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REVIEW: Midwinter Revels brilliant ‘The Feast of Fools’ blends hope and laughter in the darkest of times

Posted on December 23, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

Dragon battles! Reindeers dance! Kings and Fools! Hope in darkness.

This year’s annual Midwinter Revels is titled The Feast of Fools: A Medieval Celebration of the Solstice, and though fools may be onstage, not even a fool would miss this production.

Showing fresh ingenuity and as immersive as ever, The Feast of Fools delivers as much reveling as insightfulness into medieval hierarchy, the contemporary world we live in, and and the importance of eternal peace in this unpredictable world.

L to R: Vincent Ernest Siders (The King), Laurel Swift (Boney), René Collins (Folly), Eliza Rose Fichter (Fiasco), Roger Reed (Flop), and members of the Midwinter Revels Solstice Chorus Photo by Paul Buckley

Directed cleverly by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise while seamlessly musically directed by Elijah Botkin, Midwinter Revels joyfully presents The Feast of Fools: A Medieval Celebration of the Solstice through December 28 live and in person at Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The December 16^th performance was dedicated to ‘GBH’s legendary and beloved Brian O’Donovan who passed away this year. This show is translated in ASL and is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

An apt and enthusiastic master of ceremonies, veteran reveler David Coffin grandly declared, ‘We are all here to sing!’ He vigorously prepares the audience pre-production for an afternoon of sing-along carols and interactive fun in the spirit of the season.

David Coffin and the cast of Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools Photo by Paul Buckley

Accompanied by lively fiddle and horn-infused rhythms performed by the onstage Sting and Buzzy Walking Band, scenic designer Jeremy Barnett warmly sets the stage with an inviting red glowing wooden fireplace festively adorned with garland and pewter mugs hanging on both sides of the mantel. The Yule Log and a Christmas Star are pivotal pieces in this exciting tale and keys to a bright New Year.

Costumes Supervisor Dexter Wadsworth and costume designer Heidi Hermiller deliver a splendid and kaleidoscopic vision of medieval and festive garb from villager to soldier and jester to royalty in gold embroidered velvet, silver and gold detailed armor, shiny red and black scales, a blue-hued pair of enormous ethereal wings, and much more.

This particular production featured Jeff Adelberg’s gorgeous and luminous lighting for a moonlit night, in a glowing red fire, gleaming lanterns, a haunting twilight on a vastly creative voyage, and in a dazzling solstice flame. Illuminated by gleaming lanterns, Gabriel’s Message is a moving and glorious moment in this touching production.

L to R: René Collins (Folly), Athéna-Gwendolyn Baptiste (Angel), and Laurel Swift (Boney) Photo by Paul Buckley

Rene Collins as Folly, Eliza Rose Fichter as Fiasco, and Roger Reed as Flop form a comical and jovial trio of fools with affable camaraderie who declare they must present The Feast of Fools celebration much to the King’s accommodating dismay. Where love, joy, peace and hope metaphorically take center stage, the trio wears bright, distinctive, and zany costumes as they navigate this symbolic and exciting tale with juggling and more.

L to R: Eliza Rose Fichter (Fiasco), Vincent Ernest Siders (The King), René Collins (Folly), and Roger Reed (Flop) Photo by Paul Buckley

The talented Evergreen Children have a larger role in this tale as their angelic falsetto voices partake in carols, games, puppetry and more. Some of the particular highlights include a beautiful rendition of Lees Wais’ Wassail with David Coffin on recorder and Karen Burciaga on rebec. Roger Reed not only portrays dimwitted and mustachioed Fop, but pops up in additional roles including a mischievous and expressive participant in a children’s game of Old Roger is Dead before taking on a silent, silly, yet fascinating role later in the production. Charismatic Rene Collins later demonstrates some unique skills and magnificent courage facing an intriguing domestic beast.

L to R: René Collins (Folly) and Heather Koerber Nunes (Dragon) Photo by Paul Buckley

Wearing animal hats including crow, cow, and sheep, The Evergreen Children chime for an adorable rendition of There was a Pig Went out to Dig and a significant illuminating shadow puppet show for the King, portrayed with a charismatic baritone laugh by Vincent Ernest Siders. His regal, playful and natural gravitas is a bit scene stealing, even without a crown. His poignant yet hopeful recitation of the Shortest Day was delivered with full throated gracefulness and one of the most memorable parts of this production.

