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REVIEW:  Royalty, loyalty and lies in Dream Role Players’ free production of Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

‘Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun of York’ is a famously optimistic line appropriately stated by Richard, Duke of Gloucester in hopes for a brighter future with a timely reference…but a lot can happen on a Segway.

Elizabeth Ross as Richard Duke of Gloucester in Dream Role Players Production of ‘Richard III’ Photo by Dream Role Players

Co-directed by Mary Parker and Robin Abrahams, Dream Role Players takes a look at how pride goes before the fall in the Shakespeare tragedy Richard III which has been alternating locations between Longfellow Park and Raymond Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts live and in person through September 1.  Women and gender minorities reign in this free, part steam punk, part rock n roll condensed production which runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.  In Longfellow Park, Richard III takes place in an ideal spot in front of the famous Longfellow statue.  Click here for more information and where to find this free production.

Laura Liberge and Elizabeth Ross in Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’ Photo by Dream Role Players

Though the Dream Role Players are presenting an abbreviated version, Richard III is Shakespeare’s second longest play.  Ian McKellen, Al Pacino, and Laurence Oliver have all starred as Richard of Gloucester in various film adaptations over the years.

The battle over a throne can be fraught with violence, cunning, and manipulation much like chess pieces moving on a board.  Shakespeare unveils Machiavellian atrocities within some of his most famous works such as Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth. However, Richard III features arguably one of the darkest and most arrogant Shakespearean villains depicted by Elizabeth Ross as Richard of Gloucester who aims for new heights.

Elizabeth Ross, Sue Downing, and Dayenne CB Walters in Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’ Photo by Dream Role Players

While not as familiar with Richard III as with other Shakespearean works, it is easy to spot a great deal of common themes.  Richard III was crowned King from 1483 to 1485, but Shakespeare’s Richard III is considered historical fiction containing some factual elements with some liberties taken. 

Hannah Baker, Elizabeth Ross and Isabelle Bushkov in Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’

Richard III possesses the earmarks common in Shakespeare’s tragedies including a great battle, arrogant musings, conspiring, violence, ghosts, and foreboding dreams while keeping the Shakespearean dialogue intact.  This production also infuses contemporary flair including gothic and steam punk costume trends primarily soaked in black and red.  Fingerless gloves, spiked crowns, jeans, pinstripes, fishnets, Victorian boots, and ripped stockings are a fraction of Teresa Griffin’s edgy costuming while also featuring symbolic and supernatural detail.  Hard rock girl bands dominate the production’s soundtrack to emphasize that edgy vibe. 

Dayenne CB Walters, Amelia Smith and Sue Downing in Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’ Photo by Dream Role Players

While the production is a bit vague in parts, this version of Richard III seems more lighthearted with some surprising laughs and dark humor for the level of tyranny it depicts, but not bereft of hope delivered in an inspiring monologue by Amelia Smith depicting a few roles including the Earl of Richmond.   

Hannah Baker, Elizabeth Ross and Isabelle Bushkov in Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’

Richard III features a few miscreants to keep track of on the path to the throne, but Elizabeth Ross as Richard of Gloucester who had physical disabilities, is the most dastardly and at the same time, the most fun to watch.  Ross’s grand gestures, pettiness, sardonic whispers, and conspiratorial musings tucked behind a taunting grin while stylistically riding a Segway is a head turner.  Ross also utters one of Shakespeare’s most popular lines, ‘My kingdom for a horse’ and shares some strong scenes with Dani Dorrego as Queen Elizabeth and with Addie Pates as calculating informant Duke of Buckingham.

Hayley Haggerty, Amelia Smith, Elizabeth Ross Dayenne CB Walters and Dani Dorrego in Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’ Photo by Dream Role Players

Dayenne CB Walters, who portrayed the big bad Iago in Dream Role Players’ Othello, returns in a dual role including a memorably manipulative Queen Margaret. 

The foundation of Dream Role Players is making roles accessible to anyone who dreams of portraying them.  Not sure if the dream was an all women and gender minorities cast or the majority of these roles were earnestly sought after by women or a little of both, but a gender bending cast of this nature was featured last year on a park in New York as well as in London.

The cast of Dream Role Players production of ‘Richard III’

Co-directed by Mary Parker and Robin Abrahams, Dream Role Players takes a look at how pride goes before the fall in the Shakespeare tragedy Richard III which has been alternating locations between Longfellow Park and Raymond Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts live and in person through September 1.  Women and gender minorities reign in this free, part steam punk, part rock n roll condensed production which runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.  In Longfellow Park, Richard III takes place in an ideal spot in front of the famous Longfellow statue.  Click here for more information and where to find this free production.

REVIEW: Defying destiny in Fresh Ink Theatre Company’s ‘Orpheus and the Overworld’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

It’s Orpheus and Eurydice with a twist and doesn’t stop there.  What hasn’t changed is that a portion of this classic mythological tale still hangs on a song or two.

