First Church of Boston | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ is funny, fascinating, but its best moments shine quietly

Posted on November 14, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

How did Peter Pan get his name? What exactly is Pixie dust? How did Peter become Hook’s sworn enemy?

The premise is promising. From pirate to prawn, every cast member is a dynamic storyteller in Hub Theatre of Boston’s imaginative musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, a prequel of sorts to Peter Pan. Featuring an energetic cast taking on multiple roles, a wealth of physical humor, and no shortage of wild comedy, Rick Elice’s Peter and the Starcatcher strings together the adventures that lead up to the legend of Peter Pan.

Hub Theatre of Boston Peter and the Starcatcher cast

Peter and the Starcatcher cast Photo courtesy of Hub Theatre Company of Boston

Directed by Sarah Gazdowicz with music direction by Bethany Aiken, Hub Theatre of Boston presents Peter and the Starcatcher, the final production of its sixth season, with recently added performances through Sunday, November 18 at First Church of Boston in Boston, Massachusetts. Tickets are available at a pay-what-you-can basis. Click here for more information.

Cassie Chapados’s detailed London set harbors clues from the classic Peter Pan story, but the actual performance seems to spring out of a child’s imagination. The cast emerges from every side and each seat has a good view at First Church of Boston. Peter and the Starcatcher is action-packed and respect is due for the sheer physical nature of this piece as this animated cast frequently and skillfully form human structures such as a ship and various scenarios as the story unfolds.

L to R: Joey C. Pelletier as Black Stache and Michael John Ciszewski and the cast Photo courtesy of Hub Theatre Company of Boston

Dominated by dastardly pirates, Peter and the Star Catcher is full of captures, double crosses, commandeering ships, and overseas adventure. Molly Kimmerling portrays Bill Slank with a sneer and a strut, a charismatic double crosser with a rock n roll edge. Michael John Ciszewski as dimwitted, somewhat unhinged Smee and Joey C. Pelletier as swaggering Black Stache work well together in silly, over the top fun.

With inquisitive eyes and a star-crossed dress, Lauren Elias is no damsel in distress as eloquent, logical, and determined Molly Aster. Much like her father Lord Aster in a commanding performance by Liz Adams, Molly’s plucky personality is a good match for Claire Koenig as lonely, forthright and naïve orphan known only as Boy.

Claire Koenig as Boy with the cast Photo courtesy of Hub Theatre Company of Boston

The exploration of loneliness, faith, dreams of flying, and finding one’s place in the world is part of what inspires writers to expand and retell this timeless tale. The improvisational, local, and at times, self referential humor ranges from what an older child would appreciate and features some adult humor as the show progresses. The audience is so close to the action, it is also somewhat interactive at times. Peter and the Starcatcher is packed with comedy and yet, it is the sweeter, quieter moments that give the production true heart.

Hub Theatre Company of Boston presents Peter and the Starcatcher through Sunday, November 18 at First Church of Boston in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets. Get all of Hub Theatre Company of Boston’s upcoming events and more on Facebook.

Boston Camerata’s Artistic Director Anne Azema talks Fortune and greed in classic satire ‘The Tale of Fauvel: A Political Fable from Medieval France’

Posted on October 26, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

With a dose of comedy and memorable music, The Boston Camerata kicks off its 64^th season with an enduring satire on hypocrisy, abuse, and greed called The Tale of Fauvel: A Political Fable from Medieval France on Sunday, October 28 at the First Church of Boston at 4 p.m. Based on a 14^th century poem the Roman de Fauvel, this compelling piece focuses on corrupt rulers and the effect they have on society. Click here for more information and for tickets.

The Boston Camerata’s Artistic Director Anne Azema portrays Fortune in this political fable. She describes her pivotal role, the show’s contemporary significance, and plans for the future.

Sleepless Critic: You took on the role of Fortune in Tale of Fauvel: A Political Fable from Medieval France. No doubt Fortune must play a powerful role in this piece.

Anne Azema: Fortune or Lady Luck, a kind of pagan Goddess surviving into the Christian Middle Ages, is a powerful presence and presented as a female in medieval literature. According to the Carmina Burana text, she holds the world in her hands, sits on her wheel, will raise some and crush others – and will leave you shirtless, with a bare back. Fauvel, the Orange-Maned Horse, has put in his mind to conquer the entire world by wooing and then marrying Fortune. Little does he know Fortune’s answer to his courtship is a severe put-down.

