americana

REVIEW: Lyric Stage’s understated ‘Our Town’ makes the everyday extraordinary

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

The one constant is change.

Though in a sleepy town like Grover’s Corners, change may not be frequent, but with time, it is inevitable.

Directed discerningly by Courtney O’Connor, Lyric Stage Company of Boston continues Thornton Wilder’s 1938 Pulitzer prize-winning drama, Our Town live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, October 19.  This classic three-act production is not limited to the stage and runs two hours and ten minutes including an intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Thomika Marie Bridwell* and Amanda Collins* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

Our Town is one of the great American masterpieces of our time and holds a special place in my heart.  Its subtle yet gripping messages about the circle of life universally resonate and can speak to any generation.  I’ve seen Our Town several times before, and yet, every production is its own fresh and unique experience. 

An astute play, I believe your perception of Our Town changes as you grow and change.  Watching it as a teenager in a school play hits differently than seeing it as an adult and will transform again watching it as an elder.  In its simplicity, it carefully unveils life’s profound and fleeting journey while staying relevant for each generation.

Scenic designer Shelley Barish and costumer Rachel Padula-Shufelt embrace its timeless quality by creating a modest yet classic tone in each element of the production.  An impressive multipurpose wooden circular structure is the symbolic centerpiece of Grover’s Corners as Deb Sullivan’s rich and stirring lighting comes to life during affective and pivotal moments, especially in a vibrant purple moonlit sky bathed in puffy clouds.  Instead of using early 19th century period costumes, Rachel Padula-Shufelt shrewdly showcases classic Americana attire which includes suspenders, button down shirts, cardigans, stately three piece suits, understated dresses, and baseball and newsboy caps. 

WIll McGarrahan* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

Using very few physical props, much of the production is traditionally imagined through Will McGarrahan‘s skilled and interactive narration as Stage Manager.  His engaging, mirthful and intimate delivery acts as part educator, omniscient narrator, occasional sage commentator, and at times, stepping into the action.

Kathy St. George* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

As much as the show may focus on the residents of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, they are second fiddle to the town itself and its unfolding features.  Within the town’s examination and analysis starting in 1901, something lies deeper within its quiet beauty and unlocked doors.  It also contains a wealth of local references that is not too far from its Boston staging.

Darren Paul, Thomika Marie Bridwell,* Jacob Thomas Less, Kathy St. George,* Amanda Collins,* Jessie Garlick and John Kuntz* in Lyric Stage’s Our Town Photo by Nile Hawver

Whether it’s Josephine Moshiri Elwood as forthright and wondrous Emily or Thomika Marie Bridwell as fanciful Mrs. Gibb, delightful Kathy St. George as inquisitive and precocious Rebecca or Amanda Collins as staunch traditionalist Mrs. Webb or John Kuntz as frank and disheartened Simon Stimson, this wonderful and well cast company authentically explore the small joys, hardships and realities of life with humor, humility and grace.  Elwood as Emily and Dan Garcia as George Gibbs particularly share a sweet sincerity and idealistic charm as they discuss their bright futures.

Dan Garcia and Josephine Moshiri Elwood* in Lyric Stage’s ‘Our Town’ Photo by Nile Hawver

Some productions don’t need all the bells and whistles in order to be genuine and Our Town fits the bill through its strong sense of community.  In this age where life is becoming more and more digitized, this small town unpacks life’s perplex meaning through connection in an impactful production season by season. 

Directed discerningly by Courtney O’Connor, Lyric Stage Company of Boston continues Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer prize-winning drama, Our Town live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, October 19.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: The Martha Graham Dance Company, presented by Celebrity Series of Boston, demonstrates its lasting impact

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Americana played a significant role in a number of meaningful dance performances as Celebrity Series of Boston presented Martha Graham Dance Company for two exclusive performances from Friday, November 22 to Saturday, November 23 live and in person at the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts.  The show ran 1 hour 40 minutes with one intermission.  Click here for more information and where Martha Graham Dance Company will perform next nearing its centennial year and here for Celebrity Series of Boston’s upcoming events.

Martha Graham Dance Company in Graham’s “Dark Meadow Suite” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston

Exploring dance through various generations, The Martha Graham Dance Company delivered an intriguing mix of traditional and contemporary performances infusing an array of music genres including classical and tambourine-tinged Americana through storytelling and vivid and symbolic imagery.  From comical to sensual to bold, this distinct selection of dance performances shared some common themes while making a rich and unique impression during each of the four performances.

A leader in the Modernist movement, Martha Graham Company’s Dark Meadow Suite explores a Mexican feel featuring a burnt orange landscape lit by Nick Hung and dancers are adorned in matching burnt orange, black and white layered gowns.  Carlos Chávez’s oboe and fiddle-infused rhythms brings poignancy to the music’s powerful tempo.  It is a sweeping and sensual piece boasted by sharp and sweeping movements as dancers entwine and lean on each other in an elegant trio of pas de deux.

