Category: The Shaker

by Michael Buzzelli

Things are sad in Duluth, Minnesota in 1934, and getting sadder for the Laine family in Conor McPherson’s haunting “Girl From the North Country.”

Dr. Walker(Alan Ariano) steps up to the microphone and narrates the tale of the Laine family and their guests. It’s a brooding Irish playwright’s version of “Our Town.”  Dr. Walker’s exposition is completely unnecessary, and while Aiano is very talented, his character is superfluous. His final summation at the end of the play is somewhere between maudlin and a real bummer.

Let’s get back to the Laine’s. The patriarch Gene (Ben Biggers) is running a dilapidated boarding home (think AirBnB with three square meals), and caring for his wife Elizabeth (Jennifer Blood), who is suffering from some sort of vague mental illness. Gene’s son, Nick (John Schiappa), is a drunken writer (Hemmingway without a publisher) and his adopted Black daughter Marianne (Sharaé  Moultrie) is pregnant.

It’s already a lot, but their boarders have their problems, too.

Mr. Burke (David Benoit) and Mrs. Burke (Jill Van Velzer) are caring for their mentally challenged son, Elias (Aidan Wharton).  The lovely widow, Mrs. Neilsen (Carla Woods) is waiting for her husband’s inheritance but has eyes for Gene.

More trouble comes to town when Mr. Scott (Matt Manuel) and the unscrupulous Reverend Marlowe (Jeremy Webb) arrive into town.

All Conor McPherson projects (“Shining City,” “The Birds,” “The Seafarer” etc.) can be described as haunting, but in “Girl From North Country” the playwright turns to the jukebox and presses all the Bob Dylan buttons (taking all the quarters).

“The Girl From North Country” is the meat in between “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “My Fair Lady,” an unlikely combination for a sandwich. The play is brooding and atmospheric. It tackles issues such as unwed pregnancy, blackmail, bribery, murder, and mental illness. Unlike, “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the upcoming “My Fair Lady,” this story is not family-friendly.

“Girl From the North Country” would seem to make a better play than a musical. Perhaps even a PG-13 miniseries on Netflix or Max. It does have some grand music, though. It would be worth saving the musical numbers just to keep Woods and company singing “Pressing On,” an absolute showstopper (right where the show actually stops).

Keep your eye on Carla Woods. She was phenomenal.

While there are a ton of characters, every actor gets their moment in the sun. The actual sun never shines in this gloomy part of Duluth, except when Wharton’s Elias dresses in a white linen suit and sings his heart out toward the end of the second act.

Blood’s Elizabeth gives a heartrending performance as a woman in anguish but lights up the room when she sings. She also gets some of the best lines zinging straight to the truth in the most uncomfortable ways.

Manuel is charismatic and oozing charm all over the stage, and he sings magnificently.

The women team up for a few songs and they are all excellently rendered.

Webb’s Marlowe is deliciously evil. You will want to walk up on stage and smack him with a shovel. He’s terrifying and annoying, an unwelcome stranger with a pitch-black secret.

Conor McPherson loves a good ghost story, and there is an element of a ghost story here when Elizabeth proclaims, “I hear the cries of the girl in the hole.” In “Girl From the North Country,” every character is sort of a ghost marching toward their inevitable doom, but here they are alive, vibrant and filled with song. They will be, pardon the pun, forever young.

If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, and you’re tired of the slap-happy silliness of the traditional musical, or you simply love the music of Bob Dylan, “Girl From the North Country” is the show for you.

-MB

“Girl From the North Country” runs from January 9 to 14 at the Benedum Center, Penn Avenue, and Seventh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here.

By: Joseph Szalinski

Move over, Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2 in Shocking 2D, there’s a new mouthful of a title in town. Well, Butler specifically…Hobnob Theatre Company’s latest production, Bob Cratchit’s Merry Christmas Carol Sing Along & Variety Show. 

The brainchild of cast member Deanna Sparrow and musical director Ken Smith, who wrote the book and music, respectively, and collaborated on the lyrics, this festive play reexamines a literary classic from another character’s perspective.

