life and her propensity for entering into numerous marriages. Her philosophy, “I’m going to keep getting married until I get it right.” Ruth Lee Jones first married at the age of seventeen (before she changed her name to Dinah Washington). One of the life events the show highlights is her struggle to keep her weight down with the aid of diet pills that affect her moods, and which are eventually blamed for her untimely death at the age of 39 . Being a perfectionist about her music is another of her qualities that is featured in the series of vignettes that tell parts of her story.

The show opens dramatically as Dinah (Delana Flowers) dressed in a gorgeous white satin gown with a fluffy white boa draped around her neck, glides onto the stage, perched on an ornate white throne. Several of her husbands (wearing numbered placards that identify their sequential place in her numerous marriages) circle her on the stage. That scene foreshadows the elegant, shimmering, stunning costumes that Flowers wears in each costume change.

Flowers is a magical, versatile vocalist. She sings nearly thirty numbers, all to perfection. Dinah dubbed herself: “The Queen of the Blues”‘ And, Flowers rendition of the bluesy number “Baby Get Lost” might have just earned her the title, “Princess of the Blues'”. Wonderful!  Flowers is warm, elegant and relaxed on stage, with the bearing of a diva. Flowers like Dinah, shows a wide range of versatility of musical styles. Not only does she sing expertly but she is an accomplished actor, as well.

Her gospel duet with Willa “Katy” Cotten, “His Eye is on the Sparrow” was Cotten’s opportunity to belt it out from way down –and she does, to the delight of the audience. Her powerful, rich voice is a joy. Coupled with Flowers vocals, this number is a standout. Cotten also shines as one of the “Dinah-mites”, (Cotten and Cheryl El-Walker) backup singers to Flowers for a couple of lighthearted numbers reminiscent of the background singers of the 50’s and 60’s. A gleeful performance by both Walker and Cotten as backups!

Brook Benton (Les Howard) has several duets with Flowers, the most well-known of which is “Baby You Got What It Takes”. And, this duo truly does “Got What It Takes”. Howard exudes a charm and sweetness as Benton. The affection between the two characters is authentic and heartwarming.

The rest of the cast features many well-known accomplished Pittsburgh favorites. They all deliver with polish.

The band is a remarkable group of musicians. Pittsburgh icon Roger Humphries on drums dazzles at intermission, with a rhythmic drum solo. Tony Campbell on sax, is a wizard—his sax laughs, cries, talks, sings and wails. The band is completed with Dwayne Fulton (Minister of Music and Fine Arts at Mt. Ararat) on keyboard, and Dwayne Dolphin (formerly with Wynton Marsalis’s band) on upright bass. This band, loaded with individual talent enhanced by their unity, enriches this theatrical experience. They are out of this world–extraordinary.

Director Mark Southers triumphs with this showpiece performed in a lovely cabaret setting. “Dinah” is a sensation that is not to be missed.

Runs through April 28, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater, Madison Arts Center, 3401 Milwaukee Street

 

 

 

 

by Lonnie the Theater Lady

As I braved the inclement weather conditions, driving through torrential rain –over water covered streets strewn with debris, one thought was repeatedly running through my mind, “This show better be worth it!” Was the harrowing drive to Little Lake Theater “worth it”? Absolutely, emphatically, YES!

Little Lake Theater’s Matilda based on the Roald Dahl 1988 children’s novel is splashy, glorious production. It tells the story of Matilda, a brilliant little girl, with the gift of telekinesis. She is treated very poorly by her parents who ridicule her for reading, among many other things. Her school headmistress Miss Trunchbull is equally cruel to her. Fortunately, her teacher, Miss Honey recognizes Matilda’s genius level of intelligence and does her best to enhance her education.

Opening night had the talented Sloane Peterson playing the title roll, Matilda. (Closing cast has Laurel Denk in that role) Sloane is a pint-sized powerhouse packed with gallon sized charm. Her energy surges as she flawlessly delivers her numerous lines. Seeing such a dynamic performance in one so young is truly remarkable. Her vocals are sweetly and emotionally delivered. (There are a couple of times that the live band overplays her voice but I’m sure that will be addressed in future shows) I look forward to seeing her on stage again. Amazing performance.