Accompanied by a concertina, The Pinewoods Morris Men literally revel with bells on in an interactive Morris Dance, an intricate and rhythmic Upton stick dance, and the traditional Mummers Carol.

Andrew Conant, Ewan Swanson, and the cast of Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools Photo by Paul Buckley

Soloist Barbara Allen Hill provided rich vocals in various parts of the production including O Cruor Sanguinis chant, the instrumental hymn Dies Irae and in a stirring arrangement by John Fleagle’s Winter Wakeneth.

Having never been swept up in the moment of the production, it was exhilarating to participate in the interactive and traditional Lord of the Dance as revelers and audience members joined arms in the halls dancing jubilantly into intermission and in the lobby of the Sanders Theatre.

The Midwinter Revels Solstice Dancers Photo by Paul Buckley

From Sing We Noel to the Peasant Dance to the Traveler’s Prayer to the Village Bransle Ding Dong Merrily on High to the marvelous Lord of the Dance dynamically choreographed by Susan Dibble, the Midwinter Revels will have everyone on their feet to ring in a wondrous New Year.

Directed cleverly by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise while seamlessly musically directed by Elijah Botkin, Midwinter Revels joyfully presents The Feast of Fools: A Medieval Celebration of the Solstice through December 28 live and in person at Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This show is translated in ASL and is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Americana Theatre Company’s David Friday and Nick Mitchell talk ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’

Posted on December 6, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Over 70 years ago, despair, hardship, hope, and generosity encompassed a holiday tale that quickly became a film classic. Based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story, The Greatest Gift, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life became an annual family tradition for generations and The Americana Theatre Company is bringing back this popular, unique retelling of this beloved story suited to the film’s time period. With a small cast inhabiting over 40 roles with a Christmas Eve setting, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s radio play with a cast of just five actors. The show runs from Wednesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 16 at Plymouth Center for the Arts in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

A few cast member from Americana Theatre Company’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ through December 16 Photo courtesy of Americana Theatre Company

Managing Director of the Americana Theatre Company David Friday and Director Nick Mitchell discuss the inspirational transformation of It’s a Wonderful Life into an interactive, onstage, and in-studio live radio show.

Sleepless Critic: What I like so much about It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is the nostalgic 1940s setting fits right in line with the time period of the film. How did this idea come about?

Nick Mitchell: Radio plays have taken off and a lot of companies are doing live, mock radio plays by bringing in the effects and the different voices from the actors. It was only a matter of time before authors got a hold of pieces like It’s a Wonderful Life. Two different versions of the script are available for It’s a Wonderful Life that is a formatted radio play. The one we’re using is by Joe Landry who condensed it into anywhere from 40 actors, but five are recommended and five is what we are going with.

SC: Those five actors will play 40 roles as I understand.

NM: Yes, indeed. George Bailey is played by Jesse Sullivan, Emily Turner Marsland as Mary. They play just those roles, but Josh Nicholson, David Friday, and Erin Friday, the Director of Education for Americana Theatre, play everybody else.

SC: I understand your voices will be enhanced with microphones, sound effects, and there will also be an authentic ‘Applause’ sign.

NM: The ‘Applause’ sign is funny. David made this fully working sign. I kept thinking during the rehearsal process whether it is bright enough for the audience to see it. However, audiences have responded to it the minute that sign lit up. It was fun to watch.

Cast of It’s a Wonderful Life In Studio Photo courtesy of Americana Theatre Company

SC: It also makes it more interactive for the audience too.

DF: The opening speech of the show explains to the audience that the broadcast will be in a radio studio. Other performances of this show have to be done on a large stage and broadcast on the radio to a different venue. In the opening speech, the announcer says that people at home are going to be able to hear you so laugh, applaud, cry, and it will all be part of the show. It really tries to get everybody involved including our stage manager. He can be seen in the production booth window. We added that nice little twist.

SC: Have there been any surprises during this show’s run such as unexpected reactions to certain scenes?

DF: It’s one of my favorite movies of all time. I see it every year just like most people do and get a little misty when I watch it. At the end of one evening’s performance, quite a few audience members were crying or very close to it. It is good for us. It just tells us we’ve been able to capture the spirit of the original film.