Original productions are the lifeblood of theatre. Sure, it is an artform that allows and encourages the perpetuation of a show, as great work should always be blessed with a sort of immortality, but theatre stagnates without new plays. Composing a script or a score is an impressive feat, but collaboratively creating an entire production from nothing is even more so. Especially one in which the characters do the same thing. While the narrative isn’t necessarily the focus, plot points are solid, dialogue is hilarious, familiar faces are further fleshed out, and lyrics are equally silly and ingenious. Clocking in at around an hour, this show breezes by and leaves audiences wanting to see it again. It could easily continue to be staged every year after this until it becomes a tradition in its own right. 

Matt Leslie is wonderful as the titular Bob Cratchit. He, like the other performers, gets to show off his singing and dancing prowess, in addition to his acting. But unlike the other two, also gets to do some puppetry too. And no, no Muppets are involved. With a good voice, great comedic timing, and a clumsy charm, he adds dimension to a man who’s more than Scrooge’s mistreated employee or Tiny Tim’s dad. 

In a role not relegated solely to the page, Deanna Sparrow also appears onstage as the wildly entertaining Emily Cratchit, Bob’s wife. Within that main portrayal, she also gets to be a cast of characters herself, many of whom give her a chance to really let loose, especially Gentlemime and Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. Such performances are not just a testament to her talent but also a reinforcement of the fact that the greatest part of being onstage is enjoying one’s time up there, which is most certainly the case here. 

Philip Ball is wonderfully fun as Ralph Enscombe, an aspiring thespian/barkeep at the Nimble Goose Pub, where the show takes place. Full of plenty of energy and ego and chutzpah, he delights as the grandiose showman and proprietor. He’s a hilarious foil to the more wholesome dynamic of the other two, but he’s not without his own moments of heart. Utterly magnetic while simultaneously pairing perfectly with his costars, Ball terrifically rounds out the cast. 

Musically, this play is fantastic. From backing numbers, to percussive stings after jokes, to general sound effects, the instrumentation elevates the onstage antics and masterful choreography by Laura Crago. One might mistake Jessica Sanzotti for a Hemingway with how she knows her way around the keys; Karen O’Donnell unleashes her inner Animal on the kit; and Jon Pincek expertly proves the bass is not a fish, even though it still has scales. All jokes aside, the three musicians are a brilliant complement. Ken Smith has masterminded a menagerie of music, composed of both holiday staples and new songs, with the former being an invitation for the audience to sing along periodically, provided the cue is given. 

Set pieces are static and simple. For the most part, it’s just a black backdrop behind a table and some chairs. However, in concert with some awesome costuming by producer Elizabeth Smith, it’s all that’s needed to bring their world to life. Bob Ivory helms the technical aspects of the production, with assistance from Ken Smith, Phil Ball, and Trey Lorenzini. 

This show is the perfect event to officially reopen the historic Penn Theater. Not only is it an absolutely marvelous venue, but the rebirth of a beloved cultural institution is exactly what Butler needs. Likewise, it proves how vital arts are to the community, particularly live theatre, which is having a bit of a renaissance as of late. No company exemplifies this as much as Hobnob, who have plenty of projects in the works that will really make an argument for why productions up north deserve much more attention. 

-JS

Bob Cratchit’s Merry Christmas Carol Sing Along & Variety Show has a sold out run at the Penn Theater in Butler, PA on December 22nd at 7:30pm and December 23rd at 1pm and 7:30pm. For more information, click here.

 

By: Joseph Szalinski

For millennia, societies have celebrated holidays by putting on a show. What once started as something rooted in ritual has now been transformed into a tradition all its own: supporting theatre. Particularly musicals, which are all the fun of enjoying Christmas carols, but far less invasive. The folks at The New Castle Playhouse have decided to help their community get in the spirit with their production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical, directed by Justin Bryan.

The play, which is based on a movie that is based on a song based on a dream famous composer Irving Berlin had, follows two soldiers, Bob Wallace (Mark McConnell) and Phil Davis (Connor Proctor), with a knack for performing who are determined to ditch the European Theater for Broadway. After breaking into the scene back home, the tenacious twosome become producers and stage their own successful production. From there they wind up in an unseasonably warm Vermont with their respective budding love interests, sisters, Betty (Kassie McConnell) and Judy Haynes (Cassidy Sprik); run into their former General (Dave Dougherty) who is struggling to run an inn; learn about friendship; and laugh and dance all the while.

This show features a sprawling cast crawling with talent, at their best during the slew of musical numbers peppered throughout the plot. Their collective adeptness at juggling the comedic and serious elements of the story, in addition to rhythmic proficiency, makes this show such a joy to watch.

