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REVIEW: ‘Traveling Shoes’ an uplifting and resonating journey of perseverance

Posted on August 25 by The Sleepless Critic

“Every song is someone’s story.”

This is just a sample of the insightfulness infused into Christian David’s melodious new musical revue workshop, Traveling Shoes. Featuring scattered testimonials, gospel history, mighty vocals and hopeful life lessons, Traveling Shoes demonstrates that traveling armed with faith and the Gospel brings joy and resilience amidst life’s sufferings.

Written and under Christian David’s direction and music direction and co-choreographed with sleek and interconnected choreography by both Christian David and Ramone Owens, C David Entertainment presented Traveling Shoes: A Revival of Sound, Soul and Story live and in person for free and for one night only on Sunday August 9 at 6PM at the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This semi-interactive musical revue encourages the audience to clap, sing, stand, praise and respond to the music as they wish and ran 90 minutes with no intermission. This engaging show is also aiming for a Broadway run. Click here for more information and for future performances.

Christian David & Tiffany Binion in ‘Traveling Shoes’ Photo by Najee Brown

Having been to the Multicultural Arts Center before, this pristine setting with wooden doors and immaculate etchings already infuses regality into the production’s modestly staged set which includes chairs posing as pews with Bibles and a grand piano.

Doris Bumpus & Levetta Hall in ‘Traveling Shoes’ Photo by Najee Brown

Welcome to Holy Hail Baptist Church where pastors and church goers share their testimonies, suffering, joy and more importantly, community while encouraging ways in which the Gospel enriches their daily walk with God by serving others. Prior to the performance, classic Gospel recordings softly play until this charismatic group took the stage and lifted their voices for the bright and catchy original opening number, Traveling Shoes followed by the encouraging classic gospel hymn, How I Get Over. Traveling Shoes showcased skilled and powerful voices and it may be the acoustics of the venue, but vocal accompiament occasionally overpowered the lead singer.

Adorned in pearls and sophisticated black and white formal attire from ceremonial gloves right down to their shining shoes, this impressive cast is composed of two local performers and an array of cast members that flew in from California for this event. Traveling Shoes is an original work in progress and combines a tapestry of original and classic gospel songs, hymns and spirituals to demonstrate the power of the Gospel in their daily lives while finding strength during hard times.

Tiffany Binion, Doris Bumpus, Christian David & Levetta Hallin ‘Traveling Shoes’ Photo by Najee Brown

Many of the featured songs are upbeat and lively while others venture into soul stirring experiences and it is difficult to pick out ones that stand out over the others. One of the most quietly stirring moments in the production was a beautiful rendition of Peace Be Still, delivered powerfully by Michael Bradley, Dermel Warren, Tiffany Binion, and Yardley Griffin, Jr. Yardley Griffin, Jr’s You Gotta Move offers urgency in line with the musical’s core theme as well as an incredible version of At the Cross with Yardley Griffin and the cast. Dermel Warren with Christian David, Levetta Hall and Tiffany Binion deliver an inspiring rendition of Mary, Don’t You Weep as well as Were You There by Michael Bradley.

While more of a music showcase than a true narrative, Traveling Shoes delivers classic gospel hymns and spirituals including Give me that Old Time Religion featuring Christian David and the cast, Jamehl Taylor performs Oh When the Saints Go Marching In/This Little Light of Mine medley, Christian David and Yardley Griffin, Jr. perform a lighthearted and hopeful rendition of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, a powerful His Eye is on the Sparrow by Doris Bumpus and Darren Paul and the entire company for a captivating Amazing Grace.

Doris Bumpus in ‘Traveling Shoes’ Photo by Najee Brown

Various life scenarios run through the production notably a wonderful rendition of Didn’t It Rain featuring Doris Bumpus and Levetta Hall.

Traveling Shoes references and briefly highlights the church pianist and that memorable pastor who makes an impact during the performance. Both individuals carry burdens and it would be interesting to expand on that idea and more than offering a song, insert a particular message that stands out apart from the music that would appeal to those who do not frequent the church pews. Traveling Shoes is a wonderful presentation for a church audience, but expanding on that idea to bring encouragement to those not familiar with the church may make the production that much more extraordinary.

