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REVIEW: Thinking outside the box is part of the appeal of ‘Class Dismissed’

‘It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.’

This quote from philosopher Frederic Jameson is one of many reflections studied in this energetic and satirical experimental theatre work, Class Dismissed. This interactive work features a cast of students, teachers and volunteers from the audience. Some of the lighter topics include pillow fights and day drinking.

Director and performer Daniel Irizarry in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp

This is no ordinary classroom and the production’s moments of seriousness resonate over the lighter ones. As director and performer Daniel Irizarry states, ‘Knowledge is painfully acquired’ and that resonates on many levels. As in any classroom, pearls of wisdom shine through.

Pepper Binkley in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp

Written by Robert Lyons and imaginatively directed by Daniel Irizarry, La Mama Experimental Theatre Club presents ‘Class Dismissed’ live and in person at Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York City through Sunday, May 4. This work runs 95 minutes with one intermission and is also available to live stream. Please bring a book so you may donate it or swap it with an audience member. You can also be a consensual volunteer. Click here for more information and for tickets.

In high socks and pumpkin letterman jackets which is just a glimpse of Hayley Wallenfeldt’s vibrant costumes, these earnest, unconventional and adventurous teachers lend to Florian Stabb’s inventive sound design playing instruments and creating music including makeshift instruments like two skillets and sing a cappella ranging from dance to horn infused rhythms to Italian opera.

Yaraní del Valle Piñero and Rhys Tivey in ‘Class Dismissed’ Photo by Bronwen Sharp

Hallucinating a post-capitalist manifesto, Class Dismissed also focuses on two grad students portrayed by Yaraní del Valle Piñero and Rhys Tivey satirically and at times outlandishly reporting on the state of the world. This creative experimental work can be confusing at times but an intriguing concept and some elements work better than others. As this is interactive and experimental theatre, you won’t see the same show twice and a different artist is featured at every performance. Recent live stream performers were Ji-Young Kim from South Korea’s Seoul Institute of The Arts and Naz Göktan and Efe Çetinel from Bilkent University in Turkey.

Lit-professors Pepper Binkley and Daniel Irizarry explain that they are using two different strategies for two different goals. This work recites as much poetry, prose and noir as it comments on consumerism, pleasure and the established order. You can expect the unexpected in this classroom and these teachers are willing to go to great lengths to deliver a high energy and memorable experience while the students dream about the future.

La Mama Experimental Theatre Club presents ‘Class Dismissed’ live and in person at Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York City through Sunday, May 4. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: ‘Zebra 2.0’ at New Ohio’s ICE Factory boasts an unconventional meet cute with fascinating zip

Posted on August 1, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

One is nicknamed Zebra and another knows everything there is to know about Zebras….except how Zebras feel.

Zebra 2.0 is technological ice breaker and a breakthrough unlike any other. An interesting meet cute for the modern age, AnomalousCo, Wistaria Project, and Romanian Cultural Institute’s sci-fi rom com Zebra 2.0 was presented at New Ohio Theatre’s ICE Factory in NYC and is now streaming through August 12. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Click here for more information and how to stream the film.

Alina Mihailevschi and Tim Craig in ‘Zebra 2.0’ Photographer: Jarrett Robertson

A computer and a woman meet in a lab. She calls it Al and Al nicknames her Zebra 2.0. As Al coordinates a line of numbers, inquisitive Zina, energetically depicted by Alina Mihailevschi, realizes that Al, portrayed with intellectual charm by Tim Craig, have much more in common than either of them realized. Zebras are only the beginning.

Zebra 2.0 has an enchanting way of delving into various topics such as the environment, biology, science, books, music, immigration, standardized tests, employment, and the nature of being human in a clever and fascinating manner. Though Zina only chance meets Al as she cleans up a laboratory, her friendly and candid conversations with Al spark some compelling results. Written by Saviana Stanescu and directed by Jeremy Goren, Zebra 2.0 combines method and sentiment into a sweet, intense, and astute production with resounding messages about humanity. Tim Craig is impressive, gradually molding Al into a charismatic and sympathetic character and Mihailevschi epitomizes lonely, zealous, friendly, rebellious, and imaginative Zina who longs for knowledge and dreams of a better life.