Mark McConnell amazes as Bob Wallace, the former Broadway star who decides to get back into the arts after a close call overseas. Not only is he great at exploring the depths of his character sans soundtrack, but he is also a tremendous singer who finds himself in many of the show’s strongest songs.

Connor Proctor is a perfect complement in the role of Phil Davis, Bob’s younger partner/army buddy and regular ladies’ man. A brilliant vocalist and actor in his own right, he really shines in conjunction with his castmates and their respective dynamics, ranging from the heartfelt to the humorous.

Similarly, Kassie McConnell and Cassidy Spirk are wonderful as siblings Betty and Judy Haynes, both possessing an abundance of nuance and charm. A shared comfortability with the choreography of dance and drama perfectly showcases their skills onstage. As further testament of her talent, Kassie McConnell even provides the play its musical direction.

Rounding out the rest of the major players are T.V. executive/army buddy Ralph Sheldrake (Alex Chapman), overwhelmed housekeeper Martha Watson (Mandy Mays), the ambitious Susan Waverly (Sammie Patterson), twins of temptation Rita (Isabella Fellion) and Rhoda (Allyson Kremm), frantic Mike (Jason Pastore), and the ever necessary Tessie (Angela Fowler). A fantastic mix of charisma, commitment, and comedy, all supplemented by a solid ensemble.

Sets, effects, and costumes enhance an already entertaining production. Every aspect of the show is evident of the consideration and care the cast and crew took in crafting a piece of theatre that excites a community like presents under a tree.

-JS

White Christmas continues its run December 14^th-17^th at The New Castle Playhouse in New Castle, PA. For more information, click here. 

 

by Michael Buzzelli

All Ralphie Parker (Sebastian Maloni) wants for Christmas is a “Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time (a sundial)” in Jean Shepherd’s beloved, and perennial Christmas story, “A Christmas Story.”

In Philip Grecian’s adaptation, Adult Ralphie (John Shepard) narrates this tale from the sidelines, and, occasionally, jumps into the action as a Christmas tree salesman and a mythologized version of Alan Lane, the Red Ryder himself.

Young Ralphie tries desperately to persuade his Mother (Jamie Agnello) and his hapless Old Man (Tim McKeever) about the desired bb gun, but they’re busy with their own problems. The Old Man (an unfortunate moniker) fights with the furnace, fends off a pack of the neighbor’s dogs, and struggles with his new-to-the=Parker’s used car.

Mother is busy with making meatloaf and red cabbage and caring for Ralph’s younger brother, Randy (an adorable Neal Raj Wadhwa, Jr.), who has bladder control issues and likes to hide in tight corners around the house.

At school, Ralph hangs with his besties, Flick (Colin Bozick) and Schwartz (Kaaveri Patil), avoids the school bully, Farkas (Eamonn McElfresh), and struggles to understand his friendship with Esther Jean (Natalie McGovern).

Their teacher, Miss Sheilds (Hope Anthony), tries to keep all of them in line.

Unless you were raised in the jungle with Tarzan or grew up in a fallout shelter next to Kimmy Schmidt, you’re probably familiar with “A Christmas Story.” Here, in the U.S., it runs on a near endless loop on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and it can be found on a variety of networks and streaming services for the rest of recorded history.

” A Christmas Story is strung together, like popcorn on a Christmas tree, by a series of comedy sketches. Some of the sketches are about Ralphie’s desire to own the “Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time,” and some are not.  The Leg Lamp and the Lamppost scene have nothing to do with the arc of the story, but the non-sequiturs are delightful kernels.

The product placement (yes, it’s a real thing and you can find the eponymous bb gun on display at the Daisy Airgun Museum in Rogers, Arkansas), is undeniable. The breathless words, “Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time,” are repeated thirty times in the play. It’s follow-up phrase, “You’ll shoot yer eye out,” is repeated several times as well.  The show would be fifteen minutes shorter if the boy wanted a football.

Shepard is brilliant as Adult Ralphie. He spins his yarn with exuberant joy, like a big kid reveling in his own antics. It’s an amazing thing to watch.

McKeever makes the role of the Old Man his own. His energy and enthusiasm for the role is boundless. His natural charm exudes out of him, and Ralphie’s dad becomes far more likable with McKeever in the role.