Martha Graham Dance Company in Graham’s “Dark Meadow Suite” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston jpg

Lloyd Knight and Anne Souder’s pas de deux evokes a flourishing intensity hastening and pulsing in unison as the fiddle grinds and they both gazed upward.  Lloyd’s solo is full of athletic charisma in sharp and carefully executed movements and occasionally dancing on his heels.

Agnes DeMille’s Rodeo combines bluegrass, tap and folk in an upbeat and exuberant piece by Cecil B. DeMille’s niece that first made its debut in 1942.  A famed dancer and choreographer, De Mille demonstrates her multifaceted skills not only through this beautifully choreographed ballet, but through compelling storytelling that could have easily translated to film as it does onstage.

Martha Graham Dance Company in Agnes de Mille’s “Rodeo” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston

Set in various western settings including a prairie, Rodeo focuses on a cowgirl captivatingly portrayed by Laurel Dally Smith who bursts onto the scene galloping with lively authenticity and endearing comic charm marching to the beat of her own drum.  Dressed as a cowboy and remarkably expressive, the cowgirl finds herself not quite fitting in anywhere.  Smith’s confidence and rambunctiousness seems to come off awkwardly with the ladies and not quite acceptable to the cowboys.  Smith’s self-assured individuality displays her earnestness and determination yet leads her to daydream in isolation.

Aaron Copland’s jubilant score and heart thumping rhythms with a country twang keeps this short tale lighthearted as Smith brings a sympathetic and fanciful nature to this role.  Surrounded by happy couples, Smith is taken by the romance of it all and displays not an ounce of jealousy, but soaking in her surroundings as she craves to belong.

Martha Graham Dance Company in Agnes de Mille’s “Rodeo” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston

The complementary array of Oana Botez’s pastel colored western attire and period pieces embroidered in floral patterns with distinct hats beautifully stand out against each of Beowulf Boritt’s picturesque settings.  Accented by clapping and jubilant dance, Lloyd Knight’s sporadic instructions to the beat lead the dance as Square Dance Caller. They are the only spoken words in the piece and lends to the carefree and romantic atmosphere prevalent in this performance.  De Mille creates a dreamlike and fanciful world as the cowboys flirt and skirt chase in lively dance routines that include couples partnering in sweeping pas de deux.

Richard Villaverde and the Martha Graham Dance Company in Agnes de Mille’s “Rodeo” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston

Richard Villaverde as The Champion Roper not only delivers some sweet scenes with Smith, but an excellent tap dancing solo to heart thumping rhythms.

Rodeo’s conclusion is unexpected and somewhat indicative of the time the piece was performed.  It is a comical, heartfelt and romantic piece sharing some similarities to De Mille’s artistry in Oklahoma while it explores discovering your place in the world.  

Martha Graham’s Lamentation proves that a piece does not need to be long to have a lasting impact.  Originally performed in 1930 and infused with fiddle-infused rhythms by Zoltán Kodály, So Young An depicts powerlessness and grief perfectly and poignantly barefoot and bogged down by her clothing in limiting dress and engulfed in its masses and yet reaching out. 

So Young An in Martha Graham’s “Lamentation” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston

When one is speechless, say it through art.  We the People, choreographed with a catchy country tinge by Jamar Roberts this year, makes powerful statements in various segments that kick off in dance before the music begins.  At once playful, then winding, but consistently commanding the stage, We the People is a powerful array of tight, unified and symbolic chorography on a black backdrop.  In Karen Young’s denim-inspired attire, the dancers seemingly get swept up in the music as they twist, stomp, and slice the air to infectious tambourine-tinged and fiddle-induced rhythms.  Bold and tenacious, performers clap and spin to a driving beat creating vivid imagery and making a lasting impact about the modern world.

Martha Graham Dance Company in Jamar Roberts’ “We The People” PHOTO by Robert Torres for Celebrity Series of Boston

Celebrity Series of Boston presented Martha Graham Dance Company for two exclusive performances from Friday, November 22 to Saturday, November 23 live and in person at Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and where Martha Graham Dance Company will perform next nearing its centennial year and here for Celebrity Series of Boston’s upcoming events.

The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow’s David Tanklefsky talks songwriting and the band’s touring adventures

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, who recently released their live debut album, The Heart of the Run is returning to Club Passim for a sold out CD release party in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Friday, June 7 at p.m.  Sam Luke Chase is opening for the group.  Click here to learn where Whiskey Treaty Roadshow is opening next on their ‘Band Together’ tour and here for future performances at Club Passim.

Whiskey Treaty Roadshow’s David Tanklefsky talks about Whiskey’s unique songwriting, the Beatles, and their touring adventures.  Click here to see their award-winning, short documentary and follow them on Facebook.