This musical revue offers lightheartedness and humor while it also touches upon historical tragedies and injustices and how to cope when there is no answer. It works well as a segment and perhaps be expanded upon during different intervals of the production staying in line with the Traveling Shoes theme.

Yardley Griffin, Jr in ‘Traveling Shoes’ Photo by Najee Brown

Moonbox Productions presented a musical called Crowns which explores several themes including the significance of church hats as a symbol of much more while running a narrative through that. Though Traveling Shoes is a metaphor, it resonates at key points during the production. I do believe there can also be a story that can run through this, perhaps adding a protagonist surrounded by the company. The viewer can witness the protagonist on a journey of discovery who may be a first-time attendee at the church perhaps wearing the shoes while keeping the theme prevalent throughout the production.

“We declare victory before we see it.”

Traveling Shoes is a multifaceted music revue guaranteed to encourage, uplift and bring hope in these troubled times. It may stay with you long after the production is over.

Christian David & Yardley Griffin in ‘Traveling Shoes’ Photo by Najee Brown

Click here to learn more about C David Entertainment presented Traveling Shoes: A Revival of Sound, Soul and Story and for future performances.

REVIEW: Commonwealth Shakespeare Company vividly envisions a spirited ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ on Boston Common

Posted on August 5 by The Sleepless Critic

Summer love is alive and well in vivid color on Boston Common.

Featuring a strong cast of renowned local performers and vocalists, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company captures the look and vibrant color of love in William Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

With intricate direction by Steven Maler, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company rings in their thirtieth season with William Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream for free live and in person through Sunday, August 9 on the Common in Boston, Massachusetts. Though Amy Rubin’s set is partially likened to a children’s playground, this night production is not for children. The action is not limited to the stage, boasts valuable captions and runs 2 hours and 40 minutes with an intermission. I witnessed the production on CSC’s ASL night on August 2. Click here for more information and reservations.

De’Lon Grant* (Theseus) and Nora Eschenheimer* (Hippolyta). Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios.

It is not difficult to see why A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most performed and beloved plays. It is everything but tragic and can be interpreted in a variety of ways featuring magic, mischief, romantic comedy, music, action and much more.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream has multiple story lines, but the cast translates Shakespeare’s work with a lively affinity for the text while infusing improvisation and pop culture references along the way. Part play within a play, part fantasy, and part comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream essentially explores love in all of its forms from unrequited to desire to true love to romantic comedy gone awry due to some mystical love potions. Shakespeare’s witty dialogue is an intriguing reminder that his classic story lines translate seamlessly into a wide variety of contemporary scenarios.

Nora Eschenheimer* (Titania) and The Company of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is also the source of some of Shakespeare’s most famous reflections on love such as ‘True love does not see with the eyes, but the mind’ and ‘The course of true love never did run smooth.’ Scenic designer Amy Rubin also emblazons Shakespeare’s immortal words about mortals and fools into the very fabric of the production’s multi-tiered and industrial scaffold set. Rubin certainly provides the wow factor in a heart shaped and layered set which is a cross between a playground and a night club complete with slide and ball pit as a glimmering disco ball hangs overhead. Maximo Grano de Oro illuminates this wild landscape with active and multicolored glee as the flashing lighting pursues the actors to the beat of the production’s contemporary music. Costumers Brooke Stanton and Rachel Padula-Shufelt mix glimmering Athenian-inspired costumes with 80s and steam punk flair. The ensembles range from refined and upscale in achromatic classic suits to splashy, florescent, glimmering, tinsel and feathered club wear which includes fringe jackets, cowboy boots, ornamental robes, fingerless studded gloves and bejeweled gold caps. The constantly playful and bold neon fairies seem pulled right out of a 80s night club in glowing ethereal wings and combat boots. Sound designer Ted Kearnan brings a contemporary vibe with a mix of original and popular upbeat rhythms built for comic relief as well as setting the scene.

Nick Cearley as Puck in Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Coy, roguish and often lighthearted, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream establishes a world of status and fantasy featuring a cast of powerful and compelling characters often hysterically determined to fight for what they want and will do whatever it takes for a laugh demonstrated by Paul Melendy as slick and bombastic Nick Bottom from exacting accents to integrating a well placed Shrek reference. Putting on a lovely Romanian accent, thick beaded necklace and large red glasses while wielding a ridiculous plastic sword, Karen MacDonald is delightfully unrecognizable as resourceful and charismatic Quince among a group of madcap and dedicated mechanicals including Brooks Reeves as a knitting Robin Starveling who offer more than their fair share of silly humor and bright ideas before the final curtain.