Agnello makes the Mother her own as well. She plays her as loving and compassionate, with added whimsy and a soupçon of sarcasm.

Anthony brings a pizazz to the role of Miss Sheilds, especially in Ralphie’s bizarre fantasy sequences.

Maloni is a sympathetic Ralphie. He plays the character with childhood innocence. It’s a lovely performance. The rest of the kids, some of whom only garner a few lines, deliver their dialogue with aplomb.

Tim Mackabee’s living room set is marvelous, as if lifted from the celluloid and transported into the present. The Parker home rotates like a rotisserie chicken, revolving into the classroom, a Christmas tree lot, and a department store Santaland. It is complimented by some amazing projection design by Bryce Cutler.

The dialogue is crisp and precise thanks to Sartje Pickett’s sound design.

If there’s a reason this show, which ran last year at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, came back, it’s due to Michael Berresse’s breezy and fluid direction.

“A Christmas Story” isn’t really about the “Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time,” but that the Parker family, through all of its faults, finds love at a special time of year, and that’s the true meaning of Christmas, and the best Christmases are the ones when we’re all together.

-MB

“A Christmas Story” runs until December 23 at the Pittsburgh Public Theater/s O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here. 

By: Joseph Szalinski

It was the best of times…wait, no, wrong story. Let’s try again. ’Twas the night before…Gah! somehow more correct and less correct at the same time. One last try.  Charles Dickens was dead, to begin with…for a while, actually, but that doesn’t matter because the talented Bob Colbert brings the celebrated author to life with an awe-inspiring performance as the scribe himself as he
narrates his famous holiday tale, playing all of the characters along the way, in Steel City Shakespeare Center’s latest production at the West View Hub, A Christmas Carol.”

Featuring a rousing demonstration of memory, among other things, Bob/Chuck hits all of the familiar plot points, as well as the parts most people pretend to remember, stopping only to wet his whistle before jumping back into the beautiful prose that would intimidate most performers.

For nearly two hours he delivers such an animated performance, one would swear that he’s a cartoon. In addition to impressive physicality, he further embodies the litany of literary Londoners by juggling a range of distinct voices and revolving costume pieces, an approach made even more entertaining when the text makes him jump from one character to the next in
rapid succession. A truly matchless act. Well, except for when he uses one to light a candle.

Speaking of props, and I do not mean the kind words written above, Colbert makes great use of a few accoutrements to heighten the experience, whether they be the aforementioned candle, rattling chains, or a multi-purpose cane that also plays more than one role. A simple assortment of even simpler effects that aid in immersing audiences in this festive fable.

The set is also quite simple, being composed of two chairs, a desk, and a coatrack. However, through utterly magnetic showmanship, the HUBWORKS stage is rendered into whatever scene required by the story. Despite being held in a rather intimate venue, this play contains a boundless amount of heart, humor, and horror that is certain to dispel any humbuggery harbored
by any unfortunate souls. Blurring the line between theatre and spoken-word, Bob Colbert’s masterful interpretation is sure to delight everyone. His rendition of this timeless classic would surely be loved by Dickens himself, whose ghost, one hopes, is in attendance every night, thrilled to have his feelings toward Pittsburgh dispelled; happy to know he has a simultaneous
immortality through his words which are used to bring a community together, making a good place to live even better, made possible by the efforts of a wonderful theatre company and an organization that champions the kind of charity the world needs to see more of.

-JS

A Christmas Carol continues today at 2:00 PM on December 10th at the HUBWORKS, 435 Perry Highway in West View PA. TIckets can be found here. 

By Michael Buzzelli

A mystery is afoot in Cloisterham and the townspeople are more than willing to sing about it in Rupert Holmes’ (“Escape” AKA The Pina Colada Song”) madcap whodunnit based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”

In this play-within-a-play, the inimitable-and-insufferable stage actress Miss Alice Nutting plays Young Edwin Drood (Alondra Trinidad-Colon) in the Music Hall Royale, where she and a ridiculously large cast of actors perform Dickens’ final work.

On a rainy Christmas Eve (the Dickens you say), Edwin Drood disappears. Is he dead? Is he alive and secretly trying to solve his own murder as detective Dick Datchery? Who knows?