Tim Craig and Alina Mihailevschi in ‘Zebra 2.0’ Photographer: Jarrett Robertson

John Jannone, Michi Zaya, and Amy Liou’s luminous projection and video, Duncan Davies’s incredible multicolor lighting and Ras Badejo’s epic music and sound combine to make Al into a dazzling, fervent, and a powerful entity that blurs fantasy and reality inside a pristine, windowless, and futuristic space by Xinan Helen Ran. These special effects display some of the most exciting scenes in the production only second to Craig and Mihailevschi’s humorous and engaging chemistry that just might deliver greater meaning than anything Al can calculate.

Written ambitiously by Saviana Stanescu with elevated direction by Jeremy Goren, AnomalousCo, Wisteria Project, and Romanian Cultural Institute’s sci-fi rom com Zebra 2.0 was presented at ICE Factory in NYC and is now streaming through August 12. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Click here for more information and how to stream the film.

REVIEW: Boasting a strong cast, Company Theatre’s ‘Something Rotten’ a fresh and clever musical comedy

Posted on March 26, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

Amid set designer Ryan Barrow’s quaint, warmly-lit, Tudor-inspired cottages of 1595 London is a Renaissance rock star…and the ones he left behind. Company Theatre’s Something Rotten has something new to say about something olde and what it truly takes to be remembered.

Slickly directed by Zoe Bradford with zealous musical direction by Steve Bass, Company Theatre presents lighthearted musical comedy Something Rotten through April 3 live and in person at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. The show is not recommended for young children and runs approximately two hours with a brief intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Director Zoe Bradford and the cast of ‘Something Rotten’ Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

The phrase, Something Rotten, calls to mind a number of references, but primarily this alludes to the one and only William Shakespeare, London’s resident celebrity. While music was prevalent in 1595, writers were the real stars of their time and Shakespeare, charismatically portrayed with plenty of ego, prowess, and smirking, flamboyant charm by Brad Reinking, was a legend. Surrounded by Shakespeare’s Bard Boys (watch their expressions as he speaks), Reinking’s stage presence is an eclectic cross between Prince and Elvis.

Christopher Spencer as Nigel Bottom, Brad Reinking as Shakespeare, and Donny Norton as Nick Bottom Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

In the glow of stardom, there must be a few naysayers and no one does it better than Donnie Norton as cynical and struggling writer Nick Bottom who once worked with that famous Bard. Nick’s level of griping is prevalent in the catchy number, God, I Hate Shakespeare, but what makes the song particularly interesting it is also embodies relevant reasons some people do not care for Shakespeare’s writing. Norton as Nick Bottom is so good at the role that payoff is big when he finally shows a trace of optimism. Christopher Spencer also shines as idealistic, impressionable, and head-in-the-clouds Nigel, Nick’s little brother and fellow writer. Spencer’s best moments as Nigel is when he shows reason and aptitude, though his giddy chemistry with Emily Lambert as wide-eyed yet steadfast Portia is also wonderful to watch.

Emily Lambert as Portia and Christopher Spencer as Nigel Bottom Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Something Rotten is often self aware and its irreverent brand of humor brought to mind the classic comedy of Mel Brooks in musicals such as in the Tony award-winning The Producers or Young Frankenstein. Sally Ashton Forrest’s notable choreography boasts some splashy and humorous dance sequences including tap dancing and even a glorious kick line.

Elizabeth Cole Sheehan’s gleaming, colorful, and historically-faithful costumes cross the pond between regal classical to edgy contemporary adorned in gold-embroidered velvet, puffed sleeves, and leather.

