childhood

REVIEW: Teatro Chelsea hits close to home with compelling family dramedy ‘619 Hendricks’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

When a house is chock full of memories, sometimes it is difficult to let go.

Shortly after the death of brothers Nesto and Richie’s parents in Laredo, Texas, the aptly titled 619 Hendricks is an address which holds the livelihood of Nesto and Richie’s immediate futures, but for very different reasons.

Directed thoughtfully by Armando Rivera, Teatro Chelsea continues the world premiere of Josie Nericcio’s family dramedy, 619 Hendricks live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts through July 1.  Though it is not necessary to understand both Spanish and English to enjoy this production, those who understood some of the dialogue in Spanish may have been at an advantage.  This bilingual production is 100 minutes with one 10 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Cristhian Mancinas Garcia as Richie and Juan Carlos Pinedo-Rivera as Nesto in ‘619 Hendricks’ Photo credit to Teatro Chelsea

619 Hendricks is an affecting and sincere dramedy of a vibrant Latino family with some tough decisions ahead of them.  It achieves a delicate balance of sentimentality and practicality as Nesto and Richie discuss the future of their family house which will be financially split between the two of them.  Scenic designer Payton Tavares creates an appropriately tattered atmosphere including intricately torn brick walls and strips of blue wallpaper under vintage photographs perhaps symbolizing the house’s need of repair is not just external.  The intimate manner in which the audience is situated offers a uniquely exclusive peek into this house of many secrets.  619 Hendricks explores grief, jealousies, stubbornness, sibling rivalry, and desperation as the show teeters between humor and tension even occasionally within a single statement.

Juan Carlos Pinedo-Rivera as Nesto, Juan Pedro Paniagua as Tio Chago, and Cristhian Mancinas Garcia as Richie in ‘619 Hendricks’ Photo credit to Teatro Chelsea

This lively cast captures a natural and animated familial rhythm as they lovingly tease and chide each other as they roam the house.   Nesto and Monica Risi as wise and tolerant Marta make an amiable pair striving to do what is best for their family.  Juan Pedro Paniagua as Tio (Uncle) Chago and Eliza Guzman-Hostas as Tia (Aunt) Carolina provide a refreshing lightheartedness as they humorous banter while the brothers discuss a topic that is all too universally familiar within families, especially after a loved one has passed.

Two brothers are at odds over the family house, but the house is just the tip of the iceberg.  Their family issues run deep and the drama unfolds steadily and consistently as tension mounts.  Nesto and Richie have contrasting temperaments which make their bickering, needling, and manipulations that much more explosive. Nesto, portrayed with a big personality and even loftier ideas by Juan Carlos Pinedo-Rivera, thinks he has a fool proof plan for the house while Richie, portrayed with sympathetic and quiet introspection by Crishian Mancinas Garcia, is not so sure.  With Felix Ramos as business minded agent Hector’s added pressure, determined Pinedo-Rivera and Garcia deliver meaty performances as they cut each other to the quick, a consequence of fighting for the upper hand at any cost.  The fights are genuine, tense, and so universally familiar that it is easy to relate to their situation in all of its complications. 

Cristhian Mancinas Garcia as Richie in 619 Hendricks Photo credit to Teatro Chelsea

Directed by Armando Rivera, Teatro Chelsea continues the world premiere of Josie Nericcio’s family dramedy, 619 Hendricks live and in person at Chelsea Theatre Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts through July 1.  This bilingual production is 100 minutes with one 10 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: OBIE Award-winning New Ohio ICE Factory’s ‘Isla,’ ‘Acheron: The River of Tragedy’ and ‘Body Through Which the Dream Flows’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

The OBIE-Award winning New Ohio ICE Factory is celebrating its 29th year and has been presenting a number of innovative works each summer that continue through August 20 live and in person at New Ohio Theatre, 154 Christopher Street in New York City.  Virtual shows are available through August 27.  Isla, Acheron:  The River of Tragedy, and Body Through Which the Dream Flows are just a few of works presented during this annual festival.  Click here for further details, how to stream, and for tickets.

Photo courtesy of New Ohio Theatre

Bikes fly, a plane takes off, and cars zoom as a world unfolds in interactive shadows.  Produced by Hit the Lights Theatre, Isla is a documentary experience which combines shadow puppets, photos, animation, and live action to depict the warmth of Samantha Blaine’s homeland and the realities of the Cuban invasion she grew up in.  Her unique and personal journey with her mother and two free spirited sisters integrates nature and song to demonstrate the realities of invasion, family, and how everything is connected.  Featuring strong vocals as well as heartwarming and wistful performances by Samantha Blain, Marlena Mack, Tiffany Ortiz, Kristopher Dean, Mikayla Stanley, Claron Hayden, and Casey Scott Leach,  Isla is a fascinating production that explores heartache, division, political turmoil, pollution, and how Blaine’s world was shaken by communism. 