Here’s the hitch…since it’s an unfinished work, the audience is going to “Choose Your Own Adventure” the ending, like “Clue,” there are several different resolutions based on votes from the audience. If you shout louder than the guy next to you, the killer identity changes from the obvious choice of the wicked John Jasper (Riley Nevin) to the grave digger Durdles (Gabriel Hammesfahr), or maybe it’s one of the recently-orphaned Landless siblings, Neville (Juan Romero Muñoz) or his sister, Helena (Andrea Nalbandian).  Maybe the killer among them is the right Reverend Mr. Crisparkle (Braden Andrew).

Even though the ending changes from night to night, there will be no spoilers here.

The actors in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” are encouraged to go as far over the top as they can, and they do! The cast – and there’ s a lot of them – is top notch from James Cunningham to James Hitchens (in order of appearance).

Every character in this light-hearted musical has their own unique walk.  From Nevin’s Jasper as he thrusts himself about in an awkward, angular stride down to Elijah Corbin’s Master Nick Cricker, II, who bounces about like Tigger hopped up on methamphetamine.

Trinidad-Colon has a powerful stage presence and belts out a final tune (no spoilers).

Hammesfahr is bawdy and brilliant as Mr. Nick Cricker/Durdles.

Andrew does a nice job prattling and posing as the Reverend Crisparkle. Having recently seen the national tour of “Mrs. Doubtfire,” the reverend’s appearance struck an uncanny resemblance to one Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire.

Muñoz chews the scenery with a flamboyant flair as the shifty Neville Landless.

Nalbandian manages to grab a laugh just by raising her eyebrow (and it goes as high as it’s biologically allowed).

Gabriela Garza plays Miss Angela Prysock playing Princess Puffer, the owner of an opium den. Her character is steeped in Dickensian tradition, a woman crawls her way to the top by being the most lowly of creatures. She is fantastic in the role and gets the award for Best English Accent. Her rendition of “The Wages of Sin” is a showstopper.

Johnmichael Bohach’s set design is a marvel, an Edward Gorey rendering or a cartoon by Charles Addams leaping off the page, black and white etching and cross-hatching on everything from piano to lamppost. The Black and white set contrasts with the kaleidoscopic colors of Michael Montgomery’s costumes, each seam and stitch is pure perfection.

The songs aren’t much too sing about, though the jaunty “Off to the Races” is filled with verve. The orchestra was terrific, but, at times, it overwhelmed the singers, making it difficult to hear some of the lyrics. Ironically, when the curtain is pulled back, the orchestra is in perfect harmony with the performers, but when the curtain closes, the music is oddly amplified.

The first act goes a little long, but this reviewer’s inconvenience stemmed from an immediate need of the lobby’s restroom.

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is masterfully directed and choreographed by Zeva Barzell with a stellar cast. The show encourages the audience to “Kick off your boots, loosen your corsets…and enjoy yourselves.” In other words, don’t take any of it seriously and have a bit of silly fun.

-MB

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” runs from December 6 – 10 in the PNC Theater, inside the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 350 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. For more information, click here. 

Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Raymond, PhD

Mid-century classic movies like White Christmas (1954) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) are synonymous with the holidays. Unlike visits from some relatives, these films are a happy, feel-good part of the holiday reunion season. The 2000 theatrical musical adaptation of White Christmas by Irving Berlin, Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, Melvin Frank, David Ives, and Paul Blake features 17 enchanting Irving Berlin songs.

As Little Lake Theatre Company closes its 75^th anniversary season with White Christmas, two classics unite. What makes this particular show incredibly special is that real-life Hawk sisters Alexis (Betty) and Samantha (Judy) play the fictional sister singing act, the Haynes Sisters. They authentically capture the range of intuition, banter, cattiness, and the sixth sense of sisters whose shared childhood has them in lockstep sync, whether they want to be or not. The sisterly duo turns family trio as mom Kathy Hawk capably steers the show as director.

The play tracks WW2 veterans and musical act, Captain Bob Wallace (Dylan Pal) and Private Phil Davis (EJ Christopher). We see them go from performing for their compadres in army camo to appearing bedecked in sequins on The Ed Sullivan Show. Kathy Hawk deftly directs Pal and Christopher to evolve from slightly hapless to polished professionals in the space of those sequences to demonstrate the refinement and evolution of their act.

