American Repertory Theatre | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: Fueled by intricate and electrifying dance rhythms, American Repertory Theater’s ‘Diary of a Tap Dancer’ an inspiring and remarkable journey

Posted on December 28, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Ayodele Casel has so much to say and masters the best way to say it as a dancer once advised her, “You have all the vocabulary. You just need to speak.”

Ayodele Casel (creator, choreographer, performer) in performance for A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Diary of a Tap Dancer. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

An immediately engaging bilingual tribute to tap dance and much more written and choreographed by acclaimed dance dynamo Ayodele Casel and directed with gusto by Torya Beard, American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) continues the world premiere of Diary of a Tap Dancer live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Saturday, January 4. The production runs two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Ayodele Casel (creator, choreographer, performer) dances in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Diary of a Tap Dancer Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Contemplating who tap belongs to, Diary of a Tap Dancer is a genuine, deeply personal and revealing story as Ayodele Casel, a woman of color, explores different eras of her life in two worlds and infusing it into her artistry. Set to symbolic and pulsing dance rhythms, Ayodele shares her story while recognizing other trailblazing dance and tap masters in an emotionally charged journey taking her from the Bronx to Puerto Rico and more. Born in 1975, it makes a powerful and profound statement through her art which includes determination, gumption, and persistence rising from her challenging upbringing to wonders unknown while making unexpected discoveries about herself along the way.

The cast dances in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Diary of a Tap Dancer Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Casel is charismatic, inviting and natural as she searches for her destiny, culture, identity and acceptance sharing her reflections, insecurities, rage, disappointment, pain, humor, and sheer joy for her art infused in each step. Her snappy, exciting and sleek choreography commands the stage as she joins talents Naomi Funaki, Afra Hines, Quynn L. Johnson, Funmi Sofola, Liberty Styles, Annaliese Wilbur, and Ki’Leigh Williams in driving and exhilarating rhythms. Each dancer also effectively steps into various roles as Casel makes connections in this fascinating narrative.

Liberty Styles (performer) and Ayodele Casel (creator, choreographer, performer) in production for A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Diary of a Tap Dancer. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

The star of this show is the dance illuminated with finesse by lighting director Brandon Stirling Baker in brilliant, gleaming and layered spotlight. Camilla Dely’s partially vaudeville-inspired costumes cross the classic with the contemporary featuring bow ties, top hats, suspenders, colorful street wear and billowing skirts.

Musically directed by Nick Wilders, an intimate onstage orchestra produces catchy rhythms composed of various instruments including Bomba drums by Keisel Jiménez Leyva so infectious, I could not help but bop my head to the beat.

Sharath Patel’s distinctive and energetic sound design combines nature and concrete jungle with honking horns, chirping crickets, and barking dogs that hold personal meaning of Casel’s upbringing in the city and Puerto Rico. Projection designer Katherine Freer captivates with transforming scenic projections that span from glowing diary writings that include Easter eggs within the production to stunning island sunsets and starlight to water color skies to graffiti decorated brick city buildings to images of Casel’s inspirations on Tatiana Kahvegian’s meticulously positioned scenic design.

Not only does Casel ruminate on her life, but historically explores the lives of a wide spectrum of inspiring dancers from chorus girls to Ginger Rogers who dedicated numerous hours to their craft facing pain, obstacles, oppression, racism, injustice and competition along the way. Casel’s immense love for the Golden Age of Hollywood to a wide range of music also inspires her incredible love for dance.

The cast dances in A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Diary of a Tap Dancer. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Diary of a Tap Dancer takes a relatable look at the dreaming, time, over thinking, worry, endless hours, tenacity, gumption, persistence, sheer grit and determination to dedicate to what you love no matter what which are lessons that transcends tap, but to any ambition.

Make time to see American Repertory Theater’s world premiere of Diary of a Tap Dancer continuing live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through Saturday, January 4. The production runs two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: American Repertory Theater brings new dimensions to Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Posted on September 15, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Nowhere else but Fair Verona is love and hate so swift and immediate than in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

American Repertory Theater reveals love, rage, loyalty, and passion in an ominous production that integrates a number of Shakespeare’s signature elements. Director Diane Paulus remarkably illustrates ‘what could have been’ in a haunting sequence of the best laid plans and Emilia Suárez as Juliet is not only beautiful, naïve and headstrong, but depicted in a heightened and more thought provoking manner while adding new dimensions to this classic star crossed love story.