Miss Trunchbull (Travis Myers-Arrigoni) is a raging bull of a headmistress with the just right amount of over-the-top ridiculous cruelty. Her treatment of the students follows the school’s motto to the letter. “Bambinatum est magitum” translates to, “Children are maggots”. She frequently refers to the children as maggots or worms among other insulting terms! Myers-Arrigoni gets a lot of laughs as he relishes his role and throws himself into it like a whirling tornado. Such fun to watch him enthusiastically rave on! The antagonist that you love to hate.

Mr. Wormwood, (Nathan Hough) gets a huge share of the many laughs. His caricature like portrayal is chock full of well-timed facial expressions and body posturings. He is so hilarious that one doesn’t even care that he’s a dishonest con artist!  He’s a comedic natural.

Mrs. Wormwood (Cait Crawley) is equally entertaining. Her portrayal of the narcissistic mother is wonderfully wacky. She fluidly slides into different moods with each costume change. Arresting versatility.

Miss Honey (Audrey Chester) Matilda’s caring teacher has a beautiful sweet singing voice. She is able to project kindness and concern convincingly. Her conflict about obeying school rules and doing what is right for Matilda is acted with a real poignancy. She makes all of us want to be better people.

The entire cast, too many to mention, is skillful and clearly enjoying themselves!

And, the children–the huge cast of children who make up the chorus are truly extraordinary. They harmonize beautifully. “When I Grow Up” is a beautiful blending of their voices. (Kudos to the music director, Holly Jones)  In every dance number, they are in synch to a remarkable degree! Well done! (Choreographer, Christine Pittman)

The costumes (Sylvia Sims-Linkish) are flamboyant, colorful, and sometimes humorous. There are multiple costume changes–each of which add to the mood and tone of the show. Mr. Wormwood’s garish plaid pants, brightly colored sport jacket and ruffled shirt are humorous and well matched to his sleazy personality. The glitzy ballroom gowns are gorgeous and a contrast to the austere children’s school uniforms, Rudolpho’s (Jordan Mastele) flamenco costume is a perfect accent to the humor he brings to his character..

Kudos to the directors, Kathy Hawk and  Jeff Johnston (assistant) for their wonderful use of the actors’ talents, and for never passing up an  opportunity to get a laugh. And,  most of all, for their ability to wrangle  that many children into a cohesive unit. (Kathy Hawk is a public school teacher– that surely explains her skills with organizing and motivating children.)

In order to prevent angering Miss Trunchbull (she just might call you a maggot) you all need to rush to see this extravagant, entertaining, high energy romp at Little Lake Theater.

Note: It’s not just a children’s show (although the children love it), it’s sophisticated enough that adults will enjoy it, too.

Runs through April 28, Little Lake Theater

 

 

 

 

by Claire DeMarco

You know trouble is brewing when two friends take on alternate identities using the same name!

Jack Worthing (Paul “Paulie” Deo, Jr.), is a gentleman and landowner with multiple responsibilities, including the guardianship of his niece Cecily (Alex Manalo). Tired of the social constraints of this environment, Jack creates a new identify called Ernest in another town where he can live more freely. He can behave or misbehave, whatever suits his fancy. He explains his absences on weekends by pretending that Ernest is his troubled brother who needs his supervision. As Ernest he falls in love with Gwendolen (Veronica Del Cerro), daughter of Lady Bracknell (David Ryan Smith).

One of “Ernest’s” weekend friends is Algernon Moncrieff (Dylan Marquis Meyers), nephew of Lady Bracknell. After an extensive time period, Algernon confronts Ernest after discovering his duplicity. Algernon queries Jack. Algernon’s interest is piqued when Jack tells him about Cecily. Algernon also has an alternate identity as Bunbury, an invalid he creates in order to avoid anything that he deems annoying.

Independent of one another, Jack decides to kill off Ernest now that the charade is uncovered while Algernon decides to visit Jack as his “brother” Ernest. One of the main reasons for his visit is a chance to meet Cecily.

Mistaken identities, miscues, misunderstandings and mayhem take over as this 1890’s version of a modern soap opera unravels.

Transitioning easily between both characters, Deo is believable as the socially upright Jack and the less than upright Ernest. He has great delivery and timing, whether it’s comedic or dramatic.