The play subtly demonstrates how military hierarchy extends beyond the bounds of service. Costume designer Ayana Sicheri has Captain Wallace in a black sequined blazer, whereas the lower ranked Private Davis only gets a black sequined vest. Later, their assistant Tessie (Audrey Wells) pointedly notes to Wallace that “You and Mr. Davis are on the train.” Kathy Hawk has Wells adjust her tone and issue a subtle eye roll to indicate Davis is the lesser of the duo. They do end up on a train – but to Pine Tree, Vermont instead of Miami – as Wallace and Davis fall for (and follow) the singing Haynes sisters.

The flipside of privilege is discrimination, and we see military service isn’t always a benefit. The duo’s former commanding officer, General Waverly (John Herrmann), is in danger of losing his Vermont inn. The song “What Can You Do With a General?” reinforces the paradox of the general – respected but overqualified for civilian life. Wallace and Davis organize the original GoFundMe to save Waverly’s inn by calling in their 151^st division mates to descend on his inn for Christmas.

Military service isn’t the only discrimination we see in the play. As Phil, Christopher consistently ogles the ladies, even after he unites with Judy, reinforcing stereotypes of the lowly private as uncouth. Pal demonstrates a sense of discernment associated with rank. As Captain, he is more subtle in his pursuit of the ladies and focuses more on the duo’s career advancements.

As career military, the General seems clueless about women. He huffs at his innkeeper, Martha (Lisa McCoy), that he “got along just fine without you in the army.” McCoy’s snappy comeback that “It took 17,000 men to take my place,” elicits laughter and foreshadows feminism with her post-WW2 Rosie the Riveter confidence. By the end of the play, Waverly has evolved and realized the truth in her statement. He refers to Martha as “his superior,” suggesting a new worldview in which men no longer anchor gender to hierarchy.

The play opens on Christmas Eve 1944 as Wallace and Davis perform for the troops. They ponder what 1945 will bring and then wonder where everyone will be in 10 years in impossibly far away 1954 (no one suspects Pine Tree, VT). In the midst of war, they solemnize, “let’s pray it’s a better world.” As 2023 bends into 2024, one thinks of the coming year and a seemingly far decade out. Let’s hope history holds, and it’s a better world in 2033 too.

-TR

Find joy this holiday season. White Christmas runs through December 16, 2023 at Little Lake Theatre Company in Canonsburg, PA. Purchase tickets online at https://www.littlelake.org/whitechristmas

By: Joseph Szalinski

Nineteen-seventy-seven was the year that Buffalo, New York saw a lot of snow. And I’m not just talking about Rick James’ house. The infamous Blizzard of ’77 ravaged the city, shutting it down and claiming a few lives in the process. It’s during this winter calamity that Butler Little Theatre’s latest show, The Last Mass at St. Casimir’s, produced by Karen O’Donnell, takes place. While being the third entry in a semi-autobiographical trilogy of plays by Buffalo playwright, Tom Dudzick, audiences aren’t required to have seen the first two to understand or appreciate the swan song of a saga that traces the trajectory of the Pazinski family as they navigate life and all of its complexities.

Our glimpse into the lives of these pieróg enthusiasts begins with siblings Eddie (Steve Kalina) and Annie (Deanna Sparrow) hobbling into their family’s former tavern as the latter is suffering from an encounter with a lamppost. You know, a pole she isn’t related to. The pair are eventually joined by their brothers George (Matt Leslie) and Rudy (Sam Thinnes), and ultimately the matriarch of the family, their mother, Ellen (Katie Moore).

Everyone has gathered to see off the tavern and attend one final mass at St. Casimir’s before its imminent demolition. It’s almost like a Slavic-American spin on Deliverance’s “one last hurrah” that’s set on Lake Erie instead of the Chattooga River, and without the murder, pig squealing, or inbred banjo players. Thank God. As the storm rages on, our five favorite Polka People find themselves trapped by the snowfall, forced to face hard truths, argue about religion, and handle some big news. All dealt with splendidly by a compelling quintet. The cast is rounded out by a handful of voiceover roles heard via the Pazinski’s radio, performed by Disco Jake, Bob Cupp, Tyler Friel, Ryan Saeler, Jay Kline, Bob Dandoy, and director Jerry Johnston.

Deanna Sparrow is fantastic as Annie, the sole Pazinski sister. She masterfully demonstrates her comfortability slipping into character. Oscillating between comedic moments and dramatic ones, Sparrow’s turn as Annie is both riotous and raw.