Brooks Reeves (Robin Starveling), Michael Broadhurst* (Francis Flute), Paul Melendy* (Nick Bottom), Karen MacDonald* (Petra Quince), Alex Leondedis (Snug), and John Kuntz* (Snout). Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios.

Some of this robust cast takes on dual roles which impressively shows off their range. Jaime José Hernández as love struck Lysander shares jubilant adoration and endearing chemistry with Meghan Carey as sweet Hermia, but also has a chance to explore another side of this character. In spiked hair and glimmering Athenian gear, Nick Cearley keeps the mischief flowing as prankster Puck conspiring with De’Lon Grant who adds gravitas to Theseus and Oberon for a string of seemingly harmless pranks.

De’Lon Grant* (Oberon) and Nick Cearley* (Puck). Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios

Nora Eschenheimer takes on dual roles as sophisticated Hippolyta as well as commanding and seductive Titania. Carey is charming as headstrong Hermia while Annika Burley is comically relentless as crazy in love and wildly frustrated Helena going to arduous lengths to get what she wants. Burley’s Helena shares impetuous moments with Hernández as Lysander and Jack Greenberg as impulsive Demetrius navigated by carefully timed choreography. Another highlight shows off Burely and Carey’s sharp comic wit during another confrontation when love goes awry.

Annika Burley (Helena) with Jaime José Hernández* (Lysander) and Jack Greenberg*(Demetrius). Photo Credit: Nile Scott Studios.

Though the production can be a bit lengthy, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a fun way to spend a summer evening under the stars. This vivacious production continues live and in person through Sunday, August 9 on the Boston Common. Click here for more information and reservations.

REVIEW: Company One Theatre with The Theater Offensive explores the power of friendship and an absorbing mystery with ‘The Interrobangers’

Posted on February 7, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Small town Foggy Bluffs, New York has things that bump in the night, but can a group of young sleuths solve the case?

With compelling direction by Josh Glenn-Kayden, Company One Theatre in partnership with The Theater Offensive and the Boston Public Library presents The Interrobangers, a new play by M Sloth Levine live and in person at the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library through February 24. The productions is free with pay what you want tickets and action is not limited to the stage. The Interrobangers is recommended for ages 13 and up. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Schanaya Barrows, Chris Everett, Anderson Stinson, III, Jenine Florence Jacinto, and Jay Connolly in ‘The Interrobangers’ Photo by Erin Crowley

Quaint, old towns can have such history including spooky legends, myths, and strange occurrences. Foggy Bluffs, New York is no exception but here also lies a big secret beneath its quiet façade. Accompanied by an adorable dog named Hoover, childhood friends Zodiac, Hank, Luna, and Dani must band together to uncover just what this little town has been hiding.

Founded in 1691, set designer Danielle DeLaFuente with Projections Designer Maria Servellon has carved out Foggy Bluffs, an impressive and realistic fictional town with rolling fog, haunting landscapes, and lively and colorful hangouts such as the Jackalope, Flatwoods Pizza, and Roswell’s Thrift n’ Find which is complete with a wide selection of authentic Foggy Bluffs souvenirs. The occasional grainy vintage town video footage is also a real treat. Lighting designer Elmer Martinez with sound designer Anna Drummond keeps the exciting pace of its interspersed friendly and eerie lighting as Drummond delivers a catchy and funky soundtrack.

Anderson Stinson, III and Jay Connolly in ‘The Interrobangers’

Taking place sometime in the 80s, the production has the earmarks of a Scooby-Doo vibe and it is amazing to observe the overall zany, spooky, and thoughtful tone including the making of a familiar van. E. Rosser’s trendy and multihued costume design highlights each character’s distinct personalities. Even during its comedic moments though, it tackles the angst, confusion, pressure to be perfect, identity, peer pressure, acceptance, trauma and other serious topics kids can experience growing up. An interrobanger is described as a bundle of emotions wrapped up into one word and suitably describes the show that delivers light and reflection in a unique manner.