Directed meaningfully by Diane Paulus and captivating choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui with raw and memorable fight choreography by Thomas Schall, American Repertory Theater kicks off its 45^th season with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet continuing live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 6. The production is two hours and 45 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet delves into the war between feuding families the Montagues and Capulets. However, when Rudy Pankow as Romeo Montague sets his eyes on Emilia Suárez as Juliet Capulet, their worlds are forever changed.

Emilia Suárez (Juliet) and Rudy Pankow (Romeo) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

The war between the Capulet and the Montague families take center stage from the production’s first scene and the hate proves as instantaneous as Romeo and Juliet falling in love at first sight – unreasonable, unbridled, and unyielding. Tensions rise and escalate quickly as both clans face off over a gesture on the street. Amy Rubin’s grand wooden and transformative set pieces which includes a tower that billows smoke, reflects the weighty love and rage contained in these characters who occasionally labor to shift these symbolic set pieces during the production.

Jen Schriever’s dynamic lighting fuels a beautifully contemporary Capulet masquerade with luminous orbs, hazy spotlights and special effects alongside Daniel Lundberg’s mix of foreboding, ethereal and pulsing sound design, but truly shines later in a harrowing display of chilling shadows.

Rudy Pankow (Romeo) and Terrence Mann (Friar Laurence) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Romeo and Juliet features a strong and compelling cast highlighted by Terrence Mann as herbalist Friar Laurence. In tattoos and pulled back hair, Terrence Mann boasts a meaty and enhanced role including part narrator and providing some musical accompaniment on a ukulele. With sharp dramatic and comic timing, Mann as Friar is stoic, sensible and is humorous in his understandable exasperation and weariness reflecting some the audience’s thoughts as he aspires to advise impulsive Romeo and Juliet.

Emilia Suárez as young and love struck Juliet is riveting from her first meeting with passionate and insistent Romeo and later as she agonizes over the excruciating decisions in front of her, almost losing herself in what feels like an Ophelia-like moment during a scene with Sharon Catherine Brown as Juliet’s compassionate and supportive Nurse. It is chilling, brilliant and adds another dimension to this complex character.

Sharon Catherine Brown (Nurse) and Emilia Suárez (Juliet) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Emilio Sosa’s detailed costume design varies from fishnets, ripped jeans and leather to stately and glittering formalwear. Brown has an enviable wardrobe in floral multicolor dresses and jackets right down to her fabulous boots. With a glowing smile, Brown shares a protective and sweet rapport with Juliet and while the Nurse is sometimes depicted with a more maternal instinct than Juliet’s mother, it is not necessarily the case here. Glamorous Nicole Villamil as Lady Capulet may be preoccupied by social matters at times and aware of her limited power as a wife, but has a heartfelt affection for Juliet and wants what is best for her. Mann and Brown also share a memorably amusing scene together, demonstrating they may be the only rational characters in this tale.

Terence Archie is dignified and confident as Lord Capulet, even during a moment where he knocks on a wooden set piece. Archie’s clever turn of Shakespeare’s lines feel contemporary and relatable as Juliet’s father especially in a powerful scene with Juliet later in the production.

Clay Singer (Mercutio), Rudy Pankow (Romeo), and Brandon Dial (Benvolio) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

From a Hawaiian shirt and sneakers to a multicolored cardigan, Clay Singer’s Mercutio is a teasing, raunchy and saucy presence and may keep you guessing whether Singer is flirting or fighting with the other characters. Singer plays the darker undertones and unpredictability of this pivotal character with playful yet protective gallantry and shares some mischievous antics with Brandon Dial as warm hearted and earnest Benvolio. In a black fishnet shirt and leather, Alex Ross as tumultuous Tybalt is a disquieting and menacing force onstage escalating in a gripping scene with Singer, Pankow, and Dial.

Though the production is a bit lengthy, American Repertory Theater delivers an enhanced tale that adds new dimensions to these classic characters which culminate in a unique and insightful epilogue demonstrating that hope rises even in the bleakest of times.