Sleepless Critic:  You’ll be at Club Passim on Friday, June 7 and are currently touring.  You have also performed at Club Passim for their bi-annual interactive ‘Campfire Festival‘ which features an interactive concert experience on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.

David Tanklefsky:  Passim is a special place and we are lucky to have it in the area.  It seems like as less money is available to go around in the music world, the relationship between musicians and venues has become more transactional.  Passim is the opposite. They are unique and truly care about developing musicians and giving them a platform for being heard.

SC:  How did Whiskey Treaty Roadshow form and how did you meet?

DT:  Tory Hanna is really the conduit through which the band came together.  One of my best friends, who I was in a band with for years growing up, was living in a loft in Brooklyn with Tory and we started hanging out through him.  His wife Susie went to high school with Greg Smith and Tory knew Billy Keane through the Berkshires music world.  Billy had played a few shows with Chris Merenda and was a big fan of his old band, the Mammals. It happened very naturally, which I think is the best way for creative groups to get together.

Whiskey Treaty Roadshow band

With Chris Merenda, David Tanklefsky, Greg Daniel Smith, Tory Hanna and Billy Keane Photo courtesy of Whiskey Treaty Roadshow

SC:  Whose idea was the award-winning, short documentary and how did you decide on the details to the documentary?  It features lots of scenic, peaceful views of different areas of Massachusetts.

DT:  Tory grew up with a filmmaker named Tim Bradley who was looking for a new documentary project.  Tim captured our rehearsals for a four night tour we had organized through Massachusetts.  It was our first time playing together as a group.

Watching it now is such fun because it’s a snapshot of a band just starting out without any expectations beyond playing four great shows.  Tim meticulously planned out all the locations and the amazing videography.  When Tory mentioned his friend wanted to film us, I trusted his judgment but never imagined Tim would come up with such a well-crafted film.  It really helped catapult us into being a real band.

SC:  You have a relaxed sound, a rhythm likened to a drive down a peaceful country road.  You have a bit of a country tinge to some of your music.  Was that planned?  How did you end up conforming to a sound?

DT:  In folk music, there are songs and chord progressions that become seared into your soul over time. We’ve never had a discussion about it, but everyone brings songs to the table that we think will work with our instrumentation and vocal abilities. I think the folk/country/Americana textures come from having many stringed instruments on stage and the collaborative spirit of just sitting around, passing the guitar, and sharing songs.

SC:  Folk music is full of rich stories and each of you has a distinct style.  How do you come up with your songs?  Do you write a song together or are the songs bits of each songwriter or one song written by one another?

DT:  In this project, everyone writes independently and then brings songs to the table in various forms of completeness. We’ve been tinkering with different instrumentation and having some songs with more minimal arrangements as it has evolved.  We ask ourselves, ‘Do we need five people strumming away like mad men through this whole song?’  Often the answer is no. In the next few months, we’re planning to do a little songwriting retreat where we write more actively together for the first time, which will be new, exciting, and hopefully fruitful.

SC:  Where did your love for songwriting start?  Your particular songwriting style has a bit of humor with some rich lyrics and a bit of an unpredictable tempo at times.

DT:  When I was 10, I had an unhealthy obsession with the Beatles for three years straight.  I thought they were a perfect band.  My friends and I went as the Beatles for Halloween every year between ages 10 and 13. No one wanted to be Ringo and no one was left-handed like Paul so we were four kids with mushroom cuts and right-handed cardboard guitars.

Later I became inspired by songwriters that are always growing, pushing, and challenging their listeners.  I think Paul Simon is the gold standard for that.  I’m in awe of the insatiable curiosity he taps into and I try to write from a position of newness like that.  Being unaware of where my curiosity will take me but trying to just follow it through.

SC:  I understand you are touring.  What kind of venue would be an ideal place for you to play?

DT:  It was a huge thrill to perform with Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter Sarah Lee. That’s way up on the list.

We’ve had the opportunity to play some amazing old theatres. We loved the Northampton Academy of Music and the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.  It was total thrill to sell out Mass MOCA, but some of our best shows have been in how-did-we-end-up-here type places too.

We played a last minute show in Cambridge at a really tiny place in Central Square and it was packed in with people standing on tables, total chaos.  The bouncer was adamant that no one else could come in because it was too packed.  One person left outside was our drummer, Jimmy.  He came in the back door and was kicked back out onto the street. We said, ‘But that’s the drummer!’  The bouncer replied, ‘I don’t care, I said no more!’  Eventually we brokered a deal and Jimmy was allowed inside and the show went on.  Theatres and dive bars are both okay in our book.

Click here for more information about Whiskey Treaty Roadshow and  and here for future concerts at Club Passim, 47 Palmer Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, conveniently located in Harvard Square.  Not only a haven for music lessons, Passim offers live concerts nearly 365 days a year featuring Grammy winners to musicians with a dream.  Click here for their music schedule and follow Passim on Facebook and Twitter.