‘Isla’ Photo by Claron Haydon

A car crash and a tense, mysterious encounter lead to much more than either of these characters bargained for at a river at the Mexican-US border.  Directed by Martin Balmaceda, Spanish language production Acheron:  The River of Tragedy serves up a wealth of twists and turns in this sordid and at times clever tale.  This production has mature themes and is not for children.

A secretive and menacing presence, portrayed by Cinthia Perez Navarro, has entered the life of Leonardo, portrayed with strained intensity by Aline Lemus Bernal, a nattering, impulsive, and yet perpetual optimist who dreams of freedom as soon as that tumultuous river is crossed.  However, there is a heavy price for that dream and neither are savory characters.  Navarro’s searing intensity and cryptic glances make for some skittish moments while Bernal’s jaunty moves and brisk chatter never quite distract from Navarro’s distressing wrath.  Cinthia Perez Navarro and Aline Lemus Bernal are also behind the show’s sharp choreography.  Acheron:  The River of Tragedy is a gritty tale about the darker side of humanity in the pursuit of happiness.

Acheron ©Hugo Freeman With Aline Lemus Bernal (left) and Cinthia Perez Navarro (right)

Body Through Which the Dreams Flows also explores what it takes to achieve a dream.  In this case, it is achieving the Olympic dream as past footage of Olympic champions kick off the production.  Part documentary and part stage performance, creator Soomi Kim and company takes a look at the incredible world of gymnastics and the corruption and tragedy that has seeped into the sport and the lives of young girls in training.  What does it take to be a champion?  Sometimes the price is too steep.

What is really compelling about Body Through Which Dreams Flow are the reenactments of some real life footage as well as Soomi Kim and Alexandra Beller’s beautiful choreography, the sheer athleticism, and interpretation from athletes Lucy Meola, Olivia Caraballoso, Madison Rodriguez, Shayna Wilson, Nora Avci, and Ai Clancy.  Enhanced by Amanda Ringger’s haunting lighting, Body Through Which the Dream Flows is a stirring and eye opening production addressing the pressures and what seems like the impossible expectations from coaches while focusing on what past athletes have endured.  It also delivers a powerful message on the importance of a child having the chance to be a child.

New Ohio BTWtheDF Full cast_ Ai Clancy, Soomi Kim, Madison Rodriguez, Nora Avci, Shayna Wilson, Lucy Meola, Olivia Caraballoso

The New Ohio ICE Factory 2022 continues live and in person at the New Ohio Theatre through August 20 with virtual availability through August 27.  Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW:  NPR storyteller Kevin Kling reflects on the wonders of childhood in Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s lively and humorous ‘Best Summer Ever’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

How can a childhood fib possibly be part of the best summer ever?

Amid Carter Miller’s vivid and dynamic lighting against a cloud covered sky as multi-instrumentalist and sound effect aficionado Robertson Witmer stands over a grill in an apron and sunny yellow sneakers ready to serve a hot dog, Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Best Summer Ever might give you the urge for summer to arrive a little sooner.  Rowan Doyle’s breezy set design is not the alone in setting up the carefree days of summer.  In a button down shirt, dark pants and striking red and white sneakers relaxed in a lawn chair, popular storyteller and NPR contributor Kevin Kling is an open book ready to share an engaging, wild, and moving account of incredible hijinks during the life changing and unforgettable summer he experienced at 9 years old.

Kevin Kling and Multi-instrumentalist Roberson Witmer in Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s ‘Best Summer Ever’ Photo by Megpix/Meghan Moore.jpg

With compelling direction by Steven Dietz, Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents the east coast premiere of Best Summer Ever through Sunday, May 22 live and in person at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA.  There will be no virtual show available and the show runs 70 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Kevin Kling knows how to tell a great story.  Full of liveliness and spontaneity, what sets Best Summer Ever apart from other productions is Kling’s unique and distinctive touch.  He shares personal anecdotes with plenty of asides, quirky details, and having experienced the show on Mother Day, it is easy to tell each tailored performance is fueled by the interaction and enthusiasm in the audience.  He has a great rapport with Rob who dives head first into some of the production’s sillier moments of Vikings, a purple snow cone gone awry, and chilling ghost stories.  Both seem a kid at heart and they work succinctly as Rob provides the soundtrack and dynamic mood-setting sound effects at a sometimes thrilling pace. 

MRT’s Best Summer Ever – Kevin Kling Photo by Megpix/Meghan Moore

Kling strikes a clever balance of adult reflection and falling right back into his childhood mindset of growing up in Minnesota.  He uses the phrase, ‘unstructured time’ and equating that with ‘boredom’ or in speaking about his farming grandparents, Kling exclaims, “If Grandpa could cut it off, Grandma could pickle it.”

The show also has its share of heartwarming family moments and explores the wonder and imagination of childhood that just might take you back too.

Silly moments with Kevin Kling and Roberson Witmer in MRT’s ‘Best Summer-Ever’ Photos by Megpix/Meghan Moore

Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents the east coast premiere of Best Summer Ever through Sunday, May 22 live and in person at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA.  There will be no virtual show available and the show runs 70 minutes with no intermission.  Thursday, May 19 will be a Q and A Ask the Artists night.  Click here for more information and for tickets.