Rudy Pankow (Romeo) and Emilia Suárez (Juliet) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

American Repertory Theater presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 6. The production is two hours and 45 minutes including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Soprano-actress Christina Pecce puts her own spin on a few famous faces in fabulous ‘Witches, Bitches, and Divas!’

Posted on September 19, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

In a white suit and glittering heels, soprano and actress Christina Pecce may have paid homage to Beyonce (her style reminiscent of Beyonce’s suit at the Superbowl 50 halftime show), but certainly stepped into quite a few famous shoes with ‘Witches, Bitches, and Divas,’ a one night only, one woman cabaret that took place at the American Repertory Theatre’s (A.R.T.) Oberon Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 8. Click here for a closer look at ‘Witches, Bitches, and Divas!’ and here to see where Christina will perform next.

Don’t be deceived by the title. No witches, bitches, or divas actually appear in the show unless you are referring to “every woman” Christina Pecce. Her one woman show steps into all three categories to create a partly auto-biographical and comedic musical show covering the likes of Elphaba (Witch) from the Tony award-winning hit musical ‘Wicked,’ Miss Hannigan from the classic musical, ‘Annie‘ (Bitch, if left to interpretation), and diva Mariah Carey. She also chooses zany selections about marriage and shows off her classically-trained vocal talents performing a soaring French opera and then a tonally-deaf singer with Flanders and Swann’s A Word to My Ear. The bottom line is Christina Pecce can sing just about anything.

Witches Bitches and Divas Oberon Cambridge

The Oberon in Cambridge, Massachusetts Photo credit to Witches, Bitches and Divas

Accompanied by a trio of powerhouse musicians which included Music Director Steve Bass on piano, drummer George Darrah, and bassist Nick Francese, Christina brings humor and personal anecdotes while adding her own spin to various medleys. She tackles subjects like nannies, drinking, and gravity and even sneaks in an amusing little drinking game too.

From Sondheim to Nat King Cole, Christina makes her time onstage an unpredictable, interactive treat as she occasionally wanders through the crowd, serenading a few audience members. She also left a piece of her heart onstage in a stirring rendition of Sondheim’s ‘Being Alive.’ Pecce last appeared at the Oberon in February and from the glowing reception she received when she returned, it certainly will not be her last time.

American Repertory Theatre’s Oberon is an intimate and inviting night club without a bad seat in the house that welcomes a variety of shows throughout the year. Located at 2 Arrow Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Oberon is American Repertory Theatre’s second stage for theatre and nightlife. Click here for upcoming events at the Oberon, here to learn more about Christina Pecce, and here for more about the American Repertory Theatre.

Acclaimed producer Sue Gilad talks Tony nominations, girl power, and heartwarming musical, ‘A Taste of Things to Come’

Posted on April 11, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

From the award-winning Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 to Angels in America, renowned theatre producer Suzanne Gilad has an eye for the next big show. Boasting an array of memorable tunes, Sue’s current musical project, A Taste of Things to Come, has been described as Jersey Boys meets Betty Crocker meets the 60s feminist movement. It takes the stage at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse through April 29.

Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago

Sue discusses getting Tony nominations, bringing A Taste of Things to Come to Chicago, and Turtle Wax. Click here for more information and tickets to A Taste of Things to Come.

Sleepless Critic: You are involved in a number of well known projects such as Angels in America, Madame Butterfly, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and upcoming project, The Other Josh Cohen. What first brought you into the theatre world?

Sue Gilad: I was a performer a long time ago and then started doing voice overs, which took me down a completely separate and fun path. A few years ago, a friend created a show and asked me if I would help shape it. I discovered being a producer meant that I could be responsible and still have a life. We get to be creative in terms of what kinds of work we bring to the public to see and hopefully open their minds and hearts. It made sense and there are still relatively few female producers in the business, although that is changing. There is a lot of growth for that.

I would jump Broadway projects as a co-producer and that is what is happening with the recently opened Angels in America. People ask me if they can meet Andrew Garfield who delivers a tremendous and transformative performance in the show. I’ve never seen him like that.

SC: What was it like for you when Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 got multiple Tony nominations?

