LORD OF THE FLIES – Providence College’s Blackfriars Theatre

January 28, 2018January 28, 2019 Theater Mirror1 Comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Providence College’s Blackfriars Theatre’s second show of the year is “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams. Amidst a global conflict, ten children are stranded on a remote island. They band together as a tribe, but factions form once the threat of a monstrous beast is fearfully planted in their minds. A contemporary reimagining of a literary classic, this production throws boys and girls side-by-side in a competition for power that dares to explore our capacity for cruelty. As they explore the island, Rafe emerges as the natural leader due to her commanding maturity. She is helped by Piggy, a nerdy overweight bespectacled person. They use a conch shell to call all the survivors to a summit. Once they meet together, they rejoice in their independence from adult supervision. This is a big change from the strict schools they came from.

THE SHADOWBOX – The Players, Barker Playhouse, Providence, RI

January 26, 2018January 26, 2019 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The third play of The Players’ 110 season is the 1977 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning “The Shadowbox” by Michael Cristofer.Three terminally ill patients and their families participate in a psychological inquiry into their end-of-life experiences. “The Shadow Box” is a journey of discovery into the genuinely lasting aspects of life. It is set on the grounds of a California hospital where some of the cottages have been set aside as a hospice for terminally ill patients. One playing area serves the three dying people: Joe, a working-class man joined by his wife and son; Brian, a writer there with his lover, Mark, and joined by his ex-wife, Beverly; and Felicity, an aging woman tended by her doting daughter, Agnes. An unseen psychiatrist known as the interviewer, draws them out and imparts wisdom to them with the five stages of dealing with death, denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, so they can better understand their situation at this point in their lives. Director Jeff Sullivan blends the dramatic and comic moments together splendidly. This well directed and well acted play receives a standing ovation on a job well done.

Nora Theatre’s “Proof’ Delivers Perceptive Family Drama

January 25, 2018January 25, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

By Michele Markarian

“Proof” – Written by David Auburn. Directed by Michelle M. Aguillon. Set Design by Janie E. Howland. Sound Design by Grant Furgiuele. Presented by The Nora Theatre Company, Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge through February 18.

Nothing grows well under the shade of a big tree, as any relative or friend of a largely accomplished person will tell you. Robert (Michael Tow), a recently deceased mathematician and single father of two grown daughters, is that tree. Robert is a star at the University of Chicago, revered by the community there for formulas he discovered in his early twenties. Mental illness has incapacitated him in the years before he died, forcing his younger daughter, Catherine (Lisa Nguyen) to drop out of Northwestern and care for him. Older daughter Claire (Cheryl Daro), living in New York, has given financial support to the family but little else. As Claire returns to Chicago for the funeral, she and Catherine have very different ideas of the direction Catherine’s life needs to take. In the meantime, a former student of Robert’s, Hal (Avery Bargar) has offered to carefully comb through an extensive series of notebooks Robert has left behind, scribblings he composed while Catherine was taking care of him.

Merrimack Rep’s “Knyum” Goes Looking for the Self

January 23, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Review by James Wilkinson

Knyum is written and performed by Vichet Chum. Presented by Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Directed by KJ Sanchez. Scenic Design by Dan Conway. Costume Design by Szu-Feng Chen. Lighting Design by Brian J. Lilienthal. Sound Design by David Remedios. Projection Design by Jon Haas. Presented by Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, through February 4

I find myself in an odd position, advocating for listening as a political action. Surely, some may argue, you’re not doing anything if you’re listening. However, as the #MeToo movement has proven in the last few months, there can be much to be gained by simply stopping what you are doing and letting someone else have their say. There’s a moment in Vichet Chum’s new play, Knyum, that keeps replaying in my mind now, two days after I have seen the show. The play’s lead (and only) character, Guy, describes a day when his Cambodian mother visits a supermarket in their Texas hometown. Both of his parents immigrated to the States following the Cambodian genocide. English is not his mother’s first language and not noticing the sign, checks out in the twelve items or fewer line with more than twelve items (oh the horror…). In the parking lot, another customer attempts to make a scene and shame Guy’s mother for such a heinous crime and at that point Guy realizes, “my mother did not survive a genocide to put up with this bullshit.”

But I am getting ahead of myself….