Steve Kalina is terrific as Eddie, a veteran with a passion for art who isn’t Bob Ross. He embodies someone who’s tough and tortured, a balance brilliantly brought to the stage.

Sam Thinnes charms and occasionally annoys as Rudy, the witty youngest brother of a Polish family who is skeptical about faith and aspires to be a writer, all the while cracking insensitive jokes. Yeah, totally not relatable at all…haha…far more than the playwright’s self-insert, Rudy symbolizes a rejection of the derivative development that shackles his siblings yet is spackled with echoes of a way of life he’s desperate to deviate from. Thinnes’ performance is wonderful and perfectly demonstrates his capability as an actor.

Matt Leslie delights as George, or Georgie as he’s called. His rendition of the character avoids caricaturizing someone facing mental illness, and instead provides plenty of depth equally bottomless as Georgie’s stomach. Despite having less variety in dialogue than his castmates, his performance is still powerful, due largely to his layered physicality.

Katie Moore is a joy to watch as Ellen. A character whose blend of stubbornness and being a source of comfort and sober judgement, is executed effortlessly.

The play’s sixth character comes in the form of the tavern itself. Being a place so instrumental in the upbringing of the Pazinski children, Chet’s Bar and Grill, named after their late father, is as much of a relative as any of the other family members who are merely mentioned and not featured onstage. For as cold as the scene is outside the windows of the closed establishment, there is a warmth that exists within its walls. It feels familiar. Even to those who’ve never ventured to Western New York or were alive during disco’s heyday. Chet’s is a place that we wouldn’t mind being trapped in ourselves, provided there’s plenty of Coca-Cola and potato chips to help us weather whatever weather that rears its ugly head.

Reflecting on the environment also enables one to acknowledge BLT’s position as a storied staple of the community that houses it. An inviting venue that boasts phenomenal productions, Butler Little Theatre is a pioneering institution in a city that is embracing the arts more and more, particularly live entertainment. The Last Mass of St. Casimir’s is another great show in their 2023-2024 season.

-JS

The Last Mass of St. Casimir runs Through December 9th at the Butler Little Theatre, One Howard Street, Butler, PA 16001. For more information, click here. 

By Claire DeMarco

Does the name Cindy Lou Who (Lara Hayhurst) ring a bell with you?   If not, here’s a clue. Cindy was one of the children involved in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.

Several decades later, we meet grown up Cindy Lou as she meticulously and with finite detail tells her story from that earlier point in time to the present.  Peppered with every sentence and history (as she often takes a drink or two) is a barrage of expletives and some intimate stories that affected her life since she was a child.

Cindy Lou is hosting a Christmas party and she chats with the audience while waiting for her guests to arrive.  We learn about her marriage and divorce plus the birth of her only child.  Also revealing is her past problem with the law.  Cindy Lou is not a “cry me a river” personality and although she has many life regrets and sorrows, she delivers most of her troubles with humor and is upbeat about the future.

Note:  Cindy Lou’s entire delivery is done in rhyming verse.

After several invitees call indicating that they can’t attend, we get the idea that no one is coming.

Note:  Someone does come to her party after all!  Surprise guest!

This adult show is outrageously funny with plenty of laughs sprinkled among the more serious subjects.

Hayhurst delights as Cindy Lou.  Her engagement with the audience is intimate and direct. She easily pulls the audience into Cindy Lou’s life story.   Constantly moving around the set, her energy is contagious.  Even the foul language and innuendoes that spew from her mouth aren’t as offensive since she delivers them with a smile or a laugh. In spite of all her off color and bold remarks, Hayhurst highlights her character’s loneliness.

The set is detailed. The living room/kitchen of her trailer is glitzy, sparkling and festive, displaying every shade of red and green imaginable. Several full-sized Christmas trees are on the perimeter of the stage and huge Christmas ornaments hang above it.  Gift packages are piled high.  Lights explode everywhere. Kudos to Set and Video Designer Bruce Cutler.

Shout out to Lighting Designer Cat Wilson.

Excellent Direction by Trey Compton.

“Who’s Holiday” was written by Matthew Lombardo.

Now it’s time to end this review.                                                                                           With a rhyme created just for you.                                                                                             If you want an evening of fun and sin                                                                                  See this show!  Come right in!