SG: It was such a big honor that the show received the most Tony nominations of any show last year. The best part about getting the nominations was The Great Comet was a big creative risk. I don’t think anyone thought it was going to be on Broadway with its tiny stage and cast. When it was at the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Diane Paulus wanted to take the show which was in the round and remount it into proscenium theatre. She did to great acclaim and it became an immersive production, unlike anything Broadway has ever seen before.

Libby Servais (Broadway: Wicked, Lysistrata Jones), Cortney Wolfson (Broadway: The Addams Family, Les Miserables) Broadway’s Linedy Genao (On Your Feet! Original Broadway Cast), Marissa Rosen (Off-Broadway’s The Marvelous Wonderettes) Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago

SC: A Taste of Things to Come has an all female crew. Was it planned that way?

SG: Dare I say that the women were the most qualified for the job? A Taste of Things to Come, written by Hollye Levin and Debra Barsha, is based on Hollye’s experience of her mom and a part of it tells the story of the life her mom had growing up. Then director Lorin Latarro came onboard when the show debuted at Bucks County Playhouse in Pennsylvania. Everybody loved her and she brings tremendous things to the show.

The show features four women that age from age 25 in 1957 to age 35 in 1967. Everything blows open in the beginning of Act 2 when they are 10 years older and wiser with more opportunities for women and delicious secrets about race, religion, and sexuality which is not something you really talked about in the 1950s. By the 1960s, there was a real space for it. You get to see these women’s journeys during an incredible moment in history.

SC: What was it about A Taste of Things to Come that grabbed your attention?

SG: I saw a rehearsal or reading of this show and loved it. It gave me the opportunity to articulate my gratitude to the generation before me that broke through so many glass ceilings I didn’t even know existed.

Women of that generation either didn’t work or they became teachers and nurses so my generation can become doctors and superintendents. Then my kids’ generation can do whatever they want for work or nothing for work. It’s just extraordinary and gave me a window into the past. I can share it with my mom and, if I wanted to, bring my teenage daughters to it. It’s a celebration of friendship, solidarity, and kind of interestingly timed with the advent of the ‘me too’ and ‘times up’ movement that women in their time also had to take a stance for things that were beyond their comfort zone or what was socially acceptable at the time.

The cast of ‘A Taste of Things to Come’ Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago

SC: The New York Times has described A Taste of Things to Come as ‘a recipe for catchy musical theatre.’ Please tell me a little about the music and your favorite songs.

SG: Composer Debra Barsha worked on Jersey Boys on Broadway for ten years so it starts out with the popular tunes of the 1950s. Ten years later, things become a lot groovier and it had a really distinctive 60s sound. My favorite song has been shifting as I get to know it better, but today I love the song, Blessings in Disguise. It’s a testament to the things we think will challenge us which are actually the things that make us stronger and give us unexpected gifts. My other favorite song is In Time, the final song of the show. The entire cast sings it and they look back at what they have been through together as individuals and as a group of friends. The best things happen in time.

SC: What has it been like putting the show together?

Since the show is set in Winnetka, A Taste of Things to Come is making its home in Chicago. It’s been fun listening to the audio discs during previews because of the way the audience giggles with any Winnetka or Chicago reference. We were very lucky to get New York Broadway actresses but we also have an understudy that can swing all four roles. Madison Kauffman is a Chicago native who just graduated from college. She came in for the first day of rehearsal completely off book for all four roles. Her level of excitement and passion is so thrilling.

The cast of ‘A Taste of Things to Come’ Photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago

SC: What kind of support is the show looking for?

SG: We have a great sponsor based out of Chicago called Turtle Wax. It is in the script because it was wax that men were using in 1957 for their cars. We would be open for Chicago-based companies to sponsor the show because we do have a wonderful, primarily female, well-educated audience.

SC: What is in store for the future of the show?

SG: We have wonderful theatres interested in having the show at their theatre so we might take the show on tour. Then we’re hoping to get it licensed so every school, regional theatre, community, and worldwide theatre can perform it and share the victories of womanhood.

A Taste of Things to Come continues at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago through April 29. Click here for more information and for tickets. Follow A Taste of Things to Come on Facebook and Twitter.

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