Meyers plays Algernon as the rich, spoiled, capricious nephew of Lady Bracknell. He is able to camouflage (when necessary) a sense of compassion in a character who is self-centered, spoiled and lacks purpose. He uses mannerisms and carriage to heighten this perception.

Sashaying gracefully across the stage, towering Smith is the epitome of a snobbish grand society dame with a need and no constraints to insult anyone. Facial, hand and body movements highlight Bracknell’s persona.

Del Cerro’s Gwendolen captures the upper-class socialite who never fails to speak her mind about etiquette and protocol to anyone she deems needs to hear it. She easily softens as she joins forces with Cecily over the “who really is Ernest dilemma”.

Manalo is convincing as the naïve but determined Cecily, intent on marrying Algernon after she is enticed by Jack’s stories about his wayward brother. Her imagination drives her to the point of creating situations and scenarios that haven’t happened (yet).

Susan M. Lynskey as Miss Prism, Cecily’s school mistress and Joseph McGranaghan as Canon Chasuble, both professing their celibacy and uprightness around each other, are excellent as their facial expressions, general demeanor and word innuendoes indicate quite the opposite.

Each cast member compliments one another. Their timing, physical movements, facial expressions are well-balanced.

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” was written in the late 1890’s, satirizing the social conventions of Victorian society. It was witty and clever then and it’s witty and clever today.

Pittsburgh Public’s production of this “wildely” popular treasure is brilliantly executed.

The set is minimal but elegant with a few chairs and tables moved around as the scenes change. Elements added to the backdrop also suggest location moves.

Hugh Hanson’s costume designs are spectacular.

Excellent direction and adaptation by Jenny Koons.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” was written by Oscar Wilde.

-CED

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a production of Pittsburgh Public Theater. Performances run from March 27 through April 14 at the O’Reilly Theater.

 

 

by Joseph Szalinski

Bloomfield’s not the place I typically go to consult wise, Eastern-European beings that exist beyond time. That’s usually up in Polish Hill. But everyone’s favorite Slavic sage, Baba Yaga, is hosting a Q&A in Pittsburgh’s Little Italy. Held at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, “Ask Baba Yaga” is an adaptation-of-sorts of the 2017 book by Taisia Kitaiskaia (with permission from the author) from Uncumber Theatrics.

Billed as a “staged reading (among other things),” this production boasts plenty of puppetry, masterminded by Emily Schubert, Ayne Terceira, and Frank McDade, with the titular old-world oracle being the most notable technical marvel. Equally beautiful and bizarre, the odd detail in its design would even beg Diogenes to behold. Operated by a revolving assembly of puppeteers/readers (D.T. Burns, Nicole Gallagher, Courtney Jenkins, Abigail Lis-Perlis, Liz Roberts, Emily Schubert, Ayne Terceira), and voiced by Lori Howsare, the imposing creature looms ominously while she doles out advice to the curious crew/cast as they bang on typewriters and make their inquiries. There are also skeleton puppets that complement Baba Yaga’s responses with their own movements and mannerisms, manipulated by a variety of puppeteers as well. In addition to the puppets, human performers take the stage in shifts, typically accompanied by a prop and/or a particular physicality as they cross in front of the audience.

This production occasionally becomes immersive every so often, following a “change of the season,” when the floor is open to anyone daring enough to ask a question. Every audience is different, and one can expect things from the profound to the profane and everything in between. People desperate for truth will readily volunteer; sillier folk will be goaded by an awkward silence. Either way, Baba Yaga responds with a pre-written response that is then selected and read at random, forcing those there to justify the response or reject it.

The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination is a wonderful venue for the arts. Not only is it already near some cultural staples, but it’s also part of a community that cherishes creativity. The pairing of an art gallery with a stage fosters an environment that is conducive to innovative thought and expression. Theatre can only benefit by the embracing of unconventional spaces and unconventional projects.

Uncumber Theatrics is a bold, cutting-edge theatre company that puts on unique and mesmerizing productions. While a show like this is atypical in that it eschews narrative and the like, it is a reminder of what the medium of live theatre is capable of. By indulging the audience’s questions, an experience beyond mere entertainment is shared.

“Ask Baba Yaga” continues its run at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination in Bloomfield March 28-30