Written by Dante Gonzales with creative direction by Shira Helena Gitlin, Fresh Ink Theatre Company presented Orpheus and the Overworld live and in person at Boston Center for the Arts in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, May 11.  This gender bending and semi-interactive production was approximately two hours including a 10 min intermission and was not limited to the stage.  Click here for more information.

The cast of ‘Orpheus and the Overworld’ Photo by Erin Solomon

Though still not a fan of mythology, feeling pretty fortunate to have recently reviewed Hadestown in Boston which is a musical retelling of the classic mythological tale of Orpheus and Eurydice before reviewing Orpheus and the Overworld.  Like Hadestown, Orpheus and the Overworld has appeal beyond what fans of mythology would appreciate. Through Orpheus and Eurydice’s tale in Hadestown hung on a song, Orpheus and the Overworld’s story is a more complicated expansion with a few more key players in the mix. Both productions suggest that retelling the tale offers hope that maybe this time the ending might change even if the gods are still in charge.

Some of the highlights of Meg Lynch’s dynamic set design includes a club-inspired heart shaped glowing sign, sparkling couch overlay, a disco ball as well as colorful florals in a cheerful rural setting while Z Weber’s haunting sound design illuminates both the peerless joy and the powerful dread within this unpredictable retelling.

Matthew Suchecki as Apollo, Kulfi Jann as Hades, and Rebekah Brunson as Artemis in ‘Orpheus and the Overworld’ Photo by Erin Solomon

Decked out in sparkling bangle bracelets and red velvet Greek robed flair with imposing combat boots which highlights a portion of Mikayla Reid’s edgy Greek and dynamic costumes, Kulfi Jann depicts Hades, the god of the underworld and reigns over Club Olympus.  Joining Hades is Lucy Bertolet as Cora mixing the drinks and Matthew Suchecki’s Apollo mixing the tunes as Rebekah Brunson’s Artemis looks on.  This is a new age Hades and this is a new age club, but the snarky banter, gossip, commentary and quips between the gods and their occasional interaction and interference with the retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice have its own amusing moments. 

Isabel Ginsberg as Eurydice and Elijah Brown as Orpheus in ‘Orpheus and the Overworld’ Photo by Erin Solomon

In Hadestown, Orpheus pursued her, but a few things have changed in this retelling.  Isabel Ginsberg’s Eurydice is the pursuer though there is love between them.  Hailing from California, Eurydice is more of a free spirit and determined to have what she wants though the odds are stacked against her.  Elijah Brown’s Orpheus is hesitant, a loner, introspective and perhaps not that into Eurydice because Orpheus is weighed down by not only discovering music, but searching for belonging and identity.  Ginsberg and Brown both have compelling vocals and make some beautiful acapella music together.  However, love is not the foremost thing on Orpheus’s mind. 

Much of this show explores the search for one’s true self, but two who are pretty certain of themselves are Junn as Hades and Brunson as Artemis.  The goddess of wild animals, hunt, chastity and the moon, Brunson delivers a bold, daring and self assured performance delivering quite the fiery warning to Brown’s Orpheus that goes to show that Artemis should not be underestimated.  Junn partially narrates and navigates this tale and is properly threatening and powerful.  Beautiful sun god Apollo amiably  portrayed by Suchecki and Bertolet as brilliant jack of all trades Cora have a sweet camaraderie as they  search for their true selves which takes them to the most unexpected places.

From L to R Lucy Bertolet as Cora, Elijah Brown as Orpheus, and Matthew Suchecki as Apollo in ‘Orpheus and the Overworld’ Photo by Erin Solomon

Though it seems an inconsistent choice to weave science into an enchanted mythological tale, Orpheus and the Overworld extends its world far beyond this classic tale to become its own journey of self discovery while wrestling with one’s past.  Orpheus and the Overworld’s contemporary themes offer some insight into growing into oneself and the struggle to defy one’s destiny to land somewhere beyond your control and find peace in whatever lies ahead…even if you’re a god.

With creative direction by Shira Helena Gitlin, Fresh Ink Theatre Company presented Orpheus and the Overworld live and in person at Boston Center for the Arts through Saturday, May 11.  The gender bending and semi-interactive production show was approximately two hours including a 10 min intermission and was not limited to the stage.  Click here for more information.

REVIEW:  Actors’ Shakespeare Project and Theater Offensive stage bold classic ‘As You Like it’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

The name says so much.  Directed zealously by Harold Steward, Shakespeare’s As You like It is wide open to interpretation and Actors’ Shakespeare Project and the Theater Offensive take full advantage of Shakespeare’s broad title and sentiment with their production of As You Like It continuing live and in person at Tufts University’s Balch Arena Theatre in Medford, MA through June 25. The show has some mature themes. Click here for more information and tickets which includes pay what you can seats.