SC: This show is a satire, but it carries a contemporary significance ahead of the midterm elections.

AA: Fauvel began Camerata’s long series of story-telling programs, an effort that continues to this day. I think Fauvel’s truculent criticism of hypocrisy, abuse, and greed in public life continues to be as relevant as the headlines in today’s newspapers. Some of the lines from 1310 seem so relevant, it will give you shivers.

Anne Azema and Shira Kammen Courtesy of The Boston Camerata

Director Emeritus and narrator Joel Cohen Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Timothy Leigh Evans as Fauvel Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Michael Barrett, voices Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Steve Lundahl, winds Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Shira Kammen on vielle, harp Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Steve Lundahl, winds Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Shira Kammen on vielle, harp Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Michael Barrett, voices Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Timothy Leigh Evans as Fauvel Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Director Emeritus and narrator Joel Cohen Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

Anne Azema and Shira Kammen Courtesy of The Boston Camerata

SC: What was it like working with the cast?

AA: A complete joy! Our core team has performed this piece in various configurations before. Aside from our three singers, we will have two instrumentalists and a narrator, who will share, in irreverent English verse, the adventure of our Horse, Fauvel.

We are also happy to include Longy School of Music of Bard College students and Brandeis students. They will all take part in the revels of Fauvel’s Wedding Night!

SC: What inspired you to bring it to the Boston Camerata stage this season?

AA: Its manuscript source is interesting on many levels so it is well known both to musicians and literary types who have an interest in early repertoires. It’s a vehement diatribe in verse against the abuse of power in Paris of 1310, but there is a visual aspect to the book which includes beautiful illuminated miniatures. The music, an anthology so to speak, of varied genre and style of pieces, were songs that were circulating in Paris at the time. They were either recycled from other sources to fit the narrative or composed to illustrate the purpose.

Camerata developed a first version of Fauvel in the 90s as a commission for Warner/Erato. Within the Boston Camerata’s repertoire are programs both recently created and ‘classic’. Our Fauvel falls into this latter category. We are delighted this production continues to be in demand both here and in Europe.

SC: What sort of music will this show offer?

AA: Written many centuries ago but very accessible, the music is direct and acoustical. It’s a mixture of voice(s) and instruments in a small setting. The public is close to the performers and has an ‘organic’ access to them. The trademark to our performances is a blend of spontaneity, energy, and emotional commitment with careful research and scholarship.

SC: Though this show has its moments of humor, this piece is message-driven. What is the best reason you think people should see this show?

In the end, I believe what is important is spending an entertaining hour or more together. Although the music is seven centuries old, it is totally enjoyable. Its beauty and energy will bring you to another powerful place and frankly, speaking of humour and satire, we all need to blow off a little steam in this highly fraught moment.

The cast in action. Photo courtesy of the Boston Camerata

SC: Boston Camerata’s 64th season boasts a wonderful lineup including Christmas performances Puer Natus Est: A Medieval Christmas and Gloria! An Italian Christmas in December. How do you select each season’s performances?

AA: My choices are driven by my personal interests, the teams we have, the repertory book we want to keep alive, and by our mission to create new programs combined with touring and recording demands. The idea is to keep us and our audiences alert, perky, and open to new experiences.

SC: I understand you are also a soloist, often writing your own pieces, touring, or recording. Please tell me about that.

I just returned from touring Canada with a One Woman Show, a show which presents music of the 12th and 13^th century. These recitals, alone or with colleagues, offer a different way of connecting with the public and demand a deeper relationship with the music.

SC: What work you are currently working on?

AA: I will continue to look at narratives/storytelling and prepare several recording and media projects in the coming seasons. Besides our medieval shows, we’ve been involved in early American music. We are also working on the release of our Naxos CD recorded last season in the context of a Canadian, American, and Dutch project. We recorded The Harmonia Mundi CD in September and that will contain some powerful, motivating American songs of resistance and rebellion!

For one day only, The Boston Camerata presents The Tale of Fauvel: A Political Fable from Medieval France on Sunday, October 28 at the First Church of Boston at 4 p.m. Click here for more information and tickets and be sure to follow The Boston Camerata on Facebook for all their latest news.