Lyric’s ‘Roadshow’ Showcases Lesser Known Sondheim Work

January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by John Weidman; Co-Directed by Spiro Veloudos and Ilyse Robbins; Music Direction by Jonathan Goldberg; Choreography by Ilyse Robbins; Scenic Design by Cristina Todesco; Lighting Design by John R. Malinowski; Sound Design by Elizabeth Cahill; Costume Design by Amanda Mujica. Presented by The Lyric stage Company of Boston, 40 Clarendon St., Boston through February 11

Watching Steven Sondheim’s Roadshow is a lot like listening to Magical Mystery Tour or Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. You know it’s not in the same league as say, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Abbey Road, but there’s certainly enough good material there to warrant a listen. Such is the case with Roadshow, now being presented by the Lyric Stage Company. It’s no Into the Woods or A Little Night Music, but much like the lesser Beatles works, there are the flashes of brilliance that one would expect from any Sondheim musical.

Imaginary Beasts Invite You Under the Sea

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

by James Wilkinson

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – Story by Matthew Woods. Written by the ensemble. Costume Design: Cotton Talbot-Minkin. Lighting Design: Christopher Bocchiaro. Set Concept and Sound Design: Matthew Woods. Scenic Design: Rebecca Lehrhoff. Puppet Design: Sophia Giordano and Rebecca Lehrhoff. Steampunk Consultant: Isaiah Plovnic. Choreography Kiki Samko. Presented by imaginary Beasts at the Charlestown Working Theater, 442 Bunker Hill St, Charlestown, through February 4

It can be a wonderful thing to have all of your theatrical expectations totally upended. Having seen Imaginary Beasts’ Winter Panto, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, let me start by admitting how ashamed I am that I have never been to one of their previous Winter Pantos, an annual event since 2009. In fact, when I walked into this production I really had no understanding of what a pantomime was. Back in elementary school I read a Great Illustrated Classic’s version of Jules Verne’s classic novel, so I had a vague idea of what the plot of the show would be, but that was it. About thirty seconds into the show, I realized that it wasn’t at all going to be what I thought it would be. Five minutes in, I had a giant smile plastered on my face that didn’t leave for the entire run time of the show. If you’re looking for an activity to make you forget about the freezing temperatures outside, then I can’t recommend this inspired bit of theatrical lunacy enough.

Wellesley Repertory Theatre’s “The Liar” Still a Comic Gem – 400 Years Later

January 19, 2018January 19, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

By Evan McKenna

“The Liar”- Written by David Ives, adapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille. Directed by Marta Rainer. Producing Artistic Director, Nora Hussey. Stage Management by Lindsay Garofalo. Set Design/Production Manager, David Towlun. Costume Design by Chelsea Kerl. Sound Design by George Cooke. Lighting Design by Bailey Costa. Vocal Coach, Paul Michael Valley. Photography by David Brooks Andrews. Fight Director, Ted Hewlett. Presented by Wellesley Repertory Theatre at the Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall, 106 Central Street, Wellesley through February 4^th

Considering the volume of outrageously funny comedies written for stage and film today, it should be noted when a work from the 1600s has enough comedic value to remain as vibrant as any of them. Wellesley Repertory Theatre’s presentation of “The Liar”, the David Ives adaptation of the Pierre Corneille comedy (directed by Marta Rainer) which premiered last Friday, proves to be a must-see, thanks to the outstanding execution by the cast of this hilarious story.

Speakeasy’s ‘Shakespeare in Love’ An Absolute Charmer

January 18, 2018January 18, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

(Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots)

by Mike Hoban

‘Shakespeare in Love’ – Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard; Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall; Directed by Scott Edmiston; Original Music/Music Direction/Sound Design by David Reiffel; Choreography/Movement by Judith Chaffee; Scenic Design by Jenna McFarland Lord; Costume Design by Rachel Padula-Shufelt; Lighting Design by Karen Perlow. Presented by Speakeasy Stage Company at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street in Boston through February 10

You don’t have to know and/or love Shakespeare to be utterly charmed by Shakespeare in Love, the stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film now being given a spirited New England premiere by Speakeasy Stage. In fact, since this is a comedy about young Will Shakespeare rather than one by William Shakespeare, the laughter comes a lot more spontaneously than when one needs to run the jokes through the Olde English Google translator of the mind. But whether you’re a Shakespearean scholar or only know his work from the “Gilligan’s Island” episode where Harold Hecuba stages Hamlet, this production is a comic delight.

GODSPELL – Swansea Footlights Jr.