Welcome to the Renaissance Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Something Rotten features some powerhouse vocals, especially from these forward-thinking leading ladies in jolly ol’ England. Emily Lambert as Portia lifted her soaring soprano vocals for the gospel-inspired, We See the Light and the sweet and cheeky duet, I Love the Way with Spencer’s Nigel. Melissa Carubia as spunky, confident, and loyal to a fault Bea is also ahead of her time, her dynamic vocal range on display for the groundbreaking number, Right Hand Man. With quirky comedic charms fueled by a mix of Catherine Tate and Jennifer Saunders, Janis Hudson is perfectly smashing as royally-dressed Lady Clapham.

Janis Hudson as Lady Clapham Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

With bright, inquisitive eyes and a mischievous and knowing grin, Christopher Hagberg is a scene stealer as Thomas Nostradamus who leads with Norton in the funniest and most brilliant number of the show, A Musical tailor-made for literary and musical lovers everywhere.

Donnie Norton as Nick Bottom and Christopher Hagberg as Thomas Nostradamas Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Company Theatre presents lighthearted musical comedy Something Rotten through April 3 live and in person at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. The show runs approximately two hours with a brief intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s insightful ‘Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End’ will delight more than the domestic housewife

Posted on March 6, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

At long last, it is here and I can’t help being thrilled.

When Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) first announced that Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End would be part of MRT’s upcoming season, my heart leapt. Having taken great joy in reading Bombeck’s comical works such as The Grass is Always Greener over the Septic Tank and If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits, I had high expectations for this production that ended up being delayed a few times due to Covid.

Karen MacDonald in ‘Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End’ Photo credit to Megpix/Meghan Moore

Sponsored in part by WBUR and intuitively directed by Terry Berliner, Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End virtually and live in-person at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA through March 13. The show is just over one hour with no intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

Erma Bombeck’s column about life as a housewife made her a household name. She became the most distributed column in America and it is easy to see why. Before I ever grasped the concept of being a housewife, I loved reading Erma Bombeck. As an adult and still not a housewife, I still revel in her sharp and timeless humor. She never misses a beat relating to women everywhere and though her advice dates back as early as the 60s, most of it remains relevant today.

Dan Zimmerman’s intriguing multi-level and colorful set is a relic of a 1960’s house equipped with period kitchen cabinets, dated upholstery, an old phone, and retro household appliances. Joel Shier’s lighting is subtly appealing alongside Scott Stauffer’s charming and well-timed sound effects. Though MacDonald is only present onstage, a supporting cast can be heard that lends to the pacing and a larger sense of realism to the production.

In classic pearls and a blue floral dress, Karen MacDonald as Erma looks the quintessential housewife as she takes the audience from 1962 through 1996. Bombeck longed to be a foreign correspondent and instead became a suburban housewife residing in Cherrywood Acres in Dayton, Ohio. She quipped, ‘I blazed a trail all the way from the laundry room to the sink.’

Allison and Margaret Engel’s screenplay is chock full of clever anecdotes and MacDonald’s warm and inviting presence gradually feels like visiting with an old friend. The quick, peppy, and semi-interactive screenplay is peppered with Bombeck’s astute observations as she shares her remarkable journey to becoming a writer, her zany family life, and gathering her sense of self over the years.

Much like Julia Child of the same generation, Bombeck is self-deprecating in her imperfections and prides herself on honesty. MacDonald slips into Bombeck’s natural and relatable tone comfortably brimming with advice, but never in a ‘know-it-all’ sort of way. A few of her marvelous observational gems include ‘Why take pride in cooking when they don’t take pride in eating?’ or ‘My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance’ or ‘What doesn’t kill you now, comes back a few days later to try again.’

That last piece of advice also resonates with the darker side of Bombeck’s humor. Surprisingly, Erma Bombeck had her share of haters and struggles. However, she proves herself a source of strength and fortitude. Even her most serious reflections and recollections are met with a jovial and contemplative quip. Though the production is considered mostly lighthearted, MacDonald as Erma manages to find humor in pain which is a rare quality indeed.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents Erma Bombeck’s ‘At Wit’s End’ virtually and live in-person at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA through March 13. Click here for more information and tickets.