Jenine Florence Jacinto, Anderson Stinson III, Schanaya Barrows, and Jay Connolly in ‘The Interrobangers’ Photo by Erin Crowley

It delves into the nature of friendship from a dynamic cast who share a warm and engaging rapport. Friendship as children grow up that may sometimes mean growing apart or those rare friends that even if time has passed, they can still find their groove. How a class president portrayed by Schanaya Barrows as Dani, a timid yet brilliant student depicted by Jenine Florence Jacinto as Luna, a fascinating and troubled bohemian portrayed by Anderson Stinson III as Zodiac with Jupiter Lê in a remarkable depiction of Zodiac’s energetic and empathetic dog Hoover, and popular jock depicted by Jay Connolly as Hank form a mischievous group that all might have more in common than they realize.

Anderson Stinson III and Jupiter Lê in ‘The Interrobangers Photo by Erin Crowley

Each character offers engaging and nuanced performances, especially Stinson as Zodiac who movingly depicts what it is like to struggle with issues that cannot easily be explained and still remain an open, inquisitive and loving person. In a gray suit and aviator sunglasses, Alex Jacobs is a hypnotic force as the mysterious Mr. Dahl to show that even a little town like Foggy Bluffs always has a mystery to be solved.

REVIEW: PTP/NYC presents enthralling family mystery, ‘The House in Scarsdale’

Posted on October 17, 2020 by The Sleepless Critic

Dan has a complicated relationship with his estranged family.

Director Christian Parker of ‘The House in Scarsdale’ Photo courtesy of PTC/NYC

Directed by Christian Parker and written by playwright and actor Dan O’Brien, Dan embarks on more than just a spiritual journey in The House in Scarsdale: a memoir for the stage. The House in Scarsdale is the third play within Potomac Theatre Project(PTP/NYC’s) virtual series that has been running each weekend from September 24 through Sunday, October 18.

Dan O’Brien’s The House in Scarsdale streamed from Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11 and Caryl Churchill’s Far Away continues through Sunday, October 18 on PTC/NYC’s YouTube channel. Viewings are free, but donations are welcome to support PTC/NYC with ten percent of the proceeds supporting The National Black Theatre. Click here for the complete list of productions in PTP/NYC’s virtual series.

Alex Draper as Skip and several other characters

In what can be described as a play within a prospective play, The House in Scarsdale visits the darkest of dysfunction as Dan, a journalist, visits various family members and others to learn more about his family’s past for his upcoming autobiographical play. Audiences travel alongside Dan on his journey from the Garden State Parkway to as far as Europe as he investigates a possible family secret. What makes this show unique is not only is it a mystery, but as the details unfold, how much of the truth do you really want to know about your family? Every family has their problems, but some secrets cannot be fathomed.

The House in Scarsdale stars the show’s own playwright Dan O’Brien as Dan and Alex Draper portrays several dynamic characters throughout the production. Draper seamlessly sinks right into each role, navigating an assortment of colorful characters from Dan’s resentful grandmother to his eccentric uncle. Draper is expressive and spirited, clearly enjoying each transition. His conversations with O’Brien have moments of dark humor, relatable family banter, and a good dose of stark, stirring honesty.

The show is figuratively and literally on a journey to learn more about Dan’s troubled family, a family so dysfunctional that poor Dan has been cast out of his family circle hence its ironic opening quote by John Cheever, ‘Come back, come back, my wretched, feeble and unwanted child.’ Dan understandably wants to know why. As Dan’s extended family recall his family’s wild tendencies and various psychoses, Dan’s low key and unassuming demeanor makes one think that perhaps he has been through much more than he lets on.

Dan is a quiet, inquisitive soul and depicts his emotional detachment with a skilled subtlety. His conflicted nature between trepidation and yearning is fascinating as he ventures deeper into his family history becoming so invested and anxious about what he might find, he even visits a psychic. Some of his family recollections are universal and lighthearted and every family has a degree of unhealthy dysfunction, but other memories are dreadfully concerning.

So, as some answers come to light and more questions arise, how much is Dan like his family and how much of the story can be trusted? The House in Scarsdale lures you in and leaves you engrossed in its outcome, hoping for a light at the end of this tunnel.

Potomac Theatre Project or PTC/NYC is located at 330 West 16th Street in New York City. Click here for more information and how to support PTP/NYC’s current and upcoming productions.