Mishka Yarovoy and Fady Demian in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s As You Like It (2023). Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

As You Like It has a modern spirit in its colorful and unique two story setting by Ben Lieberson of pastel hued Arden complete with textured trees.  Greatly considered a musical comedy, Harold Steward navigates its contemporary sound design filled with club and classic love songs as well as rich harmony such as Blow, Blow, thou winter wind sung live in the forest.  Even love struck Mishka Yarovoy as Orlando hums a classic Annie Lennox tune and a shimmering chime can be heard between scenes.   Steward’s dynamic costumes have a certain edge and whimsy, but the play itself is traditional Shakespeare in its text and Balch’s beautiful and traditional Shakespeare staging in the round is framed in alternating neon pinks, greens and blues by Amanda E. Fallon.

Gabriel Graetz, Bobbie Steinbach, and Lindsay Eagle in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s As You Like It (2023). Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

As the story goes, As You Like it focuses on family rivalry as well as forbidden love and the lengths in which one must go in the name of it.  As one who has depicted Shakespeare’s Henry V onstage, As You Like It features swapped gender roles popular in many of Shakespeare’s productions.  Bobbie Steinbach delivers a standout performance as Jaques who declares the classic monologue, ‘All the World’s A Stage’ with depth and contemplation as only a sage storyteller can.  Steinbach has charisma, stature and is a bit of a scene stealer expressing all of Jacques’ melancholy and musings.  Fady Demian in one of three roles is memorable as old shepherd Corin as he delivers some zingers petering around Arden.  Lindsay Eagle delights as the ruthless Charles and the infatuated Phoebe as Nathan Malin’ s poor shepherd Silvius, in hopeless love with Phoebe, gazes on.  Malin and Eagle have quite a few awkwardly amusing moments, but Malin’s sheer enthusiasm, goofy charm, and sharp comic timing bring lighthearted cheer to the production, breaking any tense moment.

Nathan Malin and Lindsay Eagle in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s As You Like It (2023). Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

Mishka Yarovou portrays reserved, shy, and unassuming Orlando who falls for the absolutely glowing Rosalind, portrayed by Genevieve Simon.  Simon shares a playful and exuberant chemistry and equally charming is the camaraderie and love between Simon and Regine Vital as Rosalind’s witty and beautiful cousin Celia.  They are inseparable and Vitale shines as Celia who spends much of the production a spectator of love.  Vitale’s reactions throughout the show are relatable, humorous, and express much of what the audience is thinking.

Regine Vital and Genevieve Simon in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s As You Like It (2023). Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

Love games, familial love, love notes, love in disguise, love triangles, love lessons, love schemes, fool’s love, silliness, unpredictable matches, ideas on wives versus maids, and many other amusing high jinx dwell in the Forest of Arden lit by a series of multicolored lamps.  Much of Shakespeare’s wisdom is entwined about love and life, but personal favorites include that love is to be made up of sighs and tears as well as all adoration, duty, and observance.  While Shakespeare explores idealistic and romantic love, it also examines the solid foundation of true love, one full of duty and grace which cannot easily be broken.

Genevieve Simon and Mishka Yarovoy in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s As You Like It (2023). Photo by Nile Scott Studios.

Actors’ Shakespeare Project and the Theater Offensive take full advantage of Shakespeare’s broad title and sentiment with their production of As You Like It continuing live and in person at Tufts University’s Balch Arena Theatre in Medford, MA through June 25. The show has some mature themes. Click here for more information and tickets which includes pay what you can seats.

REVIEW:  Company Theatre’s rock musical ‘Hair’ a meaningful trip

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Before cell phones, the internet, and alternate forms of digital communication invited people to text and talk on a computer screen as an alternative to seeing someone in person, Hair highlights the value of in person camaraderie, especially when things seem to be falling apart.  Set in war torn 1968 and focusing on a tribe of hippies that could possibly be drafted, emotionally and physically holding onto each other helps them cope in a world gone mad.

Company Theatre’s ‘Hair’ Shane Cunniff-of Quincy and Gilbert Dabaddy of Rockland Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Directed astutely by Zoe Bradford with bold musical direction by Robert McDonough, Company Theatre continues the 1960’s rock musical Hair through August 21 live and in person at the Company Theatre, 130 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts.  This show has mature themes and not appropriate for children.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

What is so prevalent in Company Theatre’s production of Hair is the natural camaraderie between cast members tackling a work that requires the cast to engage so closely and without reservations.  Hair is at times an immersive experience with some interaction with the audience and cast members occasionally marching down the aisles.   An entire cast warmly together onstage is uplifting albeit still a tad bit strange to witness.  It provides an escape from the world today with social distancing still not quite a thing of the past.