January 12, 2018January 12, 2019 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Footlights Rep’s Jr. Divisions first show of the year is “Godspell.” Based on the Gospel of St. Matthew and featuring a score by Stephen Scwartz, “Godspell” brings the parables of Jesus Christ to life. The show draws on various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville. It is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. “Godspell’s” timeless message has always been about finding your quiet, unshakeable faith amid a very cold and very shallow modern world. The comic and poignant moments are blended together splendidly by directors Neil Jeronimo and Tricia Rodrigues. They assemble a 22 member cast to fit all these roles while Kasey Jeronimo taught the music to them with a topnotch 6 piece orchestra lead and conducted by Jameson Ward. The choreography by Barry Pereira contains many different styles of dance including soft shoe, modern and jazz. The show is rewarded with a resounding standing ovation at the curtain call.

The unique thing about the production is that it is performed in the round, making it a more intimate musical to tug on your heartstrings as well as make you laugh at all the right moments. Matt Macy stars as Jesus and is wonderfully cast in this role and has a terrific voice. One of his most powerful numbers is “Alas for You” where the words still resonate to this very day. “This nation, this generation will bear the guilt of it all! Alas, Alas, Alas for you! Blind Fools.” It rings true in 2019 as it did back in biblical times as well as in the 1970’s when this show was first written. Matt’s first song is “Save the People” where the cast dances around him. He also has some light and funny moments during the parables and during “All For the Best” duet with Judas. However it is during the Last Supper tableau and the death scene that strike a chord with the audience, leaving not a dry eye in the house including mine. A new song written for the updated show is “Beautiful City” a beautiful ballad which is rendered marvelously by Matt. Emily Nunes also displays her lovely voice in it, too. Matt and the whole cast give heartfelt performances in this production.

The opening Philosophers section has pretty harmonies and is well performed. Neil and Tricia give each of their performers their moments to shine in the show. The first act is more vaudevillian then the second which turns more somber after “Turn Back O Man.” Nicholas Lannigan sings the role of John the Baptist with his powerful gospel voice as he walks through the audience. I last reviewed him as Shrek. Luke Sylvester does a dynamic job as Judas who betrays Jesus later in the show. Joe and Luke stop the show with their comic “All For the Best” number while they sing in counterpoint with each other. Luke is very comical interacting constantly with the audience including me to keep the show fresh and alive. “Day by Day” is given a lovely rendition by Rylan Costa, Abbie Monte and Rachel Ochoa with their lovely voices while the Apostles learn to share with each other. Nathaniel James LeBoeuf plays Socrates and sings “O Man of Athens.” A rousing number is “We Beseech Thee” with a dynamite dance and lead vocals also by Nathaniel. A group dance occurs as Maia Millard sing out “Bless the Lord” with her powerful soprano voice.The betrayal scene is a stunning moment, too with a dynamic and poignant rendition of “By My Side” with Stephanie Baxter. Avery Weber belts out “Learn Your Lessons Well” with her strong gospel voice. She also plays the ukulele during it. Matt sings the middle section of the song while the cast does a dynamic dance to it.

Luke Sylvester also sings the tear jerking “On The Willows” during The Last Supper as Jesus says goodbye to each of his Apostles. Kylie Howard also sings harmony with him on it. My favorite comic song in the show is “Turn Back O Man.” It’s a show stopping number rendered splendidly by Isabella Manchester. She enters through the crowd while interacting with them. Another comic performer is Derek Rivera who also sings “You Are the Light of the World” to end Act 1. John Garcia’s voice soars off the charts in “All Good Gifts.” He has a dynamite voice. I last reviewed him in “Shrek” as Lord Farquad. The whole cast sings the poignant “Long Live God” and “Prepare Ye” in counterpoint to close this version of the show as well as the meaningful “Beautiful City”, too. Another heart wrenching scene is “The Crucifixion.” The ending of the show will leave you emotionally drained at its intensity but uplifted because Jesus left us hope for the future. In these trying and tumultuous times who could ask for anything better for this world. So for a splendid production of “Godspell” be sure to catch it at Case High School performed wonderfully by Footlights Junior Division.

GODSPELL (10 to 13 January)

Footlight’s Repertory Junior Division, Case High School, 70 School Street, Swansea, MA

1(774)644-4539 or www.footlightsrep.net

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR (MMAS, Black Box Theatre, Mansfield)

January 10, 2018December 27, 2018 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Mass Music and Arts Society’s opening show of their summer season is “The Boys Next Door” by Rhode Island native, Tom Griffin who recently passed away. It is a funny and touching play about four mentally handicapped men living in a communal residence under the guidance and watchful eye of a caring but burnt out social worker. The story is told by a series of vignettes and scenes, with some of the performers speaking directly to the audience. Director Kelly Crawford picks splendid and talented performers to fill these well written roles. She mixes the comic and dramatic moments together marvelously to a very appreciative audience who gives them a resounding standing ovation at the curtain call.