It’s nice and I’ve actually seen a couple of online Facebook comments that people can’t wait to go home and watch it. They enjoyed the show and want to watch it because the show recaptured something in a way that they have never seen it and want to go back and relate it to what they know. People even thinking that way is a large victory for us.

SC: What is the best reason one should come see the production?

NM: In this digital age, we get entertainment where and when we want it with a push of a button. I think at this time of year, a show and format like this reminds us to set aside some time with people that mean something to us and be entertained. In the process, see how many lives we’ve touched in the meantime.

SC: It’s a live show so anything can happen.

NM: It will, believe me.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play continues through Saturday, December 16 at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Reserve tickets by clicking here or call 1-508-591-0282. Tickets will also be available at the door. Follow the Americana Theatre Company of Facebook for more information about this amazing theatre company and future productions.

REVIEW: Festive and moving, Massasoit’s production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is time well spent

Posted on November 30, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Soft, twinkling lights and vintage multi-colored bulbs frame the Buckley Performing Arts Center stage as beloved Christmas carols ring in the holiday cheer in anticipation of a beloved tale. That familiar sign, “You are Now in Bedford Falls” rings true as Massasoit Theatre Company opened a four show, two weekend run of It’s A Wonderful Life continuing through Sunday, December 3 at Buckley Performing Arts Center, part of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Massachusetts. Craig O’Connor, who acts as part narrator and full-time aspiring angel, warmly recalls a beautiful and haunting tale of the value of a life well spent. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Curtis J. Bellafiore as George and Elizabeth Lovley as Mary Hatch and the cast Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Massasoit has an affinity for festive onstage caroling during annual holiday productions and We Wish You a Merry Christmas is just one of an array of classic tunes to set the mood. The rolling stage, designed impressively by Nathan Fogg DeSisto, hearkens not only to its vintage 1920s to 40s setting, but visually captures some of the tale’s most iconic moments from the cold, snow covered bridge to a wooden bench frequently shown in Bedford Falls, a setting inspired by Seneca Falls, New York. Jennifer Spagone’s distinct costume design make the cast looked sharp as women wore brightly colored dresses from polka dots to paisley in signature hairstyles of the period and the men in a variety of suits, ties, and winter coats faithful to the season.

Patricia Straight-McGrath as Mother Bailey and Curtis J. Bellafiore as George Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Told partly in vignettes and flashbacks, It’s a Wonderful Life focuses on a morbidly downtrodden George Bailey, portrayed with a unique charisma by Curtis J. Bellafiore, who reaches a pivotal moment in his life that makes him question the value of his existence. Enter mild-mannered Clarence Odbody, portrayed with warmhearted sincerity by Craig O’Connor, who questions whether he can produce a Christmas miracle.

Curtis J. Bellafiore as George and Danny Hannafin as Uncle Billy Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Director Tony Ruscio masters the challenging task of capturing the charm of this small town through the cast’s jocular and moving camaraderie. The children have small roles, but each engages the audience in their own distinct way. With a winning smile and apprehensive verbal style only mildly reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal, Curtis J. Bellafiore, embodies endearing dreamer George Bailey with a unique charisma. His instant chemistry with Elizabeth Lovley as jubilant, yet mysterious Mary Hatch is captivating to watch. Lovley’s real skill as Mary is not just in the scripted word, but in the subtlety of her performance. Lovley’s quiet serenity perfectly complements Bellafiore’s charming optimism. Craig O’Connor harnesses such a natural presence as lovable Clarence that it is difficult to imagine the actor himself any other way.

Chris DiOrio, last seen as grouchy but lovable Shrek in Hingham Civic Music Theatre’s fall production of the same name, takes a gloriously dark turn as the infamous Mr. Potter. As he makes his demands from a sitting position, his presence casts a constant shadow, his deep, gravelly, and well spoken demeanor brimming with unflinching practicality. His calculating exchanges with each cast member are riveting to say the least.

Chris DiOrio as Mr. Potter, Jim Gross, and Margaret O’Brien as Bank Examiner Photo courtesy of Massasoit Theatre Company

Massasoit Theatre Company’s festive and moving It’s A Wonderful Life continues through Sunday, December 3 at Buckley Performing Arts Center, One Massasoit Boulevard in Brockton, Massachusetts. Call 508-427-1234 or click here for tickets and further details. Follow Massasoit Theatre Company on Facebook for upcoming events and more.