Warning!  This is an adult only production and is not suited for children due to the obscene language and depictions of substance and alcohol abuse.

-CED

 “Who’s Holiday” is a production of the Pittsburgh CLO Kara Cabaret Series. Performances at the Greer Cabaret Theater run from December 1st through December 31st. For more information, click here.

 

By Michael Buzzelli

Mary Bennet(Gabrielle Kogut ) gets the spotlight when she meets and falls madly in love with Lord Arthur de Bourgh (Michael Patrick Trimm) in “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.”

Those Bennet girls are together again – straight outta “Pride and Prejuidice.”

Elizabeth Darcy (Sophia Macy) – our protagonist from the O.G. book (miniseries, movies, etc.) – has invited the entire Bennet clan for Christmas.  Right before their arrival, Mr. Fitzwilliam-we-never-use-his-first-name Darcy (Hansel Tan) discovers his cousin Arthur is also joining the festivities. Huzzah! 

A very pregnant Jane Bingley (Alex Manalo) and her husband Charles (James Counihan) descend on Pemberley with sister Mary in tow.  There are immediate sparks between Arthur and Mary. The duo bond over their various interests from geography, cartography, philosophy, anthropology, and more (all of the ologies).

Always the problem child, Lydia Wickham ( a zany Alex Sheffield) shows up and, though married to the wicked Mr. Wickham (who is forever banished from Pemberley), sets her sights on Lord de Bourgh for some flirty fun.

Another complication plops down on the doorstep of Pemberley manor when the once-jilted never-shy Lady Anne de Bourgh ( a marvelously snooty Leyla Davis) rears her haughty head. Anne’s nose is so high in the air it’s a wonder said proboscis doesn’t scrape the vaulted ceilings.

Things come to a crescendo on the piano forte and in the drawing room on Christmas Eve, but, luckily, all is resolved by Christmas morn!

Playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon holiday sequel to “Pride and Prejudice” is incredibly faithful Austen’s beloved book.  All of Bennet’s, Bingley’s and Darcy’s retain their personalities from the source material.  Its as if the characters from the books stepped off the page to tell us what happens after the “Happily Ever After.” Wisely, the duo aims their lens at Mary, the unsung middle child, but still gives Elizabeth and Darcy some beautiful bon mots.

Side note: Arthur is the only character created for this play. Gunderson and Melcon wedge him into the stratified society of the de Bourgh’s and Darcy’s like expert Tetris players.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” is a delightful holiday excursion with a dynamite cast.

Kogut shines as the know-it-all-but-not-really Mary. She gets to portray a myriad of emotions and she does it adroitly.

Timm’s de Bourgh wears his heart on his gorgeously-tailored sleeve (shout out to Hugh Hanson’s costumes). It’s a great performance.

Macy is pure perfection. She’s the Lizzy from every adaptation rolled into one, a quintessential Elizabeth Bennet Darcy. When Macy and Manalo are on stage together, everyone’s favorite sisters are back and better than ever. Their affection for one another seemed so beautifully genuine.

Tan does a marvelous job as the stuffy-but-lovable Mr. Darcy (its almost as if his first name is Mister).  He even gets in an actual Austen line or two, parroting lines from his wife/the book.

While this comedy of manners is replete with dialogue there are some wonderful moments that take place in silence. Counihan’s Bingley gets a marvelous bit of business in a scene with Tan’s Darcy. It’s laugh-out loud lunacy as they discuss the imminent arrival of Baby Bingley.

Anne Mundell’s sumptuous scenic design brings you right into Pemberley. When the second act curtain rises, there’s a moment of pure Christmas joy.

While there is certainly enough drama in this comedy, Jane’s pregnancy seems to break a Chekhovian rule.  She’s so very pregnant and, yet, never gives birth. They might want to scale back the baby bump in future productions.

Under a lesser director, “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” could have easily become a vacuous Hallmark Christmas movie, but Kyle Haden moves the romcom to higher ground.

If you’re ready for some Christmas magic, this is the show for you. Somehow, Gunderson and Melcon are able to turn the simple unfurling of a map into a powerful emotional moment.

As an Austen aficionado, I didn’t plan on liking “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” but, as Jane Austen once wrote in P & P, “I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.”

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” runs from November 27 till December 17 at the Pittsburgh City Theatre, 1300 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, click here.