Itamar Kubovy of modern dance troupe, ‘Pilobolus,’ discusses fascinating footwork and Celebrity Series of Boston return

Posted on October 24, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Ever since Celebrity Series of Boston’s annual, free season opener Let’s Dance Boston at Dewey Square on September 13 featuring dancers that brought the audience to its feet, the 2017-18 has been a non-stop celebration. Adding to the excitement from Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29, international modern dance troupe, Pilobolus, returns to Boston to share their distinctive, always fascinating moves in Pilobolus Maximus: Beyond the Limits of Dance at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Celebrity Series of Boston - PIL-MAX-KEY-ART

Photo courtesy of Grant Halverson/Celebrity Series of Boston

Pilobolus has taken the stage in over sixty countries and thrilled audiences with television appearances at the Academy Awards, the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Olympics as well as made film appearances in Little Miss Sunshine, The Devil Wears Prada and Snakes on a Plane. Executive Producer of Pilobolus, Itamar Kubovy, discussed Pilobolus’s fascinating footwork, its unique name, and the troupe’s love for Boston.

Sleepless Critic: This is your 12th performance with Celebrity Series of Boston. You must know Boston pretty well.

Itamar Kubovy: We love performing in Boston and that’s not just lip service. We’ve always found our audience to teach us a huge amount about our work. The laughs, gasps, and paper rattling teach us about the work we are making. In Boston, we encounter a crowd that makes us better at what we do and allows us to sharpen our performances.

Celebrity Series of Boston - Pilobolus Maximus

From the program, ‘Branches’ Photo courtesy of Ben McKeown

SC: Pilobolus is named after speedy barnyard fungus. In the dance, I can see the symbolism behind the name. Is there an interesting story behind it?

IK: Jonathan Wolken, the co-founder who named the company, had a scientist dad studying the Pilobolus fungus in his biology lab, an organism about ¼ of an inch tall that grows in cow dung and has a large eye at its tip that always leans toward light. When the time is right to reproduce, the fungus shoots its head off of its body at the fastest acceleration known in nature. This alacrity and attraction to the light inspired Jonathan to name their first dance and the fledgling company after the phototropic fungus.

SC: It seems like a quite a physically demanding job for these dancers. What kind of routine keeps the dancers in shape and how do they best prepare for a performance?

IK: When our dancers are in the studio, they work 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. They are lifting each other and working with tremendous physical intensity for close to 40 hours a week. The additional prep involves body maintenance, stretching, group work, and yoga. Regarding the prep right before the show, we warm-up with an open curtain so the audience coming in watches the dancers move on the stage. Both the audience and dancers need some time to prepare and we try to share that time. It makes the show all the more exciting when the lights go down.

Celebrity Series of Boston 1807-Pilobolus-pc-Grant_Halverson

International dance troupe, Pilobolus in Pilibolus Maximus: Beyond the Limits of Dance Photo courtesy of Grant Halverson

SC: I imagine live performances and sometimes dangerous stunts can hold some surprises every once in a while.

IK: They do, but the work these people do together day in and day out really limits the risk based on the trust they build between one another. Most importantly, these dancers know how to instantly adjust when something goes wrong. While we certainly have our moments of injury, we have a great deal of confidence going into every show.

From the program, ‘On the Nature of Things’ Photo courtesy of Ben McKeown

SC: Improvising is invaluable. How is trust developed between other members of the group?

IK: Trust is mysterious, but there is no doubt in my mind that the physical giving of one’s weight and balance to another person, literally putting yourself entirely in their hands over and over again speeds that process up. Some of the principals in which our process is based is the human physical connection by sharing, giving, and taking weight. Trust is a powerful by-product of caring touch.

From the program, ‘Echo in the Valley’ Photo courtesy of Ben McKeown

Pilobolus Maximus: Beyond the Limits of Dance will take the Boch Center Shubert Theatre stage at 265 Tremont Street in Boston, Massachusetts from Friday, October 27 through 29, as part of their national tour. A free, post artist performance artist talk moderated by Peter DiMuro of the Dance Complex will be held on opening night. Click here for more information and for tickets. Click here for more information on Celebrity Series of Boston, their full schedule, and how to support them during their 79^th season. Learn more about their season and get updates through Facebook and Twitter.