Company Theatre’s ‘Hair’ Julia Violet of Hanover Janaysia Gethers of Weymouth Elizabeth Nunnery of Hanover Shane Cunniff of Quincy and Tim Bevens of Hingham Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre.jpeg

Though the musical took place almost 55 years ago, there are clearly some parallels with contemporary society.  In a world with increasing protests, questions on gender, environmental concerns, women’s lib, the realities of war, racism, social injustice and societal division, Hair addresses many of these issues through song, humor, activism, and somberness.  It also features some silly and sometimes unnecessary content, but the intrinsic nature of its most popular songs give it a poignancy and relevance that the musical isn’t always given enough credit for.

Hair takes place, as the famous song proclaims, in the Age of Aquarius where one is destined for either greatness or madness.  With all the turmoil in the world, Hair seems to be embracing a bit of both. From Aquarius to Easy to Be Hard to Good Morning Starshine to Let the Sunshine In to its memorable title track, Hair delivers an energetic and steady stream of versatile music almost from beginning to end. 

Company-Theatre-Hair-Peter-Kirby-of-Norwell portrays Claude and Julia Violet of Norwell as Sheila the protest leader Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Not only does this young cast have strong vocals, but they also fit naturally into this era having done meticulous research with Bradford on the time period.  Some historical footage is sporadically shared during the production.  Charismatic Nolan Donato as Berger, the Tribe’s outspoken leader, is an engaging storyteller for the catchy song Donna.  Fun-loving Peter Kirby as mysterious Claude delivers a humorous rendition of Manchester, England, but Claude’s inner turmoil is what truly brings out Kirby’s dynamic performance.  Kirby also shines with the Tribe for I’ve Got Life.  Julia Violet is wonderful as the free spirited Sheila and offers a moving rendition of Easy to Be Hard.  Wearing slick 60s sunglasses, Jeff John-Phillipe as Hud candidly leads the Tribe in an affecting Colored Spade and later alone for Abie, Baby.  Shawn Verrier gets a lot of laughs as historical and controversial Margaret Mead.

The-Company-Theatre’s ‘Hair’ Jeff Jean Phillipe as Hud Peter Kirby as Claude and Shawn Verrier as Margaret Mead Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Love triangles are rampant and depicted quite humorously featuring Julia Violet as Sheila, Olivia Valianti, Emma Bergman, Amelia Kirshon, and Cate Healey in I Believe Love.  He’s in love with her and she’s in love with him and he’s in love with someone else.  Sally Aston Forrest’s funky and flowing choreography is at its best for the psychedelic Walking in Space enhanced by Dean Palmer Jr’s florescent lighting.

From beads to fringe to bell bottoms to slick 60s sunglasses to multi-pattered and flowing garments, costume designer Hannah Schuurman with set designer Ryan Barrow creates that groovy 60’s vibe featuring an embellished 60s theme truck, beaded passageways, and oriental rugs lining the stage.

Company Theatre’s rock musical Hair shows an era where people are anxious about the future and wondering where their destiny lies.  It does not stray too far from today’s struggles, but peace, love, and happiness are not a thing of the past.  Depicted by this young cast in a powerful, emotionally-charged rendition of Let the Sunshine In, perhaps the most important thing is holding onto each other.

Company Theatre’s ‘Hair’ Berger leader of the Tribe portrayed by Nolan Donato of Scituate and Sheila the protest leader portrayed by Julia Violet of Norwell Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre.jpeg

Company Theatre continues the 1960’s rock musical Hair through August 21 live and in person at the Company Theatre, 130 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts.  This show has mature themes and not appropriate for children.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Bay Players of Duxbury presents romantic comedy, ‘Lovers and other Strangers’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine, even around Valentine’s Day.  Bay Players of Duxbury is proud to present a collection of comedic and romantic stories with Lovers and Other Strangers by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna.  A hit on Broadway and adapted into a film starring Bea Arthur, Lovers and Other Strangers is five tickling tales of love, sex and marriage set in the 1970s.  Among its many topics, it takes a lighthearted look at sexual freedom, gender roles, and women’s lib as relationships evolve over time.  Lovers and Other Strangers is a perfect show with a Valentine, a friend, or with a group.

Lovers and Other Strangers will be held for two weekends only.  Performances take place on Fridays February 10 and 17 and on Saturdays February 11 and 18 at First Parish Church at 842 Tremont Street (Rte 3A) in Duxbury, Massachusetts at 8 p.m.  Directed by Michael Pevzner and showcasing an intimate cast of ten local actors, click here to get more information or tickets to Lovers and Other Strangers, call 781-269-9885, or email Bay Players at tickets@bayplayers.org.  Tickets are also available at the door.  Group, student, and senior rates available.  Follow Bay Players of Duxbury on Facebook for updates, upcoming auditions, and more.